The Way to Your Heart – The Long Way Home
Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto or any copyright. As much as I wish I did, I'm sure it's good money. I just take out the characters out to play. I do this for fun and not for any profit.
"Characters Talking"
-Characters thinking-
AN: Thanks to Toshiro12, theblueswordsman, nightwind83, SilverFang555 and NarHina for their reviews. I really appreciate you and the kind words. I answered reviews at the bottom. Thanks to all my followers and people who have favorite the story. It means a lot. Thanks a million! More at the end of the chapter. Not much fluffy today. Please review and let me know what you think.
Chapter 4: The day after-The Aftermath
Hiashi stood still at the window's edge, while waiting for the hokage. He was looking outside without seeing, lost in thought. Morning finally came and went, but he did not feel the light or the warmth coming through the window. He was still in the shadows, lost, relieving the night's events. It should not have ended like that. He had been so close.
Flashback-
He was awoken by a branch guard, knocking at the door. He quickly got up. He didn't think he had gotten one hour of sleep. Telling Hitomi about the fight had taken a while. Was Hitomi, right about Hinata? He looked at her and told her to go back to sleep. "I will take care of this" He had to make Hinata understand. He will talk with her this morning, if he got any sleep that is. He quickly got dressed and walked out of his bedroom. The guard looked pale and didn't look him in the eye. He was alert immediately, something was wrong. He activated his byakugan and saw the guards running, looking around. Hizashi was approaching quickly with a grim expression on his face. Hizashi turned the corner and Hiashi deactivated his byakugan.
"Brother. I am sorry to report that someone has broken into the compound" Hiashi was quickly on alert. "Brother, he must have been in Hinata-sama's room. She's gone. He must have taken her. We can't find her anywhere in the compound"
Hiashi's feet moved almost before Hizashi finished. He ran to her room. -NO- The guards on her door moved away quickly and he walked in. The bed was empty, her pillow was wet. A few things were in disarray. Her lamp was on the floor.
"Notify the hokage. Go to the Inuzaka's compound and ask for their assistance in tracking Hinata down"
Hiashi turned and activated his byakugan again. His ninja training kicked in and he looked at everything in the room again. He touched her bed and pillow. They were still warm. He realized the wetness on her pillow was from her tears. He blocked that now, he needed to find her. Thankfully, there was no blood in the room. He turned to the window and scanned it. He left through the window and ran into some guards that reported movement on the southern side of the compound. He ran there and continued examining everything and saw a faint trail into the woods. He turned to his brother…
"Hizashi, you are in charge while I'm gone. Make sure the Inuzaka's go over this area. I'm sure the hokage will send Anbu. Please take care of everything"
He ran. He followed the trail which became more obvious the further they went. He kept running. Once away from the compound the perpetrator preferred speed over stealth. Good, it would be easier for him this way. He continued to run. He heard rustling behind him. He ran faster as he used his byakugan.
"Hizashi, what are you doing here?"
"We may have out differences, but I will not let you come alone. Hinata-sama is my niece. Everything is taken care of at the compound"
"As you wish" He kept running. It felt good to have his brother guarding his back, again. He hadn't felt that in years.
He kept running, pushing himself like he hadn't done in years. His lungs burned from the effort, as did his eyes. He hadn't turned them off at all since he got in Hinata's room. But he didn't care. He would not fail. Suddenly there was movement ahead, in the distance. Finally, he saw a man carrying a sack running through the forest. Approaching the cliffs ahead.
Hiashi couldn't believe it. The cliffs? He wouldn't have a place to escape near the cliffs. His instincts told him something was off. So, he sped up, leaving Hizashi further back. He saw the sack move and with his byakugan saw a girl tied up, struggling in the sack. Hinata. He sped up again with almost inhuman effort. He could not fail.
Hizashi & him were fast approaching that… that animal's trail. He was almost there. Just a little more. He had to reach him before he made it to the cliffs. His instincts told him so. Almost there, almost there, almost there, almost. Almost.
-BOOOOOOM-
Hiashi was thrown back by a powerful explosion. He was dazed, everything was spinning. He tried to get up but his legs weren't cooperating. Hizashi who had been behind, rushed to the front. He went to the site of the explosion as Hiashi recovered. Hiashi shook his head and got up. His brother came back with a horrified expression and told him, they needed the Anbu for the recovery. Hiashi stepped forward.
