Chapter 10: Shattered Families

"Didn't expect to see you," Kushina said with a smile as a woman at the door bowed with her hands clasped. "With everything going on, I thought you'd be too busy—"

"It's okay Kushina-san. We wanted to check on you and Naruto," Rin said as she returned the smile. She stepped to the left and allowed a man to come into view. "Isn't that right Kakashi?"

"Yeah," the masked jounin said as he flipped a page in a book. "What she says." Rin shook her head while Kushina smirked.

"I heard most of the details through Kurenai and Seika," Rin said as she and Kakashi entered the apartment. "How is Naruto handling this?"

"He's a bit agitated and quite defensive," Kushina said as she glanced behind her while easing in her seat. Everyone observed Naruto running around a practice dummy, hitting it with various strikes. Rin and Kakashi both raised an eyebrow as they sat. She added with a yell, "Practice the second combination I taught you Naruto!"

"Can't blame him. I did the same thing," Rin said as she watched Naruto strike the dummy several times with his fists. She turned to her former teammate as she played with her fingers. "Speaking of that place, how was your mission in Iwa?"

"Not well," Kakashi said with a groan. "All that remained of the Haruno was a woman," his eyes shifted to Naruto as he added, "and a girl around his age. A few escaped to other countries, but based on what the woman said, most of them were captured or killed by Iwa forces."

"Sounds like what Kiri did to Uzu," Kushina said as she gritted her teeth while Rin glanced down. The red-haired kunoichi certainly did not want to relive the memories of that attack.

"I escorted them here," Kakashi added, "but not without encountering Iwa shinobi once we approached the Earth Country border. If I didn't have my ANBU mask on, they would've killed me on the—"

"The Haruno is the clan with the pink-haired women, right?" Rin blurted, interrupting Kakashi. After Kakashi nodded, she continued, "I thought that was an elite clan in that country, like the Hyuuga or Uchiha in Konoha. Why did they flee from Iwa?"

"From what I perceive, the Tsuchikage believed that they murdered his only son," Kakashi replied as he shut his book with one hand. Placing the book in his pocket, he continued, "It was enough for him to order the slaughter of an entire clan.

"It sounds similar to the Hyuuga leaving Kumo years ago," Kushina said, "except more of the Hyuuga managed to escape and survive."

"Sounds like something they would do," Rin said with a sneer, remembering her encounter with Iwa shinobi from the war. "I understand going after the killer, but why eliminate an entire clan?"

"I don't know," Kakashi said with a shrug. "In the end, we made it to Konoha last night after staying away from the main roads. The woman is probably speaking with the Hokage right now."

"Makes sense," Rin said.

"I take it that you've been working at the hospital?" Kushina asked the medic.

"Mostly dealing with Seika's care," Rin said after a quick nod.

"What happened to him?" Kakashi asked. When Rin gave him a questionable glance, he added, "I've been away for three weeks, so I don't know what's going on yet, aside from the Hyuuga kidnapping that everyone is talking about."

"He can't use his legs. During the kidnapping attempt, the assailant paralyzed him with a kunai in the spinal column," Rin said with Kushina nodding in agreement. "I spent time researching medical techniques that may restore the nerve damage, but they require either skill beyond my own capability, or a medic-nin with a lightning affinity." She brushed her hair back as she finished, "Honestly, it may take someone like Tsunade-sama to restore his legs."

"She's not coming back to Konoha anytime soon," Kushina added with a wince. "Can't blame her after the way the council interrogated her after the snake-bastard fled." Rin and Kakashi nodded in agreement. "She lost so much in the village. That was probably the last straw."

"Is there any information on who murdered Anzu, Kushina-san?" Rin asked. "I've been meaning to ask for—"

"Obito's sister?" Kakashi asked with a raised eyebrow, pulling the book out once more. He began reading as he continued, "She was murdered?"

"Initially, the Police believed it was the same shinobi responsible for the Hyuuga kidnapping," Kushina said as Rin nodded in agreement, "but they say evidence points to a Konoha shinobi instead. They're still investigating that case."

"She's like Obito in many ways," Rin said with a frown as she remembered her deceased teammate.

"Yeah," Kakashi said as he flipped a page. "They're both unusual, at least compared to rest of the Uchiha clan."

