Disclaimer: I do not own the Anime/Manga Naruto. I do, however, own the idea for this FanFiction. Please do not steal.
Alright! So, I know it's been a while since I last updated, and I promised it wouldn't take so long. For that, I apologize... again. xD I'm sorry! Really. I had more then half of it written like 2 days after my last update, but I don't know what happened. I really have no clue when the next chapter will be out, but I'll try my hardest to get it out as soon as I can. It also doesn't help that I'm working on two different new one shots. I know, I know. I should be working on Trust or Betrayal, Lotus Patch, or Open Up. But what can I say? I get bored easily. And again, they're only one shots.
As a teaser (for anyone who's reading this) the first one shot I've been working on (and has the most written down so far) is a Shikamaru x Hinata. There will be lemons. Oh yes, there will be lemons. Of course, the same could be said for the other one shot! Which is a Sasuke x Hinata. xD I don't have much written on that one. Nothing interesting happening yet, in either one shot, but still! Keep an eye out for them from time to time.
Ok, so I know I had this posted a week ago or so, but I forgot to add something, so I took it down to fix it, then I had to deal with a funeral, so I apologize.
Review Comments-
KagomeMarie: Oh shit is right!
hyperaznmonkey12: You're welcome! And thanks so very much. I really have no idea what's going to happen next. xD I'm just going with the flow!
rain-dancer: Thanks, and me too!
firegoat: Haha, just keep reading. And yeah, my friend said the same thing when she was betaing it. xD I love Case Closed, but I promise I didn't get the idea from it, nor am I... well, just keep reading and find out. xD And as for your comment for chapter 4. I completely agree with you (even if I was the one who wrote it, haha) A situation like that happened before with a few of my friends. I mean, not the EXACT same situation. Just the kind of quick judgment like that happened.
Luriaz_Seint: Thanks for all the comments!
xoxo_RiCEbUNnY_xoxo: Yep! Another update! That was a hell of a cliffhanger, eh? I'm glad you loved that line. xD I was wondering when I'd finally be able to use it!
Well, that's all for now. Please read and review, and I'll love you forever.
Somnia-
" Hitomi is very talented. " Hiashi stated as he watched his daughter do a series of difficult back flips while throwing shuriken and kunai at the randomly tossed bulls eye targets. Each weapon piercing the center of the targets dead on. " Which is exactly why she needs to skip the Academy, and jump to being a genin. "
" She is indeed very skilled for some one her age, Hiashi-sama. " The third Hokage mumbled as he watched the little 6 year old girl stand straight and bow slightly to her small audience. The tips of her long hair nearly touching the concrete roof they were standing on. Hitomi didn't even look tired. Wasn't out of breath, nor was there even a bead of sweat on her forehead. Which was remarkable, since it was a good 94 degrees out. She was skilled. A little too skilled, for his own tastes. Sure she might of originally been a skilled little girl, but he was sure Hiashi pushed her training to the max, which he wasn't all that happy about. Yes, Konoha needed skilled shinobi. But at what price? When was it going to end? When were they going to stop forcing the children to became the future hero's?
He sighed deeply.
Sarutobi wanted this to end. All the wars to stop. So when children grew up, they could decide for themselves if they wished to become a shinobi, or stay a civilian. It wasn't fair to take their childhood away from them without even asking them if becoming a shinobi was what they wanted.
Hiashi scoffed. That was a back handed compliment. " She's more then just 'very skilled for some one her age', Hokage-sama. Hitomi is already skilled as a Chunin, maybe even one of your Jounin. " He hid his smirk in his words. Its been decades since they found some one this strong, and it was his daughter, no less. The strongest Hyuuga usually was, ironically, from the Branch House. It was about time they finally had the strongest Hyuuga in their stead.
Sarutobi raised his hand at that. " Please, Hiashi-sama. Don't get ahead of your self. Hitomi is skilled. But she is not quite ready to be a chunin. No where near it, in fact. " He knew Hiashi basically said 'regular' Konoha shinobi strength equal that of a little Hyuuga girl. Pompous bastard.
Hiashi scoffed again. " I know this, Hokage-sama. I am just simply stating that she is quite talented, and should be put on a team a.s.a.p. "
Hitomi was close to fidgeting under their gazes. Not only was she in front of her father, and the Hokage, but all of the village Elders were in front of her as well, staring, whispering among them selves as they pointed at her from time to time. Their cold old eyes were harshly judging her. But she wouldn't show her nervousness in front of them. Her father always said that that was a major weakness that almost every shinobi did when they didn't know what situation they were in, and how to handle it. She had to see this as being on a mission or something to that affect.
Sarutobi took a long drag of his pipe, then exhaled the smoke. " What kind of team are you exactly hoping to get her on, Hiashi? "
" One that won't hold her back. " Was his blunt answer. Sarutobi was hoping to get a little more information then that. No parent would want their child to be on a team that would hold them back.
The old man chuckled at this. " Not every child in the academy is as great as your daughter, Hiashi. " The Hokage slightly mocked. " The average child graduates from the academy to Genin is at 12 years of age. "
Hiashi turned silent for a moment as he made a hand gesture to Hitomi. The little girl caught the hand gesture and started preforming different jutsus and genjutsus. " I heard from a source that Uchiha-sama's boy Shisui, and Fugaku's boy Itachi are skilled enough to be close to graduating already. "
" I see, I see. " Sarutobi said as he tapped the back of his pipe on the roofs railing to empty out the ash of his tobacco. " And you're wanting Hitomi to be put on a team with them, is that it? "
He nodded. " Yes. "
Sarutobi filled his pipe with more of his favorite tobacco before lighting it. " Hiashi, you know protocol states that we must put a team together that will balance each other out. The best, the mediocre, and the 'worst'. That way each will learn from each other. Other students will miss out if we group the three best students together. It will not be fair to the others. "
Hiashi snorted and turned to the Hokage. " Please, Hokage-sama. It would be foolish if you keep those boys as students. I've seen them train before. There is nothing else they can learn from the academy. The Hyuuga and Uchiha teach their kids at 5 years of age what the academy teaches other kids at 10 years of age. So it would be pointless to hold them back in the Academy. And yes, even though they are in classes with kids around 12 years old, the older kids will not have it, since Shisui-sama and Itachi are nearly half their age. It'll start a problem between the children. The older children will want to dominate them, and treat the younger ones unfairly. "
What Hiashi said was true. But he wouldn't admit it. He wanted to see how far Hiashi would go to get his daughter in a team, and into the shinobi world. " I thought you wouldn't want your daughter to be in the same team as an Uchiha. Let alone two of them. Aren't you worried that they'll shadow her, or boss her around? Since, as you just stated, the older kids will try to dominate the younger kids. " Sarutobi glanced at Hiashi from the corner of his eyes.
