The three boys gathered around a round table, the atmosphere filled with the soft clinking of utensils against plates. Neji sat in silence, his gaze fixed on the food in front of him, absently pushing the rice and vegetables around, his mind clearly elsewhere. His brow furrowed slightly, lost in contemplation. Observing his friend's unusual stillness, Lee leaned in closer, concern etched on his face." Are you okay, Neji? he asked softly, hoping to break through the fog that seemed to cloud his friend's thoughts.

"Hn." Neji looked at his teammate, who was giving him a concerned look. "Yeah, it's nothing. I'm just thinking."

"You're worried about Tenten, aren't you?" Lee stated, sensing Neji's unease. He understood Neji's feelings well; Tenten was also a dear friend.

"What's going on with her?" Naruto asked, a puzzled expression crossing his face as he paused mid-bite. "I've never seen her behave like that around her friends before." He scratched his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing with concern as he glanced around the room, trying to understand the change in her demeanor.

"I'm feeling lost regarding her emotions at the moment. Tenten has always been the type of person who bounces back from conflicts with a smile, rarely holding onto anger or grudges. However, lately, something seems to have shifted within her, casting a shadow over her usual bright spirit." Neji furrowed his brow, deep in thought, as he tried to recall any previous occasions when Tenten had exhibited such behavior—when her laughter was absent, replaced by an unusual silence and a distant look in her eyes. Despite his best efforts to search his memory, he found nothing to explain this troubling change in her demeanor, leaving him concerned and puzzled.

The clatter of utensils and the hum of conversation quieted as everyone at the table focused on their meals. Naruto glanced up at the boys, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. With a hint of mischief, he said, "You know, ever since I first met you, I've been really curious about how you felt when you discovered who your teammates were. I've heard about everyone else's teams, but I'm left in the dark regarding yours. What was your reaction? I could imagine Neji wouldn't have been too happy."

"You're not far off; Neji didn't mask his true feelings." Lee looked up at him.

FLASHBACK

A male shinobi stood confidently at the front of the bustling classroom, his eyes scanning the names on the clipboard in his hand. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the eager students. With a clear, commanding voice, he announced, "Neji Hyuuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee. You will be the final team selected." The trio exchanged glances, a mix of emotions on their faces as they prepared for the challenges ahead.

Tenten and Lee walked toward the center of the bustling classroom, their footsteps light against the wooden floor. As they approached, their gazes fell upon Neji, who sat quietly at a desk, his long, dark hair cascading over his shoulders like a waterfall. His eyes were shut in a serene expression, utterly detached from the surrounding chatter. The other students, not belonging to the prestigious Hyuuga clan, exchanged knowing glances, realizing Neji wouldn't join them. With a sense of determination, Tenten and Lee steeled themselves to bridge the distance and approach him directly, aware that they would have to initiate the interaction themselves.

Tenten shifted her gaze to her companions, feeling the weight of the quiet moment. "So," she ventured, trying to break the silence, but the words eluded her, leaving her momentarily speechless as she searched for the right thing to say.

"Don't waste your breath," Neji said with a sharp edge. "As soon as the sensei arrives, I will demand that I get transferred to a different squad." Tenten and Lee exchanged concerned glances, sensing the tension in the air. The boy's tone dripped with disdain, clearly reflecting his disappointment and frustration with the team he had been placed with. His body language was rigid, and his expression was annoyed as he stared at them, as if they were the source of all his problems.

"Hold on, why is that?" Tenten exclaimed in frustration at Neji. "We haven't even begun!"

"Why would I want to be on a team with someone with no real talent and who was allowed to graduate because they felt sorry for him?" Neji smirked as he saw the effect on his bushy-browed teammate. "That's all you two will ever be; your destiny will never change."

