Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 2:
I understand now. Tsunade wanted to talk to both of us about two different things. One is about training and the other thing is about a new team. Well that's just fantastic...
"It's not permanent," the blonde hokage said. She must have seen the look on my face.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Hyuga stood straight. This isn't the army Hyuga you don't have to act so uptight...
I looked at Tenten. She was surprisingly neutral. She stood beside Tsunade, quiet. In a way, Tenten almost seemed to not pay attention to the whole conversation. Her brown eyes were glued to the window. What surprised me though, she wasn't wearing her head-band. She always did. Well I'm guessing Tsunade wants her to be comfortable. I wonder how she's going to deal with that.
"Now, about the training," Tsunade looked at me.
It's simple. Another "You have to do (blank) and (blank) in order to complete (blank)". Very simple.
"You already know what I want but do you know why?" Tsunade looked at Hyuga.
I saw Tenten glare at Tsunade. She seemed a little...nervous. She might have a secret that only Tsunade knows about. I've never known Tenten to have a secret. Naruto has never said anything about a secret; he normally blurts everything out when he gets the chance. You can imagine why nobody ever tells him anything anymore. Secret or not. At times, though, Naruto can be trusted with some secrets...depending on what the secret is. Tenten has been told many secrets, she even knows some of mine (which I will not address this very moment) and has not said a word to this day. If she did, I would've known by now...trust me. I got ways.
"Sasuke!"
Shit...She saw me looking at Tenten...I bet now she's going to play the 'protective mother' role.
"Repeat what I just said." Tsunade snapped. Geez woman relax...
...I wasn't paying attention...fuck. That's what happens when you think too much on your own. Unlike Hyuga where he's a sponge: Brainless and soaks up everything. Even his own sperm.
"I...can't," I sighed.
I saw Tenten crack a smile. A smile I haven't seen in a while. She must have been reading my thoughts. Again. I looked at Hyuga. He showed a smirk. He seemed to have caught himself and face Tsunade again. Emotionless as a rock. I saw him side-glance at Tenten in a way that's really pissing me off. He gave a small 'I told you smile'. I told you what? Tenten gave a giggle and looked at him lovingly. I can only guess...
Tsunade also saw the small communication gesture. Her eyes gave of an unrecognizable glare. Something is going through that evil mind ...It's better not include me. But I have a feeling it does. I can just tell. Damn.
"Alright...I'll explain this one more time..."
This time I listened. I wanted to catch every detail. I glanced at Tenten. She was looking at her feet, not able to say a word. No objecting like she use to, no giving her opinion. She was no longer a free bird; she wasn't a cadged one either. Her wings no longer spread to the sky; they were no longer able to sore. Tenten became a princess. Another figure head. But she wanted to talk. I could tell by the way she bit her lower lip and didn't make eye contact with any body in the room. She needed to speak. I'm still listening, but I'm more concerned about her opinion. Not the hokage's wants or expectations for us training her. And yet, you can tell just by looking at her at this moment, all she wanted to do was be able to speak her mind. What she was thinking, how she felt about all this happening so suddenly. She has always been alone. She had pain in her heart. The pain Naruto and I both shared years ago but was able to cure it. Tenten was eldest in rookie 9. She had no female friends her age. Only her teammates. But she seems to have bottled up some kind of emotions in side. Almost like she can't talk to them. Like how I couldn't talk to my team when I ran off playing evil with Orochimaru. Tenten seemed mentally alone, even if she had younger friends, or was adopted. She wore a mask of pain that will always be there on her face. A mask of fake emotions that everyone fell for. A mask that she wants to remove but can't. I'm going to take off that mask. No matter what.
After the new assignment, and I can't believe I'm doing this, I invited Hyuga for sparring...at my house. I mean, I don't hate the guy...completely, I just don't like how he's so protective of Tenten, and she has a life too you know. The bastard should just tell her how he feels already...
"It's surprising how you asked me to join you, Uchia." Hyuga arrived at the yard. He looked around and sighed. I'm guessing even though he's a damn branch member the Hyuga's have a more "acceptable" sized yard...Damn Hyuga's...fucking rich kids, I'm telling you! I watched him in doubt.
