Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Naruto.

Destined to Love
By: Chigiri Sasaki

Summary: He was a prodigy, with a damaged past and no future. She was a commoner, with a hidden secret. Strung together by fate, it was only a matter of time before she changed his life forever. [AU, NejiTen]

Chapter Twenty Four

Tenten's eyes fluttered open to bright sunlight the next morning. She immediately sprang awake, fearing she had slept in, but then remembered she had another day off from the hospital and fell back onto the mattress. She sighed in content. It felt nice, waking up to a nice and sunny room for once.

She hummed a soft tune going into the her favourite kitchen. A delicious aroma of freshly baked bread filled her senses and her lips curled into a smile.

"Would you like some bread, Tenten-sama?"

"Yes, please! Thank you very much, Akiko-san."

Akiko was the maid that worked in this particular room; the fresh warm bread she made every morning was partially why Tenten loved this kitchen so much. She happily gobbled down her bread, thankful that no one else was here to see her eating like a pig. The Hyuugas, being a ridiculously wealthy clan, had a lot of members and therefore had several kitchens. There was a main one to serve the guests in the main dining room, and smaller ones that were located in every wing of the Hyuuga estate. Thankfully, not many members regularly came to this particular room.

"I'd like to have some too."

Tenten nearly spat out her food at the silky voice. She could only watch Hyuuga Hiro like a helpless idiot as he took the seat next to her. He quietly ate his own food and didn't look at her once.

"Would you like some tea with that, Hiro-sama?"

"Yes."

"And you, Tenten-sama?"

"Sure. Thank you."

Then there was an awkward silence. Other than Akiko, she and Hiro were the only ones in the room. He was acting strange, almost like as if he was one of the Elders and was secretly hating her on the inside. It was like he couldn't even see her—it was either that or he was ignoring her. What did she ever do to him? And it didn't help that Akiko, who usually asked pointless but polite questions, decided to keep her mouth shut.

"Good morning to you too," Tenten finally said, sarcasm lacing her words.

He glanced at her for a moment. "Good morning."

"You have a day off too?"

"Yes."

"Is… something wrong?"

"No."

One word answers weren't exactly easy to respond to so Tenten looked back down at her bread, munching quietly. She downed her last cup of tea and looked up. "Well, thank you, Akiko. That was delicious." She directed her attention towards Hiro, who stood up as well. "See you later, Hiro."

"Sure."

She began walking back to her room, and Hiro conveniently began strolling behind her, matching her steps with his. He was very close to her, she could tell—she could literally feel his breath on the back of her neck. She stopped suddenly and turned around, nearly colliding into his chest. "What are you doing?"

His eyes were rather frightening, being such a dark, hollow shade. It didn't quite suit the soft sunlight that lit up the hallway. "I'm walking back to my room."

"Why are you acting so strange?"

"I don't think anything is peculiar about me today."

"You know what, Hiro? I don't know what to say anymore. First, you come to me, all flirtatious and light-hearted and polite. Then you're all drunk—"

"I wasn't drunk."

"Yeah, well, at least you were talking normally. And now you're all quiet and it's like you're ignoring me. What's going on?"

His eyes were sombre. "Why do you even care?"

"Because it's normal to care about the people around you," Tenten replied with a sigh of exasperation. "I'm not trying to ask for anything in return, if that's what you're thinking. All I'm saying is that I'm concerned. It's pretty obvious that something's wrong when you don't have your whole suave thing going on."

The corners of his mouth twitched, but a frown quickly marred the straight line of his lips. "It's not like I can change anything."

"Well, then, I should—"

He suddenly grabbed her in an iron grip and drew her near. "What I said the other night," he murmured into her ear, so low and husky she could barely hear him. "It was a mistake. I wasn't thinking straight. Forget what I said, especially if the Hyuugas ask."

"What?"

He didn't say anything, but his arm around hers did not move.

"Hiro, let go," Tenten said stiffly. She couldn't help but feel that someone was going to catch them in an awkward position—Neji had an uncanny knack for that. "Do you want to talk? Cause I don't know what's bothering you."

Hiro let out a throaty chuckle. "Nothing should be bothering me."

"Well, something is."

"Never mind. I'm not bothered." He removed his arm and turned around. "Forget it."

"No, I won't. You're clearly bothered—"

"I'm really not," he countered, his voice beginning to rise.

"Is something wrong?"

"You're so naïve it's almost cute," he said. She could hear the forced smile in his voice. "Of course something's wrong!"

"Then tell me!"

"I've always known that this would happen… It's a Hyuuga tradition."

"What Hyuuga tradition?"

"I can't seem to accept it, no matter what."

"Accept what?!"

"My goddamn marriage, that's what!" He swerved around and slammed both hands against the wall, surrounding the brunette and stared at her with wild, infuriated eyes. He was breathing hard. "I'm fucking engaged."

"What?" Her words came out slowly. "You're… engaged?"

It suddenly clicked in Tenten's head. Of course—all Hyuugas were to engage at the age of sixteen and then marry at the age of eighteen. It was one of the many Hyuuga traditions. It was the reason as to why Mikya and Leiko were sent here. It was the reason as to why Hinata snuck out to see Naruto. Then… then why did Hiro give her that necklace? Why did he ask her to the dance? Realisation dawned upon her and she looked away uncomfortably.

"Step away from me," she said finally, slowly. "You have a fiancée."

Hiro silently did as he was told. "Of course."

"Why…?" She bit her lip. "Why did you ask me to the dance? What were you thinking?"

"I wasn't," he replied earnestly, and there was a distinctive hint of sadness. "At first, I didn't dare to approach you because I was engaged. The Elders were also watching you. I couldn't risk getting caught."

"And what about now? You're not scared anymore?"

"There's no one here." He took a step forward; Tenten took a step backwards in retaliation. "I never loved her, if that accounts for anything."

"And you love me?" The brunette shook her head. "You don't even know me."

"Perhaps that's true, but something about you still draws me in. It makes me forget about the clan's traditions… you're different. You're free. You aren't assigned by the clan, you're not bound by anything. You're alive, and you're optimistic—"

"Stop. I don't want to hear it."

Hiro half smiled. "Would you have accepted me if the circumstances were different?"

"It doesn't matter, because if the circumstances were different then we would be different people."

"True, but nothing would stop me then."

"I can't believe you used me," Tenten enunciated stiffly.

"I never asked for the engagement. I couldn't do anything about it either. Besides, I thought you knew."

"Well, I vaguely knew that there was such a tradition but it never occurred to me that you were engaged. How could it? The way you were talking, the present you gave me… you being engaged was the last thing on my mind."

Hiro raised an eyebrow. "No one ever told you?"

"Who would?"

"Neji." Seeing her shake her head, Hiro chuckled. "What ever happened to the little heartless boy? He despises me, and even if he didn't, he would still tell you and the Elders because it's the right thing to do. He never mentioned anything, even when he saw me talking to you?"

"No, he didn't." But now that she thought about it, he did get unusually angry.

"That's rather hard to believe. So he let me approach you even though he knew that you were oblivious… Never thought he was that considerate." He smirked slightly. "He's changed."

"Neji is not heartless," Tenten instantly responded with a strange fierceness. "I don't think he ever was. Sure, he's cold and mean and he's brutal with his words, but he has his redeeming qualities as well. Despite his cold demeanour, he's actually caring on the inside. He works very hard, he's always logical and reasonable no matter what the situation, he never breaks his word… and most importantly, he's honest. He would never lie to anybody."

Hiro audibly smirked.

"What are you smiling about?"

"You like him, don't you?"

Tenten opened her mouth and shut it again. "Does it even matter?"

"You're right. Why would it?" He smiled crookedly. "He's getting engaged as well."

In a small voice, she replied, "I know."

"If Mikya hadn't turned out to be an imposter, he would be engaged at this moment."

His sharp tone silenced her at once. "Your efforts are futile, Tenten. Your presence here has given us all a breath of fresh air but in the end, nothing will be changed. You can change Neji as a person—which is, by the way, very admirable, but that's about as far as you can go. When you leave, it'll be like you were never here."

"You don't have to tell me that. I already know."

"So why are you staying here?"

"I have nowhere else to go." She tried to shrug casually. "I'm not sure about anything anymore… who knows where I'll be in a few years? I'm just trying to get by each day. Is that so wrong?"

"No."

"So, until the day you guys kick me out, I'll be sticking around."

"Don't tell me you want to stay because of Neji." Hiro's voice grew softer, and he gazed at her with an unexplainable expression. "You'll only get hurt."

"Who says I even like him?"

"Who said that?"

"You did."

"Right."

"Don't act like you didn't."

Hiro smiled slightly. "Always sharp-tongued, Tenten. Well, I suppose you do have things to do."

"Of course," she said. "I'm sure you do too."

"Yes. I will be going now. And I apologise."

"For what?"

"For causing you discomfort."

"It's alright, I think. But wait, Hiro!" The kunoichi shyly looked down when the Hyuuga gave her his full attention. "Are Neji and Leiko already…?"

"Engaged? No, Hiashi-sama is still holding the engagement off—and he can, since the greatest Elder has fallen ill." He cocked his head sideways. "I wonder why."

"Why can't he do the same thing for you? Why can't he just call off your marriage?"

"Because I'm already engaged. It's been over a year. I can't dishonour the clan by calling it off." He half-smiled. "Besides, I don't have anyone to marry. Even if I'm somehow able to escape, I'll probably end up dying alone."

"That's not true. If you were single and looking, a lot of girls would fall for you. Theoretically, that is," she added after Hiro elevated an eyebrow. "You know, it's very possible that you and your fiancée will grow to love each other very much."

"It's been over a year," he stated dully. He sighed and swerved around. "Sorry I ever bothered you, Tenten."

"You really didn't," she protested half-heartedly, trailing off. What else could she possibly say? "The necklace that you got me," she started again, pausing to coin a somewhat coherent sentence. "I know it cost a lot… and… do you want it back?"

"Nah," he replied easily over his shoulder. "I gave it to you because it suited you the best."