"Brother, don't" Hizashi sadly shook his head and put his hand on his brother's shoulder.
He shook the hand off. "Don't tell me what to do"
"Brother, you shouldn't. There is no need for you to see that" and grabbed his arm this time.
"You forget, who you are talking too" He shook his arm. "LET GO"
"Brother"
"Let. Me. Go. I will go to my Daughter"
He took several steps and activated his byakugan again. He saw smoke. He smelled burning flesh. He saw a small silhouette. He saw burned flesh, bone, blood, carnage. He saw…
~Whooosh~ Everything became blurry. Everything seemed to stop. His vision darkened. An overwhelming, oppressive silence enveloped him. He couldn't hear anything. His sight tunneled in. He just stood there. Time stopped. Lost. Enveloped in Silence…
… . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
He felt something touch him, the spell that had him, broke. ~Whoosh~ His vision cleared. He turned and saw his brother moving his lips. He concentrated on his lips. He read his lips. He was calling him. He blinked, sound returned.
"Brother, brother, the Anbu are here. Let them take over. We must go home. You must go to Hitomi, she may have heard about what's going on"
He turned. "You are right. Let's go" He hesitated for a second, watching the rest of the Anbu come to the scene. Then left.
Hizashi look back to the Anbu, then turned and left. For the only time in his life, Hizashi was glad he was a branch member and not main branch leader.
-NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—
Hitomi had been awake since her husband left. Something was very wrong. Everyone was in alert, but nobody came to talk to her. She could hear the activity. It sounded like the whole compound was up and about. She tried to activate her byakugan but almost passed out from the effort.
She took several deep breaths. She called for assistance.
"Yes, Hitomi-sama, what do you need?"
"What is going on?"
"A-well…. you see…that is. Perhaps you should wait for Hiashi-sama's return"
"Listen here, I may be no better than an invalid. But I was a kunoichi and I am the clan's head wife. Don't treat me like an idiot and answer my question. I will have to inform Hiashi-sama of your uncooperativeness"
"An intruder came into the compound tonight, Hiashi same is in pursuit"
"An intruder How?" Why would Hiashi, go personally after an intruder, instead of sending the guards. It didn't make sense, Hiashi wouldn't leave without a good reaso….."Where are my daughters."
"….."
"I asked you where are my daughters?
The maid's shoulder slumped in defeat. "Hanabi-sama is in her rooms. She has several guards all around her room. Hinata-sama was taken by the intruder. I'm sorry, Hitomi-sama"
Tears started running down her face. "I see. You are dismissed. Good night"
The maid looked sadly at her and apologized again and left her alone.
Hitomi started to cry and pray for her daughter's safe return. She cried for like felt for hours. She prayed for Hiashi's return. She heard someone approach.
Hiashi took a deep breath before opening the door, dreading facing his wife. He had failed. He stepped inside his room, with his gaze downward. He avoided looking up. He turned as he closed the door. He looked at his wife. Their eyes met. Grief and concern met despair, loss. She knew before he could say a word.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO, My baby, Noooooooooooo, no, no, no, why, no, no, no, no, no. My baby, my Hinata, my baby, my baby"
Hiashi rushed in and grabbed her in his arms. He hugged and held her until she was spent. He caressed her hair and held her close. No words spoken. None necessary. Their loss too huge for words.
-Flashback - End –
He came to the hokage's office when summoned. They let him in and he waited for him at his office. He hadn't slept at all. Hitomi had an attack once she calmed down. She started coughing blood and had to be treated, then sedated. He met with the elders, who were worried about the threat to the byakugan, and gave his report. He cancelled his lastest meeting with the Kumo ambassador and sent his apologies. Afterwards he kept busy upgrading the compound security until the summons came. The window was as good a place to stand by as any.
Hiruzen, the Sandaime hokage came in with the head Anbu investigator/pathologist. Hiashi turned and acknowledged the hokage with a nod.