I shrugged. Might as well get this over with
I walked to the middle of the yard. I watched him closely. He put down his bag and tightened his head band. Okay let's get a move on Hyuga...I'm meeting up with Itachi in a bit...any day now. Geez now I know why Tenten and Lee go jogging before team training. This dick-head takes his sweet-ass time just to get ready...
"What?"
I blinked. He was opposite from me on the yard. I shook my head. Not to complain or sound like Sakura when she doesn't get what she wants but...I really don't want to do this...Then why? Because there is no point to this. I hate him, he hates me! Straight and to the point. I'm only doing this so I can crack some info out...and maybe crack his skull at the same time. It was Itachi who kept telling me when I was younger:
Itachi: Remember Sasuke, to be a team you have to get along with everyone. Sure you may have your differences and opinions, but to make a team, you must know about that person in every way; strengths, weaknesses- everything. Being part of a team is to back each other up in battle and working together...no matter how much you hate a person.
The words of Uchia Itachi (clap, clap). But yeah, it made sense. Thing is, how am I suppose to connect to Hyuga when we both know we hate each other to hell? Well...let's see...
"Alright, let's establish the rules," the girly eyed Hyuga said.
Rules? Is he joking? No wonder he always wins against Tenten! The bastard only chooses rules that benefit him!
"What are they?" I crossed my arms over my chest. Waiting.
"First, we can only come close to near death shots,"
Only? Well then, he'll be on the floor bleeding in no time.
"Second, we only stay in this area of use..." he looks around, "at least, for now,"
Hmph. Best 9 out of 5 I'm guessing...
"Third, no chidori,"
"What the fuck? Oh, come on Hyuga! This is sparring; we should be able to use any technique we want to battle head on!" I'm loosing my patience with this guy...
"Calm yourself. Only because of the damage it will give off in this...small area." he gestured to my house. It was meters away. But I've seen the way he trains, he'll use the entire yard.
"Pfh...Fine..." I wipe the bangs from my face. This guy is ridiculous...why me?
"And,"
I looked at him. His eyes were some what...what's the word...playful. I'm guessing he wants to see if I'll actually follow the rules he set. I get it now. Hmph. No problem. I'll just pull off a Naruto and do what ever the hell I want...I do that already so stick that up your ass, Hyuga! I watched him pull out a kunai.
"If I may, Hyuga," he looked at me, "I propose a series of matches."
He looked confused. Ha, not such a smart guy now huh?
"As in...?"
I cleared my throat.
"The way my team does it, at least, there are different skills required. Specialized sparring, if you please, one spar is only in use for just that spar."
Hyuga nodded. "I see,"
I didn't explain it anymore. Now just to choose one so I can kick his ass. Taijutsu is a no, Weapons is a no, and Genjutsu almost none of us can do but me...so no...That leaves...
"Ninjutsu only. Put the kunai back. First match no kekkie genkai, second match with, got it?"
He nodded. Once again, stiff as a board...
"Very well, but let us make this quick. I must be going soon,"
Him too? Unlike Hyuga to rush a spar...especially at night. Hmph. All well.
"Alright, let's do this," I got into my stance. As did he.
Now then...Let's begin. I got all night...at least I think Itachi won't mind.
(Tenten POV)
In the middle of all this, I...just don't know what to do. Shizune brought me a house dress to wear around when I'm not on missions. Tsunade knows my tastes...or at least Anko-sensie does. Tsunade assigned her as a watcher. You know, so I don't get into so much trouble...hehe...
"Tenten-sama," a voice called from the door. This has been going on all day, people coming in and 'checking in on me'. I haven't seen Neji or Sasuke all day...and I wish Naruto was here. It would be nice to have someone to talk to...someone who will listen. Even with this whole thing...being Tsunade's 'daughter' isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially if 'mommy' hasn't even spent five minutes alone with me to bond...some mother...
"Tenten-sama?" the voice called again.
I sighed and made my way to the door. I opened it to find Lee standing with some flowers and was with Naruto. Just what the doctor ordered. I stepped aside to let them in. They made themselves at home. My new room was bigger then my old one, but gave me more thinking and personal space. I watched as Lee found an empty vase. He smiled and walked out leaving a silent message to get water. It was just me and Naruto. Naruto looked around. He opened the window and looked out into the sky.
