I am so sorry for the long wait everyone. I had to stay off from so I could concentrate. I had a few exams, a speech, a report and many, many other things that I had to do. That's why I couldn't update for such a long time. I wrote this long chapter and I hope you like it.
Dragon Man 180: I am not quite sure if Hitsuka's plan is humiliating for Gashir and yes, Naruto will learn the next stages of Rasengan. Thanks for your review.
Dan Inverse: Of course I'll write more, it's just that I don't have a lot of time. I am glad that you like reading my fic. Thanks.
reighost: Yup I'll read your fic. In fact, I'll read it right now. Unfortunately, I am not sure about Naruto's father so that'll have to wait. May be one day…
DanInverse: Naruto and Hanabi? Hmm… I think I've seen it somewhere before. I am not sure but thanks for the suggestion.
lilbunnyfufu: Love your speech. Sorry for not up-dating for such a long time. Jiraiya teaching Naruto Rasengan, I honestly don't know why I chose that jutsu but don't you think it's cool that Naruto learnt it at such a young age? As for Hitsuka revealing too much, well, sometimes people make mistakes and I think it's funny for people to suspect him. Add a twist to the plot I will say. About the original jutsu, 'Madly flying chalks no jutsu' is done as a joke, like you said. It had no chakra involved and it was funny. Of course I'll not go overboard with original jutsu because I often found myself confused and lost reading those original things/jutsu/attack/etc. As for the Hyuuga, I just make them a little bit more trusting. To them, Hitsuka is a great kid with a lot of secrets. Kakashi, well, I had arranged him to be on a mission but Jiraiya is not, so watch out Hitsuka. And the Uchiha, unfortunately, they'll have to wait because of some other things that Hitsuka has to do. Just read this chapter.
ranma hibiki: Heh, just read this chapter and you may find some answers to your question. Thanks for the review.
no name: Unfortunately, I am not writing any romance, may be a little fluffs. But you are right about the brotherly love part. Thanks for the review.
Virgil: My fic up in your Top 30 List! Now I'll have to work harder.
rurouniturtle: Really! You wish your fic is as original as mine? That's new. Thank you!
Arnoldstrife: Eh heh, sorry for not doing what you wish. I offer the next chapter as a gift.
Rishan: Yup, Gaara is going to show up in next chapter. Don't worry. Thanks for the review.
mizuru-chan: Sorry for the wait. Nope, the Third won't find out about the laptop but he'll find out about some other things. Read!
Night-Owl123: Thanks for the compliment. I agree, sugar, hmm…
Gaara The Sandwarrior: I am not sure about the 'torment' part but ever heard of a writer's block? Yeah that evil thing. No you are not being stupid about Naruto's chakra control. From the Hyuuga, at a young age they have to have good chakra control because of their Gentle Fist taijutsu and from Hitsuka, he read the manga so he knows the concept and the exercises. Thanks for the review! .
Stonebridge: Thanks!
joekool: I am sorry, I know my story is moving slowly but no, I can't do the time skip, especially when there is the Uchiha massacre. Thanks for the review.
kawaiinezium: I agree.
ninfan: I hope it'll be great story in the future for you.
mrasdfghj: Heh, this will be the longest chapter. Read!
Toki Mirage: Yeah! You think it's cool!
Chaosknight: Heh heh, sorry. Read this chapter, I hope you think it's good.
Joice a.k.a. Europa: You like my Hitsuka? Thanks!
WitchSe7en: I don't know about Sasuke yet but your other question will be answered in this chapter. Thanks for the review.
kageryuu: Heh heh, sorry about my verb tenses. I am very good with my English I guess. Thanks for the review.
d4rkhunternin: Thanks for thinking its good! .
Dragon Noir: Thanks for the great review! Not sure about the future yet but please read the present now.
Yukito Yakata: I am sorry for not updating sooner. Here's the next chapter, hope you like it.
BobBobums: I got the spell check so please don't hate me! Oo
ColdCypher: You love my fic? Thanks! No, Hitsuka's laptop won't get destroy if I have anything to say.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto but I do own Yuki Hitsuka. Steal him, you're dead.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
Chapter twelve
It was Hinata's birthday, and like all the branch Hyuuga before him, Neji was going to receive his curse seal. Because of the other Hyuuga around them, Hiashi and Hizashi couldn't be friendly to each other, nor could they openly support Neji.
