Author's Note ''
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read the first ( and a little rough ) chapter to a series I will be making! I appreciate all messages, reviews and comments in general. The story is a little slow at first, but I promise! It will pick up. I will be slowly introducing romance into the story as I see needed. This story (as said in the description), will be a Rock Lee Fan Fic! I will be introducing romance slowly, so don't be discouraged if I'm going to slow! Enjoy!
A brisk wind pushed down and through the valley that held Sunagakure. The air wasn't damp, wasn't bitter, just simply chilly. The sun had yet to come up over the arching dunes of sand that were scattered outside the village. A figure slowly approached the village. Not cloaked, not even wearing any type of jacket. Raven black bangs clung to a young woman's face, her breath causing a vapor to become seen within the air. She paused.
Hisa Hotoke stood outside the limits of Sunagakure. One hundred yards ahead of her stood the great pillars that guarded the city, two shinobi waited outside the village. Both keeping an eye on her. Hisa began to move once more, each foot pressing further and further into the sand. Her steps washed away by the oncoming breeze.
She had always run on hot; this type of weather made her comfortable. A few yards before reaching the entrance of the city, the sun began to climb over the misshapen landscape and reach its way over to the village. Bathing Hisa in sunlight, she could begin to feel her skin heat up already.
The men gave Hisa the heads up, she proceeded into the village with a slumped composure, and a weary look. She was exhausted. Pushing down through the village, Hisa passed villagers who were just beginning to set up shop before it got too hot. They waved, as did she. The building that she was aiming for was marked very specifically with red detail. The Kazekage was her first stop, and he wasn't going to be very happy.
Hisa took a deep breath in, pulled back her shoulders and felt her back pop a few times. It had been a rough week. Hopefully the Kage would understand. Pausing outside his door, Hisa took a deep breath and raised her neck. With a quick knock, she opened the door and entered quietly.
The office was large, and very well lit. Hisa had to squint for a moment for her alluring eyes to adjust. The Kage sat behind his desk, hands folded, face relaxed. An advisor stood next to him. He waved for Hisa to continue, obediently she took a few steps forwards. He asked her about her trip, and slowly Hisa explained all the details.
Things had gotten worse in the Land of Fire. Konohagakure was beginning to become somewhat suspicious of Sunagakure. The two were slowly becoming more and more at ends with one another. Hisa felt a great amount of loathing from other shinobi on her last mission. " Sir.. Kazekage.. I believe that if this keeps up there might be another war.. " Hisa spoke openly. The Kazekage's advisor looked appalled. " How dare you make such rash accusations! " The kazekage's advisor shouted towards Hisa, his tone flaring. The Kazekage brought up his hand and effortlessly motioned for the man to stand down. The Kazekage agreed. Saying that a new war wasn't in their future. Hisa shook her head, bowing it slightly. " Sir.. I respectively disagree.. The things I've seen, the people in the land of fire are growing less and less willing to work with us.. I fear that if a real lack of food and supplies is seen in either village… Well people will start fighting to save themselves and their families.." Hisa spoke, her tone low. The Kazekage's facial expression changed. His composure more stiff. He stated that he needed Hisa to explain what she had seen on her last mission. He needed to know about what type of atmosphere the land of fire was falling into.
Four long hours. This is the amount of time Hisa was kept within the Kazekage's office. The two talked about the up coming winter, about the current situation in Konohagakure, and about a possible up coming war. By the end of the conversation, Hisa's face was pale, and her eyes dim. She was exhausted.
Although he believed the odds were low, the Kazekage believed that a war was possible, and that it would be best to discreetly prepare for one. Hisa couldn't agree more. The village and its inhabitants were what mattered most to Hisa. Everything else, everybody else, was secondary. However, more importantly then starting a war, Hisa wanted to protect the village.
Hisa was promoted. She was no longer just a chunin, in the recent visit with Konohagakure, Hisa had risen above the Kazekage's expectations. If pressed with any looming threat of war, Hisa has permission to step up and become general of Sunagakure. Her, along with only three others, are given permission to protect and lead the village.
Other important issues were discussed. Issues that could be put off until tomorrow. Hisa was over tired, her limbs sore, mind grey. She needed some sleep. Pushing her way out of the Kazekage's head building, Hisa immediately felt her skin warm. The suns rays were soft for just a moment before they then became steadily harsher. Her olive skin, and raven black hair seemed to draw the heat in even faster. Quickly she moved to the shadow of a building and made her way to her home.