The brunette smiled tightly as she watched the retreating figure. She truly did think of Hiro as a friend, even if he did come on a little too strong at times. However, he was still a human being with a soul and deserved happiness. What could she do, though? Hiro was right. She couldn't do anything even if she tried. She was just a commoner. And ordinary, poor commoner that was powerless to do anything.

The next three days passed by uneventfully. Tenten would never see Neji anymore; he was usually gone every morning and wouldn't be back until late at night. Hiro seemed to have disappeared completely—either that or he was avoiding her. Hinata's secret relationship with Naruto was entertaining, but the shy heiress wasn't around to tell her stories. Hiashi, Hanabi, Leiko… no one was around. They either had meetings, or shopping trips, or volunteering, or training.

The hospital had no place for her either. Volunteers were no longer needed, so she was jobless and her friends were constantly working. It also didn't help that Amaya was still unconscious. She still hadn't woken up ever since she had collapsed the other day at the park.

"She's alive," Sakura had confirmed through the phone, yet there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "She's terribly weak, but there's a faint pulse."

"When will she wake up?"

The pink-haired kunoichi didn't reply after that.

So now Tenten was wandering around town because she had nothing else to do. She had been walking for hours; she had convinced herself that something would eventually pique her interest. There were countless stands, selling everything from jewellery to meatballs. There were particularly a lot of weapons that had caught her eye but she passed them all without another glance. What was she possibly looking for?

She sighed, shoving her hands into her pockets. It was getting late; the days were considerably shorter in the winter. It was dark and cold and her shoes were wet from walking on the melted snow. She hated the feeling of winter, she thought suddenly, and then paused. Wait, that wasn't quite right. She loved the snow—even Neji knew. So why would she think something like that?

"I hate the feeling of winter. There's never enough sun and it's wet… look at my shoes! They're muddy and gross. Mommy will start screaming at me again."

The thought was so foreign it made Tenten halt completely in the middle of the streets. She was positive she had heard it from somewhere. Someone familiar once said that to her… yet she couldn't quite figure out who. However, she could faintly remember the feeling associated with that night. It, too, was a cold winter night, and she had been longing for the warm sunlight.

"Girls, get in now and dry yourselves. We have special guests tonight…"

Another voice.

Tenten felt a sharp pain in her head and she crouched over, trying to stop the pounding inside her head. She barely noticed the townspeople that glanced briefly at her and instead tried to gather her thoughts. Who did these voices belong to? They were family, she could tell. Then why couldn't she recall their faces? Why was it so damn hard to remember?

She instinctively punched the ground, cursing. She hated this blank feeling—this blank hole in her memory. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried to focus, the memories would not come back.

She sat on a nearby bench and took in deep breaths in an attempt to alleviate the pain. She wanted to cry from the pain but she was honestly more angry and frustrated than anything else. She hated not knowing who the hell she was. Why were the memories so vague and misleading?

"Tenten? Tenten! Oh my gosh, are you okay?"

It was Leiko, Tenten realised without looking up. She greeted the violet-haired beauty with a slight nod. "Hey."

"What are you doing here all by yourself? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine," the brunette answered, willing herself to ignore the pounding. "I… was just walking around. Shopping."

"But… all that shops are closed."

"I know," replied the brunette with a slight laugh. "I just sat here for a little bit. I guess I lost track of time."

"I know what you mean… sometimes it's nice to just sit there and think."

"Yeah." The headache finally subsided after a while, and Tenten managed to muster a smile. "So hey, why are you here?"

"No reason. I'm just walking around. You know, I have nothing else to do," Leiko ended with a laugh, yet nervousness was evident in her tone. Under Tenten's suspicious gaze, she exhaled sharply and looked away uncomfortably. "Let's head back."

"The other day…"

There was no point in feigning a mask of innocence anymore, so Leiko let out an audible scowl. "That letter was nothing," she said, staring coldly at the brunette, squarely in the eye. "It didn't mean anything, so don't get the wrong idea and make something stupid out of it."

"I wasn't going to. I just… I don't know. It's obvious that you—"

"Nothing's obvious, okay? You don't know anything about me, Tenten. Please don't act like you do."

"I know that we barely know each other. I know that it's completely wrong that I'm butting into your business, but… shouldn't you say something? Anything?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know, but you're getting letters from this guy and clearly it has some kind of effect on you because you were crying. Why are you here if you already have someone?"

"Because I have to be here."

"No one has to do anything."

"Says you."

"It's your life, it's your heart."

"You're so naïve, Tenten. You would never understand."

"But this guy loves you—and you guys had a plan! You said that you would act like a terrible wife, and then Neji and the clan would reject you and then you guys would finally be together!"

"Don't use those letters against me," Leiko cried angrily. Her shoulders trembled as she spoke. "You don't know what I'm going through… I hate that you keep acting as if you're so forlorn and lost… when you have it so easy! I just can't leave Neji, alright? I just can't! My father gives me everything I want. My family has a precious name with a reputation that I have to keep. I just can't leave a member of a prestigious clan for an ordinary peasant!"

"Stop complaining as if you're the only one who has problems!" Tenten exclaimed hotly, feeling her hands balling into fists. "Don't think for a second that my life is any easier than yours. But you… you're just throwing away your own happiness. Why are you doing this to yourself? Why are you with Neji when you love someone else?"

Leiko's eyes were brimming with tears. "Would you just drop this? Tenten, please!"

The kunoichi's voice lowered. "I'm sorry."

"Look, I can't exactly blame you for voicing your own opinion," Leiko replied quietly, "but the Hyuuga clan is so important to my country. I can't disappoint my parents, my family… You don't know what it's like, having a whole family that is counting on you."

"You're right. I don't have a family."

"Wait… you don't…"

Tenten smiled forcibly. "I don't have a last name either."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." Leiko's golden eyes were apologetic as they strolled along the sidewalk. The streetlamps made up for the lack of moonlight; the sky was surprisingly murky and cloudy. For a long while, neither of them spoke.

When they got back to the Hyuuga estate, it was almost eleven o'clock. Leiko immediately headed inside to clean up. Tenten instead decided to stay outside and roam around the gardens. The earthy scent of flowers and plants was surprisingly calming to the soul. She would often come here to think whenever she had visions, or when she simply wanted to think about her life and its hardships. Usually, she was the only one out at night, however, tonight she heard two voices. It sounded like they were having an intimate conversation, so the brunette stopped in her tracks and stood still.

"I never thought you were this… insightful," a female said. "It's so nice to see you open up like this."

"We are engaged, aren't we? I thought we might as well fix our relationship."

"Is this some kind of joke? You were acting so distant before."

"I was doing some soul searching. Now, I'm a new person."

That phrase must have been an inside joke or something, because the female laughed suddenly and soon after the male joined. Tenten thought the male voice was uncannily familiar, but didn't dare to peek from where she was standing.

"I'm glad. You're turning eighteen soon, and I want our marriage to be as perfect as possible."

"Of course, my dear."

There was a soft giggle. "I'm glad we're on the same page. We have to make the best out of everything, right?"

"You're right, as always."

She laughed, yet again. "You're such a womanizer, Hiro-kun."

Tenten gasped audibly before she could stop herself; even though she was already sort of positive it was him, she still found it shocking and scandalous. How could Hiro be so twofaced and deceitful? He was acting like nothing had ever happened, even though he had basically cheated on his fiancée. And how could his fiancée believe him so easily?

"Did you hear something?"

"No," Hiro replied easily, and Tenten exhaled slowly in relief. "Sumiko, would you like to go back inside? It's getting late."

"Sure." When she realised he wasn't following her, she frowned slightly. "Hiro-kun, you're not coming?"

"I'll be inside in a while. I want to stay outside for a little bit." At this moment, Tenten inwardly cursed and wondered if she could sneak out.

"Okay. Goodnight!"

The instant Sumiko was out of sight, Hiro's smile dropped and he looked down, his pools of ivory downcast. "Come out, Tenten. I know you're there."

Slowly, the brunette stepped out from where she hid behind the tree and smiled meekly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. It's just that I usually come out here at night, and today I saw you guys and it was all intimate so I didn't want to interrupt—"

"I understand. I don't mind."

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be?" When he turned to face her, his eyes were dark and hollow, holding one of the saddest expressions Tenten had ever seen. "There's no point. I've seen you come here a couple of times. I know it was accidental."

"Oh." She paused, awkwardly nodding her head. "So what's your fiancée's name?"

"Sumiko."

"She seems nice."

"She is."

Tenten couldn't help but frown. "So then why do you look so upset? Just moments ago, you were laughing."

"It's easy to look happy."

"How can you act happy?"

"It's nothing more than simple acting—like this." His expression instantly changed; his eyes were suddenly light and amused, and he smirked rather devilishly. "So Tenten, why were you following me? Are you, by any chance, jealous?" He approached her with his unwavering malicious smile, arms outstretched. "You know, we're all alone. And you look so lonely…"

For a moment, Tenten was more frightened than convinced. "Stop it."

Hiro did so, and his arms dropped to his side. "Sorry if that frightened you."

"No, what frightens me is how easily you can feign your emotions. How can anybody tell if you're actually happy?"

He shrugged. "Maybe if I pretend long enough, then I will be content."

"So you're just going to let yourself die on the inside?"

"If that's what it takes to make people happy, then so be it."

"What about your own happiness? Your words seem so hollow. If you don't like what you're doing, then just quit."

"I can't quit being a Hyuuga. Perhaps it's fate…"

Tenten could feel her hands rolling up into fists. "Why is everyone blaming their unhappiness on fate? Fate is always supposedly their cause of misery and despair, and no matter what happens, fate is the reason to blame. I'm so sick of hearing that!"

"That's because you aren't bound by the clan and its traditions."

"You're right. I'm not. Maybe I'm naïve and stupid, maybe I'll never understand the complexity and the severity of your clan and its punishments, but is it so wrong to have hope? It seems like everybody is giving up before the battle even begins—and that's because it's always easy to use fate as an excuse to justify giving up. You have to fight for what you believe in, even if it seems hopeless. Isn't that what you live for?"

