A/N: kay...i'm trying to move this along~p.o.g
Chapter 16
Sasuke
I walked up to the Hokage's mansion with roses in my hands. It's been a while since I've taken Tenten out; just her and I, I mean. Of course the person at the entrance is creepy Anko.
"Uchiha, what are you doing here?" She asked eyeing the flowers in my hand.
"I'm here to see the Lady of course." I responded coolly.
"She's not in. Both, Tenten-sama and Hokage-sama are at training ground one."
I nodded before turning my back and walking toward the said training ground. Training ground one is a private training ground reserved for the Hokage. It's also the largest training ground in Konoha. I've actually never been there so this ought to be interesting. Walking past training ground seven, I noticed blue gates with the leaf symbol above it. Wow so this is it. Fancy.
"HAAAAA-"
There was a loud bang and a puff of smoke emerged from a few meters behind the gate. I sweat dropped. Ok, so they definitely are here. Adjusting myself, I hopped over the fence and noticed one of the Great Green Beasts observing our Hokage and Lady spar. I walked over to him and greeted the bowl cut ninja.
"Ah, Uchiha-kun. What brings you to these youthful grounds?"
I pointed to the flowers.
"I'm here to see Tenten...-sama?" I said awkwardly as his bushy eyebrows raised.
"I see. My Dragon loves roses. But she loves the unusual blue ones that are terribly difficult to grow."
I nodded. Well Hyuga managed to get them. So, obviously his magic "I'm a Hyuga so fuck you" powers had a role to play in that. I watched as Tenten dodged Tsunade's kicks, jumping back with every swing.
"Here I come! Brace yourself, Tenten!"
Tsunade charged forward. Tenten got into an unrecognizable stance. Gathering chakra in his palms, she waited for the Hokage to get close before palming her back. Tsunade staggered back a bit.
"Dynamic Entry!"
"That's it, Tenten! Use the power of youth!"
I sweat dropped. I could never get used to Gai-sensei...
Tsunade grabbed Tenten's leg and slammed her on the ground. Ouch. The ground cracked and Tenten laid there flat on her back, coughing. Slowly she sat up and took Tsunade's hand, slowly standing.
"Better. We need to work more on your speed with the weights." She said.
"Yeah, I'm only used to having the waist weight." Tenten said adjusting the bracelet on one of her wrists.
"Alright let's take a break."
They both walked toward Gai-sensei and I, Tsunade cocking an eyebrow at me.
"Sasuke? What are you doing here?" Tenten asked kissing me on the cheek. I shrugged and handed her the roses.
"I wanted to see you." I replied honestly.
Tenten smiled at me and gingerly took the roses. Tsunade was talking to Gai quietly a few meters away, so I was able to sit with Tenten under a tree with my arm around her. She hummed as she felt the petals of each rose, her eyes sparkled as she looked at them.
"So,"
She looked at me.
"I haven't spent time with you in a long while."
The weapons mistress shrugged.
"It's only been a week or three."
I inwardly groaned. A month almost. It was because Hyuga had been occupying her time. And even though I was hanging out with Sakura, I still wanted some time with my girlfriend.
"Wow, you're so casual about it..."
She shrugged again.
"Tenten, I hope you realize that if there's anything going on between you and Hyuga you can tell me." I offered.
Her brown eyes flashed something. Got her. She bit her lip and fumbled more with the roses. After a moment of something going through her mind, she looked down and her hands.
"Why would I tell you? You're my boyfriend?"
"Why wouldn't you? We were best friends to begin with. And we still are." I said pecking her cheek.
Tenten looked away and sighed. Yep, she can't hide it now. Even if she denies it I will still know. Hinata confirmed everything. To think she was innocent...ha...she's a sneaky little Hyuga. After a moment if silence I grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Hey, don't worry about it now. We'll talk later. Why don't you come over after? Aniki's making some seafood udon."
She looked at me and nodded. Leaning against my shoulder, she sighed and pressed a rose to her nose and took in its sweet scent. She was so calm leaning against me. Gai had glanced over at us from his spot where Tsunade was talking to him. He glanced at Tenten and gave a soft smile to himself before nodding at me.
"Why don't you two go grab some lunch. Tenten, you're mother and I have some things to discuss." Gai called over.
Tenten nodded and stood. She looked at me and gave a small smile. I led her over to my house, my fingers weaved among her slender ones. As we walked down the streets, a few eyes shifted toward us. Some of them happen to be Hyugas. Probably from the Branch family. I shrugged, expecting Hyuga himself to jump out, but he didn't. I opened to door to my house and took off my shoes. Aniki was in the kitchen, cooking the udon. He waved at us as I led her to my room. She placed the roses on my desk and sat on my bed, sighing. I walked over to her and gently lifted her chin to look at me. I tenderly kissed Tenten's lips, moving my hands to her waist. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I leaned her back onto my bed. Slipping my tongue between her lips, she opened her mouth slightly. A moan escaped her lips. I'm going to miss this. Pulling away, I took her hand and led her to the bathroom. We stripped each other down and entered the warm shower. I kissed her up and down before pulling down her buns. Her hair cascaded down to just below her shoulder blades.
