So I'm back (woo not a year wooo). Also with RWBY back up again the amount of cool weapons and fight scenes I get to watch has increased to awesome levels again. Anyway on with the chapter... back to the plot next time...
I own nothing in this story. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto and Avatar the Last Airbender toMichael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko
Tales of Ba Sing Se – Tenten
The floorboards creaked as Tenten awoke. The green shutters opening and closing slightly, waving in the early morning breeze. She weaved through the furniture, not waking her companions as she made her way through the main room and into the kitchen area. Taking a wooden cup from a counter and pouring herself a glass of water. Returning to the bedroom, she left the messy main room, with mattresses, futons and sheets strewn about everywhere for the more calm and organised futons of her and her two team mates. Lee's was neatly tidied away, as always. Not even a mission would get in the way of his training, in fact sometimes Tenten wondered if missions got in the way of his training. She made her way back to her futon and sat down, glancing over at Neji, who was predictably meditating on his neatly tidied bedding. She sipped her water quietly, not wanting to disturb Neji's concentration. Not that it mattered too much she figured, Neji had such good composure she'd never actually disrupt him. Then again, on second thought his composure was so good even if she did she doubted she would be able to tell.
She quietly sat there, drinking her water until she had to go back to deposit the cup in the kitchen. On the way back she was greeted by a semi awake Katara and what she thought was something that would translate into "Morning" from a very sleepy Sokka. She sent Sokka a return, far more audible, "Morning" as she closed the door to her room. Nodding at Neji as he stretched himself out.
"Good morning Tenten" he said, smiling lightly at her.
"Good morning Neji" She smiled back. "Sleep well?"
"Yes thank you."
"So how have things been since we got separated? You seem to have acquired a house" Neji stated more then asked the question.
"Well it's a long story and…" She trailed off as they turned and looked at the door as Katara, not quite shouted at Toph with a muted thump occurring not soon after. A few peaceful seconds later the door to their room slid open and Lee appeared, exclaiming his youthful greeting.
"Hello to you Lee" Tenten replied, smiling slightly as she heard the more serious "Morning" from Neji. Tenten watched as Lee busied himself with gathering his supplies now that his morning warm up was finished.
"I was thinking of giving Neji a tour of the upper city today and explaining what happened to us since we got separated" Tenten said, catching Neji nodding in agreement in her peripheral vision. Lee turned, smiling. "That sounds like a good idea" he replied. "I'm going to explore the city, see what I can find".
With that Lee sent a final grin to them and turned and disappeared through the doors, leaving the house behind Toph and Katara. Tenten smiled at Neji as the doors slid closed.
"So then, shall we?" she nodded towards the door, unable to remove the grin from her face as Neji nodded in agreement and stood to follow after her.
The upper ring had its perks, Tenten certainly couldn't fault it on its selection of tea shops. The one she and Neji were currently sat in had an amazing selection of teas, some combining herbs and flavours that she'd never heard of with things that just didn't seem sensible. The tea house itself was an impressive building and its design and menu told leagues about the decadence behind it purpose. The building had long, cream coloured stone pillars with intricate designs and patterns sculpted into both the top and bottom. The pillars held up a roof, extending several feet past the cream stone walls of the actual building with a stone fence defending the walls. Each of the pillars making up the fence had the same intricate designs of their bigger cousins. The roof itself shone in the morning light. The dark green tiles gleamed like emeralds and if Tenten had not known better she would have sworn some had been used in the construction process. The arches between pillars had gold embellishments, which time and weather had yet to fade. Two sturdy oak doors guarded the entry way, stained a dark forest green with what looked like actual gold handles and embellishments.
The inside was not any less impressive. The building was split into two sections. Tenten and Neji were currently sitting inside at a finely carved wooden table. Badger moles were carved onto the legs and looked so lifelike that without closer inspection it looked like actual badger mole cubs were trying to climb up. The table itself had a white cloth draped over it to protect the table and had been embroidered with golds and greens and browns. The strands of colour twisting and around and over each other, forming intricate patterns. A delicate looking vase sat on the middle of the table, with some tulips sitting within. A steaming fine china pot sat next to it, containing Tenten's herbal tea. The faint smell of citrus and spice and herbs in the air. Neji's cup of green tea sat nearby as well, a faint trail of team rising from it. Other similar tables were dotted around the inner square ring, finely carved wooden chairs and tables positioned with plenty of space around them. Potted plants mingled around the tables, adding more and more shades of green to the room as fine paintings and carvings lined the walls. Tenten shifted on the dark green cushion underneath her, gold tassels and thread highlighting the edges and corners as she paused to look out into the inner courtyard.
The second half of the building was actually and inside courtyard. The grass swayed slightly in a breeze, which seemingly had no right to be there. Stone slabs had been set down for the wooden tables to sit upon, protecting both the tables and inside gardens. On the subject of the garden Tenten had never seen so many green and yellow and gold and brown flowers together before. Stepping stones led to the tables with a strict keep off the grass and garden policy. A small rockery sat in one of the corners, next to one of the pillars holding up the inside roof, similar to the outside pillars with yet another smaller stone fence guarding the other half. The rockery had a managed haphazard look to it, with a bamboo water feature finishing it off. Looking up from the inner garden the roof opened up to the skies, but shade was cast onto the grass from a mezzanine level of beautifully wrought iron. A metal cross floor with glass inlays to let the sun pass through was held up by chains leading up to the ceiling. One at each corner and then two more flanking the two sets of metal stairs leading up to the level. Wrought metal pillars also supported the floor from below with a beautiful crafted iron railing fence surrounded it. Instead of the wooden tables and chairs this time delicate metal furniture covered the level, warm and plump cushions giving warmth to the customers sitting up there with the tables either having pure white or green table clothes or glass tops.
The whole building screamed luxury and it seemed the name of the Avatar had been worth something as it had helped them get a table, and heft discount off the bill, in the luxurious tea house. They had be forced to promise to not cause trouble, but that was a small price to pay, especially when they had not considered causing any to begin with.
Neji lifted his cup to his lips, drinking a few sips of the hot leaf juice, before placing the cup carefully back down on the table.
"I don't think this tea house suits us" He mentioned casually, sitting up properly in his chair. Tenten nodded her head in agreement, sure there were luxury places in Konoha, but this was far, far in excess of anything that was needed. She sipped at her tea again, it was funny she figured how the brewer could combine so many things and yet make something with so little taste. The scents in the air were certainly misleading.
