INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the Chronicles of the Seventh. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto.
THANK YOU
Thanks to all who reviewed my last chapter: airnaruto45; theshrewedshrew; Sasuke K; GreedO3114; GravenImage; FoxSage19; XDarkness; tosakuai; Anonymous - Stalker; RunningLion; Silver Senpai; goldone5; Kushina's Truth Of Hell; WarChicken; charles cdv; Diamond Man.
RESPONCES
airnaruto45 - Lol! Ok Latin class is over then my friend. Wanna try french next? I'm really good at french!
theshrewedshrew - Naruto is in a tough spot. Of course he would have loved to save Lee. But the Great Toads vision was too vague and it was clear he had to do something for the greater good and have faith in his friends. Believe me, there are several more twists to come in this story involving Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and yes Danzo and Kabuto to come. Things are going to get worse before it gets better my friend.
Sasuke K - You'll see. Naruto is going to reach a whole new level of power.
Greedo3114 - Well, it can;t be all action all the time can it? That would get a bit dull pretty fast. Don't worry, things will get interesting soon again.
GravenImage - Yes, my friend Lee is in fact dead. And the proof will come in this chapter.
FoxSage19 - Thanx.
xDarkness - Are you related to iiDarkness BTW?
Cliff Hangers are what I do Darkness-san! Always leave 'em wanting more as I always say! Yeah, Naruto calling him "geezer" is meant to be just as endearing as how he calls Tsunade "granny" and Jiraiya "Ero-senin". Lee's death, though sad, was IMO a glorious one befitting such a character. And believe me when I say he has become a legend in Konoha and will never be forgotten. As for that chapter I was having a few issues writing it. So i left it incomplete and went on writing other chapters. During my vacation I came back and finished it. so that what i meant by needing that time to finish it. And yes, thanks to all of you I have indeed eclipsed 200 reviews for the first time!
tosokuai - Thanx. That's the greatest compliment a writer could get.
A. Stalker - First off, your name is Anonymous-stalker? Really? I'm not even gonna touch that one. Lol! Well, there are only 5 confirmed Kage's...so far. But it seems a New Country has a Kage now. And she calls herself the Arashikage! Now I wonder what Arashi means in Japanese?
RunningLion - Who indeed...LMAO!
Silver Senpai - Glad you're enjoying it.
Goldone5 - Glad you liked the chapter. Naruto isn't as clueless in my story as in the canon. Here he's older and having been on his own for the last 3 years has had to learn not only how to survive while being hunted, but the thrive and out wit his enemies. And with the help of a few allies he has indeed planned for certain things.
Yes Lee will be missed. And you will see how his loss has affected those who cared about him. It's very interesting that you bring up Sasuke. Soon Sasuke will be back to take the spotlight once again. Lol!
Kushina's - Your friend? What friend are you talking about I wonder? Now you have peeked my interest.
Sakura will be taking center stage soon. In a few chapters I'll be showing you the state of things in Konoha as they head into a massive earth changing war. One hint: Things...are...not good. Lol!
WarChicken - Thanx my feathery freind. And a new update is here. Just for you.
charles cdv - Thanx.
Diamond Man - Thanx. I'll try to keep it up.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Alright guys. So here is chapter...what is this...fourteen?...yep...here's chapter fourteen of Book III. I hope you enjoy and please take the time and send me a review so I can read what you think of my work. I'm actually personally proud of this chapter for several reasons and I hope it strikes the same cord with you guy emotionally as you read it asit did for me writing it. Thanx!
Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter XIV: Tears of Rain
******Konoha Cemetary – Morning******
The red sun came up behind the mountainside and cast an eerie haze over the Konoha as the large group of mourners stood before the fresh grave. Nearly everyone in Konoha it seemed, had come to celebrate the life and mourn the death of one of their own. A hero who had made the ultimate sacrifice and single handedly stopped what would have surely been a disastrous blow to Konoha.
TenTen stood in the front of the crowd, her face streaked with the remnants of fallen tears. Looking around she could see the agonized faces of her friends. At the front stood Choji, who seemed nearly inconsolable; Hinata was there, as well as Shino, Sakura, Kiba, Lady Tsunade, Iruka, Konohamaru and everyone else.
Standing by the grave facing everyone stood Guy, who despite the heavy burden had chosen to give the eulogy. Guy spoke about Lee's strength of will, his desire to be the best he could be despite his short comings. And above all, his willingness to go the extra mile for Konoha.
