Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or anything associated with Naruto
5 days later Hikaku and Hachico were back, and with them were four fellow Branch Family members. The two conspirators had done as the mysterious Ishahiro Tastuga had asked and quietly gathered these four more avengers, as that is what they saw themselves.
" So Hikaku, where is this mysterious benefactor you kept hinting at?" spoke one, he was clad in standard issue shinobi garb with the exception of black wrist guards and ankle guards. His hair reached to just below the top of his shoulders, and was sporting a black Konoha headband.
" I don't know Furio, I'm not so sure if he's a benefactor" the response came from a young woman who looked to be around 19 or so. She was wearing black pants with a white long-sleeved shirt. Her somewhat short black hair partially draped her forehead covered by her black Konoha headband. At the moment she was looking apprehensively at Hikaku and Hachico.
" Do not worry Hikara, Ishahiro Tastuga is indeed a benefactor, it is he who will give us a way to bring justice to the Main Branch, for everything they have done to us, and to our families" Hikaku's reply came in the tone of one who was utterly convinced that what he was saying is true.
" Hikaku, I believe her apprehension comes from how small our numbers are" spoke up another avenger. This one was clad in light blue pants with a sleeveless white shirt and a short light blue overshirt. What really stood out from everyone else were the twin ninja swords that were strapped to his sides, his long black hair was tied into a swordsman's topknot. A light-blue Konoha headband completed his outfit.
"That I can understand Hajiro, but I wouldn't worry overmuch about it, once others realize that our cause is a just one, they will flock to join us" relied Hachico. His tone was the same as Hikaku's a few seconds prior.
" Don't sound so certain Hachico, what we're doing here is essentially treason" this comment came from the final member recruited into the fold. He was a young man in his early twenties, wearing tan pants with a white shirt, a tan sash was wrapped around his waist and his forehead was covered in bandages with his tan headband wrapped around his left arm. " And I'm certain you know that most people don't automatically want to jump at the chance at that."
" Treason? Treason against what Kajiko? What we're doing is bringing justice against those who've wronged us, what's treasonous about that?" replied Hikaku.
You know what I mean Hikaku," replied Kajiko, the group fell silent. Yes, what they were doing was treason technically. There was no going back for any of them after tonight. Hikaku and Hachico looked at one another, recalling the past five days as they quietly assembled their group. Most didn't believe them, those that did believe were too afraid of being labeled traitors to want to do anything. Kajiko had been the last to be recruited, and it had taken a couple of days for him to finally say he was in. One thing was certain; no one had mentioned anything about it around a member of the Main Branch, which would've killed the entire plan before it begun.
Suddenly a figure appeared in the small back-ally where they were meeting, Hikaku smiled as he recognized Ishahiro Tatsuga.
"Tatsuga-san, greetings" Hikaku said, " These are my fellow bringers of justice." He continued as he swept a hand around at the gathered group.
"Hikaku-san, greetings to you as well. Your group is small, but it's a start," replied Tastuga. " You may introduce yourselves later. First we need to remove that troublesome seal on your foreheads". All the Hyuuga present looked up at this. " Please, this way." Stated Tastuga as he motioned to the interior of a large building.
Inside the building there was a circle, inside it were two smaller circles and within those was a drawing of a lion, but what was unique about the circle was that it was black, along with the lion drawing. Kajiko stopped and looked at it.
"Black? Why Black? He asked. He recalled black being a color associated with everything that was the exact opposite of what Hikaku was saying that their little group stood for. Tatsuga smiled disarmingly.
"The color of the jutsu color is misleading " he replied, " rest assured that I have nothing but honorable intentions towards the Branch Family." Kajiko appeared satisfied by this answer.
"Now, all of you, sit down inside the jutsu circle" he directed. When they had done so, he lit two candles and sat in between them. " This might sting a bit," he told them" now close your eyes".
They did so, and Tatsuga began making hand signs, when he was finished he extended his palm towards the group. The circle they were sitting in began to glow brightly.
Hikaku hissed as he felt the seal on his forehead burn, his hands started shaking uncontrollably as the burning sensation became more acute, but just as the pain reached unbearable proportions…it stopped. Hikaku didn't dare move. "Open your eyes" Tatsuga directed. When Hikaku did so he looked around at his fellows. He grew a little angry when he could still see the seal on their foreheads, but before he could say anything Tatsuga spoke up.
" While the image of the seal is still there, it can no longer affect you, just fake it when a main family member uses the seal" Hikaku relaxed.
Tatsuga went on " I have given you the first step in a much broader foundation. The next step is purely up to you" he smiled. This building is your headquarters if you wish. I own it" With that he stood up, bowed, and walked away from the group.
"Everyone feeling okay?" asked Kajiko as he looked around at his fellow branch members.
"Okay? I feel great!" replied Hikaku, eyes gleaming. " So what do we do now?" asked Furio.
Hikaku gazed around at the assembled conspirators, " Now we send the Main Family a little message, an introduction to the justice that is about to befall them."
A/N: So what do you guys think? If you like, please review, if you see anyplace that I need to make adjustments or something please let me know. Thank you very much!