No I don't own Naruto. I would have a better sense of romance...and I think that says something about the current storyline.
Chapter 10 Part 1: Rain of Blood
Frowning, Jiraiya addressed the assembled ANBU with the focus and ability that could be expected of a legendary ninja. This was not the time for jokes; death would follow these men and women tonight. "I have been alerted to a credible threat to Konoha's security. A separatist faction within the village ninja force is acting independently to train unregistered soldiers for their own use. By the charter of Konoha, the leader of this group is partaking in treasonous activities that undermine the unity of the village. For that action, his life is forfeit. This mission is beyond rank; it is a fundamental aspect of your positions. Are you prepared for the information?"
Standing at attention, the twenty elite ANBU agents did not even flinch. One did not gain the rank through stupidity or arrogance. Their training took care of such things, if their records did not. In fact, that was one of the reasons that kept the Hyuga presence within ANBU extremely low. These men and women were here to serve Konoha, and as acting Hokage, Jiraiya had their full trust by definition.
Nodding at the silence, Jiraiya began the briefing, "The target's name is Danzou. At one point, he was a possible candidate for the Third Hokage, but was deemed inferior to the Sandaime. Instead he was put in charge of developing the Black Ops branch of ANBU, code named ROOT, training soldiers that would accomplish the darkest and dirtiest acts for the village. However, his methods were deemed too inhumane and his unit was disbanded. Recently, evidence has been brought to my attention that he rebuilt that unit out of a group of loyalists and orphans. Right now, his numbers are manageable, but if left to develop it could be a disaster. Your mission is to incapacitate and restrain his subordinates for questioning. However, while his presence would make the information department's job a lot easier, Danzou is free game. Unless he surrenders, I want that man dead before sunrise. Is that understood?"
They were true ANBU; the answer was obvious, "Hai, Jiraiya-sama!"
Smirking at show of respect, Jiraiya decided he needed more subordinates like this group. Having such a strong, respectful reaction to his orders was a nice change of pace from cries of 'pervert' or 'Ero-sennin.' That was definitely a project to work on once Tsunade returned. Clearing his throat, Jiraiya started making hand signs, "Now then, it's time to introduce you to the intelligence officer who has managed to infiltrate Danzou's forces. Summoning Jutsu!"
They were ANBU, fearless and loyal, but many would state in later years that getting debriefed by a giant purple toad was the oddest point in their respective careers; at least, until the next couple of Hokage's came along.
-----
Adjusting her hood, Tsunade sipped from the sake cup in satisfaction. There was nothing like relaxing after a long day with an old friend. Although the disguise was a little irritating, that was the price you had to pay for politics.
With the return of the Crone of the Seed, everyone from nobles to farm hands seemed to be getting sick. Of course, living up to her reputation, Tsunade healed most of the issues with minimal trouble, only adding to the legend. Being the politician that he was, the Daimyo was quick to capitalize upon this action, and publicly patronized her efforts, gaining greater support within the country. Although she found such games distasteful, Tsunade couldn't really begrudge him the political capitol. Without his sanctuary, Naruto would probably still be tripping over his own two feet. Instead, the little punk would be ready for dodging practice before too much longer.
Of course, part of solidifying that support was to be associated with him as the Crone. So while they shared a simple dinner as old friends, the blonde Hokage was forced to don her disguise. The whole experience was embarrassing, especially to a woman who so strongly valued her image. Appearing young was one of Tsunade's small vices, like her gambling or drinking, and being stripped of that little security blanket was almost painful. The Daimyo's amusement with the situation was not helping matters at all.
"Really, Tsunade-sama, it's not that bad. So you have a few wrinkles and a bit of gray hair, it looks rather distinguished all things considered." Draining her cup, Tsunade held it out for a refill. "Don't you know the rules of getting old, Daimyo-san? Men become distinguished with gray hair, women become withered. At least I don't have perverted patients trying to grope me like this." Chuckling into his own sake, the Daimyo shook his head in admiration. "What idiot would be stupid to grope YOU during treatment?"
Smiling in nostalgia at the thought of breaking pervert bones, Tsunade countered, "You, my old friend, have obviously never dealt with Jiraiya."