"Tenten."
She kissed my jaw and breathed in.
"So, what's going on between you and Hyuga?"
Tenten hesitated.
"I won't get upset you know. You're not one to lie, so it's ok." I ran my hand threw her chocolate brown hair.
"We...kissed."
Although my chest squeezed a bit, I gave a small smile.
"Really? Is he better than me?"
Her brown eyes widened at me. I love her, I do, but it doesn't bother me to the point that I wanna punch him. Ok maybe...but that would only be if he slept with her. Then I would be pissed.
"Uh..."
"Ha, don't answer that. I was joking, Ten." I kissed her forehead.
She offered a small smile and pressed herself against my torso.
"So, let me see if I understand this; you like me and Hyuga?"
"Just like how you like me and Sakura."
Wow, wait a sec.
"You catch on fast, babe."
"It's an advantage of being in the background all the time."
I laughed and kissed the top of her head.
We both got out of the shower after washing each other. Before she could wrap a towel around her body, I grabbed her waist from behind and hugged her close. She squirmed a bit as I smooched her neck and cupped her breasts.
"Sasuke-"
"Shhhh, I wanna enjoy this. This is the first time I have touched your boobs without making love to you."
"Yeah, but, your Aniki is in the house!"
"That hasn't stopped us before-"
You two should get a room...
My Aniki's voice whispered in my head.
We are in a room. The bathroom. Quiet you, I'm busy.
Just remember who's cooking, little brother.
Dammit, Itachi. I hear Tenten let out a moan as my hand trailed down her bare stomach lightly. I grabbed the towel and turned her around. I kissed her full on while wrapping the fluffy fabric around her bare toned form. I quickly led her back to my room. I went into my dresser to find some clothes. Tenten has taken over one of my drawers here. She has a few sets of clothes that she keeps in my house while the current pair is in the wash. I felt her hands lightly trail down my bare back. She pressed her cheek against my shoulder blade.
"Hm, seeing you naked is a turn on. Especially since you're still damp from the shower."
I smirked at her remark.
"You having your hair down is one. Probably since you don't wear it down all the time. And that ANBU outfit is a bit tight fitting."
She chuckled. Instead of the sweatpants, Tenten had went the leggings route. Which I guess works, I mean in the winter they're warm, in the summer they're light; easy to move in and don't tear very easily. And pretty easy to take off.
Heh...
"I wanna..."
"Not now, Ten. We just got home."
"That's never stopped us before."
"After we eat?"
She paused.
"...fine."
I chuckled at looked at her pouty face. Simply adorable. We got dressed in some casual clothing and walked into the kitchen where Itachi had set out some bowls for us. He himself was sitting at the couch looking through some mission scrolls. Tenten and I joined him with the bowls in our hands.
"Aniki, why are you looking at mission scrolls?" Tenten asked.
She's gotten into the habit of calling him that over the past few months.
"Erm...why wouldn't I be, Tenten-chan?" he asked.
"Because of the Orochimaru case…?"
Itachi shrugged. He needed to pick something to keep his cell occupied while he did some work for Hiashi. He slurped his udon and sighed.
"Besides, whatever Hyuga Hiashi decides, I must comply to...unfortunately."
I grunted. It was Hyuga Hiashi who reminded the Hokage that the Sharingan came from the Byakugan, which makes us, apparently, the servants to the Hyugas. It's all a bunch of bull shit really. Uchihas can bend reality as we see fit, the Hyugas are a bunch of pervs with x-Ray vision. Oh, scary... Tenten had already finished her bowl and went back to the kitchen to get some tea. Itachi looked at me for a moment.
"What?" I asked.
"You've changed a bit."
"So have you...then again you're always full of surprises..." I snorted.
Itachi chuckled and shook his head, calling me a smart ass. Sticking out my tongue, I grunted. He loves to pick on me. I finished my bowl and walked back to the kitchen where Tenten was sipping on her tea. I kissed her cheek before dropping the plate off in the sink. Then...there was a knock in the door.
"Yes, Mao?" Aniki called from the door.
His ANBU teammate walked into the room holding more scrolls in her hands.
"I brought you the missions you wanted, Itachi-san."
"Yes, thank you. Why don't you come sit and let us review them?"
My brother is a nice guy, Too nice. Mao floated to him and flashed him a grin. Psht, females... Speaking of which... Tenten was already pulling me toward my room.
...Heh.
Neji
I sat straight on the cushion in my room as I meditated. I haven't cleared my mind for a while, which is making me stressed. But now I have found some time for myself since Hinata has been doing missions with Shinobi and Kiba, and Hanabi had been training with her father...
Peace and quiet...
...
"Neji-darling,"
Fucking...
"Hn?"
My door opened. I noted that the chakra signature was not an energized one.
"What is it, Ookami?" I asked.
She stepped into my room. I remained in my meditation posture as she took the cushion across from me.
"You're birthday is soon,"
"Indeed,"
"What do you want?"
I sighed.
"You do not need to get me anything, Ookami."
"But, I want to. You've put up with me for the past few months..."