It was Hiashi's turn to chuckle. " Hitomi isn't one to let others boss her around. Especially if they're around her age. "
" She does seem to have a fighter's spirit... But that might be only because they're her relatives. She hasn't been around other kids. Hitomi is used to her relatives, people who have to bow down to her, because she is the Hyuuga Heiress. " The Hokage stated and he continued to be impressed by the little 6 year old girl. He watched Itachi and Shisui train before. They were quite impressive. How ever, this little girl seemed to be greater then them. And she was almost two years younger then Shisui and Itachi. Sarutobi sighed again. He wished the children of Konoha could have an actual childhood, and not train everyday, instead play and laugh. " I'll make my decision soon. I request a private audience with Hitomi first. Then I shall decide. "
Hiashi opened his mouth to speak but the Hokage was already kneeling in front of Hitomi. ' Damn that old man moves fast for his age. ' Hiashi thought.
" Hello, Hitomi-chan. May I please have a word with you? " He asked her with a small smile.
Hitomi's pale lavender eyes darted from his face to her father's. She agreed with a small nod once she seen her father nod that she could.
Sarutobi gently grabbed her hand and started leading her towards the stairs that lead down the building. Once they were out on the streets, they continued walking towards the public training grounds. Hitomi stared and watched her surroundings. She's rarely been out here. Her father always made her train in the Hyuuga training grounds and dojo. But she has been out before. Mainly because her father wanted her to learn the streets of the village in case anything were to ever happened. She's also been out a few times with her mother to go shopping, or to just walk around. But it was rare. Maybe once every 6 or 7 months. It was just nice to actually see everything again.
" You haven't really been around Konoha, have you? " Sarutobi asked when he seen Hitomi was staring and taking in her surroundings.
Hitomi looked up at the Hokage. He was looking down at her with another small smile on his face. " A few times. "
" Ah. Konoha is a beautiful place. We have the most beautifulest garden on the- "
" North north-west side of the village. I know. The garden is very beautiful, Hokage-sama. " She blinked up at him.
" Oh? " He asked with curiosity.
She nodded. " I know where everything leads, and where what is. Hiashi-sama made me learn where every street and building in Konoha is. "
" Really now? " His eyes widened slightly. He was sure she was telling the truth about only being out in the village a few times. It got to the point where people sometimes forgot the Hyuuga had a six year old Heiress. " You know every street? " He paused to see her nod. " And building? " Another pause, another nod. " Did you study Konoha's map? "
" No, sir. I have great memory. Hiashi-sama took me every where one day. Then... a few months later at night he blindfolded me, told me not to use the byakugan, and gave me orders on what streets to go to. As a test to see if I remembered. "
The Third Hokage paused his steps and stared at the young girl in front of him. Hitomi didn't talk like a normal 6 year old. She had the vocabulary of at least a 10 or 11 year old, if that. Her speech was near perfect, and she didn't even stumble over her words.
" Hokage-sama? Is something wrong? "
Sarutobi lightly shook his head as he stared into her big pale eyes. " No, nothing is wrong. Lets continue, shall we? "
After a few more minutes the pair entered the forest training ground. Finally, the Hokage found what he was looking for. A still insecure part in the girl. When the sun began to be hidden by the tree tops, Hitomi stepped a little closer to him. She was still a little girl, after all. No matter how much training they have, they're still kids. " Tell me, Hitomi-chan. What do you want to be when you grow up? "
" What? " Hitomi asked a little startled. Not of the question, but being so deep in the forest without her father being there with her.
" What do you want to be when you grow up? " He asked again, and kept walking further into the forest, but slowed his pace down a bit.
Hitomi stared up at the Hokage. Was this some sort of test? Her father never told her anything about this... " A shinobi. " It almost sounded like a question.
" Why? " The Hokage finally stopped and turned towards Hitomi. " Is it because your father wants you to? Or because you have to to be a strong heiress to your clan? "
The little girl stayed quiet for a moment to gather her thoughts. " Father... That is what Hiashi-sama wants of me. " She said a little guilty, as if she was telling on him. " But its not why I want it. "
" Why do you want to be a shinobi, then? "
" Momma said... her and Hiashi-sama are trying to have another baby. She said that will mean I'm going to be a big sister, and big sisters take care of their little brothers and sisters, so... I want to be able to protect them when ever I can. Momma said... she'd rather me just train on being a good heiress... that I don't need to be a strong and power shinobi to be a good heiress to be able to protect them. But its what I want... to be able to protect the ones I love. "
Sarutobi crouched in front of Hitomi and placed his hand on top her head. " That's a big responsibility for some one of your age. You know you don't have to push your self so hard. I, along with the village, will always be there to protect you, your mother, and your future brothers and sisters, along with the rest of your family. If you do not wish to have a life in the shinobi world, I'll do my best to keep you out of it, and just be a powerful Heiress. "
Hitomi blushed faintly. " I-I know, Hokage-sama. But its... its my ninja way. And... I want to be able to protect other people, not just my family. "
" I see. " The Third Hokage said. A few seconds passed as Sarutobi thought. He then finally smiled brightly at her. " You'll make a good shinobi, Hitomi-chan. " He patted her head a few times before standing up. " Do you want to meet your new team? "
Pale lavender eyes widened in excitement. " I-I'm part of a team? "
He smiled again. " If that is what you want. If it is too soon, then it can be postponed. "
Hitomi hastily shook her head. " No, its not that. I just didn't expect to be in a team just yet... " Her words drifted off as her eyes roamed the forest, her ears picking up the faintest thunks of sheriken and kunai being throw against trees. " Does that mean I'm a genin? "
He nodded before speaking. " Then shall we? " He took her hand once again, and they continued to move forward.