"I always remembered that she had a crush on Seika, but Seika had a crush on Kurenai." Rin said with a smile as she glanced at the ceiling.

"Sounds like a group of genin that I recall years ago," Kushina said with a smirk.

"Before she died, she and Seika were seen together often," Rin stammered in an attempt to change the subject, realizing what Kushina referred to. "I think they were dating, but people also say that Seika was acting odd during that time."

"Seika was acting weird since the Kyuubi attack took away his sensei and mentor," Kakashi said as he flipped a page. "That shouldn't surprise anyone."

"Perhaps that's the case," Kushina said as her smirk became bigger, "or maybe Anzu told Seika how she felt before she—"

"Mom!" Naruto yelled, interrupting Kushina. He smiled as he added, "I want to go visit Hinata!"

"Not today," Kushina said with a frown. Although she was happy that he found a friend, circumstances prevented them from meeting for the moment. "The Hyuuga complex is still closed to visitors."

"But I want to go see her!" Naruto said as he kicked the floor in front of him. Rin smiled as Kakashi continued reading his book.

"We will in a few days," Kushina said with a stern voice as Naruto folded his arms. "Now continue your drills with the practice dummy."

"Fine," Naruto replied as he stormed away from the adults.

"Well, well," Rin said with a smile as she noticed Naruto hitting the training dummy harder. "I see someone is dying to see the Hyuuga heiress."

"Very much so," Kushina said. "He asked that same question every day since the meeting where the Raikage made his demands."

"So he's been at this for a week." Rin said. "Can't blame him. I'd worry too if someone wants the father of my friend dead."

"He's not aware of that – or the switch for that matter," Kushina said. "However, Naruto told me they had an encounter with the niece of the dead ambassador."

"I take it that didn't exactly well," Rin said.

"About as well as Jiraiya peeping at a bath house filled with jounin kunoichi," Kushina said while shaking her head. As Rin winced and Kakashi flipped another page, she frowned as she added, "I kept him occupied by training him in basic taijutsu, but he learns too fast."

"I noticed," Kakashi noted, as they watched Naruto hit the dummy with a four-strike combination that ended with a kick to the where one's kidneys would be located. "That, or he's determined to defend himself."

"At this rate, he'll be the next prodigy at the academy," Rin said with a smile. "Great stamina and a fast learner." She turned to Kakashi. "You'd have competition for your record, if they didn't raise the age limits."

"You say something Rin?" Kakashi said as he glanced up from his book.

Rin shook her head as Naruto struck the dummy again four times in a fluid combination, this time ending the combination with a punch to the back of the head.

x X x

"Finally, we're home," Hayaji whispered under his breath as he entered an apartment. He and Hotaru stepped out of their shoes, and walked to the center of the room.

"Dad," Hotaru asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he said with a slight sigh as he glanced at his daughter. "It's been a long day—"

"I didn't know so many people missed Uncle Yasa," she interrupted with a frown as she eased herself on the floor. Folding her legs underneath her, she added, "I still miss him too."

"Folks always care about a person who is kind to them," he said as he sat on the floor with his daughter. "Your uncle was that type of person. That's why half the village attended the funeral."

"How do people treat a bad person when they die?" she asked.

"No one respects them," he said after some thought. "Sometimes, people celebrate their deaths instead of mourning them."

"Like what the village did with the man that killed Uncle Yasa?"

"More or less," he said with a frown while Hotaru yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. He was unsure what to say at that moment. Yes, the man killed his brother, but looking at the circumstances, he'd do the same if his daughter were in the same predicament.

"Okay," she said as she rubbed her eyes. "I'm sleepy."

"Before you go to bed, take a bath," he responded, pointing to the bathroom.

"Yes Dad," she said as she eased off the floor. As she walked to the bathroom, Hayaji stood and walked to a different room. Grabbing small clothes from a closet inside the room, he returned to the main room.

Then he heard the sound of footsteps. He turned around, but saw nothing.

As paranoia stabilized in his mind, he closed the window and locked it. He left the room and walked to his room. Remembering that he locked the other windows inside the apartment, he took off his kimono, leaving on his pants.

Without warning, he heard Hotaru shriek.

Immediately, he grabbed a holster filled with kunai and shuriken and ran toward the bathroom.