"Hey, that's enough," Tenten said, her voice steady; Neji looked up at the fier "e girl who loomed over him, her expression a mixture of defiance and determination. The sunlight from the window glinted in her eyes, making it seem almost like fire, and Neji felt a wave ofsurprise at the intensity of her stare. "You know what? We might not be perfect, and we may not be the strongest fighters in this world, but I'm pretty sure you can't dictate our future. You don't know where we'll be in a few years or our paths." Neji held her gaze, feeling a mix of admiration and bewilderment at her boldness as her words hung in the air, sharp and unwavering like the edge of a well-honed sword. This admiration quickly turned to anger.

"How dare you address a member of the prestigious Hyuuga clan in such a disrespectful manner?" His words cut through the air like a blade, loaded with contempt. "You, who possess no real talent and exist only to fill the empty spaces around those who matter. That is the extent of your worth." His voice dripped with venom, and his eyes locked onto hers fiercely, challenging her to respond.

"That's rich, coming from a boy who publicly denounces his clan yet still clings to his identity as a member," Tenten retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm and edged with frustration. Her piercing gaze locked onto Neji, and she couldn't help but notice the slight twitch in his eyebrow—a subtle indicator of his growing agitation. As Lee observed the two, his heart pounding, the air around them grew tense. He felt a knot forming in his stomach, knowing that neither Tenten nor Neji were inclined to back down from their confrontation.

With every accusation, the atmosphere crackled, and the distance between them seemed to vanish. Lee shifted awkwardly, aware that he was merely a bystander in this heated exchange. A sense of worthlessness washed over him, and he grappled with feelings of inadequacy; he felt like a leaf caught in a storm, unable to influence the chaos around him. Watching Tenten stand her ground while Neji's composure cracked was inspiring and disheartening. Lee couldn't help but lament that he was letting someone else engage in the struggle he wished he dared to face.

Neji sprang from his seat, his frustration palpable in the air around him. Tenten caught the intensity in his narrowed gaze, knowing all too well that this escalation would push him closer to losing his temper. As he strode toward her, brimming with indignation, he anticipated that she would flinch and retreat. However, to his surprise, she remained resolute, holding her ground with determination etched on her face.

"Watch your mouth," he warned, his voice low and threatening, "or you won't even make it to your first team mission." The challenge hung between them, electric and unyielding, while Neji, tense and unrelenting, refused to back down.

END OF FLASHBACK

"Wow," Narutowas captivated by the tale. "I'm dying to know what happens next!" the eager blonde boy urged.

"Well, Tenten was fortunate that Gai-sensei arrived at the critical moment; had he not intervened, the situation could have spiraled into a much larger crisis, creating repercussions that would have affected all of them." Neji fell silent, his expression darkening as he recalled that troubling memory. The image of the chaos still lingered in his mind, reminding him how close they had come to disaster. He despised thinking back on it. If he were to be completely honest, the thought of using his Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms technique flashed through his mind. He was sure that, at that moment, he would have executed the technique with unwavering resolve, not hesitating for a single heartbeat. The sheer power of the method, capable of overwhelming even the most formidable opponents, fascinated and frightened him. It was a stark reminder of the thin line he walked between maintaining control and succumbing to instinctive aggression.

"Come on, we should head out and make sure Tenten is okay by herself," Neji said, his voice laced with concern. He rose from the small, cozy gathering where they had been sitting, the fabric of his long sleeves brushing against his arms as he moved. With a gentle determination, he reached for a bag of food he had carefully selected for Tenten from the local market. Inside the bag were her favorite snacks—fresh fruits, savory rice balls, and sweet treats—things he knew would delight her when she finally ate.

Neji reflected on how, during stressful times, Tenten often became so absorbed in her thoughts that she would forget to care for herself, neglecting even the most straightforward needs like hunger. The thought of her working through her worries alone tugged at his heart, and he felt a sense of responsibility to ensure she wasn't left to fend for herself. As he stepped toward the door, the afternoon light spilled into the room, illuminating his resolve to be there for her in any way he could.

BACK AT THE Hotel

The boys entered the hotel through the doors. "Alright, you two go to the room. I'll deliver these to Tenten and be right up." The boys nodded, and Neji walked across the room to find Tenten's room.