For Konoha, she thought as she listened to his words. Looking at her hands TenTen looked at the neat scroll in her hands and rolled it in her fingers. It was at that point she realized that Lee hadn't done this for Konoha. When the decision was made it wasn't made for their benefit. No. TenTen knew in her heart that at that moment, when Lee thought about it, he asked himself one question: What….would Naruto do?
At that moment the answer was obvious; so too was the decision. So Lee did what was necessary to save the ones he cared about because Naruto would have done the same. In her heart she knew that was it. And why wouldn't she know? Who knew him better than her?
For years they had been comrades. At first, she found him to be an annoying, hyperactive idiot who never considered his actions before doing anything. He wasn't like Neji. He wasn't gifted. He wasn't cool. He was just annoying.
But it wasn't after she got to know him that she got to see the real Rock Lee. She got to see his heart, his dedication and passion. Not just his passion to become strong. But his passion for life. No one lived life to the fullest like Rock Lee. He taught her what true dedication was. He taught her what it meant to give it your all more than even Guy-sensei ever could.
TenTen remembered fondly all the days after training when she, Lee and Neji were beyond exhausted. Neji would limp home, ready to relax while Lee would often spend an hour lying in the grass unable to move. Then to her surprise, he'd pull himself up and begin to train some more.
She would look on as though he was insane. She thought he wouldn't stop until he had killed himself. Yet despite it all she would remain and watch. And when he couldn't go anymore, when Lee would simply collapse unable to carry his own weight, she would be there to take care of him. And each time he would simply look up to her and smile. Despite it all, he never had any regrets. And it was then she realized how much she admired him. And in time wanted to be like him.
So when Guy and Neji would end their training for the day, Lee and TenTen would stay behind, rest for a bit, and train together again, sometimes late into the night.
It was on one such night, about a year and a half ago, they were training together when everything changed. While training near a secluded river TenTen slipped and rolled down the low hill and into the water. Lee ran towards where she fell in and before he could leap in after her she came out of the water. She looked at Lee who was simply staring at her, his mouth open in amazement. Apparently the wraps for her buns in her hair had fallen out as she fell and her hair was open and failing around her shoulders.
Lee continued to stare in amazement. But he should have been prepared because TenTen leapt at him with a high kick, striking him in the head and knocked him out cold. The next thing Lee remembered were his eyes opening to the sight of swaying trees, glittering stars and the big bright moon. "Are you alright," TenTen said.
Hearing her voice Lee then realized that his head was resting on her lap as she looked down upon him with a smile. "I'm sorry for hitting you like that," she said. 'I didn't realize you weren't prepared for it. Are you ok? Lee?"
For a moment Lee just looked at her face in silence before a smile crept along his face. "Yeah," he said as he closed his eyes. "Do you mind if I just rest here for a while TenTen?"
TenTen swept a stray hair from Lee's face and said, "Sure." As she sat she could feel the gentle rise and fall of Lee's chest as he breathed and the light beating of his heart. She looked at his face as the moonlight fell down upon it and it was then she admitted to herself, that somewhere along the line, she'd fallen in love.
But things didn't get easier from there, far from it. TenTen, upon deciding on her feelings, made every effort to be alone with Lee, to tell him how she felt. But suddenly Lee's attitude changed. He would find every excuse to leave when it seemed she wanted to talk. Their solo training sessions became tense and increasingly short. And whenever she asked him to lunch he would stutter as he came up with a nonsensical excuse before running away.
TenTen confided her feelings to Ino, the only girl who seemed to have some semblance of a relationship with Neji, and she told her not to give up. "Some boys just take longer than others to grow up," Ino said.
"Even Neji," TenTen asked.
"Especially Neji," Ino said with a giggle. "He still reads children's manga."
"What," TenTen said in shock. "No way! I've never seen…."
Ino nodded. "He has a big stack of them and every month he sneaks to the shop to by new ones when he thinks no one will see him. And not only that, but the manga he reads are Shojo style. Then he runs home like a kid with a new toy and reads his books in secret. It's soooo adorable!"
TenTen and Ino laughed and just then Neji walked up the path. "Hey girls," he said. "What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing babe," Ino said as she hugged him. She then looked at TenTen and winked at her and said, "TenTen and I were just having a little talk."
