Unity

The first day on the boat had been quiet. There were some problems, like the fact that Gai was sick all day - he didn't feel very good about trips on the high seas - and the faces that TenTen threw at Naruto, everything went according to plan. There was not much to do, however each of them invented some kind of occupation. Sakura spent the day reading the medical books she had received from colleagues at Kumogakure hospital; TenTen, without much choice, trained taijutsu with Lee; Naruto forced Sai to play cards with him; Sasuke, without the kunoichi knowing, read the books with Sakura, without much choice of what to do.

The night came quickly and they decided to organize a joint dinner. Since they didn't have much stock on the boat, they organized simple things, just to be together. That way, everyone could sit on the floor in a circle and eat together. Sasuke, concerned about the state of his sensei, who has not left the cabin for a long time, decided to visit him. She found him lying in a heavy sleep and, in order not to disturb him, after all, in that way, he looked fine - I mean, much better than he was before -, he left the room cautiously.

When he returned to the main room, everyone was already gathered around the food and had left a space for him between Naruto and TenTen.

"Sasuke ... why don't you sit here?" The brunette, who was sitting next to Sai, as soon as she saw him enter, jumped to Naruto's side. Despite being irritated by the idea of ​​standing next to Konoha's baka-mor - yes, I was still irritated by his episode teasing her, how could I forget that so easily? -, understood that it was necessary to make some sacrifices to help the two friends get together.

After talking more with Sai about how he felt and what had happened, he had decided, ironically, to help them stay together. Obviously she had to help, with Sasuke nothing would be easy, she knew very well. Like the drawing master, the Uchiha struggled with feelings.

But the case at the ex-nukenin was different. He was able to feel all things, easily, yet it took him a long time, not to say eternally, to realize what they meant. This means that he could be even a little interested, but he would never notice. Perhaps he would die without understanding how one person could like another and not realize it, but, well, he had to respect that each person had his own time in relation to feelings.

The brunette with different colored eyes can't help but be suspicious. Obviously I would stay, I would be a fool if I didn't. After all, now that TenTen and Sai were glued together all the time, what is the point of her giving up her place to him, thus separating the couple? There was something wrong with Mitsashi's intentions; it was not the first time that she had been acting that strange in relation to what involved the two of them.

Instead of sitting down, he touched her shoulder and bent down so that only she could hear the words "Let's talk outside", which he said before turning and leaving. The dark-eyed ninja trembled with anxiety, trying to understand what was there for them to talk about. Had he done something wrong?

Everyone watched them both leave with curiosity. Not even the closest ones, like Sai and Naruto, could hear what had been whispered there, which further fueled everyone's desire to know what was going on between those two. A conversation between TenTen and Sasuke was not unusual, they were teammates and, as far as everyone knew, very close, something like best friends, in their own ways. However, there was something in the atmosphere. Something that could not be ignored.

Outside, TenTen approached it carefully. Sasuke was on the edge, the farthest place from the door she had just left. He didn't give a knotless stitch, it was clear that he was there to make others less likely to hear something. Which meant that what he was about to say was very serious.

"Why are you doing this, TenTen?" He didn't look her in the eye, but his voice was soft. It was just curiosity, he wasn't angry. Mitsashi was fully aware of what she was doing, although she chose, at that moment, to go crazy.

"What are you talking about?" The brunette finally turned to face her. She cursed herself for reacting with surprise the moment his dark eyes landed on her. Would those eyes be able to see your soul? I didn't doubt it.

"Sai. Why are you putting so much effort into approaching him?" As expected, Sasuke had no tongue in cheek. He would simply say what was bothering him, no matter what. "Is it one of those shit to bring friend and boyfriend together?"

Wait a moment. Her chocolate orbs widened with that question, which could only be interpreted in a way, one she didn't like the way. He suggested that Sasuke was his friend, while Sai was his boyfriend. What did not do any damn sense. The salt air must have been driving him crazy. Just like Gai-sensei.

"What do you mean by boyfriend? Are you implying that I'm dating that bullshit?" He couldn't stop himself from being angry even if he made an effort; it was too absurd for her to have no reaction.

"What else could it be? You made that whole scene that day that Naruto woke up, so he wouldn't tell you your secret. What else could it be besides the fact that you and he are dating?"

