9

"Still seasick?"

Akira squinted her eyes a bit as they adjusted to the sun. "Not so much anymore, thank you," she gave Taro a small smile. Then she turned her attention to Neji who has his back on her, looking out at sea.

It was a bright and sunny day. The Pearl was sailing smoothly with Yugito busy behind the till and Yuudai quietly walking around the deck enjoying the sun. Taro was hoisting some rope and was humming a tune to himself. Akira, who had just calmed down from another bout of seasickness, made her way towards Neji.

"Hey," she called to him.

The Hyuuga turned to her. "Feeling better?" He was referring to Akira's early morning barf which woke him up.

A small smile peeked at the corner of the redhead's lips. "Yeah." She tried to ignore the growing queasiness in her stomach. "What are you doing?" she asked, peering over his shoulder. He was holding a small map.

Neji glanced over his shoulder making sure that Taro and Yugito are out of earshot before replying quietly, "I'm studying the terrain. If ever we encounter enemy ninja, we must have a good escape plan."

Akira stood beside him and studied the island he's pointing at. She analyzed its location, its distance from the nearest island and the possible relationship of these islands to Konoha and Kirigakure.

"According to Yugito-san, the nearest island to Nadeshiko is what was formerly known as Uzushiogakure." said Neji. "That shinobi village has long been gone but there is a remnant of some civilian village. If we need to escape, we can head there through this small channel."

Akira looked at where Neji was pointing on the map. "True. But its proximity to Kirigakure is somewhat...disturbing. I mean, we are sort of allies with the Mist but I doubt if they would honor that treaty, knowing that we are so near their turf." She pondered over other possibilities but the next nearest island to Nadeshiko was unknown to them and venturing in that island could be more dangerous than the former Uzushiogakure. She sighed. "But if you study other escape options, I guess our best bet is that small Uzushiogakure island. That's plan A. What's plan B?"

"We enter Hidden Mist."

Akira stared back at Neji, wondering if the brunette was joking or not. Hidden Mist shinobi are known for killing then asking questions later. And Neji, who was supposed to be the "captain" of this mission thinks it's a good idea?

"Tell me you're not serious," Akira said. "This is an undercover mission, not a suicide one."

Neji leaned his back against the ferry's rails, trying not to get distracted by the redhead's unusual appeal. "Between entering that unknown island and getting mauled at Kirigakure, I'd take the latter. I'd rather lose my life fighting against Mist shinobi--whom I'm sure I have a chance at winning against--than risk my life fighting the unknown. At least, we know who we're up against."

Akira pondered over what Neji said. 'That makes sense,' she thought. 'He's right, who knows who or what we'll encounter in that island? Besides if we just get on with the mission and keep our heads down, then I'm sure there won't be a need to escape from enemy.'

"Alright, then how about our entrance?" Akira said after a while. "I figured we should enter Nadeshiko under a low profile. I spoke with Taro and asked him about the docks in Nadeshiko. According to him, there's a small one on the southwest of the island." Akira pointed on the map. "We could drop there." Upon seeing the question in his eyes Akira shrugged. "I used my charm."

Neji smirked. As Akira described the dock that Taro had told her about, he studied the map closely. He nodded. "Its proximity to the woods is a perfect place for us to hide our shinobi gear."

"And it's far from prying eyes. If ever we need to reconvene or to escape, it's the perfect location."

A faint smile appeared on the Hyuuga's lips. "It seems you've thought it out."

"I didn't become a shinobi for nothing," Akira replied. "I just want to get this over with."

"So you could leave?"

Akira looked up at the Hyuuga's lavender eyes, spine tingling. 'Does he know?' "What--what do you mean?"

"The Academy," Neji replied, his expression smooth as always. "Tsunade-sama mentioned about this mission being your ticket out of the Academy."

Akira fought the urge to heave a sigh of relief. 'He almost got me there!' "Yes. That's it exactly." She averted her stare from Neji, afraid that he might see through her. Although she's confident that none of her expression, words or gestures would give her away (she's a shinobi after all, they are taught to leave all emotions behind), for a moment, she thought Neji had an inkling that she has been planning to abandon Konoha.

