Chapter 35: Time Frame

Uchiha Manor, 2:00 am

Neji gathered his things. Slipping his shoes on he slowly made his way through the corridor and the down stairs. On the couch laid a tear streaked faced girl, with shoulder length brown hair in two messy buns. She clutched his old forehead protector tightly.

TenTen…I'm sorry…I love you.

He carefully leaned over the couch and kissed her pink lips softly. She stirred, and whispered a name.

"Neji…"

At that moment he wished he could yell out to heaven. He wished he could take her in his arms and tell her everything was alright. That he did love her…and that someday they could be together. But not now…someday…somehow…he would make everything right.

"I love you, TenTen."

Kissing her one more time he walked out the door. He turned and bowed, and in the darkness of the night left.

Roof top to roof top he ran and jumped. His mind thinking many things at once.

Yes…the Demon Country…Shion-sama might know a way to help me. She would know what to do…

Once he saw the gates in the distance he leapt down to the dirt ground. No lights were on this street all of the inhabitants sleeping, Neji liked to believe peacefully. He walked past TenTen's favorite weapon store and Ichiraku's Ramen shop.

He stopped and stared at the places that held so many fond memories of his genin years.

"You might never see this place again…is that what you're thinking, Neji?" Neji smirked and turned towards the strong voice.

"I thought I felt a familiar signature following me, Uzumaki Naruto." Naruto stood on top of a small apartment building. His arms crossed at his chest. His face full of determination and what Neji knew was rage.

"You…can't save them by yourself, Neji." Naruto said.

"I…have to do this. You would not understand, Uzumaki."

"How can anyone understand what goes on in your head!" Naruto yelled. Neji stood taken aback. He glanced around the houses and shops.

"Are you trying to wake the neighborhood you fool?!" He hissed. Neji leapt back as Naruto jumped down.

"Neji…I'm going with you." Neji turned his back to him.

"This is not your fight."

"The hell it is!" Neji turned, startled at the sudden outburst of a certain female. Sakura and Sasuke stepped out from behind the ramen shop.

"I cannot let you all carry my burden!"

"Neji-san…please…we are your friends! Can't you trust us even a little? When you…when I thought…" Sakura's body began to shake. She hurriedly wiped her eyes.

"We thought you were dead, Neji-san. We thought you were gone! And it hurt us! That we weren't there to help you! It hurt that I couldn't save you, Neji-san! And now…that you're really alright…won't you let us help you? Haven't…we always been there for each other?! For Hinata?!" Sakura yelled.

And as if his heart had been pierced He grabbed his chest. Hinata…

Why…why are they such idiot tic, stupid, foolish, stubborn, fearless, brave fools?!

"We'll follow you to the ends of the earth Neji. And we'll find Hinata…we'll save Hanabi-chan. We'll…help you Neji." Naruto declared. His voice triumphant in unseen victory.

Neji lowered his head.

"I murdered so many-"

"Hinata…won't hate you. She…is not that kind of person." Naruto said. His eyes glowing.

"She isn't. She isn't."

"You all will be declared missing ninja. Konoha will place multiple bounties on your heads. I am already a wanted ninja. This is your last chance. This…is much bigger than you think." Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke nodded.

"We are ready."

--

Konoha border, 5:13 am

They ran through the trees keeping a steady pace. The cold morning air cooling them down as they vigorously traveled through the dense forest.

Naruto grasped the turquoise crystal necklace tightly.

"I don't understand all of this…it's…unbelievable." Sakura expressed. Naruto's head still pounded from the briefing Neji had given them during the hours they had traveled.

A demon…is inside Hinata…and…if we go to the Demon Country we can settle this! And everyone…will be fine. Granny Tsunade…everyone hang in there! I promise I will get this over with! It should take us a week to get there…

"So Shion-sama might be able to help us, Neji-san?" Sakura asked. Neji nodded.

"Life told me that Shion-sama would be able to assist us. It is the only option and lead that I have right now. It is the most logical. He said we only have one week…and that is when the real battle will begin."

--

"I come on behalf of the Hyuga clan. May I please be permitted to see Tsunade-sama?" The woman stood in front of the multiple guards surrounding the Hogake building. The ANBU shook his head.

"No one under any circumstances is allowed to speak to Tsunade."

"But I have something of utmost importance to tell her! Please let me through! You must!" Fujiko yelled. The ANBU held up his hand. He abrubtly straightened and looked ahead. Fujiko turned around, seeing a tall man with a scar across his face hurriedly walking towards them.

"Morino-san!"

"Ah! Is that you Michimoe Fujiko?" Ibiki halted at the entrance. His face didn't hide the surprise that she was there. He looked towards the building and back at her.

"What are you doing here, Fujiko-sama?" Fujiko looked at the ANBU.

"I need to speak to Tsunade-sama."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Let her through. I will be with her so there is no harm done. Or do you not trust the most feared interrogator of Konohagakure?" The ANBU abruptly moved out of the way and bowed.

Ibiki nodded and brushed past him. Fujiko hurriedly followed. She looked back at the gates.

"I thought that there would be more-"

"There are. Their just hiding their chakra well. Five to your left and another three on top of the apartment complex in front of the Hogake building. They're gone as far as to put up genjutsu seals. This is insane."

Ibiki showed his card at the desk and walked down the hallway.

"What do you have to speak to Tsunade about?"

"I cannot relay that information to anyone, Morino-san. I apologize."

"Don't bother." He opened a door and ushered Fujiko inside. The room was pitch black. She could see nothing. Not even her hands.

"Hold on to my shoulder. Wouldn't want you getting lost in a place like this."

Fujiko grasped his shoulder tightly as they traveled through the dark room. She tried to slow her breathing down.

I have to…tell Tsunade. I should have not…let things go as far as they have now. I must…atone for my brother's sins.

"We're here. Step down."

Fujiko strained her eyes sight to see. The darkness slowly faded into a green hue. A glowing green circle was inscribed in the floor and in the middle sat an alone figure. Clothed in white, with long blonde hair covering her face and cascading down her shoulders. Four guards surrounded her in painted masks.

"Tsunade-sama?"

Wow...somehow I feel like this story will never end! I am so sorry for updating so late late late! Argh! Anway please review and tell me what you think! What more action? Want more tragedy? Want more romance with a hint of "lala"? Email me! Constructive critism is much appreciated and encourage! Man...I can not wait until this story is done! I think its coming along slow...but surely getting the end soon enough. :) Please REIVEW!