As he extended his hand toward the tarnished brass handle of the door, a sharp voice rang out, "I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU!" It was the old lady, her presence unsettling and expectant. Neji realized she must have been observing him when he stepped inside, lying in wait like a predator ready to pounce. He anticipated her move as she intended to strike with her gnarled cane. With a swift and deliberate motion, he knocked the cane aside, the wooden shaft scraping against his palm but failing to land a blow. Neji stood resolute, ready for whatever else she had in store.

"Hold on a moment. I just want to ensure my teammate has something to eat," he protested to the old woman, displaying the bag of food to her.

"Don't lie, I know what boys your age think about." Neji couldn't help but feel a tint of red on his cheeks as the old woman accused him of harboring such thoughts about his teammate.

"How dare you possibly make that accusation…" He was cut off as the redhead rushed over to understand what was happening.

"What was wrong?" her voice full of panic.

Neji fixed Kitai with his trademark cold stare, eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the situation. "I was only going to hand these to my teammates," he said matter-of-factly, lifting the bag of food high enough for Kitai to see its contents clearly. The scent of fresh snacks wafted from the bag, contrasting sharply with the tension in the air.

"Oh, right. Would you mind if I passed these to her?" the woman inquired, her voice laced with a hint of hesitation. Her brow furrowed slightly, the weight of her grandmother's strict rules evident in her expression. The man paused, his thoughts swirling as he glanced at the red-haired Ninja, concern flickering in his eyes. Yet, he felt as though he was tethered by the formidable presence of the older woman standing before him. With a reluctant sigh, he gently placed the bag into the redhead's hands, bowing his head in gratitude. Turning away, he returned to his room, the sound of soft footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

TENTEN

Tenten sat on the edge of the neatly made bed, her gaze fixed on the unadorned walls of her sparsely furnished room. The muted colors of the walls echoed the thoughts swirling in her mind as she contemplated the events of the day and the challenges that awaited her. The room felt stark and minimal, with only the bed taking center stage and a small bathroom tucked away in the corner. In the opposite corner, her massive scroll leaned against the wall, a silent guardian that concealed an array of weapons ready for action. The scroll's intricate patterns hinted at the power it held within, a stark contrast to the simplicity of her surroundings.

Tenten jolted back to reality, her thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind at the sound of a sharp knock on the door. The persistent sound echoed through her tiny room, urging her to rise from her comfortable chair. "It better not be Neji," she grumbled under her breath, a tinge of annoyance creeping into her voice. "I just can't deal with him right now." With a sigh, she approached the door, steeling herself for an unwelcome confrontation. She braced herself as she swung the door open, ready to send the clear-eyed boy packing if it was indeed him standing there.

The heavy wooden door swung open with a loud creak, revealing a young woman with fiery red hair that framed her face in wild waves. She instinctively recoiled, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected entrance as if a sudden gust of wind had caught her off guard. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I thought it was someone else," Tenten hurriedly apologized, her heart racing a little at the sight of the startled girl. She took a cautious step forward, hoping to ease the tension in the air. Tenten's brow relaxed as she offered a friendly smile, trying to convey her sincerity. "Um, if I remember correctly, your name is Kitai, right?" she added, her voice softening as she tried to connect with her.

She exchanged a warm smile with Tenten, her eyes sparkling with kindness. "Oh, no, it's perfectly fine," she said softly. "I just wanted to hand this to you." With a gentle flourish, she presented Tenten with a bag filled with delicious food. Tenten accepted the bag, her brow furrowing in curiosity as she cast a questioning glance at the other girl. "The long-haired boy was eager to give this to you," the woman explained, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But my grandmother insisted on scolding him for standing too close to the door." She let out a light chuckle filled with warmth and understanding.

