Sharks in Sunny Places

Summary: Traveling from Nuvema Town, Hinata Hyuuga must prove to her father, sister, friends, and (most importantly) herself that she can become a successful Pokemon Trainer and survive the harsh world. However, Unova is always changing, and with the escape of several top-secret experiments now on the loose, Hinata may be fighting against more than she bargained for.

Changes: The story is set in the Unova region. The seasons are all one-month off. Holidays are still in the same month, but the months' seasons have been changed.

Disclaimer: Don't own Pokemon or Naruto. Boo.

Chapter One: Up We Go

Nuvema Town was a quiet town. It was well-known for being the birth-place of many popular yet not-quite-amazing Pokemon Trainers. The quiet, laid-back, and friendly atmosphere of the town encouraged many young folk to always be coming and going, and for people to settle down to make friends and family. The peaceful Pokemon in the surrounding forests and the gentle breeze from the nearby ocean made it a unique, safe, and almost sleepy town. Residents, both old and new, said it always gave the feel of something amazing quietly stirring in Unova.

It was this town that the Hyuuga clan had moved into, many years ago, before the Hyuuga clan's most promising Trainers had been born. And it was from this town that Hinata Hyuuga, who had just turned fifteen, was about to depart from with her two best friends.

Hinata was shyly concerned and upset that she had held her friends back from their own journeys for so long. She had the latest birthday in the year, and her friends Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzuka had much earlier birthdays. As a general rule, Trainers left for their journeys at age fifteen, as a three-man cell that would split up or travel together, and not one person could leave without the other two. Hinata had pleaded with them for the last year to chose a different person to travel with, but Kiba had always noisily declined, with Shino quietly backing him up. For that, Hinata both loved and hated her two best friends.

The Hyuuga clan has always been a quiet, but relatively cold clan of Pokemon Trainers. People who held others back from their potential were generally frowned upon, and Hinata was unfortunately the heir to the clan. As a result, she was pressured to do much better than everyone else, but due to her late birth, she held her two friends back from starting their journeys early. For the last year, Hinata had been frequently ridiculed by numerous members of her family, from big to small reasons. It was obnoxious, rude, and sometimes just downright hurtful. And as a result, Hinata had both pleaded for this day to come sooner, and for her friends to chose a different team-mate.

Now that this day was finally here, however, Hinata was a bundle of mixed emotions. She was joyous, anxious, worried, fearful, and so many other emotions that she could barely keep her body from shaking as she walked down the steps to the dining room.

At the table awaited her a large breakfast, lovingly prepared by her mother, her two closest friends, all of her immediate family, and a large box. Kiba grinned widely, and beckoned Hinata to come closer, Shino standing nearby, the two radiating an encouraging, happy, and exciting energy around her normally calm and collected family. Akamaru yipped excitedly, and Yuna was noisily munching on leaves.

Hinata timidly stepped towards them, and her mother quickly rushed over and smothered her with a hug, kissing the top of her head with tears pouring from her eyes. "Ohhh, my baby, I can't believe this day has already come for my baby." Her mother cooed, as Hinata smiled and returned the embrace. Hiashi and Hizashi Hyuuga stood by, both smiling happily at the two. Neji smirked nearby, his arms crossed, too happy and proud to scowl like he wanted to. Hanabi, however, had no problem glaring at her sister, and impatiently tapped her foot.

Hanako reluctantly released her daughter, sniffling and wiping away the tears, and motioned for everyone to sit down at the table. Hinata sat down at the head of the table, as she was the star for today, with Kiba and Shino sitting on either side of her. As they begun eating, Kiba and Shino eagerly engaged in conversation with Neji and Hinata, talking about how Neji's journey had been so far and how their own journey would go.

"Man! I can't wait until Akamaru evolves into a Stoutland! He's gonna be such a beast!" Kiba exclaimed after he had heard about Neji's battles with the large dog.

"Yes, Stoutlands are very good for Trainers. Loyal, strong, and reliable." Neji advised as he cut up his ham, and Kiba nodded eagerly nearby. "Leavanny are also good Pokemon. Burgh uses them extremely well, and in his gallery he's even featured paintings of them." Neji said, motioning to Shino before he bit into the meat. Shino nodded as well, familiar with the Bug-type using artist.