Hayaji saw a masked shinobi with Hotaru clutched his arms and a broken window behind him. His hand covered her mouth, preventing further screams as she struggled to get free.

"Ah, Hayaji," the masked man said. "Just the man I was hoping to find—"

"If you don't drop my daughter, I'll gut you and fry your insides!" Hayaji snarled as he brandished a kunai with one hand, while electricity sparked his other hand.

"You won't be doing that," the man said as he pulled out a kunai. Holding the weapon to her throat, he added, "If you want the girl to live, you'll drop your weapon and the jutsu."

Hayaji dropped the jutsu. However, he didn't drop the weapon.

Instead, he smirked.

"Drop it now!" the masked man said, as he pushed the kunai towards her throat, drawing blood. "Or I'll slice her throat open!"

Unfortunately for the masked man, a kunai went through his skull, piercing his brain. As the man dropped onto the ground, Hotaru ran toward her father, clutching onto his leg.

Behind the assailant was a masked woman.

"Good thing I got here just in time," the masked woman said as she pulled the kunai out of the skull of the masked man. She examined the kunai and discarded it as she added, "They're coming after us Hayaji. We need to leave the village."

"Who's coming for us," Hayaji asked as Hotaru started crying, "and who the hell are you?"

"Don't get angry," the woman said. As Hayaji nodded, she sighed and removed her mask.

"You!" he yelled as he dropped the kunai in his hand. After he covered Hotaru's ears, he continued, "You have some nerve coming here after everything you did!"

"If I didn't show up, you and Hotaru would be dead!" the woman yelled back as she rolled her eyes.

"I'm perfectly capable of defending myself and my daughter—"

"So perfect that an assailant almost slashed her throat!" the woman interrupted. He looked down, and noticed Hotaru rubbing the front of her neck. He remained silent as he noticed the blood trickling from there.

"I'll repeat myself again," the woman said. "Grab what you need, and let's go!"

"I'm not moving until you answer my questions Reina," Hayaji said as he folded his arms, uncovering Hotaru's ears.

"Fine," the woman said as she closed her eyes and held her forehead. "Ask away."

"Adults are going to talk," Hayaji said as he kneeled down to his daughter and cleaned the wound on her throat. "I want you to go to your room and pack for a trip. We're leaving for a while."

"Yes Dad," Hotaru said as he produced a clone to follow her. "What should I take with me?"

"Bring some clothes, and anything you want," Hayaji said.

"Okay," she said as she and the clone left the bathroom.

"I thank you for saving my daughter," Hayaji whispered as he turned his attention to Reina. He raised the volume of his voice as he continued, "But it doesn't change the fact you're responsible for the kidnapping. Why did you do something so stupid?"

"I followed my family's orders, thinking that was best for Kumo," Reina said as she checked the pulse of the masked shinobi. Moving her index finger across her throat, she added while he nodded, "Yasahiro and a Konoha kunoichi stopped me before I could accomplish the goal. He let me go and took the Hyuuga child back." Tears flowed down her face as she added, "An hour later, I find his hotel room crawling with Konoha ANBU, and I learn about his death." She closed her eyes. "It's all my fault."

"So the Denyami instigated all of this?" Hayaji asked.

"Who do you think attacked you just now," Reina said. She pulled the mask off the assailant, revealing his face. They both noticed a blue seal on his forehead. Hayaji shook his head as she added, "They want both of us dead."

"I can see why they want to kill you," Hayaji said as they left the bathroom. "What does your family want with me?"

"You know too much," Reina responded as they walked to another door in the house. "Remember three years ago when you were in Konoha?" Hayaji nodded as he opened the door to his room, keeping his gaze away from the kunoichi. "My brother and a contact in Konoha was responsible for that plan."

"I know why Hajime wanted that family dead," he asked as he rifled through the closet, snatching several clothes from hangers. "The baby had the Kyuubi sealed inside of him."

"My brother learned that the Kyuubi no Kitsune was sealed inside the son of Minato Namikaze after the attack through a contact in Konoha," Reina said as he stuffed various clothing into a bag. After he nodded in agreement, she continued "He wanted to eliminate all traces of his family, and told the contact to hire a Kumo shinobi."

