Hi Mina! Thank you for reading. I hope that you've all enjoyed so far. I'm sorry it's taken me a little while to get this next chapter up. I know you've heard it before, but I've been busy! Forgive me! I really appreciate the followers! Please continue to read and review! Also, sorry for any misspellings, I write on my phone and iPad a lot, so sometimes my words get changed or I type too fast and don't realize. I need to slow down *embarrassed!* just so you know, I've rewritten this chapter several times! Please enjoy this one, it took me a while! Admittedly, I did have some writers block. So this chapter is more of a filler/lighthearted one. Warning: Sakura is mean in this chapter.
Chapter 7 * Rivalry!
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"I'm telling you the truth!" Ino exclaimed to her perplexed pink haired companion.
"So, You're saying that you saw Sasuke, without a shirt, with Tenten leaving Tenten's apartment early this morning while you were out to get our coffee?! What was he doing at her house so early?!" Sakura pounded her fists on the examination table, sending the fish that their young student, Hanabi, was going to revive flying through the tense air.
"Okay, here's how it went down..." Ino started, as she laid out a scene for Sakura. "I woke up extra early today, got a shower, and got.."
"I don't wanna hear your entire routine, just tell me what you saw!" Sakura exclaimed. Ino seemed to be toying with her a bit, since she wasn't single and she knew Sasuke still made Sakura weak in the knees. Ino hadn't been interested in Sasuke for some time, since she met Sai.
Ino smiled a wide grin and winked a blue eye. "Alright, calm down billboard brow.. Sheesh.." She giggled. "So anyway, After meeting with you to ask you what you wanted, I left the medical facility and as I was passing the apartment complex Tenten lives in and I heard whispering. It was still dark outside, so I hid behind a merchant stand and peaked over it."At this point, Ino was reenacting the entire thing, she was now crouching behind the examination table and peaking Over it, revealing thick black eyelashes and icy eyes. "Sasuke was opening the door for Tenten and she walked out of her apartment smiling at him. They both seemed kind of tired. Like they stayed up late." Ino said, raisin her eyebrows up and down. Sakura's face went from annoyed, to sheer and utter anger. "And he was indeed shirtless." She paused. "And shoeless, now that I think about it."
"What's that supposed to mean, you think they..?" Sakura clenched her fists and glowered at her blonde peer, hoping to extract more information with a death glare.
"Sakura," Ino stood, putting her hands on her hips. "You know damn well what that means. He stayed the night." Ino smirked. Part of her was slightly glad to see Sakura so frustrated, but at the same time, she wanted her to be happy. She wanted her to get on with life, and go for Shikamaru, or someone other than the man who would never love her.
"No, Tenten wouldn't do that, would she? I mean, I don't know the details of her relationship with Neji, but I heard she had counseling about his death. I think they were maybe together, Ino." Sakura crossed her arms across her chest.
"I..if I could say something.." Hanabi chimed in. Ino and Sakura both turned their heads to look at the young Hyuga before them. "This is a secret, so don't tell anyone I told you, but my cousin, Neji, he was in love with Tenten."
"Aw!" Ino exclaimed, she clasped her hands together tightly. Immediately she knew that Tenten must be facing a rough time, dealing with his death.
"And he was going to marry her. My daddy had said he would make an exception, and let Tenten in the clan." Hanabi explained.
"really?" Sakura said, menacingly.
"Sakura, what are you planning?" Ino asked, sternly.
"Hanabi, thanks for the info, let's work on training tomorrow, okay? Ino and I have some things we need to take care of today." Sakura ushered the girl out of the room without letting her speak anything more and closed the door once Hanabi was out.
"Well I had no idea about Neji and Tenten, did you, Sakura?" Ino asked as she scratched the top of her blonde head.
Sakura grinned and rubbed her hands together. "No, but now that I do, it's enough to get Sasuke away from her slutty grip!" Sakura was determined to win Sasuke's heart. She was so dedicated to him, she was even willing to kill him rather than see him walk the path of darkness.
"Sakura! Tenten is not a slut! How dare you be so mean! At least get your facts straight before you make accusations." Ino scolded, followed by a roll of the eyes.
"Well we're gonna do just that!"
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It was about noon when team Gai finally took a break from their intense training. They had done about three laps around the entire village, target practice, individual sparring sessions with Gai sensei, and time to work on their own personal specialties. For Lee, it was Tai Justu, for Tenten it was target perfection and Ninjutsu, and Sasuke, Genjutsu. The four sat in the lush grasses of the training grounds and began to eat their lunches.