"Are you calling me a coward?"

"Yes. Yes, maybe I am calling you a coward."

A strange surge of confidence and determination surfaced in his pools of ivory. "Then run away with me, Tenten. I won't be a coward anymore if I can escape."

He grabbed her hands in an iron grasp, and for a long while Tenten was paralysed under his hopeful gaze. Finally, she swallowed hard. "I'm not the right person, Hiro. I can't escape with you."

"Hypocrite." He instantly let her hands go and chuckled softly. "See? Now wasn't my act convincing?"

Yet even after he bid her farewell and disappeared into the Hyuuga mansion, Tenten couldn't shake off the image of his face when she rejected his offer. People like Hiro were good at feigning emotions, but she doubted anyone could replicate that mask of hurt.

The next morning, Tenten woke up extra early due to a bad dream. She only assumed it was a nightmare because she woke up with an unpleasant feeling. In truth, she couldn't recall what had happened. At this point, though, she didn't mind anymore. She would rather forget something unpleasant than leave it haunting her mind. Besides, there were enough things burdening her. She didn't need another terrible vision to deal with.

After she finished her daily morning routine, she headed out to the training grounds, where she knew she would find Neji. He always got up before the crack of dawn to train. It was somehow comforting to know that no matter what, he would always be there.

"Hey," she greeted when she was within earshot distance.

Neji stopped momentarily to acknowledge her presence with a slight nod. "You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep."

"Another nightmare?"

"I think. I can't exactly remember what happened."

The prodigy seemed to accept her answer. "Would you like to spar?"

Tenten raised an eyebrow. "You want me to train with you?"

"You don't have to."

"No, no, I'm just surprised." Tenten fingered her scrolls as she approached him. "So what are we training today? Taijutsu? Aiming?"

"Freestyle," was his short reply. "Pretend I'm an attacker—fight me."

"What?" Before she could finish asking her question he suddenly disappeared and she felt a quick gust of wind behind her. She spun around instantaneously to block his attacks but before she knew it, she felt a hard knee connect with her stomach. She instantly retaliated with a few back flips. "Whoa, easy there. What's with the hostility?"

"An attacker never shows mercy."

He disappeared again and this time, Tenten closed her eyes and willed herself to focus with her other senses. It was mostly silent; in the far distance, she could hear a few people calling out to each other and birds chirping. Other than that, however, it was quiet. She couldn't hear a single footstep or rustling of clothing in the training grounds. Where was Neji? Did he leave her or something? It was impossible that he was moving so silently—

"Never rely on your hearing alone," Neji whispered in her ear, and she was thrown across the field. She landed with a loud thud.

"Alright," Tenten said, patting the scratch on her chin. "I'll remember that."

She charged immediately at him, using extra boosts of chakra to increase her speed. She summoned two long swords in a flash and began attacking him mercilessly, even though she knew he had to defend with his bare hands. In a matter of seconds, Tenten made a few gashes in his right arm and his entire left sleeve had fallen off.

Seeing that the brunette was not intending to stop, Neji began summoning chakra from his body. "Kaiten!"

An immense amount of blue chakra began whirling around him even though his actual body wasn't spinning. Tenten predicted this move, and using chakra for enhancement, jumped into the air to avoid being repelled. She was moving swiftly and if Neji hadn't activated his Byakuugan, he wouldn't be able to see her actual figure twisting and turning. Tenten took out three scrolls at once with a confident grin. Then, she threw all of them into the air and yelled an incoherent incantation.

Neji's eyes narrowed. Why did that sound so familiar?

Yet he had no time to recall where he had heard that specific jutsu. Tenten was already coming down at him with incredible speed and with dozens of heavy weapons that were all attached by thin, invisible wires. The prodigy, instead of performing the Kaiten again, expelled a burst of chakra from his palm and thrust it towards the brunette. As a result, the weapons lost their momentum and fell to the ground. However, Tenten quickly picked them up all at once with her chakra-enhanced threads and directed them towards her opponent once again.

Neji then expelled chakra from his index and middle fingers, creating a needle. With the help of his Byakuugan, he was able to both dodge the weapons and cut through every one of Tenten's strings with uncanny accuracy. Tenten, witnessing this amazing phenomenon, completely forgot that she was in a middle of a battle and nearly clapped. "That was amazing, Neji!"

"Don't get distracted so easily," he replied simply, and reached over his back to pull out a bloody kunai.

Tenten audibly gasped; everything had happened so quickly she didn't even notice when something had actually struck him. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. This is nothing. Continue."

"Are you sure? The kunai went in pretty deep. We should stop," Tenten insisted. As she approached him, she couldn't help but notice that this had also happened the last time they sparred. When Neji performed the Kaiten, he would repel everything that was thrown at him. However, when he did it manually, he would miss the ones aimed towards his back. Was this a coincidence?

"I said to continue," he said harshly, throwing his kunai at her. She caught it deftly and took out a few more, putting them between each finger. She waited until he reappeared again.

When he did, she vaulted into the air and shot four weapons consecutively towards his back. To her surprise, he dodged three easily but didn't seem to see the fourth one coming. By the time he did it was too late; it struck his back, not very far from the previous wound.

"Neji!" Tenten cried when he toppled over. She ran over to him and pulled out the kunai; she winced when she saw the amount of blood gushing out. "Hey, you okay? Neji!" she exclaimed in desperation when he didn't respond. "Answer me, please!"

Tenten could feel her eyes burning as she ran back to the Hyuuga mansion. How could Neji be so stupid? She told him to stop, but he didn't and now he was—

"That's the oldest trick in the book," Neji suddenly murmured from behind. His arm immediately wrapped around her neck like a snake and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free from his grasp. "Tenten, focus!"

The brunette didn't want to hurt him; she didn't want to wound him anymore. So even though her vision was beginning to blacken, she managed to murmur the words to the substitution technique and her body disappeared with a 'poof'. "You didn't have to suffocate me," she said when she reappeared next to a tree. She was bent over, trying to catch her breath. "Honestly, Neji!"

"Like I said, your opponent will not show mercy." As he said this, he aimed five shuriken stars directly at her. Tenten somehow managed to deflect them all with five shuriken stars of her own.

"Then I won't either!" The brunette quickly got back to her feet and shot at least two dozen shuriken stars at Neji, who was running towards her. To Neji's great surprise, not a single one nicked his skin. Instead, they pinned him neatly to a nearby tree.

"You have good aim," he admitted from his position. "However, you are not ruthless enough."

"Oh please. I could kill you right now," Tenten said with a slight smile, casually twirling a kunai. "Now, will you explain to me why you're acting like this? Is this supposed to be some kind of test?"

"You're being considered by Tsunade-sama to go on a mission."

"Really?" Tenten didn't know whether to feel shocked or pleased. After all, she was just an ordinary person. "To do what?"

"To find the cure to the ongoing epidemic."

"Oh," Tenten said easily at first, but then realised the severity of his words. "Wait, what?! I haven't even been on a C-ranked mission yet!"

"We all know that, which is why you weren't her first choice," stated Neji. "However, my team happens to be missing a member, and no one is available or suitable enough to fill that spot."

"How does Tsunade-sama even know that I'm a ninja?"

"Haruno made the suggestion." Sakura had also asked him for approval before making the proposal to the Hokage, but he wouldn't mention that.

"How am I qualified or suitable in any way?"

"You can put up a decent fight and you're already acquainted with me and Lee. However, you're still merely an option because you're inexperienced. If Tsunade-sama finds a better person by tonight, then you won't have to go."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then you'll be going on your first mission."

"How is it possible that no one else is free? There are so many ninjas that are stronger and more knowledgeable—what about Sakura, or Ino? Or Hinata? Or—"

"The Hokage wants her strongest ninja to guard the countries, for an infiltration is what she fears the most. She also needs her medically trained ninjas to treat patients at the hospital. And… it seems that Sakura has mentioned that you"—Neji looked away uncomfortably—"have beaten me before in battle."

Despite the situation, Tenten couldn't help but giggle. "Are you serious? That's why she's letting me go? Oh… wow. Then I shouldn't go—I won't come back alive."

"You might."

"That's encouraging."

"Survival for you isn't impossible. After all, you're not going alone. There will most likely be another team accompanying us. Furthermore, you will only be assisting; you simply have to follow orders and take down a few opponents."

"That doesn't sound life threatening at all."

Neji raised an eyebrow. "If you don't want to go, then I can request Tsunade-sama to find someone else."

Tenten bit her lip, her face pensive. She didn't mind trying something new and this was undoubtedly a big opportunity to prove herself. However, retrieving an antidote from a powerful country was obviously an A-ranked mission and even experienced Jounins would come back injured.

"You can save Amaya if you find the cure."

The words hit Tenten like a brick wall; whenever she thought of the little girl, she would feel this big pang of guilt—and then a mixture of shame, sorrow and hopelessness would come rushing as well. There was nothing virtually more saddening than watching a little eight year old grow more and more lifeless with each passing day. So Tenten nodded; after all, it was her fault that Amaya was still unconscious at this moment. "Yes, then I'm in."

"Good. We have to meet her today."

"Do you think Amaya's going to wake up any time soon?" she asked quietly as they were walking towards the hospital. Normally, missions were assigned in the Hokage's tower, but lately Tsunade has only been seen in the hospital so there was no point in meeting elsewhere.

"That's something unpredictable." His eyes stared up ahead. "She might not wake up at all."

"Don't say that!"

"It's very probable."

"Well, I'm hoping that you're wrong for once." Her gaze lifted and she scrutinised the dark, grey sky. "Spring is taking an awfully long time to come."

"Summer will eventually come."

"I can't wait. Can you? I love it when the mornings are all bright and warm."

"Summer makes the body perspire too much."

"Of course. Why would Hyuuga Neji want to look sweaty during his training sessions? It doesn't look cool," Tenten stated sardonically with a smile. Then, remembering their earlier spar, added, "how are you feeling? Does your back hurt?"