" Itachi, you're getting better! " Shisui grinned at his best friend.
Itachi grunted as he pulled more kunai out of his leg pouch. " Better then you, anyways. " With lightning speed he threw the kunai at a target Shisui just recently threw his own kunai, making Shisui's kunai fall out, and drop to the ground.
" Oh its like that, huh? " His grin got wider while pulling out a kunai out of his own leg pouch.
" Its like that. " Itachi's features held a small smirk.
" I wouldn't get so cocky if I were you, Itachi- "
" Boys, " The Hokage's voice interrupted Shisui, gaining their attention right away. " You two have a guest. "
" Hokage-sama. " Both boys bowed then looked up at the Hokage, catching the small fingers wrapped around his much larger ones. " Who's that? " Shisui asked with his finger pointed to the little hand, his mother's voice ringing in the back of his mind about pointing at people.
Sarutobi looked down at the top of Hitomi's head. She was currently hiding behind his long Hokage robe. " This is Hyuuga Hitomi. The Hyuuga Heiress. " He said as he started to lead her in front of him. " Hitomi, this is Shisui and Itachi Uchiha. Shisui is the Uchiha Heir. Say 'Hi'. " He nudged her closer to them.
Hitomi stared at the two boys who were staring at her as well. They looked almost identical. Both had black hair and black eyes. Just some facial features were different, and the paleness of their skin. She had no idea who was who. " Hi. " She mumbled along with a wave of her hand after a few silent moments.
The boys greeted her basically the same.
" Hokage-sama, " Itachi spoke first. " Why did we need to meet her? " He asked, getting right to the point.
" She will be your new team mate when you two graduate from the academy to Genin in a few weeks. "
Shisui blinked. " But she wasn't in the academy. Why does she get the genin status already? " There was a hint of whine in his voice.
The Hokage patted Hitomi's head again. " It is true she was never in the academy. But her father had brought her to me, and she did a series of tests. And just like you two, she is getting the genin rank at a young age. "
Shisui blew a raspberry while crossing his arms behind his head. " She looks weak to me. I doubt she can keep up with me, maybe with Itachi. But eh. Even if she is the Hyuuga Heiress. Don't give her the title right away just because of her status, Hokage-sama. "
Itachi's left eye twitched at the 'Maybe with Itachi' comment. That loser was always saying he was better then him. He opened his mouth to speak, but some one beat him to it.
" Listen here, kid! " Hitomi stomped her foot in a childish manner. " You look weak to me! Even if you are the Uchiha Heir. Hokage-sama shouldn't give you the title of Genin just because of your status! " She yelled out, trying her hardest to not stomp her foot again.
" She has a point there, Shisui. " Itachi grinned at his friend.
Shisui's face turned red out of embarrassment. " Shut up, Itachi! " He hissed in a whisper, yet everyone there heard. " I am not weak, little girl! And don't call me kid! You're probably younger then me! Not only that, but I actually went to school to be called a genin! You're the slacker who didn't go! "
" No, I'm just that great! You had to go to school to learn what you know. That's why I'm already a genin while you have to wait a few more weeks! "
Shisui gaped in horror. " Hokage-sama! Why did you pass her but me and Itachi have to wait? "
" Shisui, don't whine. " Itachi said as he elbowed Shisuis' side. " She's just trying to make you mad, and its working. "
" Now, now, Shisui. Don't get so riled up. You should be thankful to have Hitomi-chan on your team. She's very skilled. " He patted her head again.
" Sure doesn't look it. " He mumbled under his breath not so quietly.
" I heard that! " Hitomi started walking towards him with her little fists balled at her side, but was immediately halted due to the Hokage pulling on the back of her collar.
The Hokage sighed. " You two are going to have to learn to get together better, or I won't pass any of you as Genin. "
" What? " All three kids yelled out in protest.
Itachi furrowed his brows. " Don't fail me because those two don't know how to act their age. " Sarutobi almost laughed. 'Act their age'. In all honesty, they were acting their age.
It was Shisui's turn to stomp his foot. " Don't fail me just because she isn't that great! "
Hitomi opened her mouth to yell, but Sarutobi patted her head again. " Shisui, don't be so quick to judge. She is a very skilled little girl. Hitomi-chan is up to par with you and Itachi, if not then maybe even a little better. How about we have a little friendly competition. I'll say a command, and you two have to do them. " He looked over to Itachi. " You are welcome to join too, Itachi-kun. "
Itachi bowed. " That is alright, Hokage-sama. I have no qualms with Hitomi-sama being apart of our team. I learned to not judge people so hastily, unlike Shisui here does. "
" 'Unlike Shisui here does' " He mocked in a childish voice, Shisui then elbowed Itachi's arm. " Suck up. " He muttered through the corner of his mouth. " That's fine with me, " his voice louder. " just so long as she doesn't cry once I beat her. " Shisui grinned at Hitomi, who scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him.
