Chapter Text
Naruto and his friends begin their second year of high school. The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Konoha High, casting long beams across the bustling hallways. Students hurried from class to class, their laughter and chatter filling the air with a familiar energy.
Naruto Uzumaki practically bounced on his heels as he walked beside Hinata, his energy as infectious as ever.
“Can you believe it, Hinata? We’re finally juniors! Just one more year ‘til we’re at the top!” he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.
Hinata giggled softly, clutching her books. “You seem really excited, Naruto-kun.”
“Of course I am!” Naruto said proudly. “New year, new adventures, new chances to prove myself! This year’s gonna be awesome!”
Kiba, walking just behind them, snorted. “Yeah, right. You said the same thing last year, and we barely survived the finals.”
Naruto frowned. “Hey! We passed, didn’t we? That’s what matters!”
Shikamaru yawned, already looking bored. “Troublesome… I can't believe we’re doing this all over again.”
Temari smirked, nudging him with her elbow. “You secretly like it. You just won’t admit it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Shikamaru muttered, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him.
Ino and Sakura were walking ahead, talking animatedly about the upcoming school retreat Iruka-sensei had mentioned during orientation.
“Apparently, it’s gonna be an overnight trip,” Sakura said, her eyes bright. “Out of town, too!”
Ino clasped her hands together, squealing. “A retreat means new outfits, new selfies, and maybe even a bonfire night!”
Naruto’s eyes widened in excitement. “Wait, for real?! That sounds amazing! We’ll get to camp out, eat good food, and hang out all night!”
Kiba grinned. “You mean eat all the food yourself, right?”
“Hey!” Naruto pouted. “I’ll share! Maybe.”
The group laughed, their playful banter filling the air as they walked down the hallway toward their new homerooms.
Among them, Neji Hyuga walked with his usual calm, measured pace, his hands tucked neatly into his blazer pockets.
Beside him, Tenten matched his steps, her eyes scanning the crowd with quiet amusement. Despite the lively chaos around them, she felt a sense of anticipation she couldn’t quite explain.
“Looks like the school’s buzzing more than usual today,” Tenten remarked, adjusting the strap of her backpack.
Neji glanced at her, his expression composed. “It’s the start of Welcome Week. Iruka-sensei mentioned something about a retreat for all students… apparently it’s meant to help us bond.”
Tenten raised an eyebrow. “A retreat? Sounds… interesting. Do you think it’ll actually be fun?”
Neji smirked faintly. “I suppose that depends on who you’re paired with.”
Tenten laughed softly. “Are you implying something, Hyuga?”
Before Neji could respond, the school intercom crackled to life.
“Attention, students of Konoha High! This is Iruka-sensei. Welcome Week will officially begin today. All students are required to attend the opening assembly in the auditorium. Please gather there immediately.”
Within minutes, the hallways emptied as students moved en masse toward the auditorium. Neji and Tenten found themselves walking side by side, their casual conversation now replaced by an easy silence.
As they entered the auditorium, the chatter quieted, and all eyes turned to the front stage where Iruka stood, smiling warmly.
“Good morning, everyone,” Iruka began, his voice carrying across the room. “I hope you’re all as excited as I am for Welcome Week. This week isn’t just about getting to know each other—it’s about teamwork, trust, and challenging yourselves in ways you haven’t before. At the end of the week, we’ll hold a closing ceremony to celebrate everything you’ve learned.”
He paused, letting the students absorb the news.
“The main event will be a weekend retreat at the outskirts of Konoha, where students will participate in various team-building activities, problem-solving exercises, and outdoor challenges. You’ll be grouped into pairs or small teams, and yes… some of you might be paired with people you don’t usually spend time with. This is intentional.”
Tenten’s eyes flicked toward Neji, raising a subtle eyebrow. “Looks like we might be in for a challenge.”
Neji’s gaze met hers calmly. “Then I suppose we’ll see how well we work together.”
Iruka smiled knowingly. “Now, go to your homerooms to receive your schedules and retreat assignments. Remember—this week is about stepping out of your comfort zones and discovering new strengths, both individually and as a team. Make the most of it.”
As the students filed out of the auditorium, Neji and Tenten walked together toward their homeroom. The hum of excitement surrounded them, but beneath it, a quiet anticipation simmered between them.