"You seemed thrilled," he said.
I looked at him and shook my head. My bangs danced on my face.
"Yeah...whoop-dee-doo..." I sat on my new queen size bed.
Naruto gave a small smile and sat next to me. He knew how I felt better then anyone. We sat there looking out the window, waiting for Lee to return. Naruto walked to the door he peeked out. Judging by the 'Whoa' he gave Anko-sensie was outside...and probably with Lee.
"A-Anko-sensei," Naruto stepped back to let her in. He moved back to my bed and was about to sit down.
"What brings you two here?" she asked.
Lee was right behind her with a big jug of water. He poured the clear water into the vase. I saw the flowers shiver in delight. Almost like they were thanking him.
"Just here to visit Tenten...What are you doing here?" Naruto glared at her.
I guess he never forgave her for cutting his cheek and getting all blood thirsty on him. Ah! The memories.
"Tenten?"
I looked up. Lee was looking at me, he seemed worried. I smiled at him. He hesitated to return the smile, but he smiled softly and turned back to the flowers. Lee was a sensitive guy, a very sensitive guy when it came to his friends. Unlike in the battle field where he'll aim for he head. Always. Or if the man (notice I said man) has disrespected a woman (or if he was gay...I like gay guys hehe! so awesome) he would aim for their dicks and then their head.
"Tenten-sama," Anko-sensie sat next to me. She had a soft expression on her face.
I looked at her.
"Tsunade-sama would like to talk to you," she said and put a hand on my shoulder.
I only nod. I know Naruto would stay and wait till I was back. Same with Lee...I think. As I walk down the hall with my watcher, I spot an ANBU outside of Tsunade's office. Long raven hair, and tall. He was older then both me and Sasuke. I couldn't be sure if this was Itachi because of the goddamn mask. As I walked by, his eyes were red through the mask.
"Tenten-chan," his voice murmured. Yeah that was Itachi, he sounded like Sasuke only his voice was deeper. And he's the only one now a days who calls me 'Tenten-chan'.
Anko-sensie glared at him probably because he didn't use the correct title...little did Anko-sensie know that Itachi is now a friend of mine. She barked at him.
"You will only address her as Tenten-sama, is that clear?"
Itachi nodded. He was smirking under his mask. I smiled. Typical Itachi, he knew I noticed that and knocked on the door.
"Enter," called Tsunade's voice.
We entered. Itachi walked in with us. I'm guessing that Tsunade wanted Itachi as a second watcher if Anko-sensie is on a mission or something.
"Thank you Anko. You may leave," Tsunade was standing at the huge window to her room.
I looked around. Her room was the same size as mine only she had more things, a closet plus dresser, a mirror, a small desk with a lamp. But I loved how her full wall windows opened to a balcony, while mine just open to an open part of the roof. But it is nice to just sit out there and look at the stars. Back when I had just became gennin, Naruto, Sasuke and I would just sit outside of Sasuke's estate looking up at the stars, while Itachi brought us hot chocolate. I wish we could go back to those days and just go back to when everything was easy living, nothing to worry about. Make friends all over again. Wishing is the only thing I can do now days.
"Tenten," Tsunade turned to me smiling.
"Please sit, dear," she gestured to her desk.
I sat on the chair. Tsunade brought over a small mirror. She placed it on the desk in front of me. Damn, it's been a while since I've taken a good look at myself... my hair was in two messy buns. Tsunade came over with a brush and took the pins out of my hair. A brush was lying next to the mirror. Tsunade starts brushing my hair. She starts slowly at the ends, and then works her way up to my roots. Untangling the knots, she starts talking to Itachi who was on the other side of the room. I sit still and listen.
"We're very happy you're back, Itachi. If Naruto and Tenten didn't help you, I don't know what I would have done," her refection smiled at me. I merely look back at her amber eyes. I saw happiness.
"Heh, well Tsunade-sama, you know fairly well the out come if I did not come back." Itachi's reflection looked at the ceiling. He took off his mask. His kekkie genkai revealed.