TenTen sighed. He counted to ten, twice, the second backwards so he could calm down. If I didn't, I could hit him with all my might and drown him in the sea. Was that the acclaimed Sasuke Intelligent Uchiha? Pathetic.

"You are so smart for some things, but so dumb for others. Why can't you just see what's in front of you, right in the middle of your face?"

"And what would that be?"

"I'm doing this so you can stay with Sai, you idiot. You and him and that doesn't include me in the equation." He spoke, louder than he should. She should have felt guilty, someone could have heard, after all the others were not far from there, but the brunette was to blame for stressing her with that kind of question. Wasn't it obvious to him? Only an idiot wouldn't be able to see that. Had he become a type of Naruto, who was the only one not to realize that Hinata liked him? I wanted to laugh. The man in front of him liked to mock the blonde so much, but in some ways they were just as stupid.

On the other side, Sasuke just couldn't believe that she had said those words. First Naruto, now TenTen? What is the possibility of both companions being together in that? I could not believe that they had come together for a purpose as crude as that. So without a future.

"I don't want to be with him! End of story?"

"Why not? Isn't he his type?" The ninja thought for a moment; did he even have the kind of person he liked? Did not know. I had never had the experience. He had never had time to like someone, he spent most of his life wanting revenge for the death of his family, planning to kill his brother when he found him. When would you have time for love?

He refused to answer, he had that right. But I didn't expect the kunoichi to accept that kind of "answer". I knew her. She wouldn't stop still until she got to the bottom of what she believed. And sometimes it was a drunk.

"Sasuke, you need to give yourself a chance." He wanted to laugh at how serious she was being and how hypocritical she was at the same time. However, because of friendship, he controlled himself. In that state, she would be able to try to kill him if he did that kind of thing. Was she really, really, telling him to take a chance?

"Chance to what? I've given myself several chances in my life, TenTen. And I still will. None of them include Sai or anyone else." He replied, so that he thought it was clear enough for her to understand. But Mitsashi was not at all willing to give up.

"Why are you so headstrong?" She pursed her lips, which took away the rest of her patience. He didn't want to be cruel, he had promised never to mention it after he saw her crying, but, well, people only understood things when it happened to them. They could say he was an asshole, but at that moment he just wanted to show how he felt with that pressure.

"Why don't you give yourself a chance? How long has it been since Neji is gone?" The brown eyes changed instantly, they were low and shiny; tears formed in the woman's eyes. He felt guilty, yes, how could he not? She knew it was an extremely delicate topic for her friend. However, I could not withdraw what I said. At some point, she would have to deal with it.

"This is a low blow!" She scolded, trying miserably to return to her steady pose. It was not possible, sadness did not allow her to think coherently. Why had Sasuke touched on that subject, after all?

"Low blow is that you want me to do something that you don't even do yourself. You need to stop looking around and start taking care of your own life. You don't have to practice cupid all the time, sometimes people just want to be alone. Like me. I don't need anyone with me right now. "

TenTen wanted to lie down in a fetal position and cry. While I was angry with my friend to the point of wanting to hit him, I finally understood how he was feeling. How she was feeling right now. It was a long time since Neji had died, however she just couldn't seem to be interested in someone else. I didn't know if it was because I didn't want to or because I couldn't. If she didn't do it herself, why did she insist on someone else? Hypocrite, she was being a hypocrite.

This time, she wanted to punch herself. I wouldn't admit it there, that would mean that all of your effort would be thrown floor. I still wanted to convince him to give love a chance. And there was only one way to do that.

"What if I give myself a chance? Are you going to do the same?" The words came out with difficulty, her choked throat did not let her speak normally. He noticed the eyes in front of him widen for a millisecond before the expression closed again.

"Why are you so committed to this?" The Uchiha just wanted to understand why she made such a point. They never brought it up, so why suddenly? What had changed?

"I was being a hypocrite, you're right. It doesn't make sense for me to be encouraging you when I can't even do the same ..."

"TenTen, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do." He interrupted her before she spoke more nonsense. He did not quote Hyuga to hurt her and think that he necessarily needed to find someone else to "fill the hole". It wasn't bad to be alone, I thought. I just wanted to make her understand your side.

"I want to. I want to move on. Who knows what the world is keeping for me out there." And Mitsashi really meant that. It was time to allow himself. Allow yourself to be happy, regardless of whether it meant meeting someone else or not. Neji was already gone. It was time for her to say goodbye to the ghost she was holding onto. In fact, it was past time.