So TenTen struggled on as she tried to drop every hint she could hoping Lee would get it. But it still wasn't working and eventually she was reaching the point where she was ready to give up when she arrived home one day. It was the day before Lee was to head out with Neji and Kiba on their doomed mission. Her mother handed her a note and said Lee had stopped by and left it for her.
Opening it she saw it was a request to meet Lee by the river that night. TenTen tried not to be too excited but she couldn't help it, she felt so happy she could sing. She quickly bathed and got dressed in her nicest kimono. It was blue with flowery patterns and long sleeves. She then hurried out of the house and arrived at the river ten minutes early.
A few minutes later Lee arrived just as the sun was setting. As he saw her standing there he was speechless. Eventually as he walked up to her he said, "Wow, TenTen, you look…..I mean you are…..y-you look great."
TenTen blushed from the compliment and said, "Thanks Lee. You look nice too." Lee took a deep nervous breath and just stared at her with a bright smile. "Well," TenTen asked. "You asked me out here. What do you want Lee?"
For a moment Lee seemed unable to formulate the words he had no doubt practiced endlessly. He then reached into his pocket and removed a small scroll with a red ribbon around it. "Umm," Lee said nervously, "Well….it's just that….you see….well I have this mission to go on tomorrow with Neji and Kiba."
"You do," TenTen asked. "Where?"
"Out near the borders," Lee said. "It's no big deal really. We just have to see determine enemy movements in the area. We should be back in no time. But….you see…..I j-just thought that I should tell you. Or…..ummm….maybe rather show you how I…"
Just then Guy walked onto the path. "There you are Lee," Guy said. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Hello TenTen, You look nice tonight. Is there a party or something later?"
"Hello Guy-sensei," TenTen said as she looked to Guy then back to Lee. "No. I just felt like dressing up a bit today."
"Well you look lovely," Guy said. "Anyway Lee, Neji and Kiba are looking for you. You three need to go over the plans for your mission."
"Can it wait a bit sensei," Lee asked.
"No Lee it has to be now," Guy said. "You know what I say about preparing for missions are in itself a form of training. They need you now."
Lee sighed and said, "Right." He then looked to TenTen and said, "I guess we can talk when I get back?"
"Ok," she said sadly. TenTen then looked at the scroll Lee had in his hands and asked, 'Is that for me?"
"Oh," Lee said nervously as he blushed. "Well…uhhh…sure….but maybe I should give this to you when we get back. Ok?"
"Ok," she said with a smile. "Bye Lee."
With a smile Lee said, "Good bye, Tenten. I'll be back soon."
******Konoha Cemetery – Now******
TenTen stood as she listened to Lady Tsunade as she recalled her first meeting with Lee. She spoke of the determination in his eyes as he told her that despite her diagnosis he would indeed be a shinobi again. She spoke of the weeks of terrible rehab where everyday would end with someone carrying Lee, passed out from training, back to his bed to rest.
That was the type of guy he was, no regrets, no holding back, all or nothing. TenTen again looked at the scroll in her hand and recalled when she finally received it.
******Konoha – Four Days Ago******
TenTen looked up in shock at the sight of the large green dragon as it roared with such ferocity every building in the village shook. Then, it began to fade and seemed to fade with the breeze. "What was that Guy-sensei," TenTen asked. She then looked and saw Guy with tears in his eyes looking up into the sky.
"Guy-sensei," TenTen asked as she struggled to understand what was wrong. She looked in his face and saw it etched with pain and sorrow. She hadn't seen Guy like this since he was told of Kakashi's death. TenTen then noticed Lady Tsunade had walked up behind them and placed her hands on Guy's shoulders for comfort. She too looked on the verge of tears. "I don't understand," TenTen said. "What's going on?"
"That dragon," Tsunade explained, as her voice began to crack. "It's called the Twilight Dragon or the Dragon of the Celestial Gates. It's a technique that can only be used when someone unlocks all Eight Celestial Gates within the body. It then multiplies your chakra, strength, stamina, speed and power tenfold and takes this power and unleashes it in one un-blockable, unstoppable attack which takes the form of a dragon. And besides Guy, there is only one other person who could possibly use it."
TenTen's eyes grew wide as she turned and looked up into the sky where the Dragon once was. A single tear, the first of many, ran down her cheek. "But," she said, "If someone opens all Eight Gates they would….."
For TenTen the next hour was like a bad dream for as she followed a distraught Guy and Tsunade as they traveled along with a large group of shinobi and medical ninja to the crash site. As they got closer and closer she could see wreckage from the ship scattered about. Many trees were cracked and broken and there were several small fires that people were busy putting out. There were scattered bodies and body parts everywhere and the distinct odor of burnt flesh.