"You are family. And getting married at the end of July. Do not bother with me."
"But Ne-"
"Besides, I'm just a branch member." I snapped, dismissing the conversation.
I hear her sigh. She stood.
"Then, I'll just go ask Tenten!" Ookami huffed.
I cracked my eye open. A smirk arose onto my face. Good luck with that. Even Tenten doesn't know what to get me for my birthday, though I don't see what the big deal about it is. I took a deep breath in and continued my meditation. As I breathed in, my back muscles tensed. Exhale; I relaxed. This is really all I needed. Relaxation. Not thinking about ANBU stuff, not thinking about Clan stuff, not even about Tenten. But she has floated into my mind once or twice while I have been sitting here.
"Neji."
"Hn?"
The door opened. I didn't bother opening my eyes to my uncle as he stood by the door.
"Tenten-sama has helped me create a list of people to invite this weekend to the compound gardens."
I nodded, still not opening my eyes. I hear him sigh and take the cushion across from me. He threw something at my face, which I caught, eyes still closed (I am a ninja anyway).
"So then what is all this?"
"Since you are turning nineteen, I need you to look through some apartment complexes you would wish to settle in with Tenten-sama when you become Branch head-"
"Excuse me?" My lips pressed together.
My uncle cocked an eyebrow. Did he just...am I going crazy or did he just include Tenten in my personal affairs?
"Uncle, are you suggesting that I will have further affairs with the Lady than I already do?"
"Your cousin was so anxious, I had to ask."
My eyes snapped open. I looked wide eyed at my uncle.
Hinata
Did
What.
A vein popped in my head. She is so lucky that she's main branch...I would have...UGH. Rubbing the bridge of my noise I grunted.
"So you want her to have the Hyuga title." I pressed on.
"Don't you?"
"Dammit, Hiashi!"
My hand went to my mouth before I could further curse out my uncle. As much as I want to tell him to fuck off and mind his own damn business; I can't. I mean I can but he'd kill me for disrespecting him. I sat straight as he cleared his throat. I just hope he won't kill me for that...clenching my jaw, I apologized for the [fucking] outbreak. He nodded and looked at me, curiously. The silence was long...too long. And it was a bit uncomfortable to be stared at by my uncle with a face that read "You naughty boy…"
NOT IN THE DIRTY WAY. OKAY, EW. NEVER.
But if it was Tenten that's a different story…
"Neji."
"...Y-yes, Uncle?"
"I am quite fond of the Lady...you better not screw this up. I mean what I said. You and Tenten will reside in one of these complexes." he gave me a serious look.
I thought about it for a second. Why was he so pushy on this? First the council thing, the meeting, now this? I matched his glare and leaned in closer to him. There has to be another reason why he was pushing Tenten onto me so quickly. I met his eye and breathed out;
"Why the sudden action, Old man? You've never cared about my love life before."
Hiashi smirked into his glare.
"I always have. It is my job to since both of your parents are not here. So whether you like it or not, I will be meddling in your life until you die."
I sucked my teeth.
"Or is it because she is the Village's Lady that you want me to marry her? To keep our clan high up there above the rest of the other noble clans?"
Hiashi clenched his jaw. Ha. Got 'em.
"It wouldn't matter. You love her anyway. Even a blind man can see that. You and Tenten will get married. She will hold the Hyuga name." he hissed at me.
I huffed and felt my eye twitch. That bastard…
"Well, uncle, since you seem to think you're always right. I will purposely take my time on asking for her hand. And since I will be Branch Head, you have no word.
"Do as you please. Just remember, I am always right, nephew." he smirked at me before standing and leaving the room.
I glared at the door and grunted. Well fuck my life, he might as well just tell Tsunade to arrange something. But I don't want that. She'd hate me. Tenten would never look at me or my family the same way again if she were forced to marry me. I sighed and scratched the back of my head. So much for mediation. I looked down at the scrolls in front of me. There was a nice complex on the other end of Konoha. It was on a hill near the waterfall close to the gates. It would be nice. It will also be private for when Tenten and I have children...Fuck. Listen to me. I can't get ahead of myself, especially since she is still with Uchiha. I looked at another scroll. The location was beachside with four rooms and a deck. Maybe. I looked at another one. I guess we should get something with a balcony for our room. Our room. I get shivers just thinking about it.
