Hey Mina-San! Thanks for all of your reviews! I'm almost at 100! Wow! I'm completely blown away by your kindness. I love you all! so to answer a few questions, no my story is not over yet, and I don't plan to soon. I have more ideas floating around in my brain. I will let you know when that day comes I will make it clear that it is the end. After that, I may consider a sequel, depending on how my precious and beloved readers feel about it! But we will cross that bridge when we get there!
Chapter 21: The Wedding Party
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"Thank you, Tenten. I really appreciate this." Neji said as he sat across from Tenten and her new love. He could tell by the scowl on Sasuke's face that the Uchiha was displeased with the situation. Neji really never intended to piss him off or come in between the two, he simply and honestly wanted to see Hinata walk down the aisle.
"I suppose we have to get our story straight before we introduce you to..." Tenten started before hearing the sound of someone else pounding on her door. Tenten stood but was stopped when she felt Sasuke's cold hand gently holding onto her wrist.
"I will go." He said calmly. He then turned to Neji and looked at him seriously. "Juro."
"Oh, right." Neji knew immediately what Sasuke meant and transformed into Juro.
The dark haired Uchiha walked to the front door, latched onto the cool handle and swung it open to see an orange clad ninja. "Naruto." He said reluctantly. "Hinata." He said, a bit softer.
"Sassssuuukeee!" Naruto exclaimed. This made Sasuke sweat drop and his shoulders tended. "Is Tenten-Chan here? We wante to talk to you guys."
Sasuke was moments away from creating an excuse for her, shower, still sleeping, or sharpening her weapons on the training grounds, but that plan was instantly thwarted when she sneezed daintily in the background. It wasn't loud by any means, but Naruto heard it and barged right in past Sasuke. Sasuke then stepped out of the way for Hinata to enter. Once she was in, he closed the door.
Naruto was now in the living room where Juro stood next to Tenten. He kept staring at the two of them intently, his crystal blue eyes traveling to Tenten, then back to Juro. "Woah... Who's this guy, shimai?" Naruto asked as he scratched his blonde head.
Hinata's eyes were wide as she stared at the two. The similarities were almost creepy, then again, most of the Hyuga clan looked identical to one another. Without a doubt in her mind, the two were related. More closely than Tenten and Naruto.
"Naruto, Hinata this is my older brother, Juro." Tenten said kindly, a small hint of nervousness laced inside her voice.
This is where Neji truly amazed both Sasuke and Tenten, a normally cool and collects person, Neji gave no hints or traces of his former self. He did his very best at combining Tenten and Naruto's personalities. He extended his hand to Naruto.
"Nice to meet you, I heard a lot about you." Juro said with a cunning smile. As Naruto took his hand, Juro grasped it and pulled Naruto into a half hug.
Narutp smiled a large smile that could only come from him. "Awesome!" he exclaimed as he hugged his newfound cousin. "So that means we're related too right? How come we've never seen you before?" Naruto asked finally pulling away from Juro's embrace.
Tenten began to open her mouth to speak, but her brother turned to her and gave her a very recognizable stern look. She knew he probably had the whole thing planned out in his mind, so she went to Hinata and gave her a quick hug and offered to make some tea. Hinata decided to accompany Tenten in the kitchen while Juro explained to Naruto the story.
"Well as you know, my mother and your mother were sisters. When my mother was 16, she ran away from Konoha with the notorious criminal of the mist, Zabuza Momochi. They fell in love and had me right away." Juro smiled a nostalgic smile. "Then four years later, my mother became pregnant once more, with my sister. But she desperately missed her family. So, at 9 months pregnant, she came back to Konoha to visit your mother, who was also pregnant but in very early stages. The visit was quick, my mother was in danger being back in Konoha, so she decided to leave. On her way back to the mist, she was attacked by rouge ninjas."
Tenten listened in to the conversation as she and Hinata, made the tea. It sounded well thought out. Hinata too, listened in. Curious about this mysterious man.
Juro continued. "She fought them off, but the battle sent her into labor. She had my sister on the very outskirts of Konoha, but died shortly after. It was said that an Anbu black opps rescued the baby. Since my father's death, I wanted to see Konoha, to see how my mother grew up. I did research, asking villagers about an infant that may have been found on the outskirts of Konoha around 19 years ago, that lead me to your Hokage, who then lead me here. I was so thrilled to find out my precious little sister had survived."
Well shit, he sold that. I would believe him. Sasuke thought to himself surprised.
Naruto stared at the honey eyed man. "So... You grew up a criminal with Zabuza? " he asked curiously. It was amazing to him, that there was another living relative standing before him, he could really care less if he was a criminal at this point, but it would be good to know.
"Well I was four when my mother passed away. At that time my father wasn't so bad, but after her death he spiraled out of control and his father, my grandfather took me in. And he only just recently passed." Juro explained.
