Can you believe it's already February?! Great news people. I have now finished my side stories so now I'm working on four stories! And I have a break from one because my co-writer hasn't updated her chapter yet! So now I have more time for this fic! Anyway, I thank you all for waiting patiently and I hope you enjoy the next part of Betrayal of Minato.

Betrayal Of Minato:

Chapter 4

Gaara looked toward the darkening sky as he waited for Nahara to bring the Konoha ninjas that had been requested. The clouds had mercilessly covered the sun in it's dark shroud. The sand master closed his eyes as it started to sprinkle and sighed. All truth be told, he was worried about Naruto. If his old friends couldn't help his recovery, no one could. His ears twitched as he heard his messenger raccoon trot up to his side with Nahara following close behind.

Everyone was quiet as they followed Nahara towards what they assumed was Gaara. They were all curious as to the change of plans, but it had Hinata worried. Had something happened to Naruto?

Gaara opened his eyes and turned to face the silent party. He nodded toward them in greeting and pulled out the portal summoner Mitsuki had given him. Biting his thumb, he opened the scroll and wrote their destination in an older form of kanji that the group of humans couldn't read. Then surging his demon chakra into the scroll, a black and red swirling mass erupted from the scroll.

Nahara addressed everyone, "Alright, so that no one gets lost in a different dimension, I want you all single file and to hold onto the person next to you."

Everyone heeded the warning and got into a single file line while grasping each other's hands.

"How about you lead and I'll take the rear?" Nahara suggested to Gaara.

After receiving a nod from the red head, she went to her post at the back of the line. Sadly this happened to be where Kiba was standing.

Gaara went to the front and grabbed Hinata's hand.

"Get ready for some turbulence." He murmured.

The swirling mass became larger and Hinata felt herself being jerked upward to it as Gaara leapt from the ground. All the girls screamed in surprise as a huge gust of wind tried to pull them apart. Akamaru bit tighter into Shino's hand and Kiba in turn gripped his tail harder.

It was an odd sensation. To many of the Konoha nin, it felt as if the wind was trying to tear them apart from the inside out. It became especially noticeable to Neji and Hinata as they tried activating their blood line technique. They were able to see that the walls were flowing with chakra, no doubt Gaara's chakra sustaining the portal.

The walls around them swirled in color and seemed to be closing in on them, as if deliberately suffocating them. Lee was on the verge of passing out and Chouji had the urge to hurl from the continuous spinning. Shikamaru tried closing his eyes, but it seemed to make the horrible pounding in his head to increase.

Gaara looked back to make sure no one had been separated. He was surprised and relieved that none had strayed from their destination.

"We're almost there!" Gaara called back to them against the howl of the wind. "Just hold on tight now! You're going to feel a little shock as we pass through the barrier."

And so it was. However, what was a little shock to the jinchurriki felt like bolts of lightning for the rest. It took all Hinata had to not let go and scream out in pain.

And then it was all over.

Insert next scene.

Neji's breathing became uneasy as he and the others fell hard to the ground. He gasped in air as he felt his lungs contract. After regaining himself, he looked up from the dirt. He stared on in shock at what he saw.

The sky was blood red as a black moon cascaded its dark rays over the seemingly black foliage. It felt like a rain forest with the humid air engulfing them. The only difference would be that this forest was dead silent. No crickets, no restless birds. Not even a lizard was seen stirring in the dead leaves.

Neji stood silently too, as if he were afraid of angering whatever creatures were lurking in the dense trees. The others stood as well and gawked at their unknown surroundings. No one noticed Nahara and Gaara moving through the huge roots and large bushes.

"Are you going to stand there, or are you coming with us? I suggest the latter. You never know whose watching and whose hungry…" Nahara yelled back to them.

This remark stimulated their pace, despite their exhaustion from the trip over here. They made their way through the tricky vines and roots for the next few hours in silence.

Finally Gaara called for them to make camp in a clearing they came across. It took them longer to set up the tents from an entire day of walking and the strenuous trip over here.

After she was sure everyone had fallen asleep, Hinata found her chance to ask Nahara about the situation.