"Yea, the surroundings are too much and the tea quality too little" Tenten agreed. Figuring something must be off if one of Konoha's noble houses thought you were trying too hard. Tenten slumped back in her chair, carrying on telling Neji what had happened when they had been split up. Neji, as always, was a good listener, nodding his head and maintaining eye contact. Asking questions when he needed more information or clarification, but not interrupting. Their tea was cold by the time they finished, neither one of them mustering the desire to carry on drinking the liquid. They sat in silence for a few minutes, just relaxing in the down time before Neji placed a few coins on the table and stood up. His chair making no sound on the floor before he nodded his goodbye to Tenten.
"I need to go explore the upper ring so I'll see you back at the house later." Tenten nodded in response. Stretching herself out before standing up. Following Neji out of the establishment and smiling slightly as he headed off towards the upper ring centre, with convenient tourist information and several smiling Joo Dee's.
Tenten turned and made her way towards the wall dividing the upper ring from the middle ring, needing some time away from the pampering and complete luxury. She strode away from the high and mighty attitudes towards the gatehouse. Ignoring the nobles trying to look down on her as she approached the metal portcullis, giving the guard a nod as the clanking of metal chain heralded the raising of the boundary. Ducking under it quickly, spending as little time as possible getting through and barely giving the guards enough time to see her papers and then she was through.
Tenten smiled at the hustle and bustle of the middle ring, deciding, much like Rock Lee, that the middle ring was definitely the best ring to be in. You didn't have to be on guard as much as you had to be in either of the other two rings. In one ring after all you had to be careful to watch your back should any of the local low lives stick a knife in you for a bit of food or money. In the other ring you had to constantly keep up your guard to avoid the much more deadly beast of politics… as well as losing your food or money for saying or doing or offending the wrong person. You also had to be on guard from the constant threat that the toffs living there might try and ram a stick up your ass as well.
She shook her head, clearing it of such crude thoughts, even as she let out a little laugh at the idea. She refocused on her surroundings, having wandered into the crafts part of the market streets by accident. The booths and store fronts here were filled with all manner of creations. Some impressive looking earth structures and models could be see, obviously crafted by earth bending. Wooden carved figures, nearly jumped from nearby tables and stalls, ready to pounce or rear or flee from passers-by. The jingle of wind chimes could be heard as they moved gently in the breeze and the small tinkle of bells could be heard. As she moved down through the stalls the materials and purposes started to change, the wood and fabric started to mingle more with bone and metal. She paused to look over at a nearby stall, the house behind it clearly harbouring a workshop judging from the sounds of construction and machining coming from it. The stall itself had a wide selection of goods, wooden bowls and cups of varying quality could be seen on it. All had been sanded and varnished to give a smooth finish, but some of the larger bowls and plates had carvings of varying levels of intricacy. Earth kingdom symbols mixed with animals and writing, suggesting a level of personalisation. The smell of leather hung in the air as leather belts and bags and satchels hung off a nearby stall, horn drinking cups fitted into belt holders and pouches. Some held up on wrought iron stands.
Weapons could be seen more and more as swords and axes and bows and spears started to fill some stalls. Tenten paused to inspect a finely cast knife, but shook her head when the stall owner tried to palm it off on her as 'a combat knife even a girl could use'. She moved on and started heading towards a building larger than most. The crowd of people surrounding the front of it also added to its magnetic appeals. Tenten pushed her way through the crowd, parting the stubborn Earth Kingdom citizens to get to the front of the mob. Getting to the front revealed both the stall and the building behind it. The stall itself was made of solid wooden tables, bare except for the weapons lying on top of them. Swords and axes and daggers and knives and all other sorts of equipment was spread out on top of the table. Temporary wooden walls could be seen behind the tables, with sheaths and belts and hooks filling the space with a wall to the left being almost made up of leather belts and pouches. The stall was mainly served by young men around 18 to 22, but there was one man who looked to be in his late 40s and it didn't take Shikamaru to figure out who was the master of the stall. The building behind the stall could be seen looming into the sky and up above the mob. Green shuttered windows could be seen peeking over the stall walls and from the sounds coming from the building's direction it seemed there was definitely a ground floor foundry as the sounds of quenching metal and grinding and banging could be heard, disturbing the cries from other street vendors. A green sign could be seen up the side of the building, finely carved with gold metal embellishments proclaiming the establishment as "The Badger Mole's Claws". Unlike some of the other signs in the market alleyway this sign was devoid of wear and fade which went someway to imply the prosperous nature of the shop. The rest of the shop way was clean and neatly swept, though it was hard to see from Tenten's current position. The inside of the workshop was coated with metal dust and tools where, for the most part sorted away, though some could be seen randomly strewn about on work surfaces. Large windows were open as where the large green doors to allow lots of light to stream in to do battle with the otherwise dingy atmosphere.
Tenten shifted her attention back to the stall in front of her, or to be more specific the weapons on the tables in front of her. Figuring she may as well have a look, since she was so far from home she might find something to add to her, already impressive arsenal.
Her first glance was not promising. She had to stop herself from scoffing as she looked down at one of the blades gleaming on the table. The blade in question was a short sword, only about twenty four inches from pommel to tip with a bluey green cross guard. The guard was impressive she had to admit, it looked like a disproportionate amount of time had been spent forming the guard into two badger moles with their claws extending down towards the blade. The material, was obviously copper though and copper that hadn't been protected from oxidation at that, so whilst the guard still looked colourful and impressive Tenten had her doubts that this could be used for anything other than maybe hanging on a wall. Whilst debating with herself as to whether she should tell the owner that one of his apprentices, it must have been an apprentice, had made and was trying to palm off such a shoddy piece of workmanship she felt a hand grasps hers. Pulling her back out of her stupor as she figured she must have been staring at the sword by accident.
"Don't buy that, it wouldn't last you five seconds against the thugs around here".
Tenten looked at the hand, then followed the hand and arm up to the voice. The voice, and by extension the limb, belonged to a girl and one Tenten figured to be around her own age, perhaps slightly older. She wore a forest green shirt with long beige sleeves. Her brown hair was pulled up into a messy ponytail behind her and a pair of leather framed glasses were strapped to her head above her hazel eyes. Her complexion was surprisingly pale and was dotted with a few freckles, though Tenten suspected from the way she seemed to favour being shaded by the rest of the crowd the paleness stemmed a fair amount from lack of time in the sun. She wore a brown leather belt around her midriff with tool bags and pouches on them with a long soft leather case held over her shoulder in one hand. Underneath this she had long brown trousers with a multitude of pockets. Brown boots protected her feet from the dusty, hard ground.