Setting down the scroll, I stood and looked at the picture of my dresser. It was of when we were part of Rookie Nine's Genin league. I let a smile pass my face since there was nobody else in the room. It was a fun adventure those years. My eyes then scanned to the photo of when we were Chunnin. It was a casual picture though, since we were not mandated to take another photo for the files. We were all back at the Curry of life shop, sitting at the table. I think it was Karashi that had taken the photo since Ranmaru was being hugged by Tenten and Obaa-chan was smiling holding up a ladle. We were there by Tenten's Request after she had become a Chunnin with Lee. I had already become a Jonnin, and decided to remain with my teammates since...well...they are my best friends; my family. Tenten was so happy to see how much Ranmaru had grown. She's always hated when people show weakness, but when we were gennin, Tenten had pulled a (what Gai-sensei called when Lee explained it) "Youthful Magic of Promise" speech on him, he shaped up. Tenten has always had that weird thing about her. It wasn't even trust; Ranmaru didn't trust her, and she didn't trust him. She was just doing her job. But she was able to make him "promise", to get strong with encouragement. She had given me a similar speech when Naruto whooped my ass during my first Chunnin exam. I've changed greatly because of those two. I then looked a photo of Tenten, Gaara, Naruto, and I at a small sporting event that took place in Suna. I bet it was Lee who took that picture since the shadow in the background looked like a mushroom...That day was actually fun. The Kazekage had organized a few relay races and events that included Konoha, Suna, and the Waterfall village. It was like Konoha's sports festival but, this was more private since Suna was still in reconstruction… However it was fun. We had uniforms and everything. Much to Tenten's dislike, she wore a mini skirt with shorts under it (don't really see the issue but she is a tom-boy) instead of the shorts that the guys and I wore. Of course Team Gai ended up on top since we are the fastest, most bonded team in Konoha. And then Lee got his hands on a camera. Then, there was one when we all became ANBU. This time though, Gai-sensei wasn't in it. Which is fine. And Lee technically wasn't an ANBU either but he had the status as one (He wanted to be on the same level as Gai). But most Jonnin Join Black Ops then become cell leaders. That's what Tenten wants to do, but, I don't think so should since she makes an incredible ANBU already. These are the pictures I normally look at. All my best memories were with Tenten and Lee. Now since we are all a bit torn apart, we haven't hung around each other that much.
I glanced over at the scrolls again.
We need a vacation after we get that mission...
Neji
I woke up this morning to three of my female cousins looking over me in my bed. They chirped "happy birthday, nii-chan" as I sat up. But I couldn't really sit up comfortably. Looking down, Tenten was latched onto my arm, smiling up at me in her pajamas. How the hell did they get into my room without me noticing? Especially Tenten since, apparently, she slept over without me noticing. Guess I was really tired. They all jumped onto me and hugged me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I groaned at that.
"I'm not nine you know…"
"No but you're nineteen!" Hanabi grinned.
Hinata led Ookami and Hanabi out of the room. She winked at me before closing the door behind her. Hinata knows fully well i vowed to get her back for telling Hiashi that Tenten and I made out on Aunt's couch. And she will rue the day she opened her mouth. She will rue it. I looked down at Tenten, who poke my cheek and told me not to be a drama queen. I rolled my eyes at her and slouched back down into bed next to her. I planted a kiss on her forehead and asked why she was in my room.
"To wake you up with the others, obviously." She replied.
"But you being here makes me wanna stay in bed."
Her cheeks turned red, getting the joke and she pinched my cheek.
"C'mon, Neji, get up! We have to take you out while the others set up for tonight."
"...We?" I cocked an eyebrow at her.
She wiggled out of my bed and grabbed my hand, urging me to go shower. I don't feel like fighting her so I dragged my ass out of bed and headed to the shower. When I came out, Tenten was no longer in my room. I walked to the dining area, and on the way a bunch of my family members wished me a happy birthday. Yep, there she is. Sitting at the table with my uncle and cousins, Tenten was stuffing her face with food. My uncle looked up as I approached the table and grabbed a pair of chopsticks.
"I would've expected you to be awake before the girls, Neji." He commented sipping his tea.
It's my day off, I would like to catch up on some sleep. Hinata kept glancing at me during breakfast. She knows when me and her are alone I will say something. I sent her a glare and she turned away. Tenten thanked Hiashi for the food and urged me to hurry up so we could go. Again; who is we? Tenten and I will not be alone. I obliged though and finished my eggs and rice. She quickly dressed in her ANBU gear and we headed out the door. As we walked through the village, familiar faces wished me a happy birthday as Tenten and I walked by. This route is familiar. We walked up to an area surrounded by gates. Tenten grinned at me. She took my hand and walked me to the center of the field. This was our old training area.
"Indeed it is."
We turned around and saw Gai-sensei and Lee behind us. I couldn't react in time when Tenten clinked onto my arm and Lee gave me a bro hug. We had a lot of memories here at this field. We trained together here until we were all beat senseless by Gai, sweaty and dirty from our dawn to dusk training. We all basked in the moment for a few beats before Gai-sensei turned to us.
"Let's go get a drink."
All four of us walked to our favorite bar and grill spot. The funny part is that Tenten, Lee, and I were joking around with each other and acting like a bunch of kids. It was nice. By the time we reached the grill, Lee promised not to have any alcohol or he will scale up and down the Hokage monuments three hundred times. Hm, that's a new one... Tenten and Lee linked arms with me and we entered the bar. We sat at the very back booth, the same booth we have been sitting at as a team for years. Gai had ordered a bunch of meats and salads for us.
"So, Neji-kun, how are you enjoying the ANBU? I hear your level of status has risen exceptionally over the past two years." Sensei asked me.
To be honest I thought it'd be more work than it really is. Well, at least I had more work as a Jonnin mission wise. But my platoon is mostly a specialty platoon since both Tenten and I have leading roles. We get different people a lot of the time which doesn't make it all that special I guess. Our missions are mostly scouting or rank S undercover which rarely happens. We also escort village officials and protect them with some assasinations, but that's about it. Mostly Jonnin get all the fun...