"I suppose I was that shinobi?" he said as he equipped another holster filled with shuriken. As Reina nodded, he continued, "It's in the records as a failed mission."

"He knows you killed the informant," Reina said. "My brother wanted you eliminated because of it. However, the Raikage knew you acted in the best interest of Kumo, and couldn't do it."

"I have more reasons for killing Daichi Kuroyama, but that was one of them," he said with a sigh as he tossed her a pouch filled with medicine. "Hold on to that."

"Now with the fallout from the failed kidnapping, they want to eliminate anyone who knows this information," she said with a sigh. "That means us Hayaji."

"Why would Hajime kill his own sister?" Hayaji asked. "I know he's creepy and a power-hungry bastard, but even he is more likely to protect his sister than to—"

"I failed, and Konoha wants me to answer for the kidnapping attempt," she responded with a whisper. "He'd be happy to oblige to their wishes if it meant the best for the clan. He's been like that since—"

"I understand," Hayaji interrupted as he grabbed a large box and four scrolls. Glancing at three pictures, he took them and placed all the items into a second bag.

"Now do you believe me," she asked as she placed her hand on her hip.

"To an extent," Hayaji said as he glanced at the final picture, which was one of Yasahiro. He turned to Reina and continued, "I'll say this much. If I find out you're lying to me, I will kill you where you stand." He stared into her eyes. "Furthermore, I also blame the death of my brother on your family in addition to Hiashi Hyuuga. You were just following orders like any other shinobi from a clan."

"I understand," Reina said as her voice lowered. "There's something else you need to know."

"What?" he said while he grabbed one of the bags.

"Konoha pulled a fast one on you and Masaru," Reina said as she sat on his bed. Lying down, she added, "I learned some information while disguised in Konoha."

"Is that so," Hayaji said as he grabbed the second bag. "Spill it."

"Kumo didn't get the body of Hiashi Hyuuga," Reina said as she sat up on the bed and glanced directly into his eye. "They got the body of his twin brother instead."

"He sent his brother to be executed!" Hayaji yelled as he clenched his fists, dropping the bags. Reina stood and placed her index finger on his lips as her other hand touched him. Reducing the volume of his voice, he added, "What kind of monster orders his brother to die?"

"It's not what you think," Reina said as she removed her hand away from him. "His brother volunteered to do this to escape the seal. The same one that runs in the Denyami clan."

"I see," Hayaji said as he grabbed the bags off the floor. "So justice hasn't been done after all."

"Worry about that another time," Reina said after she shook her head. "Grabbed everything you need?"

"Yep," Hayaji said as he took both bags. He grabbed a wallet as he added, "Let me check on Hotaru to see if—"

"I'm ready!" Hotaru yelled from her room. Reina smiled in response.

"Okay," he yelled in response. He turned to Reina, "Any plan on where to go? The Denyami will be on our trail at any moment."

"I have no ideas," Reina said as she shook her head. They walked out the room as she added, "I left a note at the Raikage office explaining the situation, but even Masaru can't save us from this predicament."

"He'll likely mark us as missing-nin," Hayaji said in a whisper when he noticed his daughter waiting patiently with two bags. "He has no choice in that manner, but he'll give us enough time to escape."

"Us? You want me to come with you?" Reina asked. "After what happened?"

"Yasahiro is an idealistic fool at times. However, he would want us to work together to survive," Hayaji said. As Reina nodded, he added, "I have a contact in Iwa. It will take three days to travel there, but they should—"

"Dad," Hotaru said as he pulled on his pants leg. "Is Aunt Reina coming with us?"

"Yes she is," Hayaji responded in a serious tone.

"Cool!" she said as Reina took one of her bags. "This is going to be fun!"

"Hotaru," Reina said in a sweet voice, "We're going to be away from here for some time."

"Why?" Hotaru said with a pout. "I like it here!"

"Bad men want to hurt us," Hayaji said as he knelt down to his daughter. "We must leave as soon as possible."

"Like the man that grabbed me?" Hotaru asked. "And the man that killed Uncle Yasa?"

"Yes," Hayaji said while Reina nodded in agreement as she opened the door.

"Will we be okay?" Hotaru asked, unconsciously rubbing her throat.