Before he could reply, the two were rudely interrupted by a loud crash. Getting to their feet in concern, the Daimyo and Tsunade were treated to the sight of the royal ninja flying through the door. Tsunade mentally threw out a thank you to Naruto for his help with her hemophilia; with the amount of blood and broken bones present, the attendant was obviously dead.
"So sorry to interrupt, but I'm afraid an official appointment was simply impossible to get."
The man entering the room was clearly a ninja. Each step was confident, bordering upon arrogant, despite his slight frame. While the clothing bore no symbol, and the three purple triangle tattoos on his face were unfamiliar, the look in his eyes said it all. This was a man who enjoyed killing, power and fear. Whoever he was, the unknown ninja was definitely trouble.
Bowing in a mocking fashion, the man smiled sinisterly, "I am Renga of the Janin, soon-to-be Daimyo of the Land of Vegetable. Remember that name Crone, for I am to be your new master." Narrowing her eyes, Tsunade prepared to strike the arrogant pup down. "Oh? What makes you think that I would take orders from trash such as yourself?" Cracking his neck, the sinister smile didn't even waver, "Well, a little birdie told me that you have a special patient you're looking after. My younger brothers are currently going to acquire him or her, and any possible guardians. Perhaps their screams will bring you to heel. If not, there are some interested buyers out there for healers at the moment."
Forming a fist, Tsunade scowled; this little punk had just signed his own death warrant!
-----
Enjoying her meal after training, Hinata smiled in contentment. Soon, she would be able to utilize a brand new technique in combat conditions! Shizune-sempai had said her preparations should be ready for a test run in the next week or so! Once this move was perfected, the Hyuga failure could help protect Naruto-kun. She couldn't be happier!
Biting a mouthful of rice, Hinata stiffened; what was this feeling?
"Byakugan!"
Looking up from their own dinners, Shizune and Naruto frowned in concern. Hinata NEVER casually activated the Byakugan. It was a taboo among the Hyuga household to utilize the technique without reason. Apparently, so many people questioned the morals of the clan, that very strict rules about its practice were enforced. If Hinata was using it outside of battle or training, something very bad must have happened.
Eyes widening in shock, Hinata cried out, "There's a dust cloud rising from the palace! Also, two strange chakra signatures of high Chunin to low Jonin rank are approaching from that direction! We might be under attack!"
Frowning, Shizune focused her own senses. While not as inclusive as the Byakugan, all medical ninja were forced to develop their chakra-sensing ability to a much higher degree than normal. Shizune, the apprentice of Tsunade, was of course no exception to this rule. However, as she focused her senses, Shizune couldn't help but let out a gasp. Hinata was right, they were about to be attacked!
Rising quickly, Shizune reached for her weapons pouches, removed after their afternoon practice. "Hinata, you and I are going to intercept them in the field. We are more familiar with this territory from our training over the last few weeks. It's not ideal, but both of our styles rely upon facing an opponent in an open area. Naruto, you are to stay here and if we fall, run towards the castle to get Tsunade-sama."
Jumping up in anger, Naruto snarled, "Like hell I am! I can fight just as well as you two, and three on two is much safer than two on two! I won't just abandon either of you!"
Blushing, Hinata was moved by his passion. Unfortunately, Shizune was not.
"Naruto, you have barely gotten a hold of your chakra, and your hand eye coordination still needs work, let alone your taijutsu. Hinata and I have worked together extensively since your training began, and know each other's styles sufficiently to stand a chance. I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but in your current state you would still get in the way. Please stay here and escape when you can; your safety is our first priority."
Activating her Byakugan, Hinata frowned; the enemy was almost upon them. "Shizune-sempai..."
Seeing the stubborn face that had mastered the Rasengan in a week, Shizune sighed, Please forgive me, Naruto-kun. Quickly forming the hand seals, she leapt at the surprised Jinchuuriki, hand outstretched. Before he could do a thing, Naruto found himself prone on the floor, jerking uncontrollably. Shaking her head, Shizune looked at the young ninja in sorrow. "I'm sorry Naruto-kun, but this is the best that I can do. This is the same technique that Tsunade used against Kabuto, scrambling your nervous system temporarily. It's not as strong though, so you should be able to move around in about twenty minutes. As soon as you regain your motor control, please run to Tsunade-sama. Either we will have dealt with the problem by then, or we will need her to rescue us. Let's go Hinata."