"I cannot thank you enough for healing my eyes, Tsunade-sama. I fear something horrible would have occurred if-"
Tsunade stopped brushing my hair she looked at him.
"Don't think like that. There was nothing to it. Everything is fine, the only thing we have to worry about is Orochimaru's right hand man," she turned back to me and continued brushing.
Itachi nodded. He sat at the window and looked at the night sky. I guess he's having a flash back; he hasn't spoken for some time now...I saw something in his back pocket. I recognized his mp3 imminently. He kept that all these years.
"Some how...Tsunade-sama," he looked at the back of the woman brushing my hair.
Tsunade gave an 'hm' to show she was listening.
"I don't see Kabuto as a very great problem." he continued.
I looked at him through the mirror. He was looking at me now. His face was serious.
"How so?" Tsunade went to her little chest she had on her dresser. She came back with pink hair ties. She braided my hair and looked at me through the mirror. She smiled and turned to Itachi. I stood and walked to the window. The moon was out and illuminating light.
Itachi did a Sasuke and smirked.
"Orochimaru had a niece." he said.
Tsunade's eyes grew wide. I could read the look on her face. She was worried. I've never seen Tsunade worry. Pissed off, yes, but worried no.
"Sasuke told me about her. Turns out, Orochimaru used his niece as a weapon during the Shinobi war. Orochimaru's sister was badly injured...and still is. Orochimaru used her as a pet for his experiments. His brother in-law, unfortunately, died during the war." he said.
Tsunade gave her thinking hard face. She sat on her bed. Her eyes were narrowed at Itachi probably thinking about how do handle this.
"How did you obtain that she was still alive?" she asked.
I looked at Itachi. He was calm and twirling a kunai in his hands. His face was clam, his eyes were normal again and shinning.
"Your old pupil has been communicating with me for some years, now..."
Tsunade nodded slowly. Old pupil? She must be like 30 now!
"I see...well are you still in contact with her?" Tsunade looked at the wall clock.10:30pm, it read. Itachi nodded
"Very well then," Itachi stood.
"I will contact her if you wish." he took a purple scroll out of his pouch.
Tsunade nodded. She sighed. I watched Itachi leave. I knew he was going to be back. It's his job as a watcher now. I want to talk to Tsunade. But how do I begin?
"You're probably wondering why this has happen so suddenly...Tenten."
She read my mind. I nod.
"Tenten, I have seen many young children...orphans in my life. Each became wonderful Shinobi, but due to the development of depression. They have gone."
Exactly what is she implying? I'm not depressed.
"But I had this idea to adopt one. I was thinking for months, then when I was looking at your team's mission roster. It hit me. You would become my child."
I looked at her. How is it that whenever something incredible happens...It doesn't happen to Naruto? He deserves this more then I do. I've been living alone my whole life; I can take care of myself.
"But...why me? Why not Naruto?" I looked back at the moon.
I hear Tsunade sigh.
"Naruto...has a family already Tenten. People his own age that he can relate to. Hell, he and Sasuke are practically brothers," she said.
But I have friends. Not my own age but I have friends! That doesn't mean that I don't have a family of friends...right?
"I see...but I have-"
She looked at me. Waiting for me to finish. I can't. She knows I can't. All I have is my team. My small little group that one day might be no more...
"Tenten. I understand you have friends. But I'm more worried about you're feelings as the only one of your name. You don't have a surname. And I'm sure you wouldn't be happy being married off to someone." She smiled softly.
I don't know what to say.
"I know that you're a very strong girl. You've been fighting all your life to stay out of loneliness." she stood and walked over to me.
"Naruto told me how you would only take care of your friends. You care much for them and don't care for yourself. I wish to be the person to care for you when you're caring for others. He told me also when you were given pity instead of praise when you were younger."
So he knew too. Sasuke was able to figure it out. Now, all I live on is pity. Even if I was given praise, to me, I would count that as pity. No one actually meant what false praise they gave me. It was because I had no one else to give it to me. Naruto and Sasuke were like brothers. Sasuke had Itachi. Sakura had a mother, Neji had his clan, Shikamaru had both his parents, as did Choji and Shino and Kiba. Lee has his mother. Gaara had his siblings. And what to I have? Nothing. Nothing at all.