"Haha! Now, Neji, you said yourself; you're part of a special platoon. You're only called on if needed." Gai explained.
I shrugged. I know that, but it gets boring. Lee put a hand on my shoulder and grinned. He suggested that I become a cell leader like himself and Tenten were planning on doing. I shook my head. I would consider it, but I can't since once I am twenty one I become Branch head. Tenten remained quiet, sipping at her sake. I glance over at her to try and read her face but I couldn't see anything. She's pulled her mask over her eyes again.
After the comfortable lunch, we walked around the village. The three of us linked arms, not caring if anyone looked at us weird, and trotted on our merry way. Gai had walked us back to our old training grounds and we all sparred together. Tenten, Lee, and, I against Gai-sensei. Just like when we all had just become a cell. Gai has become slower these days...or I have gotten a lot stringer to the point where I can keep up with him...barely. But with Tenten and Lee at my side, we managed to pin him down, only to be tricked with a substitution jutsu. Activating my Byakugan, I scanned the area, but not fast enough. Lee spotted him before I could and pulled me down, ducking a kick from our sensei. We kept dodging his attacks, he picked at us one, by one starting with me. I kept my arms up, blocking and attacks to my torso. I ducked my head and kept on my toes, a technique I learned from an older cousin of mine. I managed to gentle fist Sensei, only to be faced with a log. Again with the damn substitution… I turned my head then BAM- I felt the bottom of Gai-sensei's foot make contact in between my shoulder blades, it felt like Tenten's palm technique, however, since this is Sensei, it was more harsh. I slammed face first into the ground, my body shuddering at the contact. Kami-dammit. I thought I had him at my control. Noting that I was done, I sat up and cracked my back. Damn it, Sensei...now my backs gonna be hurting all day. I watched from my spot as he went after Lee. Those two were too fast for my eyes. I noticed that Lee was still wearing his weights, and could keep up with Gai-sensei. I nodded to myself and smirked. Lee has definitely shown great improvement throughout the years. He has been training with heavier weights, and has improved his stamina. But on top of that, he has been taking trips to Suna, probably to train with the Kazekage. After the Chunnin exam and the whole Uchiha traitor thing, those two have gotten along very well. Speaking of Gaara, They will be at the party tonight and will be leaving in a week. With those two around in the estate, my family has been acting less strict around them, but behind closed doors, I've been getting yelled at about how I need to hold my tongue around them (and yet they forget that I helped save the Kazekage and that he has friendly relations with my team.)
"Ah!"
I looked up and Lee was slammed with a Dynamic Entry against a near by tree, making a dent in it. Well damn. I looked around the area. Tenten? Where was she? Gai-sensei was running toward three wooden posts n the middle of the field. She was perched on one of them, on one leg, channeling her chakra to her feet. Lee had composed himself and crawled his way over next to me. Together we watched as, Tenten gracefully dodged his attacks. But as we observed, both Lee and I noticed that something was wrong.
"He's going easy on her." Lee commented softly next to me.
"Perhaps he wants her to attack from a distance. He's giving her a bunch of chances to jump back and make distance." I nodded frowning.
What the hell was she doing? She's never really attempted to go full taijutsu before. Summoning some shadow clones, Tenten jumped at him, most of the clones disappeared due to Gai-sensei's Leaf Whirlwind. I sucked my teeth as Gai allowed Tenten to kick him back. What the hell is he doing; going easy on her like that?
"Neji-kun...maybe you have never considered...that in some aspects...I mean…"
I glanced at Lee as he tried to piece a sentence together."What is it?"
"That maybe...our Tenten has surpassed you in some ways."
A vein popped in my head. There was no way! I've been training with her for years. How could I have not noticed that? There was no way Tenten surpassed me, that spar back at the compound proved I was still above her skill wise.
"Well, Taijutsu wise yes… but she is more flexible than you, which is a great advantage over taijutsu when used to correctly dodge."
I rested my cheek in the palm of my hand. Tsk, what does he know? All Lee specializes in is Taijustsu anyway… I glanced over back at the two in front of me. Tenten had finally stepped back and jumped up, creating a significant amount of distance between her and Gai-sensei. I watched as she finally pulled out two small scrolls that she kept in her back pouch. She landed on one of the posts again and threw the scrolls into the air. I have never seen her perform hand signs that quickly before. She jumped and summoned her...wooden splints? She performed more hand signs after she launched them at Gai-sensei.
"Fire style: Fireball Jutsu!"
What
The
Fuck
She blew flames at the wooden splints.
"Flaming Arrow technique!" she yelled.
Ok, wait a second. She combined what Uchiha had taught her with her weapon technique, and in the end, her close range abilities have only increased a tiny bit. Fabulous.
"Sasuke-kun has taught her well. Don't you think, Neji?" Lee asked.
I shook my head. Gai was nicked here and there by the flaming splints, but he managed to dodged the majority of them. Tenten had launched herself at him after the splints all hit the ground.