Looking at her crush in concern, Hinata followed Shizune with a frown on her face.
Exiting their home, Hinata and Shizune were treated to the sight of the opposition. Both were dressed in a similar fashion, possessing a clear family resemblance. The shorter one was stocky, with red claw-like tattoo's covering his face. The thinner subject, though, had two tear-drops and a blue triangle on his chin. However, both exuded a strong bloodlust and arrogance that shook the kunoichi to their cores. Clearly, they had a serious fight on their hands.
Cracking his knuckles, the shorter ninja stepped forward without fear. "Greetings ladies; I'm afraid that you will be going down for the glory of the Janin brothers, right Ruiga?" Twirling a tonfa menacingly, the taller one smirked evilly. "Of course, Jiga, they will fetch a fine price, injured or no. Let's show them what we can do. Afterwards, we can look through their scrolls and possessions without fear."
Thinking of Naruto-kun, trapped in the house helpless, Hinata leapt forward without hesitation. There was no time to think, she had to protect him!
-----
Running through the hidden tunnel system, the various ANBU agents couldn't help but be awed by the scope of the complex. To construct such a facility without the standard forces finding out was a monumental task. However, keeping and maintaining its very existence as a secret was downright frightening. If Danzou had the connections, personnel and resources to pull off such a feat, he was someone to respect if nothing else. Clearly, this was not going to be an easy assignment.
Following the information provided by Kosuke, the squad of ANBU split into groups of ten. The first group proceeded to mark each known entrance to the underground lair with barrier seals. No matter what happened today, with this operation ROOT would be finished. Of course, they hoped that this last resort would not be needed, but as ANBU they had to plan for any possibility. The second group gathered around the primary entrance to the lower levels. This was where the training and development of ROOT was carried out. This was where the threat would be finished.
Two of the ANBU Seal Masters stepped forward, preparing their tools. With practiced ease, a three-part matrix was quickly inscribed over the entrance. One part negated any radiating elements from the entrance, preventing security seals from activating. A second level effectively turned the entire door into an exploding tag, allowing quick and easy entrance. The final level, however, focused and directed the force of the blast, preventing injury to the attacking force. Signaling their preparations were complete both stood back, waiting for the operation to start.
Four of the remaining ANBU began making hand seals, staying silent. Soon, twelve clones made from mud, and another four made apparently from wood, stood next to their counterparts. With this initial force, they could maximize their efforts, despite their limited numbers. Plus, with Tenzou's special abilities, capturing enemy ninja without killing them would be significantly simplified. Positioning themselves near the entrance, both Tenzou and a cat-faced ANBU, leaders of their respective squads, signaled to begin.
Nodding, the seal masters made a series of hand seals, before slamming their palms against the intricate brush strokes. With their action, the entrance did not so much explode as disintegrate. Moving quickly, the various clones proceeded to act as vanguard before the ANBU followed, leaving two members as a final line of defense. As soon as the other group was finished with their preparations, the infiltration team would have their back-up. However, this assumed that nothing would go wrong.
Moving quickly, the ANBU began sealing rooms and looking for targets. They were soldiers with a mission, and no matter what the odds, nothing would permit them to fail. Blood would spill, lives would be lost, but Konoha would not fall!
-----
Dodging from side to side, Shizune wondered how things had gotten so out of control. Hinata had taken a preemptive shot at the shorter ninja, while she was left with the skinny one. Although somewhat reckless, dividing their strength was a valid battle tactic, so there was no major issue with the younger girl's behavior. However as the resident Jonin, it was her responsibility to ensure the two Chunin's safety. Therefore, not being able to deal with them quickly was grating on her nerves. Tsunade-sama's state was barely a concern; she was a Sannin, and could handle herself.
However, as a medical ninja, straight combat was not her strength. While Shizune was technically more powerful than her opponent, he clearly outclassed her in killing intent and offensive technique. Most of her taijutsu knowledge and medical techniques were negated by his tonfa, while her projectiles were dealt with by his secondary elemental abilities. Spitting out another stream of poison needles, she bit back a curse at the streams of water deflecting the attack. Despite her irritation, the medic had to applaud his unique skills. Such a technique required specialized ninjutsu, a kekkei genkai, or absurd control training.