Tenten and Hinata brought out cups and the tea kettle and set them on the coffee table. "Come sit down boys." Tenten asked kindly. Her gaze then turned to Sasuke who looked a bit displeased. His arms were crossed, and his eyes were narrow, fixed on Juro. "Sasuke." She said, quietly. Sasuke jolted out of his trance and accompanied Tenten on the couch, Juro sat right next to Tenten also, on her opposite side. Hinata and Naruto siting blissfully on the love seat.
Tenten couldn't comprehend just how awkward the situation had become. She could feel the negative energy emitting from Sasuke on her left, and the positive energy emitting from Juro on her right. It was extremely awkward, but she did her utmost to keep that from showing.
"So what.." Hinata began softly. "What do you specialize in?" She finished.
"I'm glad you asked. I specialize in medical ninjutsu, and much like my sister, weapons." Juro answered.
No. You shouldn't have said that Neji. You know no matter what I will always have an edge when it comes to weapons. Tenten began to sweat, she only hoped he could follow through with that last statement.
"We should train together some time!" Naruto exclaimed.
Sasuke really didn't want Neji's cover to be blown, but he did, however want to see the skills he claimed to have. This would be entertaining, and he couldn't resist any longer. "Well actually we were all about to head to the training grounds. Why don't you two join us?" Sasuke asked, venom dripping profusely from each word.
Tenten darted a look at Sasuke, knowing full well he did it on purpose.
"Yeah! Alright!" Naruto said standing. "You okay with that, Hinata?" Naruto asked softly.
Hinata looked up at him and smiled. "Sure. I anything I'll just watch." she blushed.
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After Tenten changed into her normal get up, buns included, the group made their way to the training grounds. The entire way there, Sasuke wore a smirk. Tenten merely rolled her eyes. It wasn't like Juro was a threat to their relationship. she made it clear to Sasuke that she loved him now, but for some reason the competitive side of Sasuke only increased. Oddly enough it wasn't even Naruto bringing that out of him.
Hinata sat beneath a tree, watching the four as they configured their partners. Sasuke wanted to spar with Tenten so that Naruto could see how Juro really fought. Sasuke knew that it would be quite difficult for Neji to fight in a completely different style than he was used to, even more it would be difficult not to use his Byakugan.
"I call Tenten!" Sasuke said, as his fingers intertwined with hers, again she knew what Sasuke was doing. She was now at a cross roads, it was either protect Neji, and piss Sasuke off, or go along with Sasuke and hope that Neji didn't get caught. She thought for a minute, Neji was the one who made the statement, surely he thought he could follow through with it. So she sighed and obliged to Sasuke. But she wouldn't be going easy on him.
Juro was content with fighting Naruto, he would simply use Tenten's style. It wasn't important if he win, it was more important that he keep his true identity withheld. He knew even if Hinata saw him with her Byakugan she would not recognize him. Even his Chakra levels were drastically different than Neji's. Needless to say he was a bit weak.
Hinata watched as the battles progressed, she really paid no attention to Sasuke and Tenten, her eyes were fixated on Naruto and his shirtless, glistening body. She could tell he was going easy on Juro, but Juro seemed to be putting up a relatively good fight. Juro was fast but he was not accurate with weapons like Tenten. He was good but not direct. Sloppy. She shrugged, and enjoyed the view, her face growing a darker shade of red by the minute.
Tenten was perched in a tree, breathing heavily and staring down at Sasuke who was searching for her. She felt a bit dizzy, and extremely fatigued. Guess I should've had breakfast. She thought to herself as she wiped her brow. She wanted to spar more, but she had to catch her breath and regain some stamina, or else she would be in trouble. She was angry with herself that her body had betrayed her earlier. Sasuke had nicked her arm with her own Kunai. He caught the Kunai, and threw it right back. While she concealed herself, she watched Naruto and Juro sparring. Naruto was holding back a great deal, and Neji even more. He seemed to be doing well, Juro. She nodded and relaxed a bit, and as she did she lost her footing on the branch and began to fall. Shit. She thought as she reached for the branch, but her arms would just not move. Why... Can't...I...move? She thought quietly as she contemplated the impact to come.
Juro saw it. He saw the girl falling from the tree in the corner of his eye, he turned around and rushed toward her falling form, almost as if she was plummeting in slow motion. His arms extended, ready to catch the girl. Suddenly a dark flash rushed in front of Juro and caught the girl. Sasuke had seen it too, and due to the Sharingan, he easily beat Neji to the scene.
Tenten gasped as she landed in his arms, her dark eyes closed tightly.
"It's okay, Tenten." Sasuke whispered softly.
Juro sighed, relieved that she was okay, but frustrated Sasuke got to her first. Of course he wouldn't let that show. "Tenten! Are you okay?" He asked concerned.
Naruto looked at Sasuke and smiled. It made his heart happy to see his friend care so deeply for someone, but he could tell Juro wasn't too pleased at the moment.