'I'm being paranoid. He couldn't possibly know of my plan, unless he can read minds. If he was a Yamanaka, then I'd be worried. But he's not, so I'm safe.'

Akira was somewhat placated with that thought but still, she couldn't help but give the Hyuuga a wary glance. He may not be able to read minds but she could tell he was highly perceptive. He may not have an idea about her plans right now, but she reminded herself to be extra careful from now on.

It was arranged that they would enter the village through the southwest dock that Akira had pointed out earlier. Aside from putting on a change of clothes, the two shinobi decided to perform Henge no Jutsu to aid them in their disguise.

As Neji listened to Akira's suggestion, he couldn't help but doubt the mission Tsunade had given him. It seemed...impossible. He ran through the information on his target that the Hokage had provided. Being a shinobi, it was inculcated in him to obey orders and complete the mission at all costs. But with this mission... just how is he going to complete it?

'A different approach might work,' he thought.

~~~~~~~~~~~

It was around late afternoon when they arrived at Nadeshiko no Sato.

"Finally! Land!" Akira exclaimed, glad to be out of the ocean. She was followed by Yuudai who was wagging his tail enthusiastically.

Taro and Yugito dropped anchor in the least populated part of the island, granting Akira's timid request although she didn't elaborate as to why. Luckily, the two men fell for her shy smile and fluttering lashes without second thought. Neji was actually surprised that the brash, katana-weilding shinobi actually had charm and knows how to use it to her advantage.

"Arigato, Yugito-san, Taro-san," said Neji, bowing at the two men as they made the final arrangements. Akira bowed silently beside Neji, playing her role perfectly.

"You are most welcome Hideki-san," Yugito replied. He gave a mischievous wink towards Neji. "I know of a nice inn where they have superb hot springs. Enjoy!" Akira suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Yugito had been hinting a lot about "the honeymoon night" during their whole trip to Nadeshiko and frankly, she's getting tired of it. She's not some mealy-mouthed kid anymore and definitely knows how children are made but, c'mon, with Hyuuga Neji? No.

Taro rolled his eyes, blushing. "Otou-san! Would you stop that?" he scolded his father, mistaking Akira's expression as that of embarrassment instead of irritation.

Yugito laughed heartily. "Hahaha! My son, you'll understand once you're married! Why, you're mother and I--"

Yuudai barked impatiently and Akira was grateful for the interruption. "Seems Yuudai's getting excited," she said. "Thank you again for your help, Yugito-san, Taro-san. We'll be on our way." She smiled sweetly.

The two men bowed goodbye and made their way back to the ferryboat. Taro scuffed Yuudai's fur farewell before leaving. Akira and Neji watched as the boat sailed away. When they were safely off, the two shinobi set to work fast.

After making sure that they have stripped themselves off of anything that indicates their shinobi status, such as their hitaite, weapons and shinobi gear, the two shinobi worked on their escape plans. Luckily for them, an abandoned rowboat was hidden in the bushes and upon inspection, they found that it was still in good condition. As Yuudai gathered some provisions and stowed it in the boat, the two shinobi decided to polish their disguises.

"I hate this!" Akira muttered as she removed her red haori and placed it inside her backpack along with her kunai pouch.

"But you need to, Hime-chan," Yuudai said as he kept watch for his master.

Akira, who was fond of clothing that are easy to move in, found the traditional yukata very restricting and uncomfortable. She was used to leaping over trees, hunting with Yuudai and moving about, which explains her preference for her usual attire of a miniskirt and simple black top. But now, her disguise requires her to wear a yukata that covers her usual bare legs. She could barely walk with long strides due to the long skirt and she found it infuriating. Also, the fact that she has to let go of her katana made Akira feel bare and vulnerable. She had to make do of a dagger, which she effectively hides within the obi around her waist, and a poisoned long senbon which she disguises as a hair ornament. Finally, she wore a pale haori over her yukata. When she was done, she hid her pack under a small hole that Yuudai had dug on the ground and covered it up with some branches. It was shallow enough to allow her to grab it if they needed a quick escape.

She found Neji waiting for her at the dock. He had changed his Hyuuga robes for a traditional garb consisting of a gray hakama, black montsuki haori and a black monstuki kimono. White tabi clad his feet and finished off with seta sandals, like her. His long black hair was tied below his nape in a low ponytail. He had left his hitaite behind and replaced it with a white cloth instead, an attempt to hide the Hyuuga clan's mark on his forehead. He turned when he sensed Akira approach.

The Hyuuga was quick to mask his surprise at the sight of the redhead. She had exchanged her short skirt with a yukata and haori which covered her long legs and yet, the simple attire still managed to make her look beautiful, if not more feminine. The Akira before him was way different from the assertive, no-nonsense shinobi that she really is.

Neji smirked in amusement as Akira almost hobbled towards him, obviously having difficulty walking in her more restrictive clothes.

"Damn this!" she grumbled. She glared at Neji. "Just so you know, I regret agreeing to your idea."

"It was your idea to go on a disguise," replied Neji coolly.

"Yes, but not like this! I can barely walk!" Akira retorted. "Argh! I always get the shorter straw. Why do I get to wear this thing?!" Her scowl deepened. "And why do I have to get married to you, of all people?!"

Neji, whose insurmountable pride was stung by Akira's retort, glared back at the redhead, indignant. 'What the hell does she mean by 'me, of all people?'' "This was partly your idea and you agreed with it. And for your information," an arrogant smirk crossed the Hyuuga's handsome features, "you're not my type."