"What about Purrloin's evolution, Neji-ni?" Hanabi asked, glancing over at her sister with a glare. Hinata smiled back timidly, secretly annoyed that her sister would remind her of that already...

"Mm. Liepards aren't that good. They could be powerful if trained properly. However, they're speed-based, and a well-aimed attack can take them down pretty easily." Neji replied, and Hanabi frowned, taking a bite of her pancake as she digested that bit of information. Hinata gave a nod of thanks to Neji, who smiled back somewhat reassuringly.

Hinata, while she was use to talk about her friend's Pokemon, was slightly miffed. She was the only one in her cell who hadn't already caught a Pokemon, and that was re-enforced by the fact that her sister had already caught a Pokemon. And her sister just loved to rub that in her face. Hinata was just glad that she'd be getting a Pokemon of her own today...Even if she would still be behind Shino and Kiba. Hinata inwardly sighed, but kept a smile on her face as she enjoyed her mother's pancakes and ham.

"So which Pokemon have the three of you decided on for your starters?" Asked Hiashi.

"I want Oshawott!" Kiba exclaimed, his never-ending grin widening.

"Snivy." Shino quietly informed in a detached voice, and Hinata knew that her friend was trying to subtly stare at the map on the wall. With his glasses, most people wouldn't be able to tell, but she could. He was always the logical, planning one.

"So Hinata decided on Tepig?" Hizashi asked, and smiled approvingly at her as she nodded in affirmative. "Good, that will give you a nice Pokemon to work with."

The rest of the breakfast passed with idle chatter about Pokemon, terrain, Gym Leaders, and old stories of Kanto and Johto. When everyone was finally done with their food, Hanako and Hanabi cleared the table, and Neji placed the large box on the table. It was time to meet Cell Eight's starters.

Hinata carefully unwrapped the box, smiling softly at Kiba's barely contained excitement. The room was quiet, except for the squeaking of the hardwood floors as Kiba excitedly bounced up and down. Hinata lifted the lid, placing it to the side, and motioned Kiba and Shino to the box. Kiba quickly snatched Oshawott's ball from the box, while Shino grabbed Snivy's in a much more restrained and calmer manner (even though Hinata knew he was just as excited as Kiba was). Hinata took the remaining Pokeball, feeling butterflies in her stomach as she touched the cool metal of the ball, wondering how such a small thing could hold such a creature in it.

And then Rock Lee broke down the back door. "Neji-san! Come train with me!"

Neji glared at Lee, then pointed at Hinata, and then the broken door. Lee stood there frozen in thought for a few seconds, before grabbing the door and placing it back where it belonged, and fleeing out onto the back porch.

"Neji, I don't know how you travel with that boy." Hiashi muttered, and Hizashi nodded in agreement.

"Sensory adaptation." Neji deadpanned. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go entertain him before he goes and breaks down TenTen-san's door."

Hinata, Kiba, and Shino all stepped into Professor Juniper's lab. The large lab was on the edge of town, and was the only Pokemon lab in Unova registered to give out Pokemon and Pokedexes by the United Region Pokemon Association. Since they had received their starter Pokemon today, they were now going in to meet Juniper so she could give them their Pokedex and their leaving speech.

Juniper was there near the entrance, a smile on her face as she beckoned them over. Professor Juniper was a woman who loved her work, and it showed in every aspect. Teaching young Trainers was refreshing and invigorating to her work as a scientist, and she taught upcoming young Trainers the skills they'd need for survival in Unova.

Cell Eight stood confidently in front of Professor Juniper, feeling the confidence that only they could as blossoming young Trainers. In return, Juniper would reassure them about their journey and provide support through the Pokedex. And now, it would all start.

"Hello! I'm Juniper-sensei, and you'll be receiving one last lesson from me before starting your journey. I trust you have everything you need so far?" Professor Juniper asked in her lecture voice, and the three nodded. The three had all packed their bags last night, and their Pokemon's balls were securely attached to each of their belts.

"Alright then! Sign these forms, and I can give you your Pokedex and then we'll be off to Accumula Town!"

Cell Eight stood mere steps away from Route 1. They were about to embark on the Nuvema Town Trainer Tradition. Kiba and Shino both took one of Hinata's hands, and boldly strode towards Route 1.

A few steps away, Professor Juniper stood next to a patch of grass, still smiling. Seeing this happen was one of her favorite things in the world, and she only wished Tsunade-sensei was here to watch.

