So, here we are again: me posting a new chapter and you, hopefully, reading it. This is a short chapter, but if you don't like it blame Roamer79, he requested it. Although, I hope that despite it's lack of length you all still find it entertaining.
Now if you are all good little boys and girls, maybe Santa will bring you another chapter in the coming week of Christmas ;)
I own nothing: except Roamer79's heart, what seems like a thousand children (but is really only four), and an adorable dog.
Seven Hours Earlier
Leaping through the trees, he made sure to stay to the side of the path so he wouldn't arouse suspicion from those that commonly traversed between the two prominent villages. He knew he should be getting closer as he sped by a small river that acted as a natural landmark, but he had no delusions about catching them by surprise. They were some of the finest specimens of shinobi that the village had to offer, one was even touted as a prodigy in his own right. Although he wore seals to mask his chakra, he knew they would pick up on his arrival when he made contact.
He should catch up to them soon, the party had been traveling for twelve hours leaving immediately after his meeting with Hiashi. He hadn't been on their trail long, but as a group they traveled a lot slower than him. He had to admit to some surprise when he realized they'd made it across the border of Kawa no Kuni. Their feat would make his trek with the young Hyuga even more difficult when he considered the route they'd now have to take.
'How did I ever let that blonde bastard talk me into this? He so owes me right now. I should have brought a frying pan just to throw at her, an eye for an eye, right? Yeah, a heavy cast iron one,' he thought with a smirk. Off in the distance he could hear some voices coming from the path. The man slowed his pace to identify the travelers in an attempt to confirm whether or not these people were his target.
"Neji-san, it is just not right that we should be sent away at a time like this when my sister is in constant danger," came a pouting voice.
The tall young man with a 'Leaf' forehead protector proudly worn on his head sighed. He honestly wished he could have stayed behind as well. Of course he would have been able to protect his cousin better, but he also enjoyed her company better than the younger one he was currently escorting. Although, he was close to his younger cousin it was not in the same degree that he felt with Hinata. She had always treated him as a brother rather than a cousin or servant, Hanabi on the other hand always remained at a distance where family ties were concerned.
"It is what your father has decided, and we will do as he wishes. He is only concerned for your safety Hanabi-sama," he said plainly.
"We are all capable shinobi, and we could have stayed to help secure Hinata's safety," Hanabi quipped, not letting the subject go.
"Your father has hired Ronin to handle her safety, and if his reputation is anything to go by then she should be in good hands," Neji supplied. At the mention of the name Ronin, the two other escorts in their small party perked up and listened closely.
Hanabi actually turned her head and sneered at her cousin, "I do not trust him. He is a mercenary for hire and could just as easily turn on her for a quick ryo".
"I may not be fond of them as well, but your father has placed his trust in Ronin and his companion, and I trust your father," he said.
"That man knocked me out, and took me against my will," she all but yelled. "I think he tried to grope me when he thought I was out." She'd halted in the middle of the path determined to argue her point against Ronin and his companion. Frustration built as she realized her arguments were not eliciting the reaction she wanted from her cousin.
The young man knelt on a branch listening in on the conversation. He remembered the incident she had described vividly. He had to readjust his grip when trying to save her life and had gripped her posterior, quite roughly, while holding her. He thought she was knocked out, so he didn't pay it any attention. Now that she was talking about it and he was observing that firm form of flesh move under her loose trousers. He wouldn't mind feeling it again, not that he would ever admit it to her.
Deciding to put an end to that line of thought he leapt down behind her. "Don't flatter yourself. I prefer women with curves, not little boys." He gave her a bland look.
Hanabi spun and immediately began to sputter at his insult. Neji had slipped into a fighting stance, not recognizing him as Ronin's partner.
Takeshi noted that the blonde with a giant fan and the weirdo with face paint hadn't appeared surprised by his arrival. Speaking over the sputtering young Hyuga he addressed her cousin.
"Ronin sent me, I'm taking over."
Hanabi's jaw dropped as Neji straightened.
"Hanabi, is this Ronin's partner?" Neji had never seen his face and needed her confirmation before agreeing to relinquish his role as protector.
Staring at the insulting ass in front of her, she considered lying to her cousin to claim he was lying. The ass must've guessed what she was thinking because his eyes took on a hard glint as he slowly shook his head. With a frustrated sigh and in a petulant tone she chose to be honest.
"If I say no, will you kill him?" she said in an almost hopeful tone. The look her cousin was giving her was all she needed to tell him the truth, "Yes, Neji-san he is."
Neji nodded, "Very well, what are your instructions?" It rankled to have to take orders from one such as this, but as he'd told Hanabi his uncle trusted these men and he would trust his uncle's decision.
Takeshi shrugged, "I don't have instructions for you, but she," he nodded in Hanabi's direction, "is coming with me."