"It looks like you're confident." She saw a small smile appear on Sasuke's face. That was enough to make her smile as well and, on impulse, hug him tightly. To his delight, he rested his arm on her shoulders, corresponding the gesture. When her waist, where she had been hit by Naruto, complained of the pain, she slowly pulled away, looking into the eyes of the man in front of her.

"Just try it, okay? It doesn't cost anything, after all." He nodded, just to keep from upsetting her even more. I wasn't so sure about forming a couple with Sai or something. The two would never work, they were very different. Besides, what was the principle of trying something with someone you weren't interested in? It seemed like bullshit to him.

"You and Naruto are in this together, aren't you?" He commented, seeing it turn red; anger.

"Me and that idiot? Don't be stupid." She scratched her throat, laughing as if it were the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard that day. And was. How could she join the ... Naruto had already discussed that with Sasuke? What had he told her? Hell, I knew I couldn't trust that yellow hair. I needed to pull Uzumaki aside and understand what was going on. But before, there was something more important to do.

The brunette, assuming the conversation was over, started walking back to finally be able to have dinner in peace, without, he hoped, all that pressure from his friend. However, it was not over yet.

"Sasuke ..." He moved his eyes to her, seeing her look insecure. TenTen bit her upper lip, which left her with a strange grimace. It took a few seconds for her to finally speak. "I think you're enjoying him ... wait a minute, let me finish." Knowing that he would complain about the finding, she quickly cut out any sentence he was about to form and continued what he wanted to say. "You have a good, kind heart. I know you have trouble understanding your feelings, but you don't have to settle for the situation. You can fight it. I think you like him, yes, but you haven't realized it yet. what I ask is, just make an effort, okay? Start looking at your heart. You don't have to be afraid to love someone. It doesn't make you weaker. Who loves protects at all costs and doesn't just avoid it just because they can't cope. . You are strong, regardless of this bullshit. Don't push yourself too hard. "

He sighed, shaking his head. TenTen would always be TenTen, she wouldn't be herself if she hadn't said something like that. But I was tired of that conversation. He would decide for himself whether or not he wanted to have someone with him at that moment. He muttered something, not that it was understandable, and resumed his steps. To his surprise, the brunette did not return with him, he realized as soon as he sat down. Everyone was still in their respective places, but they had not yet started eating as soon as the two left.

"Naruto Uzumaki, come out here now!" They heard her scream and everyone was scared, especially the blond. I was afraid of what she might do after that day's episode. He considered sitting down, but he knew she would come to get him; more precisely carry it by the ear. Then, with shaking legs, he got up and started to march to where she was.

As soon as he went through the door, the kunoichi grabbed him by the collar, bringing his face close to hers, his expression didn't look good.

"Did you tell Sasuke about what you heard about Sai that day in the room?"

"II ... why would I do that?"

"So what the fuck did you do that made him think that you and I are on a mission to join him with Sai? "

"I just tried to tell the fears to give Sai a chance or whatever. He said he likes men, but ... I don't know. I didn't seem interested in romance now. " TenTen could not be more shocked by what he had heard. Was Naruto "helping" the cause? Well, he didn't look so stupid now.

"W-well ..." Not knowing what to say, she scratched her throat to calm down. She was excited about the prospect of seeing friends together, but she needed to control herself and come up with a plan. Unfortunately, now, I would have to include Uzumaki in it. "Listen to me, we have to get them together, okay? But in a discreet way, because Sasuke already noticed. "

"In a discreet way? I'm a master at it, -ttebayo! " The blonde smiled as was typical of him, showing all his teeth.

The brunette looked at him unconvinced, could noisy Naruto Uzumaki be discreet? He couldn't help laughing, the possibility was impossible for him. Did the ninja even know that word?

"We are going to give them a break and get back on track in Konoha. Naruto, this is serious. Please don't shit with everything. "

"Do I shit with everything? Who was, right now, with that "Sit here Sasuke" chat? "

"Why, you ..."

She pulled him by the ear, by shouting it. After a few seconds like that, the two embarked on a joyful laugh. That union, however strange, had been formed in order to do a "good deed". However, how long would TenTen put up with that without wanting to punch Naruto? It was anybody's guess.