HINaTA
Hinata observed her cousin intently, her eyes fixed on him as she waited for a response. Just as she was about to abandon her question, Neji finally broke the silence. "It was supposed to be a straightforward mission. We didn't have any intel suggesting otherwise," he explained, a bitter chuckle escaping him. "That's where we made our mistake. We lowered our guard and could have suffered far graver consequences." A distant look was in his eyes as the memories came back to him.
Flashback
The air was crisp and cool as the members of Team Gai found themselves standing outside a rustic wooden building, the designated meeting point for the client who had requested the assistance of the Hidden Leaf. The team had arrived promptly, but as the minutes ticked by, their anticipation turned into frustration. They had been waiting for an hour, and there was still no sign of the client despite the agreed time having already passed by 30 minutes.
Neji, Tenten, and Lee exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting a mix of impatience and irritation. The silence hung heavy as they scanned the area, hoping to glimpse the client approaching. Neji's keen eyes scanned from one end of the street to the other while Tenten tapped her foot in impatience. Lee, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood, but his attempt fell flat in the face of the mounting boredom.
Frustration set in as the minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity. Neji's stoic demeanor cracked slightly, and Tenten sighed exasperatedly. "Where could they be?" she muttered, her voice tinged with aggravation. Lee, usually brimming with energy, seemed to deflate as he realized their mission was being delayed without any explanation.
Though the team knew it wasn't a difficult mission, one they would be able to finish as quickly as it started, the client's delay meant that the team would most likely have to spend a night camping in the wild instead of their beds due to lack of light. This was frustrating and raised questions about the task at hand. Neji, known for his level-headedness, weighed the options while Tenten and Lee exchanged bored glances. It was clear that a decision needed to be made.
Despite their growing frustration, the team knew the mission was paramount: to grow connections and allies for the Hidden Leaf. With a shared nod, they silently agreed to give the client more time. Team Gai could only wait, their patience wearing thin as each passing minute tested their resolve.
Tenten couldn't hold back any longer. "This is absolutely ridiculous," she exclaimed, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over them. "We were specifically instructed to arrive as soon as possible, and yet this guy can't even bother to show up at the time he gave us." The woman huffed, folding her arms.
"I don't understand why we need to be here. Tenten can handle a C-rank mission by herself," Lee voiced his frustration, questioning the rationale behind their presence at the mission. He argued that Tenten's exceptional skills and experience made her more than capable of successfully completing a C-rank mission without assistance.
"That's enough from both of you," Neji interrupted. He was annoyed at what seemed like a waste of his skills, but he understood that complaining wouldn't change the situation. "I agree that all three of us don't need to be here, but Lady Tsunade has decided that shinobi can no longer attend missions alone."
The team was suddenly interrupted by a cough from behind. They turned to face a stout, imposing man scrutinizing them closely. Neji shot Tenten a warning look, urging her to remain silent. He was well aware of her tendency to speak her mind when unhappy. "Where is everyone else?" The man scanned the area. "I have important work that cannot be trusted to children."
Tenten confidently stated, "We don't need anyone else. My skills enable me to efficiently store and transport items with minimal manpower." The small man, unconvinced, interrupted his rambling to give her a skeptical glance. The man then let out a mocking laugh.
"I highly doubt that your skills are that advanced. I am on a deadline, and I can't have a little girl putting a hold on that just to prove she's a modern-day shinobi," Tenten glared at the man, her jaw tightening in irritation. "Now, if you told me that was why the guy with the spooky eyes was here, I might have believed you. I suggest you don't waste my time," he said harshly.
"Hey!" Tenten yelled, outraged at the man's comments. I don't actually appreciate how you speak to me and my team. "The weapon master stared down at the small man; her intense glare bore into him. "In fact, I might just abandon the mission. Good luck with your deadline." Tenten turned on her heels, walking away from the man. Before, both men on her team followed her.
"Okay, okay, I am sorry." The man hurriedly apologized and scrambled to catch up with the three ninjas. Neji, who usually refrained from engaging in Tenten's mind games, made an exception when dealing with clients like this man. The clear-eyed boy knew Tenten could skillfully calculate how far she could push before he would concede. "But, if any damage occurs while in your possession, I will expect a full refund and additional cost for the painting." The man huffed to get the last word; Tenten rolled her eyes at him.