"It never did."

"You didn't even bandage it properly."

"My body will heal on its own." He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. Why was she so concerned?

"Fine. Don't blame me when you get an infection."

"I won't."

"How can you be so sure you won't get an infection?"

"I said I wouldn't blame you. There is a possibility that my wounds will get infected."

"Which is why you should bandage them properly," Tenten finished in triumph.

Neji inwardly sighed. "You're impossible."

"That's my line, actually." She felt her steps quickening in order to match up with Neji's pace. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"If it's about my wounds, I'd rather you not."

"No, it's about your fighting techniques."

Neji turned to her and patiently waited, indicating that she now had his undivided attention.

"Is your Byakuugan perfect?"

His light eyes narrowed the slightest bit. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I noticed that sometimes you miss the weapons aimed towards your back."

"It's normal to miss things," he intoned stiffly, his sharp tone marking the end of this topic. "There's nothing more to it."

Tenten dismissed his odd behaviour and smiled at him. "You know, I'm getting really nervous. This is my first mission, after all."

"You don't seem like it." Neji tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, but it was impossible to push away the unsettled feeling at the pit of his stomach. How did Tenten figure out his weakness so quickly? Was he letting his guard down again? Or was she a lot more observant than he gave her credit for? "Just remember to follow orders."

"What was your first mission like? How old were you?"

"It was a B-ranked mission, and I was nine at the time."

"What? How's that possible? Weren't you still attending the academy then?"

"Yes. However, Hiashi-sama put in a good word for me and with his influence, the Hokage let me go with three Jounins."

"So what did you do?"

"Nothing important," he admitted, shrugging. "I didn't know what to do, actually. I followed simple instructions—I was asked to scout the area surrounding Konoha by myself. I didn't find anybody though." Except that wasn't true; that night he had found Tenten, aged nine. It was the first time he had ever encountered her.

"Were you scared?"

"Not really. I wasn't afraid of death."

"How come?"

"There wasn't anything I would miss," he replied simply. "Dying is only frightening to those who have a lot in their lives. Dying would mean giving up everything they love."

"What about now? Are you afraid of dying?"

He glanced at her for a brief moment. "No," he said slowly. "How can a ninja afford to be scared of dying? A ninja's life is constantly on the line. You shouldn't be a ninja in the first place if you're afraid of such a natural phenomenon."

"I see. So what are you afraid of, then?"

He paused for a short while. "I don't know. I don't know what fear feels like." His wistful tone, laced with bitterness, made Tenten fall silent. "What is there to be afraid of?"

"Lots of things, I guess. I'm scared of death because I feel like there's so much out there to see and feel and it scares me to know that death can take away these opportunities. And I haven't made my mark yet. It sounds cliché and cheesy, I know, but I really want to make something out of my life. I don't want to be another person that just dies after a life of nothing special." She smiled sheepishly. "I'm also kind of scared of snakes."

"Snakes?" Neji asked with incredulity, raising both eyebrows. "They're like any other creature."

"Yeah, but they're all slithery and they're poisonous and everything."

"Not all of them are poisonous." Neji shrugged. "If you find one, kill it."

"No, I wouldn't kill it… I would just wait until it leaves. I don't like them, but they don't deserve to die."

Neji made a small noise that somewhat resembled a snort or a grunt of disbelief. "Maybe you shouldn't go on this mission. You would hesitate to kill anybody."

"Yeah, well at least I'm not a heartless killer."

"You have to be one if you want to survive," he said solemnly.

"I can and will kill a person if it means saving everyone else."

"We'll see."

"Yes you will see! I'm going to prove that I'm a lot stronger than you think."

With vehement determination blazing in her eyes, she opened the doors of the hospital with the prodigy. For once, Sasuke and Naruto weren't standing at the front doors handing out immunity pills. Instead, there were two large, white, automatic dispensers. The two ninjas quickly got one each and swallowed them with the water from the fountains built right at the entrance.

The hospital was in a state of frenzy—it was more hectic than it had ever been. Tenten didn't understand why the volunteers were sent home; it looked like the hospital needed more help than ever. The secretaries alone had various stacks of files to go through, phone calls to take and make and demanding families to deal with. Furthermore, there were doctors running back and forth, trying to calm the entire first floor which was flooded with hoards of people. Parents and children alike were crying, babies were screeching, and doctors were screaming even louder in order to be heard. However, that wasn't the worst part for Tenten, because there was a disturbingly large amount of blood splatters everywhere. It seemed that the people coming in were coughing up blood.

Someone standing not even a foot away from her went into a severe coughing fit, inducing vomit that contained obvious hints of blood. Perturbed, Tenten looked away. "Let's go, Neji."

He didn't say anything, but he covered his nose and led the way.

"I thought things were in control," she said, pinching her nose as well. The smell of the hospital was never great, but now that there was vomit and blood and an abnormal amount of people, the stench was revolting.

"Akiko-san's husband is sick as well."

"Akiko?" That was the maid at the Hyuuga estate who made the delicious bread everyday. "When did he…?"

"He came in a few days ago. I heard he started to cough a few weeks ago, but had dismissed it as nothing severe. Then he started to vomit blood and his headaches were so frequent and bad he began hallucinating. He also uncharacteristically lashed out at his wife."

"That's horrible." She had briefly seen the amount of crying parents. "I can't imagine the number of families affected by this."

"That's why we were summoned today."

"Yeah. Hey, can we pass by the nursery room first? Since we're early and all."

Neji wordlessly nodded and followed her into the elevator. Halfway through the ride, he commented, "I doubt Amaya's going to be there. Even if she was awake, she would probably be far too delicate and fragile to play with all the other kids."

"Well, there are still a lot of cute babies and children to visit."

"If that's what you want, then fine."

Neji was right, as usual—Amaya wasn't there when they reached the nursery room, but neither was Fuji, or Aki or any of the kids they were supervising just less than a week ago. Instead, at least three dozens of unfamiliar faces filled up the small room, making it twice as crowded as it used to be. Tenten's brows furrowed; exactly how many people were coming in? And why wasn't the room supervised? At least twenty kids were shoving and crying at the moment.

"Aren't you two supposed to be in Tsunade-sama's office upstairs?"

The source of the voice was a very drained Sakura, who was also holding bags of diapers and toiletries. "You know," she continued tiredly, "if you're late she's probably going to lose it. And it's no wonder, she hasn't had sleep for the past three days…"

"I don't think we're late. She told us to meet up at nine," the brunette said, glancing at the clock that hung on the wall. "It's barely eight now."

"Oh, then, never mind. So why are you here so early?"

Tenten shrugged. "I don't know, but we just are… so we decided to visit the kids." She frowned slightly. "Sakura, what happened to all of the other kids? Like Fuji and Aki…"

"They're now hospitalised. Turns out, one of the kids was sick but showed no symptoms," Sakura said sombrely, managing a half-smile. "We left the contagious child in a room full of babies and children. Very careless on our part, but now, we're doing our best to keep everyone safe. That's why we told all the volunteers and non-medically trained ninjas to go home. We can't afford to expose anyone else to the disease."

"I thought you said everything was under control."

"It was, for a little while. I don't know why, but during the last few days the disease just… spread everywhere. We have pills and everything but somehow people still got sick. And they would infect the people around them, who will infect everyone they talk to… it's just a vicious cycle."

"Then why are healthy kids here? Aren't you just exposing kids to the disease?"

"Well, honestly, at this point, all of Konoha is pretty much contaminated. So no matter where you go…" The pink-haired kunoichi's voice grew more and more faint. "By the way, you two should be careful… you can't get sick. All our ninjas have to stay healthy in order to fight off any… attacks made by other countries. And…"

"Sakura, hey, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, I just haven't had a blink of sleep for the past two days. And I've been taking so many of those pills lately. I guess all that medicine is taking its toll on my body. Anyways, I have to go supervise the kids. That's actually a break, you know, compared to studying x-rays and cleaning up after coughing patients…" She smiled slightly, but her eyes were half lidded. "Sorry, I tend to babble a lot when I'm deprived of sleep."

"Hey, we can watch the kids until nine," Tenten offered, glimpsing at Neji. He didn't say anything encouraging but he didn't protest either, so she continued. "Here, I'll take your stuff. You can go to the bathroom and take a nap. I'll call you when it's time, okay?"

"Thank you, Tenten-chan, and Neji-san…"

"Oh, and Sakura, one last thing." Tenten cast her friend a hopeful look. "Did Amaya…?"

"Did she wake up yet? No, Tenten, she didn't." Seeing the brunette's crestfallen expression, she added, "I think she's been having some hallucinations, though. Sometimes she would show signs of discomfort or fear… but she's never really gained consciousness. At least she's not dead yet."

"Yeah," Tenten answered, trying to muster a grin. "Well, that's it. Go take a nap."

"Thank you, Tenten-chan, and Neji-san… oh wait, didn't I just say that? Oh well." She then mumbled something incoherent and laughed to herself.

"It's scary to see what this epidemic is doing to all of us," Tenten said after Sakura disappeared into the bathroom. "Sakura's a mess. Why won't they just let people help?"

"Enough people are hospitalised."

"Yeah, well, at this rate we're all going to be hospitalised," she replied as they entered the room. The instant she walked in, it was like they had entered the waiting room all over again. The noise level was so high Tenten was convinced she would go deaf by the end of the hour. "Are you serious? This is worse than it ever was before."

"There are twice as many kids," Neji stated flatly, but the frown etched on his face showed his disdain. "I'll wait by the wall."

"No! Neji, you have to help me. You take care of the babies, and I'll take care of the children."

"You were the one who offered." As he said this, a chubby girl, aged four or so, poked his knee. "What is your name?"

"None of your business."

The little girl pouted. "Why won't you tell me?"

"I don't want to."

"I'll tell you mine! My name is Mioko."

"I don't care."

Mioko's bottom lip began to tremble. "If you don't tell me, I'll… I'll…"

"You'll what?"

Instantly, Tenten nudged him with her elbow. "Neji, be nice."