"Dynamic Entry!"
But Gai was able to catch her ankle and swing her toward us. Both Lee and I caught her from our spots and looked at our sensei expectantly.
"My, My. Fire style...Uchiha has taught you his clan's signature jutsu. Now that's real love."
My eyebrow twitched. What? Sensei needs to stop this nonsense. He stood before us smiling down.
"You three have truly grown. But you're not yet strong enough to beat me be yourselves." Sensei announced
We all sighed. He told us when we were ready to go again to try to knock him off the wooden post. We all looked at each other and gave a group sigh. This was really aggravating and a tad bit embarrassing that we are all of high level but not high enough to take on our own sensei like Naruto's team. Tenten scratched the back of her head when Lee asked about her technique.
"Well-to be honest I made it up on the spot."
"What?!" I looked at her in shock.
Tenten stuck her tongue out at me and nodded. Normally, she has everything planned out and isn't really one for doing the unknown without practicing it first. Ok, besides that we all need to figure out a way to get Sensei to slow down; let's put our heads together. I looked between Tenten and Lee. If they both took off their weights, they would be moving faster than Gai (since he had his weights on). But knowing Lee, he would go into gate mode, which isn't necessary at the moment. But Lee is the closest one to Sensei's fighting style...Which means that he can be the decoy to give me the opening to gentle fist him. I looked at Tenten. Her aim is perfect, so maybe she can set up some Kunai with some chakra strings around Lee and sensei so that once I catch him, she'll tie him up and isolate him. Yes...this is good…. I told my team the plan and they nodded at me.
"Ready, Lee?" I asked.
Lee nodded and he dashed forward. Tenten went around back to the posts while Lee led Sensei into the middle of the field. I dashed behind the nearest tree and activated my Byakugan. Lee kicked high, trying to get Gai-sensei to move back more to face me. But obviously, Sensei ducked and swiped at Lee's leg. My teammate jumped and threw a punch. Sensei blocked. I watched Lee's face and something clicked in his head. He began to throw only punches, mid torso. I watched the pattern; soon Gai-sensei was going to have to jump back. I crouched down and began to gather chakra in my hands and feet. It's coming… There it is! Sensei arched his back and I sprung out from behind the tree, catching Gai-sensei on his side with a gentle fist toward The wooden posts where Tenten was waiting. She threw senbon toward Sensei, The chakra strings attached to the ends of them. she knicked him in a few places, slightly tearing his green spandex. Maneuvering her hands, she successfully tied him up. Lee cut off the senbon dangling from the chakra strings and kicked Sensei down into the ground, creating a dent into the earth.
"Tenten! Don't let him go yet!" I called to her.
She nodded and slowly approached the dent in the ground, keeping her concentration. Lee and I kept our guard up as we too approached our sensei. We all stood next to each other looking down. Wait a second… His chakra is gone! Sensei had turned into a tree stump.
"SHIT- Substitution! Guys we have to-"
We all felt a mighty push into the dent and we landed tangled with in Tenten's chakra strings. Looking up I saw Gai-sensei grinning down at us.
"You three really have grown." he said.
"AWW! We almost had you!" Tenten whined.
"How did I not notice you?" I yelled.
"You were too busy watching to make sure Tenten and Lee were doing what they were supposed to do. I gathered up some chakra when you had hit me. That split second I did it."
FUCK. I am an ANBU and I can't even beat my own sensei. Tenten's strings disappeared and we all gave a group sigh. We got our asses handed to us. Twice.
"Alright, I saw we bring Neji back home to shower and change. It's almost seven." Sensei suggested.
Climbing out of the dent we all parted ways, back to our respected homes.
Tonight is going to be annoying I just feel it.
-
Neji
"Happy Birthday, Neji-san!"
I nodded in thanks at my cousins as they walked past me. The weather out was actually nice and warm. The Hyuga Gardens were not overly decorated and the music wasn't that bad either. I was hanging out in a corner near the roses when I spotted Hinata dancing with Naruto. I made my way over and separated those two before Naruto could take her back to her room. I shot a glare at the blonde before grabbing my younger cousin's hand and proceeding to dance with her.
"That was rude." she hissed at me.
"I'm sure you and your father don't need any surprises with in the next nine months." I shot at her.
She shrugged. Over her shoulder. Tenten and Sasuke were close. I glared down at my cousin.
"You know, Hinata. You may act all innocent, but you are a conniving little snake."
"Oh, what ever do you mean, Neji-nii?"
"Don't give me that face. I know what you did. That was a low blow."
Hinata sucked her teeth. I lowered my lips to her ear.
"May I remind you that I know everything about your involvement with the village's fool."
"You wouldn't dare." She growled.
"Try me."
Hinata grunted and separated herself from me to look me in the face.
"I will hurt you if you tell my father."
"Hinata, we both know you wouldn't be able to land a finger on me."
"No, but I can try." she snapped.