Lee observed the girl and saw that her anger still lingered. Over time, he recognized the kunoichi's unwavering loyalty to her friends and exceptional abilities. He had witnessed her engaging in conflicts with clients, which had resulted in reprimands from the Hokage. "Do not fret, Tenten. You have no need to prove yourself to someone like him," the boy in the vibrant green attire reassured her with a warm smile. She responded by nodding in gratitude.
With his long, flowing hair, Neji exuded an air of confidence as he took deliberate steps toward the client, flanked by the two other members of the group. "If this is all cleared up, I suggest we continue with the mission at hand," he announced, his tone firm and resolute. Standing directly in front of the client, he leaned in and advised the short man in a hushed voice, "I suggest you keep your thoughts to yourself for future purposes." The weight of his words hung in the air as he maintained eye contact, ensuring the gravity of his warning was fully understood.
LATER ON
Team Gai had recently parted ways with the client, opting to pursue the mission independently. They were going to the next rendezvous point, where they planned to transfer the artwork to the client's apprentice.
"Despite the shaky start, I don't mind missions like this; it's easy money," "Tenten remarked, her voice echoing through the dense woods. She leisurely placed her hands on her head, adopting a relaxed demeanor as she moved through the rugged terrain. In stark contrast, the other members of Team Gai maintained a heightened state of vigilance, their eyes constantly scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger.
"Hopefully, if everything goes according to plan, we might actually make it back to the village before the day ends," Neji commented. Despite the delay in starting the mission, the three made up for it by insisting they continue without the client, allowing them to pick up the pace.
"Agreed, it seems that we have proven..." Lee, who began nodding in agreement with Neji, was suddenly cut off by what could only be described as a blood-curdling scream, filled with sheer terror and desperation. All three Shinobis came to an abrupt halt, their expressions reflecting a mix of concern and confusion as they exchanged worried glances. "What was that?" Before anyone could respond to Lee's question, another scream, filled with anguish and a plea for help, pierced the tense air, sending shivers down their spines. "Neji?"
"Neji's expression turned serious as he furrowed his brow, his eyes reflecting determination. "We'll go and investigate," he stated, his voice firm and unwavering. "Tenten, you should continue the mission on your own. Once we're finished, we'll rejoin you." Despite her urge to argue with Neji, Tenten understood he was correct. They were on a mission, and nothing took precedence over that. Tenten nodded in agreement, acknowledging that their duty came first.
The boys sprinted away from their intended destination, their hearts racing as they tried to pinpoint the origin of the chilling scream that pierced through the air. Neji's senses sharpened as he remained laser-focused, a gnawing sensation in the depths of his mind warning him that all was not as it seemed. It was as if an invisible hand tugged at his instincts, hinting that this might be a carefully laid trap.
LEE AND NEJI
The two boys suddenly stopped before the entrance to a cavern, where a majestic waterfall cascaded beside it. Despite the thundering roar of the water, they had successfully pinpointed the source of the chilling scream. Lee turned to Neji to speak, but before he could utter a word, another piercing scream pierced the air, reverberating from within the cave. Acting on instinct, Lee dashed into the cave, his words of reassurance trailing behind him: "Don't worry, we're here!" he bellowed without waiting for Neji's input.
"Lee, wait!" Neji's urgent cry echoed through the cave as he lunged to grab the energetic boy. "Damn it, Lee," the long-haired boy muttered in frustration. If only Lee had waited for his orders, he would have understood the danger that Neji had spotted. With his keen abilities, Neji could discern the presence of three individuals within the cavern. However, these figures stood together, seemingly poised to ambush an unsuspecting victim. Neji could only watch as the three people attacked Lee, his senses obviously dimmed by the cave's darkness.
Before Neji could react to the situation before him, he was suddenly startled by the sound of a stone being kicked from behind him. His mind raced as he realized that someone was in his blind spot. He was so focused on Lee that he failed to notice the person sneaking behind him. Neji swiftly spun on his heels, but before he could even catch a glimpse of his attacker, he felt a searing pain in the side of his temple, and then everything went blank.
