Happy birthday Tenten-chan :3 A series of oneshots that lead all the way to Neji and Tenten’s romance and a bit farther into that.

12 years old.

“All right! Its time for some YOUTHFUL bonding!”

Gai plopped down on the ground followed by Lee. Tenten reluctantly sits while Neji already in his seiza position cracks open an eye slightly.

“Today we shall discuss our fears!” Tenten raises her eyebrow at the miracle that youth wasn’t involved in the sentence.

Lee’s hand shoots up.

“All right then, you first Lee! Tell us about your YOUTHFUL fears!” Lee looks deep in thought for a moment, before deciding to say, “I fear that I shall never get stronger, and lose my ability to become a ninja!”

Gai smiles, “Very good! But never fear Lee! As long as your fire of youth burns brightly you should not worry!” he smiled with a ping.

“All right! Who’s next?” He looks at Tenten and then Neji.

“NEJI!” Neji’s eye twitches slightly.

“Fears are meaningless; it is only caused by our inability to understand things. I do not waste my time on such an emotion.” Gai frowns at this answer.

“You need to liven up Neji and let your YOUTH come out! Fear is completely natural.” Neji gave him and annoyed glance.

Personally Tenten though it was a miracle they got out more than a sentence from him.

“What about you Tenten! Surely our youthful flower has a fear?”

“Becoming blind.” She says simply.

Gai smiles widely,” Then we shall be your eyes!”

Tenten could not think of a retort. She gaped only slightly at Gai.

That’s when her first rush of affection filled her for her sensei. For the first time since she has been assigned to team 13, she smiles widely.

This time it reaches her eyes.