Jumping in close, Ruiga smirked sinisterly at the brunet. "Aren't you getting tired of fighting the inevitable? Neither of you two are a match for us, so you might as well give up now. Once our big brother gets your mistress, we'll have all the time in the world to figure out what to do with you. Not to mention the fun we could have with your patient in there. The longer this goes on, the more...creative we will be inclined to be." Shivering at the look in his eyes, Shizune released a cloud of poisonous gas, causing the younger brother to back off, cursing.
Getting some distance, Shizune narrowed her eyes in anger. "Listen here scum; there is no WAY I am letting you anywhere near us, OR Naruto-kun! So either surrender or I will be forced to end you! Do I make myself clear?" Sighing, Ruiga lifted his tonfa in resignation. "Of course the patient is a guy. What else could he possibly be? Very well you little worm; prepare to die!" Swinging the weapons as dowsing rods, the younger Janin brother directed water projectiles at his opponent with abandon. So what if she died? The little medic's corpse could tell nearly as much as her mind could.
Cursing, Shizune thanked Tsunade-sama for her training in dodging. Any good medic learned how to avoid attacks, if only to conserve their strength to heal patients. While the attack was fast, she was able to bend and flow around the rhythm of her opponent's technique with little trouble. More importantly by being focused upon his attack, Ruiga left his defense open. Drawing her arm holster into position, Shizune released a barrage of needles, breaking his offensive with another curse.
This action left the two at an impasse. Shizune was a mid to long range fighter, with a limited arsenal of short range attacks. However, the amount of time they took to perform made the techniques untenable in this fight. Ruiga was a close to mid range fighter, with excellent reflexes that negated most of her offensive weapons. However, his techniques lacked the speed and precision to take Shizune out. With their respective techniques canceling out one another, a stalemate developed that neither side wanted to deal with.
Focusing her chakra, Shizune prayed, Stay safe Hinata, Naruto. This fight is going to take a while.
-----
Focusing on their task, Jiraiya's ANBU team sealed another room with Tenzou's moukton techniques, the enemies knocked unconscious. Any ROOT operative so far had been mid Chunin at most, thus easily subdued. Mindful of the threats of traps and security measures, each opponent had their chakra network sealed temporary, before being bound with wire and a forced sleep ninjutsu. No, these paltry forces were no problem for elite ANBU.
The other residents of the complex were another story.
Every other room seemed to hold injured, discarded bodies of failed ROOT trainees. Most had been left to die, lying on cots with blank expressions. These surviving children could not have been more than fifteen at the oldest. Often, they suffered from advanced chakra burns, broken bones, and severe lacerations. Many had not received food or water for days. Those were the lucky ones.
The unlucky ones ranged from ten to seventeen years old. Their rooms were significantly colder, and their injuries less obvious. Many seemed peaceful, almost smiling under the preservation seals. These were the dead failures, kept for spare parts or convenient models for medical studies. Unfortunately, to insure no surprises, each room of corpses had to be studied and searched before they could proceed. While these were ANBU, soldiers who killed their feelings and emotions for the good of Konoha, many of them had never seen horror on such a scale before. However, the number of medically trained ANBU was so small it was criminal. While many of them knew a few basic medical jutsu, none of the ANBU had the chakra or stamina to fulfill the mission and save the ROOT failures. The best that they could do was put them to rest, and seal the entrance to protect the injured. Knowing the realities of life, the majority realized that, by the end of the mission, many of those injured kids would be dead, and there was nothing to be done except move faster.
As they proceeded, several of the ANBU pondered the honor left in their village if such atrocities were supported by one in power. While they would follow orders to the letter, and were completely loyal to the Hokage, only now did many of them begin to understand Tsunade's decision. If she or someone she cared for were threatened by such a man, it was only good sense to remove themselves from the battlefield. If those in power followed allowed such actions, then they would be her sword to remove them.
Burrowing into the core of ROOT, these soldiers made a decision. A leader who called for the destruction of such horror was one they would support with their whole heart and soul. Be it Tsunade or Jiraiya, they would remain loyal to their Hokage. Helping the development of a Jinchuuriki was a small quirk, all things considered, and easily endured. However, no matter what tricks Danzou might try to pull, that bastard would end this night.
