The Truth in the Lie, Chapter 3.
Authors Note: Nothing much to say here. This story is co written by me and my sister. And Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Sarutobi sat rigidly in his chair, hands laced in a white knuckled grip, face stressed with lines of both anger and worry that at this point were just to difficult to hide. It was just as both he and his team had feared Danzo's plan was moving rapidly far to quickly for the work of just one village alone.
In the last month funds had been pouring in, within he forms of food, money, and ninja support much to the villages delight and since no questions were asked there was no need for answers, even false clues.
Frowning the 3rd Hokage leaned back in his plush chair swiveling slightly to face the bustling city sprawled below and was for the first time ashamed of his election; ashamed at the disinterest most feigned the blind eye they gave to such a monstrous ideals. The fact that knowingly or unknowingly they would consume the fruits of a calculated execution.
It was only the hope for the next generation that raised his interest now. For when his world, his kingdom, was vastly spiraling out of control Sarutobi knew that they must trudge through just for the benefit of those who were to come after.
"The safety of innocents"
In the Hyuga estate, Neji sat, his opaque eyes trained on his charge, listening to the monotone speaking of Hinata's current tutor. It was their third consecutive day in the study room, as Hiashi requested his daughter be re-evaluated in the clan's history.
But the young geniuses sharp mind was in a daze as it once again replayed and examined every detail from the scene of TenTens capture.
He had heard the stories and the rumors of what had happened to the red tagged children after they were taken away, but Neji quickly dispersed the thought from his head. Emotions he had no desire to name swirled in his chest as he revisited the day and his stoic heart gave an involuntary clench as her fear once again assaulted his memories.
A sharp rap to his knuckles sent Neji spiraling back into reality. A world where he wanted to vent his emotions via fists but could only put himself into a polite bow of submission. He closed his eyes to escape the pity of his cousins gaze.
'Just wait' he thought. 'one day ill break free and escape this pre-chosen destiny.'
At Hinatas startled gasp, Neji shot up from his bow form tense and rigid.
'Was it possible they had already found out about his secret distaste and his unfolding plans of rebellion?' The Hyuga's mind raced. The thoughts halted when he felt a flickering of a chakra signature behind him.
"Hiashi-sama." Neji bowed politely.
"F-Father" Hinata greeted echoing Neji's polite bow.
The 2 men behind Hiashi however only received a little more than a glare and the involuntary activation of his kekkai genkai.
'Root Ninja.'
Hiashi's brow furrowed at this flash of unnecessary emotion. Though he gave a slight nod of approval when Neji quickly squelched his emotions before landing himself into dire straights.
"Neji, you are relieved of your duty for today, you have been requested to accompany these men to the Root Headquarters." Hiashi said curtly not even meeting his nephews eyes.
As Neji nodded and went to follow the ninja who had already started to walk away he barely had caught the warning Hiashi had whispered as he passed.
"Don't embarrass the Hyuga's"
Naruto happily walked with Iruka the pair talking excitedly about anything that came to mind, ramen, ninjas, becoming Hokage and even a few shy whispers about Sakura, never noticing the stares or whispers that at the small age of 8 had become mundane.
Iruka however was having a harder time ignoring the burning stares although he knew none were directed at himself, looking sadly at the blonde boy he had taken under his care. Irukas hand gave an involuntary clench as the red tag at the boys waist peeked out from under the corner of Naruto's orange blazer. The only piece of mind was that he knew the boy was clueless to its real meaning.
As Iruka watched Naruto slurp his ramen contentedly, every so often making a childlike groan of satisfaction.
'Don't worry Naruto I wont let them get to you.'
Sakura and Ino ran around the playground content on enjoying themselves be it with the swing, slides, or just chasing each other, and though on the surface things couldn't be better but no matter how many jibs Ino threw Sakuras mind couldn't halt the memories of the past days events.
Earlier that day
"Hurry up!" Ino yelled "Forehead Girl! If we don't get some ice cream soon all the other kids are gonna take it!"
Sakura giggled and sprinted through the small afternoon crowd, already tasting her strawberry and chocolate ice cream in her mouth. Linking hands with her best friend as the door of the shop came into view.
However all thoughts of the frozen treat were put in a halt as the 2 girls found the doors slammed coldly in their faces.
Incensed Ino charged the cart being as intimidating as her 8 year old self could be. Even though Sakura found in mildly amusing watching her best friend be all red in the face Sakura had no desire to cause any more trouble so she quickly dragged the fuming blonde girl away, muttering soft apologies over her shoulder.