Neji, who knew what was going to happen, kept silent. The night before, his father had told him everything. He was scared but he knew this had to be done. 'At least it's for Hinata-chan, no, Hinata-sama,' he thought.
"Hinata-sama is already three, congratulation," Hizashi said with no emotion. Not like the man who would joke and make Hinata laugh.
"Yeah…" Hiashi said, equally emotionless. His daughter clutched on to his kimono and hid behind him. Hinata, at the age of three, already had a few ideas on the Main and Branch families problems. She, too, was told what would happen that day, so she acted all shy towards Neji, whom she should have never met before.
"Well… I'll take Neji now, Hizashi…" Hiashi told his brother, his voice meant business.
"Yes…" Hizashi replied, looking at the head of the clan. He watched as his son walked away with his big brother and let out a shaky breathe.
Then he heard a Hyuuga from the Brach family whispered to another Hyuuga, "Poor Hizashi-sama. Having his only son taken away to put the curse seal on. I hate those Main family Hyuuga!"
Around three months ago, Hizashi would have agreed with the man but now, he realized, he didn't hate the Main family that much anymore. His hate for his brother was completely gone. 'Thank you Hitsuka…'
In a corridor, where Hiashi, Neji and other Main family Hyuuga were
"You can go now," Hiashi commanded. The other Hyuuga looked at each other uncertainly.
"But Hyuuga-sama…" one began but Hiashi cut him off.
"No buts! I can do this on my own."
"Yes, Hyuuga-sama…" The Hyuuga backed away, leaving Hiashi and Neji behind.
"Why did you send them away? What's with the secrecy, Uncle?" Neji asked as soon as the others were out of the earshot. "Am I… Am I not going to get the seal?"
Hearing the hopeful voice, Hiashi winced inwardly. He shook his head and answered apologetically, "No, I am sorry for doing this to you, Neji. But, it has to be done. As for the secrecy, someone who is not a Hyuuga is going to attend the ceremony."
From the shadows, a body detached itself. Neji eyes widened with recognition and ran up to the boy he knew so well. "Hitsuka!"
Hitsuka patted the white-eyed boy's back with a hand. His other arm was pinned against his side because Neji was hugging him rather tightly. "Hey..." He noticed that Neji was shaking lightly. 'I would too if I am the one that is going through all these. From the manga, Sasuke was having a lot of pain when Orochimaru put the curse seal on. If it's the same with the Hyuuga's, all I can do is to be with Neji and watch,' he thought sadly.
"I am scared," Neji whispered into Hitsuka's ear.
"Don't worry, I'll be there with you," Hitsuka replied, giving the frighten boy as much comfort as he could.
"Come," Hiashi said quietly, opening a door that leaded to a dark room. Neji moved away from Hitsuka and followed the man. Soon, Hitsuka was all alone in the corridor with his thoughts only.
'I am watching this curse seal ceremony because may be in the future I can find a way to reverse the seal. I hope, no, I have to find a way. The fear in Neji's eyes… he has only showed it to me. He trusts me so much… I don't want to see anyone like that again..." With his new goal, he walked into the dark room.
Later that day, at Hinata's birthday party
"…Happy birthday dear Hinata-chan/-san/-sama! Happy birthday to you!" Everyone cheered at the end of the song as Hinata shyly blew out of the candles on the cake. Someone hurried to turn the light on, leaving everyone in the room blinking to make the spots in their eyes to go away.
"Present time!" Naruto yelled, rushing to give his gift first. "I picked it myself!" Naruto said proudly.
"Yeah and I paid for it," Hitsuka muttered. Hizashi, who overheard with Hitsuka said, chuckled.
Naruto stood next to Hinata and handed his gift to her. "Happy birthday Hinata-chan."
"Th-Thank you, Naruto-kun," Hinata said and started to unwrap the orange wrapping-paper, soon revealing an orange fox doll. "It-It's so cute!" With that, she gave Naruto a quick hug then went back to be a tomato.
"Heh, heh," Naruto laughed quietly, scratching the back of his neck. A light blush stained his face.