"Now, who's ready to learn how to catch a Pokemon?"

They all watched Professor Juniper catch a Pokemon, learning from her the techniques used. Hinata felt sad as she watched, knowing that Shino and Kiba were only watching Juniper-sensei because they knew she needed to know the techniques. After all, they had both already caught their own Pokemon. Hinata inwardly sighed. Even now, she was slowing them down...

Kiba and Shino, on the other hand, both knew what was going on in Hinata's head. They just didn't know how to prevent it, or fix it. To be honest, neither of them had caught their own Pokemon. They'd both been bred as presents for the boys. And every time they told Hinata this, she had refused to listen, thinking that they were just trying to make her feel better for what her father, sister, and cousin had all deemed to be a failure on her part.

At least from now on, she'd be away from them. Though...Neji wasn't quite so bad anymore.

Kisame Hoshigaki hid near the sewers. He was only waiting in this town for a meeting. Otherwise, he'd be comfortably out in the wilderness. He couldn't stand towns, ever since they had been released. People and Pokemon always looked at him funny,and he couldn't blame them. After all, not everyone looked as freakish as him.

Unfortunately he was here on business, and if he didn't get this right he'd have to deal with the cold silence of one very angry Uchiha. So he would just wait here, hoping this stupid Hyuuga would hurry up so that he could hole up in his room in the Pokemon Center until he was called for another mission or told he could do what he pleased. He stood near the sewers, looking intimidating and thinking angry thoughts, until he appeared.

"Hoshigaki-sama?" Ask the middle-aged man. Kisame turned his eyes on the aging Trainer, and grinned ferally.

"That's me. Hyuuga-sama?"

"Correct." The Hyuuga nodded in affirmation. The two took a few moments to size each other up. The Hyuuga was Hiashi Hyuuga, a clan leader. He had long, waist-length black hair, and pale white eyes that reminded Kisame of pearls. Wrinkles lined his face, and he looked tired and angry, but his posture carried authority and arrogance. His mouth was set in a firm line, and Kisame could see the row of Pokeballs he carried on his obi. Hiashi Hyuuga was not one to be trifled with, even if he was just an aging old man.

Hiashi looked over Kisame's form, and briefly wondered why he thought to agree to the Uchiha's terms. Obviously, this "man" was not quite human anymore, and he looked intimidating and radiated blood-lust. He was barely human, looking more like a humanoid Pokemon than a homo sapien. He was huge, being over six feet tall and was heavily-built with large, blue muscles. He had beady white and black eyes with gills underneath them, with rough cheek-bones and saw-like teeth enhancing the intimidation of his grin. But so long as he could protect her...

"So. Why exactly do I need to shadow your daughter?" Kisame asked, breaking Hiashi's thoughts. Kisame shifted uncomfortably under the Hyuuga's gaze, even though Hiashi didn't seem to fear him or even take his eyes off his face. It was odd, unsettling, and disturbing to him, who had always felt fear and ridicule from those who saw and approached him since he had been released.

"She isn't ready for the world alone yet, even though she thinks she is." Hiashi said simply, and Kisame stared down at Hiashi. Kisame couldn't decide if he was an over-protective parent or not by that statement, and mentally noted to judge for himself when he met the girl. He silently prayed to Arceus that she could at least take care of herself.

"Ah. And why exactly am I needed?"

"Ask Uchiha. I thought he would be the one shadowing my daughter. But if he trusts you with the job, then so be it." Kisame nodded at the answer as Hiashi paused. Hiashi looked Kisame directly in the eyes, and Kisame felt even more disturbed by Hiashi's lack of fear. "But...If anything happens to my daughter, it will be on both of your heads." Kisame nodded silently, a small inkling of dread sinking into him.

Hiashi turned his back on Kisame, looking over to the entrance of Accumula Town. "Hinata will be arriving from Route 1. Whether or not you want to meet her or not is up to you, but do not reveal your duty to her." He pulled a picture from his obi, and handed it to Kisame to look at.

The photograph looked like it was just taken that day. Three people were pictured in it, two teenaged males and a teenaged female. The male on the left was grinning fiercely, a Lillipup on his head, fires of excitement burning brightly in both of their eyes. The male on the right was smirking, a Sewaddle on his shoulder and sunglasses hiding his eyes. In the middle was the violet-haired, lavender-eyed girl he was suppose to protect.

