Perfect Shot.

Of course, you can! We’d be happy to have you! n____n No worries about forgetting; these things do happen. In any case, here’re Tenten’s school details!

Major: Philosophy

Minor: Physical therapy

Job: Part-time martial arts teacher

House: 2B-A

Roommate: Kuchiki Rukia

"We’re fine," the Other said, "though a little embarrassed you’ve seen us like this," he kicked out toward Neji, though didn’t make contact with him. "We might have to make sure you don’t tell anyone." His foot slid back to a familiar position and Neji immediately returned to his struggle to stand.

"Just go Tenten," Neji said - maybe begged. He didn’t want to watch this, not again. "Just go.” The Other, after all, seemed more interested in taunting him than hurting him. The same could not be said for anyone else. “I can’t - not again.”

"Sure you can," the Other said, cocking his head. "You’re strongest, remember. I’ll let you up if you agree to be the proof of that. Maybe try for some proper screaming this time," he jerked his chin toward Tenten.

"Don’t you fucking touch her," Neji said, since he wasn’t even positive Tenten could see and hear him - the real him. Not this…thing. Monster. The Other frowned at him, eyes narrowing.

"I’m not a monster," he said, sounding…offended?…"I’m what you could have been. Should have been," chakra sparked on his hand as he turned fully toward Tenten. "And I’ll prove it to you. To everyone.”

This definitely wasn't the right time to get defensive over being pushed aside, but Tenten wasn't going anywhere. Not this time. It was easy telling the difference; She knew Neji wouldn't... purposely want to kill her... so maybe this was his fear. She  remembered her fear of relying on others which went away once she had help.

But this was different. Not only did Tenten not know how to calmly step around this— she was silently shaking with fear, almost to the point where she couldn't really move. The way the duplicate was looking at her ran chills down her spine— but she wouldn't let that harm her motive; and that was saving Neji.

"I'm...not going anywhere. " The last time she was away from him he was killed... that's not something she wants to let happen again. The  words she managed to muster up quickly returned to her throat once she focused on the one walking towards her. Though she was still quaking with fear... knowing at least this is what could've... what  Neji could've turned out to be.

"Wise as ever, Tenten," he said, teasing only slightly, "though you’ve never been frightened to use all your energy before. Perhaps not as enthusiastic as Lee," was anyone?, "but you hold your own." He tried to ignore the dread coiled in his stomach in favour of greeting a friend properly.

A small laughter had escaped the brunette after only hearing his  remark. It was oddly different— because Tenten did miss him, so she didn't care who knew. He was obviously someone important to her, but it had been a surprise that she missed him that much. Since before they hadn't gotten along, the duration of being  around each other changed that.  "I am, but don't underestimate my patience Hyuga." she said teasingly with a grin.

He was crying again. But this time, it was not because he could not afford to pay. Ino could hear him, begging her to save him.

Asuma-Sensei! Ino thought, his name bouncing around in her mind a thousand times, the desperate thought escaping and clouding her sight. The faster she ran, the further she seemed to be. How could she rescue him like this?

He needed her. He was bleeding. Chakra fading fast. Her hands were trembling over him, sank through him, into blood. It was everywhere. Someone was laughing, a terrible, cold laugh. Through the blood and the dark desperation, was a gaunt, skull-like face.

Hidan’s face.

It was his laugh. His scythe. He was taunting her that he was immortal. Taunting her that she could not rescue anyone.

She heard another voice, someone else was desperately begging for help. Someone needed her-

The voice was too high to be Asuma’s, but it was familiar. How many more voices would she hear? Too helpless to save?

No. That wasn’t what she was born to do. She couldn’t fall into despair when others needed her.

Tenten?! Ino gaped, staring at the girl who was drowning. No! She must not die!

"T-Take my hand!" Ino called, relieved to hear her voice outside of her head. “I’m here!”

"I-I can't!" And it was true. Her arms were pinned under the suctioned-felt material, sealing her fate. Though she couldn't figure out what was real or not, she did her best to comply with what she had. No matter if she was perceptive with sight and hearing, this had been a block to that. Realizing Ino was trying to help, Tenten did her best to try and work with her. 

The sound of rushing water began to fill relentlessly.

Neji watched the unknown person drive his fist into Hinata’s gut and felt rage well inside him. “Fight, Hinata,” he said, letting the honorific fall in hopes it would shock her into acting. “Fight dammit, you’re better than him.”

Hinata didn’t fight, instead she looked up just as a leg came up and caught her across the ribs -

Lee’s body hit the wall with a sickening crack. Neji struggled to stand and get to him - get between him and the attacker, but he couldn’t. “Get up, Lee. Get up.” His voice was raw from yelling at the chuunin, though he never seemed to hear. This time, at least, he looked up -

Hanabi’s face was covered in dirt and forming bruises, her eyes swimming with tears. Which made no sense, Hanabi didn’t cry, and she certainly didn’t lose. “Hanabi you must get up,” Neji called across the arena, “you-“

"Neji-nii," finally, “why?” What? "why are-"

"you doing this?" Tenten was struggling to her feet as she spoke, blood dripping from her nose. "Neji, why?"

I’m not doing anything Neji tried to say. I can’t even move.

But he was moving, his fist, laced with chakra, driving toward her heart. Neji tried to pull back, to stop, but it was like he wasn’t in control. Like a puppet. A tool.

Tenten didn’t even try to dodge the hit, falling the ground, limp and lifeless-

his blue eyes stared wide, tan already bleaching as life fled his body. Naruto’s blond hair even seemed to shine less.

"Weak," Neji heard the words in his voice, from his body, and felt a chill. "Pathetic losers, all of you."

No. Neji tried to break through whatever was taking over his body, I’m not that person anymore. Get out get out get-

and like that he was. Out, and staring up at…himself. A harder him. Eyes cold, face impassive and freckled with blood. “Stop crying. You’re the strongest. You proved it.”

I’m not crying, he almost said, and then realized that was a lie.

Another tear hit the ground as not-Him started to laugh.

It wasn't that long ago that she was under the impression she was drowning. Or at least she thought she was. Under the impression that it was a biggest fear, no matter how generic it seemed to be— it was the fact she needed someone to help that made it fearful. If anyone hadn't known already, she didn't believe in asking for help.

But then... she came across something strange, something she didn't ever see; and it was Neji in a defeated position. Her brown eyes widened as she took in the situation, unaware of what was going on. 

Gradual fear began to fill her mind, causing her to wonder if this was just another part of her nightmare. All feeling so real... the brunette still wasn't able to just turn away from Neji— not after she was just now seeing him alive—after... they were all sent there.

"I want to be a great and powerful ninja! To walk in the footsteps of the legendary kunoichi, Tsunade !"

'Market / Material.'

The market was basic, stock up on general items. Snacks, small meals to take to work. Material; ultimately, a way to explore this itch Hinata’s been feeling. To be creative, express without words. An interest for as long as she can recall. Father forbid this type of behaviour. If his daughter had time to paint, and play, she had time to train. Not that she ever stopped, would continue out of necessity.

But he wasn’t here to condemn her. None of them were. It was unclear if this saddened her, or soothed.

At the sound of a familiar voice, glancing up. Holding her pen up in the air with no real purpose. Lips part, releasing a silent gasp, seeing her cousin’s teammate. .”Tenten, y-you are here as well??”

The second person she’s recognized, or really, has found her. Were there others?

Tenten smiled cheerfully, glad there was yet another she had found. Especially Hinata, since they were... well she hoped they were somewhat good friends. The brunette noticed the surprise in the others voice and  honestly could feel the same way about seeing her; she didn't know why everyone was showing up really.