Tami smiled at the girl. She didn't appear to be from Ba Sing Se, but for a refugee she looked rather well off. The fact that she had the time to look at the market in the middle ring said that much by itself. She adjusted her bag on her back, the leather softly squeaking against her back as she felt the metal blade contained within it shift slightly against her.
"Thanks for the advice" the other girl said smiling back. "Looking at most of the weapons here I wouldn't want them hanging on my wall, let alone bring them near a combat situation".
Tami couldn't help but grin. This was a girl she could get along with. The other girls her age didn't seem interested in metalwork or engineering and not only that she seemed to know her stuff.
They exchanged small talk for a while, Tami's grin growing, with the other girl also sporting an almost matching smile as the conversation grew on, longer and longer. Much to the chagrin of the other people milling around the two. The conversation covered swords and weapons to other things such as where they were from, with Tami being surprised to find out the other girl also hailed from a city contained within large walls, though it sounded much freer then Ba Sing Se. It was only after a few minutes that she realised she had never actually asked for her new found friend's name, much less introduced herself.
"Ah sorry, my name is Tami" She smiled happily, nice to meet you!
"I'm Tenten, the pleasure is mine"
Tami couldn't help how she was feeling. She hadn't felt this good since her father had lost his forge to…
"Ah we have a lovely customer over here, no doubt sampling our fine weapons to help protect herself from the riff raff of the lower and middle rings" A distinctly male voice broke her thought process and a quick glance up revealed one of the apprentices had made their way over, finally free from customers now that the mob and quietened down. He shot her a dirty look with an accompanied "Oh and you're back as well Tami" before he focused his attention onto Tenten again.
"So fair maiden I would very much recommend this sword, the blue embellishments will surely alow you to show off to your friends, and the blade itself is quick and light and was made to be a one of a kind blade as the cast used to make it has been lost in time.
"You mean you used sand casting again Ro and had to destroy the mould" Tami interrupted with Tenten's look of disapproval showing clear on her face.
"Well that just goes to show how rare the sword still is" Ro tried, again trying to impress Tenten whilst shooting Tami a dirty look.
"It certainly is one of a kind, but since you have to get rid of the mould anyway to sand cast…" Tami let the rest of her sentence hang, but the implication of Ro being an idiot was still there.
"Oh shut up Tami, and what would you know?" Ro turned on her, looking visibly annoyed. "Your father can't have been that good since we bought him out and you've never proven that your swords are any better than ours!"
Tami bristled at the comments, not noticing Tenten's expression changing to one of both curiousness and resentment towards Ro. "You know you forced my dad to lose business so you could buy up his store and forge for next to nothing!"
The crowd was silent, all eyes focussing on the ongoing argument.
"Sure, sure" Ro replied, trying to play dismissive as the eyes of his master and crowd were now on him, not to mention the other apprentices moving to be near him. Ro was clearly trying not to lose face and Tami saw right through it.
"I'll challenge you! I'll show everyone that my family creates much better swords then the crappy ones you do!"
Tami grit her teeth as Ro nodded, flicking his long brown hair back as he picked up the sword he had previously been trying to con Tenten into buying and leapt over the stall. She could pick up the sound of some girls cheering for him already and booing her, but she merely ignored them. Swinging her bag round and undoing it. First pulling out a pair of brown leather gloves and pulling them on before drawing out her sword, kicking the bag over to Tenten who picked it up for her. She nodded Tenten her thanks and hefted her sword, placing both hands on the grip to lift it. The sword she was using was longer then Ro's. Her grip was longer two, with a couple of inches extending out from under her first hand, her second hand covering it along with part of the circular pommel. The cross guard was a plain piece of metal strip securely attached to protect her hand and leather was wrapped around the grip to provide more comfort. Her blade extended 34 inches past the guard, but unlike Ro's straight sword the tip rounded back slightly before curving round to form another gradual point giving the whole blade more weight at the top and a more rounded appearance. Tami gripped her falchion two handed and swung it at Ro, but the pretty boy jumped back, trying to show off, but since he stumbled into the table behind him Tami couldn't help but let out a laugh. Unfortunately Tami's swing and unbalanced her and Ro leapt forward. The falchion swept back towards him, but Ro ducked under the hard to control swing and before Tami could unwind her arms she found the point of his sword pointing up towards her neck. She leapt back in defiance, her eyes hardening as she gripped her sword tighter out of instinct. She swung her sword at Ro again, this time dropping one hand off the grip. As Ro twisted his blade round and caught her falchion with the cross guard to try and sweep it Tami moved in. Moving around Ro in an impressive display of footwork she danced around him and went for a grapple. One arm going around Ro's neck to hold him. Unfortunately for her Ro pushed back and knocked her into the stall table before rushing forward to break free. He spun and the tip of his blade caught Tami's shoulder and he pointed his blade at her neck again.
"See, The Badger Mole's claws' swords are clearly the best for self-defence!" Ro announced to the crowd. "And with one you don't even have to rely on underhanded tricks to win! Thanks for the free advertising yet again Tami!"
Tami felt her face go red, no this was not supposed to happen again. This time she was supposed to beat them and prove that they were inferior craftsmen who had taken over her family's store. Ro was demonstrating to the crowd and showing off to rounds of applause at her expense, grinning his stupid little grin. Tami felt the falchion drop from her hands as she collapsed onto her knees. She, along with the rest of the crowd didn't notice Tenten move to pick it up and place it on her index finger.
Ro's spiel about how good he and the swords he was selling were was cut short but one quiet sentence from Tenten.
"This is really well balanced."
Tami, along with everyone else, looked up at Tenten. Tami spotted her falchion balancing on Tenten's finger, the cross guard barely millimetres from her index finger as it swayed slightly in the breeze, not appearing in the slightest to be about to fall off from its perch.
"Can your swords do this? Ro?" Tami heard Tenten ask and giggled as Ro spluttered and tried to show that his sword was as well balanced before it quickly dislodged itself from his finger when he tried the same.
"Well balance doesn't mean anything!" He spluttered, much to Tami's amusement. Regaining some confidence as Tenten seemingly ignored him and instead gave her falchion a couple of swings.
"As a swordsmith you should know the importance of balance." Tenten merely replied, looking disinterested in Ro.
"I won't have you try and shame me, especially not with that stupid blade!" He cried out. "I challenge you and when I win both you and Tami will have to leave and never show up with your stupid inferior weapons again!" He dropped into a guard again. Tenten did the same.