Finally arriving at her home, Hisa was welcomed by her bright eye'd mother. She was adorned in a clean white apron and her hair tied up. Hisa dragged through the door and sat down at the kitchen table. Her mother mentioned that their green house was doing very well. That the Paralyzing Herb and the Mandra Grass were starting to over take a corner of the green house. Hisa placed her head onto her arms, which rested on the cool, smooth surface of the table. Within a few seconds her breathing slowed, and a low snore began to release from her body.
From a young age Hisa had been pulled and put into a secret "Youth Revival Program". This was where young children who showed exceptional talent were placed and trained in secret. Hisa wasn't a prodigy, but she excelled far beyond many her age. Her hand coordination and memorization skills allowed her to memorize and execute techniques perfectly. Hisa showed promise from a very young age, and carries a dominate gene that allows her to use her Clan's abilities. The medical jutsu Clan, known as the Rinha Clan, has dropped in numbers, and Hisa is one of only five known Clan members to carry the dominate gene. Members of the Clan have very large chakra reserves, and have a natural ability to extract chakra from their opponent. The chakra extracted can be placed into an inanimate doll, at which time the doll will then physically grow and transform into the shinobi the chakra was taken from. This 'doll' will not only have the physical appearance that matches the chakra giver, but it will have that said persons memories and techniques. Making this Clan jutsu very useful if a village wanted to extract information on enemy ninja. Aside from this quirk, Hisa also has picked up an affinity for fire. Her natural talent with it has been quietly watched and nurtured. She's been somewhat sheltered, but as far as everyone in the village is concerned, she's just hard working.
Hisa wasn't put into a three man team as a young Genin. Told at a very young age that she was a very valuable asset to Sunagakure, and it was too risky to put her with other children.
The next morning she reported to the Kazekage's office only to find it empty. Making her way up the spiraling steps to the office, Hisa paused and listened. Some thing was off, Hisa wasn't sure what, but something definitely wasn't right. Continuing up the stairs she finally reached his office door. With a sudden knock and quick entry she found the office empty, blinds closed and desk empty. The Kazekage was always at his office at this time. Something wasn't right. Quickly she left the office and into the streets.
" HISA! HEY! " Hisa's ears caught Temari's voice. With a quick turn she stopped. Hisa had to squint for a moment, the sun finally had peaked over the dunes that surrounded the village. Soon it would become unbearably hot.
Temari was the Kazekage's daughter. Her and Kankurō were the two she most got along with in the village. They were two of the three children that the Kazekage had. Temari finally got within talking distance from Hisa and quickly turned and motioned for Hisa to follow her.
" My father is having a meeting, I figured you were somewhere in the village." Temari spoke as the two ran towards the town building. A large upright building that was heavily guarded and very shaded. It was the meeting hall for all of the leaders in Sunagakure and held monuments to all of the Kazekage's.
Hisa was a little confused but didn't say a word. The Kazekage never held a meeting without notifying her. Ever.
" Bishu's gone missing as well. We're not sure if its foul play or if the idiot got lost somewhere.." Temari spoke allowed as the two continued. Her beautiful blonde hair catching the suns rays and reflecting them back.
'Bishu ?!' Hisa thought to herself. The Kazekage's assistant was a little air headed sometimes, but he never intentionally didn't show up to a meeting. Something wasn't right. Was it just her?
The council building was filled with a hand full of people. Mostly Jonin and some elders. Hisa and Temari joined the group and quietly made their way to some chairs. Respectively staying quiet as the elders began to talk to the Jonin. Soon the Kazekage entered the room and everyone else also fell silent.
" I've held this impromptu meeting because I have some startling news. The Sound Village has come to me in regards to a recent meeting with Konohagakure. I feel as though Sunagakure may become a target, and have taken it upon myself to enlist some help. " The Kazekage paused and Hisa felt her skin crawl. This wasn't right. Something was making her skin crawl.
Looking around Hisa witnessed the rest of the group still listening to the Kage. Was it just her? Hisa directed her attention back to the Kazekage. His features were the same. The same olive skin tone, and the same sandy red hair color. There was something about his Chakra.. It wasn't right. She wouldn't be able to completely know until she touched the Kazekage and absorb some of his chakra.