However to her still sulking best friend Sakura had seen the sharp accusing looks sent her way, she unconsciously gripped her hand over the blaringly obvious red tag still situated at her waist. She couldn't help but think that she was reason for the doors to be closed.
A rap of knuckles on her head, broke her out of her thoughts and halted whatever ones came next. Turning to meet her attacker Sakura saw Ino's gloating smirk. Being far to innocent while rubbing her abused head, Sakura made calculated steps toward the unsuspecting blonde. She halted a second before pouncing.
"I got you!" Ino squealed as Sakura tackled her and took both of them to the ground.
"Your It!"
Sakura jumped to her feet a smile on her lips as she ran, her best friend following her in hot pursuit.
"a-are you sure?"
Haruno Michi just stared as her close friend Inoichi nodded in response, as a full time wife and mother michi had always prided herself for her ability to stay calm, cool and collected but now all she seemed able to do was stand shocked.
Seeing her distressed expression Yamanaka Inoichi hesitated battling with himself to divulge anymore information unlike himself Michi was not and had never been a shinobi and thus unaware that such brutality was often a norm such thoughts stopped as Michi's breathing picked up and the small amount of chakra she possessed flared up wildly.
'She panicking." Inoichi sighed he had no desire to offer false comforts when he himself could barely think but being the friend he was stepped forward to the shaking women.
Michi cradled her head in her hands.
"I don't know what to do" Broken sobs tore involuntarily from her throat. "I don't know what to do."
Inoichi placed a comforting hand of Michi's shoulder, opening his mouth to try and console the overtaxed women. But that one soft touch was just to much and right before his eyes Michi's calm mask broke.
"Don't try to tell me to be calm!" the yell was as tear choked as it was furious and her shaking hands all but tore Inoichis hand off her shoulder.
"Their going to kill my baby, Their going to kill my…her sobs were soon overpowering as Michi fell to her knees.
Inoichi looked around, a frown marring his brow as he noticed a few villagers inquisitive stares before bringing his eyes, back to the women at his feet, there would be no consoling her for a few hours yet and resigned himself to simply leaving his message in a scroll by her form.
"Read it theres hope." he begged.
Sasuke walked back to the Uchiha manor on shaky legs ready to all but drag himself back home on his own despite being exhausted.
Today had been a special day different from his usual routine of practicing by himself and nipping at Itachis heels with questions. No today he had been training with his father and the approving nod he had gotten from learning the new jutsu was more than enough to fuel an already power hungry fire.
A grin broke out on his face when he thought of growing stronger and surpassing Itachi.
'Im going to surpass Itachi." he thought determinedly
A small pang of longing wormed his way into his chest and he acknowledged that it was Itachi whom he desperately wanted, wished, to train with.
Passing the park the young Uchihas attention was caught at the sound of girlish giggles and he soon found himself a hidden observer to what appeared to be the game called 'tag.'
Dark curious eyes took in the appearance of both girls and Sasuke quickly recognized them from school.
'Pathetic.' the young boys eyes narrowed. "don't they know they could be training?'
But as he continued the exhausting trek home Sasuke couldn't help but glance back and the scene one last time.
Neji sat quietly back rigid at a long wooden table next to a pale boy with short cropped black hair that had done nothing more than stare at him for the last couple of minutes.
Bored and more than a little curious Neji raised a questioning brow at his seatmate when the boy in question did nothing but smile back, Neji decided to try to communicate with him.
"Why am I here?"
"My name is Sai." It took a lot of willpower on Nejis part not to raise a brow of widen his eyes a bit, because somehow Sais voice held less emotion than his.
"You are here for training." A voice behind him said Neji turned around to face the new arrivals, 2 root ninja.
Neji face showed expressions of shock, and a little anger as he immediately recognized the 2 faces.
'they took Ten-Ten."
After looking at his shocked look the two root ninja gave a emotionless laugh and exchanged a look between to two as if they both remembered something, like an old inside joke. The second root ninja cleared his throat and gained the attention of everyone in the room.
"Neji Hyuga, your first day of root training begins now."
All the color drained from Nejis face, as he felt dread settle in his stomach.
The third hokage laced his fingers together and eyed the 3 ninja who sat patiently in front of him. After taking in a calculating breath, the hokages eyes shot open, his eyes burning with determination.
"The plan begins now."
~*~Sasuke last thought~*~
I wonder if that game is fun…
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