Both Shisui and Hitomi walked to the center of the training ground, each a good 10 feet away from each other, and turned to face to Hokage, waiting for his signal. Itachi walked up to the Hokage and stood besides him. Sarutobi clapped his hands twice. " First order. A basic Fire Ball Jutsu. " Both kids made the same hand signs, deeply inhaled, and blew out fire from their mouth with their thumb and index fingers. " Very good. Second order. Phoenix Fire Ball Jutsu. " Again they made the hand signs, and again fire flew from their mouths, only this time it was six little fire balls. " Very good. " He repeated. " Lets move to physical abilities. Preform 5 solid back flips. "
Each did their back flips perfectly. Each of their little fingers digging into the soft dirt before they pushed off and landed on their feet perfectly. " Excellent. 5 one-handed back flips finish with a twisting 90 degree angle. " Again they preformed the task with ease. Being both right handed, they used their left hand to push them self father, and had their right arms tucked behind their backs.
" Its to easy. " Itachi finally spoke after the second flip. Sarutobi raised a brow. " Give this command... "
" Very good, you two. " The Hokage said once they finished. " Third challenge. Back hand flip, 30 degree twist, right side flip, back hand flip, 20 degree twist, back hand flip, no hand flip, 140 degree twist, one handed right side flip, side step, 5 back flips, no hand flip, left side flip, 10 degree forward flip, finish with a one handed round about flip. "
Hitomi and Shisui both blinked in confusion as they tried their hardest to remember everything he said. They each did their best to do what all he said, but in the end, Hitomi was able to do seventeen out of the twenty commands, while Shisui was only able to do fifteen. " Hitomi takes the lead. " Shisui puffed his cheeks out in aggravation. He knew Itachi was the one who put the Hokage up to giving out the command. He'll have to get him back for that some how... " Now, I want you two to activate your blood limit, and preform the jutsu I do. "
" Ha! " Shisui said loudly while activating his sharingan. " Hokage-sama, the byakugan can't copy jutsus like the sharingan can. "
" Then she'll be out ranked in that department. " The old man said before doing a few hand signs to create the Shadow Clone jutsu.
The hand signs and chakra connection was rather difficult. Since he just barely got his sharingan but a few weeks ago, it was still rather weak. His sharingan was barely, barely able to keep up with his hand moves, but he was able to preform it correctly, and create a shadow clone of him self. He blinked and breathed out deeply in a pant. " There, I did it, Hokage-sama- "
" Shadow Clone Jutsu. "
Shisui heard Hitomi's voice to the side of him. He turned to look, and standing next to him was not one, not even two, but three Hitomi's standing next to him. His deep black eyes widened. How was this even possible? The Byakugan isn't able to copy jutsus like the sharingan can! And she made two of her self, not one. Hitomi didn't even look out of breath!
The Hitomi in the middle, who was in front of the other two turned and looked at Shisui. " The byakugan isn't able to copy jutsus like the sharingan, but we're very skilled to be able to see and read the hand signs of... certain jutsus. And one of the reasons why I can make one more clone then you is because you added too much chakra to make just the one. With the byakugan I was able to see how much chakra Hokage-sama was able to use. " Hitomi grinned a grin much like the one he did a few moments ago. " Plus I have more chakra and better chakra control then you. " She stuck her tongue out at him in triumph with a smirk gleaming in her eyes.
Itachi laughed. " It seems she's got two points over you, Shisui. "
Ever so slowly, Shisui puffed his cheeks out, then released the air. " Fine. You're not that bad. But before you get cocky, most of my chakra is being used right now! " He puffed his cheeks out again as he released the jutsu to his shadow clone.
Hitomi also released the jutsu on her two clones with ever slightly widened eyes. " 'Being used right now'? What does that mean? " She then narrowed her eyes. Her byakugan didn't see any sign of his chakra being used besides used for the Shadow Clone.
He grinned again. " Hokage-sama helped me create a genjutsu that covers my appearance. " Shisui raised his palm to his mouth and turned it side ways, then mumbled a few words. His jet black hair suddenly began to glow white. When the glow died, his hair was now bright yellow. Hitomi gaped as she stared at him. She then looked him in the eyes which were still onyx. He blinked once, and his onxy eyes faded to gray then with another blink, they turned bright blue.
" But... I... my byakugan didn't pick it up...? " Her thin brows furrowed in confusion.
Shisui's grin became wider. " Thats because its supposed to be undetectable. "
" W-why? "
" He's the Heir to the Uchiha clan. " Itachi piped in. " The Uchiha elders don't want him to seem like a half breed. Plus its a perfect cover to fool outsiders who do not know what Shisui really looks like. "
" Oh... " It made sense. She would of never guessed he was actually the Uchiha Heir if she seen him like this first. When he didn't have have that genjutsu on, he could blend in with the 'regular' kids, and no one would be none the wiser about who he really is. " I see. "
" So, " Sarutobi said after a moment. " Are you two going to play nice? "
Shisui resisted the urge to blush and puff his cheeks out again. " Yes. " He mumbled. Hitomi did the same.
" Good, " He nodded once. " from this day forward, your team name will be 'Team Zero'. "
Papers, scrolls, folders, pens, inks, and his name. Every day. Fifteen hours of the day was spent looking at all of those. And boy was he getting sick of seeing them. Especially having to write his name, repeatedly. ' Really... ' He thought to himself as he pulled his glasses off the bridge of his nose, then pulled a soft cloth out of one of his pockets to clean the lenses. ' I need to make a stamp that is my signature. That way I can just stamp it on an ink pad and just stamp the papers... ' Thankfully, there hasn't been much commotion. So all the papers and scrolls were mainly nothing but status reports, mission reports, and updates on his shinobi. All they basically required was him to skim over them to make sure everything was on the up and up. If they were really important, the words would be hastily written, or have the word 'Urgent' stamped on one of the corners in red. He should be thankful that he only found twenty of those Urgent words so far. And he was only one fourth done with the day. ' Huzzah. He sarcastically cheered in his mind. Upon realizing what he just thought, he sighed while putting his glasses down and tiredly rubbed his face.
He was being around those kids too much.
" Are you ok, Hokage-sama? " Hitomi looked up from her paper work when she heard the deep sigh come from her leader.