TENTEN
The young woman with dark brown hair sat on a rough, moss-covered boulder, her eyes gazing into the distance as she eagerly awaited the return of her missing teammates. Tenten had completed her mission not long ago, handing over the carefully crafted works of art to the client's eager apprentice. "It feels like they've been gone for ages. I wonder where they are." She murmured with a hint of concern, her chin resting on her hand as her body slouched forward, displaying her impatience and worry.
"Such a strange place to be sitting by yourself. "Tenten, feeling somewhat out of place, was startled by the unexpected presence of a woman with vivid purple hair. "Can I help you with anything?" Despite the seemingly friendly smile, Tenten couldn't shake the feeling that there was a more sinister motive behind the woman's offer of assistance.
Tenten gracefully slid down from the large, moss-covered rock where she had been perched, her nimble fingers instinctively hovering over the worn leather of her kunai pouch. "Oh, no, I'm just waiting for some friends," she said with a disarming smile as the woman slowly approached her.
"I see. Could you provide a detailed description of them? Perhaps I've encountered them in my travels," the woman said to Tenten. "Here's a thought - if I can assist you, maybe you could return the favor." Tenten gazed at the woman with a furrowed brow; it was evident that the woman with purple hair was privy to information she was not.
"What kind of help do you need? If you have any information about my friends, I suggest you tell me," she demanded, her voice menacing as she loomed over the slightly smaller woman with purple hair.
"I've always had a passion for art; if you could share something related, it could help my memory." Tenten gritted her teeth, her hand grabbing the black fabric of the female's shirt and bringing the woman close to her.
"I'm not joking around; I need you to tell me where my friends are," Tenten asserted, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. Her heart raced as she felt the cool steel of the kunai in her hand, its sharp edge catching the dim light. She tightened her grip, her knuckles white, as determination coursed through her. The air felt electric, filled with unspoken threats, and she was ready for anything that might come next.
NEJI AND LEE
Neji stirred awake, his head pounding like a relentless drum. He blinked several times, trying to pierce through the thick darkness that enveloped him, only to find himself surrounded by the cold, damp cave air. The ground beneath him felt uneven and gritty against his skin. As he attempted to lift his hand to rub his aching forehead, he discovered a heavyweight restraining him.
His heart sank as he felt the unforgiving chains biting into his wrists, clinking softly with every slight movement. The sound echoed off the damp stone walls, serving as a chilling reminder of his captivity. Straining to better understand his surroundings, Neji squinted into the blackness, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the cave's depths, but the oppressive gloom concealed any details. The air was thick with the scent of earth and moss, amplifying the dreary hopelessness of his situation.
"Neji," Lee's voice cut through the tension like a knife, a frantic whisper that urged Neji to pay attention. Neji turned his head just enough to catch a glimpse of his teammate. Lee's face was battered, a dark bruise swelling around his eye, and his green spandex suit was smeared with dirt and streaked with dried blood, a grim testament to whatever struggle he'd faced. His arms were tightly bound behind him, rendering him nearly helpless, the bright fabric of his attire a stark contrast to the dark mess around him. The weight of their dire situation pressed heavily on Neji, their escape plan slipping further from reach.
"Lee, why did you suddenly dash away like that?" Neji's voice was sharp. He glared at the boy, who slumped dejectedly, his face looking defeated.
"I don't know. I just heard the scream, and my body acted independently," he told his teammate. Neji stayed silent, his gaze fixed on Lee, fully aware that the boy wasn't attempting to justify his reckless actions. Lee's eyes reflected a mixture of regret and understanding, showing that he recognized he had made a grave mistake. Yet, even with that acknowledgment, a surge of anger swelled within Neji. The weight of their shared experiences only intensified his frustration, as memories of their past struggles mingled with his disappointment.
"Has anyone had a chance to speak with you and explain the purpose behind setting this trap?" Neji inquired, his brow furrowed with concern as he studied the boy's expression. The dim light cast shadows across their faces, intensifying the moment's seriousness.
"A shinobi named Yowayowashi wanted to find the artwork's location," Lee informed him.