The cute little boy didn't notice the glares that the birthday girl's father was giving him. 'It was nothing. Only a friendly hug. It was nothing. My daughter is still young… too young to like boys…' Hiashi thought quietly to himself while suppressing his blood lust. 'It was nothing…'
"Worrying for your daughter?" Hitsuka's voice cut into Hiashi's thoughts. The men looked down to see the golden eyes of the boy. "Are you? Hyuuga-sama."
"No," Hiashi lied, his face showed no emotion.
"Really?" Hitsuka chuckled and left the worrying father. He turned and looked at Hinata unwrapping more presents. He made a list of what was given and who gave it.
Naruto: an orange fox doll
Neji: a large box of Hinata's favourite sweets
Hizashi: a blue ball (Hinata lost her ball few weeks ago)
Iyo: a red kimono with the pattern of sakura petals
Hiashi: a beautiful purple necklace
'She has got some nice presents from the people closest to her,' Hitsuka thought. 'But something seems to be missing…'
"Hitsuka! Wake up!" Naruto yelled, bouncing up to the said boy. "Your present!"
"What? Oh right." Hitsuka blushed lightly as everyone else laughed. "Umm… here's your present, Hinata-san," he said, handing a beautiful wrapt gift over to Hinata.
Hinata unwrapped it, careful so she wouldn't rip the paper. Everyone leaned in to look at the last gift. It was a book. A book on healing. A slight confusion was on people's faces except Hitsuka.
"What…?" Hinata asked, not finishing her question. She knew that she wanted the book and to learn about healing. But she was also taught that she would be an heiress. As the heiress of the Hyuuga clan, she didn't need to know about healing. Or, did she?
"Hinata-san, you have the potential of being a great kunoichi," Hitsuka started, explaining his gift. "You can be strong but it is not your nature to hurt someone else. When you hurt someone, you're hurting yourself too. But healing brings relief to people and you have a kind heart to do it. You can heal your comrades on the battlefield and have the skills to not get killed. So being strong doesn't have to mean who has the most power. Being strong can also mean protecting your love ones, friends, comrades and your home." He grinned. "So you can start practicing on Naruto, Neji-san and me!"
Everyone in the room looked at Hitsuka after he finished his speech, making the boy blush in embarrassment. Suddenly, Hinata hugged the boy like she hugged Naruto but not letting go until she said her thanks. "Thank you…"
"Hitsuka…" Hiashi whispered, slightly shocked at what the boy said. 'What he said is right,' he thought. 'I should change the way I think. Being strong doesn't have to mean how many people one can kill. It can also mean how many people one can save.'
"Who's up for the cake?" Iyo suddenly said with a clap of her hands. A whoop from the kids and the book on healing was temporarily forgotten. At one stage, Hinata went up to Neji and gave him a hug. Neji was confused until he heard what Hinata said.
"I am so-sorry, Neji-nii-san. Be-Because of me you have to get hu-hurt. Do-Does your forehead hurt?"
Neji, touched by Hinata's kindness, returned the hug. "No, Hinata-sama, it doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you for your concern."
Hinata blushed brightly and replied, "Th-That's good. Bu-But don't call me Hinata-sa-sama. Call me Hi-Hinata-chan like before."
"Okay, Hinata-chan," Neji said with a smile and they joined the party again. Everyone had fun until the children (except Hitsuka) were nodding their heads in exhaustion. The adults and Hitsuka laughed lightly as they watched the three children fell asleep. "I think it's time for them to go to bed," Hizashi said, picking Neji up.
"Yes, I agree," Hiashi replied, picking his daughter up too.
"Yeah," Hitsuka grunted as he shifted Naruto on his back.
"I'll leave you guys to take them to Hinata-chan's room," Iyo said, wiping the table. "Good night."
"Good night dear/Iyo-san."
As they walked down the corridor, Hitsuka broke the silence. "I hope you've prepared everything."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine," Hiashi replied, reassuring the boy.
"Yeah, we'll catch him!" Hizashi agreed with a grin.
Hitsuka couldn't help but grinned too. "Yeah…"
Soon, they reached Hinata's room and they placed the children on the already prepared mattresses. Hiashi knelt over his daughter, doing hand seals to place a genjutsu on her. A hand stopped his hands. "What's wrong?" Hiashi asked Hitsuka, the owner of the hand.
"I think I felt something… I'm not sure…" Hitsuka replied uncertainly. "Umm… Can one of you use Byakugan and check?"