She found her and Gaara sitting in a tall tree analyzing their surroundings. Hinata focused her chakra in her feet and started walking up the trunk to the branch they were sitting in. Instinctively the two turned their heads towards her.

"I was wondering when you'd corner me to ask Hinata." Nahara told the girl and motioned for her to sit next to her.

Gaara looked on confused at Nahara's rare action of kindness toward a human.

Nahara caught glimpse of the look on his face and merely stated, "She already knows."

Gaara narrowed his gaze at Hinata and also encouraged her to take a seat. She hesitated, not knowing if she wanted to know the answer to her unvoiced question. Sensing the hesitation, Nahara took the initiative and yanked Hinata down by the wrist. Hinata let out a small scream of protest but still found herself sitting next to the woman. Nahara looked glumly at her and shifted her gaze to the black moon. Without looking at Hinata, she answered the question that was running through her head.

"Naruto's not doing so well. You probably already guessed that right?" without waiting for an answer, she continued in a whisper, "Well, the truth is, he's getting worse. Mitsuki wishes to euphemize him."

Gaara watched his team mate's face contort from frustration to sadness. He looked back to his folded hands, where the letter Mitsuki gave him was being crumpled. He unfurled it and read it again.

'Naruto is failing faster by the day…am unable to reach his consciousness…bring the troop by the end of the week…if unsuccessful, I have no other choice but to humanely euphemize him.'

Gaara sighed. Mitsuki made it out to sound like Naruto was just some animal. Gaara knew that the medic's job was to be professional, but…even so…he thought Mitsuki could show a bit of compassion.

Hinata could only stare on the landscape in shock and anger. She curled her fists tightly in her lap and her eyes welled up with tears. If Naruto was in such bad condition, why were they resting instead of pressing forward? Why were they just sitting here?!

"Why did you tell us to make camp then? If he's in that much danger, why aren't we there already?!"

She received no answer.

"Why are you just sitting there, waiting for him to die?" she whispered as a tear fell to her cheek.

Nahara looked at her and answered, "Because Naruto would never forgive us if something happened to his friends…to you because we were careless and rushed into things. But, if you could elaborate…how does one human care for someone so much?"

Hinata's eyes widened and she blushed a little. She thought long and hard of her answer. Nahara looked at her curiously awaiting the answer. Gaara even listened in too.

Hinata gulped nervously, "W-well…Naruto-kun has always been special. He was there for me more times than I can count. He was my strength, even if he didn't know it. Since we were little, I've wanted to help him achieve his dreams." She bowed her head in embarrassment, "He's my best friend and a good person. I-I want to help him no matter what!"

Gaara side glanced at the shy girl and smirked. Nahara lowered her gaze and smiled.

"So you love him?" she asked, her own evil smirk growing.

Hinata blushed brighter and started sputtering incoherent sentences. Nahara laughed at her antics.

"Well, it would seem we both share the same feelings…only mine are of brotherly love. I can totally agree with you Hinata. He is special. Heck, he found a way to bring me out of my bloodthirsty shell. He understood my pain better than anyone and helped me through it. He looked past my transgressions. He's made me…all of our team actually…better people. He's given me something I've never experienced before…friendship and a family. I'm forever grateful to him. I finally have a purpose on this earth where I'm not a weapon used for war. Because of those things, I'll do whatever I can to protect him. He is family after all." She looked over at Gaara and elbowed him in the ribs, "Isn't that right Gaara?"

Gaara merely shrugged.

Nahara leaned over to Hinata and whispered, "He might not say anything but he feels the same way I do." She winked and added, "Heh, I knew I liked you. We both share the same goal after all!"

Hinata smiled sweetly and nodded.

The jinchurriki bent her head and leaned over the side of the tree, "Even though I agree that we should get moving, you all need your rest. And don't worry so much. If we keep a steady pace, we should reach the kitsune clan gates by tomorrow afternoon…that is if everyone gets some sleep." She looked over accusingly at Hinata, "How do you expect to help Naruto when you're exhausted?"

Hinata glanced over and scowled, "How can I not worry? And how can I possibly sleep at a time like this? Besides, I'm not even…" her sentence was interrupted by an unsuspecting yawn coming from the Hyuuga.