"Hiashi, I am sorry the Anbu have confirmed the death of your daughter, Hinata. Hiashi, I am sorry for your loss. Please send my condolences to Hitomi and the rest of your clan" Hiashi nodded again.
"How did you confirm"
Hiruzen looked at the Head Anbu and he spoke "There was enough left to confirm her death, mostly through blood. There was enough blood on her sleeves for testing. Several hair strands were also found undamaged and are a match. Adding the size and weight and general characteristics of the corpse" The Sandaime glared at him.
"Eeh, the victim. Led us to the conclusion that the cor—the victim is Hinata Hyuga, Heir of Hyuga clan. There was a male person found with the victim. Due to the burns and general condition of the corpse, it is impossible to identify him. Unless we have something to compare him to. The explosion seemed to be caused by an explosive tag placed on the victim. It appears to have been a revenge suicidal tag. Preventing capture and failure. Plus, taking his target with him to frustrate the Leaf persecutors"
"I see" said Hiashi. "Her eyes? The elders are very concerned about losing the byakugan"
"Completely destroyed in the explosion. I assure you, nothing was left of the byakugan. Shimura also asked and report was already done."
"I see"
Hiruzen dismissed the Anbu. He turned to Hiashi, when there was a knock on the door. His secretary announced the Kumo ambassador wanted to see them. Hiruzen looked at Hiashi who sighed and nodded.
"Let him in"
"Sandaime Hokage-sama, Hiashi-sama"
"Takehito-san"
"I was given your letter of cancelation and have been told of the tragic news. I am here to offer my condolences on behalf of Kumo. In consideration to everything that has happened and as a token of good faith from Kumo. I would like to notify that we agree to the terms discussed so far. I know we didn't finish all that we hoped for. But I think a partial agreement is better than none. Kumo is happy with what has been accomplished" —VERY happy- "Let this treaty be a small start to better relations between our countries"
Hiruzen looks at Hiashi who nods. "Konoha accepts the treaty and exchanges therein. I will sign it once my advisors go over the papers one final time"
"Thank you, Sandaime Hokage-sama. I will take my leave. I will be heading back to Kumo today and will notify the Sandaime Raikage-sama. Again, my condolences"
The ambassador nods, turns and leaves. Only years of practice kept the smirk of his face and kept his face neutral as he leaves.
Hiruzen sighs. "At least you got the herbs, Hiashi"
Hiashi nods. "If that is all, I must depart, Sandaime Hokage. I have preparations to make. Good afternoon"
Hiashi turns and is about to reach the door when it slams open. A blonde rocket storms in his office.
"HI! Jiji. I wanted to…" Naruto notices they are not alone and turns to look at Hiashi. He squints looking at Hiashi. "Hey. Your ey.."
"Naruto, today is a bad day. I don't have time for a talk" Hiruzen always tries to make time for the blonde child he has come to care for, but he did not have the time. He must attend and precede over the emergency meeting with his advisors and the clan's heads. He must notify the other clan's head of the night's events, the Anbu findings and calm their concerns. He was not looking forward to it at all.
"But jiji. I just wanted to ask you one question. I promise I will leave after"
"If you will excuse me Sandaime" Hiashi turns to leave. Unfortunately calling Naruto's attention back to him. The Sandaime sees the gears going in Naruto's head and dreads when he starts to talk again.
Naruto points to Hiashi's face "Hey mister, your eyes"
"Naruto, not now. Good afternoon1 Hiashi" He turns and leaves closing the door behind him. "Naruto that was very rude. You shouldn't point at people like that.
"But jiji, I just wanted to ask him about his eyes. Does he have family? Do all their eyes look like that?" Naruto remembers his friend's eyes were very similar although, they were nicer and had more lavender in them. Could they be related? Maybe he could find out where they lived?
The Sandaime sighed "Naruto, that man is the head of the Hyuga clan. Yes, they all have eyes like that. It's called the byakugan and it is their bloodline limit. I will explain it too you but not today"
"Oh, Ok. Where do they live?"
"Naruto, you will not bother the Hyuga, specially not today. Do You understand me"
"But jiji"
"Naruto, you know we had an emergency last night"
"I know, I heard all the ruckus. I behaved like you have told me to do and stayed in my room all night. Although I really wanted to peek" He smiled.