I smirked as she huffed and walked away from me. That should keep her quiet if she catches Tenten and I again. I looked around the area, Temari and Shikamaru were sitting very closely together, whispering. I knew they were a thing. Now Lee was dancing with Sakura. I'm going to hear all about that once the party is over from him. But...I looked around more towards my family. They were all in one area, mingling amongst one another. I walked up to them and Ookami introduced me to the person she was to marry. He was young. Well Ookami was a year younger than Hinata. Well built and had a kind face. His hand shake wasn't strong, but wasn't hesitant either.
"It is nice to meet the next Branch Head." he said smiling.
"Like wise. Treat my cousin well." I nodded at him.
"Of course!"
Ookami laughed.
"Neji-darling is the bodyguard of us Hyuga girls. He's so protective of us."
I inwardly punched her. I glanced back at the dance floor and saw Hiashi dancing with Tenten to a classical song. He was saying something to her, but I couldn't make out what it was.
"He's saying something about how he is fond of her."
I turned my head. Uchiha was standing next to me, his sharingan activated.
"Just in case you were wondering."
"Why would you-"
He shrugged. It worried him a bit too about the decisions Tenten was making with the Hyuga clan. She was given some responsibility that was unnecessary. I nodded in agreement.
"So, I heard you fondled with my girlfriend at your aunt's house."
I sucked my teeth. Tenten must have told him.
"It's not a big deal. At least she has some interest in you even though she still loves me.
I shrugged. Turning to Uchiha I told him about my inquiry that my uncle was pushing her on me to keep the clan status up. He looked at me curiously.
"That's dirty. I thought Hiashi was above that." Sasuke whispered.
I nodded. However it is just an idea.
...
"Not a bad party, Hyuga. You broods know how to have a good time." he said changing the subject.
I smirked.
"You almost sound impressed." I crossed my arms over my chest.
Uchiha smirked back at me, a playful look on his face.
"Not in the slightest." was what he said before walking away.
I can say my ego just increased a bit since I know Uchiha is actually impressed. This is the first Hyuga party he has been invited to that wasn't completely formal. I feel someone grab my arm and turned me around. Looking down, I see my ten year old niece dangling from my arm wanting to dance with me. I laughed at her pouty face and nodded at her. Since she is old enough to know what dancing is (not adult dancing...not yet please), I just had to hold her hands and swing her around a bit for a little while. She was very pleased. I glanced around and saw Namizka dancing with Tenten, a victorious grin on his face. He's been trying to get a hold of her all night. Heh, that won't last long.
"Hey, you wanna do something cool?" I looked down at my niece.
"What is it?" she looked up at me excitedly.
I gestured to Namizka and Tenten.
"I'm going to spin you. Don't stop spinning 'til you get to Namizka ok? Make him dance with you."
My niece nodded.
"Ready?"
"Yeah!"
I twirled her around three times slowly, letting go of her. She floated toward that good for nothing Namizka and cut in between him and Tenten. I am a genius. I walked over to her and planted a kiss on the back of her head. She turned around to face me shocked.
"You're cruel,"
"What? He'll be fine. Little Inya will keep him company." I purred and wrapped my arms around her waist.
Tenten squirmed a bit in my grasp.
"If you wanted to dance you could have just asked me."
"Mm, but that's no fun." I replied turning her around.
"May I remind you who else is here?" she glanced in the direction of the Uchiha.
"May I remind you that I don't give a fuck? And besides, this dance is the Hyuga one I taught you a long time ago."
"I'm not a Hyuga, though."
"But I am. So let's go."
She rolled her eyes and sighed. Her soft hands slipped into mine and I led her to dance. With my hand on her hip, we gracefully moved with the music. The silk of her light blue dress was form fitting on her torso, but flared out and swayed as she moved in sync with me. I glanced around the area. All my relatives were dancing. I spotted Hinata dancing with Naruto. So, she taught it to him to. In unison, all the males turned their partners and held them at the waist from behind.
"Wha- Hinata's mother is so pretty!" Tenten exclaimed.
I looked up. My Aunt and Uncle were dancing together in the center of the garden. Hinata was the mirror image of my Aunt, except she has they Byakugan.
"Oh wow! She has green eyes! How pretty!"
I signed.
"Tenten, are you sure you have never seen Hinata's mother before? She is around the estate you know."
"I've only seen pictures and her eyes were closed in the one Hinata showed me." she said.
I twirled her again and replaced my hand onto her waist so that she was facing me now. They say you dance better if you look into the eyes of your partner. Removing my hand from her waist, I tiled Tenten's chin up so she was looking at me.
"What's the matter, Tenten? You're distracted." I asked replacing my hand on her waist.
"I feel a bit out of place dancing with a bunch of Hyugas."
I let out a laugh.
"Yeah, thanks best friend. You've only slept over a bunch of times and have met my whole family."
She squeezed my shoulder.
"Oh stop, you know what I mean."
I twirled her again, and side stepped as she sashayed around me. I glanced next to me and saw Uchiha Itachi dancing with Hanabi. He looked a bit weird and stiff, but he knew the dance. Hanabi was getting a kick out of it though. She thought Itachi-san was pretty cool. Those heels she's wearing are a bit too high though...Tenten was at my side now, she had memorized each step accordingly and performed them with grace. Her footwork made it seem like she was dancing her whole life.