Nahara raised an eyebrow and her gold eyes shimmered in amusement.

"Tired?" she asked innocently while cocking her head to the side.

Hinata frowned and shook her head.

For the first time, Gaara interceded the conversation, "As Nahara-chan said, how will you be of any use to Naruto with bags under your eyes?"

Hinata was about to protest once again but thought better of it. She slowly nodded and stood up, brushing the excess dirt from her ninja pants. The three exchanged their silent good nights and Hinata started climbing down the tree.

The two demon containers watched her enter her tent and returned back to staring at the moon. In a few nights it would be full.

Nahara smirked and whispered to her partner, "Well what do ya know? What those Sukei twins said was right. Match made in heaven, don't cha think Gaara-kun?"

Gaara's eyes glinted in amusement.

"Yeah, Naruto's lucky to have found his soul-mate at such an early age. Do you think Naruto will break his façade and finally date her?" he asked the girl next to him.

Nahara replied, "Not a chance. He's too afraid she'll get caught up in this mess and be killed. He doesn't seem to realize that Hinata's been a part of this ordeal since they were born." She looked at him and poked his shoulder, "You know what we've got to do, right Mr. Matchmaker?"

Gaara shrugged, "I might be good, but I'm not good enough to sway Naruto's opinion."

Nahara poked him harder this time.

"Aw come on. We've got to help them! What else is family for Gaara-kun? At least do it for your 'big sis'?" she looked at him with puppy dog eyes.

Gaara grimaced and blinked furiously. He then nodded.

"Good." Nahara said as she pushed him slightly.

He smirked and pushed her back, almost causing her to fall out of the tree.

Next scene.

Hinata woke to find the tent she was sharing with her fellow kunoichi empty. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and trudged outside to find everyone packing up their stuff. In one sudden rush, she remembered her conversation last night and retreated to the tent to get dressed with new vigor.

A few minutes later, Ino, Sakura, and Tenten helped pack up the tent and the rest of their stray belongings.

When everyone was ready to go, Gaara lead the way to the kitsune clan. As the sun rose, the sky turned a light blue with purple tints to it. The sun shone its bright orange rays on the teenagers as they trekked through the seemingly endless woods. The party stopped a few times in the morning to replenish their water supplies and to rest their aching feet. However, each time it was always the same three people that were attentive and ready to go; Gaara, Nahara, and Hinata.

Neji was still suspicious of the sudden change in attitude of both females. He had tried consulting with his cousin's team and his own, but none of them seemed to find anything strange about it. He sighed in frustration. Sooner or later, he would find out what it was that caused his cousin to form a friendship with a seemingly unsociable person.

In the meantime, the day got muggier as the sun made its daily cycle and came to its halfway point. Many of the group were still exhausted due to fear of falling asleep with such unfamiliar surroundings. Hinata took a swig from her water bottle and gazed out on the horizon of trees. This forest seemed endless. Not to mention abnormal. Although it was day time, there were still no signs of wildlife. It deeply disturbed her for some reason.

Her thoughts were broken as they heard a feral snarl come from the trees above them. Deep green eyes with contracted pupils glared down at them from the black leaves. The figure emitted another growl of warning. Some of the smarter men of the group (Shikamaru, Chouji, Neji, and Shino) started to back down. The kunoichi were so terrified by this sudden intrusion that they couldn't move.

Hinata for some odd reason felt not afraid of whatever it was, but merely curious.

Gaara stared incredulously at the figure in the tree and shouted, "Relax Tohru. I've brought some of Naruto's friends. I presume Mitsuki's already informed you of the circumstances."

Hinata understood this exchange; the others however were completely lost. What circumstances?

The figure jumped down from the tree and stepped away from the shadows. What Hinata saw made her gasp in amazement.