As they reached their classroom, a sense of adventure and subtle nervousness filled the air. For both of them, Welcome Week wasn’t just another school event—it was the start of something new, a test of teamwork, and perhaps… a chance to understand each other a little better.
After school, Tenten walked home with her backpack slung over one shoulder, her thoughts still lingering on the announcement of the Welcome Week retreat. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Spending a weekend at the outskirts of Konoha with her classmates, including Neji, sounded like both a challenge and an opportunity.
As soon as she stepped inside her house, she was greeted by the familiar warmth of her home and the aroma of dinner being prepared.
“Hi, Mom!” Tenten called out, dropping her bag near the door.
Her mother, Tania, looked up from the kitchen counter, a gentle smile on her face. “Hello, Tenten. How was school?”
“Good! Really good,” Tenten said quickly. “Actually… Mom, I wanted to ask you something.” She hesitated for a moment, then plunged ahead. “There’s this Welcome Week retreat coming up this weekend. Iruka-sensei announced it today at school. Can I go?”
Tania raised an eyebrow, her expression turning mock-serious. “A retreat, you say? And you want to leave the house for the weekend? Absolutely not. No way, Tenten.”
Tenten’s face fell slightly. “Wait… what? Mom—why not?”
Tania crossed her arms, feigning a stern tone. “Because, my dear, you might get lost in the forest, get caught in a rainstorm, or—who knows—get dragged into some kind of wild adventure. It’s far too dangerous for someone like you.”
Tenten groaned, trying to hide her frustration. “Mom! That’s exactly why I want to go! It’s supposed to be a team-building retreat, and I really want to participate. Please?”
Tania’s stern expression lingered for a moment longer before it softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
“Ah… you got me.” She leaned against the counter, eyes twinkling.
“I was just joking. Of course you can go, Tenten. I knew you’d ask, and honestly, I think it’s a good idea. You need these experiences—and besides, I trust you’ll be careful.”
Tenten’s eyes lit up, a grin spreading across her face. “Really? Thanks, Mom! You’re the best!”
With her mother’s approval, Tenten felt a renewed sense of excitement. Welcome Week wasn’t just a school event anymore—it was going to be an adventure, and she couldn’t wait to see what it had in store.
The morning air was crisp as students gathered in front of the school, boarding the large, white bus that would take them to the outskirts of Konoha for the Welcome Week retreat. Excitement buzzed through the crowd, and chatter filled the bus as friends jostled for seats.
Tenten slid into her seat near the middle of the bus, adjusting her backpack. A few moments later, Neji quietly took the seat beside her, his expression calm but slightly unreadable.
“You’re unusually quiet today,” Tenten remarked, glancing at him.
Neji’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I have something to show you at the retreat. Consider it a… surprise.”
Tenten’s eyes widened slightly. “A surprise? You’ve got my attention now. But you’re not telling me what it is, are you?”
“Of course not,” Neji replied evenly, his tone teasing just enough to make her pulse quicken. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I did.”
Tenten leaned back in her seat, a small smile playing at her lips. “You always know how to keep people guessing, don’t you, Hyuga?”
Meanwhile, at the back of the bus, Naomi sat alone, her eyes narrowed as she observed the exchange. Her lips curled into a calculating smile as she leaned slightly forward, pretending to read a pamphlet about the retreat.
“So, they think they’re having fun, huh?” Naomi muttered under her breath, her gaze lingering on Neji and Tenten. “If they only knew what I had planned…”
No one else noticed her quiet, scheming presence. To them, Naomi seemed like any other student, enjoying the ride and chatting occasionally with her friends. But behind her polite exterior, she was already plotting.
Back near the middle of the bus, Tenten nudged Neji lightly. “Okay, I can’t stop thinking about this surprise. You’re going to make me wait the whole retreat, aren’t you?”
Neji’s calm, dark eyes met hers. “Patience is part of the experience. You’ll see soon enough.”
Tenten groaned dramatically, though her smile betrayed her amusement. “You’re impossible.”
The bus rattled along the winding roads, taking the students farther from the city and deeper into the surrounding forests. Outside the windows, sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the interior. Excitement mingled with nerves, especially for those who had never been on a school retreat before.
Meanwhile, Naomi kept looking at Neji and Tenten. She and Neji may have broken up, but her feelings for him resurfaced out of nowhere. She was willing to do everything it takes to prevent Neji and Tenten from being together.