Seeing the more experienced ROOT members gathering to attack, the clone squad moved as one. The sooner that this mission ended, the sooner they could bring medical help and bathe. After something like this, any ninja would feel unclean, ANBU or not.
-----
Taking a deep breath, the pink haired kunoichi centered herself after taking a soldier pill. Kiba might be strong and dangerous, but he had lost to a sealed Naruto and didn't have Akamaru. If she managed to maintain her cool, this match might not be a total slaughter. Although weaker than the dog ninja, Sakura was most definitely smarter and knew it. She couldn't afford to lose after all of that hard work!
"Oy, are we going to fight? Or do you need to put on some makeup?"
Glaring at the smirking boy in front of her, Sakura cracked her knuckles. That little runt was going down!
Staring at the two opponents, Kurenai again questioned her sanity in promoting such a fight. It might simplify things for the team, but sending a Genin team member to the hospital so quickly after getting them was bad form. Kiba would win, but victory wasn't the point. Proving that Sakura had some potential to the other team members was. She wouldn't be a true replacement for Hinata, but Sakura was all that they had. If the team couldn't function because Kiba or Shino thought she was weak, none of them would manage a D-rank mission, let alone progress to Chunin. So, siting with the Aburame, the Genjutsu Mistress waited for the fight to begin, calculating the odds with both success and failure.
Apparently tired of waiting, Kiba decided not to waste any time. Focusing Chakra to his legs, the Inuzuka launched himself at the pink-haired fan girl with about half his full speed. That was about four times the intensity he had seen Sakura struggle with mere moments ago, and should end things quickly. In fact, if he hurried, he might even manage to get a proper spar out of Shino. This fight wasn't going to accomplish anything except waste his time, so why go all out? Imagine his shock when Sakura dodged easily.
"Surprised, mutt boy? Kurenai-sensei has been sparring with me for nearly three hours. After a quick recharge, I can go a lot faster than what you saw."
Snarling at the insult, Kiba increased his speed accordingly. No one talked down to him and got away with it! Sakura kept her cool, though, and quickly formed hand seals. Three clones formed right next to her, before the group each removed a kunai. Splitting up, each Sakura seemed to send chakra to their legs, accelerating around her opponent. This was the same trick that confused Ino in the Chunin Exams, except, in the forest, Sakura was free to send both herself and the clones to jump off the various trees around the clearing. The tactic was simple, elementary and very effective. In fact, about half of the graduating class might be fooled for a minute or two.
Kiba lasted ten seconds.
Lashing out with a vicious haymaker, Kiba caught the real Sakura under the chin, launching her across the sparring space and dispelling the clones in one move. "Please Sakura that was just sad. I'm an Inuzuka, you stupid bimbo! I could smell the real you within moments after the jutsu was competed, so don't even try such weak techniques against me!"
Unfortunately, due to a negligent Sensei, those 'weak techniques' were all that Sakura had to fight with at the moment.
Hearing Kiba launch himself at her again, Sakura executed a quick replacement technique, hiding in the tree behind his last position. Seeing the tree branch ripped to shreds in a second, she pulled out another Kunai. This was going to be a long fight.
-----
Lying on the floor, all Naruto could feel was betrayal. He had worked so HARD to get stronger, but Shizune-nee-chan wouldn't even give him the chance to prove himself! Sure she might know more about fighting than he did, but that didn't mean that he was a burden! Growing up, the blonde ninja had never felt so strong or confident. But what was the point if those he cared for didn't believe in him?
Well, actually Hinata-chan seemed to want my help. But Shizune-nee-chan overruled her...
Naruto had always been alone, and often had trouble relying upon others. Learning teamwork under Kakashi was actually one of the most difficult things he had ever accomplished. Day in and day out growing up, he had to take care of himself to insure his survival. Sure, the Hokage might treat him to ramen occasionally, and Ichiraku was always a special home to him, but no one else seemed to care. More importantly than the status his hiate had given him, Naruto loved being a ninja because it meant he had comrades to rely on and those who could rely on him. Shizune-nee-chan's actions seemed to say she couldn't trust him, and that hurt more than he could have believed.
