A/N UPDATED: 21-4-17 ?:? (definitely forgot to check that time)

REVISED: 21-4-17 20:50

I re-read this chapter (and reviews) and I realised I may have left out important details. Please enjoy the updated version of Chapter 4

Hinata

Team 8 had successfully retrieved the shinobi -Seiji- from the Sound. His mission had been to infiltrate a rogue group of ninjas that had sought refuge in Sound Country. He had been sending information on the group's plans to the Hokage, but along the way, things had become tense and he needed a quick getaway. When the trio of Team 8 arrived at the border, he was ready to leave. Some of the rogue ninja had followed and a battle ensued. Luckily for the Leaf ninjas, the rogues had not informed anyone their suspicions of Seiji and were given quick deaths.

Currently, the ninjas were seated around a campfire, safe within the borders of the Fire Country and a day's travel away from Konoha. They were sharing an evening meal as Seiji was thanking them.

"Thank you all for the save," Seiji said, "I wasn't sure I could stay another day without being found out"

"Its nothing. After all its our job," Kiba boasted, hitting his chest with his fist as his companion barked in agreement. Kiba and Seiji continued conversing while Shino stood up, informing them that he was going to survey the perimeter.

Hinata sat quietly with her back against a tree, away from the group. She reached into her pocket with her right hand and pulled out the scroll, reading it once more...

Hinata

I wish I could have contacted you in better circumstances, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I need your help. Please, I wouldn't ask unless the situation was dire. Hurry here, time is running out for me.

Izumi

Hinata closed the scroll and leaned back further. She then gazed into the orange flames while thinking of Izumi. What happened to her to send such a message? Maybe she heard of Itachi's death and needed comfort? What if she's in danger? Hinata thought, a sickening feeling settling in her stomach. I have to get to her . Hinata heard leaves crunching and saw Shino emerging from the darkness.

"Everything good?" Kiba asked.

"Yes. I've taken care to place my kikaichū around us," Shino responded, "Hinata, could you check the area?"

"Hai," Hinata activated her byakugan and swept the perimeter around them. She then informed Shino that they were in the clear. Shino nodded and turned to the fire, blocking out the conversation between Kiba and Seiji. Hinata stood from her spot, gaining the attention Shino's attention.

"Are you alright, Hinata?"

"I am Shino. It's just, I won't be returning to Konoha with you guys," Hinata spoke softly. Hearing Hinata's words, Kiba demanded,

"What do you mean you won't be coming with us? "

"I have a mission to complete. As it is, I have to leave now as time is of essence," Hinata replied.

"Well, that's odd. What's your mission?"

"Its classified"

"I see. Then good luck and come back quickly, alright?" Kiba said, standing up and hugging his teammate.

"Thank you, Kiba-kun,"

Akamaru stood at his master's side, wanting a hug from Hinata. Kiba let go of Hinata and she knelt down to lightly squeeze the large dog's neck.

"Take care of them for me Akamaru," Hinata whispered. She let go rubbed the dog's head.

Hinata once more stood on her feet and faced Shino. She hugged him tightly, whispering something for his ears only. Hinata stood back and grinned,

"I'm going to miss you guys"

"Is there a particular reason you're taking this mission solo?" Shino questioned.

"Its confidential remember," Hinata declared.

"Don't be such a downer, Shino," Kiba cut in, "Hinata can handle herself"

Kiba looked at Hinata with a straight face and said, "Seriously Hinata, you come back safe and sound. Any guy wants to try some funny business and you gentle fist them in so bad their chances of getting down with any female are next to nothing"

"K-kiba-kun," a red faced Hinata stuttered.

"I'm being serious here. I know you've gone on a few solo missions before. But as a concerned teammate and self-proclaimed older brother, its my job to make sure you hear this," Kiba insisted.

"And you said I was downer," Shino muttered.

Hinata picked up her pack from the ground and faced her teammates.

"Take care. All of you,"

She hugged them one last time, said her goodbyes as well to Seiji and ran into the night. Hinata was glad her dear friends didn't get to see the tears streaming down her cheeks. She had a feeling it was going to be a long time before she saw them again.