"Thanks for behaving, Naruto. Look I'm sorry. It was a bad night and worse day. We have been up all night, everyone is tired. Please don't bother the Hyuga. I will answer your question and we will talk later, OK?"
"Ok" Naruto saw that his jiji looked tired. He figured he could ask her later where Hinata lived. He didn't want them all mad at him. He wanted to remain friends with her. Besides he will see her later. It would be better if he had it when he saw her. Which reminded him of the reason that brought him in, in the first place.
"Jiji, do you know sealing scrolls? Do you know how to make them? Can I make one?"
"Naruto, that is more than one question"
"Naruto pouted and the Sandaime laughed.
"Yes, I know about sealing scroll. No, I don't know how to make one. Only those that know fuinjutsu can make one"
"Can I learn fujutsu, then make a scroll?"
"Fuinjutsu, Naruto, fuinjutsu. And that's another question" The Sandaime smirked slightly. "My turn. Why do you want to make one?"
Naruto frowned, then pouted again. Jiji got him. He sighed "I want to make one. A friend showed me hers and they looked cool" -And I will impress her too-
"Naruto fuinjutsu is a difficult art to learn. It would be a long time before you can make anything. It took the yondaime years to learn it"
"The Yondaime knew Fuinsjutsu!"
"Yes, he was considered a seal master. His seals were a work of art, very complex. Fuinjutsu lets you do just about anything you like, not just scrolls.
"Please jiji, please! Just watch me. I will learn" Naruto had stars in his eyes. He wanted to be like his hero. No stronger than his hero. He would be the best hokage ever! "I will study, I promise! I want to be as strong as the yondaime when I become hokage" –and Hinata will be so impressed, she will never want to stop being his friend. I will make sure-
"Naruto that is a serious commitment"
"I want to learn, please jiji, please"
The sandaime looked at Naruto, at his determined eyes. It was part of his legacy, whether he knew it or not. Who was he to deny it to him. He could imagine Jiraya's face when he saw him doing seals.
"Ok. I will get you the beginner's handbook. But you must be careful and not do anything carelessly. You must promise me to be careful. OK?"
"Yes! No problem. I promise" –Wait until Hinata knows I'm learning fuinjutsu! She will be so impressed! I will be better than the Yondaime— He was jumping with excitement. He would make sure they remained friends. He was thankful, she showed him that scroll. Now he could learn something his hero the Yondaime knew. He was fidgeting, rocking on his feet from ball to heel and back. He was too excited to stay still.
Hiruzen smiled at his antics. He called his assistant who got Naruto the books, the sandaime asked for. Naruto could hardly contain himself. He kept fidgeted waiting for the books, unable to control himself. He promised himself he would top the Yondaime knowledge.
-NH—NH—NH—NH-NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—
The day was finally done. Hitomi was resting. The herbs helped and she had not deteriorated any further. Hiashi went to his office to finish the funeral arrangements. He sat at his desk to sign the last documents for the service, when he noticed his ink was blurring and the scroll was wet and getting wetter by the minute. Water? Where? He looked to the ceiling for a leak, when he felt something on his cheek. He touched his cheek and felt the stinging in his eyes, He quickly sealed his office before he broke completely down.
-NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH—NH-
Kumo, several days later
Hinata woke up slowly. She felt weird. Her eyelids were too heavy and she couldn't open her eyes. She felt sick to her stomach. It smelled weird too. She was confused. Why was everything so fuzzy? Why were her eyes so heavy?
Was it from crying? She had cried herself to sleep before, unfortunately, and she never felt like this. Although last night was the worst ever. She wanted to get up and talk to her mother. She wouldn't be that upset, right? She would forgive her right? Meeting Naruto had been the best. Her mother knew of her plan. She may have let her down how she escaped without supervision, but she knew how important it was. She was sure to forgive her, once they talked. Maybe she could make father be less mad, make him hate her less. She hoped so. She sighed.
Her arms were to heavy too. She was getting nervous because her body wasn't doing what she wanted it to do. She took deep breath. Why was everything so heavy. She heard voices talking. Wait a minute, what were they doing in her room? She opened her eyes in surprise.