"Your dad and I will protect you," Reina said reassuringly. When she deemed everything safe, she transformed herself into a blonde-haired woman and took Hotaru's bags.

"Let's go," Hayaji said as he lifted Hotaru in his arms and bolted out the house.

"You know Iwa has their own issues, right?" Reina said as they ran through the streets of Kumo towards the western gate. "The son of the Tsuchikage was murdered. I heard he was ready to step down to spend more time with his family. With all the commotion, we'll be lucky if we're allowed in the village at the time."

"That's not a problem," Hayaji said as both shinobi picked up the pace. "I've been in contact with an Iwa shinobi for some time since the Konoha incident. I'm aware of the power transfer in Iwa, and she has connections to the incoming Tsuchikage." Reina nodded as he continued, "If he's anything like she described him, we'll be safe there."

x X x

"We're going to reverse roles this time," Shayou said as he folded his arms against his chest. He glanced at Hinata, who got up from the mat for the eighth time in this sparring session. Meanwhile, Neji eased into his battle stance with confidence. Shaking his head, Shayou continued, "Hinata, try to break through Neji's defense. Neji, guard against her attacks."

Both children nodded in agreement while Hinata stood in a similar battle stance like Neji.

"Begin!" Shayou yelled as he took two steps backwards.

By the time he took his second step, Hinata was on the ground for the ninth time. Before she could attempt an attack, Neji struck her in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of her again.

"Neji!" Manaka yelled from the opposite side of the dojo. "You were only supposed to defend against the attack. Not go after Hinata!"

"I did defend myself!" Neji yelled back at the female branch member. "I struck her before she could land a blow!"

"That's not how sparring works," Shayou said, although he did not fault the child's thoughts of preemptive action. "Hinata needs to practice her combinations, while you need to learn how to—"

"Why does she get her way?" Neji said as Hinata rose to her knees to catch her breath.

"No one is playing favorites," Manaka said as she rolled her eyes at the young Hyuuga boy. He definitely reminded her of Seika when they were little. "Everyone needs to practice the basics if they want to become good shinobi. That includes you and Hinata."

"But it's not my fault that she left herself open!" Neji yelled.

"You weren't supposed to strike her," Shayou said in an annoyed tone. "You were supposed to block her attack."

"So now I'm her personal punching dummy?" Neji yelled. He stormed off as he added, "The main house always gets their way!"

"The boy has talent," Manaka said with a sigh as Hinata stood up. "He also has serious issues."

"Anyone who lost their father like the way Neji lost his would have emotional issues," Asahi said as she entered the dojo. "You can't blame a child for acting out this way."

"Asahi-sama!" Shayou said with a bow. "What brings you here?"

"For one, my daughter is here with you," Asahi said with a sarcastic edge to her voice. "Second, I wanted to ask about Hinata's progress in training."

"Well, you don't need me for this," Manaka said as she walked out the dojo. "I'm going to visit Seika, then finalize some business at ANBU headquarters." Shayou and Asahi nodded in agreement while Manaka walked out the dojo.

"Take a breather Hinata," the Hyuuga branch member said aloud. He lowered his voice to a whisper as he turned to Asahi. "Do you want to the good news or the bad news first?"

"The good news," she said. "There hasn't been much of it lately."

"Hinata clearly has the necessary ability to become a shinobi," he said. "That should keep the main branch from asking questions about her ability to become the next heir for the time being."

"What's the bad news?" Asahi said as she brushed her hair back.

"She regressed a lot," Shayou said. "Before the kidnapping, she wanted to train and get better. My sister said it best in that she was comparable to Neji in ability, and he may be a potential genius with Jyuuken." Asahi lowered her glance. "Now, she seems to be timid, like she's afraid to fight."

"So we have an gifted, yet incensed four-year-old boy that wants to destroy a capable, but frightened three-year-old girl?" she said. "All of this because of one event."

"That's an accurate assessment," he replied. "However, I also noticed something else. It seems that Hinata trains harder when she's around friends."

"Is that so?" the mother said with a smile.

"Whenever Naruto was around, they'd always train together," he said. "She looked more impressive sparring with him, compared to any of the spars I supervised. The same also happens when Hinata sparred with Neji ... before he became more aggressive in their spars."

"Just like Hisako," Asahi whispered with a smile. "That doesn't surprise me. Many have said that she acts like her."