"You didn't say anything, did you?" Neji demanded, his eyes fixed intensely on the boy.
"Of course not!" Lee exclaimed, a mix of shock and anger flooding his voice. He narrowed his eyes at Neji, unable to comprehend why his teammate would entertain such a thought. The idea that anyone might jeopardize Tenten's safety by revealing she was the last to have the artwork felt like a betrayal. Lee's heart raced as he envisioned the implications—how it could put Tenten in a vulnerable position. Protectiveness surged through him, igniting a fierce resolve to defend their friendship and shield her from potential danger. The air between them crackled with tension as he grappled with the weight of Neji's suspicion.
"I'm not suggesting that you have, Lee," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "I'm just trying to sort everything out. Remember, I've been unconscious this whole time." His eyes darted anxiously, the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily on him. "If they even suspect that we have a third person with us, Tenten could be in serious trouble."
The long-haired boy clenched his jaw, frustration boiling beneath the surface as he pulled against the cold, unyielding chains that restrained him. Each attempt to break free sent shooting pain through his wrists, a harsh reminder of their dire predicament. The clang of metal echoed eerily in the silence, matching the growing anxiety in his chest, each sound a perilous reminder of the stakes they faced.
"But if they did find her, Tenten would have already completed the mission. Surely, they wouldn't do anything to her under those circumstances," Lee tried to reason with the boy beside him. Neji raised his eyebrow; sometimes, he couldn't understand how Lee could be so naive.
"What do you think she'll do when Shinobi approaches her? Tenten's first instinct is to fight and not reveal any information.". Neji's jaw tightened at the thought, a surge of concern flooding him. He had spent countless hours training alongside his teammates, getting to know their strengths and weaknesses intimately. Tenten was particularly fierce; he knew she would stand her ground against any adversary without hesitation.
If she sensed even the faintest hint that her friends were in peril, her determination would shine like a beacon, transforming her into a whirlwind of fierce combat. Her skills with weapons and strategy would come to the forefront, and she wouldn't back down even in the face of overwhelming odds. Neji felt a surge of protective instinct; if their positions were reversed, he would fight just as valiantly for her, his loyalty unshakeable and unwavering in the face of danger.
"So, that's the Kounchi's name; she's a weapon mistress, right?" The boys exchanged wary looks, their gazes fixated on the cavern's entrance, where a shadowy figure began to materialize. Neji was captivated by the man's striking presence as he stepped into the flickering light. His left arm was intricately decorated with a tattoo spiraled and wrapped around it like ancient vainness, each twist and turn hinting at a deeper story of battles fought and skills mastered.
The man's sharp, spiked brown hair added a wild edge to his demeanor, contrasting sharply with his sleek, all-black attire, which seemed to absorb the surrounding darkness. The fabric clung to his muscular frame, suggesting agility and strength.
But what truly captured Neji's attention was the distinctive key that hung from the man's neck, glimmering faintly in the muted light. It swung gently with his movements, a tangible reminder of the chains that bound Lee and himself.
"How did you find out?" Lee demanded, his frustration rising sharply. The man laughed at the boy as he squatted next to him.
"Let's just say your clients had much to discuss regarding the Kounchi's." His grin broadened, a gleam of mischief in his eyes, as the male members exchanged confused glances. It slowly dawned on them that the client who initially recruited them for this task had double-crossed them. The boys tried to process the betrayal. The weight of the revelation settled heavily on their shoulders, each man grappling with the implications of their misplaced trust.
"It's pointless to pursue her; Tenten has completed her task. You'd be better off seeking another opportunity," Neji said, his eyes narrowing at the person keeping them there.
The man returned to his feet, storming over to Neji's location." What opportunities might those be? " The man grabbed the boy by the hair, forcing him to look directly into his eyes. "For her sake, she better still have what I want when my men find her. After all, I can't be held responsible for what I do." He roughly threw Neji's head against the wall, causing the boy to see dark spots in his vision. The man then stormed out of the cave.
The second chapter is up; let me know what you think about those privately messaging me about collaboration at work. If you are interested, unless it's feedback on the story or a question regarding the story, please refrain from the collaboration request.