one_long_mission

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If this, then, was home, then for some, it was the only thing they knew.

For one teen girl, the life of a shinobi was all she truly knew. Her mother had died not long after giving birth to her, and her uncle and rest of family did not exactly approve of her suddenly being thrust upon them. Neji was somehow less than their own flesh and blood, and chafed under her reduced station.

If there were a way out, she would take it. As long as she did not dishonor her mother's name, she would take it.

Today was an uncharacteristically peaceful day as she sat atop one of the many tree branches around Michi no Sato. Border guarding was vital, if uninteresting. At the sound of approaching footsteps, she tilted her head; the direction was from the village itself. Likely no threat.

If they wanted her attention, they would request it; if they continued walking, she would have them halt to learn their purpose.

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It was a large reason why she had insisted on returning to her home, after all. It restored a measure of independence, lessening her vulnerability if she could do simple tasks without assistance.

"You would not have been able to defeat me," she confirmed, lips curving into another smile. "Though fate had little to do with it. I simply outclassed you."

Past tense, because with the strange Chakra she had seen from the temple... she could no longer be sure.

"Ow.. my pride's hurt there, you know?" he gave a light huff. "The attention to tense is appreciated though." he chuckled.

Indeed, one might wonder just what was the extent of his power? Should that fire back then have been caused by some jutsu, it was certainly fearsome. Because of this, however, part of him was somewhat unwilling to find out the extent of those new powers he had gained.

"You have nothing to fear though. I'm on your side."

She only smiled briefly before letting it fade again, not bothering to comment further on that. Instead her attention focused on his latter statement, head tilted as if to weigh his words. A long moment as she considered the possibilities, the different meanings and undertones she could take from those words...

Then simply took them at face value and inclined her head.

"I am honored."

He gave a light chuckle. "You're the only Hyuuga I'll ever say that to.."

There was the lightest of hums as he pondered. "I was thinking, and going back to the subject of the impending threat of Shourisha, we might have a few days ahead of us depending on the speed they advance, if they have even finished gathering by now.. so your eyes might be healed by then." he gave a snicker. "Pretty sure you can outdo any of those other Hyuuga. After all, you took down a chakra beast singlehandedly."

She flushed a little and inclined her head again to acknowledge it. Though a part of her wanted to point out that if he were on the side of the village, he was necessarily on the side of the Hyuuga, but for now...?

Neji was alright thinking that she was special.

"Did you report it?" She tilted her head toward him with a small frown.

"I've left everything concerning my goal out, as well as what I gained. I put the emphasis on the forces we saw on our way there, those massing near an old crossroads as well as the encounter we've made with a chakra beast and its end. They are aware of the advance forces and have possibly been working on wiping them out since the second I finished my report."

He claimed a deep breath. "You can report your version as well, if you so wish."

She stayed silent for a long moment, analyzing exactly what it was he was saying before glancing to him again.

"What other version is there, Sasuke?" And her lips quirked up in a small smile of acknowledgement.

"If you want to report the real reason for leaving, or what you saw at the temple." he murmured. "...it may be old history either way."

"Two contradictory reports is grounds for an inquiry. I do not believe either of us have time for that."

"Thank you." he murmured, somehow more relieved than he thought he would be, knowing that the Uchiha secrets were all with him. "I was right to put my trust in you."

She only smiled in response and inclined her head. Whatever the circumstances, good or bad... she and Sasuke were allies now. Had been for several days, perhaps since she'd gone for that paperwork, but for now? Neji exhaled through her nose and tilted her head at him.

"That, I think, may be a first."

"You mean someone putting their trust in you?"he wouldn't doubt it. After all, their circumstances, now that he thought about it, were somewhat similar.

"The village trusts me to act in the best interests of the Hyuuga. The Hyuuga trust me to obey my station." She looked evenly to him, arching an eyebrow. "You are the first to trust me."

They truly were similar. No one trusted them for themselves... "The village might change its opinion after we win." because yes, they -were- going to win, even if the shourisha broke past their defenses. Michi had their attackers in wait, and no one would let any harm come to the village. "...we've given them enough warning so that they know what to expect, and if they caught some spies, we'll be able to find out more, too."

Not to mention she already had done quite the act of heroism and saved the last Uchiha's life. "I owe you much more... since you helped me find the truth, no matter how dark it ended up to be..."

"We will win," she agreed quietly, both hands coming up to touch the bandages on either side of her eyes with another frown. "I only wish I were able to see it. It will be a decisive victory."

She tilted her head at the mention of spies and only nodded, though she paused at his next mention. "I am... sorry, that it was not as you had hoped."

"They did have a day or more waiting to gather... so.. you may see it. I keep hope." besides, if they were upon the city, he would rush to battle as well.

He claimed a deep breath and let out a sigh. "I've only found the path blocked. There are others I can use..."

"Perhaps." She nodded again in response with a short sigh, tilting her head toward him again. "And you say there are other paths...? Was what you found in the temple not enough?"

"Tell me then. What would you do, in my place?" he asked in a low voice.

"Whatever I wished to do," she answered simply, fingers splaying open atop the table before elaborating, "With your freedom, I might... travel, perhaps. An extended scouting mission for the village, attempt to find what else may be out there for me. Perhaps rebuild the clan anew, in time."

Well, he couldn't say there was nothing out there for him, could he? "They wouldn't object to scouting... but if it's just me..?" they certainly would. There is no way a single shinobi can go by himself unless they are highly trusted. "My level isn't high enough."

there was a pause. "..rebuilding.. my clan.. might definitely be an option, but it involves much support."

"Accompanied by a partner, perhaps," she suggested quietly. Had she been able to see, her gaze would have been downcast to the table. "Even still, I must admit that I envy your freedom."

She tilted her head again at the mention of his clan, humming softly in acknowledgement. She would support him how she could in such an endeavor, but she had already assured him of such previously. There was no need to reiterate it. "You would do so within this village?"

"..and there is but one partner I can trust." he gave a light chuckle. "I can see why you'd want... freedom too. This whole place outside sure feels oppressive." he shuddered lightly before claiming some tea.

"There were many things, within this temple, and I still have much to explore within that tome I brought back, but... here seems to be the best place... for the phoenix to rise from its ashes..."

Her cheeks flushed lightly, fingertips gently rubbing at the table in something that was almost a nervous gesture. Perhaps it was the lack of her own vision, but she felt hyper-aware of what had to be his stare on her.

As soon as she realized she was fidgeting, she stopped immediately. "I am honored, she answered quietly, tilting her head as if to indicate the entire space. "But this is where I am bound. Would that I could be... But if I am bound to this family, I would never have such an opportunity to stray so far."

A small smile graced her lips. "Though I look forward to seeing just what does rise from the ashes."

"I see..." so then... she -was- indeed bound that strongly. He claimed a deep breath. He could only hope to either be granted the permission to go alone.. or find someone else he could trust. "This is all in a far future, however. First, there is an advancing foe to take care of." and by his tone, he was ready to face them. A full night of rest had done wonders, unplagued by nightmares.

"I will not repeat the mistake they did..."

"Indeed." It was far easier to only agree with him. The traitorous thought, that if she were to come to be bound to another family passed through her mind only long enough to bring a flush to her cheeks before she quickly shoved it away.

"When battle comes, the village will be ready."

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