At his statement both Hyugas began to protest. He merely stood there ignoring the female's screeching and the man's more dulcet tones, allowing them to go in one ear and out the other.
"I don't give a damn what either of you think on it. Ronin says she isn't going to Konoha and I'm to take her elsewhere, so that is what's going to happen." Addressing Neji, "I would suggest you return to Suna, but stay hidden. Trust no one but your uncle." Turning back to Hanabi, "Now before we depart I have a question for you. This may be the most important question you've ever had to answer."
He waited to make sure she registered just how serious this was. Hanabi was worried, what could he possibly be about to ask me?
"Are you or are you not currently concealing a frying pan on your person?"
"Wha-," she could not believe what he'd just asked her. "Are you insane?" She stared at him as though he'd just sprouted a second head.
With a chuckle he responded, "Of course, I am. Do you think I could work with Ronin if I wasn't?" His facial expression shifted from one blink of an eye to the next, returning to one of serious determination. "I'm not kidding, do you have a frying pan hidden somewhere? If you don't answer me, I'll be forced to find out for myself. Then you'll probably accuse me of trying to grope you again and I just don't have time for all that. So answer the question."
"This is ridiculous, Neji-san clearly this man is a lunatic."
Takeshi shrugged, "Eh, I've been called worse."
Attempting to implore her cousin to see her side, she ignored him. "Obviously, he can't be trusted with my safety."
Neji had been slightly shocked and, dare he admit, amused by this man's interaction with his spoiled cousin. But now he became frustrated with her continual tantrum. Raising his voice, only slightly, he instilled sternness into it that he rarely used with her. "Enough Hanabi, you will cooperate with this man who is aiding in your safety."
Hanabi was once again rendered speechless; she couldn't believe these two were in agreement. These two men who couldn't be more opposite, were working together to force her into a situation she did not want to be in. She fleetingly wondered if this was how Hinata felt about her impending nuptials. She would go along with their wishes… for now.
"Fine," turning towards the lunatic, "Where are we going?"
"That's for me to know, and for you to ask stupid questions about. Now let's get going," he paused, "Seriously if you have a frying pan I suggest you hand it over or there will be consequences."
Hanabi rolled her eyes at him, stretching her arms out to her sides she asked, "Where would I possibly hide a frying pan?" She regretted it the moment his eyes began to roam over her body with a look she wasn't entirely comfortable with.
In a gruff tone he responded, "Very well," without waiting for another word he leapt into the branches of the nearest tree.
When she continued standing there he glanced back, "You coming hime, we don't have all day?"
Pursing her lips she glared at Neji and followed the stranger by leaping into the branches.
Temari had glanced over to her brother when Takeshi arrived. They hated being out of the loop when their brother and Naruto made plans. But a quick nod Kankuro's head let her know they should remain quiet in the background.
When Takeshi had stated "Ronin" wanted him to collect the young Hyuga, they were prepared to return to Suna. As the pair had sped away, she noted the way Neji's gaze followed them. He's probably trying to use byakugan to track them, she thought knowing the futility of his attempt. Naruto had created that seal determined to not be taken aware by any ocular jutsu.
Frustration apparent on his face Neji turned to them and the few Hyuga traveling with them.
"I'm going back to Suna and I'm not waiting on any of you. There is more going on than we've been told."
"Obviously," she deadpanned. "We're going back, we were told to escort Hanabi Hyuga." Her gaze took in their surroundings, "No Hanabi Hyuga, no need for us."
She nodded to Kankuro and they departed quickly. They couldn't demonstrate any concern over the developing situation. Besides, she felt a sense of foreboding telling her to rush back.
Neji watched them leave, relieved that they'd behaved as he'd expected by choosing to return to their village now that there was no longer a need for their presence. He waited silently using his kekkei genkai to ensure their departure, before he turned to his clansmen.
"Return to Suna, and tell Hiashi-sama what has transpired. Make sure he is the only one present when you speak with him. If the threat is a traitor, all precautions must be taken."
They all nodded before one spoke up, "What will you do Neji-san?"
He looked towards the direction Ronin's partner had taken Hanabi, "I'm going to make sure my cousins are safe."
They'd traveled northwest all day, at a pace Hanabi had a difficult time keeping up with. She'd noticed they were nearing a mountain range and as the sun began to set she prayed to Kami this psycho wasn't planning to traverse it in the dark.
There had been no conversation between them, he had his mind on the task and she'd chosen to ignore his presence as much as possible. She held onto a small hope that he was taking her to Hinata, if that was the case she wasn't going to sneak away. Besides, it was clear that if she ran he'd simply chase and a fight would ensue. Whether or not she won that fight wouldn't matter because either way her energy would be further depleted thus hindering her attempt of escape. No, for the moment she would wait.
He halted just inside of the mountain range, within a small gorge.
"We'll camp here. At first light we'll continue," he stated while surveying the area.