"Neji is your name!" the little girl instantly cried, pointing her stubby finger at him in triumph. She grinned widely. "Neji! Neji! Neji! Neji! Neji! Neji is your name!"

The prodigy glared at Tenten. "Now look at what've you done."

Tenten grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of her head as she watched the little girl running around, yelling "Neji" at the top of her lungs. "Oops. Well, it's not my fault you wouldn't tell her your name like a normal person."

"Normal people don't have to deal with fifty kids at once."

"Well, we have to so just deal with it."

For the next half hour, Tenten became fairly acquainted with the children. Although from time to time she would get wary of the crying babies and difficult children, she still had a relatively good time. After all, children possessed such an innocent, untainted point of view and their imagination had no bounds. It was interesting to see what they would draw and what they perceived life as. But eventually she grew tired so she announced that it was time for Neji's storytelling; she had figured that the room would probably be quiet if the Hyuuga prodigy was reading them a story. So everyone gathered around Neji, who grudgingly took out a fairytale storybook from the bookshelf and began to read.

"And they lived happily ever after," he concluded, snapping the book shut. Unbeknownst to him, Tenten was standing at the back, watching him, smiling softly. She rather liked his storytelling voice. Not that his talking voice was bad, but it always had this hard edge to it, whereas his voice was soft and gentle when reading.

"Tell us another story, Neji!" Mioko exclaimed, and instantly a bunch of children began to chatter excitedly.

"I don't know any stories to tell," Neji said impassively. Although he didn't speak very loud, the children immediately silenced at the sound of his voice.

"No love stories?" A little girl with honey coloured hair looked at him with hopeful hazel eyes.

"Definitely not."

"Can we ask you questions, then?"

"Questions?" The prodigy, slightly irritated, fixed his eyes upon Tenten, as if silently asking to leave. Tenten, in return, smiled and shook her head slightly. "You're doing amazing," she mouthed, giving him a thumbs up. Then she pointed to the clock, indicating that there was only thirty more minutes.

Neji inhaled sharply. "Very well. What do you kids want to know?"

A boy's hand shot up. "What is it like, being a ninja?"

"Too general. Next."

"Have you ever lost a match?"

"Not often, but yes. Everybody does."

"How often do you train?"

"Every day."

There were murmurs circling around the room. Everybody seemed to be fascinated by the concept of training so often. The oldest looking boy, who was probably nine, stood up timidly. "How do you stay so motivated?"

"Everyone has their own reasons. There is one universal desire, however, and that is to be strong. If you desperately want to be at the top, then you'll find the will to train." Seeming satisfied with his answer, Neji looked at the next girl with her hand raised up. "You."

"Do you love anybody?"

"No. Next."

"But why? Aren't you Tenten-chan's boyfriend?"

Neji, momentarily baffled by the question, scoffed loudly and hastily stood up. "That's it, I'm leaving for the bathroom."

When the door slammed shut, all the children directed their attention towards Tenten, whose cheeks were still stained slightly pink. "We're not together. We're just friends," she explained, laughing in embarrassment. "Oh, kids these days."

"Tenten-chan, are you lying?"

"Of course not! Why would I lie about something like that?"

"Because I think you are. Neji-kun, too."

"Yeah, well, we're not." Tenten clapped her hands together, deliberately trying to change the subject. "So, what do you guys want to do now?"

"Is Neji-kun a big softie on the inside?"

The kunoichi sighed at her failed attempt, but felt her lips curving into a smile. "Yes. Yes, he is."

Neji was washing his hands in the bathroom when the door suddenly swung open. Through the mirror, he saw the reflection of perhaps one of his most disliked people. He spun around, with fists shoved into his pockets and a venomous scowl seemingly fixed on his face. "What are you doing here?"

Hyuuga Hiro smirked. "Hello to you, Neji."

"What are you doing here?"

"At the hospital? I was called by Tsunade-sama to come. She wants to send me off on a mission."

Neji's eyes hardened. "You're coming."

"Why? Is that a problem? I'm hurt, that my own relative doesn't want me to accompany him." The older Hyuuga's eyes were amused and taunting. "I see that Tenten was assigned the mission as well. This is going to be interesting."

"What are you implying?"

"I see that she's also good with children. Quite the catch, do you agree?"

"Is this a joke? Stop trying to be close to Tenten." Neji's voice was deadlier with each word. "Stay away from her. You are engaged."

Hiro remained impassive, yet there was a hint of remorse in his pearly eyes. "And what, you're not?"

"I don't bear the same feelings you have for her."

"And what are these feelings that you speak of?"

"You like her."

"Then I beg to differ. You do bear the same feelings, whether you know it or not." When Neji didn't say anything, Hiro chuckled. "What a naïve boy. Why else are you getting so worked up? You hate the fact that I'm always trying to talk to her."

It wasn't right, it went beyond all logic reasoning to like Tenten, Neji wanted to say. Instead, he blurted out, "why would you like her, out of all people?"

"What, you hate that I chose the girl you like?" He was met with silence yet again and this time, Hiro began laughing. In some ways, Neji was nothing more than a teenage boy. "If you haven't realised, Tenten is a smart girl. She's pretty, she's kind, and most of all she knows how to stand up for herself. She's strong—physically and mentally. She has a way with words. She knows—" He paused when he caught Neji's incredulous expression. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. I know you saved that picture of Tenten's picture from the magazine. Quite beautiful, isn't she?"

"How did you know?" Neji impulsively asked, not realising that he just confirmed what Hiro said.

"I see it peeking from your shirt."

Neji instantly looked down, only to realise that he didn't have the picture on him—he never did. He scowled. "You looked in my room."

"I went in the other day because I was helping out a maid. She had a lot of clothes to deliver."

"Stop changing the subject," Neji said irritably; something about Hiro knowing he saved Tenten's picture was unsettling. "Just stay away from her, for both your and her own good."

"Tenten must be rubbing off on you. You're actually caring."

Neji cast him a chilly stare. "Remember your fiancée?"

Hiro's smile instantly dropped.

"She suspects you of cheating. She can see through your act. Unless you want Tenten to be severely punished, then stop seeing her."

For the first time, Hiro's confident composure shattered and he glanced away. He inhaled slowly, closed his eyes and turned around. "I know. I've had my fun. If it makes you feel any better, she knows about the engagement. She now thinks I'm a compulsive liar and womanizer. Are you happy, knowing that?"

"I don't care," Neji replied honestly. "I don't want her to get hurt."

"Then why don't you back off? Stop acting like you're always logical and sensitive."

"I don't make any advances towards her."

"Regardless, she likes you."

The words made Neji completely halt in his tracks. His body felt partially paralyzed; the simple thought of Tenten liking him was so foreign… yet satisfactory? He had felt this back in the nursery room just now when the children had assumed him to be Tenten's boyfriend. He didn't want to admit it, but the feeling pleased him. Was it simply pleasantness that was induced by flattery? No, he had been complimented all his life. Many females have come onto him as well, yet, he couldn't see Tenten as another female. Not that she wasn't feminine, because she definitely had feminine qualities—

"You're going to be engaged soon," Hiro continued with his back facing towards him. "That will hurt Tenten."

"Don't make such ridiculous assumptions. I don't like Tenten, and she does not like me. Why will she be hurt?" Yet even the emotionless prodigy could feel that those words were hollow.

"Why else is she staying?"

"She needs the money."

"That's not the only reason and you know it. So if you don't want to be the one hurting her, then let her go—"

"I won't do that," Neji replied instantaneously. The second part of his response came a few seconds later. "There's no point. She's joining my team for an upcoming mission. Causing a conflict will only hinder our performance."

"Nice save." Hiro began walking away, waving a short goodbye. "You know, I'm going on this mission too. I can't possibly stay away from Tenten." Neji could hear the arrogant smirk in his voice. "Let's see how this will turn out, Neji."

"That bastard is here," Neji muttered angrily as he walked into the room. On his face was a seemingly fixed frown of disgust. "That bastard has the nerve to accept the same mission as us, just because he wants to be near you. Why that fucking—"

"Language," Tenten interposed sharply, gesturing towards the kids who were watching him with large eyes. "And who is this… person?"

"Hiro."

Tenten didn't know what to feel or how to respond to that, so she quickly averted her eyes and looked back down at Mioko, who was holding a blue crayon and a colouring sheet. "Mioko, do you want to show me your drawing?"

"No, it's ugly!" Mioko exclaimed, crumpling it in her tiny hands.

"I'm sure it isn't." The sixteen year old carefully unfolded it and smoothed out the crumpled edges. She showed it to Neji. "Neji, do you think it's ugly?"

"Yes."

His blunt answer made Mioko's eyes well up. "I hate you, Neji-kun!"

The rest of the hour went on, passing surprisingly quickly. Some continued to cry, but they stopped once they were given food or a pacifier and eventually the noise level was relatively bearable. A lot of children warmed up to Tenten, and some even had the nerve to talk to Neji even though he was easily three times their size. Mioko, the bravest one of all, actually climbed onto a table and jumped onto the prodigy's back. "Give me a ride, horsey!" she exclaimed.

Then Neji did the most amazing thing ever, in Tenten's opinion; even though his eyebrow was twitching with annoyance, he walked around the room with Mioko on his shoulders. Tenten couldn't refrain from giggling as she helped another kid with his picture.

"It's been an hour already," Neji said suddenly, removing the little girl from his head. "Wake up Haruno and we're leaving."

"Okay, okay," the brunette replied, resisting the urge to laugh at the sight. Neji always managed to surprise her with his gentleness.

"Aw, you're not coming back?" Fujitaki, a little boy with sea green eyes, asked. He frowned. "But I like you guys."

"We're going on a mission," Tenten explained, patting Fujitaki on his head. "We'll come visit after we return."

"But it's always so boring!"

"You should be grateful that you're not hospitalised," Neji intoned in a cold, patronising tone. "Some kids can't even play at all."

"Fine," Fujitaki said, crossing his arms and pouting. "I'll be quiet. Bye."