However, he wasn't the most unpredictable ninja of Konoha for nothing! With all of the stress, and the inability to move, Naruto was forced to use a recently discovered power. He actually began to think things through.
Ok, so she said that the technique would wear off after twenty minutes, right? That means that it's just a chakra thing, not a permanent thing like those limiter seals. The time limit is probably from the amount of time my own chakra will take to break down her technique. So maybe, if I focus my chakra, I can get up faster! So let's see...
It was hard, but like Kabuto before him, Naruto quickly tried moving every part of his body to figure out the rewiring. Trying to move the left leg shifted his right hand, his right knee twitched his right foot and so on. While he didn't have the control or experience to use his full range in battle like Kabuto could, that wasn't what he was aiming for. Figuring out the right combination of twitches, Naruto managed to form a seal, and began focusing his chakra.
With his advanced training, intense focus, and unmatched will, Naruto broke the technique within fifteen seconds; a full ten minutes early. Readjusting his senses to normal, the blonde ninja grabbed a kunai. He might not have the raw chakra control to summon one shadow clone, but if there was an attack, summoning a thousand of them would probably be alright at this point. Heading towards the door, Naruto stepped through the front door ready to fight; an action that would change his life, and those around him, forever.
-----
Hinata was outmatched and she knew it. Although he looked rather pudgy, Jiga of the Janin was actually quite fast, and extremely strong. Despite her ability in Juken, the normally quiet Hyuga was hesitant to get in close after seeing her opponent crater the ground with his punches. Trying to get some distance, she threw a brace of kunai and shuriken to buy some time. That was when she made an unwelcome discovery.
Skin changing color, Jiga simply held up an arm and all of the weapons rushed to attach themselves. Changing back, the various projectiles fell to the ground, without leaving a single scratch. Noting her shock, the ninja smirked, "Surprised, you little ant? I've been eating iron since I was a boy, and can control any iron with magnetism as a result. Your weapons are useless against me!"
Looking through her Byakugan, Hinata saw the level of chakra manipulation the technique took and was shocked by its efficiency. Jiga could maintain the magnetic field for HOURS without a major strain, and could switch it off in an instant. While his defense could technically be breached by the Juken, his body was reinforced by the existing iron in his blood, minimizing the damage she could accomplish. Even locking the technique on or off could only last about twenty minutes, and wouldn't accomplish much in a field full of flowers.
What was she going to do?!
Seeing the fear in her eyes, Jiga began to laugh. Breaking spirits, gaining power, generating fear; these were the true wonders of being a ninja! Now to twist the knife just a bit more, and watch that fear become despair!
"Ah, so you're one of those famed Hyuga fighters from Konoha, aren't you? God you're pathetic! If this is the might of the Hyuga, we probably could have taken over Konoha instead of this backwater. Ah well, once you and your friends are taken down, who knows what the future might bring? I'm sure that once we capture your patient, you'll be much more pliable, and a perfect specimen to sell to Kumo; especially after the little jerk starts screaming."
Hinata had been degraded for most of her life. Told to give up, that she was weak, that she was useless; insults against her were old hat by now. However, Jiga made a mistake in his taunts. He threatened the safety of Naruto, the one person that Hinata cared for above all others. To threaten someone who doesn't care for their own wellbeing is one thing, but to threaten their most precious person on top of that? He clearly had rocks for brains.
Seeing the determination in her eyes, Jiga scowled. Where had THAT come from? No matter, he would simply have to wipe that look from her face in one blow! Channeling his magnetic abilities into one arm, Jiga punched into the earth, before drawing a lump of metal nearly one meter in diameter. "Well, if you think you can beat me, try this on for size! Earth Style! Great Iron Dumpling!" Fusing the extracted iron with his chakra, Jiga threw it at the startled Hyuga. Once she dodged, he could simply zip behind her and knock her out during the distraction.
Hinata saw the incoming projectile, and knew she couldn't hold back. It might not be ready, but if she gave in now, Naruto-kun would be hurt! That could not happen! Channeling her chakra, she began to sharpen and focus the energy into her palms. Moving faster and faster, a solid web of energy seemed to form in front of her. Knowing that would not be enough, Hinata poured her entire heart and soul into the technique. A second before the iron ball made contact, she desperately called out the techniques name, praying for success. "Guardian Eight Divination Signs, Sixty-Four Palms!"