" We are going to attack Konoha… I want everyone in the village on alert, and to start preparing immediately. We have the Chunin Exams in five months and I want to take this time to come up with a crucial plan. " The Kazekage stopped speaking and immediately everyone got up to protest. The last thing the village needed was another war.
" Is this what the people of this village deserve? To be looked down upon by the other villages? To be scoffed at like children? No, we are much more than that. We're only a few mistakes away from being invaded ourselves. All of you know how much of a threat the leaf village is.." The Kazekage finished his rant, and some of the people around Hisa had quieted down, agreeing with him.
" Do you really think we have the man power to pull something like this off Kaze-sama? We don't have many Jonin to begin with, to pull off something fo this magnitude.." One of the Jonins in the room protested but his voice began to fade.
" The leader of an up and coming Village has approached me, and has agreed to lend me all of his shinobi.. Normally I am not rash about these things, but given the current circumstances I believe this is the best route for the village.." The Kazekage spoke, crossing his arms and matching eyes with everyone in the room.
" And how do we deal with the Jinchuriki, the ninetails kid.. What should happen if the beast gets out again? " A female Jonin stood up to protest. Her body was covered in wraps and her hair was tight in a bun.
" Have you all forgotten about our Jinchuriki?.. Have you forgotten about the power of the one tail beast..?" The Kazekage pushed the issue further.
Everyone in the room remained quiet. They had seen the fury of Shukaku, they knew the beast that lay inside master Gaara. With a steady amount of agreement the room slowly went to the tide
'This is ridiculous..' Hisa thought to herself. War was hell, why would the Kazekage want to bring such a burden down onto their peaceful village?
Hisa's raven hair swung slowly as her head shook. She didn't approve of this one bit. Although only thirteen, she had been on her share of missions, she had seen the carnage that comes after a brawl. This is the last thing she wanted for the village she loved.
" Hisa I have a special task for you.. You've been prepped your entire life to become a guard for a public official, well we're going to take that to our advantage. In a gesture of good will and prosperity, we are going to offer one of our most promising Jonin, and current ANBU member, Hisa Hotoke, to Konohagakure to be sentry to the Hokage. "
The room once again fell silent as all of the eyes within the council switched to Hisa. Hisa's slightly olive skin hid the otherwise large blush that was passing over her face.
" Father.." Temari protested for a few moments before being interrupted.
" We will attack during the Chunin exams, and the one who will be able to get the closest to Konohagakure's heart will be Hisa. Hisa it will be your job to assassinate the Hokage while his defenses are down.." The Kazekage spoke again, and again Hisa'a blood began to boil. She had been taught to be lenient, to be a well behaved shinobi. This was pushing it over the line. Both of the Kazekage's children that were in the room immediately locked their eyes at Hisa.
Hisa, Temari, Kankuro and Gaara all were the same age. All were the Sands most promising Genin. Hisa shifted her eyes across the table and caught Kankuro looking at her. With a look of irritation she looked back at him. Still he looked a little worried, very unlike him. There was a lot riding on this village, and Hisa could be seen as a Hero or as a Villain depending on the point of view.
" Any and all questions can come to me.. This is the time to join together as a village and not let our petty differences separate us. " The Kazekage spoke once more before making his exit. Immediately upon leaving, the room lit up in conversation again.
" Can we really trust this task to a child! Shouldn't we send someone more experienced to the leaf. "..
" This is such a rash move made by the Kazekage, shouldn't we all discuss this as a village!?"
Various Jonin in the room were furious and Hisa simply stayed quiet. Playing out the scenarios in her head quickly, she zoned out for a moment.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was the respected leader of Konohagakure. He was not only strong and intelligent, but caring and considerate as well. It would be difficult to gain his trust in such a small amount of time. Hisa took a deep breath in and exhaled. She was a little confused.
" Hisa…. HISA! Hey!" Hisa was in a daze and the loud words of someone next to her shook her awake.
Kankuro was standing next to her. His black garments and low tone made him seem ominous. Hisa had always liked the sand siblings, even Gaara. All were strong and had their own personalities. Kankuro stood next to Hisa, he appeared a little worried.
" Hisa you look a little pale.. Are you feeling alright? " Kankuro spoke in a low voice, as to not gather attention. His strong facial features and clam demeanor made him so much like his father. Hisa couldn't help but manage to smile.