She saw a tall dark man talking with a woman wearing glasses and a white coat. Wait, what was the dignitary doing in her room?
"You took too long and gave her too much drug. It's a miracle you didn't kill her" said the woman
"Are you questioning me?'
"Never master" She backed away. "But the girl was severely dehydrated and is having a hard time waking up. You seemed to blame me. I was merely giving you the reasons why it's taking so long"
"It sure sounds like you are giving me attitude on top. You know how I handle attitude problems. And how I feel about the help questioning my orders. Do you think you would have done better?"
"No master" Mayuri was used to working with crazy megalomaniacs and although she could do her research better here than with Orochimaru. She knew better than to push her luck. Her new master was as cruel as the old one. And worse in some ways. Better appease the beast. "I'm sorry. I was letting my frustrations get to me. I did not mean any disrespect"
"Good. When will she wake up. I want to check my byakugan"
Hinata couldn't help it and gasped. –Was he talking about me?—
"Well, hello little one! About time you woke up. I don't like to be kept waiting"
Hinata got very nervous. Why was he in her room. She started looking around and noticed she wasn't in her room. Where was she? Where was her family. "Mom. Mom, MOM!, Father, FATHER!" She tried to sit up but got more nauseous. She started to hyperventilate.
"Now, now, none of that" The girl wasn't paying attention to him and kept trying to call her parents. She didn't get her situation –That won't do—He would fix that. He walked to her and slapped her.
"I said hello little one. I know you don't know the rules yet, so, I will give you a pass. But there are rules. Rules that must be obeyed without fail. Failure to comply will result in immediate punishment. Those will be determined by me. Now get up"
Hinata looked at him, still confused. Where were her parents?
He sighed and shoved her off the bed. She fell hard, it knocked the wind out of her. Her head spun harder. She was very dizzy and she threw up all over herself.
"Rule number 1, always do what I say" The girl was throwing up, still ignoring him.
He came by her and kicked her in the stomach, making her heave. Her eyes teared up.
"Rule number 2, do not make me repeat myself.
The girl shook. –Good, she is beginning to get it—
"Rule number 3, Look at me when I am talking to you"
The girl shook and teared up.
"Ahaa, I hope I don't have to repeat myself" She shook more. "Where are my manners. I gave you some of the rules without introducing myself. This one time, I will give you a pass. But you better start looking at me soon"
He walked closer, and kneeled next to her. He grabbed her hair and yanked her head back, making her look at him. Hinata felt trapped looking into those dark eyes "Hello there again. I am Master. Your master from now on. You belong to me. Your eyes, your live, your everything. You are mine to do with as I please. All you have to do is: anything I ask you to. If you do that, we will get along well. If you don't, well, you don't really want to find out"
Tears were coming down Hinata's eyes. She was shivering. She had never been so afraid in her entire life. What was she doing here? Where were her parents? How did she get here? Her stomach hurt.
She hiccupped. "mom, father"
"That's right, my mistake. I forgot to tell you, that's why you shouldn't make me mad. I was trying to explain it to you but you were not paying attention to me. Anyway, your father, parent, your clan really sold you to me. They had a meeting and decided to get rid of you. You know, after that pitiful performance at the tournament"
"No, no mother, father…they wouldn't do that"
IF there was one thing the master was good at it was picking people's weakness and doubts. He had seen the interactions between the Hyuga head and his daughter. The elders and the girl. He did his job at the leaf so they wouldn't look for her. Now he needed to do the same with the girl. He would ensure, she never looked for them either and then he would break her. His property did not need hope and should only look at him for answers. They existed to obey him and serve Kumo.
"Really? Your performance was quite pitiful. I heard them talking after you left. They were going to get rid of you. They were planning to do something to you, I didn't understand. I decided out of the goodness of my being to help you and offered to trade. They were happy to oblige. I hate to tell you, they were quite eager to lose you. Cheap too, if you must know"
Hinata felt her world, crumble. She cried harder and hiccupped. Her father did it. He, no they sold her. They got rid of her. She was a failure and they threw her away. She hugged herself and continued to cry, unaware of the looming danger.