Tenten sat in between Lee and Sasuke as Gai sat across from them. She was thinking of the night before, and how the Uchiha had come to her aid just in time. Although she would aggressively deny it, she enjoyed his company that night. She was terrified to sleep alone, so he was kind enough to lay with her as she slept. She had never slept more peacefully in her life, but if anyone asked, she'd say it was due to the vast amount Of alcohol she had consumed. She had started to realize why Neji said the things he did in that dream. She knew that Neji could most likely see the big picture, and that he, more than anything, wanted the best for her. Although rivaling clans, Neji saw potential in Sasuke. Most likely due to their similarities. She sighed inwardly, so many thoughts went through her mind. She watched Sasuke eat silently next to her. She could tell he was exhausted, she assumed he probably hadn't slept due to worry. Tenten felt bad for dragging him into her crazy world of mixed emotion. She caught herself smiling at his bare chest, as the wind gracefully blew his white shirt more open. Sasuke had insisted they grab some clothes from his place before they began their training.
Sasuke, in turn, was studying Tenten. She seemed as though her emotions were in check and she was doing much better than the night they were reacquainted at Neji's grave. He was completely drained, he hadn't slept a wink the night before, being too concerned for his bun haired companion. It was worth it to him, though. They had lay there together in silence until she fell asleep. He smiled to himself as he remembered the way she slept. Tenten liked to snuggle, she would wrap her arms and legs around him and hold onto him tightly and press her body against bis. He loved how she would sigh and smile in her sleep. Her long hair would tickle his face whenever she wiggles to readjust her position, and she snored softly when she found the deepest part of her slumber. It appeared to him, that Tenten had slept well, and nightmare free. He hadn't mentioned to the rest of the team the incident, or the fact that he stayed the night with her, Tenten had asked him to keep it quiet, and so he would. He reflected on their training sessions earlier, and he found himself impressed with her stamina and most definitely her aim. She hit the targets dead center every time, without falter. Sasuke, although nearly perfect, couldn't even have that consistency.
Gai smiled to himself as he watched Tenten and Lee openly accept Sasuke as their new member. He could tell they were both making sure Sasuke was doing okay, he was easily able to keep up with them, as though he was already conditioned to their rigorous training. Although Gai missed Neji greatly, he was thrilled Sasuke was on the team, and determined to be a great Sensei for him. He could also tell that Tenten seemed more at ease with Sasuke than she had been the day before. Maybe it was die to the fact Gai continually reminded them that this training was to help build up their team spirit, and to edify them each individually.
"Has everyone eaten enough? Shall we continue training, Sensei?!" Lee asked, jumping to his feet, his face determined and strong.
Gai Wiped his hands on his pants and stood. "I think that's a great idea, Lee, but i believe Sasuke needs to be studying for his upcoming exams. I was about to speak with Tsunade about the soonest dates available."
Sakura and Ino had been spying on the group since early morning, when they resolved to find out more information. They were both in henges, disguised as two small cats. Ino insisted they leave as soon as they found out Sasuke was now on team Gai, but Sakura was determined to find the answers she sought.
"Sakura, come on! They're obviously just training. I don't see anything romantic between them." Ino plead. They'd been watching the team train for what felt like an eternity.
"No, Ino! Something is definitely fishy, and why would Sasuke be taking exams anyway?"
"Well duh he probably wants to move up a rank or two."
"Tsunade decides when you become a Jonnin, so obviously he was demoted. He was a Genin when he left Konoha. Don't you pay attention, Ino?"
"Hey look, Kakashi! Two kitties! Aw come here kitties!" Naruto spotted Ino and Sakura and rushed toward them. He was on his way to go do some training with Kakashi Sensei, but just like Naruto normally does, he got distracted.
Ino and Sakura both appeared in front of Naruto with a puff of smoke, before he could attack them. Sakura was fuming and agitated Naruto had interrupted their spy session, although Ino was quite relived. Kakashi walled up slowly, slightly annoyed by Naruto's short attention span.
"It appears we have visitors!" Gai chimed after hearing the voices in the distant foliage.
"They've been watching us for hours now. Sakura and Ino that is. Naruto just walked up, along with Kakashi Sensei." Sasuke said cooly, as he stood.
"Great powers of observation, my new student. Let's invite them over. My rival and closest companion, Kakashi! Come out here!" Gai yelled.
"Well good job, Naruto, you blew our cover!" Sakura whined as the four made their way out to where Gai and his students were located.