"Well, thank you," Tenten said, a hint of surprise in her voice as she accepted the bag with her fingers brushing against Kitai's. She anticipated that the girl would turn and leave, but Kitai stood her ground, her gaze locked on Tenten with an intensity that made her uneasy. As Tenten's hand grasped the cool metal of the door handle, she felt a sudden shift in the air; Kitai swiftly slipped into the room before Tenten could react. Instinctively, Tenten's heart raced, and she instinctively braced herself. *Wait, what's happening? Did I unknowingly invite her in?* she thought, confusion swirling in her mind as she glanced back at the girl who now occupied her space.

Tenten moved with deliberate caution, her fingers gliding toward a scroll tucked away in the intricately designed holder attached to her waist. The pouch clung firmly to her side, the fabric worn from countless missions. Suddenly, Kitai's expression shifted, and her brow furrowed, sending a ripple of tension through the air. Instinctively, Tenten dropped into a defensive stance, her heart racing. The handle of her bag slipped from her grasp, and the contents—a carefully packed meal—tumbled to the ground, forgotten in the moment.

Kitai stepped into the dimly lit room, the door creaking softly as she pushed it closed behind her, shutting out the outside world's noise. The air was thick with tension, and she could feel the weight of unspoken memories hanging in the space between them. With a steady gaze, she fixed her eyes on Tenten, who stood frozen, her posture tense and wary.

"You don't remember me, do you?" Kitai's voice was firm, yet her underlying yearning softened her words. Tenten remained silent, her brow furrowing as she searched Kitai's face for clues from a past she couldn't quite grasp.

Kitai took a tentative step closer, her heart pounding as she summoned the courage to bridge the gap between them. "I remember you," she said, her tone shifting to something more vulnerable. A flicker of nostalgia crept into her expression as she recalled shared moments long forgotten. With every step, she felt the familiar pangs of a connection that lingered, and her eyes never left the red-haired woman, both of them caught in the delicate web of their intertwined histories.

The young Kunoichi stood frozen, her brow furrowing in confusion as she eyed the mysterious girl before her. A sense of unease wrapped around her like a dark cloak; she had no recollection of this stranger. With a sincere tone that belied her uncertainty, she finally spoke, "I'm sorry, but did we cross paths while I was on a mission?" Her voice wavered slightly as she searched the girl's face for any hint of recognition.

"No, I have never left the village," Kitai replied, sighing deeply as frustration washed over her. The weight of her words lingered in the air, thick with nostalgia. "Don't you remember the challenges we faced just to gain admission to this village academy when we were children?"

Flashback

A group of young children, their faces filled with curiosity and determination, stood in a straight line on the expansive training ground. The sun illuminated the grassy area, casting a warm glow over them. A man stood at the far end of the line, his tall figure exuding authority as he faced the children. His piercing eyes scanned each child thoughtfully, taking their stance and expressions. The gentle breeze ruffled his long blond hair, which danced around his shoulders, contrasting with the solemn atmosphere he created. The children could feel the weight of his gaze, motivating them to stand tall and prove their worth.

"With a commanding stride, he made his way to the front, his presence filling the room. 'Only the top ten fighters will be accepted into the academy,' he declared. His voice resonated like thunder, echoing throughout the grounds, instilling awe and intimidation in those who listened."

A FEW HOURS LATER

Two girls, no older than six, stood facing each other with determination and uncertainty. One girl, her dark brown hair pulled into two playful twin buns atop her head, confidently took a fighting stance, her little fists raised and a fierce expression on her face. The other girl, sporting bright red hair that fell around her shoulders, hesitated, looking unsure and a bit nervous as she watched her friend prepare for their duel. The air between them was filled with the innocent tension of childhood rivalry, each girl embodying the spirit of youthful adventure.

"Kitai and Unmei, you may begin your fight." The girl called Unmei ran at the redhead with no fear or second thoughts in her eyes. Kitai closed her, readying herself for the impact of what was to come.

Instead of the jarring impact she anticipated, Kitai experienced a surprisingly gentle touch on her head. Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with the warm, reassuring smile of Unmei, the brown-haired girl whose eyes sparkled with concern. "Are you okay?" Unmei asked softly, her voice filled with genuine care. Overwhelmed and still gathering her thoughts, Kitai could only manage a faint nod in response.