Now that she was observing Tami could clearly see that annoyingly Ro had better form then her. She figured he must have been trained at least somewhat as he fell back, weight mainly on his back foot, forming almost a line between his two feet as his back foot stuck out at a close to ninety degree angle. Tenten meanwhile had adopted a posture as well, but hers was different. She two had dropped one of her legs back, but her foot was at about a forty-five degree angle from her front foot. She also had kept her feet at about shoulder width as she had done this and she was resting the falchion on her right hand, with her left hand slightly further down then Tami had been holding it, focussing more on the pommel then the grip. As Tami watched Tenten shifted the weapon two and through. Holding it diagonally across her body, first one way and then the other. She seemed to be moving it much swifter and easier then Tami had been able to. As she watched Tenten gave the sword, her sword a few more test swings before smiling, clearly happy with it.
She grinned and gave Ro the universal symbol for 'come at me'. As Tami watched Ro leapt forward, his sword speeding out for a thrust. Seconds later he had to change his plan as Tenten merely hopped back and sent the falchion soaring towards Ro's right arm. Ro quickly went onto the defensive, bringing his sword up at about forty five degrees and moving it to the side, planning on blocking and then launching a riposte to counter attack.
Tami watched, barely believing her eyes as the falchion struck the sword. Ro's eyes widened to an almost comical size as the metal of the sword cracked, and then fractured under the force of Tenten's blow. Part of the sword flying past Ro's face, leaving him with a scar going horizontally over his nose. The tip of the sword flew into the ground nearby, holding fast and making nearby watchers gasp in surprise and fear. Thankfully the rest of the fractured metal blade did not claim any casualties, despite the busy market place. One fractured shard did pierce through a metal strut, holding up a market cart, collapsing the shelf and leaving the cart to run away down the street, spilling its contents everywhere with nothing but a mournful cry of "MY CABBAGES!" to mark the loss.
Ro stuttered slightly and fell to the ground, the crowd snickering slightly.
"Little bit of advice" Tenten smiled twirling the falchion around like it was nothing. "Casting is a really poor idea for weapons" Tami almost hugged Tenten right there and then.
"That was amazing!" she cried. "Please teach me!" she moved back slightly, happily taking back her two handed falchion. Whilst slipping it back into her bag she heard footsteps and looked up to see Viccick, the owner approaching. He had short cropped black hair and was tall at about 6 feet tall. He wore thick, brown, overalls over a green shirt and brown trousers.
"Well that was embarrassing" He commented, though from his tone of voice Tami could tell he didn't care too much. "I must apologise for my apprentice, it seems he could do with some more training, in both making and using swords." He paused and casually glanced over Tami, looking at Tenten with a bit more interest however.
"I assure my customers however, that whilst we conduct research into other methods of weapon manufacturing the other weapons we have are made to the highest quality!" He spoke loudly and confidently, swaying the crowd and sending them back into browsing the wares on his stall.
Tami was about to give him a piece of her mind when Tenten beat her to it.
"Rubbish, your swords aren't good, even ignoring this idiot" she gestured at Ro at this point.
"Maybe so, but you'll have to prove it" Viccick mentioned, almost casually, as if he didn't care that he had just challenged the two.
"That's fine, we'll do just that!" Tami said grinning. "There's a competition at the University right, on who can make the most impressive weapon. The competition will be judged by one of the Earth Kingdom's generals and they plan to award an arms contract to the winner." She paused and looked at Tenten. Seeing her nod in encouragement. "So however wins this competition will be the better weapon smith." She paused. Silence hanging in the air.
"And when I win I'll take back my family store"
"Fine." Viccick replied. But when I win you and your family will never be able to operate a forge ever again.
He turned and went back into his shop, hitting Ro on the back of the head as he did so, leaving the other apprentices to man the stall outside. Tami turned to Tenten. So, care to let me pick your brain?"
The sun was beginning to dim and the tall walls and building were sending shadows dancing everywhere as Tenten let Tami guide her through the winding streets. She couldn't help but notice that they were approaching the gateway leading to the lower ring of Ba Sing Se. The ever present towering walls certainly were an indicator of where one was heading in Ba Sing Se, she had to give them that.
"Where are we going? I thought you said you lived in the middle ring?" Tenten asked curiously.
"I do" Tami replied, almost dragging her along. "But I want to treat you to say thank you before we go back to my workshop" They got to the gate and quickly passed through, albeit with a slightly raised eyebrow from the guards. People usually tried to leave the lower ring, not enter it. Tami quickly led Tenten through the winding streets and watchful eyes of the guards before coming to an abrupt halt in front of a tea shop.
"Now trust me on this, I know its lower ring, and a week or so ago this wasn't very good, but now…" She paused to open the door for Tenten and gestured her in. "It serves the best tea in Ba Sing Se!" She smiled happily, like someone who had just given someone the most amazing gift ever.
"I found it on my way back from the lower ring market, they have a surprisingly good selection of materials there.
Tenten looked around, the building was quaint. Far more built for purpose then the tea shop she had been in with Neji earlier. The tables were of a much more functional design and there were none of the intricacies of the earlier shop. The room was a bit darker due to the fewer windows and the lower ring being generally darker, but the room appeared clean and well kept. All in all Tenten much preferred it. Tami led her to a table and before sitting down herself. It wasn't long before a server came to take their order. He looked to be around the same age as Tenten, maybe a bit older with long dark hair and a facial scar…
It was only Tenten's training that caused her to not make a movement when she locked eyes with the server. She recognised him. And he recognised her if the look in his eyes was anything to go on. He managed to remain somewhat professional as he welcomed and asked for their order. Tami ordered for both of them. Promising Tenten a whole new experience in tea. Tenten nodded and smiled at her newfound friend. Watching as the Zuko, or Lee as he introduced himself went into the back. She could pick up the faint traces of hurried nervous conversation before another man she recognised entered the main room. He smiled broadly as he saw Tami and Tenten had to concede if nothing else Iroh was a good actor.
"Tami how are you?" He asked and looked at Tenten, smiling at her as well. "And I see you brought a friend as well!"
"I'm ok thank you Mushi! How are you?" Tami smiled happily at her tea serving friend. "How are you finding the Dragon I made for you?"
"It is lovely thank you, the way it glistens is beautiful" 'Mushi' smiled broadly as he poured them tea. "How was what I taught you, did it help?"