"Bye!" Mioko added with a grin, and then there was chorus of farewells and goodbyes around the room.

"Finally," Neji muttered under his breath as he closed the door behind them. "It's been a while since I've had a good mission." Then, in a quieter voice, he added, "although there is a person I wouldn't mind leaving behind."

"Hiro?"

"Who else?"

"Hey Neji," Tenten said quietly, slowly, pausing to choose her words. They had stopped in front of the bathroom; Sakura was still inside, probably sleeping. "Why didn't you tell me that Hiro was engaged? You kept this from me and let him approach me. All along, you knew but didn't say anything."

"I was going to."

She did recall him getting slightly flustered with anger at times. "That doesn't count. Why didn't you just tell me? To think that he has a fiancée—honestly, Neji! I thought you would be more responsible than that."

"This has nothing to do with me. I didn't have to say anything. Why are you blaming this on me?"

"Because you should've said something! How many times has Hiro talked to me?"

His eyes hardened. "You didn't seem to mind. You accepted his advances. Why should I be the one to interfere?"

"Because that would be the right thing to do. And… because you're just Neji! I thought you're supposed to be this humble, logical—"

"You thought wrong."

"Well, I would've said something if I knew an engaged person was hitting on you!" Tenten finally burst out, and instantly wondered why she had said that. "First of all, it would be the right thing to do and honestly, I would care enough to say something."

"Maybe I don't care," Neji replied shortly and spun around, ending the conversation. "Call Haruno. We're going to be late."

Tenten didn't even reply. For some reason, she felt hurt that Neji didn't have the decency to tell her something like that. Didn't he care that Hiro was engaged and could get into a lot of trouble? Furthermore, didn't he care that she was being hit on? She shut her eyes, willed herself to feel calm, and entered the bathroom. She wouldn't let someone as careless as Neji upset her. "Sakura?" she called out. "Sakura, it's nine already."

"Huh?" The pink-haired kunoichi slowly emerged from one of the stalls, rubbing her eyes. "One hour passed already?" She smiled tiredly. "Oh well. Thanks, Tenten. I really appreciate…" Suddenly, she swayed back and forth and barely managed to steady herself. "What was I saying again?"

"Sakura, are you okay? You look really, really tired. Maybe you should take a day off."

"No, no, this is nothing. I have so many patients. I can't possibly take a break and let people down."

"Don't overexert yourself."

"I'll… be fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, of course. Go on ahead. Don't be late because of me… you don't want to face a stressed Tsunade-sama. She gets ticked off very easily nowadays and will probably rip off your head. Trust me, she can do that."

Tenten half-heartedly smiled at her friend's attempt at a joke and reluctantly left after a quick goodbye. Together with Neji, she stepped into Tsunade's office with an apprehensive smile. It was a lot smaller than the traditional room in the Hokage's tower; it was definitely too small to fit the ninjas already standing there. The Hokage herself sat behind her desk, but on it was a grinning Naruto. Next to him stood Sasuke, who looked more bored than anything else. Then there was the forever energetic Lee, Hiro, Kiba and then finally Shino.

"Neji, Tenten," Tsunade-sama barked. "You're late. Any reason why?"

Any normal ninja would've immediately apologised under her frightening stare, but Tenten smiled warmly instead. "We were helping Sakura watch the kids."

Naruto's eyes grew into the size of saucepans when Tsunade accepted the answer with a nod. "Why, I thank you on Sakura's behalf. That is very kind of you two."

"No problem. And sorry we're late."

"Don't worry dear, it's only been five minutes."

Every other ninja present in the room could only gape at the strange brunette. Their short-tempered Hokage was hardly ever that kind or patient. Finally, Neji cleared his throat and said, "Tsunade-sama, have you found another suitable person?"

The blonde woman sighed and looked through her list of available fighters. "Sadly, no. I've gathered as many ninjas as I can but I can't send a Jounin or ANBU member. You kids are all I've got." She pointed towards the only other female in the room. "Is Tenten good at fighting?"

"She'll do."

Sasuke cocked an eyebrow. "Is this her first mission?"

Neji answered for Tenten. "Yes."

"How can she possibly take on an A-ranked mission?"

The Hyuuga prodigy shrugged. "There's no one else."

"And I don't mind," Tenten piped up.

"I think Hinata-san would be a better choice," Shino advised wisely, readjusting his sunglasses. It was the first time he had spoken since he got here. "Tenten-san seems rather inexperienced, whereas Hinata-san is used to working with the rest of us."

"Yes, but Hinata is another Hyuuga. I have Hiro and Neji already… I can't send too many Hyuugas." She pretended to not notice the brief exchange of glances between the two Hyuugas. "And I can't send Ino or Sakura, either. I need them more than ever…"

"What about Gai-sensei?" Lee cried passionately. "He never fails once he puts his mind to it!"

"I've heard through many sources that various villages are waiting to infiltrate Konoha," Tsunade-sama said, her voice beginning to rise with irritation. "I can't afford to send off my strongest men or my medic nin. Besides, I believe that you eight will be able to complete this mission."

"What is our mission about, anyway?" Naruto asked, still perched casually on her desk. "And does anyone have food? I'm hungry."

"Wait until noon," Hiro murmured, yet the underlying annoyance was evident.

"Idiot, you just ate breakfast," Sasuke muttered.

"Excuse me? What did you call me?"

"We shall not fight!" Lee yelled at the top of his lungs and everyone automatically cringed. "We must work together, for the sake of the youth and—"

At that instant, Tsunade's patience snapped and she slammed her fist on the edge of her desk, so loud and hard that the thick oak wood splintered. "Silence! I didn't ask any of you to come here to bicker or squabble or do anything that will annoy me, now did I? I didn't think so! Now listen up or else you will be severely punished! And Naruto, get off my desk! Who the hell do you think you are?" With one flick of her finger, she sent Naruto flying. Sasuke helped his companion up.

"Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Hiro, Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Hyuuga Neji, and Tenten," she called out, identifying every ninja in her booming voice. Instantly, all eight teens straightened their backs. "You eight will be sent on a mission to the Land of Lightning to find the cure to the ongoing epidemic. Is this clear?"

She continued before anyone could reply. "Now, our relation with the Land of Lightning isn't perfect. Twelve years ago, they had attempted to kidnap Hinata to obtain the Byakuugan—the bloodline limit that all Hyuugas possess. Of course, her father was there to stop the abduction and immediately killed the intruder."

Meanwhile, Tenten was watching Neji from the corner of her eye. She couldn't help but frown a little; for some reason, he seemed tense.

"The Raikage used this murder against us, claiming that we had broken the treaty even though they were essentially the first to violate the terms. However, Konoha wasn't in the state to handle a war, especially against a powerful country. The Raikage offered a solution: they demanded for Hiashi's body. An eye for an eye, I suppose," Tsunade-sama continued steadily, addressing the questioning look Tenten had on her face. "Of course, we didn't give up the Hyuuga leader—we couldn't afford to. We found a solution. It involved tricking them, but it was worth a try. Hizashi—Neji's father who is also Hiashi's twin brother—stepped in and sacrificed himself."

Tenten's breath caught; so Neji's father really was dead. That meant that Neji had lost both his mother and his father at the age of four. Deep down, she felt a strange sadness wring at her heart.

"Hizashi had done it voluntarily, and it was a very heroic act," Tsunade added with a slight smile, gazing pointedly at Neji, whose impassive expression had never changed. "It prevented the outbreak of a war."

"Why did the Raikage want the Byakuugan?" Tenten asked in a small voice.

"The Hyuuga clan is one of Konoha's oldest, noblest and strongest clans. They are one of the reasons why Konoha is what it is. If the Raikage or any opponent figures out how the Byakuugan works, then they wouldn't have such a hard time dealing with Hyuuga fighters. That would be fatal and can ultimately lead to the clan's demise."

"Why did Neji's dad have to go instead of Hiashi-sama? What difference did it make? The Raikage would possess the Byakuugan either way."

"Simply put, the Byakuugan was sealed within Hizashi's body when he died."

"So the Raikage never got to figure out the Byakuugan?"

"No, he did not."

"So why didn't Hiashi-sama die instead? The Byakuugan would've been sealed."

The corners of the Hokage's mouth lifted the slightest bit. "It's slightly more complicated than that. You could say that killing Hizashi was our last option. The Raikage strictly asked for Hiashi's body, clearly implying that there would be major consequences if we didn't hand over the clan head's body. Yet we couldn't. Hizashi not only saved Konoha and the clan's bloodline limit—he also saved his own brother. Like I said, it was a very admirable act.

"However, about three months ago, some of the Raikage's men made an unexpected visit. I had been too careless—we all were. One of his men must have seen Hiashi recently and reported to the Raikage that he is, in fact, still alive. And then, a little less than two months later, I received the first patient with symptoms of a strange disease. Her name is Amaya. Neji and Tenten are actually familiar with her, am I correct?"

The two nodded, apprehensive.

"At first, I was convinced that she had brain tumours—that was what my doctors and I have deduced from examining her behaviour and x-rays. But her x-rays results were odd; they were always changing and the tumours would grow and shrink in size. Before I could look more into it, I began having a flood of patients, all claiming to be sick or feverish.

"I thought it was simply a flu going around. It is logical, considering that we are still in the middle of winter. However, one day, on a whim, I decided to take an x-ray of a few random patients. Turns out, they too had strange, moving things residing in their cranium. As time passed by, I noticed that these blobs would darken and develop more of an unknown substance that modifies the nerve impulses sent from the brain. Patients would throw tantrums, hallucinate, cough blood, vomit…

"Yet at the same time, sometimes these symptoms will completely disappear for a few hours and nothing would show up on x-rays. Then, they would collapse and end up weaker than ever. It's extremely difficult to figure out how this disease works and how to combat it. I haven't actually figured out how to block out these unknown substances. These immunity pills that I hand out work simply by strengthening your immune systems. It is definitely not a hundred percent effective, which is why some people who took the pill were also affected. Generally, people who are weaker in healthy catch the epidemic first.