" I'm fine.. Just a little taken back. " Hisa spoke while managing to smile a little. Kankuro immediately started to smile when he saw Hisa smile, he looked relieved.
" Are you up for this Hisa-sama.." Temari spoke interrupting the two. Hisa looked up from the table at Temari. Temari has her arms crossed and a look of eagerness on her face.
" We'll have to see.." Hisa spoke with a growing grin. The two sand siblings looked more relaxed the larger Hisa's smile got.
Excusing herself from the building, Hisa needed some time to think.
The sun was high above Sunagakure and Hisa let the hot blistering rays heat her skin. In an attempt to become distracted, Hisa remembered what her mother had mentioned earlier about the mandra grass and paralyzing herb. Both plants were very aggressive and it didn't surprise her that they had taken respectively taken over different parts of the green house.
She had a knack for medical ninjutsu, and part of being a medical ninja meant knowing and growing your own herbs. Hisa took a little amount of pride in knowing she had her own personal stash of goods.
" HISA! Hey! Wait up! " Hisa paused, she could feel the sweat clinging to the top layer of her skin. Body pausing, Hisa turned. Her beautiful deep hazel eyes catching the light of the sun. Appearing almost red when reflected.
Kankuro was rushing after her. Hisa was always amazed how he wore black all the time but never seemed over heated.
" I figured you would have a lot on your mind, maybe you would need some company.." Kankuro spoke with a deep breath. Hisa gave a nonchalant shrug and continued walking.
" Hisa.. You looked a little startled at the meeting. Even before the kazekage brought up the news about the attack." Kankuro spoke without missing a beat. It always amused Hisa how very rarely she heard the sand sibling call the kazekage 'father'. It was always Kaze-sama, kazekage or the fourth. Sometimes she would hear the word father, never dad or pops. Nothing too personal.
" I think I'm just really tired.. I've been going on missions without a break for two months.. My chakra sensing ability is a little warped. " Hisa spoke up with a reassuring smile and started to laugh.
" I sound like an old man, I'm sorry. " Hisa's laughter made Kankuro smile. Kankuro protested and thought that if Hisa had something on her mind, she should bring it up with the Kazekage.
" He's the one I'm not sure about.. I haven't gotten the chance to get close enough to him to back up my suspicions.." Hisa spoke in a little bit of a cold tone. Kankuro started to laugh when he realized Hisa was referencing to his father.
" He's always so distant anyways. Maybe he's just having another one of his personality swings.. You know how he can sometimes get." Kankuro walked effortlessly next to Hisa, Hisa noticed that he didn't have his puppet on or with him.
Kankuro noticed that Hisa noticed and spoke up. " I had to make some repairs on one of my puppets, so for the moment I'm without them. " Kankuro spoke, turning his attention to infront of them.
The shops that normally open during the mid morning shade were closed, residences were also shut in. The heat was hard for some to handle, and everyone was boarded inside their homes until the wave of heat broke.
" I was wondering if you would like to meet up later, maybe grab some thing to eat and talk about your last mission or something." Kankuro spoke in a low tone, Hisa glanced over to him. The purple markings on his face made him resemble an oni of some kind. Still though, her mother was always fussing about her never having friends or bringing anyone over. So maybe this would be good for her.
" I guess I could do that.." Hisa spoke with a small side smile. Kankuro looked taken back for a moment. However he was quick, and within a few seconds he replied to her agreement.
" I'll, uh.. Be over to your house around seven? " Kankuro asked rather than told and Hisa nodded. The two soon departed separate ways and Hisa made her way to her house.
The rush of cool air from the inside of her home was exhilarating. Sand had begun to cling to the sweat on her body, she felt gritty and over heated.
Her mind busy, and her body still aching, Hisa walked into her living room and collapsed onto the couch. Body sprawled out like a skydiver.
" Oh Honey! I heard the good news! " Hisa's ears became more alert but her body didn't move.
" That the village might start another war and everyone I love and care about might be in danger.." Hisa spoke into the couch with a muffled tone.
" What was that? Well anyways I heard that Konohagakure has decided to take you in as the Hokage's personal guard. Of course they are paying the Sand Village a small sum of money, but honey that's amazing! I'm so proud." Hisa's mother was very enthusiastic about her employment, however Hisa didn't know if she had the strength to go through with such a destructive mission. If somehow she failed and the sand village fell under, if her friends and family somehow got killed or injured because she messed up, Hisa would never be able to forgive herself. Ever.