During their trip she'd remembered hearing his name just before he had abducted her. She deliberately chose not to use it.
"So crazy man, why are we crossing these mountains tomorrow?"
He removed his pack to search through it.
"To get to the other side, of course," he smirked predicting how irritated she would become with his evasiveness. He enjoyed prodding her temper; it was something he seemed to be very good at with very little effort.
Takeshi set up a spot for himself to sleep, then noticed she'd done the same further away. He quickly pulled out some food rations and was grateful that she had some packed for herself. If they were being followed he didn't want to risk giving an indication of their whereabouts by lighting a fire to cook.
He knew the gentlemanly thing to do was to offer to take first watch but… I've never claimed to be a gentleman.
So he settled down to get some sleep and await the show.
She couldn't believe he'd just lain down and passed out. Taking turns on watch was a necessity as a shinobi. It allowed for everyone to get an equal amount of sleep while guarding from attack. But the fact that he hadn't said a single word to her about taking watch, nor offered to take the first watch as a gentleman should, angered her.
I'll make him regret giving me first watch, she thought with a devilish smile.
Takeshi had pretended to be asleep simply waiting for her to voice her displeasure. He'd expected her to throw a fit or even attempt an attack. To say he was surprised when neither of those expectations was met would be an understatement. After twenty minutes had passed he'd peaked open an eye, the sun set while they had eaten, so it was a little difficult to spy her sitting with her back to a rock. She was watching the surroundings with her kekkei genkai activated.
I guess she won't give me any trouble on this after all. I hadn't even considered the Byakugan. He mentally admonished himself for not taking count of every tool available to him and then using them appropriately.
Takeshi didn't want to trust the little hellcat, but he couldn't resist the need for sleep that dragged his eyelids down.
Hanabi had bided her time waiting for him to finally fall asleep. It had been hard to tell if he was truly asleep, but some innate sense had told her to wait. Silently she stood and began moving to his side of the bed.
Takeshi woke to a burst of pain in his stomach on instinct he lashed out catching a leg and jerking. When the assailant fell next to him he rolled to pin them pressing a kunai to their throat. He was shocked to wakefulness when he realized it was a female form beneath him.
That didn't go as planned, Hanabi thought as she struggled to free herself.
She'd stepped down hard on his lower stomach planning to stumble slightly, further bruising him. When he woke she'd feign remorse, apologizing profusely. She'd planned to claim her byakugan had been activated and, thanks to the seal placed on her, she hadn't seen him as she paced the camp.
His initial attack had sent adrenaline coursing through her body and she'd attempted to fight back. But then he'd rolled on top of her, successfully pinning both her hands in one of his. This caused panic surge, both combined causing her to thrash beneath him.
"Damn it! What the hell are you doing?" He removed the blade stowing it away.
"ME!? What the hell are YOU doing? Get off of me."
He almost laughed as he was reminded of some of her first words to him after the explosion in the Inn.
"Well, this seems familiar."
She could hear the humor in his tone and became even more incensed. She lifted her hips and shifted to her side attempting to dislodge him, however her movements had a different effect on him. One she hadn't anticipated.
He sucked in a breath sharply, feeling his body's immediate reaction. He did not want to be attracted to her; he refused to be attracted to her. But he couldn't deny the physical evidence that stated otherwise.
Takeshi immediately jerked away from her, standing with his back to her he took a minute to get his body under control.
Hanabi laid there shocked and unsure of what had just occurred between them. She'd been trying to get him off of her but when she'd made contact a sudden tightening of her stomach accompanied by his sharp gasp had caught her off guard.
That was a bad idea, she told herself rising slowly.
He turned back to her, after taking some calming breaths. "Why'd you kick me?"
Hanabi had nearly forgotten her payback scheme for giving her first watch. Stuttering slightly she gave him the original excuse she'd planned to give him.
"I st-started walking around, to st-stay awake, and didn't see you."
He wasn't convinced by her excuse but chose to let it drop for now. "Well, I'm awake so I'll take watch. Get some sleep."
Hanabi nodded confused by what had just transpired, but exhaustion from the day of travel with the fading adrenaline suddenly made her exhausted.
She shuffled over to her pallet throwing occasional glances his way as she tried to wrap her head around the situation.
Takeshi noticed her display of wariness as she retreated to her side of the camp. He released his pent up breath on a relieved sigh. This was going to be a long night. He found himself thankful that Naruto had taken the opportunity to acclimate him to little sleep over the years.
Ok, so I took a page out of Roamer79's... er... fanfiction and modeled this chapter after one of his infamous fifth chapters. The ones where he focuses on supporting characters, seriously if you aren't happy with it blame him lol. He actually requested to know what was going on with Takeshi and Hanabi, this was the result.
I hope you all liked it anyway, I'm hoping to have the next chapter up by next weekend. Wish me luck, I have a crazy week ahead of me.