Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
The team went at a much slower pace than usual. They were actually walking. A surprising situation, especially for Team Guy, due to a number of factors. Mainly, because Masayuki was not exactly at ninja levels for speed and stamina, if anything she was lacking athletic skill in the general sense. She wouldn't be able to keep up if they went at regular speed and carrying her would slow them down anyway. The other, less crucial reason, was that they're not really in that much of a rush. Her wedding wasn't for at least a month and there weren't any pre-emptive signs that enemies were after her. But the team was still on alert for any threats that would come their way.
As Tenten expected, this was turning out to be an extremely boring mission, and it was only the beginning of the first day. Lee and Guy walked in front and were sharing their excitement at trying new tea blends in the country they were headed towards. Behind them walked Neji and Tenten with Masayuki in between. Masayuki attempted to engage in conversation with Neji who was just politely answering all her questions and not really making much conversation back. After, giving up on Neji she turned to Tenten for conversation.
"So, you look about my age, how old are you?" she asked in a bored but still haughty sounding tone.
"I just turned seventeen,"
"Oh how funny, I'm seventeen, too" she said chuckling to herself.
"What's so funny?" asked an exasperated Tenten, 'Talking to this girl for even five minutes just pisses me off.'
"Well, I was just thinking that were the same age but my life is going places, since I'm marrying the son of the Daimyo of the Land of Tea and well you're just a lowly ninja who has to escort important people like me around for the rest of her life."
"What the hell do you mea-" started Tenten
But Masayuki ignored the dumbfounded stares being given to her by both Tenten and Neji and continued, in the process cutting Tenten off mid sentence for the second time in one day.
"I'd be surprised if you ever got married, who would ever want to be with a Kunoichi?"
"Would you just shut up, you bitch," was Tenten's response, proud that she restrained herself from hitting the irritating girl.
"I think I'll take up the rear," she added, slowing her pace and leaving Neji with Masayuki. Neji could see through her tough exterior that Tenten had been a little hurt by Masayuki's words.
Neji was left walking awkwardly beside Masayuki, the girl was being extremely rude but in a way he did feel a little bit bad for her, too. He knew what it was like to come from a controlling family and there was no doubt in his mind that she was going through with an arranged marriage, even if she hadn't yet said it.
Masayuki was very quiet for the first time the whole day. She didn't talk much for the rest of the day, either.
Eventually, they decided to stop and set up camp for the night. Tenten and Guy worked on setting up the tent while Lee and Neji tried get a fire going to cook dinner. Guy, who was better at reading the mood then Lee at least, noticed how the tension that had developed between his sole female student and the Daimyo's niece.
"Did something happen between you and Masayuki-sama today, you both seem a little bit upset?" he asked with concern.
"It was nothing, we just had a small disagreement, I'm over it, it won't interfere with the mission."
"Why do you think two Jounin class ninjas were assigned to this mission?"
"I hadn't really thought about it, but now that you mention it that does seem a little odd."
"Two Jounin's were assigned to this mission because her marriage directly affects the prosperity of the Land of Fire, trade between Fire and Tea was declining so this marriage will strengthen ties between the two countries and the Land of Tea threatened to hire mercenaries to go to war with Fire if it does not happen,"
Realization spread across the brunette's face, "So someone who wants to hurt the stability of the Land of Fire would go after her, I think I understand now, thank you Guy-sensei."
They finished putting up the tent and made their way back to Lee and Neji who appeared to have attempted to concoct something edible. Cooking was not usually a top skill among a ninjas repertoire. At least, not the one's on Tenten's team.
They sat around the small fire and ate; the food was edible but not great. The mood seemed to have lightened slightly from earlier tension and Lee even got Masayuki to join in when he started talking about Sakura. Relationships seemed to be more of a common ground for her as opposed to weapons and attack formations.
"Sakura-san is so wonderful, she is like a symbol of youth, her rejection makes me want to work even harder to win her love!" he exclaimed passionately.
Tenten tapped a finger to her lips, grinning at the fond memories, "I remember back at the start of the Chuunin Exams when you declared that you would always protect her, Sakura looked about ready to run after that one."
"I think that's sweet Lee, that Sakura doesn't know what she's missing" responded Masayuki, seemingly out of character, to the momentarily down Lee. However, upon hearing Masayuki's kind words he swiftly reverted to his more cheery self.
Tenten was, honestly, surprised to hear such kindness coming from Masayuki. But then she remembered how Guy had implied that her marriage was arranged and was only political. Masayuki probably would not have the luxury of having a crush and then falling in love. Thinking like that, Tenten almost felt bad for her. Almost.
The night was winding down and they would have an early start tomorrow. They would get up around six and continue their journey to the Land of Tea.
"Mmmm, I'm tired" said Tenten yawning and looking at the tent longingly, "How should we divide the watch?"
"It was decided that Tenten would have the first watch, then Lee, then Guy, and finally Neji. They would switch every two and a half hours.
Soon after the others went into the tent, wanting to get as much rest as possible. Tenten was left alone making sure no intruders appeared. She sat at the camp trying to stay alert. No intruder, or wild animals, or anything like that appeared. However, half way through she began to feel ill and dizzy again, similar to when she woke up that morning. She ended up throwing up her dinner from earlier. Then she finished her watch without incident and would not mention the little episode to her teammates. 'It was probably Lee's weird cooking, hell he loves that crazy Curry of Life' is all Tenten thought to herself.
She went into the tent, and at first gently tapped Lee, who was out like a light, she ended up lightly slapping his cheek and hissing, "You're up, Lee!" before collapsing in her sleeping bag between Masayuki and Neji.
Note: Hi so here's the second chapter. Honestly, it was painful to write and I think it ended up being too boring. I'll try to add so more action to the next one if you decide to stick with me after this. Thanks =)