Chapter Five:
Back to Black
The Chunin exams had ended as well as the war between the fighting villages had ended. Sadly, the only Chunin was Shikamaru, but at least they survived. Even though the tensions between the surrounding villages were over, tensions rose between Naruto and Sasuke. Sasuke wanted to become stronger, and would push everyone out of his way in order to make his goal was met.
One morning, Shikamaru arrived at the Hyuga household. Neji was training in the backyard, in order to get the sight that he once had. Shikamaru approached him. "Neji," he said lazily, "you have a minute?" he asked. Neji stopped what he was doing and sat down with Shikamaru. Shikamaru sat back and sighed. "Sasuke ran off," he started, "he wants to go with Orochimaru in order to get stronger." Neji looked at him surprised, "what!?" he asked. Shikamaru slowly nodded. "Lady Tsunade asked me to gather some people to get him back. Which is why I came to you. You're one of the strongest people I know. Will you join me?" he asked. Neji, not wanting to admit his blind spot, agreed. Neji gathered his things and met up with Choji, Naruto and Kiba.
Before they left, Neji wanted to visit Tenten to say goodbye. He wasn't sure if he would make it back alive or not, so he wanted to say goodbye to her before he left. The two sat outside the hospital, looking over where they had to meet in and hour. "So, this is really dangerous, isn't it?" she asked. Neji nodded slowly. "Aren't you worried about your... you know?" Neji nodded again. "I wanted to see you before I left," he said quietly, "I don't know if I'll-"
"Don't ever say that." Tenten interrupted. She obviously got upset. She turned away from him and started looking down. She bit her lip in order to prevent herself from crying. Neji got up and knelt down in front of her. He touched her chin and stared into her big brown eyes. "W-what are you doing?" she asked. Neji leaned up and kissed her on the cheek quietly. Tenten's lip began to quiver and she started to tear up. Neji stood up and hugged her tightly. Tenten wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face into his chest. He heard her sob quietly into his chest. He let go of her and wiped her eyes. She stood close to him and looked at his pale eyes. "When you come back," she started, "will we be... you know." Neji wrapped his pinky around hers. "I promise." Tenten smiled and wiped her eyes. Neji kissed her just below her headband. "I have to go." He said quietly. Tenten hugged him one last time and watched him as he joined the group.
Tenten sat and thought about everything that went on. "You're in love with him aren't you?" she heard someone ask. She turned around to see Lee hobbling toward her. "H-how did you?" she asked. Lee smirked. "I've known you two had a thing since the very beginning." he laughed. Tenten blushed. "Well I do," she admitted, "and he might not come back." Lee sat down next to her. "He'll be fine. He's the strongest one on our team. They'll get Sasuke back and everything will be fine." he reassured. Tenten looked up at him and smiled. "Thank you, Lee."