"Thank you." Tenten whispered as she opened her eyes. "You can put me down now." She assured.
Sasuke slowly lowered the girl to her feet and released his grip on her. As soon as he did, Tenten took a step toward Hinata's direction, but her legs gave out and she began to fall forward, right into her brother's chest.
Juro wrapped his arms around her waist and stood her up. He immediately knew her stamina levels were much lower than regular. It was clear to Naruto and Sasuke as well. "Tenten." He said sweetly. "You need some rest okay?" He gently placed his warm palm atop her wound on her arm and began to heal it.
Tenten looked up at him wide eyed. It was so out of character for him, an for a moment she was quite happy he was her brother. Her surprised gaze turned into a soft smile. "Thanks." She said with a nod. "I just forgot to eat breakfast today, that must've been it. She pushed away from Juro and forced her legs to stand. Slowly she made her way to Hinata.
All three boys stared after her with concern. Neji knew there was more going on, but he couldn't exactly whip out his Byakugan eyes and examine her, so he decided to let it go.
Sasuke wasn't sure what was going through Tenten's mind at the time, but he watched after her hoping everything was okay.
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As the boys continued to spar, Tenten sat next to Hinata and decided to ask how the wedding planning was going, but before she could, Hinata spoke up.
"Are you alright, Tenten?" Hinata asked concerned.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine Hinata!" Tenten faked. she felt like she was moments away from a black out. "So how are wedding preparations coming?" She asked, avoiding any further questions about her own well being.
"Well." Hinata blushed. "I actually wanted to talk to you about that."
"What about it, Hinata?" Tenten asked curiously. Sitting down seemed to help. The urge to black out seemed less and less.
"Well I'd like you to be my maid of honor." Hinata smiled.
Tenten's eyes widened and almost became watery with tears. "What, why me?" She asked.
"Because Sakura has always been mean, and you've always been there for me. You helped Naruto propose. You are my family." She smiled sweetly.
"Oh Hinata." Tenten smiled. "I'd be honored to."
Hinata smiled once more, but her smile faded. "Tenten."
"Yes?"
"I'm scared." Hinata admitted.
Tenten sat up straight and looked at her friend.
"Have you and Sasuke... Uhm... You know..." She said with a bright blush.
Tenten was a bit caught off guard by the question, especially coming from Hinata. "Well..Yes.. We have." She blushed.
"Really?!" Hinata exclaimed almost excitedly.
Tenten only blushed more. "Yes. Why do you ask?"
"Well... Because my family has strict rules of waiting to.. You know.. till marriage, and Naruto has been really good about it. But the wedding is in 3 months. And I'm scared for when that day comes." she said looking down.
Tenten put an arm around her friend. "I know it can be a bit intimidating. And Sasuke and I may have been a little quick about things. But Naruto will guide you. I promise. It's really not bad at all Hinata, just trust him. And I'm sure when that day comes, you'll desire him as much as he desires you and them the fear won't be there anymore." She said smiling as she assured her friend.
Hinata sighed relieved. "Thank you so much, Tenten." She said happily. Tenten nodded and smiled.
Sortly after this conversation, Juro, Sasuke and Naruto made their way up to the girls, all three rather tired from the continued sparring. Hinata looked up at Naruto. "Have you talked to Sasuke?"
Naruto scratched his head. "Well.. No.."
"Talk to me about what?" Sasuke asked curiously.
"Well.. Sasuke I was kinda wondering if you would be... Y'know... My best man." Naruto asked nervously.
"No." Sasuke answered plainly.
"What?! Why?!" Naruto burst. "Tenten's gonna be Hinata's maid of honor, you get to walk with her you ass hole!"
Sasuke let out a loud and heavy sigh. "Fine, dweeb. But it's no for you, it's for Tenten and Hinata." Sasuke said reluctantly.
"Now you just need to find one more." Hinata smiled.
"Wait who's your other brides maid Hinata?" Tenten asked.
"Well, you know Ino and Sakura stopped talking right? Well Ino is gonna be in it too. Is that okay? She's been really nice lately." Hinata said almost sheepishly.
"Yeah. It's your wedding Hinata! I would be okay even if you wanted Sakura in it. It's your day." Tenten said kindly.
Hinata sighed once more relieved by Tenten's words.
"Hey!" Naruto blurted again. "Why not Juro?! I mean, you are family!"
"What? Are you sure?" Juro replied, completely surprised. He knew it would be easy to be invited, but the last thing he expected was to be asked to be a part of the wedding.
"Yeah! It'll be awesome!" Naruto smiled.
"Well yeah, I would be honored Naruto, Hinata." Juro smiled kindly at the two.
"Great, now we both have our wedding party decided." Naruto said.
"Tomorrow morning we're dress shopping. You three can try on tux's." Hinata said with a twinkling in her eye.