Sarutobi cleared his throat. " Yes, " Then again it was his own fault for spending so much time with them. He had to make sure they weren't getting into trouble, or fighting with each true. True Hitomi and Shisui no longer argued about who was better then the other, (Itachi would always say that he was arguing with a girl, so he'd have to stop. Because no matter what, even if Shisui would win, it'd still be a bad thing because he won to a girl). Well... that was a lie. They did argued. But it wasn't as bad, nor constant. Plus, he also used them to help him with the reports, as his own special 'Mission'. Since Hitomi was Heiress to the Hyuuga Clan, and Shisui was Heir to the Uchiha clan, and Itachi was basically his right hand guy, they would need to get used to looking over documents and the like. He told them this was 'Training for when you two (three) take over the clans'. " Just a bit tired is all. " And he trust them enough to let them duplicate his signature so they can write down his signature on all the reports. They were like his new little group of students... A sort of 'replacement' for the 'Legendary Sanin'. No, he'd never compare them to the Sanin, his old students. Nor would he ever actually call them a replacement, though that's what most of his peers suggest they are to him.
" So then, " Shisui started out as he dropped his pencil on a D-Rank Mission report. He hated how they had to read each word, when the report was something like 'Mission complete, we found the cat.' Only in more words. Some how they managed to make that simple six letter sentence, into a three to four page report. It would be so much easier if they just cut down on it. And it'd save the village money, too. " how about we take the rest of the day off, and finish tomorrow? " His blue eyes shined brightly with hope.
" Don't be so foolish, Shisui. " Itachi finished writing down the Hokages signature perfectly at the bottom of a C-Rank mission report. " If we 'take the rest of the day off, and finish tomorrow', all this work, plus tomorrows work will be here, so we'll be here even longer tomorrow. Which will make you say the exact same thing tomorrow. Work will never get done if you keep 'taking the day off, and finishing tomorrow', because tomorrow will never come. " Honestly, did Shisui even stop and think about what he was saying more then half the time? His pale hands already filing through a stack of more mission reports.
Hitomi resisted the urge to laugh. " He's right, Shisui. Just suck it up. We only have another three hours left, then we can train. "
" Huzzah. " Shisui grumbled.
The rest of the time was quiet. Only constant flipping of pages, and the tip of the pens being traced on papers. Oh, and the 'occasional' over dramatic yawn from Shisui. " Finally! " Shisui yelled as he stood from his seat and stretched. " I thought my hand was going to fall off from all that writing. "
" What 'writing' did you do, Shisui? " Hitomi asked as she, too, stood from her seat. " All you did most of the time was balance your pencil on your finger tip. "
Shisui's face burned pink. " Tch, no! "
" Tch, yeah! " Hitomi mocked.
Shisui's bottom lip slightly pouted. " How dare you mock my training. I'm trying to learn to balance and patience, while doing these mission reports. "
Itachi gathered up his mission report papers and tapped the bottom of them on the desk to even them out. " Please, Shisui, don't try pass that off as training. You were doing a very poor job 'balancing' the pencil, and you weren't even doing any reports. You only would when Hokage-sama would look up from his desk. "
The blond groaned loudly. " Always the teachers pet, huh, Itachi? "
Once all his reports were in order alphabetically, Itachi stood up. " I'm never the 'teacher's pet', Shisui. It might seem like I exposed what you really were doing to gain favor, however, I only do that to teach you a lesson. So that maybe some day you can actually do work, and not put everything on Hitomi and I. We always have to pick up your slack, because you don't do your work. "
Hitomi punched Shisui's arm. " He's right! We always get stuck doing all the paper work, while you just sit around and do nothing! " She punched his arm harder this time. " Its not fair! "
" Owwww! That one really hurt! "
Sarutobi sighed. " Now, now, children. " He said while looking through one of his desk drawers. This always happened. It was nothing new. " Listen, " He said, gaining the attention of the bickering teens. " Before you three leave, I have some clan issues I have to take up with Hitomi and Itachi. " His tone of voice was low. Never a good sign.
Team Zero's eyes slightly widened. Usually it was Hitomi and Shisui, since they are heirs to their clans. " What is it? " Hitomi was the first to ask.
Silence fell in the room aside from the noises that came from the Hokage still going through his desk drawers. " Shisui can stay for this, since, it is kind of important to him. Or should I say, when he takes over the clan. "
Each teen glanced at each other. None of them knowing what the Hokage was going to say, and the suspense was killing them.
Finally, the Hokage found what he was looking for, and sat up straight in his chair. With two scrolls in hand, he eyed Itachi and Hitomi carefully. " Your clan leader, Hyuuga Hiashi, and the temporary Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Nazo, and the Uchiha Elders, has come to a clan alliance agreement. " They blinked. Well that wasn't new. They knew that was going to happen, it was just a matter of time. Most likely when Shisui and Hitomi took over as leader. " They have come to the agreement of an... alliance through marriage. " The teens instantly knew. Their eyes grew wider.
" But... " Shisui's eyes darted between Hitomi and Itachi. " Why them? I mean... why not wait till Hitomi gets a little sister? Or brother? Why Itachi? " Shisui asked, not catching a flicker of tension in Hitomi's eyes.
Sarutobi cleared his throat. " Because the Uchiha's know how strong Hitomi is, and the Hyuuga's know how strong Itachi is. "
" Then why not me? I'm stronger then Itachi is. " He rushed out. Then what just happened clicked in his head. " N-Not that I want to be with her or anything! I'm just simply curious, as future Uchiha leader. " Shisui said as he crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his nose towards the ceiling.