"It was great, but I still lost" Tami almost pouted before recomposing herself. She gestured towards Tenten.
"But my friend here bested him with ease!"
"Really now?" Mushi asked looking at Tenten. "She must be quite a fighter." Tenten couldn't help but smile a bit at the praise.
"Well I wouldn't say that…" Tenten started.
"Don't be so modest" her newfound friend said interrupting. "She even shattered his sword with mine!" Tami sounded proud, though Tenten wasn't sure if it was because she had beaten Ro, or that she had done it with a falchion Tami and made. She figured it was probably a bit of both.
Mushi nodded his head. "That is impressive, your sword must have been of a high quality, but you should not give up on your training Tami" he smiled and somehow, Tenten could not help shake the feeling of warmth and friendliness from the Fire Nation citizen. Pao came over to check if everything was ok and Tami nodded happily before taking a long drink from her tea. Tenten decided to do the same as it was unlikely that Iroh would be able to try anything in Ba Sing Se… especially since he hardly seemed like the despicable Fire Nation general he had been made out to be.
The first sip of the tea was amazing. It quickly led to more and more. The aroma was amazing and teased and tantalised the taste buds even before the liquid came into contact with her tongue. The flavour was amazing, especially since it wasn't even like an herbal tea. The difference in skill level between Iroh and the maker from earlier was astonishing. Tenten happily drank more before complimenting Mushi on his work. Since business was starting to die down a bit Pao gave him permission to talk to the two girls for a while. Tami quickly made room for him and soon the table was laden with tea cups and pots as the late afternoon turned into early evening as they conversed about anything and everything. From tea blends to feng shui. Plants to combat stances. Tenten was amazed as Iroh even gave her advice on how to improve her own techniques. Giving her new insights and things to try as well as improved leadership and tactics advice. He even picked up on her voice change when they were talking about her friends. Whilst Tenten was still on guard and was not giving away much about their fighting styles Iroh and Tami noticed how she changed ever so slightly when talking about Neji and soon Iroh was offering advice on where to take him in the city, even offering to make tea for the two of them after hearing about, and spluttering in disappointment over, their trip to the upper ring tea house. Tami laughed as he lectured them on the importance of not just drinking 'hot leaf juice' as he called it.
As they left Tenten had a much higher opinion of the former general and could barely believe what she had heard about him. Heck she could barely believe that he was part of Fire Nation royalty and had a newfound respect for him… now if only he could continue to pass that onto Zuko, or Lee as he was going by now.
Since it was too late Tami said she would show Tenten her workshop the next day and that she'd meet her at the gatehouse to the upper ring. As the gate closed behind her Tenten couldn't help but smile as she made her way back to the GAang's house. The day had certainly been interesting.
Tami smiled as she saw the gate open and Tenten walked out. Greeting her friend then walking with her to her house and workshop. As they got closer and closer the streets started to deteriorate in quality. They were still obviously middle ring streets, though a few more weeds and tufts of grass could be seen poking out between the cobblestones. The trees lining the streets were still well kept and offered pleasant shade from the sun beating down overhead. A small water feature fed into a nearby fountain, the water spraying up and catching the sunlight before falling back down into the pool surrounding it. Moving further along put you more and more into the shade of the inner wall, but the lack of illumination from the sun was made up for by the people who waved and nodded hello and talked brightly. Tami looked back to make sure Tenten was still following her and could see her looking around, trying to memorise where she was and the path she had taken to be there, as well as just taking in her surroundings.
"Here we are!" She announced to Tenten, indicating with her hands. "It's not much, but it's my home away from home!"
The building was a little old, Tami chose to believe that it just added to the charm. The walls were strong and there was moss climbing steadily up one side. The door was made of solid oak and was tinted green with the windows having shutters tinted a similar shade. The roof was green and made out of simple tiles. Overall the house looked clean and solid and lacked any of the embellishments of the upper ring. The house had an extension to the side of it with two large green doors that were locked and bolted. Tami brought Tenten over to them before quickly opening them onto a large room. Large windows lined the walls and with the open doors light swarmed in to warm the room up. Contained within was a wide table, covered in tools such as hammers and picks and files. Saws and clamps and vices also were lined up on both the table and the shelves behind them. An anvil could be seen in the room with the hot coals of a forge nearby. A bellows was on standby as well and heavy leather gloves and aprons were kept nearby as well. Interestingly there was also what appeared to be a leather tanning rack by one wall with a couple of wooden buckets and barrels. The tools for leather working also lay strewn about nearby.
"This is all I could salvage after being kicked out of my old place." Tami said, watching Tenten spin around to look at her.
"What happened?" Tenten asked curious, turning her attention from looking around the workshop to focussing on Tami.
"Well basically my dad used to own the Badger Mole's Claws, but then Viccick and his apprentices took over. He could somehow make swords for quicker and cheaper and whilst we're sure he used cheaper materials we could never prove anything." Tami sighed, appreciating Tenten's attention and patience in listening. "We tried going with quality over quantity, but in the end… well" she gestured to the workshop. "We still manage to sell just enough to stay out of the lower ring, but we don't make anywhere near enough to try and challenge them financially. And dad is… well… he doesn't do much anymore."
"Is that why you're trying to show them up?" Tenten asked curious.
"Yes, but it's not been going well, as you saw I'm not very good with them, even if I can make them" Tami paused "Though you complimenting me and showing up Ro will certainly have helped!" Tenten nodded. "Well I help run a weapon shop back home so I could give you some advice both on making and using them if you like."
"That would be a great help thank you." Tami said leaning back on a table. "What should we start with?"
"Well first I think we should make you a new sword, I don't think a two handed sword suits you."
With that said the rest of the day devolved into a whirlwind of productivity. When the candles were running low and the sun had long since retreated from the sky Tami stood holding her new blade. The blade was around twenty four inches long, before meeting the handguard. The guard was quite short, but sturdy and instead of just forming a standard cross an extra piece of metal was bent out over the grip, protecting the index finger. The grip itself had wood surrounding the metal and was pinned on and the pommel formed a curve, almost like a beak. The blade was surprisingly light and as Tenten watched Tami could swing it around easily, the length and weight made it easy to control even with the slightest flick of the wrist.
"This is great, thank you." She smiled, looking at the blade a small curved indentation on the back of the blade, running up towards the top before it formed a point. The front side of the blade curving away and heading back down towards the cross guard.
"Glad you like it" Tenten said smiling. "Anyway I better head on back to the upper ring, if I don't leave now I might struggle to get back through the gates." Tami nodded.