The iron ball tried to force itself past her defense, but couldn't manage to overcome the focused rotational deflection. To the shock of the Janin, his own attack was sent flying right back at his face! Instinctively, he activated his magnetic abilities, but the kinetic force was too great. Despite the armor-like properties his metalic skin gave him, Jiga was still knocked off his feet by the intensity of the impact.
Gasping in exhaustion, Hinata dropped to one knee. The guardian technique was one designed to repel or deflect attacks from prone targets. Since the force was so focused, the deflection force was actually superior to the traditional kaiten rotation. However, the required chakra control and flexibility were insane, and had nearly ripped her arms from their sockets. With a moment to recover, though, she should be able to fight again at full strength.
Unfortunately, Ninja battles were rarely so kind. Getting back up, Jiga was murderous. Reaching into his pack he withdrew a set of kunai, flinging them at the Hyuga with reckless abandon. Forcing herself to stand, Hinata began the deflection technique once again. However, there were two problems with this action. One, the kunai were not aimed at her, they were aimed at her legs. Two, each kunai knife had an exploding tag attached to its end.
The resulting force blew Hinata off her feet, almost knocking her out on the door of the hut. Glaring at the white-eyed bitch, Jiga growled, "You think that I'm going to forgive this? Forget what big brother wants! I'm going to get in there, find this guy, and rip him to pieces right in front of you! Then, we'll sell you to Kumo to be a baby factory, right after ripping your eyes out to sell separately! That'll teach you to mess with Jiga of the Janin!"
Blood pounding in her ears, Hinata focused her Byakugan with everything she had. Even as blood vessels popped, she did not care. This, this THING was threatening something precious to her. Even if she failed at everything else in her life, the normally shy Hyuga would not fail now. This wasn't for her, or to keep the Byakugan out of Kumo; she had to defeat this monster to save Naruto-kun! Even if it cost her life, Jiga would die!
Seeing the ninja in front of her moving, once again protected by his metallic skin technique, Hinata concentrated every ounce of vision on her enemy. Getting to her feet, she once again focused her chakra to her palms. Breathing in deeply, the normally shy Hyuga rushed forward, moving faster than any other point in her life. Interestingly enough, with the normally three hundred and fifty nine degree vision of the Byakugan focused upon a single point, each tenketsu and pathway of the opponent's chakra network lit up like the sun. She could almost determine Jiga's actions from the subtle flex and shift of his energy to feed the metal skin jutsu. Although if she could read his movements, then she could stop him!
For the first time in her history, Hinata unleashed her full rage at an opponent. Never before had she fought with such hatred, and for a single moment, she wallowed in it. Getting under the surprised Jiga's guard, Hinata accidentally developed a new technique. Pity the recipient was in no position to admire the beauty of it. Growling with each hit, Hinata sent out beams of chakra, forward this time to attack instead of using them to deflect, striking the pathways around the heard directly. "YOU SHALL NOT TOUCH NARUTO-KUN! DIE!" With each enraged word, Hinata unleashed a deadly attack that liquefied sections of the heart's chakra pathways. Five hits completely destroyed the organ, while the sixth and final attack blew the remaining gore through Jiga's back like a squashed tomato. Staring at nothing, the iron ninja fell, shaking the earth with his passing.
Dropping in exhaustion, Hinata could barely breathe. Before, she had always managed to disable any opponents she faced, or allowed her teammates to deal with them. But this time, she had fought to kill, and enjoyed the act. With her new power, the normally kind Hyuga had managed to defeat her enemy with precision, even if it lacked the emotionless mindset many Hyuga sought. She had lost control, and had taken her first life. She felt sick...
"Hinata-chan?"
Forcing herself to stand, Hinata turned, seeing a surprised Naruto standing in the doorway.
-----
Naruto was shocked beyond normal speech, and with a kid like him that was saying something. When he had opened the door, the normally hyperactive ninja had expected a situation where the others were winning, but needed some help. However, watching Hinata-chan deflect a metal boulder into her opponents face was just shocking. Juken had never seemed so violent, even when Neji used it to beat him senseless, and the technique was not something he ever thought Hinata-chan could pull off so easily. She looked really amazing, and he couldn't help but notice his heart beating somewhat faster.
