To be honest, this chapter is not one of my favorites, though certain elements of it are. It just . . . made me cringe. XD Ugh. Hopefully you'll like it more than I do.
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Passion.
"That's the stupidest idea I've ever heard."
TenTen glared at Kiba, indignant.
Kiba studied his lieutenant's look and shrugged, hardly concerned.
"TenTen, it's stupid. Really," Kiba continued. "Do you know how angry Neji would get if we pulled something like that?"
TenTen remained determined.
"It's not like he can send us all the way back here once we reach the front," she argued.
Kiba snorted loudly and slapped the table with his hand.
"Of course he can! He's the Commander; he can do whatever he wants."
TenTen pursed her lips, glancing at the other captains.
Naruto held her gaze, his blue eyes intrigued.
TenTen bit her lip suddenly, wondering if Naruto was the tattling type.
She hadn't given a whole lot of thought to she and Neji's relationship, and if they should keep it a secret.
Naruto was the only captain that even knew a relationship existed so far, and TenTen wasn't sure if she wanted it any other way.
Naruto must have realized her panicked look, since he sent her a small, indecipherable nod.
TenTen blinked, glancing down.
"I think it's a good idea," inputted Shikamaru, examining the chess game he was playing against his lieutenant, Choji.
TenTen raised her eyebrows, surprised.
"Really?" she said, unable to conceal her astonishment.
Shikamaru broke his concentration briefly to make eye contact with her.
"Yes," he said. "We're wasting our resources defending a place that no longer needs defending. Even Neji can see that, but he's bound by Tsunade's orders. If we go voluntarily to the front, Tsunade can't punish Neji for disobedience."
Kiba rolled his eyes.
"That's not the point. We're disobeying both Neji and Tsunade. We're only putting ourselves in more trouble."
"What will Tsunade do? We're miles away from Queen's City. By the time she learns about it, it will be too late, and we'll already be there. And Neji will be unable to do anything either. He can hardly refuse the help," interjected Naruto, his eyes flicking to Kiba.
Kiba sighed and thumped the table, frustrated.
TenTen's eyes lingered on him as she said, "Raise your hand if you agree that we should go to the front."
TenTen waited as Naruto and Shikamaru raised their hands. Choji and Shino followed suit. Lastly, TenTen raised hers.
She looked at Kiba, reluctant.
He was scowling, arms crossed.
Finally, he rolled his eyes and sighed loudly.
"You can all stop staring me down. I'm obviously outnumbered." Kiba met TenTen's gaze sternly. "You're a pain in the ass. I should demote you when we get to the front."
TenTen grinned.
By the end of the week, the soldiers at Fort Minato were fully packed up for the trip that would take them to the front.
At the mouth of the gate, Kiba and TenTen stood together, the reins of their horses in hand.
Yamato stood before them, smiling a little.
"You were a good help to us while you were needed," he said, gratefulness in his large eyes.
Kiba nodded and shook Yamato's hand.
"I doubt you'll need us again, but if you do, I'm sure you'll know where to find us," Kiba responded.
Yamato bowed and briefly met TenTen's eyes, smiling.
"Farewell. Good luck on your journey."
With that parting, Kiba and TenTen mounted their horses, trotting out of Fort Minato's gates.
TenTen examined the outside of the structure, feeling a small pang of attachment to it.
Kiba caught her expression and snorted.
"Too late to turn back now. This is all your doing anyway."
TenTen smiled weakly and nodded.
"It's just a little bittersweet. From here on out, we'll be dealing with the enemy every day," TenTen murmured. "Our time for relaxation is over."
Kiba digested this.
"Good. These soldiers are lazy enough already," he muttered back.
TenTen glanced around at the multitudes of soldiers, studying them.
"They'll be broken of it soon enough," she agreed.
"Lady Hanabi?"
Hanabi looked up from her cross-stitching, eyeing the maid that entered the parlor.
"Yes?"
The maid strode forward and produced a small envelope, addressed to her.
Hanabi set aside her embroidery and broke the seal.
It was from her cousin and future husband.
Hanabi read the contents once, then again, forehead creased in concentration.
After reading the letter thoroughly, Hanabi sat back in the chair she occupied, bemused.
Even before her cousin Neji began his knight training at age ten, he rarely spoke to his two female cousins. In fact, he was kept separate from them regularly, a regiment prescribed by her own father. To Hiashi, males and females should (and would) be kept apart to instill appropriate discipline and propriety.
It was safe to say that Hanabi had not held a personal one-on-one conversation with Neji at all before. All her information of him was secondhand.
The letter addressed to her from Neji wasn't particularly long, but considering they were the first words he'd ever penned to her, Hanabi wasn't concerned with the length as much as the content.