"Sure," Hizashi said and instantly turned on his Byakugan thus giving him 360 degrees of view. "I can see something outside the wall of Hyuuga mansion, right beside this room."
"Can you tell who it is?" Hitsuka asked, watching Hiashi also turning on his bloodline. 'This was not in the manga!'
Both men's eyes focused on one point and Hizashi answered the question, "Yes, it's Jiraiya-sama."
'Jiraiya? What is he doing here?' Hitsuka thought and said, "Let's go and meet him."
So the two men and one boy walked out of the room. Hizashi slid shut the paper door quietly behind them. They walked into the garden and Hiashi's voice rang out, "Jiraiya-sama, please join us on this beautiful night."
They heard some shuffles and quiet curses before a man jumped over the wall and land quietly. "Heh, heh, I knew I can't hide from you, Hiashi-sama, Hizashi-san," Jiraiya said, scratching the base of his neck.
"No," Hizashi denied, "It wasn't us. It was Hitsuka who first felt your presence."
"What?" Jiraiya exclaimed. 'I am losing my touch.'
Hitsuka walked up to Jiraiya, who was muttering how he should retire and that wasn't such a bad idea because he could peek everyday but he had been doing that a lot anyways so what was the point of retiring… Anyways, Hitsuka interrupt the muttering with a question, "Care to explain why you are here at such late hour? Jiraiya-sama."
"None of your business," Jiraiya replied, sticking his tongue out. Such a childish behaviour, and in front of the leader of the Hyuuga Clan too!
"It's my business," Hiashi said, stepping up to stand next to Hitsuka.
'So Hiashi thinks that Hitsuka is on the same ground as him. Hmm… interesting…' Jiraiya pondered for a few seconds until a rather annoyed Hyuuga repeated what he just said. "Fine. I am spying on Yuki Hitsuka."
"Why?" Hitsuka asked, worried what Jiraiya might have found out.
"Because I wanted to."
'Even though my mission had ended but I still find this boy interesting,' Jiraiya thought.
The three other males knew that Jiraiya wasn't going to say anything else so they relaxed their bodies. Hitsuka sighed and made his mind up. "Jiraiya-sama," he started, catching the man's attention. "Can you please go and inform Hokage-sama that there will be someone who is going to try and kidnap Hyuuga Hinata tonight."
"Huh?" Jiraiya said intelligently. "Are you sure? Can I trust you?"
"Jiraiya-sama, I am sure what Hitsuka said is true," Hiashi told the Jiraiya. "I'll trust Hitsuka with my life."
"Hyuuga-sama!" Hitsuka exclaimed, blushing madly.
"I will too," Hizashi agreed with his brother.
"Hyuuga-san! Not you too!"
'They said the same thing with sensei!' Jiraiya thought in surprise. He reluctantly said, "Fine I'll go and tell sensei this piece of information now. I assume you want help?"
"Yes and no," Hitsuka answered.
"… What kind of answer is that?"
"A right one. Anyways, what I mean is that I don't what anyone else other than Hokage-sama and… you to come and help."
"Why not anyone else?" the three adults asked at the same time.
"Because… umm…"
'I haven't thought of a reason yet! I can't tell them because I don't want anyone to see me as part of my plan will make me very embarrassing!' Hitsuka thought in slight panic, trying to think up an excuse. "Umm… because the more people there are, the more mistakes there might be!"
"What about the anbu? They're good," Jiraiya suggested.
"No!"
'Kakashi might see me!'
The Hyuuga men were confused as to why Hitsuka didn't want more help. They thought of every possible reason. Something in their brains clicked. 'Oh so that's why,' understanding dawned on their faces.
"Jiraiya-sama, please do what Hitsuka said," Hiashi said to the man.
"Fine, fine, fine. I'll leave now." With that, Jiraiya poof-ed away.
Hitsuka sighed in relief. "Thanks for the support, Hyuuga-sama, Hyuuga-san."
"No worries, we understand," Hizashi replied for both him and his brother.
A slight horror fixed itself on Hitsuka's face. "You-You understand? Oh no!"
"Oh yes. Now get into Hinata's kimono," Hiashi said firmly.
"I can just do a Henge…"
"We have gone through this. You'll waste too much chakra if you do Henge with kimono as well," Hizashi said with a smile. "Just admit it; you have to dress up like a girl."