"Ok I better close up as well, I'll meet you tomorrow?" She asked.
"Sure" Tenten replied moving over to the door. "I'll meet you at the gates to the lower ring tomorrow." Tami looked at the other girl curiously. "After all, we need to teach you how to use this thing."
The clash of metal on metal rung out throughout the courtyard. Tenten adjusted her foot work and pushed forward. Her blade pushing against Tami's. To Tami's credit she tried to push back but was ultimately beaten when Tenten grabbed Tami's sword hand with her spare left hand pulling her sword back as she moved around Tami. Tenten handed her sword back.
"That was good, but let's try again" Tenten said with a smile, handing Tami back her weapon. Tami adjusted her posture, remembering what she had been told by Mushi and Tenten, feet about shoulder width apart, one foot behind the other slightly. Weight on the balls of her feet, sword held vertically in her right hand. Her blade almost sung as she moved. Whipping the metal through the air towards Tenten who blocked with her own weapon. Tami swiftly moved her sword arm around her head and sent a blow towards Tenten's other side, to which the other girl shifted and blocked again. Her blade let out a loud, almost beautiful note every time it struck Tenten's blade. Gathering even more of a crowd as the two girls continued their spar.
They had been there for a couple of hours already, training in the early morning sun and more and more people watching as they struck and defended. One of Tami's blocks failed her as her sword flicked back, hitting her in the face before she fell onto her ass.
"You need to use your hips more" A wizened voice said from the far side of the training field. The two girls looked up and saw Iroh, or Mushi, waving at them. He approached the two girls and handed both a cup of tea which they gratefully accepted.
"What do you mean?" Tami asked.
"You need to use your hips, turn with your hips into your blocks, it will help you get more power behind them." Iroh smiled as Tenten nodded, wiping her mouth after finishing her drink.
"Nice to see you Mushi, but shouldn't you be at the tea shop?" Tenten asked.
"I was going but seeing you two training I thought I could help." He smiled. "I've told Lee to go on ahead and tell Pao so don't worry."
"Then I'd be grateful for the help" Tami replied falling back into a ready posture now that she was refreshed.
Tenten dropped into her own ready stance and Iroh moved back to observe. Tami's blocks and attacks having significantly more power in them as they sparred for a few more moments. Iroh observed for a while before asking them to stop. Borrowing Tenten's sword he turned to Tami.
"You are getting good and your friend is a good teacher, but I want to point out a few more things if you'll indulge this old tea maker."
Tami nodded and swung her arm out to attack him as they started to spar. Iroh in return instead of blocking struck out at Tami's arm. Tapping her limb lightly with the blunted weapon.
"You extend your arms too much when attack and defending." He said. "You waste energy and open yourself up for counter attacks." Tami nodded and they returned to sparring for a while. Iroh punishing her for wasting energy with too large arm movements. Tami was doing well until Iroh went in for a grab following a block. Grabbing Tami's sword hand and pulling it out the way.
"You also need to make sure you don't hold your sword in front of your head or too still after an attack otherwise you open yourself up to have your weapon swept away or pushed into your face. Tami nodded again and returned to sparring. They continued for a while longer until Iroh pulled away.
"This is too much for me" he said. "I'll have to leave the sword fighting to you two whilst I return to my tea" He smiled at the two, handing Tenten her sword back and picking up his tea set again. "One last thing though Tami, make sure you stay within the right range. Know where you want to strike with the sword and keep that in range, not too far away and not to close." Tenten nodded at his advice. "You want to step in for your strikes then step out and away" He smiled and waved goodbye before heading off towards Pao's.
"Thank you so much Mushi!" Tami cried after him, waving back with Tenten joining in. Shouting out her own thanks and farewell. Tenten turned to Tami after Iroh had left.
"That was a good interesting break, so shall we resume practice?"
Tenten and Tami strolled through the lower ring market place, the cries of the street vendors loud in their ears. They eventually made it to closer to the docks where metals could be seen glistening in the sun. They were looking for something special. Tenten wanted to make sure the sword they presented to the university was the best possible weapon they could make and after a lot of searching, and a few not quite threats they were soon making their way back to the middle ring with a selection of some of the finest metals that Tenten assured Tami would make the finest blade Ba Sing Se had ever seen.
The day of the competition was upon them. They arrived at the university early. The green roofs twinkling in the early morning sun. Banners with Earth kingdom insignias dangled around the gatehouse and from almost any available surface. This only got worse as the pair got closer and closer to the engineering building of the university. Stalls were set up and men wearing important looking clothing and armour and robes could be seen striding around. Tami heading for one of the outside stalls, setting up her name on the stall set out for her and placing a few of the weapons she had brought with her on the stall. An axe with intricate designs along the edge, a couple of other swords and her falchion. Taking pride of place was a sword stand containing the sword made especially for this event. It was similar to the sword she had made around two weeks ago and it glistened in the morning sun. A rectangular shield was placed next to it, resting up against the stand. The ends where slightly curved and the back had soft leather cushioning it with two leather straps on it, one with a buckle that could be adjusted and one under the metal and wooden handle, built much like her sword's grip. The other smiths had turned up now as well. Setting up their own stalls, their own weapons and crafts glittering in the sun. More and more important people were arriving as Tenten and Tami chatted, but their conversation was cut short be the arrival of Badger Mole's Claws. Their cart rumbling into the courtyard and towering over everyone. Their stall was the largest as well and as the apprentices, with a distinct lack of Ro, set up their stall Viccick made his way over to Tami and Tenten.
"So you actually turned up huh? Didn't think you would in the end." He said his voice grating on the girl's nerves.
"Of course, wouldn't miss today for the world" Tami replied curtly before offering a hand. "May the best smith win."
"Don't worry I plan to." Viccick turned and strode back to his stall, almost pushing one of the university porters out of the way as he did so.
"I hope we beat him so I can rub his smug face in it." Tami commented.
"Don't worry we will do" Tenten said placing a hand on Tami's shoulder. Further conversation would have to wait as at that moment an explosion of brass could be heard from one side as the Vice-Chancellor of the university strode up to introduce a figure coming out of a carriage.
"Let me introduce our esteemed visitor for today, General How!"
The general straightened up after exciting the carriage and spoke to the listening audience.