It was a young man; he couldn't have been much older than them. He was very tall, probably close to six foot and had short, cropped brown hair. His expression foretold annoyance and gave his slitted green eyes an evil glint to them. He had long fangs and claws, and where there should have been human flesh; there were instead long, pointed, furry green ears, which were also the same dark green as his eyes. He also had six green tails cascading down from the end of his spinal cord. What was even more amazing was that the air around him seemed to be glowing green. The man looked like he had a shimmering mass of chakra surrounding him, but this felt different than the normal chakra signature. As the being opened its mouth to speak, its fangs gleamed in the sun.

"I see. Mitsuki-san is waiting for you down in the master's rehabilitation room. Please, go quickly." He growled.

Tohru then turned and focused some shimmering green chakra into his extended hands. The ground shook momentarily and the trees that were in front of them disappeared to reveal a large detailed oak gate. The ninja stared at it in awe; it must have been at least thirty feet high!

Gaara and Nahara weren't swayed by the sudden appearance of the large gate and walked right up to it and knocked. When their skin contacted with the wood, it seemed to swing open of its own free will.

What was inside that gate amazed the young shinobi and kunoichi. Inside laid a humongous mansion with beautiful gardens. The mansion had burgundy colored walls and was obviously meant to fit hundreds of people…or demons. The group had to catch up with their guides down the path to the large house. They caught up just in time to hear an introduction.

"Welcome to the kitsune clan's house. Please note that the demon who greeted us by the gate is one of Naruto's guards, Tohru. Don't know why he has gate duty today, but oh well."

Ino and Sakura looked at one another.

"You mean, that man was-"

"Yep! That was a kitsune demon. Now while you're staying here, we ask that you don't pick fights with anyone. Although the kitsunes have pledged not to eat humans, or to become 'vegetarian' they will harm you if provoked. Never insult their pride and try not to ask stupid questions. Also, don't make them repeat themselves. They hate repeating themselves." Nahara informed them.

They reached the front door in seconds and heard the gates slam behind them. The party walked through the doors to see many other demons surrounding the main hall. Little kitsune children were running around playing, their tiny tails and ears flicking in the air. Kitsune women huddled in a group were talking quietly while keeping an eye on their little ones. This hall branched into two others that led into two main courtyards. The group stared at some sparring kitsunes who were clawing each other apart. They found another group that was using the elements as easily as Nahara had the day before with her water.

They passed a main common room and several staircases leading to the living quarters above. Nahara explained that each floor had its own kitchen and dining area, all twenty floors. She also explained that this house was reserved for the clan leader and the army recruits. There was supposedly a village farther into the territory that housed the rest of the clan.

"Nahara-san, are those children really expected to fight?" Tenten asked.

Nahara glanced over her shoulder and laughed, "Trust me, if you saw them fight, you wouldn't doubt their abilities. Besides, only children that have mastered their third tail may even consider coming here to learn battle techniques. In the kitsune clan, a demon's power is measured by the number of tails it has, and its ability to master their power. You see, these children aren't pushovers." She explained.

The group was lead to a door at the end of the first hall. The door led to a stairway that went to what they assumed was a basement. When they got down there, they realized it was a medical facility. All but Hinata wondered what they were doing in a place like this.

Gaara and Nahara suddenly turned very solemn. A few of the fluorescent lights flickered as they walked down a long hallway of room and ORs. Kiba scrunched his nose as the scent of sanitation and blood mixed as they came to the last room.

Lee was the first to voice what all of them wanted to know, "Excuse me Nahara-san, Gaara-san, but what are we doing down in an infirmary? Shouldn't we go see Naruto?"

Everyone else nodded in agreement. The two didn't answer and Hinata looked downcast. Gaara reached for the voice box next to the door and pressed the button.

"Mitsuki, I've brought them a little early, just like you asked."

Insert end here.

I'm so sorry guys! I know I cut it off and I'm really sorry! It's really late and I promised I'd have this chapter up tonight, so it's shorter than I intended. Anyway I hope you enjoyed it. Please review.

I also am casting a vote as to the future of this story:

Should I keep it a t-rated story

Should I make it an m-rated story with lemons in the future

Please, please, please put your answer in the review. Note that I do accept anonymous reviews. Although the last decision is up to me, the author, I highly value my reader's opinion. Please tell me what you think and remember to vote! TTYL peeps!

Hyuuga's pale rose