Sasuke watched silently as his former sensei approached. He had missed Kakashi a great deal while he was away, although he would not admit it.
"Well I heard you were back in town, Sasuke. You here for good?" Kakashi said, as he placed a firm hand on Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke have him a nod in reply.
"I hope to be. Good to see you, Kakashi Sensei." Sasuke gave him a knowing look, as if to say he was sorry. Kakashi understood and gave a nod, followed by the closing of his uncovered eye as he smiled.
"Looks like I'm not your sensei anymore." Kakashi said with a chuckle as he gestured to Gai.
"Well.." Gai started before Naruto loudly interrupted.
"So you're on bushy brow's team now, eh Sasuke? Well I bet our team can kick your team's asses!" He said with gusto as he pounded his chest.
Normally, Sakura would avoid any type of conflict with teams from Konoha, she had stopped fighting with Ino long ago, but this time, she had something to prove. She wanted to show Sasuke how strong she was, and kick the bun haired girl's ass for staying the night with her man. "Yeah! I bet we could!" She yelled.
"Looks like we have a challenge on our hands, eh Gai?" Kakashi said, scratching his head.
Tenten looked at Sakura in confusion. Sakura wasn't one to have anything personal against Tenten, or team Gai for that matter. She could understand Naruto wanting to fight Sasuke.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, annoyed. He knew eventually Naruto would challenge him. He knew that if they fought, it would be intense and full hearted. He didn't want to fight him now, it would hinder him from training and studying for the exams. Sasuke knew exactly why Sakura had so eagerly agreed with Naruto. He could see the jealousy all over her face.
"I do believe so, my rival! But, I'm afraid Sasuke has some studying to do." Gai said, shaking his head. "How about we have a grand battle of youth some other time?"
"I'll fight!" Sakura exclaimed. "I'll fight with Tenten." She crossed her arms and glowered at Tenten. Ino sighed loudly and shook her head, ashamed of her friend.
"Ah sweet! A chick battle!" Naruto chimed with a wide smile.
"That would be a battle worth watching, I have faith in you, Tenten! Although I do with you luck as well, Sakura Chan." Lee said with a blush. Lee knew exactly who would win the battle, but he still had feelings for the pink haired Konoichi. Tenten, now baffled, lowered her brows and narrowed her eyes. There was no way she would be intimidated.
"Sakura, don't be rash!" Ino plead, placing a hand on Sakura'a shoulder behind her. Sakura, still fired up, pushed Ino's hand off her shoulder and put a scowl on her face.
"Shut up, Ino. Listen, Tenten, you were engaged to Neji, so why did Sasuke stay at your house last night?! You need to explain, because Sasuke Kun deserves to know about you and Neji If you guys are sleeping together!" Sakura burst, she hasn't expected to say all that, but she was angry that Sasuke wasn't even talking to her, yet he could spend the night at some girl he barely knew's place.
Sasuke's eyes widened and then narrowed into a glare. He looked over at Tenten who seemed more than upset. He could tell she was absolutely infuriated and he could see a tinge of pain in her face.
"Who told you that?! Huh?!" Tenten screamed angrily at Sakura. She had a Kunai tightly clenched in her right hand.
"Hanabi, and Ino saw you and Sasuke sneaking around this morning." Sakura retorted, pleased that she had struck a chord with Tenten.
Tenten inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself, but it wasn't working. The pink haired girl had come out if no where and ruined her first decent day since Neji's passing. Gai sensei gave Kakashi a nod and Kakashi began to usher Sakura away, but she pushed past his grip and ran toward Tenten with a Kunai of her own in her hand.
Tenten braced herself for battle and took a stance. If Sakura wanted to fight over who knows what, then so be it. Tenten was angry that Sakura would be so disrespectful toward her, when Tenten was completely innocent. She was also angry she had no respect for Neji or the team who was still dealing with his loss. Tenten reached for her scroll, but her eyes widened when Sasuke stepped in front of Tenten and spread his arms out. Sakura skidded to a stop and looked Sasuke dead in the eye. She had never seen Sasuke look more frightening in her life. He lopked angry and determined as he glowered down at her. His eyes red and narrow, capturing Sakura in an intense, aggressive glare. Sasuke was not about to let Sakura near Tenten. Sasuke didn't care if Tenten was engaged to Neji, it was her life and he knew that. He knew that he had his own past that Tenten never seemed to blame him for. It was time Sasuke put Sakura in her place, and let her know it would never work between them.