"Many will compare Hinata to her," Shayou said with a frown. "Or to Hikaru for that matter. Hinata resembles both of them."

"Hinata will become a shinobi in her own right," Asahi said with a smile. "She'll find her own way to separate herself from her aunts."

"Does Neji know about the circumstances with his father's death?" Shayou asked. Asahi glared at him as he stammered, "The way he stormed off, I assume he doesn't."

"Hiashi forbids anyone to tell Neji until he is old enough to understand." She said as she closed her eyes in disgust. "He took away the scroll that Hizashi wrote to Neji explaining the situation and locked it in the vault."

"Is that wise?" he asked. "Neji already started to take the frustration out on Hinata. I'm almost certain it's because he can't go after Hiashi."

"Of course not," she said. "I yelled at him for hours, but he kept speaking about Hyuuga pride and family rules. It's stupidity, like stopping anyone that isn't a Hyuuga from entering the compound for a week."

"Many rules in this family are silly," Shayou said. "You probably learned this after five years of marriage."

"I noticed," she said as Shayou chuckled for a bit. "But I love him anyway."

"What to do about the situation with the children?" Shayou asked.

"I want you to continue training Hinata," Asahi said as she walked toward her daughter. "I'll go talk to Neji and calm him down in a moment."

"Good luck," he said while shaking his head. "I believe he inherited his stubbornness from his father and uncle."

"Hinata," Asahi said as she walked over to her daughter. She knelt down beside her. "I want you to continue training for the next hour, and I want you to do your best." Hinata nodded in agreement. "When I return, you can help me cook dinner."

"Yes mom," Hinata replied as she smiled, watching her mom stand up.

"Okay Hinata," Shayou said as Asahi left the room. "Let's work on that attack combination. You want the movements to be easy and flow together so the next strike is easier to land..."

x X x

"Tori," Danzo said with a serious tone. "What brings you here?"

"With all due respect Danzo-sama, I want to resign from Root," the woman said as she took off her mask, revealing herself to be Manaka.

"Why the change of heart?" the elderly man asked as she placed the mask on his desk. "I hope it has nothing to do with recent events."

"Unfortunately, that is the case," she said as she placed her hand on her hip. "With everything that happened in my family, I want to spend more time with them. I don't believe I can commit myself to that and Root."

"I understand," Danzo said as he reached into his desk and grabbed a paper from a folder. "I heard about your brother and his accident in the Hyuuga mess. I'm sincerely sorry that happened."

"Thanks," Manaka said. "Doctors say there's a chance he could regain the use of his legs, but they need to find a medic with enough skill."

"That may take a while to find someone of that skill," he said as he placed the paper on the desk. " Sign this release form. Konoha will process it within a week, but this will make your resignation effective immediately." Manaka read the document carefully, before taking a nearby pen and signing her name on it.

"Thank you Danzo-sama," Manaka said as bowed politely.

"I'm glad that you were part of our service Hyuuga-san," Danzo said as she turned to leave the room. "We'll miss your unique abilities."

"My abilities aren't that unique," she said as she reached the door. "Anyone in my family can use them." He smiled as she exited the room.

When she closed the door behind her, his smile turned into a scowl.

"Insolent brat," Danzo said as he smashed the porcelain mask on his desk with his only hand, with shards of it scattering on the desk, with some pieces reaching the floor. He disliked the situation of having to replace a Hyuuga on his squad. While many of them could become capable ANBU officers, fewer have joined the ranks in recent years.

His thoughts were broken as he heard a knock on his door, followed by a female voice. "Danzo-sama! I have news!"

"Come in," he said as he slumped back into his chair. Shortly after, a woman wearing a porcelain mask that resembled a bug with green and black painting. She carried a manila envelope in her hand.

"Ah, Inago," Danzo said in a calm tone. "I wish you wouldn't yell around headquarters like that. You never know who's listening."

"Forgive me, but I have information about the murder case you asked about," Inago said as she placed the envelope on the desk. He opened it and looked through the files as she continued, "I can confirm that Anzu Uchiha was not killed by a Kumo shinobi, although the police department reports signify the same result."