His last sentence made Akira see red. 'Was he serious?' She may not be everybody's brand of beauty but she can stare at stunning in the face and still hold her ground. "Oh. Said the guy who was gawking at my legs ever since this whole mission started." Yuudai barked in agreement which irked Neji.

"I wasn't gawking," the Hyuuga replied, clenching his fists and slowly losing his cool. "And would you stop complaining?" He turned his back on her. How could a girl like her be able to piss people off that easy? Neji had no intention of knowing further.

An uncomfortable silence went between the two shinobi. From his peripheral vision, Neji could see Akira shifting uncomfortably. Well, it's not only her that got it hard. His clothes suck as well. His Hyuuga robes permit free movement, unlike this traditional garb. 'This is troublesome, but... necessary.'

"When this is over," said Akira as they made their way through the trees. "I'll kill you and Tsunade-sama."

Neji looked over at the redhead and saw her struggling against the uphill terrain. He offered her a hand which she accepted. "What for?" he asked, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"For subjecting me to this," Akira replied as she took Neji's assistance. "I don't know how rich, stupid, annoying, uppity people could stand this sort of clothes." She looked at the brunette. "How can you stand this? You're rich, do people like you wear these on a daily basis?"

"No," Neji replied curtly, not liking the way she classified him as 'rich, stupid, annoying and uppity'.

They continued to walk along the coast of Nadeshiko, silently and unseen. The thick foliage perfectly concealed them from prying eyes.

After fifteen minutes, Akira and Yuudai began to sense increasing activity, indicating that they are nearing the village proper. They paused for a while and studied the map once more.

"The edge of the woods end at about thirty meters from here. If we follow this small trail, we can enter through the main village," said Akira.

Yuudai found the trail easily and following the huge wolf, the two shinobi soon caught sight of Nadeshiko no Sato.

The village was small, and from a distance, Akira could make out the small fishing boats out in the sea. A gentle breeze set the nets swaying while men and women went on about their daily business. The late afternoon sun set the village in a dark orange haze, making the waves sparkle beautifully against the quaint backdrop of small huts, docks and fishing boats. Huge trees surrounded the island, with matching fine sand that sparkled lightly under the afternoon sun. As they got nearer, Akira saw the women preparing fish for drying on a wooden fixture. Not much of a fish eater, she cringed lightly at the smell. Beside her, Yuudai was barking gleefully while wagging his tail, excitement evident on his every feature. He may be from a proud lineage of wolves but he's still canine, no less. The sight and smell of fish tingled his senses and unlike his master who's more of an introvert, Yuudai loved seeing new things. The lively chatter and late afternoon sounds from the village excited him.

Once inside the village, Akira was no longer Satsuna Akira, jinchuriki and chuunin. Instead she was Hideki Aisha, obedient and docile wife. Hyuuga Neji became Hideki Hotaru, a small-time businessman, married to Hideki Aisha, out to take his wife on a honeymoon. They assumed new identities, and as their mission requires, they played their roles to the letter. The pair walked through the street unnoticed. Nobody regarded them as different or saw them as threats. To the villagers, they were nothing but a couple walking along, followed by their dog (although large by normal standards). They regarded the tall man as handsome, the woman beside him as beautiful, and as far as they were concerned they looked like ordinary people, nothing more.

As they made their way towards the small inn where they have decided to settle for the night, Yuudai suddenly gave a low growl, almost inaudible except to Akira. She then felt Neji wrap an arm around her waist. She stiffened at the sudden contact. Catching his quick glance, she relaxed and leaned closer to him, pressing her cheek against his shoulder in a fake show of affection.

"You noticed?" she whispered.

Neji nodded almost imperceptibly. "Two blocks away," he murmured. They continued walking, as if impervious of their surroundings.

"Hostile?"

The two shinobi were silent for a while as they gauged the intruder's intention. After a few moments, Akira sighed in relief.

'He's gone, Hime-chan,' Yuudai said. "He turned at the corner."

"Apparently not. He's gone."

"Just a guard walking in the same direction as us," said Akira, turning towards the direction the man was. "He was wearing the village guard's uniform." She smiled at Yuudai. "Thanks, Yuudai."

They neared the small inn. It was a traditional Japanese inn with paper lanterns, simple slate roof, a small garden, polished dark wood and sliding doors. Akira pulled away from Neji but he was quick to grab her arm and pulled her back to him.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" she growled at him, glaring daggers as her green eyes met his. "Harassment isn't part of the mission."

The Hyuuga was calm, as ever. "We're not done yet. Until we're out of Nadeshiko you're still my wife." he said in that baritone of his, reminding her that although the guard earlier was no threat, there's still the probability that they are being watched. And expertly ignoring her huffs of protest, Neji merely pulled her closer, if not rougher than the first time.

Akira's scowl deepened but she did not budge. "Fine," she whispered roughly. "But next time, tell me when you're about to invade my personal space. That is if you still want to live, sweetheart." She said the last word in the same breath she might've said "jackass" or "bastard" or "asshole" or any other expletive she could come up with.

"Fine by me, honey," Neji muttered under his breath evenly, though loud enough for Akira to hear. He saw the redhead glare daggers at him. Obviously, the term of endearment did not sound well to her ears. A smug smirk played at the corner of the Hyuuga's lips.

"Welcome to Nadeshiko no Sato! Please come in and indulge in our unique onsen experience!"