"No! I am not a cross dresser!" Hitsuka wailed quietly into his hands. 'Why couldn't I just simply agree to what Hizashi said a few nights ago,' he groaned in his mind.
Flash Back
"So we all agreed that one of us will do Henge and take Hinata's place," Hiashi said.
"I volunteer to take the place," Hitsuka said and two pairs of wide eyes looked at him.
"No! I'll not allow you to do that. It's too dangerous and you might die," Hizashi said firmly. "I'll do it. For my brother's daughter."
"Brother…" Hiashi whispered, happy that his little brother loved him enough to endanger himself. "I agree with Hizashi."
"Tell me, what is Henge no jutsu," Hitsuka asked.
Both brothers were confused at the sudden change of topic but Hiashi explained anyway, "Henge no jutsu is very useful and can be used in many different situations. It changes the user's look into another person, plant, thing, weapon, etc."
"What about the weight of the user?"
"What about it?" Hizashi asked, still confused.
"Does Henge change the weight of the user? If you, Hyuuga-san, transform into Hinata-san, Gashir will certainly get a shock when he pick up the heavy Hinata-san, no offence to you," Hitsuka apologised to Hizashi.
"No offence taken," Hizashi murmured, thinking over what Hitsuka just said.
"You are right," Hiashi painfully admitted. "You'll have to do it."
Flash Back Ends
'Me and my big mouth,' Hitsuka thought. He reluctantly went back to the room and put on Hinata's kimono. He lied on the last mattress and did some hand seals. "Henge," he whispered, transforming into Hinata. He watched Hiashi put Henge on Hinata so she would look like him.
"Sleep well," Hizashi said, leaving the room with his brother.
'This is going to be a long night…' Hitsuka thought and sighed again.
Later that night
A shadow moved quietly as it crept along the wall. The paper door slid open silently, revealing four sleeping children. It moved its eyes quickly, looking for the one it wanted. There! Hyuuga Hinata sleeping peacefully.
'Soon she'll be screaming for mercy,' Gashir thought as he went to pick the girl up. He took one last glance at the other sleeping figures and noticed the other Hyuuga kid. 'Another Hyuuga! Well, one more kid won't hurt.' With this thought, Gashir whispered quietly into the headset on his head, "Come in, we'll take two Hyuuga tonight."
Soon another shadow stepped into the room and picked up Neji. Both men nodded to each other and left the mansion.
'Ow… dangling here isn't doing too good with my stomach. How can the Hinata in the manga not wake up?' Hitsuka mentally groaned, limbs flipping around. He intentionally whacked his foot into the kidnapper's thigh and was slightly satisfied. 'No! This is not the problem right now. In fact there are a few problems.
'Problem 1: There are two people.
'Problem 2: Neji is taken as well.
'Problem 3: The plan has to be change. I can't use Kawarimi to swap myself with a log full of explosion tags. Gashir is strong so he won't get killed but Neji might get hurt.
'Problem 4: I'm dressed up as a freaking girl!'
Gashir landed on a building's roof, thinking this whole kidnap thing was too easy. 'Those fools. They'll never suspect us for we just signed the treaty. Ha!' he thought in triumph as he took another jump. He suddenly felt a slight movement from the kid he was holding on to. "Wha…?"
A bright flash temporarily blinded Gashir and his partner's eyes. They landed on a deserted road and leaned against each other, back to back. They knew the bright light would attract someone. Gashir lifted the girl up and looked straight into the Hyuuga's lavender-white eyes. "Smart move. Very smart," he told the girl and slapped her face, hard enough for a trail of blood to flow from her mouth. He stared as the girl's feature seemed to flicker but returned to normal again. 'Must be the flash,' he thought. He was wrong.
"Don't move! You are surrounded," a voice rang out from above them. Gashir looked up to see…
'Shit! Is that Hyuuga Hiashi?' Gashir thought in slight panic.
"Release the children and we'll let you live," said another voice in front of him. It was Jiraiya.
'One the Legendary Three?' Gashir was glad for the mask that was hiding the fear on his face. He managed to speak with no trace of fear in his voice, "I think not. How about, you let us go, with the brats and they live?" He brought a kunai up to Hinata's throat and his partner did the same to Neji who was awaked now.
"You know you can't escape," Hiashi told the man. He was very worried about Hitsuka and Neji but his face didn't show it.