His words were pleasant and well-thought out, which spoke well of his good breeding. Hanabi considered the actual content sufficient; he had simply introduced himself and given her a brief history of events since he'd left home nearly three years before, after he became a full-fledged knight and the Commander. His ending paragraph transported her to the front, where he supposedly was, battling back the enemy with dwindling vigor.
His last line, before his scratch of a signature, requested she respond.
Hanabi mulled it over carefully.
Her father would no doubt consider it a breach on her part if she replied. In his antiquated mind, it was not her place to speak to her future husband before they were married. Women, according to Hiashi, were to keep their thoughts to themselves and obey their elders.
Hanabi, by responding, would be breaking all of these rules.
It was clear to everyone that she was Hiashi's favorite, even prior to Hinata's opted abandonment of their family. Hanabi was the special one; the one that obeyed no matter what. Her sister Hinata had been far more rebellious, though her quiet demeanor disguised this fact until her elopement.
Hanabi recalled her father's poor health and the assistance of the cane he now used to walk everywhere.
It was fearsome to think that her father, the great Hiashi of the Hyuga clan was wasting away before her very eyes. She knew that the rest of her family felt the same way.
Hiashi represented a strong face to the rest of the village. He was the guidepost of the Hyuga ways and if he fell, there was no male to take his place, with Neji gone. That responsibility fell to Hanabi and Hanabi alone.
Hanabi glanced at her cross-stitching she'd been working on.
She was barely sixteen, and hardly experienced with worldly matters. She knew she wasn't ready to take on the furthering of progress for the Hyuga clan. She was just one person, and a young one at that.
Hanabi looked back down at the letter and folded it into precise sections, slipping it into the small pocket of her dress.
She picked up her cross-stitch and once again began the needlework.
She would reply later.
Neji was tired, but then again, what else was new?
He entered his tent, not even bothering to untie his sheathed sword from his belt as he set to work lighting the stubs of candles so he could see.
He'd be working late tonight, as usual, trying to figure some sort of strategy to throw Itachi.
The past several weeks had been worse rather than better.
Tsunade dispatched a response saying she was doing all she could concerning the treaty, but the Sand were just too cautious.
Neji had a mind to send for all three of the royal family to join him at the front so they could see exactly what he was dealing with, but Neji knew that such a thing was improbable. Not to mention rash.
It was monotony, all of it, and the conditions were declining as summer came into view.
Neji closed his eyes suddenly, attempting to calm himself.
His anger had begun to mount dangerously several weeks ago, so much so that Lee once caught him chopping away at a tree with his sword outside camp.
Appropriately, his lieutenant had been concerned.
Behind him, Neji heard his tent flap as if someone had moved it aside.
Stable, Neji turned, expecting to see Moegi with some sort of news.
The woman before him was not Moegi. It was TenTen.
Neji stared at her, unsure if he was really seeing her or not.
TenTen busied herself with unfastening her mud-splattered cloak.
"What are you doing here?" Neji finally stammered.
"We heard that things weren't going so well. Kiba decided to ride out a few weeks ago."
Neji managed to force himself to shake his head.
"I did not ask for you to join me."
TenTen shrugged, clearly not bothered.
"From the way your letter sounded, we thought you needed it. Besides, we know you're too proud to send for us. We decided to come without orders."
Neji studied her, letting his eyes slip over her features.
"I haven't seen you in three months," he muttered.
"I know." TenTen unconciously took a step towards him. "It's been hard not seeing you. I've missed you."
Her fingers brushed his wrist.
Neji slowly brought his hand to her face, cupping her cheek.
"Commander?"
Disappointed, Neji dropped his hand and looked towards the entrance.
"Come in."
Kiba swept into the tent, the flap settling behind him.
Kiba's slitted irises flicked to TenTen. Confusion passed on his face.
"I guess TenTen already told you. We've come to help with the battle."
"I did not send for you . . . but all the same, I suppose we could use your help. There have been more casualties in the last few days." Neji shook his head. "We lost four of our number today."
Kiba briefly bowed his head in respect.
"May their souls be at rest," he muttered in a low tone.
Kiba glanced again at TenTen.
"We left Fort Minato with all of the Squads. Though, we could use some insight on what we're going to be dealing with out there."
Neji sighed and gave a swift nod.
"Assemble them in the mess tent. I'll meet with them there."
Kiba bowed and swept out of the tent.
Neji turned back to TenTen.
Her eyes were burning with a flame that made Neji's chest stir.
"I have to go," he murmured.
TenTen blinked and nodded slowly.
"Yes, you do," she answered, not trying to disguise the disappointment in her voice.
