Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

Author's notes: This could be considered a sequel to Fate's Marionette, but it can also stand alone. Sort of inspired by Ravaged by NessieGG, which is awesome.

Heartless

Tenten had a heart once. She supposes she still does, because something continues to beat inside her chest. She's still alive.

But it isn't the same.

Once, she was eager, cheerful, and so full of love. Thoughts dwelled unceasingly upon a strangely dressed man who taught her to be strong, a hyperactive best friend who shared her dreams, a white-eyed prodigy who meant more to her than anyone else.

That was a long time ago, and Tenten no longer has a heart.

Instead, she has a stark white porcelain mask.

She sometimes wonders, is she as strong as Tsunade now?