"Oh really?" Gashir smirked under his mask.
"Really," another new voice said firmly. It was Hizashi.
'WTF! I thought the plan was going smoothly. They seem to know what's going to happen today!' Gashir thought, looking everywhere. His eyes focused on a small figure coming towards them.
"No! Naruto. Go back!" Hiashi yelled when he saw Naruto walking towards them. 'How did the boy find out?'
"Neji-nii-san! Hinata-chan!" Naruto was horrified to see his friends in danger. A voice in his head had directed him to here and this was what he saw. A kunai at both of his friends' necks. Anger, worry, fear, and many other emotions built up in his chest. "Let them go!" he yelled.
The captors of his friends only snorted. Tear started to slide down his cheek and he locked eyes with Hinata. No. Hinata was Hitsuka! Hitsuka's eyes told him that it was him, not Hinata. "Run," Hitsuka said in Hinata's voice, telling him to run and hide.
He almost did when he saw the trail of blood on Hitsuka's face. Memories started to flash in front of his eyes. Hitsuka saving him the first time, Hitsuka giving him a bath, Hitsuka talking, Hitsuka all battered up because of him, Hitsuka… 'NO! I will not run! I have to save Hitsuka and Neji-nii-san! But I am not strong enough…'
I'll help you…
A deep voice said inside Naruto's head. "What?" he exclaimed, looking around.
I am talking inside your head. You can talk to me by thinking. Don't need to yell.
'Who are you?'
Questions later. You have to save your friends, don't you?
'Of course! But how?'
I'll lend you power…
With that, Naruto suddenly felt chakra running through his body. His canine teeth grew longer and sharper. Same with his nails. A low growl rumbled in his throat and dropped on all fours like an animal. Chakra gave him strength to fight and save his friend. 'I'll save you…'
Gashir stared at the seemly harmless boy now transforming into some kind of wild animal. He was horrified. 'This night is just getting worse and worse.'
The Konoha ninja flinched when they felt the chakra they haven't felt in three year. 'Is the seal broken?' was the thought running through their head.
"Naruto/Naruto-kun! NO!" two of the same voices rang out form two different place. The real Hinata ran up to Naruto, panting. Naruto paused and looked at both Hitsuka and Hinata.
Hitsuka said, "Naruto, don't come to save me."
"Bu-But…" Naruto stuttered. 'Why not?'
"I'll be fine! Protect her instead," Hitsuka yelled with a commanding tone. Naruto obeyed and ran to place himself in front of Hinata.
Gashir was confused. 'That brat should be in my arms, so why is she there? Are there two Hyuuga Hinata? This is not on the report?' He unconsciously tightened his arms and made a decision. Capture both Hyuuga Hinata and figured out the problems later. He did a swift calculation and figured out that he could get to the other Hinata before the Konoha ninja catch him. So, with a mighty leap, he flew down the street towards his targets. His partner followed him closely as back up.
Hitsuka was terrified for the safety of his friends. 'NO! NO! NO! Naruto can't protect Hinata! Even with Kyuubi giving his power, Naruto doesn't know enough to use it wisely. I have to do something! I HAVE TO! SOMEONE HELP ME!'
Suddenly, time seemed to stop in front of Hitsuka's eyes. Nothing was moving. He could see Hiashi, Hizashi and Jiraiya running to stop Gashir. They were in midair, like Gashir and his partner. And Naruto was standing in front of Hinata, flashing his teeth and claws. 'What is happening?'
-You are in your own mind where time does not exist if you want.-
'Who's there!?' Hitsuka was freaked out when he heard a voice in his head. A familiar voice though.
The voice laughed. -You know me. Let's see each other face to face.-
'Wha-?' Before Hitsuka could finish his thought, a force seemed to have pulled him to the back of his mind. He fell unconscious.
When he woke up, he was in a corridor with cream-colored walls. 'What the hell?'
-Come. I am here.-
"Where's here," Hitsuka grumbled but followed the voice. He arrived in front of a door with the word 'Sight' on it. 'Is this what I think it is? Then, damn, my mind is so simple!' he thought before pushing the door open. There in front of him was a large TV screen-like thing. On the screen, he could see the world around his body. "What is this!"
