Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Awkward ❯ Chapter 1
On his first ANBU mission, Neji discovers putting on an ANBU mask can be slightly awkward. Ficlet, complete, one-shot.
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 02.21.2007 | Updated On: 02.22.2007 | Pages: 1 | Words: 502 | Visits: 639 | Status: Completed
Author: Jasson Knight / Marohi
Date Published: 22-February
Series: Naruto
Characters: Neji, Tenten
Author Notes: Another lecture, another ficlet… Neji's first ANBU mission. Slightly Neji x Tenten, but nothing major. I was feeling moody when I wrote this about my progress in college and where exactly I'm going, so it probably comes across a bit like my Step One vignette. So this is probably a bit lame.
Naruto belongs to the very talented Masashi Kishimoto, I just like to play in the sandbox.
As usual, feedback is appreciated but not expected.
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Tenten . . .
I'm sorry, but I can't answer you.
"Earth to Neji! Anyone home?"
"Sorry, I'm just tired." As I say that, she rolls her eyes, faintly pouting.
"That's alright," Now a coy, flirtatious smile. She brushes a suggestive finger down my arm, raising gooseflesh and an involuntary shiver. "So how do you like it?"
I can't tell you that either. I'm not even sure myself.
Putting on the ANBU mask was awkward. Not so much as actually putting it on, but the ramifications of wearing it . . . was awkward.
If the ability to completely erase emotions was a sign of a true shinobi, then this was taking it to another level. As an ANBU, you were erasing yourself. From the gloves to a jutsu to erase your scent, everything was planned so you left every trace of your identity behind.
From the moment that mask touches your face, you aren't you anymore. You're a nameless ghost. I could look my friends in the face and they would never know it was me.
And it was suddenly very awkward.
I have to admit, I found myself growing quiet and withdrawn as my team prepared for our mission. I couldn't even find the voice to protest when our medic pulled my hair as she braided it for me.
We assembled in Godaime-sama's office as she issued a short, final briefing. Dirty politician. Check. Contracted hit by a victim's family. Check. Expect resistance. Check.
There was more, but in the end it wasn't necessary.
The encounter with our mark was brief. Katai and I had a brief skirmish with a couple bodyguards. By the time we were finished, the mission was complete. Without the benefit of the Byakugan, I never would have known when Shirai-taichou completed the mission either. Otherwise, all I would have heard was the death-rattle as the target's chakra was drained by a horde of beetles.
"Okay . . ." Tenten's mood is growing dark now. She mutters something I don't catch.
A change of topic… and tactics are in order.