~~~~~~~~

Akira and Neji headed to the direction the young lady pointed. Once at the confines of the room, Akira glared at the Hyuuga openly.

"You can let go now, I'm sure we were not followed."

Neji tensed for a moment, as if he forgot that he was still holding the kunoichi by the waist. He glanced at her briefly before letting go.

"I would kill you," she said to the Hyuuga, frowning at him. "But I'll save it for the next time you do that."

Neji only gave her an expressionless look and turned away.

She sighed and turned to Yuudai but she suddenly remembered that they left him outside since animals are not allowed in the ryokan. Akira initially disagreed with Neji but figured it would be best to comply with the norms this time. She never goes anywhere without Yuudai, but for the sake of this mission, she had to act as un-shinobi-like as possible, and letting Yuudai stay inside the ryokan would be like screaming "I'M NOT NORMAL!" and invite unwanted attention. Not to mention scare the poor receptionist off.

Yuudai hated the idea of being separated from his master but because the situation called for it, he obediently followed her wishes and stayed outside the ryokan instead.

"Don't worry Yuudai, I'll call for you," Akira had told him. She gave him a reassuring pat on the head before he disappeared in a thin veil of smoke.

Akira looked around the room. It was a typical ryokan, with tatami floors, a small table at the center of the room and small cushions. Paper lanterns adorned the corners of the room. A wooden dresser stood at one side, a large fuuton mattress was rolled in one corner and a closet was opposite the dresser. Clean yukata was folded for the two of them. All in all, the room was clean, simple and comfortable enough. The sliding door led to the inn's onsen.

She took the spare yukata and proceeded to the bathroom to change. As she mulled over their entire mission, Akira began to remember the Hyuuga's lavender eyes and his arm around her waist.