" Anyways... " The Hokage said, in an attempt to rid Shisui of his embarrassment. " Shisui, you are Heir to the Uchiha clan, and Hitomi is Heiress to the Hyuuga clan. Those two clans are both strong, powerful, and have a lot of reign over Konoha. If the heir's to such clans wed, they will form a sort of... ultra clan, by combining both Uchiha and Hyuuga clans together. That one large clan will have a very, very large amount of Konoha under their thumb. Almost 93 percent of Konoha. Where as right now, the Hyuuga owns 34 percent, and the Uchiha own 35 percent. Since they will be combining, they will gain an additional 24 percent, to spread out along Konoha to make room for 'hybrids'. They will no longer be able to fit in the Hyuuga and Uchiha lands. And such a thing is not possible. War will erupt between all the 'smaller' clans, and the Uchiha/Hyuuga clan. Not only that, but other clans from other countries will feel threatened by such a large clan, and want to destroy it. However, an alliance is alright, considering anything can go wrong in said alliance. Its just a peace treaty, so there won't be any bad feelings. "
" Right... " Of course. He knew that. It was one of the things his father made him learn from all those old scrolls before he died. " So... does that mean the Uchiha's are giving up Itachi to give to the Hyuuga's? What do the Uchiha's get out of this? "
" Itachi is sort of a bargaining chip. Each clan will give over information on certain jutsus, and to make sure nothing goes wrong, the Hyuuga's will have Itachi, and Itachi will be the Uchiha's eyes and ears, to make sure the Hyuuga's aren't planning something. "
" But Itachi would be a Hyuuga, and be bound in the clan. He'd have to serve the Hyuuga now, right? " Hitomis' brows furrowed together.
Sarutobi nodded. " Though that is usually the case, that isn't happening now. Yes, Itachi will be married to you, Hitomi, and be apart of the Hyuuga clan, but he'll still have the Uchiha name. All will be explained later on by your Leaders and Elders. They just wanted me to go ahead and explain what little I know, and give you two these scrolls. " With that, he handed each a scroll with thier clan symbols in wax, holding the seal in place. " I do know that the marriage won't happen for at least 6 years, when Hitomi will turn 18. "
Silence fell on the small group. Itachi reached for the scroll shortly after Sarutobi was finished talking, while Hitomi hesitated a few seconds to grab her own scroll. This was normal between clans like theirs. Like they all knew, it was only a matter of time before something like this would happen. The shinobi world was... others usually did the thinking for you. You did what you were told, and did your best at it, without giving lip. Even if you wanted something you could never have... " Thank you, Hokage-sama. " They both said with a small bow.
" Your clans also requested an audience with you after you were done helping me, to further explain the conditions of the marriage contract. Tomorrow will be a grand summons between the clans in the Hokage Tower board room. So training will be cancelled for today and tomorrow. "
" Sir. " Hitomi and Itachi said as they started walking towards the door. Shisui stayed in his spot, not moving.
" Shisui...? " Hitomi called out when she noticed he wasn't following them.
Shisui clinched his fist tightly, turning his knuckles white. " Yeah, yeah... I'm coming. " He said before turning towards them and pushing his way past Hitomi and Itachi. Before leaving the room, he activated his special genjutsu to cover his appearance.
The walk down the long winding stair case was silent. Only the sounds of their steps and the buzz of chit-chat from the offices that surrounded them echoed through out the hall. Once they were outside, Shisui turned towards Hitomi. " You going straight to the compound now? "
Hitomi shifted her weight from one foot to the next. " I have to make a... quick pit stop somewhere... then I'll go straight home. " The Heiress made the motion towards her destination but stopped. " If... this doesn't take too long, can I come over to your place for a bit? To train? I also want to see your little cutie brother, Itachi. " She turned towards him.
Shisui snorted, while Itachi faintly smiled. " Sure. Sasuke has been bugging me about not seeing you lately. I'm sure he'll enjoy the company. "
Hitomi nodded. " Thanks. I'll see you both later. " With that, she took off in a sprint towards the opposite direction of where the Hyuuga compound is located.
" Where do you think she's been going? " Shisui asked as he followed her back with his eyes. " Every time after training, that's what she says. Tch, probably seeing a secret boyfriend or something. " His tone of voice held a bit of bitterness hidden within.
Itachi lightly shook his head. " I'm sure that is not the case, Shisui. "
" Yeah, yeah... " Though he no longer could see her, his eyes stayed fixed on the last place he seen her.
" If you want, I can try to decline this contract. "
Shisui's eyes darted towards Itachi. " What? "
" The wedding contract. I can try to decline it. I'm sure there is a loophole somewhere. If not, I can make one. "
Once again, silence fell upon the two. The village noise falling on deaf ears for the both of them as their eyes stayed locked. A silent conversation taking place. After what seemed like an eternity, Shisui finally broke eye contact, letting his charcoal eyes roam to the ground. With a sigh he started talking. " No... If you break away from the contract right now, the contract will still be there, and they'll hook her up with someone else. Probably one of the distant cousins, since they're around our age. "
" Are you sure? "
Shisui took a moment to answer. " Yeah... "
The two finally started walking towards the Uchiha compound in silence. Half way there, Shisui finally broke it. " Oh and uh... sorry about that whole 'I'm stronger than Itachi' comment back at the Hokage's. "
Itachi chuckled. " No offence was taken, Shisui. Besides, we both know I can kick your ass any time. "
He smirked. " Tch. Bring it. "
" So you understand the terms and regulations? " Elder Hyuuga Honasho asked the twelve year old girl in front of him.
Hitomi nodded. " Yes. I am to have two children with Uchiha Itachi, to test out the Hybrid Hyuuga/Uchiha mix, and if either child comes out with nothing but Hyuuga blood or Uchiha blood, I am to have children with a main house Hyuuga, to keep the blood line going, while still being wed to Uchiha Itachi, to keep the contract going. If the hybrid is successful, then we'll wed off one of our own to the Uchiha clan "
" And do you agree with these terms and regulations? " Another question.
The Heiress almost shifted in her seat. " I do not agree. " She blinked with her reply.
The female Hyuuga Elder's gasped, while the male Hyuuga Elder's 'Tch'd' at her reply. " You do not agree? " Another Elder Hyuuga asked.