"Now you belong to me. We will need to study your byakugan while we wait for you to grow and give us more warriors. Now get up and go with the doctor for a checkup"
Hinata was lost in her misery and wasn't paying attention. Unfortunately, she was frozen in place.
The master sighed and punched her in the face. She flew back. "I said you belong to me. You better do what I say and do it quickly. Don't make me take any more of your teeth. Do you understand? I guess a lesson is in order."
He got closed again. He punched her in the face again and then started kicking her.
Hinata tried to make herself into a ball, but she just kept getting hit. She couldn't even cry, she was hurting.
Mayuri didn't want the subject health to deteriorate. "Master, she's probably still dizzy from the drugs. Please, I appeal to your kindness, don't damage the merchandise too badly. Please master"
The master turned to Mayuri, nodded before turning back to the girl and kicking her hard one more time. Hinata flew against the table's edge and gasped for breath.
"Now girl, you better remember who you belong too. Your everything belong to me. The teeth I pulled and the hair I cut belong to me. That is why I could do it and if I decide to take all your teeth or your eyes out. I will. And you will do nothing but thank me. Do we understand each other"
Hinata whimpered. "I said. Do. We. Understand. Each. Other"
"Y-y—yes" She whispered, her mouth bloodied.
"Yes, what"
"Yes, master"
"Good girl. Hopefully you got that out of your system" He walked to Mayuri looked her in the eyes. Then pulled her arm outwards painfully "You better remember your place too" Then left them alone.
"Starting today I will study you byakugan. Now come to the table before he comes back" Mayuri turned and walk to the table.
Hinata tried to get up, but everything hurt. She kept trying and failing to get up. But it kept getting worse. She just sat there, thinking, let him kill her. What did it matter. She started to cry and turned her head when a bluish sparkle caught her eye. There in the corner of the room, unnoticed was her blue sparkly stone. –Naruto-kun— It must have been in her clothing or hands when she was thrown to the floor. She had to get I before anyone else found it. She had too. –Naruto-kun gave it to me. He promised to tell me the story- She got up. She gave one step, then another. The dizziness was getting worse. One more step before everything turned black. And she fainted.
And cut.
Semi evil cliffhanger no jutsu? Not much happiness here. But now you have someone to hate. The master.
Sorry It took a bit, but work happened. And was stuck on the master and chief scientist names. Here is a bit on them if you want to know. The only OC's that matter anyway.
Shishio Takehito – Shishio means master. And Take military; hito-man(military man or warrior). Looked at japanese names. Hopefully that's right. The master chose his own name as he went up in the ranks. He defines himself with his name. Everything he does is for Kumo.
The scientist is Mayuri(which is a unisex name) Kurotsushi. Yes, I used the name of the crazy scientist captain from bleach. Due to the crazy scientist aspect, nothing else, no crazy makeup or anything else. Only have the same name. To emphasize this I made her a woman. She is not a copy of that character. She does loves to experiment, her interest is in learning no matter what. She used to work voluntarily with Orochimaru before changing alliances and going with the master.
Hope you like this chapter as much as possible due to it being a sad chapter. Please review! It's food to us writers. I want to know what you like or what you don't like. Has it peaked your curiosity or bored you. Even a one word review. Pretty please, Please Review!
Again thanks to all my readers, followers and those that favorited the story.
Toshiro12: I'm glad you liked it. I love fluff. And I always thought that loneliness was worse. Yes as you see. Hiashi very much regrets his actions.
Theblueswordsman: No problem! Anytime. I'm worried about writing fight scenes, but it will come. Hiashi went overboard but had to happen. He deeply regrets it. You saw the stone in this chapter. Will see if she keeps it. A cliffy just for you.
Nightwind83: Yes, there is a lot of tension between the branches. But only 1 or 2 saw her.
SilverFang555: Yep, different girl. Now you know why. Did you like the switch?
NarHina: Thanks for your review. Means a lot coming from another author. Hiashi didn't have a good reason. He just lost ii and he regrets it greatly. I gave you a new guy to hate and trust me you should hate him. All in due time. But the odds are more favorable than not. I love your stories too!
Please check out both Theblueswordsman and NarHina stories. They are very good.
That's it for now. Next-Captivity, training and the academy