As they neared the center of the blast TenTen saw medical ninja scattered about, searching the remains for any sign of life. Judging by their body language you could see they didn't expect to find any. TenTen then saw Neji, sitting bare-chested on a large stone boulder from the ship. She could see the scars that covered his chest, back and arms. Ino was seated behind him, using her abilities to heal him as best she could. She looked into Neji's face but he turned away. He couldn't even look at her.
Kiba and Akamaru were both lying on stretchers nearby as medical ninja's examined Kiba's injuries and his sister tended to Akamaru's. As she looked around she couldn't see any sign of where Lee might be. Then they heard a medical ninja yell, "Over here! We found him!"
TenTen, Guy and Tsunade along with a few more medical ninja's ran over to where the ninja was calling. Just as they ran to the spot everyone stopped in their tracks. There he was, lying perfectly still atop a mountain of rubble was Lee. Even from a distance you could see his body was severely damaged with signs of fresh wounds everywhere. Tsunade, let go of a grieving Guy and walked up towards the mountain of rubble as several ninja climbed up and gently lowered Lee down.
Tsunade quickly touched Lee's neck and could feel no pulse. Using her abilities her hand began to glow and she touched her chest. Within seconds she knew it was too late. Sadly she got to her feet and walked over to Guy and TenTen and said, "I'm sorry. There's nothing we can do."
TenTen slowly approached Lee's body. He looks so peaceful, she thought as she saw him. Yes, his body was damaged, but his face remained pristine. He even had a little smile. "No regrets Lee," she whispered as she began to cry. "Even now."
She wasn't really sure how long she was there. But eventually she heard someone walk up behind her. Looking back she saw it was Neji, being helped by Ino. His face was blank, without a sign of sadness or grief. He stretched out his hand abruptly and she saw he had a scroll in his hand. "He wanted me to give you this," Lee said flatly. After she took it Neji looked up at Lee and then turned and limped away.
TenTen looked at the scroll and rolled it in her hands and then looked to Lee's face. "Wait," she said. "His forehead protector. He kept it around his waist like a belt. Where is it?"
A nearby medical ninja shook his head and said, "I don't know. It must have fallen off during his fight or something. If we find it we'll let you know."
But they never did. Lee's body was moved to the medical ward as was Kiba, Neji and Akamaru. For the next few days the rubble was cleared away. Neji informed them that there should have been a person by the name of Muramasa. He was supposedly the new host of the Two Tails and the one Lee was fighting. But no sign of Muramasa was ever found.
******Konoha Cemetary – Now******
The last words had been said. The last bouquet of flowers lain. The last tears shed. TenTen stood solemnly staring at the fresh grave as the last of the mourners walked away. Sakura had come to her a few minutes ago and asked if there was anything she could do. There wasn't. TenTen thanked her and asked if she could be alone.
Finally alone, TenTen decided it was the right time and slowly removed the red ribbon from the scroll and opened it.
Dear TenTen,
I know things have been a little strange with us lately and I'm sorry.
The truth is I like you a lot but I've never been good with words.
You're smart, beautiful, energetic and funny. And your one hell of a sparing partner.
But every time I've wanted to tell you in person I just get so nervous that all I can do is run away.
Look, I know I'm not as cool as Neji or as smart as Shikamaru or even as gifted as Naruto.
But I know in my heart, that if you gave me a chance I would make you happier than anyone else.
If you read this and don't feel the same then I'll understand and I'll do everything not to let this affect our friendship.
But if you feel the same I promise you that I will do everything in my power to never make you cry. To always make you smile and to care for you for the rest of our lives. Because…..I love you.
Love, Rock Lee.
Tear drops began to fall on the scroll as TenTen pressed it to her breast. She began to cry and scream as she fell to her knees lost in her pain.
******Later that day******
TenTen sat in a booth surrounded by her friends. Everyone ate in general silence, saying a few words here and there but mostly remaining silent. TenTen sat in front of her plate and stared at it dejectedly. Looking around she saw the familiar faces of her friends as they did their best to look happy in an effort to cheer her up.
"You have to eat something," Sakura said as she watched TenTen continue to play with her food.