"Thankfully, I did notice a constant pattern in the patients. After a certain amount of time, they reach a stage where they aren't contagious anymore. That is why Amaya was allowed to play with other kids.

"I need you eight to retrieve the cure, no matter what it takes. You must be extremely careful—remember to sleep well and take your supplements. Last time, Shikamaru and Chouji decided to fight in cold and wet conditions for three days straight and ended up catching the epidemic. They are now hospitalised."

"I'm not!" Naruto intercepted, yelling almost joyously. "I guess I have a really strong immune system, right?"

"This, I believe, is the Raikage's way of getting revenge," Tsunade continued, ignoring the overly excited blond. "I wasn't entirely surprised when I realised that it was the Raikage's men who were inserting bacteria or whatever it is into our herbs and medicine supply. They would intercept the deliveries and we would unknowingly distribute the herbs to our medicinal stores. Amaya's foster parents, the Tanakas, own the largest store in Konoha and therefore received a large supply of the contaminated herbs. I assume Amaya was the first to catch the disease because she is young and therefore weaker. However, the Tanakas came in a few days after Amaya, proving that this bacteria is capable of affecting anyone.

"This disease is lethal. It's unpredictable but it undoubtedly progresses and the patients' conditions worsen. I don't know when or how they're going to die… all I know is that this is probably the Raikage's way of getting his vengeance. After all, we did deceive him."

"It still gives him no right to do something like this," Tenten cried, crossing her arms.

"Perhaps, but there's also pride involved. To be frank, I don't know what the Raikage has up his sleeves. And I have a feeling that all the other countries know about Konoha's vulnerability at the moment—which is not a good thing." Tsunade stood up, gathering files. "You eight will leave tomorrow morning at seven o'clock sharp. The trip to the Lightning village should take approximately three days, depending on how many breaks you take. I suggest you all rest well. Although time is running out, I can't afford to have another eight ninjas hospitalised."

"Tsunade-sama," Shino said, "perhaps we should have two more fighters on our team."

"I would send Hinata, Shino, but I can't. She's the clan head's daughter, and I don't think it's a wise idea to send three Hyuugas to a corrupted Raikage who wants the Hyuuga bloodline limit. Out of them three, I think Hinata is weakest. She won't be able to defend herself as well as Neji and Hiro can."

"Hinata is very strong!" Naruto objected.

"Yes, she does have many admirable strengths but she is still just a Chuunin, whereas both Neji and Hiro are Jounin. They also have more experience."

"I still don't understand why Tenten is on this mission," Sasuke said, elevating an eyebrow. "No offence, but you are not ready."

"Enough!" Tsunade's voice rang with such finality that no one dared to make another statement. "There will be no more alterations. Leave tomorrow morning, and do whatever you can to get the cure. I hate to put unnecessary pressure on you guys, but I cannot emphasise enough how this mission is absolutely instrumental to the survival of Konoha. More than three quarters of the population is hospitalised and I absolutely need the cure. Do whatever it takes to get the cure. That is all. You are now all dismissed."

After they were dismissed, Tenten and Neji stopped by the cafeteria to eat their lunch together. It was a silent lunch hour for the both of them; Tenten didn't know what Neji was thinking, but she knew she had a bunch of questions to ask. Yet, she kept them in because she knew she shouldn't meddle in his life. After all, she only learned of his father's death because it was necessary background information for the mission. Neji hadn't told her for a reason—he clearly didn't want her to know.

Thankfully, Ino stopped by to tell Tenten that she could now visit Amaya. Tenten wasn't as ecstatic as she thought she should've been; she was convinced that the hospital made her feel especially sluggish and depressed. Or maybe it was just the silent, emotionless Neji.

They walked together to Amaya's room. Due to Tenten's request, Neji followed her into the room and stood near the door. There was a long pause during which no one moved or did anything—the two teens simply stared at the sleeping figure. Amaya was breathing softly into her mask, but Tenten's heart sank when she saw how much more hollow and sallow the eight year old's cheeks were. It didn't look right. Sure, she was alive but she was bedridden. Her awaiting fate did not change, either.

Finally, the brunette bent over Amaya and shook her gently to wake her up. The little girl's eyes slowly opened, and when they did, they regained a little spark. "Hi, nee-chan! Neji-kun is here too," she added joyously when she craned her neck. She took off her mask and breathed in deeply. "I'm so glad."

"Hey Amaya," the sixteen year old said softly, trying to maintain a cheerful smile. "How are you feeling?"

"It's so hard to breathe," Amaya whispered slowly between breaths, yet she shook her head when Tenten reached for the ventilation mask. "I don't like talking with that thing on."

Tenten's hand remained paralysed in the air, unsure as to whether she should or shouldn't put back on the mask. Finally, she bit her lip and dropped her hand. "I'm so sorry, Amaya. I shouldn't have brought you outside."

"Are you kidding me?" She grinned widely. "That was so much fun. I finally went to the aquarium and I made a snowman for the first time."

"Yes, but you were too sick to run around the snow like that, and you're like this because of me. You can't even play with all the other kids."

"I'd rather spend one super fun day with you than play with some kids," Amaya claimed stubbornly. She reached for a button near her bed, and slowly her bed retracted, allowing her to sit up straight without actually moving. "Thank you, Tenten-nee-chan and Neji-kun."

"Don't thank me… you're in this condition because I brought you out."

"I'm fine, really," Amaya insisted loudly, but it was impossible to hide her breathlessness. "It's not your fault anyway. I can't blame you because I'm sick. I just wish they would let me out. I'm so bored."

"Well, you still have many books to read and so many cool toys to play with."

"I read all of the books and I can't actually play with toys because I always have to stay in bed. Sakura-chan always stops by to see if I need anything, but I still feel lonely. And I always feel so tired." Amaya huffed impatiently. "I never thought that I would be so jealous of other kids."

"Why would you be jealous?"

"Because they're not sick, like me."

Tenten predicted the answer before it was voiced aloud; she had only asked because she had nothing else to say. Why else would Amaya be jealous of the other kids?

"I'm going to die, aren't I?" Amaya asked quietly.

"Why would you think that?"

"I've been sick for so long and I never get better. Sometimes I suddenly fall and I won't remember what happened. I see blood in my hands when I cough and I see rats and monsters in my nightmares. One time I dreamed of my mommy and she told me not to be scared. But I am, nee-chan. I don't think this will ever go away."

Tenten bit her lip, unable to respond. What could she say? That the sickness wasn't lethal? That Tsunade-sama had already found the cure? The truth was evident.

"I'm being selfish again," Amaya intoned suddenly, apologetically. "Tenten-nee-chan and Neji-kun are so kind to visit me but all I do is complain. I'm sorry. You must think I'm ungrateful, but really, I am thankful. No one really cares about an unwanted kid like me, but you do because you're so kind, nee-chan. Thank you."

"It's nothing," Tenten whispered. "You're a great kid, Amaya. Don't ever think otherwise."

"Really? You think so?"

"Yes, and that's why I chose to grant you three wishes," the kunoichi said cheerfully, faintly smiling. "I'm supposed to be your fairy godmother, just like the ones you see in fairytales. What else can I do for you, Amaya? What's your third wish?"

For a long period of time, the entire room was silent. The little blonde stared down at her tiny pale hands, breathing softly. Tenten fixed her eyes upon the little girl, and beside her was Neji, who silently observed them.

"I was a bad girl when I was really small," Amaya started softly, her gaze still cast downwards, her eyes lifeless and disappointed. "My mommy and daddy left me because I never liked the food they bought me. They didn't get a lot of money but I still wanted good food and nice toys so I always whined until I got what I want. Finally, they put me up for adoption because they didn't want me anymore. But I only wanted to be like the other kids that I saw on the streets. I just wanted to hold my parents' hands, and go shopping every week, and eat dinner together like you see in the movies…"

Tenten couldn't see the eight year old's face, but it was apparent that her lips were trembling. "I wanted to change but they didn't want me anymore, so they left me at the orphanage. I hated it there… it was even worse than home. The meals were always the same and the toys were old and scratchy… Tenten-nee-chan, I used to steal the other kids' toys and their candies because I thought if I was bad enough, then the orphanage would call my parents and send me back. But they never came. Instead, a really nice old lady took me in. I became good, because I knew that if I was bad again then she wouldn't want me anymore.

"I learned to like every toy, even if it was ugly and dirty. I became really happy. I joined the academy, I made a lot of friends, and sometimes I would even see mommy and daddy." Her voice was on the verge of breaking. "I promised myself that I would always be a good girl, no matter what… so…"

Amaya finally looked up at Tenten with tear-filled cerulean eyes. In a heartbreakingly pleading voice, she cried, "so why, why can't I live?"

Tenten averted her gaze, swallowing hard. Of course. What else could Amaya's third wish be?

"I always thought that if I was a good girl, if I ate everything the nurses gave me, if I didn't cry when I got needles, if I didn't yell anymore, then I would be able to live. I tried so hard to always smile… so why can't I live?" Her voice grew faint, but the underlying desperation was evident. Her shaky hands balled into tiny fists. "I thought if I tried hard enough, then…"

"Amaya, you will live." Tenten had trouble holding back her tears and quickly swiped at them. "Neji and I and a lot of strong ninjas are going to find the cure. We're going to come back with it, and you will live. That's your third wish, isn't it?" She smiled widely through her tears. "Then I promise that you'll live, Amaya. You will live, no matter what."

Amaya's big toothy grin was faint but genuine. "Really? Is that true, Neji-kun?"

Neji didn't move from his position but his eyes held a gentle expression. "Yes. We are leaving tomorrow morning."

"So there is a cure?"

"Of course." The brunette pressed the switch and Amaya's bed slowly reclined. "There are so many things that you can do once you're healthy again."

"I want to go rollerblading with nee-chan!"

"Exactly! I promise that we will do that." Tenten pulled the covers over the little blonde. "I'll be back tomorrow morning, right before I leave, okay?"

"Okay."