It had taken her a few tiring days, but Hinata had finally arrived in Water Country. The seventeen year old wasted no time making her way towards the familiar town. Just as before, she made sure to hide her identity by changing her eye color from its pearl-white to obsidian. She felt it tactical to use that eye color so she could play it off as visiting family. Despite the war being over, somethings never changed, such as a bandits desire for byakugan eyes. Especially from a Hyuuga without the cage bird seal.

It didn't take long for her to reach the small town Izumi Uchiha resided in, Sanī town (meaning Sunny town). It was ironic since the town rarely saw any sun and only cloudy rainy days. Hinata was glad she had on her grey hooded waterproof cloak to keep off the rain. She had no problem locating her destination and found herself in front of a small wooden house. Knocking on the door, Hinata called out , "Izumi-chan. I'm here"

After a few minutes passed, Hinata heard slow soft padding from the other side of the door and took a step back as the door opened. Hinata's eyes widened at the woman in front of her. The woman before her was skinnier than she remembered, her brown hair had lost its shine and she looked tired.

"Hinata-chan," Izumi smiled. She took one step towards Hinata but her knees wobbled. Hinata was quick to catch the older woman.

"I'm alright"

"Let's get you inside"

Hinata helped Izumi inside and eased her onto a couch in the living-room. Hinata quickly removed her cloak and pack, moving to place them on the nearby wooden table. She rushed back to the panting Izumi's side, feeling her forehead for fever.

"Izumi-chan," Hinata began, "I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner"

"It doesn't matter, as long as you're here"

Hinata, hands were encased with a green glow of chakra, was about to lay her hands on Izumi when the said woman stopped her.

"Hinata, you have to listen to what I have to say"

"Please, let me heal you first"

Hinata lay her hands on Izumi and after a few moments stopped.

"It can't be" Hinata whispered, tears in her eyes as she activated her byakugan to further assess the damage.

"I knew this was bound to happen if you tried healing me. I've been sick for a while"

"A while? You have stomach cancer that is at an advanced stage. When was the last time you ate? You should have gone to find a doctor or come to me. What possible reason could stop you from getting treatment?"

"I haven't been able to digest food for a few days. As for my reasons, you and I know there was a war. It wasn't exactly safe to travel and get to a good hospital. But other than that, there were circumstances that couldn't allow me to make any journey of sorts. Listen to me Hinata-chan, there's something I must ask of you. I have no one else to turn to and it may be too much of a burden"

"Izumi-chan..."

"In our room, there's something that's very precious to me. The last gift Itachi could give me thanks to your kindness two years ago. Promise me you'll protect our child"

"You and Itachi-san have a child?"

"Yes. But I don't think I have much time to spend with my baby as I would like. Protect our child even after I'm gone"

"You won't die. I know it may be impossible but we'll find..."

"Promise me," Izumi said sternly.

"I...promise," Hinata assured the mother. Izumi lay back and smiled, squeezing Hinata's hands. Hinata, about to speak, was interrupted by a muffled wail of 'okaa-san'. Izumi encouraged Hinata to go, to which Hinata complied.

Hinata went into the master bedroom and looked around. The room was just as she remembered. There was a plain cupboard in the corner next to a window , a vanity table by the wall across from the window. In the middle of the room lay a futon and next to it, a crib. Hinata walked over and found the child crying. Hinata lifted the child into her arms, singing a song her mother sang when she was still alive.

Hush now, my baby,

be still love, don't cry

Sleep as you're rocked by the stream

Sleep and remember my last lullaby

So I'll be with you when you dream

(lyrics from Amy Grant's song: River Lullaby)

The child quieted down and drifted off to sleep. Smiling softly, Hinata placed the child back in the crib and returned to Izumi.

"Izumi-chan, your baby's is..."

Hinata stopped, realising Izumi's left hand hanging limply.

"Izumi-chan?"

Stepping closer, Hinata knelt besides Izumi and felt her neck for a pulse. When she found none, Hinata sat quietly by Izumi's side. Her shoulders sagged as she moved Izumi's arm to lay on her chest and noticed the peaceful expression on her face.

"I won't fail you," she promised, mourning quietly.

What do you think? Should the child be a girl or boy? The poll is up and running

If you can't vote, you could always put your suggestion as a review.

Sayonara