"Sakura!" He yelled. "How could you be so immature? Tenten hasn't done anything wrong." He quieted his voice as he said Tenten's name. Something about her, that troubled Konoichi, sparked something intense and passion inside of him. "Yorest ill think that some day I'm going to admit that I love you? That's never going to happen. How dare you come here and make such accusations About Tenten, and you don't even know her!"
Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes and she looked down sorrowfully. She knew Sasuke was right in the fact that she was immature, but her hopes and dreams had just been dashed right before her very eyes. Immediately she turned and ran off, Ino quickly followed.
Naruto and Lee both stood in awe of what just happened. Both knowing how Sasuke was normally not that protective of anyone. He had said some harsh, strong words while defending Tenten.
"I've never seen Sakura act so mean, I'm so sorry, Tenten Chan." Kakashi apologized on behalf of his unruly student. Kakashi then have Gai and the team a nod and ran after Sakura to reprimand her.
Tenten's heart was still pounding him her chest from the words that Sasuke had spoken. How could she have forgotten, Sakura was completely in love with Sasuke since she first laid eyes on him. Tenten would've tried to assure Sakura that they were only friends and teammates, but apparently Sasuke had some things of his own to voice to her. for the first time in her life, Tenten was actually glad someone stepped in and defended her, and spoke up for her. Tenten would normally retort and get just as nasty if she needed to, but she didn't have to.
"Hey, Tenten.. I'm sorry too. Sakura just really missed Sasuke I guess." Naruto started as he saw Tenten emerge from behind Sasuke. "Sasuke..." He paused for a moment and gave him a knowing smile. "Glad you finally told Sakura to back off. Oh, and I'm still gonna kick your ass! Haha, believe it!"
"Once Sasuke's done with his exams, we shall have a team V.S team challenge!" Gai shouted, as he placed his hand down and out.
"Yes! Absolutely!" Lee exclaimed, putting his hand atop of Gai's.
"Sasuke, now you gotta do all that goofy shit! Haha!" Naruto laughed as he watched Tenten reluctantly place her hand atop Lee's after a loud grunt from Gai.
Sasuke, despite Naruto's mockery, placed his hand atop Tenten's proudly. Although he would openly admit that his team had the weirdest sense of style, they were closer knit than any other team he had ever seen. Just in The few hours of training with them, Sasuke realized they were more then a team, but they were a family. Gai took the time to grow them in strength and spirit. They would never let a member down, always looking out for each other, and trying to find ways to help improve as a whole. It moved Sasuke, and he had decided that he would protect the entire team, Goofy as they were, with his life. He was starting to understand what Itachi meant. Though it hurt him deeply to see Itachi go, he knew Itachi was looking out for him. He knew Neji was looking out for Tenten.
Naruto looked at the team before him. He shook his blonde head and smiled. I gotta get our team to do that. "Well, I guess since we aren't on the same team, we'll be kinda like rivals huh? Anyway, guys, see you around! Good luck with exams, Sasuke." Naruto gave them a wide smile and ran after his companions.
Lee immediately want to Tenten and hugged her. "I'm sorry, Tenten. I didn't know. Are you alright?"
Tenten sighed and hugged Lee back. She knew she was alright, thanks to those around her now. But that didn't mean there were still broken pieces of her heart scattered around her. "Thanks Lee, I'm okay, really." Tenten assured as she hugged hi back. The two held on for a moment and then broke apart. Tenten then turned to Sasuke. "Thank you, for everything." She gave him a small smile. Sasuke could tell there was more that she wanted to say, but he didn't push. He simply gave her a nod, and a knowing smile of his own.
"Tenten, maybe you can help Sasuke study and prepare for the exams that will test his youthfulness!" Gai said with a wink.
"Tenten is a great study partner, Sasuke." Lee prided With a smile. Lee was still a little in shock after hearing about Neji and Tenten. He wondered why he never knew about any of it. Sure, he knew they were both crazy about each other, but he didn't know they had actually been together. He figured that must've been a request from Neji, seeing as how Tenten had no lineage of her own, an how Neji was very tactful and serious about being a Shinobi, he would never want anything to come in the way of that. He figured Tenten had her reasons for not telling him, so he decided to let it go.
Gai, nor Lee, bothered to question Sasuke and Tenten about the accusations of the two sneaking around together. Tenten assumed it was because they trusted Tenten one hundred percent. Tenten offered to help Sasuke study back at the Uchiha complex in order to ready him for the exams. Sasuke was more than happy to accept her offer.