As the bus continued its journey, Tenten leaned back against the seat, glancing at Neji. Despite the tension of the upcoming challenges, she couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation. Whatever his surprise was, she knew it would be something memorable—and she was determined to face it with him.
Unbeknownst to them, Naomi’s shadow loomed quietly, ready to turn their retreat into something far more complicated than either of them had imagined.
The Welcome Week retreat site was buzzing with excitement. Students from all grades gathered near a large clearing, where colorful banners marked the starting line of the first activity: the obstacle race. Logs, rope swings, balance beams, and climbing walls were set up in a sprawling course that promised both fun and challenge.
“Alright, everyone. This first activity is an obstacle race. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors will all compete,” Iruka called, standing on a small platform to address the students. “Work together when necessary, but remember—speed, strategy, and teamwork will be key. Most importantly, have fun!”
Tenten tightened her sneakers and adjusted her gloves. “Looks like it’s going to be intense,” she muttered to Neji, who was stretching calmly beside her.
Neji’s expression remained calm as always. “Focus on the course, Tenten. Pace yourself, and watch for opportunities to gain an advantage.”
Tenten smirked. “You make it sound so serious. I like it.”
The whistle blew, and the race began. Students surged forward, scrambling over the first set of logs. Tenten and Neji moved efficiently, working almost in sync as they leaped over obstacles and helped each other through rope swings. Their coordination drew a few impressed glances from classmates.
Halfway through the course, a shout came from behind.
“Ah! My ankle!”
Tenten turned her head and saw Naomi clutching her foot and hopping unsteadily near a balance beam. Her face contorted in pain, but there was a faint, subtle smirk in her expression—one Tenten didn’t notice at first.
Neji immediately reacted, stepping back and jogging toward Naomi. “Are you alright?” he asked, supporting her under the arms as she limped.
“I—I think I twisted it,” Naomi gasped, exaggerating slightly as she leaned on him.
Tenten’s eyes narrowed for just a moment, her mind racing with a small spike of concern. But the way Neji’s hand was steadying her, the calm focus in his voice, reminded her: there was nothing to worry about. Neji could handle this.
“Don’t worry about me,” Tenten whispered to herself, shifting her attention back to the course. She trusted Neji completely—he wasn’t the type to get distracted.
Neji guided Naomi to the side of the course, helping her to a bench near the cheering area.
“You need to rest for a bit,” he said gently, though his grip was firm, showing his protective instinct.
Naomi’s smile was subtle but sly. She had planned this little stunt to slow down Tenten and see how Neji would react—but Tenten didn’t need to know that.
Meanwhile, Tenten refocused on the race. She picked up her pace, her determination fueling her moves across the obstacles. Neji would handle Naomi—she didn’t need to interfere.
From her vantage point, Tenten noticed how naturally Neji adjusted to helping Naomi, the calm and composed way he guided her. A small warmth bloomed in her chest, but she pushed it aside.
“Focus,” she muttered. “You’ve got your own course to run.”
By the time the obstacle race ended, cheers and applause rang through the clearing. Tenten had finished strong, and even with the disruption, Neji and Naomi returned shortly after, Naomi pretending to limp slightly to maintain her act.
Neji kept a careful eye on Naomi as they walked back to the rest area, his focus never wavering. Tenten caught a glimpse of them from a distance, then turned her attention back to the other competitors, confident that Neji had the situation under control.
Little did she know, Naomi’s plan was only beginning—and the calm balance between Tenten and Neji might soon be tested.
After the obstacle race, students were taking a short break before the next activity. Tenten found a quiet spot near the edge of the course where Naruto, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Kiba were resting. She walked over, a thoughtful expression on her face.
“Hey,” she began, lowering her voice so only they could hear. “I saw something during the race… with Neji and Naomi.”
Naruto immediately leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “What do you mean? Did something happen?”
Tenten hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “Naomi—she twisted her ankle… or at least that’s what she made it look like. Neji helped her out, and… well, it looked like he was being extra careful with her.”
Shikamaru let out a low whistle, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hm. Sounds… troublesome. But it’s probably just Neji being responsible. You know how he is—he doesn’t ignore someone in need.”
Kiba crossed his arms, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, Tenten. Don’t overthink it. Neji’s reliable, and Naomi probably just needed a hand.”