And how it felt good to be held intimately.

After a few minutes, she dismissed it as just the effect of Nadeshiko's sea--must've made some of her brain cells pop while she was barfing her insides at The Pearl.

~~~~~~~~

He had been in the small hot spring pool just adjacent to their room before he sensed a presence approaching him. The footsteps were light. He had been around her long enough to recognize her chakra signature.

"Mind if I join you?"

Neji opened his eyes to see Akira standing behind him, wrapped in a towel.

"Hn."

Akira shrugged. "I'll take that as a yes." She lowered herself down the hot spring, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips as the warm water touched her skin.

The pool was small, but large enough to accommodate two people. A small tray with porcelain cups floated between him and Akira. A small teapot beside him was full with tea. He took it and filled both cups, silently enjoying this rare moment of peace in their mission. He's been around long enough to know that missions don't always end nicely, especially intel-gathering and espionage.

Neji watched as Akira settled at the opposite part of the pool, as if wary of him. If anything, he should be the one wary of the redhead--she's the one with the huge wolf anyway. But seeing how she averts her eyes from him, Neji could tell the girl was uncomfortable to be in a confined space with him.

He can't blame her. After two nights at Yugito's boat in that small space he called a bedroom, Neji could understand the redhead's hesitation to be near him. This is their first time together in a mission after all, and considering that they're barely acquainted with each other, it's a feat that they're doing well and are not after each other's throats. Of course, it was awkward to be so near each other, be in the same sleeping space, Neji had to give it to the girl for being so collected.

"Hey."

Neji looked at Akira. "Hn?"

"Why do you think Tsunade-sama assigned us on a mission?"

The pale-eyed shinobi frowned a little. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, out of all the shinobi, why did she pair me with you? A jounin and a Hyuuga, no less."

The Hyuuga was silent. Again, Tsunade's words echoed in his mind.

'Now Neji. For your real mission.'

Neji sighed before answering, "Because your skill complements mine." Akira frowned, not comprehending and Neji sighed once more.

"It's very similar to Inuzuka and Hinata-sama's dynamics, or mine and Tenten's. Inuzuka can pick up scents and trails our Byakugan can't, and Tenten's dexterity with weapons complement my jutsu." Neji stared at the red-haired kunoichi, nothing the small beads of water on her bare shoulders. His eyes met hers, and he was surprised to see the said kunoichi making her way towards him.

His breath hitched up a little as she drew near, the steam from the onsen making the faint blush on her pale skin more pronounced. She picked up the porcelain cup that was floating near him and brought it to her lips.

"Okay."

Neji cocked his head fractionally to one side. "Okay?"

Akira shrugged. "Yeah. I just wanted to know your thoughts." She set the cup down. "I'm sure you know I'm a jinchuriki, hence I'm not allowed to get out of the village most times. So, you must understand my confusion as to the Hokage's whim of sending me, of all people, in an espionage mission." She settled beside him and leaned against the pool's wall.

She looked at Neji, her emerald eyes meeting his pale ones. He was suddenly aware of her proximity, the way her bare skin touched his, and for a moment, he remembered how she felt against him, with his arm around her waist as they walked Nadeshiko's street disguised as a married couple.

She gave a small smile and slowly made her way back to the other end of the pool, away from him. For several minutes, the pair sat in silence, savoring the warmth of the hot springs, each lost in their own thoughts. Later, Akira bade farewell and climbed out of the pool. Neji had to avert his stare as Akira wrapped a towel around her. Without another word, she went back inside the ryokan, her light footsteps dying away.

Neji was silent as he watched the kunoichi disappear. One moment she's brash, the second she's quiet as the night. She's awkward and calculated, cold and warm, close then distant. A walking contradiction.

He knew the Hokage had her reasons for putting them together in this bizarre mission. And while he was never really close with the Hokage like Naruto, Neji trusted the woman, after all, she's the leader of his village and is renowned all over the shinobi nations for her greatness.

But, just what exactly is Tsunade playing at, assigning Neji to that mission?

And how does this unknown, red-haired shinobi fit into the general picture?

Even the genius Hyuuga Neji was at a loss.

~~~~~~~~