"So that means the Kumo shinobi everyone seeks is only guilty of kidnapping," Danzo said. "Seems like Konoha and the Hyuuga received the bad end of that trade, even if we sent the wrong body."

"Prior to her death, she definitely activated her Sharingan." She sat in a chair as he continued reading the files. "With that advantage, even a member of an elite clan like the Hyuuga or Denyami would struggle against it, as the Sharingan would take away certain advantages."

"So who's the real murderer?" he asked as he glanced at pictures of the murder scene.

"After I did my own investigation, I can confirm it was another member of the Uchiha clan," she said as she crossed her legs. She noticed pieces of porcelain around the desk, and assumed he fired another incompetent operative. "Based on the research I compiled, there is another level of the Sharingan that is unlocked by witnessing the death of someone close."

"I heard that rumor before," Danzo said as he leaned back further in his chair. "That ability is the Mangekyou Sharingan. The power from those eyes is rumored to rival that of a god."

"Most believe it takes a Sharingan user to defeat one," Inago said as she sighed through her mask. "Considering that Anzu was known not to have her kekkei genkai prior to her death, it's assumed that she was defeated by someone else with the same ability."

"I assume the Uchiha covered up the incident?" he said.

"I'm certain of it," she said as she folded her hands. "They don't want rumors about clan members killing each other. It may be an isolated incident, but my research also shows that several recent deaths and murders link to the Uchiha in some form."

"Some Uchiha hope to gain the Mangekyou," Danzo said as he eased off the chair. "Why do you believe that's the case?"

"They're the most powerful clan in Konoha since the Senju died out in the war, so I can't see why they need more power. Not even the Hyuuga could overpower them as is," the masked ANBU officer said. "However, history dictates when a clan gathers power or resources, it's usually a sign that they are preparing to—"

"Precisely," Danzo said before Inago could finish her statement. He raised his finger as he added, "We can't let them rebel against Konoha."

"What can we do about it?" she said as she uncrossed her legs. "Only a few of our operatives have enough skill to defeat the Sharingan."

"For now, we work in the shadows," Danzo said. "You continue working at the Hokage Tower to intercept any additional information. In the meantime, I'll begin the new training program."

"That program?" she said as she touched the chin of her mask. She stood up as she added, "The same one that the Mizukage banned in Kiri four years ago?"

"We'll need recruits and officers ready to do whatever it takes to defend Konoha," Danzo said as he slammed his palm on the desk. "We're heading for a civil if the Uchiha succeed in their goal."

"I understand," she said as she stood up. "Even if we defeat them, our enemies would capitalize on the opportunity."

"Sarutobi may be senile enough to believe that talking to them will work," he said as he grabbed a nearby cane, "but I'll keep those power-hungry bastards from revolting, even if we must kill all of them."

x X x

That ends the tenth chapter, and the second arc of the story. The seeds of uncertainty begin to spread as many stories begin to form.

Both Naruto and Hinata suffer from effects of the kidnapping, but with opposite effects. Naruto continues to train hard to protect himself, while Hinata has grown more timid.

Neji remains unaware of the events concerning his father's death, due to Hiashi's orders to the entire clan. As a result, he has become more aggressive.

With Hotaru in his arms, Hayaji attempts to escape the Denyami clan by fleeing to Iwa. Reina goes with him for the same reasons – in addition to evading freelance bounty hunters, Kumo shinobi, and Konoha shinobi, all whom pursue her because of her role in the Hyuuga kidnapping attempt.

Meanwhile, Danzo and the Ne (Root) division of ANBU learn that an Uchiha murdered Anzu in an attempt to unlock the Mangenkyo Sharingan, while the clan attempted to cover it up. With the research of an operative only known as "Inago," they realize that more deaths are linked to the Uchiha, and realize it's a ploy to gain enough power to overtake the village. They begin preparations to act—even willing to go against the will of the Hokage.

Until then, Chapter 11: The Dream Begins will begin the third arc of this story. Five years shall pass, where Naruto and Hinata begin their training at Konoha Ninja Academy to become official shinobi. Many changes will occur in that time span, and they meet future allies, and rivals, both individuals familiar to readers, along with a few new faces.

I ask that you reveal your thoughts, questions, and critique about the chapter (or story overall at this point) in a review, as I will probably take the time to answer them. Until then, have a good day ... or night.