Hinata gave a small, reassuring smile. “Tenten, Neji knows what he’s doing. You shouldn’t worry about him or the situation.”
Tenten bit her lip, feeling a mix of relief and lingering unease. “I guess… you’re right. I just can’t help but feel a little… I don’t know, jealous or worried, maybe.”
Naruto clapped her on the shoulder, grinning. “Tenten, don’t sweat it. Neji’s solid. He’s not going to let anyone mess with you—or anything that matters. Focus on your race, okay?”
Tenten took a deep breath, nodding. “Okay. I’ll try not to worry. Thanks, guys.”
Shikamaru leaned back, sighing. “Troublesome how overthinking can kill peace, huh? Just relax and do your best in the next activity. That’s all that matters.”
With their reassurance, Tenten felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She glanced toward Neji, who was quietly observing the course from a distance, and offered a small, confident smile.
“Alright,” she muttered to herself, “time to focus. The retreat’s just getting started, and I’m not letting anything distract me.”
Naruto and the group chuckled as they prepared for the next challenge, unaware that Naomi’s scheming smile lingered somewhere in the back of the course, already plotting her next move. Later that afternoon, the students gathered under a shaded pavilion to catch a brief break before the next retreat activity. Naruto’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and frowned slightly at the screen.
“It’s Neji,” he said, answering quickly.
“Hello, Naruto,” Neji’s calm voice came through clearly. “I need your assistance with something… and Hinata’s as well.”
Naruto exchanged a curious glance with Hinata, who had been sitting beside him. “Uh… sure. What’s up?”
Neji’s voice lowered slightly, but there was a hint of mischief in it. “I can explain in person. Meet me at the edge of the training area in five minutes. I have something planned for Tenten.”
Tenten, who had been nearby stretching her arms, froze. She overheard the phone call, but she didn’t want to think too much about Neji’s surprise. All she wanted was to enjoy the retreat with her friends. Naruto and Hinata left the trailer.
“Where are you guys going?” Tenten asked the two.
“Umm…Iruka asked us to assist him with something,” Naruto said.
“Y-Yeah. That’s right,” Hinata said.
Naruto and Hinata exit the trailer and both meet up with Neji. Meanwhile, across the trailer, Naomi had been pretending to check her backpack, but her sharp eyes and ears had caught everything. She froze for a moment, realizing Neji was planning something—something involving Tenten.
A sly smile crept onto her face. “Interesting…” she muttered under her breath. “If Neji’s trying to surprise her… then I’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t go the way he planned.”
Unaware of Naomi’s scheming, Tenten watched Naruto and Hinata whispering with Neji through the phone, her curiosity growing by the second. Whatever Neji had planned, it was clearly important, and she couldn’t help but feel a little flutter of anticipation… mixed with the nagging thought that Naomi was lurking nearby, always ready to stir trouble.
A short walk later, Naruto and Hinata met Neji near a quiet grove at the edge of the retreat site. Neji had arranged a small clearing, with ropes tied between trees and a few makeshift obstacles.
“Alright,” Neji said, his calm expression unchanging. “This is where the surprise will happen. I just need you two to help me set up a few things so it goes smoothly.”
Naruto grinned, already bouncing on the balls of his feet. “Got it! Just tell me what to do!”
Hinata nodded, her gentle demeanor steady as she moved to help Neji adjust some ropes. “I’ll do whatever you need, Neji.”
As the three worked together, tying ropes and setting up a small “challenge” course, Neji’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen and frowned slightly.
“It’s… Naomi,” he murmured before answering.
“Neji! Thank goodness you picked it up!” Naomi’s voice was urgent, shaking with fabricated panic. “There’s a group of men following me! I don’t know what to do! They’re… they’re right behind me!”
Naruto froze mid-knot, his eyes widening. “What? Men? Here?!”
Hinata instinctively moved closer to Neji. “Is she okay? Where is she exactly?”
Neji’s calm mask didn’t falter, but his expression sharpened as he processed the information. “Stay where you are, Naomi. Can you describe them?”
“They’re wearing dark clothes, masks… they just started following me after lunch! Please, Neji, I don’t want to be alone!”
Naruto immediately gripped Neji’s arm. “We have to go help her!”
Neji nodded, though he didn’t panic. “Naruto, Hinata, stay close. Naomi’s exaggerating, but we’ll make sure she’s safe.”