"What are you doing? Don't just stand there; fight." The man yelled at the two girls, causing Kitai to jump back while Unmei scolded him. "Right, if you won't listen to me. It's time for me to make them listen."

As he approached the young girls, he stormed across the dusty training ground, his face a mask of frustration. "I'll give you both one more chance to end this fight," he stated firmly, his voice booming with authority. As he issued the ultimatum, Kitai, feeling a surge of panic, attempted to turn and flee from the confrontation. However, she stumbled and fell just as she pivoted, her feet tangling beneath her. Struggling to regain her composure, she heard him call out, "So you want to run now? That's not what we teach you in this village."

He charged at her, his body tense with aggression as he seized her arm just as she reflexively raised it to shield herself. Pain shot through her as his grip tightened, leaving her helpless and gasping. "Hey, that's enough!" Unmei shouted, her voice filled with urgency as she strained to pry the instructor's arm away from the girl while reaching for Kitai's arm. But despite her efforts, her strength felt insignificant against his iron grip.

"And you, Unmei." He released his redhead's arm and swiftly grabbed the brown-haired girl's right arm instead. This time, she didn't make a sound, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. His gaze bore into hers, a mix of intensity and admonishment. "You know better than to take pity on the weak. It only leads to trouble, and deep down, you understand that all too well."

"What the point in hurting someone who doesn't want to fight." The man snarled at her as she spoke back to him.

"That's not the main issue at hand. If we permit one coward like her to slip away, it will create a ripple effect, leading the entire village to fearfully abandon their posts. Unmei, I'll grant you one final opportunity to redeem yourself, but as for you, Kitai, I want you to disappear from my presence immediately."

END OF FLASHBACK

Tenten gradually lowered her fighting stance, her muscles relaxing as she shifted her gaze away from the girl standing before her. With a hesitant breath, she finally spoke, her voice tinged with emotion. "I want to take a moment to thank you," she began, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "Back then, I never had the opportunity to express my gratitude, but even if the chance had come, I probably wouldn't have taken it. The truth is, I resented you for making me feel weak. You challenged me in ways I wasn't ready for, and instead of recognizing that as growth, I let my jealousy cloud my judgment. I appreciate what you did for me, even if it took me a long time to realize it." The redhead's honesty filled the space between them, revealing a rarely seen vulnerability.

Tenten gazed at her intently, a hint of regret in her voice as she replied, "I appreciate your gratitude, but I'm afraid I can't accept your thanks." The girl furrowed her brow, confusion evident as she asked, "The girl in that story—she isn't me at all."

Kitai stood nearby, observing the exchange with keen interest. Tenten sensed the doubt in Kitai's expression, realizing she struggled to accept Tenten's words. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and Tenten felt the weight of her words lingering between them.

"Well, whatever you say," Kitai remarked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She opened the door, ready to step outside, but then halted and turned back slightly. "By the way, an elderly woman named Amaya was asking for you. She insisted that you know exactly where to find her." With that, Kitai gave a slight nod and exited the room, leaving the air filled with her unresolved thoughts.

Tenten's eyes widened in surprise. "How did she know I was here?" she wondered, puzzled. Her confusion quickly dissipated when her gaze fell to the floor, where a familiar food bag lay waiting for her. With a soft gasp, she picked it up, and a warm smile spread across her face as she recognized the contents.

"Well, I shouldn't go out without something to eat, now should I?" she mused to herself. As she eagerly dug into the bag, the delightful aroma of her favorite foods wafted up to greet her.

Her heart fluttered as she pulled out the delicious items, each one a reminder of the care that had gone into this gesture. "I can't be mad at him forever," she thought, her lips curling into a tender smile as she reflected on Neji's thoughtfulness and the bond they shared. In that moment, the frustration she had felt began to fade, replaced by warmth and appreciation.