"You've been a very happy girl all your life. It's shocking how you've been able to deal with being alone," she continued.
I looked at her.
"I was...too young...to really understand what pity meant. I would always be with Sasuke, Naruto and the Third hokage. They were there for me when nobody else was. They gave me hope of not being alone...but when Sarutobi-sama died and Sasuke left, Naruto wasn't always there. He would tell me everything will be back to normal once Sasuke came back. We grew distant." I tried not to cry. I couldn't. Not now.
Tsunade sat at the window. She looked at the moon. She herself had lost her parents, her lover, and her only brother. But she was able to get over it all. She was able to live without wearing a false mask of joy.
"I understand." she sighed.
"Tenten, I want you to get the praise you deserve. You are a very strong willed girl and I don't want you to fall and break as I did. It maybe a little late, but I want to make you stronger here," she put a hand on her chest.
My heart. I looked at my feet. Was she really serious? Am I that pitiful? I nodded.
"And here," she pointed to her arm and chuckled.
"Your parents were strong people. I knew them well. It was unfortunate they died. They could have seen how much you have grown." She stood. And walked to the door. She said something and opened it. Itachi stood there looking at her.
"Message sent, Tsunade-sama." He said.
Tsunade nodded and dismissed him. She turned back to me.
"Come Tenten, It's getting late." she walked out of her room.
I followed. As we walked she put a hand on my shoulder. We walked in silence. We reached my room. Tsunade kissed my forehead and gave a soft 'good night'. I stood there and watched as she walked back to her room. There was a note from Naruto and Lee telling me they'll see me tomorrow and congrats on the whole adoption thing. I sat on my bed. I heard foot steps outside my door. It was probably another watcher. I yawned and lay back looking at the ceiling. So much has happen in my life...but this is far more surprising then anything else. I have a mother. One who will look after me when I look after everyone else? And yet, I still can't believe it was happening to me. To me.
Sasuke:
I'm late. Itachi's gonna kill me...I sprinted to the hokage's mansion. Not many people were out tonight, it was a nice cool night and the moon was out. Naruto was asleep no doubt...probably Tenten as well. As I reached the grand doors I spot Itachi standing there, looking at the sky. Shizune was talking to him. Every time she looked at him, he nodded. By the look on his face he was half listening. He spotted me. I see him give Shizune a smile then gesture to me. She nods and walks into the mansion. My sprinting turns into a jog, he stands there smirking at me. Of course, he knew I was going to be late. He always knew what was going to happen, the out comes of everything.
"Tell me, little brother," he starts walking toward me. I come to a stop and panted.
"Aniki?" I looked at him. He has that face. The face that shows he knows something I don't know. Something he doesn't have to tell me, but will anyway.
"How was it? I bet Hyuga gave you a run for your money..." He took out his mp3. His head phones here in his pouch. Not the over the head ones he got as a gift, the ones that go into your ears. Itachi always kept those head phones with him. The other ones he keeps at home so they won't get in the way or weigh him down. I have the same thing, but that's why I keep an extra pouch on me. Just for that. Well what can I say? A man's gotta have own background music, right?
"I guess it was alright...Hyuga is pretty strong but we ended in a draw." I shrugged. It's not a big deal. I would have won though if he didn't have to leave.
"Looks like you've met you're match, Sasuke." He starts walking. I follow closely. My match? Pssht! Hell no. I'm stronger then Hyuga any day!
"No way in hell-"
"So tell me what you found out." He took one ear phone out.
"If you tell me what you found out." I smirked at him.
Itachi shook his head. We both knew we could go on with the "no you go first" scene. But we knew better.
"I'm asking you first because what I have to tell you," he looked at me serious.
"May change the way you see both Tenten-chan and Tsunade-sama."
I looked at him. What could he mean? So Tenten had a secret all these years then? Naruto didn't say anything. But I don't think he knows anything...then again...I could be wrong. And I'm normally right so this is shocking even to me.
"In what respect, Aniki?"