" That is what I said. I believe I did not stutter, Elder Hanako. " Hitomi blinked again while staring at said female elder through the left corner of her eye.
The Hyuuga Elder's were in an up roar. No Hyuuga Heir ever, ever disagreed with what the Hyuuga said. " What is the meaning of this? " Hanako barked out. Hiashi stayed quiet during most of the conversation, waiting, listening to Hitomi's replies.
" I do not agree with the terms, simply because you wish for me to out cast my children if they are not up to your standards or hopes. If they do not bare both Hyuuga and Uchiha blood line and abilities, they will not be good enough for you, and will be dubbed Branch house members, regardless of being first Heir to the clan, or even if they are the strongest Hyuuga to have ever lived. I simply cannot stand by and let that happen. I will not stand by and out cast my children, simply because they are not up to your desires. I will not forget about them if the hybrid doesn't work, and I have children with another. Second of all, if the children do not come out as a Hybrid, you want me to sully my marital bed and have relations with a main house Hyuuga to keep the blood line going, therefore basically betraying my marriage vows. "
Honasho cut in. " But that is not in the contract that we have- "
" I wasn't finish speaking. " Hitomi said in an icy voice. " Do not interrupt me again, Elder Honasho. " Her pale lavender eyes narrowed, making the Elder's back down a bit. If she couldn't have exactly what she wanted, then she'd make due with the best she can, on her own terms.
Hiashi's lip's twitched in a smirk. ' Spoken like a true Hyuuga, my daughter... Spoken like a true Hyuuga. '
" I do not care what the contract holds. To me, a marriage is a marriage. Regardless of what's written in a contract or not. I will never betray my husband, even if it is solely for an alliance, and it is for the Hyuuga clan. I do not care if he even agrees to me sleeping with another. Either have me with a Hyuuga or not. But I will not, I repeat, will not become a slave like that. Though I will let you pick out my own spouse, I am my own person, and will not become an obedient little puppy, and bend to your every command. " Hitomi held her head up high in pride. " These are my terms and regulations as Heiress. If you do not like them, then I suggest you slap the Branch seal onto my forehead, and find another Heir, because I will not do such a thing. If you wanted to test out a hybrid among a Hyuuga and an Uchiha, then you shouldn't of put up the heiress as a test subject. That is your mistake, not mine. "
Silence erupted during Hitomi's words. No one thought to speak as she eyed each and every single one of them, daring them to question what she said. Finally Hiashi spoke. " I believe her terms are agreeable, don't you all agree? " It was his turn to eye the Elder's, his sharp hard eyes daring them to speak against him. The next thing that was heard was the Elder's agreeing with Hitomi's and Hiashi's terms. " Good. If the two children do not have a mix blood line then we'll simply either give up on that, or try with another Hyuuga and Uchiha. Now that that's settled, you may all leave. The next meeting between us and the Uchiha's will take place at the Hokage's conference room tomorrow at noon. That will be all. "
The elder's got up from their mats and bowed first towards Hiashi then to Hiotmi before they left. Once the room was cleared of all the Elder's, Hitomi and Hiashi stayed seated in front of each other, both frozen in place, only blinking every now and then. This was a challenge Hiashi put upon Hitomi every time after a meeting. If she faltered any, then her heart was not fully in what she agreed to, or said. And if she faltered, he'd completely disregard all that she said. Finally Hiashi smirked. " You handled that well, Hitomi, just like I expected. "
Hitomi swallowed the lump in her throat. " So you do not mind my terms, Hiashi-sama? "
There was a small pang of regret in his chest. She always called him that, never father. Hitomi used to, when she was younger, around 4 or 5. But the Elder's put a stop to that, saying it was disrespectful since he was leader to their clan, and it was a childish thing that a heiress shouldn't do. And being the people pleaser she is, she stopped right away. It was times like that, that he wished his brother Hizashi was born before him. So he can be a father to his children, and not a leader to his clan. Being a father was something he always wanted to be. To be able to spoil a little daughter, or teach his son how to play games, even if he wasn't very good at them him self " I do not mind them, my child. If I was put in your position, I would of said the exact same thing. "
Hitomi nodded. " But the Elder's didn't seem too pleased with my answer. "
" Do not pay any attention to them. Though you did not fully agree with their terms, they are proud that you stood up for your self, and made your own terms for the contract. And that is what they are looking for within a strong Heiress. You did very well. "
" Thank you, " She bowed, her forehead touching the floor. " Hiashi-sama. Also, I apologize if I made the clan wait on me before the meeting. I- " Hitomi cut her words off as she stared at the edge of her mat.
" You went to the hospital, correct? " Hiashi seen his daughter's head move down a little in a nod. He was silent a few moments before speaking. " How's your mother doing? "
The Heiress swallowed the lump in her throat once again. " Mother is doing fine... Tsunade-san said she should be able to come back home in a few weeks if the tests keep coming back as good as they have been. "
" Ah... " Silence fell upon them once again. " I, uh- " Hiashi cleared his throat. " I'm going to go visit her later tonight, after dinner, if you wish to accompany me. " It was his lame excuse to try to spend more time with his daughter. She was growing up too fast for him. Which was to be expected. She was Heiress after all, so she couldn't act like a child. She had a lot of duties to take care of. The only times he got to see her was during clan meetings, or when he'd train her, but those, of course, were strictly because she was Heiress. Ever since she became a chunin at the age of 9, Hitomi has been even more busy.
Her pale lavender eyes widened. " Y-Yes. I-I mean, I'd love to accompany you, Hiashi-sama. " Hitomi bowed once again.
Hiashi nodded with a small smile. " Very good. Dinner will be at 7 pm. "
" Of course. I do have a request though, Hiashi-sama. "
" Ah? "
" May I go over to Shisui's and Itachi's to train for a bit? I'll be back before dinner. "
Hiashi nodded again. " Of course, Hitomi. "
Hitomi bowed one last time. " Thank you. I'll see you at dinner. Bye, Hiashi-sama. " She got up from her mat and exited the Hyuuga conference room.