However, the second technique made her first attack seem like nothing. With only six palm strikes, Hinata had literally blown her opponent's heart to pieces. Now as a ninja, Naruto was used to death and had dealt with it several times already. Even acknowledging Hinata as a nice girl, he didn't fail to remember the truth of their shared profession. They were ninja and would be expected to kill. Perhaps her method had been a little bloody for a Hyuga, but Hinata's killing of the enemy didn't really faze him. It was the fact she did so while screaming she would protect him.
No one had ever killed to protect him that he could remember.
Oh, Naruto had seen others FIGHT for his safety. Iruka had nearly lost his life against Mizuki preventing him from dying. Tsunade had taken a sword to the chest to protect him from Orochimaru. Even Sasuke had taken hits for him, both from Haku and Gaara. But each had their own motivations and ideals outside of just his life, and that tempered the feeling somewhat. Hinata, however, had fought to kill not because they were comrades, but because he was Naruto. It shook him deeply in the core of his being, and unknowingly pushed Hinata forward on his list of important people.
It was easy to die for someone; killing for them was an entirely different ballgame.
Keenly aware that Shizune-nee-chan had just finished off the second opponent during that moment of surprise, Naruto started slowly walking towards the Hyuga heiress. Calling out her name again, getting a feeling for each syllable that defined one of his now dearest friends, Naruto was jolted by her sudden attention. The girl was nearly as short as him, appearing so frail and delicate, stared at first her hands and then his eyes. The happiness held there at his presence startled him, bringing only one word to his mind.
Beautiful...
Stepping forward herself, the tired Hyuga let loose a smile the seemed to blow Sakura's out of the water. "Naruto-kun! Oh thank goodness you're safe..."
Cutting off, the little kunoichi opened her mouth in almost comical surprise, before falling forward like a puppet with her strings cut.
"Oops, maybe I should have waited a moment?"
Looking over to the edge of the clearing, Naruto couldn't quite grasp the reality at hand. Hinata, someone who had already done so much for him, had fallen with a kunai in her back. Arm still outstretched a final enemy appeared before the two remaining ninja, his evil smile at odds with the number of apparent injuries he sported. "Well, it looks like my luck just improved. While my idiot brothers might have fallen, I still get a healers apprentice, an unsealed Hyuga, and a hostage. Not to mention any scrolls that stupid crone kept here."
Stepping forward, the taller ninja barely spared a glance at the fallen comrades dispatched by Shizune and Hinata. "I think that it's time to take charge of the situation, ne? I hope you enjoyed the warm-up because compared to those weaklings I, Renga of the Janin, am much more dangerous."
-----
Dun, dun, DUN!!!!!
Bwahahahahaha! My first cliffhanger! Ain't I a stinker ? :)
Oh, don't worry about it, I already have the next part planned out, and hope to get it posted soon. Unfortunately, this chapter was getting too big, and I thought that cutting it down to size would simplify the situation. Besides, there was plenty of death here, and more is to come quite soon. Oh, and that scene at the end? THAT is probably the point where Naruto became so devoted to Hinata, so while I will write in a few more WAFFy scenes for other female characters, this is going to be the defining moment. Besides, the scene is far from over, and more shit is about to hit the fan. Although, if too many more characters die like Jiga, I might have to up the rating on the story -_-;;;
Oh, and for those Naruto/Shizune fans (and I know that you exist), sorry but he's going to have issue with the girl for a bit. Not for very long, but there will be some discomfort. Losing the faith of important people always hits the kid kinda hard, and this will be no exception. Besides, while I always thought that Shizune liked Naruto well enough, I never really thought that any major sparks would occur. The assisted bathroom trips were just too much fun to ignore, though. ;)
Now, for the next chapter, we have the final confrontation of the Janin, the fate of the Daimyo, Danzou's last stand, and of course, the unleashing of Inner Sakura! Not to mention the awakening of a new technique! Prepare to have your socks blown off as we wrap up the Vegetable arc, and begin the true master plan!
*insert evil laughter!*