Tenten smiled tenderly, gently brushing away Amaya's bangs from her face. "Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Neji-kun, Tenten-nee-chan." The little blonde drifted off to a peaceful sleep before she could finish mumbling that sentence. She was extremely weak, and her cheeks were colourless and sunken in, but her lips were curved in a tiny smile. Despite her sickly state, her features held an angelic expression.

Only then did Tenten leave her seat. She suddenly realised how emotionally drained she was; she felt like she had been dealing with so much lately. She quickly wiped her tears with her sleeves and glanced at Neji.

"You shouldn't make empty promises to children," he said quietly once they exited the room.

"Who says that it's an empty promise?" Tenten countered instantly, staring confidently at Neji. Her deep brown eyes were filled with nothing but sheer determination; it was evident that her conviction was beyond all logic. "I'm not going to just sit back and watch as people die. We're going on this mission and we're going to find the cure to this disease."

"Other teams have failed. This is an A-ranked mission. Don't expect to find the cure and come back alive."

Tenten cocked her head sideways, smiling slightly. "Just watch me."

"Hideki-sama is dead."

The grim expression on Hiashi's face never changed. "I see."

"Are you sure? Is that confirmed by the doctors?" Hitoshi demanded, his voice rising. There was still a trace of denial in his eyes. Not that he was the only one; it was hard to believe that the greatest, almighty Elder, the one person who had enough clout to overturn the leader's decision, was dead.

"That is why I'm appointing my nephew as my successor."

"Hiashi-sama, you cannot do something this rash. You're not even close to the age of retiring."

"I am not as strong as I used to be." Hiashi was already in his late forties; most leaders retired by the time they were fifty. "While I'm aging, Neji is constantly becoming stronger."

"We cannot have Neji—he is a member of the branch family!"

"You're rejecting him because of a mark on his forehead? We can remove that, you know. It's a difficult process, but it's feasible."

"You—you simply cannot. What would become of the Hyuuga clan?"

"It will survive."

"You're not even dead yet. Why must we choose a leader now?"

"Because Neji is the only suitable person to take my position."

"Hiashi-sama," Hitashi sternly said, "you're displaying favouritism. Clearly, you prefer Neji because he is your nephew."

"I'm doing no such thing."

"Then why isn't he engaged? He's been sixteen for half a year now."

"That's because there was an imposter."

"There's no reason now."

"It's because you're still stubborn about that commoner, right?" Hisoka finally asked.

Hiashi didn't reply, but he took out an ancient scroll and opened it slowly. "The clan head always writes down the name of his successor here," he announced deliberately, knowing that they all knew of its contents and rituals. "Should anything happen to me…"

"Nothing will," Hisoka bravely stated. "We will not let the Raikage have your body or the Byakuugan."

"When I die," Hiashi continued anyway, "Hyuuga Neji will be the next Hyuuga leader."

The Elders were shocked and speechless as they watched the clan head carefully write "Hyuuga Neji" into the scroll. None of them wanted a member of the branch family to be their leader; they would rather have Hinata, a woman, or even a less skilled fighter like Hiro. Yet Hiashi did not even pause or hesitate as he made this permanent change to the scroll. When he was done, he glanced up, as if asking for any objections. His steady gaze did not waver for one moment.

"What if Neji dies before you do?"

Hiashi smiled grimly. "A ninja's life is always at risk."

"Today, Tsunade-sama confirmed that Neji along with seven other ninjas will be sent to the Land of Lightning to find the cure. Let us not forget that Akira, his former teammate and daughter of the Raikage, is going to fight him," Hitoshi said. "We all know that Akira has seriously injured him before."

"I have faith in Neji's abilities. He's stronger now."

"Maybe so, but he can easily die before you do. You know how reckless that boy is."

Hiashi gave one harsh laugh. "Aren't we all?"

"You can't afford to be. You will be the leader for as long as possible."

"There won't be a suitable leader in only two years."

"Hanabi-sama will be old enough then."

The clan head raised an eyebrow. "A woman has never been a leader."

"Neither has a member of a branch family."

"Why are we so afraid of change?" Hiashi slammed his hand down onto the wooden table, which shook greatly under the impact. "You and I both know that Hyuuga Neji is the only person fit enough to lead the clan. The decision has been made; his name is already on the scroll. Whether I die or retire, he will be the next leader." In a quieter voice, he added, "he deserves this."

"Fine," Hitoshi said, clearly irritated by the current leader.

"Fine," Hisoka repeated, equally peeved. "However, Neji will be our leader only if you die, and only if"—he smiled rather crookedly—"he doesn't die at the hands of his former teammate."

It was raining heavily in the land of lightning. The skies were dark and murky and the droplets pelted down against the rooftop like bullets. Akira sat in a dimly lit room across from her father, the Raikage, who sat in an ornate chair. Next to him stood a rather timid woman with long chestnut hair.

"We have to be patient, Father."

The middle-aged man impassively gazed at his daughter. "I don't like waiting."

"There's nothing more we can do at this point. We cannot afford to be hasty. All their strongest ninja are there, guarding the borders; I can't simply stride in and capture Tenten and a Hyuuga. Konoha already knows it's us who set the bacteria free. They've been sending some teams over to get the anecdote."

"At least our plan is working." He lazily glanced at his golden pocket watch. "When will a Hyuuga stop by, though? I don't want any more pestering, useless ninjas from Konoha."

"Hyuuga Hinata was sent with her team, but they all fled before I could capture her. The other ones were relatively easy to handle."

"Keep fighting off the useless ones. Keep doing so until a Hyuuga shows up—then capture him. I want that bloodline limit… Their secret needs to be exploited." His grip around the handle of his chair tightened. "I despise the Hyuugas."

"Father…" Akira paused momentarily, seeing that he was beginning to tremble. Even she, his daughter, could not understand his hatred for this specific clan. "You are not in the condition to stress yourself. Perhaps it's time to go to bed?"

"Don't treat me like I'm a child."

"Your heart is weak. Shall I get someone to fetch your medicine?"

"No." He inhaled sharply, and in his raspy voice, continued, "what else have you heard?"

"Well, my sources have told me that Hyuuga Neji and his team are coming."

This piqued the Raikage's interest, for a catlike grin slowly spread across his face. "Oh? Your former teammates are coming to fight you?"

Akira's voice lowered. "I suppose so."

"Interesting. And when will we retrieve Tenten?"

"We don't have to. I heard that she is accompanying Neji on his mission." Akira's lips curved into a small smirk. "Hitting two birds with one stone."

"Oh?" For the first time in a long while, the Raikage showed a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He began chuckling, rather maniacally. "Ah, how convenient. My own daughter is coming back home. Does she know who she is yet? Did she finally break free from that stupid seal your mother placed?"

Akira felt her hands balling into fists, but was grateful nothing could really be seen in the darkness. "I don't know."

"Your mother is so foolish, Akira, thinking that a mere seal will prevent me from gaining ultimate power. Your sister is a very important key. Just like you, Akira."

The brunette couldn't help but let out a sound of frustration. She hated the way her father denounced her mother and objectified Tenten. It grated against her nerves like no other. Although she knew she had no choice but to obey her father, she wanted to punch him hard in the face.

"Is there something wrong, my child?"

"Of course not, Father."

"This is for your own good, unless you want to run back to Konoha with your little friends and keep your memories buried deep in your mind."

How dare he? He was manipulating her and using her to get whatever he wanted because he knew her memories weren't fully intact.

She, too, had lost her memories a while back. She had found herself in the middle of Konoha years ago, not knowing who she was. She was quickly found, though, by a kind man and was luckily taken in by the orphanage he owned. Despite not knowing her identity she still moved on with life; she enrolled in the academy and grew up with Gai-sensei, Lee and Neji. However, everything changed when they went on a mission to the land of lightning.

"Akira, I can find the jutsu to break that seal of yours."

"How can I trust you?"

She had only been thirteen then. Somehow, during a mission with her team, a ninja had kidnapped her and brought her to the Raikage's tower. She instantly recognised the man as her father, since she had been having visions about him. She was absolutely ecstatic to have finally met someone from her rare visions; he was the key to knowing who she was.

"You are my precious daughter, and I don't want you to be in the dark all the time. So I will work hard to find a jutsu that will break that seal. In return, can you stay here? I will take you under my wing and make you as strong as possible. Do you accept this offer?"

She did, so she obeyed his commands and betrayed her team.

"Train hard, Akira. Learn these techniques and exceed all the other kids. And when the time comes, you have to find Tenten. Tenten is the key to gaining ultimate power."

"Who is Tenten?"

"Tenten is a person."

"Do I know her?"

"Perhaps."

Her father didn't even mention that Tenten was her own sister—she was apparently only an important person. Akira found out the truth only recently, after she came back from her failed mission in Konoha. It was rather devastating. To think that she couldn't recognise her own sister—

"Akira! Are you listening to me?"

"Sorry, Father."

The Raikage grunted in exasperation. "You must train hard, for your opponents will be somewhat familiar with your techniques. You must not get distracted—you should not care that Neji and Lee were your former teammates. If you must, you will kill them—oh wait, no. No matter what, you will bring Neji and Tenten back to me alive. I couldn't care less about the other ones. Is this understood?"

"Yes."

"Now, I shall wait patiently for the next few days. I am rather excited to see my daughter after so many years. How about you, Mirai? Don't you want to see Neji again?"

Akira refocused her attention towards the third person present in the room.

"Of course," the woman said quietly. "I haven't seen my son since he was four."

A/N: So, hopefully this extra long chapter makes up for the lack of updates. (I was aiming for a chapter each month… what a fail that was haha.) Anyways! So I think the story is (finally) progressing… although there's still quite a bit until the end of the story.

I shall go to bed now... it's currently three in the morning (Sunday) and today I have a piano recital (Sunday), but I somehow have to study for 2 tests (first two periods on Monday), community service after school on Monday, and I'm leaving for Washington Monday night, but I didn't even start packing yet. So... erm... yeah. Wish me luck on my piano recital! Well.. I kinda need luck for everything haha.

Thank you so much for reading & hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Love always,
Chigiri Sasaki