Kisame kept his face neutral as he looked at the picture. It was obvious why Hiashi wanted his daughter protected. She was beautiful and adorable, and she looked was too innocent to be left alone in the wilderness to fend for herself. She was wearing a baggy lavender jacket to protect herself from the cold autumn wind and rapidly approaching winter cold, and comfy looking white sweatpants that reminded him of snow, with black and white snow boots tucked under her sweatpants. A lavender strap went over her breasts, with Pokeballs attached to the strap, one marked with a fire emblem. All of it seemed to lead up to her lavender eyes, which were large, full of life, warmth, and kindness.

Kisame was torn between wanting to meet her as soon as possible, and wanting to hide himself from her as long as possible. He handed the photograph back to Hiashi, who looked him in the eyes again.

"I'll protect her. You just keep your end of the deal."

Hiashi nodded, staring him in the eyes for a few seconds more before departing. Kisame watched him go, lost in his own thoughts as Hiashi's form drifted further and further away.

He was going to meet her.

Hinata stepped into the town, feeling very unsure of herself. She wasn't sure where to go now. Juniper-sensei had told her to go to Accumula Town and to go to the Pokemon Center, but she hadn't said where the Pokemon Center was. Hinata sighed. Getting to Accumula Town was the easy part. Finding her way around would be much more difficult.

"Hinata." Came the stern voice of her father. She jumped, startled, and looked over to her left to see her father walking towards her with a stern expression on his face.

"H-hello, O-otousan. What are you doing here?" Hinata asked, confused and worried. He wasn't going to criticize her, was he...? He wasn't going to make her go home, was he...?

"You forgot a few things. Are you sure you're ready to start your journey?" Hiashi asked, sounding cold and stern. He knew she actually hadn't forgotten anything, and that he'd removed things from her bag the night before, but if his little girl wasn't ready to start her journey yet, he would accept that. And he would force everyone else to accept it, too.

"O-oh! What d-did I forget?" Hinata asked, a horrified expression on her face, as she quickly went over everything she had packed last night. Hiashi pulled out her Xtransceiver and Town Map from his obi, and handed them to her. She quickly took them from him, and pulled her bag around so she could place the map in her bag. "T-thank you s-so much, O-otousan!"

"Hinata, are you sure you are capable of this journey?" Hiashi asked again.

"O-of course! I-i have been l-looking forward t-to starting my j-journey all year!" Hiashi looked her straight into her eyes, and Hinata nervously stared back, awaiting his decision. Finally, he nodded in confirmation of her will.

"Very well then. Be careful. Do not be afraid to come home, and keep in contact at least once a week." Hiashi ordered, his face still stern and his voice even. He couldn't let himself cry in front of his daughter, he told himself.

Hinata nodded, inwardly grateful and relieved. And then, shocked, as her father wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Good luck. Be safe. The Pokemon Center is north of here. Do the Hyuuga clan proud, Hinata Hyuuga."

Hiashi pulled away from his daughter, giving her a once-over, before departing towards Nuvema Town. "Thank you, Otousan! I love you!"

Hiashi was glad his back was turned to her, so she couldn't see his smile or his tears.

His little girl was growing up.

On the way to the Pokemon Center, Hinata strolled around Accumula Town, taking in the sights. She had only ever been to Accumula Town once before, and that had been when she was very young. The town was full of many hills and medium-sized buildings above and below the street. Music was coming from somewhere up above, and it gave the town a soothing feeling.

It was during this stroll that she happened to see him. He stood, leaning against the railing of a particularly steep hill, towering above Kiba who had rushed over to see the buildings. He was huge, and somewhat intimidating, but his face was full of thought as he looked out over the street. He was not bothered by Kiba, who was noisily chattering at him, probably asking him all sorts of things. Yet he was odd, with his blue skin, muscles rippling through his long limbs, and his hair that stood upright. He intrigued her. Who was this man, where did he come from, how did he look the way he did?

Hinata boldly strode over to him and Kiba.

"K-kiba-kun! Th-there you are!" Hinata called out, and Kiba swung his head around from the sights below the banister, his excited grin widening as he saw her.

"Hinata-chan! C'mere, this view is amazing!" Kiba shouted, waving her over enthusiastically. Hinata smiled brightly, and hurried her pace over to the two, placing herself over on Kiba's side. Kiba had been looking at a lush and green gully that made a beautiful park, with houses on one side and cool concrete and a rushing stream on the other. Pokemon and children rushed around, playing as their parents lazed around, chatting with each other.