Neji paused, lifting a hand to smooth back her hair.
He softly kissed her forehead and murmured, "Don't leave before I get back."
Neji strode purposefully from the tent, not sparing her another glance.
TenTen shook her head.
His words had been an order. She had no choice but to obey.
The meeting was exhausting.
Plans, strategy, assignments—all were made for the coming day.
It was late when Neji returned to his tent; the moon had disappeared from the sky.
Neji entered the main room of his tent. TenTen was not there.
Neji's brow furrowed.
He pushed on into his bedchamber, casting the dividing drapery aside.
There she was, sitting in his desk chair, her boots abandoned next to the chair leg.
In a quiet, un-TenTen like voice, she whispered, "Your meeting went well?"
"It was long," Neji released in a sigh.
He sat on the edge of his bed, briefly closing his eyes.
He heard TenTen shift and leave her chair, soundlessness following.
Neji looked up to see TenTen standing before him. She clutched the place where his collarbone ran along.
"I'm sorry if this is something you don't want. Us being here, I mean. I just—reading your last letter brought forth a lot of feelings I had concerning you, and—well . . . maybe I reacted in a way that wasn't beneficial to you."
Neji's focus sharpened.
"I can swear to you that everything you've done so far has been beneficial to me, in one way or another."
TenTen studied his face, absently brushing back some of his dark hair.
Neji eyed her.
"I don't want you to feel like I don't want you here. Because I do. In fact, you're the most positive thing that's happened to me in months."
TenTen's fingers trailed down his face, her thumb resting on the corner of his mouth.
Quietly, TenTen mumbled, "While you were gone, I paid Sakura a visit. She gave me herbs to prevent . . . to prevent children. I already took the herbs . . . just in case."
Neji blinked, finding the meaning in her words.
He fumbled with his cloak, getting up and laying it across his desk chair. At the drape, he cast off his boots.
Neji turned back to TenTen, his chest slowly warming in that familiar and peculiar feeling he got when he was near her.
She did not object when he kissed her assertively, and neither did she protest when he pulled her into his bed, the sheets shielding them from the world.
"Commander?"
Neji rubbed his face tiredly and beckoned the caller forward.
Neji blearily recognized it as Shikamaru.
Shikamaru's eyes rested on TenTen's bare back before flitting to Neji.
"Forgive me. I came to tell you that a messenger has arrived from the enemy camp."
Neji nodded, quickly losing his lethargy.
"Where is he?"
"He's currently under the watch of Kiba and Shino. They're at the entrance to camp."
"I'm coming."
Shikamaru bowed and stole another glance at Neji's companion before retreating quickly out.
Neji searched for his clothes, pulling them on with no regard that he wore them yesterday. Once fully dressed, he left his tent, strapping his sword to his belt as he stalked to the encampment entrance.
It was as Shikamaru said.
Kiba and Shino held the messenger by both arms, their firm grip creating creases on the man's tunic.
"Such kind service for your visitors, Commander," spat the messenger, his black eyes roving Neji.
Neji ignored the comment, all business.
"Your message?"
The messenger frowned but delivered it.
"My master sends his polite regards and wishes to meet with you this afternoon at an equal place. Your guards are permitted to arrive with you, though they cannot venture to the place of negotiation. My master will do the same. Does this comply well with you, Commander?"
Neji was skeptical, but his training and curiosity had taught him never to turn down an offer with negotiations.
"This does comply. Where might I meet your master?"
"My master made a suggestion—Is Rice Hill satisfactory?"
Neji recalled the hill. It was a mile or two from the battlefield, a steep walk from all sides, the top being a short expanse of field.
"Yes. I will meet him there at noon."
The messenger nodded and shook off Kiba and Shino, who reluctantly let go. The messenger walked out of the camp, head high.
Neji sighed and faced the two present.
"Assemble Shikamaru, Lee, Naruto, and Sakura. Also, inform Ibiki. You will go as well, Kiba. You six will accompany me to Rice Hill. If negotiations is what Uchiha wants, I will need your input."
Kiba and Shino nodded, separating to find the people Neji had assigned.
Neji returned to his tent and entered his bedchamber, only to catch TenTen in the middle of fastening her belt around her waist.
"I wouldn't have left if I thought you were going to get dressed," Neji murmured, standing in the entryway, analyzing her.
TenTen snorted and slid her belt through the buckle.
"Why did you leave then?"
"A messenger came from Itachi's camp. Apparently he wants to negotiate."
TenTen's face betrayed no surprise, but her movements turned jittery.
"When do we leave?" she asked, sitting on his bed to pull on her boots.
Neji frowned.
"I am leaving midday."
