To Save a Life
Author's note: This is my first fanfic ever. After reading so many for so many years I've never felt fully satisfied. Especially when it comes to Neji and Hinata pairings. This is mainly an emotional story; it will barely contain action scenes just so you readers know. Also, I am a perfectionist and may not update for a very long time but I will try my best. Yeah, this story will probably be a stinker.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in the series.
Chapter 1:
During the night, snow had arrived in the town of Konoha. It blanketed every inch of the lush green land. The crystal clear lakes had begun to freeze over, almost making it perfect for ice skating. The crisp, fresh scent of the air was unmistakable; December had arrived. This was a grand day for the townspeople, because it meant one thing, Christmas!
By the time morning had arrived, most of the town's people, especially the children, were out and about. Snow men and snow angels were beginning to form and smoke from the chimneys of houses could be seen rising. The adults were busy talking to their neighbors about their special Christmas plans. This indeed was a very special day.
This month also meant the anniversary of the defeat of Orichimaru, and the return of the once missing ninja, Uchiha Sasuke. It would be the 2nd yearly anniversary that would be celebrated since the Uchiha's notorious return. Since that eventful day, everything in Konoha had changed for the better.
With the Uchiha's return, Team 7 was now fully restored. Now instead of three members, it consisted of four: Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, ANBU member Sai, and of course, Uchiha Saskue. Team 7, with the exception of Sai, had become almost as legendary as the legendary sannins who had apprenticed them. At 17 years of age, it was a grand achievement for the three ninjas.
Of course, all of the rookies had become strong and worthy Jonins. Team 10, which consisted of Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru, and Yamanaka Ino, were inseparable. With the tragic death of their beloved sensei, Saratobi Asuma, their bonds of friendship became even stronger. As a result, they had the best teamwork of any of the ninjas in Konoha, it was unparalleled.
Then of course there was Team Guy. Guy sensei and Rock Lee were still the same determined and hard working pair, if possible, even more. Rock Lee was becoming the unbeatable genius when it came to Taijitsu. Tenten was even more skilled at her weaponry technique, pulling out even more tricks from her sleeve and with excellent precision. As for Hyuga Neji, he had become part of the special forces ANBU. His techniques with the Byakugan have surpassed even that of Hyuga Hiashi and were only getting better. The relationship between him and his uncle, and the rest of the clan, had become even stronger.
The clan ninjas, Team 8, were the most independent out of all the teams. This could be mainly due to the fact that not only did they have their team to commit to, but their own clans as well. Aburame Shino, who is part of the Aburame clan, was now head of the clan with the succession of his father. He seemed rather young to lead a clan, but Shino's father was positive that his son could handle it, and of course he was right. The Inuzuka clan that Inuzuka Kiba is part of, did not have any change in leadership, but Kiba himself had proved to be even more deadly with his loyal companion, Akamaru. Their fusion techniques were ones to be greatly feared. Then of course there was Hyuga Hinata, she had surprised everyone with her new techniques that she used in concordance with her Byakugan. Although her offense abilities did not match that of Hyuga Neji, her defense techniques were almost 100 percent impenetrable. The team was slowly breaking away because of the extra responsibilities that each ninja had to face. Yet they still tried to be with each other as much as they could.
Tsunade was still the Hokage but was actually improving in more ways than one. Her dictation and organization of the village could be seen on the day when the Uchiha had come back to Konoha. Tsunade had integrated him back into the village and also managed to have the town's people bear no qualms about Sasuke's return. It was actually Tsunade's idea to hold the anniversary of the eventful day, and the town was more than happy to celebrate.
Everything seemed perfect in the village of Konoha. Crime was extremely low across the lands, and there was no major threat to Konoha with the defeat of Orichimaru by the hands of Uzumaki Naruto. Yet things weren't always what they seemed. In the far outskirts of Konoha, a place that no one seemed to visit or even notice, screams of sheer terror could be heard.
"You are all mine little one, and no one will ever hear of your pain and sorrow, for if they ever do my little pet, your entire village will perish!" The maniacal tone was bone chilling. Sending chills up and down her spine. The last thing she saw before she collapsed was a flash of red.