" Oh and that nice boy, the Kazekage's son. He stopped by yesterday but you were indecent and drooling on the kitchen table sleeping, so I told him you were out doing errands for me. Just so you know." Hisa was preparing to take another nap when there was a knock at the door. A Jonin from the village requested to see Hisa.
" Miss Hotoke? " The man spoke into the house when Hisa's mom opened the door. Hisa ignored the man and tried to sleep once more. However he was persistent and Hisa pulled herself from the soft cushions of the couch and to the front door.
" Miss Hisa, the Kazekage has requested your presence in his office at seven this evening.." Hisa looked at the man angrily, the Jonin looked at her a little frightened for a moment before Hisa nodded and closed the door on the man.
" and until then I will be sleeping.." Hisa spoke allowed to herself.
" Honey I'm going to pack you a few things and start picking and packaging those herbs from the green house, they're out of control." Hisa listened to what her mother said and waved her hand in agreement as she entered their living room and then her bed room.
Her dimly lit room was cooler than the rest of the house and held the most comfortable bed she had ever slept on. His proceeded to simply throw herself onto the bed and immediately fall asleep.
Her mother came into her room and then knocked on her door as she woke Hisa up.
" It's six Hisa, get up and shower! You have your meeting with the Kazekage in an hour." Hisa's mother happily turned on the light to the room and clapped a few times to get her daughter awake.
Hisa groaned and fell back asleep for a few moments. Only to be woken up by her mother shifting through her drawers looking for clothes to pack. Hisa slowly grew to her feet and scuffed off to the bathroom and showered.
Instead of taking a hot shower like most, Hisa took a cold shower. Slowly waking back up she got out and dried off. Her jet black hair stretched down to her waist and flowed over her shoulders. Naked in the bathroom she brushed her hair and proceeded to get ready.
Hisa could finally wear civilian cloths. Instead of her ANBU outfit she could wear an actual pair of pants and a shirt, she was ecstatic.
Hisa wore a pair of black shorts and a fitted grey long sleeved shirt with it. Deciding to throw on a thin green vest with the outfit last minute. She ran her hands through her long, raven black hair in an attempt to tame it.
Hisa slipped on some shoes and stumbled to the door.
" I'll be back in a few! " Hisa hollered into her house. No answer. Still she opened the front door and left her house.
Immediately after closing her front door Hisa saw Kankuro. She had forgotten about getting food.
Kankuro was still in his black pants and large concealing shirt. However his hood which normally hid some of his face a head, was pulled back and his face didn't have any paint on it.
Hisa was just a few feet from him, she began to blush a little. Lucky for her there was still a high amount of heat outside and Kankuro wouldn't notice her skin flushing.
His strong jaw and forceful eyes were striking and Hisa gave a friendly wave to him.
Kankuro was actually smiling, and Hisa started to smile because she rarely saw him smile.
" Are you ready to catch up? " kankuro asked with a cheerful attitude. Hisa paused and nervously held her hands together.
" We're going to have to reschedule, your father has requested me for a mandatory meeting. I'll have to make a rain check and we can schedule something later. Maybe we can have breakfast or spar together in the morning? " Hisa nervously smiled and Kankruo began to look a little disappointed. Still at the thought of scheduling time with Hisa, his smile picked up.
" Yeah, sounds good. I'll be out and around the village tomorrow, just come find me." Kankuro smiled and Hisa gave a small nod and bow as she quickly passed by him and made her way to the Kazekage's office.
Hisa disappeared into the stretching shadows of the village. The dissatisfied look on her face forced anyone who met eyes with her to look away in panic.
Hisa landed and crouched outside the Kazekage's office. Using her hand to lean against the brick outer structure, Hisa attempted to focus, her long wet hair had soaked her shirt and vest. Yet another thing to add to the list of annoyances for the day.
" He's still to far away.. I'll have to touch his skin..Hm.." Hisa whispered to herself. Something was off with his chakra, but she couldn't pin point exactly what it was. Curious, anxious and a little irate, Hisa took a deep breath and forced herself up the spiriling set of stairs that led into and up to the Kaze kage's office.