" Bye, Hitomi-chan. " The Hyuuga Leader mumbled at the closed door.
" And hurry it up! " Sasuke yelled, as he damn near threw the summoned hawk towards Konoha with information about what happened with Hinata and Itachi, quickly scribbled on a scroll. He didn't have time to sit and write out in a hidden code what happened. All he wrote was 'Itachi took Hinata east outside of Limestone Village with a teleport jutsu. Coming back to regroup.' Kind of hard to write anything else, considering they were going full speed towards Konoha. It was a tough decision to make... They wanted to go after them. They would of. But for one, they weren't tracking ninja's. Sasuke's sharingan could only do so much, and two, if they went after them without Tsunade's ok to go after them, Tsunade would probably send people after them, or better yet, him. And he wouldn't be able to help find Hinata. So they both made the decision to go back to Konoha, rally up some trackers, and get back there asap. The mission said that it would take at least 3 days to get from Konoha to LimeStone Village, but that was just to throw every one off that this wasn't a information mission. The average ninja could get from Limestone village to Konoha in 5 to 6 hours. But Sasuke and Naruto are no where near average.
' 3 hours, tops. ' Sasuke thought.
There was always the choice of staying there until back up arrived, but Sasuke knew he couldn't trust him self to stay there. He'd end up taking off after them. Sasuke silently cursed to him self. If only the sharingan was able to absolutely mimic a teleport jutsu. It could, but it couldn't go where the other person went. With teleport jutsus', it was on the casters thoughts, not actions. True some times the sharingan could read minds, but Itachi had the sharingan too. It was kind of mandatory to be able to block mind readers.
" Are you sure you don't want me to stay there and search? I'm sure an army of clones can sweep the area really good. "
Sasuke gritted his teeth. " Naruto, that's Itachi we're talking about. Any other time that probably would of worked. But Itachi has near unlimited chakra out put. Did you feel how much chakra he put into his teleporting jutsu? He could be any where, in another country, on the other side of the world. "
Naruto groaned in aggravation. " I know, but it's worth a try. "
" Just leave those five clones out there to search. I don't want you running out of chakra half way to Konoha. I will leave your ass where you drop. "
Naurto grumbled. " Yeah, yeah. Lets just hurry up! I want to get Hinata-chan away from that creep as soon as possible. "
" Then shut up and move your ass! " Sasuke barked out as he pushed more chakra into his legs. The longer Itachi had Hinata, the more she was slipping away from them.
Blood shot pale lavender eyes slowly opened, only to slide back shut. Her body, too battered and bruised to move, though she was able to tell she was no longer on the cobble stone ground, at least, there was a thin mat under her now, and her arms were no longer shackled behind her. They rested lifelessly in front of her, since she was on her side.
Numb.
All she could fell was numb, as the recent events played before her minds eye. What did it all mean? Why was he showing her this? From what she could tell, he was showing her parts of Hitomi's past, even if she wasn't there. Itachi was showing her parts of his past, too. But why?
Too much.
Too much to take in, her head throbbed with a burning pain that almost made her wish she for Itachi to just come in and end her life. It felt like her brain was going to explode, and she some how was going to end up throwing it all up. That's what she felt like doing. Throwing up. She should. Should try. But can't. Too tired.
Too tired.
Hinata slowly allowed her self to fall into unconsciousness, though that was one of the main rules they taught you in the academy. " Never allow your self to become vulnerable. If ever in a captive situation, do whatever it takes to stay awake. "
' Way too late for that. ' She thought right before falling into complete unconsciousness. But suddenly she was pulled up from her upper arms by a pair of cold hands, bring her sleep to a screeching stop. Her body screaming out in protest by the movement. Now she really wanted to die. The pain was too much, so unbearable. Hinata's mouth opened to scream, but nothing came out, besides a gargling noise. Once she gasped in some air, an unknown object was upon her lips. Luke warm liquid slowly poured into her mouth.
On instinct she thought to spit it out as best she can. But with what little taste buds she had working right now, she recognized it to be a Konoha remedy broth. Something medic ninja's made for ninja's out on missions who cannot return to a village for medical help right away. It was a broth that was made from vegetables, meat, and a special blend of herbs that way they get all the nutrients needed to keep your strength up, in case you couldn't eat. Such a broth could be bought in powdered form at almost any shop in Konoha (just add to boiling water), but this tasted different... Tasted... home made.
Though her head was pounding, it still screamed out 'Poisoned, don't drink.' But the half dead side of her mind lazily said 'How much worse can he do to me?' So Hinata drank the broth slowly. Taking larger and larger gulps every single time. Once she drank all the broth, the bowl/cup left her lips, but was replaced with another object, cool against her dry, cracked lips. A slight tip of the object, and cold water trickled into her mouth. Once again she drank it eagerly, but slowly, since her body still ached to move.
With the water gone, Itachi slowly eased her back onto the mat she was just laying on.
Being back on the mat, and laying there for a few seconds, Hinata finally realized her head wasn't pounding as much, and the pain her body felt dulled a bit, she opened her eyes for a second time, only to find her self alone in the room. There was no bowls or cups that she drank out of. Only her and her mat was in the room. She never once felt or heard him enter nor leave. After all she's been though, Hinata slightly wondered if he really gave her broth and water, or was it just a dream? But the salty after taste in her mouth told her yes, it did indeed happen.
'Why' ran through her mind more then a few times, but fatigue finally took over, and she allowed her self to fall asleep.
Well, that's all for right now. Hopefully I'll have the next chapter out soon, but I'm not making any promises. I sort of have an idea of what the next chapter is going to be, but like with this chapter, I had more then half of it written down two days after my last update, but it took me this long to finish. Hope you guys aren't mad at me.
-Somnia.