Itachi stopped walking. I nearly bumped into him because of the sudden stop. He looked up once more at the sky. The moon was bright and gave off a sense of intensive content. 'Need' to be more accurate. He was silent for some minutes till he sighed and looked at me.
"Aniki? What happen? Why wait till we get home?" I avoided his eyes. Though he had his Sharingan deactivated, I just couldn't. It was difficult to, especially if your still getting use to the fact that you're no longer living alone, or had any company. Even though you hated them with a burning passion for years. Itachi put his ear phones back in and turned up the volume on his mp3.
"Because, you need to see it for yourself, Sasuke. You and Naruto." he pointed to his eyes. So he is going to use Sharingan. Alright then we'd better get- Is that Hyuga?
"Aniki" I poked him.
Itachi noticed him too. We both watched as he jumped from roof to roof. He was going toward the mansion. I felt Itachi tense.
"Aniki, let's-" Itachi had already left my side. He was a few meters behind Hyuga. I followed. Itachi didn't take his eyes off of him. He didn't look back to see if I was following. But he kept his distance. Aniki was a very fast ninja. Faster then Gai and Lee out together...so that's pretty fast. I sensed his chakra. He activated his Sharingan. I could only follow, for I didn't know what was going on or why Itachi was chasing Hyuga. But Aniki has his reasons. We reached the mansion. Itachi came to a complete stop and again I bumped into him from behind. He isn't the type of person to curse someone out for doing that. That's my job. Aniki put a hand on my shoulder and we both crouched down. I saw him. Hyuga was on the roof.
"That's Tenten-chan's window," Itachi whispered.
What the hell is he doing here? I thought he had something to- ooh...I understand now. I saw it in his hands. Flowers. He had a soft spot and the funny part is everyone knew about it...well I don't think Itachi knows but that...
Of course I know, Sasuke. Naruto has a big mouth. I'm surprised you tell him such critical information.
Itachi had left my side. He was a couple of meters ahead of me. His communication technique is not one to mess with. The problem is responding back. I crept back to his side. Hyuga was inside her room. She had left her window open. It wasn't long after he crept back out. Hyuga gave the window a couple of meters distance. He looked at the window for sometime. He smiled. That was the first time I have seen him smile. First time I've seen him calm. He shook his head to himself and sprinted away. Itachi ran up to the window. I looked over his shoulder. Hyuga had left Tenten flowers. But the flowers he gave her were a special kind. I'm guessing Ino gave him advice on the choice. They were flowers that didn't grow naturally by color. They weren't her favorite but she would like them anyway. Itachi nodded in approval at the flowers. There was a card and a vase with a mix of flowers next to it. It was from Lee and Naruto. So they did see her today. I didn't read Hyuga's card. Itachi put a hand on my shoulder. I guess he noticed the look of annoyance on my face. Everyone was given her gifts. Gifts she didn't want. I know Tenten. If she wanted something, she would get it herself. But this makes me want to get her something. Give her something that wont wilt away.
"Sasuke, let's go. We'll discuss everything tomorrow. You need sleep," he grabs my arm.
I pull away. Who is he to tell me what to do?
"Sasuke, I know you're annoyed for your own reason. But right now pouting over it will be pointless," his face becomes soft and he puts a hand on my back.
"Come, you don't want to wake Tenten-chan...Do you?"
Sigh. No I didn't. I shake my head and turn my back to the window. Itachi walked ahead of me. I didn't follow yet. I looked back over my shoulder at the window. I saw Tenten asleep. Her hair in two braids like how they were when we were little. Her face gave off a calm and bubbly feeling. She was smiling in her sleep. A dream that she wished she could make true, or maybe a happy memory. Now I know why Hyuga smiled. Tenten was just that kind of person. As Naruto has a power to make people trust him, Tenten had a power to make people smile, even in the worst of situations.
"Sasuke? You okay?"
I looked at Itachi. His eyes were no longer in Sharingan.
"Yeah, I'm coming Aniki." I walked to him. I looked up at the night sky. The deep blue reminded me of the night I left. When the bushes brew roses. But In Tenten's room, there were no red roses. They were blue. Blue Roses.