TenTen caught the emphasis and looked up, her hands paused.
"You're not taking me along?"
Neji forced himself to shake his head.
Her face swiftly became masked, and Neji was unable to recognize what she was feeling.
"There is no logical reason for you to be there. I am taking Lee, Ibiki, Kiba, Shikamaru, Naruto, and Sakura. If I were to take you, the other captains and lieutenants would feel upstaged. Not to mention they would question my judgement."
TenTen's mouth quirked.
"I understand taking the captains, but why take Sakura? Is she your whore also?"
The last comment stung.
"If a fight breaks out, Sakura will be on hand to heal injuries. And Sakura is not a whore, and neither are you."
"So what am I to you, Neji? Am I just some subordinate you decided to bed?"
Neji exhaled, gazing at her unflinchingly.
Finally, he muttered softly, "You're my lover."
TenTen's expression softened, though she tried hard to hide it. A smile twitched at her mouth.
She cleared her throat and stood awkwardly, as if she were unsure of what to do with herself. She finally decided on walking up to him, persuading his head down so she could kiss him.
Neji took that as an apology and pulled her closer until there was no longer space between them.
Itachi beat the Commander to the top, as per his plans.
There is something to be said for advantage of field, Itachi thought as he sat himself in the chair brought to him.
It was an eccentric thing he'd decided to do, and it was certainly not something directed or mentioned by his master. No. This plan could be accredited to Itachi alone.
Kisame, Itachi's Lieutenant, stood at his commander's side, anxious.
He was in disagreement with this foolishness Itachi had concocted.
To Kisame, such a plan was needless, and would no doubt enrage Pain when he unearthed what had taken place.
Kisame winced. He did not want to be present at that particular meeting.
"Have some courage, Kisame," Itachi reprimanded, drawling in his smugness. "Lord Pain will be pleased with this plan of events."
Kisame didn't voice it, but he had a hard time believing his counterpart.
Itachi continued, aware all the time of Kisame's nervous energy.
"This will work out for the better, if my prediction of the Commander's reaction is correct."
Kisame considered this, hesitant, even though he asked, "And if he doesn't react the way you predicted?"
Itachi was silent for a moment, swivelling his sword by the pommel.
"Well, we're planning on killing him, aren't we, Kisame?"
Kisame bowed his head in agreement.
Neji reached Rice Hill with his chosen comrades a little before noon.
Per the conditions set forth by Itachi, Neji left them at the hill's base to wait, traveling on foot alone.
As he mounted the crest, Neji saw his enemy, sitting patiently in a chair.
Itachi stood to greet him.
Wary, Neji kept one hand on the hilt of his sword as he strode forward to meet Itachi.
The two men clasped hands.
"Bring a chair for the Commander, if you will, Kisame," Itachi called over his shoulder.
Kisame arrived several seconds later, carrying a chair of similar make as Itachi's.
Neji eyed them both, tense for a fight.
Kisame snorted, set down the chair, and trotted back off down the hill, out of earshot.
Itachi gestured to the chair.
Neji reluctantly sat; Itachi returned to his chair, opposite him.
When Itachi did not begin, Neji gruffly murmured, "What do you want with me?"
Itachi smiled, thin-lipped.
"Why do you presume I require anything from you, Commander?"
Neji did not respond, staring.
Itachi settled in his chair, getting comfortable.
"I noticed your precious Squads rode in to save you last night," Itachi said loftily.
Neji kept silent.
Itachi tried again.
"It must be frustrating for you, Commander. Your soldiers can only last so long. I'm surprised your queen hasn't done more to further along the treaty with the Wind."
Neji sharply met Itachi's eyes, wary.
Itachi smiled.
"It is a shame. Your closest allies are unwilling and hesitant to help you, even though their own destruction comes quickly."
Neji's brow furrowed, confused.
"What do you mean?"
Itachi took his time replying.
Eventually, he informed silkily, "I know that it is hard for someone of your status to be aware of the affairs of other countries besides your own, but it would do you well to do so. These past few years have been leading to this particular event—this war, if you will—and the result will be revealed soon, one way or another."
"Stop talking in circles," Neji reprimanded.
Itachi shrugged and went on.
"Frankly, Neji Hyuga, you and I are just pawns on a larger player's board."
"I don't understand," Neji said.
Itachi pursed his lips.
"Your purpose in this war is simple, Neji Hyuga. You will lead the troops of the Land of Fire valiantly, but eventually, you will perish. And then, the world will be ours."
Neji blinked, noticing Itachi's choice of words.
"'Ours'?" he prompted.
Itachi smiled again.
"Mine, of course, and the future leader of the world. My employer, Lord Pain."
XD
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