Representation

Neji kicked a pebble as he walked around Konoha.

He was thinking of things that represented his friends. Er, or at least the people he knew.

Lee.

That was simple. A monkey. Monkeys are wild and crazy, but yet determined sometimes and somewhat intelligent and unique. Er, well a not quite smart monkey… yes, that would be perfect.

Gai.

A huge monkey. A bigger version of a monkey that represented Lee.

Neji gave a small nod. Yes, that would be right.

Uchiha. Er, Sasuke.

A snake. He went after Orochimaru didn't he? But then he came back… well, that's not the point. Snakes are cold and unemotional… it would be perfect for Sasuke.

Naruto.

The ramen addict? Hm… something that would be pathetic, but then reliable at times… a bowl of ramen. Hey, things, not just animals. Ramen would be enjoyed at times, but then if you're starving, the ramen could save your life.

Neji shrugged. He didn't put much thought into that. He didn't really care either.

Sakura.

Easy. A flower. When she was a genin, she was a bud, weak and frail. Over the years, her determination to get Sasuke back had made her stronger. By now she was a fully bloomed cherry blossom. But then over the years, her love for Sasuke still hasn't wavered.

And Uchiha still rejects her.

Hinata.

Water. Mizu. That simple. Water can be calm at times and weak, but then again it can be strong and ferocious at times. Hinata just has to unleash the power within her.

Neji's eye twitched. He sounded like some old philosopher now.

Ino.

A pig. Pigs can be stupid, loud, annoying, but yet pigs are somewhat intelligent and helpful at times.

Shikamaru.

The lazy genius? A cloud. Passes by, doesn't really do anything.

Chouji.

An elephant. Eats a lot, fat, but yet decently strong.

Kiba. And Akamaru.

Dogs, simply put. Well, they are half dogs, but that really isn't the point. Intelligent, dedicated, loyal.

Neji looked up toward the sky just in time to see a bird.

The corners of his mouth lifted up into a half smile, he himself was a caged bird.

His mind fell on a last name.

Tenten.

The sky? No…

Ocean? No…

Neji furrowed his brows. It wasn't everyday the Hyuuga genius found a problem he couldn't solve quickly… he liked it.

He smirked. He liked a good problem.

His mind raced. Animals, plants, food… it all didn't seem to fit.

He stopped suddenly and half smiled again. She was a key.

He looked up toward the sky and saw two birds flying side by side.

She was a key.

A key to the cage that imprisoned him.

She was the key to his freedom.