"Greetings students and workers of Ba Sing Se. We are holding this competition to encourage our future engineers and to help and inspire them. We also hope this will inspire out craftsmen to work even harder." He paused for some applause from the crowd. "Now of course we can only have one winner of today's competition, and I'm looking forward to seeing all that this city has prepared, so let the judging begin!" His booming voice stopped and when it did a few high ranking soldiers moved to start looking around the stalls. Robe clad academics joined them as well as they picked up and observed and questioned the weapons and smiths. Moving around and occasionally writing things down. General How himself joined in, showing a surprisingly want and ability to lead from the front, getting stuck in with his own questions as he moved from stall to stall. He eventually got to Tami's stall.
"I recognise you, you're the daughter of the old swordsmith for be unit" he smiled looking over the stall. "And this all looks very impressive, you certainly have your old man's talent, maybe even more so then he did" he laughed slightly as he looked over the sword holding pride of place on the stall. "So what have you done with this one?" he motioned to ask if he could pick it up and at Tami's nod he lifted it easily. "Ah it's very light"
"We've used titanium for the guard" Tami said, thanking Tenten for the material recommendation. "Its light, lighter then steel, but is still really strong." How nodded, giving the sword a few swings and nodding his approval. "For the blade itself we used carbon spring steel to help it resist shocks during combat." How nodded again.
"I look forward to seeing it during the display, but it certainly has my interest." Whilst Tami and How where talking Tenten looked over at the Bader Mole's Arms stall and saw Viccik grinding his teeth at them. He looked like he was about to come over when he was distracted by the Vice Chancellor. As Tenten watched she could see them talking loudly and trying to attract the attention of General How who, to Tenten's amusement walked almost straight by them after he finished talking to Tami.
Viccick strode over the moment he was free, palming an officer off on one of his apprentices.
"You might think you're doing well now Tami, but in the demonstration we'll show you up so much no one will ever want to use your weapons again."
"We're looking forward to the demonstration" Tenten replied grinning, though before the confrontation could escalate the Vice Chancellor and the General interrupted them. How's booming voice ringing throughout the courtyard.
"The judges will now meet to discuss what we've found so far. Whilst we're doing this we will set up the demonstration part of the competition so either prepare yourself for combat and register with the Captain, or ask one of my unit to take up your weapon. Remember we are interested in how the weapons perform not you so aim to show them off!" With that the courtyard descended into organised chaos as the soldiers set up an arena in the middle of the court yard and students and smiths could be seen rushing about, trying to secure a soldier who could suitably show off their wares. Tenten and Tami nodded to each other, Tenten picking up the falchion again and Tami grabbing the sword and shield, registering quickly, just before Viccick and one of his apprentices.
"I hope we get to face you" Tenten said. "I look forward to beating you again" she smiled happily looking at Viccick and his sidekick.
"Oh don't worry, we'll meet" Viccick replied. "And when we do we'll show you just how good we really are."
"We'll begin in twenty minutes!" General How shouted out. "Make sure you are ready"
Tenten stood in the middle of the arena. Viccick's apprentice opposite her. She suspected that Viccick and the Vice Chancellor had something to do with them facing off against each other. Even the casual observer had to admit that both members facing off against each other was strange. The way the competition worked for the second half was simple. Each stall would have two combatants, to make sure that they could produce more than just one good weapon. They were then split up into one on one fights where the idea was to show off the weapons more than the user's skill. Of course the user's skill was helpful. They would then fight to three blows or the judges had seen enough with head blows being off limits. They could go for them, but were not allowed to land them. Helmets were compulsory in the competition just in case. Then the weapons ability would be judged. Most stalls had gone with soliders to wield their weapons just to make sure they could last to the time limit and not be taken out with just three quick blows, in fact Tami, Tenten, Viccick and his apprentice looked to be the only non-soldier combatants.
Tenten's opponent held two swords, both with the guard extending out and over his hand, forming knuckle guards. Tenten bowed to him, signalling respect for her opponent, but only the most naïve would say that the head movement she received in return was a bow.
"I'm going to get revenge" he mentioned. Both Tenten could ask anything he continued. "I'm Fo, Ro's brother." Before they could exchange any more words General How called out "Begin!" Fo rushed forwards swinging one blade at Tenten. She in returned swung her hips, stepping back and knocked the blade away. She returned the attack by stepping back again so the tip of her blade swung close to Fo's shoulder, he raised his second blade up to try and block it but he was forced down onto one knee from the force of the blow. Tenten carried on her offence by swinging the falchion around her back, bending her kneels slightly to launch an upwards diagonal attack at Fo. Fo brought his other blade into the way, but his arm was slightly overextended and the blade was forced backwards, a hair line crack forming in the blade as part of the sharp side chipped off. Tenten finished up her trio of attacks by swinging the blade over her head and pulling back. Thrusting forwards and running along the side of Fo's chest. A judge called out a point to Tenten before she backed off, letting Fo get back to his feet.
The second round started moments later with Fo moving to close in quickly, understanding the risk of being so close to Tenten. He swung both blades at Tenten's right. They landed, but barely cut her clothing due to Fo being far too close to Tenten, not letting him get any power behind his blows. The judge didn't call it as counting, but Tenten didn't let Fo get away, slamming the pommel of her falchion into Fo's shoulder. As he stumbled back she kicked him away to get further distance and soon her falchion was whizzing diagonally down and across his body. Fo got one of his blades in the way, but there was a crunch as a shard of metal broke off his weapon. Tenten stepped forward and her blade soon hit around Fo's blade. The judge calling the second hit to Tenten.
The third round started again with Fo on the offensive. Tenten however had decided to end it, showing off how good both she and the weapon she was using was. Instead of backing away from Fo's blows aiming to hit both her sides at the same time she merely stepped into her attack, sweeping her hand and a half sword round, knocking Fo's first blade around and to the same side as his other one. Carrying on with her movement she now had both of Fo's swords on the same side of her body. She stepped in, slamming her guard into Fo again, knocking him back before launching a lightning quick strike towards his side. Fo raised both his swords but as the falchion hit it the shock raced up and through the blades, the previous cracks growing and with the screeching of metal Tenten cut straight through his guard, leaving a long horizontal cut across Fo's chest. As he fell to the ground the judge ran forward and raised one of Tenten's hands in victory.
"An impressive display of both combatant and weapon! The judges will surely be impressed by this display!" Tenten walked back to Tami. High fiving her as Viccick slapped Fo around the back of his head.