"There's something else." I leaned in closer to her.
"Hm?"
Both hands on her waist, I lifted her up slightly as we turned and finished with me pulling her body against mine. There was clapping coming from the guests from the sidelines who were watching. The music started again and I moved us out of the way. I looked at her. Distracted, she was looking around the area, clearly worried about something.
"Tenten, you don't normally get distracted this easily." I said softly.
She didn't look at me. This is getting a bit aggravating. But I followed her gaze toward my uncle. It must have been something he told her. But Uchiha only caught some of their conversation, which means he had said something else. There was a tap on my shoulder and I turned around. The Kazekage bowed slightly to me and asked for Tenten. Before i could reply, he held out his hand to her and asked for a dance. He face was soft, but still emotionless as he waited for Tenten to reply.
"She's a bit off right now." I whispered to the red head.
"I can see that. That's why I'm here." he replied just as quietly.
Gaara cleared his throat and Tenten's eyes snapped back to attention. She apologized and took his hand. I remember she went on a mini vacation/training mission in Suna a while back. Her and the Kazekage must have developed a friendly relationship while she was there. I couldn't help but slightly frown at that thought. i walked myself over to get a drink. Sakura was at the table herself with a plate of little snacks. She smiled at me. I nodded at her.
"You look great in a suit, Neji." she said.
"Thank you." I replied as I poured myself some wine.
"What do you think of Tenten's dress? It took us hours to find one for her that she would wear while you and your team were hanging out."
Sakura and the girls got that for her? I asked how she knew what to get her. Tenten had told them that no matter what it has to be light blue and long, since she wasn't into short dresses. When Sakura asked her why light blue, Tenten only replied saying that that's the color of the Hyugas, which Hinata agreed with. Lilac and light blue are the typical color we usually wear, if not then regular greys and white. Since Tenten' style of clothing was a bit odd compared to the others, they had to ask Anko to accompany them. I only nodded. Pink, red, and, white were more of Tenten's colors. Her chunnin outfit looked amazing on her, and we matched.
Tenten
I swayed with Gaara in the middle of the garden. He is so nice to me. I know he can tell I've been distracted, but he didn't ask, which I appreciated. Since he was a little bit shorter than me, I looked down into his face and smiled a bit. He looked so serious and he was looking rom me to his feet trying to make sure he doesn't step on me.
"You make it seem as though you have never danced before." I giggled.
"I'm...not one for these kind of dances." He looked up at me.
"At the club you seemed fine."
Gaara's face became a bit pink.
"You and I were pretty much drunk."
"Mmmm, I'm pretty sure we danced before we hit the drinks too, Gaara."
He pursed his lips together and he squeezed my hand. Gaara is quite the gentleman. You would have never believe he used to be one of the bad guys. He's kind of cute too. I wonder if he will ever catch a break and be able to meet someone. I hope he does.
"I'm going to a little sad when you and Temari go back home." I admitted.
He looked at me curiously.
"I'll miss you guys. I always have a good time whenever we hang out together."
"You know you're always welcome in Suna, Tenten." Gaara stated.
The song ended and he bowed to me. He offered his arm and I took it. It was time for Neji to open presents. Hiashi had given him keys to a complex, which is freaking amazing. Hinata had gotten him some scented candles that had herbs to help with his meditation. Ookami had gotten him a dog tag with his name on it. I remember she had came up to me and asked me about his gift. Neji liked simple things. Things he could use on the daily. More presents went by until he got to mine. His eyes scanned the card I had written and he let out a smile, which shocked some of his clan members. It was a small box that I had wrapped in silver paper and tied a blue bow on. He opened the box and dangled a silver watch between his fingers. I had found it a while ago when I was watching over Itachi's team. We had went on a small mission to an outside village and there were many shops there. I had the watch delivered to the Hokage mansion and had asked Anko to buy me some paper and ribbon. A watch was simple, and he could use it everyday if he wanted to. Neji had turned the watch and notice the engraving on the back of it. I had the word "Genius" engraved on the back of the watch
"Tenten, he's looking at you." Gaara nudged me.
He indeed was. I smiled at him and got a wink in response. He didn't say who it was from when he was asked. The group disbanded and Gaara excused himself to go mingle with Naruto and Shikamaru. Neji walked up to me and thanked me for the watch.
"I was a bit shocked when I opened it. You did a good job this year." he chuckled as he attached the watch to his wrist.
"Well it was either that or another book." I replied.
Neji offered me his arm and we walked to the far end of the garden, away from the clan and our friends. We found a nice patch of finely groomed grass and sat ourselves down. Neji laid on his back and looked up at the sky. He probably needed a break from all those people. He wasn't really one for big crowds. We sat in silence for a moment before he called out to me.
"I'm going to be leaving soon." he said.
"I know. Hiashi told me." I replied.
"I'm going to be in traveling around to the smaller villages, seeing my family.
Since the land of fire is so big it's going to take a while."
I nodded. I'm not really sure what he's getting at.
"Will...will you miss me?" I asked.
Neji sat up. He moved closer to my and gently grabbed my hands.
"Of course I will."