"W-wow, Kiba-kun! Ohh, is t-that a Min-mincinno that girl has?" Hinata asked, her face lighting up dramatically at the sight of the adorable Pokemon.

"Yup! I bet you can't wait to get to Nimbasa City and catch one, right?" Kiba asked, and Hinata giggled at the thought.

"I d-don't know y-yet, Kiba-kun. Th-there are so m-many other Pokemon to m-meet." Hinata looked out over the park, thinking about which ones would be good. Kiba nodded in agreement, looking out over the park as well, and the two lapsed into comfortable silence.

Kisame had silently been watching the entire charade, easily pretending to not be paying attention. This had given him quite a few tidbits about his client. Most importantly, they had already easily met, even if she hadn't said a single word to him. Thank you, noisy brunette. He had made the entire meeting seamless, natural, and ordinary. Perfect.

"You two are new Trainers?" The man next to Kiba asked, his voice a rumbling, gravelly basso. Hinata and Kiba turned to him, Kiba confirming his question and asking questions back, while Hinata studied the man up-close. From afar, he was merely intimidating. Up-close, he was close to nightmare fuel. He looked like a shark, from his beady white and black eyes, his gills and grotesque-looking cheekbones, to his teeth, that looked razor-sharp and deadly when he spoke.

Somehow, Kiba wasn't affected at all by him. Hinata barely resisted the urge to flee, and had to clamp down her panicked emotions. If that didn't say something about how much courage Kiba held, she didn't know what would.

"Hinata-chan and I can't wait to get to Striation City!" Kiba exclaimed, and Kisame grinned toothily.

"Ah. The first Gym-bearing city. Be sure to train up before you even think about challenging them."

Hinata swallowed, and mustered up all of her courage to keep herself as normal as possible. "O-oh. A-are they d-difficult to b-beat?"

"The leader you'll face is based on your starter Pokemon." Kisame informed casually, while glancing over Hinata. She was terrified by him, he could tell, but she was putting up a brave front and wasn't running. His grin remained on his face. Oh, he liked her. And after this meeting, she would hopefully be tough enough to handle more of her journey...

"O-oh. So we o-ought to catch m-more P-pokemon along the w-way, too."

"YOSH! I can't wait to get started!" Kiba exclaimed, and grabbed Hinata's hand. "C'mon, Hinata-chan! Let's go meet Juniper-sensei and Shino-san at the Center!"

"O-oh! Okay!" Hinata said, her mouth forming an 'o' in surprise. Kiba started to yank her towards the Pokemon Center, and Hinata turned to look back at the man. "Th-thank you, sir!"

"Kisame." He said simply, and he watched her face flicker with emotion before she smiled and waved at him. Kisame smirked and watched her be dragged away, before watching the sun set. All of his thoughts surrounded her and Itachi-san.

Today was good.

Itachi Uchiha looked down at his friend. It had been a long time since he had seen Hinata and Hiashi Hyuuga, and he was glad they had not changed while he was away.

It made his current task easier.

Pein-sama had told him to watch the Hyuuga clan's upcoming Trainers. The Hyuuga, as always, were going to be a necessity in the upcoming events. It would only be a few more hours until the first event was unleashed.

Itachi only wished it could happen much, much later.

He could only pray that Hoshigaki would be strong enough to protect the heiress.

After all, it wasn't every day that such a tragedy would occur.

Itachi quietly descended from the top of the building, carefully going over the plots in his head.

Well, that's the first installment of Sharks in Sunny Places. Yes, this will mainly be centered on Hinata and Kisame. The Akatsuki will be showing up, one-by-one. And no, this won't be following Black and White's storyline. I'm still figuring out what I want to be done, and there WILL be a few events taken from Team Plasma, but for the most part the Akatsuki will be working under the own agenda.

Also, Hinata's birthday is December 27th, while Shino's is January 23rd , and Kiba's is on July 7th. They have a pretty wide range of birthdays. Kisame's is March 18th. I love the Naruto wikia and the Bulbapedia. Also, it is now Fall (December) and Winter (January) is now approaching. Spring (February) might take a while to get to, or it may not. I haven't quite decided.

Leave a review, please!