Tami wasn't sure how they'd managed to make her fight with Viccick be the last one of the demonstration round, but she figured beating him would make for a sweet end of the day. She stood across from Viccick, Tenten cheering for her as she readied her weapons. Shield held in her left hand and sword in her right. Her weapons were surprisingly light, though the material choice certainly helped with that. She focused on Viccick, wanting, no needing to show off how good she'd gotten over the last two weeks at using the stuff she created. Itching to show off. She barely heard the first round get announced and it wasn't until Viccick's two handed sword was aiming at her shoulder that she snapped into it. She stepped back, remembering her training, the blade whizzing past her. Viccick continuing the strike through and then launching his sword back at her, flashing towards her left arm. She raised her arm, the shield meeting the sword. The judges gasped as the sword bounced off, the shield barely having a scratch left on it after the attack. The impressed murmurs passed around the crowd and Tami could not help but thank Tenten mentally for recommending the material and shield design, happy she taught her about it. Tami used this opportunity to move onto the attack. Keeping her shield to her side to protect herself she launched her sword quickly at Viccick, flicking her wrist to speed up the attack. Viccick pulled his sword back and managed to shift round to get his blade in the way, the blades bouncing off each other. The almost musical note her sword gave off generating applause from the onlookers.
Viccick looked understandably pissed and launched his next attack, three lightning quick blows lashed out at Tami, forcing her to back pedal slightly, deflecting one with her sword, one with her shield and ducking under the last one. Launching her own attack up Viccick's chest, making him jump back and defending himself, parrying aside her follow up thrust.
The two traded blows for what seemed like an eternity to the two combatants, trying desperately to show off their skills as both a swordsman and smiths. The judge stopped them to announce they only had one minute left. Viccick and Tami both panting slightly.
"Gone on Tami! You know what to do!" Tenten cried giving her friend support as Tami gritted her teeth and prepared herself for the final confrontation.
Tenten watched. Tami's forehead was sweaty and she was panting. Viccick didn't look any better off, in fact he seemed even more out of breath. It truly looked like a battle between youth and experience as Tami's lack of exercise was hindering her, she could only build up so much stamina in two weeks. The final clash began and Tami leapt forwards, Viccick ducking back and to the side as she punched out with her shield. His sword sweeping towards her legs, causing her to jump over it. The sword came back for her thighs, meeting her blade as she stepped forward, shield hitting Viccick in the chest, pushing him away. Winding him was good, but at this point Tenten was worried as Tami could do with being closer to Viccick as she was now back in his preferred range.
Her fears were unfounded however as Viccick went for a head blow, but Tami raised her sword. Her blade singing as it was struck. She didn't waste any time, slamming her guard into the blade with a dull thunk coming from Viccick's sword. The blade looking slightly worse for wear now Tami tried to carry on, advancing to keep up the pressure. Viccick brought his blade down into a guard, trying to dissuade Tami, but Tenten grinned, she knew the finished she was aiming for it was something she and Iroh had suggested and she watched Tami pull it off flawlessly. First the shield went straight into Viccick's blade, pushing it back against his chest and holding it there. Tami stepped forward even as Viccick tried to step back and free his sword. Knowing it was trapped he reached back around his back for a dagger but before he could do it Tami had already stepped around him and as he tried to move his arm around he could only caress Tami's shoulder with the tip. This could possibly have gotten him some bonus points, but Tami spun around, her arm going around his shoulders with her sword going down over his chest. If that was not impressive enough she then spun Viccick round and to the cheers for the crowd managed to bring him in a controlled manner onto the ground. The judge called it as Viccick lay stunned on the ground. He raised his arm to try and scrape something back, but it was deflected by Tami's shield as she held her blade to his chest.
With the match decided Tami let out a cheer and went to hug Tenten, who met her halfway to congratulate her.
Tenten looked at Tami, seeing her wave and grin, feeling herself break into a smile. Her joy at winning was infectious. It probably also helped that they had found out the Viccick and his apprentices had been conning people. The swords they sold to people had far too higher carbon content which made them virtually useless. Anyone who complained however could a sword which had been folded more to remove more of the carbon to get a better iron. Tenten grinned, remembering their faces when she had shown this to the General and Vice Chancellor. The latter of which had promptly cut ties with Viccick and soon they had been lead away.
Tenten shifted her attention back to the present as General How called out.
"Tami! Tami Sato!" The girl in question strode up proudly. Shaking the Vice Chancellors hand and then the generals. The Vice Chancellor approached the front of the stage.
"We are proud to offer this young woman a scholarship to study engineering at Ba Sing Se university as a prize for winning today's competition!"
There was a large amount of applause with a fair amount coming from Tenten.
"We are also pleased to announce" General How said breaking up the applause. "That with a certain investigation going on that Tami and her family will re take ownership of the Badger Claw's Arms. There was more applause and Tenten felt someone approach her, almost crying.
"I'm so proud of her." She turned and there was Iroh, clapping happily and Tenten couldn't help but smile at him.
"You're the strangest tea shop owner I've ever met" She commented.
"I'd much rather watch the world go by from my tea shop then go out and claim it" he replied happily. The presentation continued for a while longer but eventually Tenten found herself with Tami and Iroh leaving the grounds.
"What are you doing up here anyway Mushi?" Tami asked as they strolled towards the upper ring.
"I got offered my own tea shop in the upper ring" Iroh smiled back warmly. "You should come to celebrate sometime."
"Or better yet Tenten could invite a certain someone." Tami commented and Tenten flushed slightly.
"That would be a good idea" Iroh smiled I'll put on a special tea for tonight for you two.
"Then it's a plan!" Tami said. "And then we can meet again tomorrow to celebrate, I've got some moving to plan tonight however".
The three talked, losing Tami at the gateway to the upper ring. Iroh showed Tenten to his new tea shop before encouraging her to return in a few hours.
It was with butterflies in her stomach that Tenten opened the door to the GAang's house. Stretching out, noticing that she had a rather large amount of soot in her clothes after all the work she had been doing the past two weeks.
"As anyone seen or heard from Lee?" she asked, looking around the group. That had been one constant that had been missing in her life, despite how early she got up and how late she got in. Neji turned to look at her.
"He said something about intense training for a month so he might not be back much"
"Huh" Tenten sighed, moving over to the kitchen and washing her hands. She flushed slightly, happy no one could see her right now. "Either way Neji…" she asked, her voice barely hiding her joy. "What are you doing tonight?"
"Not got anything planned why?"
"Oh just curious"
Tenten moved back into the room, sure her face was red and smiled at Neji, watching him trying to figure out what she had in mind, giggling internally at how naïve he was and how she had finally stumped the genius.