"I know," she said. "But it's just so hard you know." TenTen looked about and saw Kiba sitting nearby. Despite all the pain she knew he was in Kiba made the effort to go to the funeral and come to the restaurant. Kiba, now wearing an eye patch to cover the hole where his left eye once sat, still smiled the best he could.
"Kiba," TenTen said. "Thanks for coming, but maybe you should head back to the hospital and rest."
"Nonsense," Kiba said as he waved her off. "I feel like I have to be here."
"Where's Neji," she asked. "I didn't see him or Ino at the funeral. And they're not here now."
The smile on Kiba's face quickly faded as he began to look troubled. "I asked Neji to come to the funeral but he declined," Kiba said. "He said the sacrifice Lee made was nothing more than what is expected of each of us. So to pay special attention to the death of a ninja during a war where we all may die is foolish and brings nothing but unnecessary grief."
TenTen and the others sat looking at Kiba in shock and sadness. "Wow," Choji said, "I knew the guy could be cold at times but this is too much. Lee was his best friend."
"Maybe the shock of what happened was too much for him," Hinata said.
"Even so, Lee was his best friend," Shino said. "Why would he say something like that?"
"That's what I asked him," Kiba said. "Neji said, Lee spent his entire life training so that one day he could defeat Neji. Neji said Lee wasn't his friend. At best they were comrades. But most likely they were just rivals."
Suddenly TenTen slammed her hand on the table, rattling her plate of food and causing the room to go silent. Without a word she rose from the table and left. Hinata called her name but TenTen ignored her as she exited the restaurant and marched towards the hospital.
That bastard, she thought as she walked through the streets. How could you do this to him Neji? Don't you realize that everything he did was all because Lee looked up to you! You stupid son of a bitch!
TenTen walked into the hospital and up to Neji's room and slammed open the door. To her surprise it was empty. TenTen saw a medic walking by and stopped him. "Excuse me," she said. "I'm looking for Neji Hyuga. He's supposed to be in this room."
The medic thought for a minute and then she said, "Oh, I believe Ino-chan escorted Neji-kun out for some fresh air."
TenTen quickly walked out of the hospital and began to look around the village hoping to find them. After about twenty minutes TenTen made her way to the river where she and her team would train and there he was. Neji's back was turned to her and he was looking up into the sky.
So he was here, she thought. He's here taking it easy and getting fresh air as his friends mourn the death of the person who's supposed to be his best friend!
TenTen marched towards Neji, unsure if she would be able to control herself. But before she could say anything Neji spoke. "Why are you here TenTen? You should go back and be with your friends."
"Why am I here," TenTen asked. "Why are you? I can't believe you could be so cold Neji! He was your friend!" TenTen began to walk towards Neji when she felt someone's hand on her chest. It was Ino, who was standing next to her staring at Neji in silence, preventing her from moving forward. TenTen was so angry she hadn't even noticed Ino had been standing there.
"You know TenTen," Neji said. "This is really an unfair world isn't it? He pushed himself just to prove he was better than me. To prove that hard work alone was enough to become a superior ninja. And I always believed he was wrong. And I mocked him for it. But in the end, the dumb bastard was right. But he's not even around now to enjoy it."
TenTen stared at Neji as he merely looked off at the flowing water in the river. "It's like those fish over there," he said. "They're forced to live their lives having to swim upstream just to find food to survive. They always have to fight against the current merely to live. And the only time they get to enjoy moving with the current is in the few moments they have just before they die."
Despite herself, all the anger seemed to flow out of TenTen as she watched Neji. She looked to Ino and saw tears running down her cheek and fought not to cry herself. It was then she noticed that Neji had something in his right hand. That's Lee's Leaf belt, she thought. Neji, you must have taken it.
Neji gripped it tight in his hand and looked back at TenTen. His eyes were reddened from tears and he had a small smile on his lips and said, "It's as if this world is designed to mock our very existence don't you think?"
Neji then looked back to the river. "I mean look at how beautiful the weather has been lately. And yet today, of all days it rains. It's as if the rain itself is here to remind us of our pain and revel in our tears."
TenTen looked up at the bright cloudless sky in confusion. "But," she said, "It's not raining." It was then she saw drips of water falling at Neji's feet.
"Oh yes it is TenTen," Neji said as his voice began to crack. "Can't you see the rain?"
Seeing this finally caused TenTen to cry and Ino then hugged her as she too cried. "Yes," TenTen said. "It is raining too much out here. Come on Neji, let's get you inside."
End of Chapter Fourteen
Next Time: Shikamaru's Gambit