"This is what your eyes are seeing right now in your body." Hitsuka whirled around and came face to face with…
… his 22 years-old-looking brother. "Ni-nii-chan?" Hitsuka asked, couldn't believe his eyes.
"What? No hugs for me? I'm hurt," Hitsuka's brother said with a pout.
"Is it really you?"
-Duh, who else can I be? Do you want me to do an introduction? Hi, my name is Yuki Shion, the brother of Yuki Hitsu- before he could finish, his arms were filled with a very little, crying Hitsuka. -There, there, don't cry,- He tried to calm his brother down by hugging back and patting the boy's back.
"I-I am so glad to see you," Hitsuka told Shion, rubbing his eyes.
-And I am too,- Shion smiled and held Hitsuka up. -It's been thirteen years since I last saw you this small. And you are dressed up like a girl! You are so cute!- he squealed, making his brother blushed and squirmed.
"Shin-chan! Don't tease me!" Hitsuka huffed, using his nickname for his brother. "I'm not saying that I am not happy to see you, because I am, and if what you said is true, then what are you doing inside of my head?"
-Well, let's sit down and I'll explain everything to you,- Shion said, all jokes gone, and gestured towards some couches in front of the screen. When they sat down, he started explain, -First of all, I am what you can call a ghost, a soul or a spirit. When I died, I found myself in here, this room, watching what you are doing at school. At first I didn't know what happened and when I called to you, you didn't notice or hear me. So basically I've been living inside your head for six years.-
"But why couldn't I hear you before?" Hitsuka asked, rather surprised that his brother was with him all the time.
-I… honestly don't know,- Shion admitted. -I can 'hear' you when you think and I can 'watch' what you see and like I said before, you can't hear me. But, when you screamed for help in your mind, I felt a connection, then I could talk to you since.-
"Great…" Hitsuka said slowly. "So I have a spirit/ghost, who is my brother, stuck inside my mind who pulled me into my head in a middle of a fight/kidnap attempt and the kidnaper will hurt Naruto in order to get Hinata then he will have two hostages and if including Neji he will have three hostage, and to start from the very beginning, somehow I was transported into Naruto World when I was studying for my exams and then I discovered my chakra which was somehow sealed up in the first place and then-"
-Stop! Stop! You are rambling,- Shion exclaimed, amazed at how much his brother could say in one breath. -You are not making a lot of sense with all that conjunctions and time skips. But you are right about your chakra.-
"Huh?" Hitsuka stared at his brother; head tilted to the side, looking very much like a cat. "Care to explain?"
-Of course, this will take awhile.-
"Don't worry. You said here in my mind, time doesn't exist," Hitsuka said, making himself comfortable in his couch.
-Yes you are right.- Shion sighed, what he was going to say might hurt his brother and make the boy not trust him any more. –Hitsuka, you were adopted.-
"What? Sto-Stop joking, Shin-chan," Hitsuka tried to laugh at the not funny joke but his brother's serious face told him it was true. "I was?"
It pained Shion to see his brother like this but it had to be done. -Yes Hitsu-chan, we are not related by blood, but I'll always be your brother no matter what!-
"You be-better," Hitsuka said as a smile spread across his tearstained face.
-Yeah. You know, that's why you look nothing like me,- Shion grinned, relieved that Hitsuka still saw him as a brother. -I'll tell you as much as I can remember. When I was fourteen, mum and dad brought you back home. They said that they had adopted you. You were a tiny baby with a tuff white hair and gold eyes. I thought you were a weird baby. Mum and dad wouldn't tell where you came from and I still don't know now but, what I know is that their work was kept in secret and their death was not an accident. I have a feeling that you were related to their work.
-When you were little, you stood out like a beacon in the night with your hair and eyes. But that was not all. You have… unusual power. Not like telepathy or magic. Just… power. The best word to describe that power, I suppose, is chi or chakra.-
"You mean… the chakra that I use in jutsu now? The life source of our bodies?" Hitsuka asked, taking in all the information.
-Yes. If what I have read in Naruto manga and seen through your eyes are true, then you had the amount of chakra that could rival a chuunin when you were little.
-Mum, dad, and I all knew you were special and dangerous as well. You didn't know how to handle your chakra-
Shion was interrupted by Hitsuka. "How come I can't remember any of these? Why was my chakra sealed?"
-I was getting to that.- Shion paused. -Can you remember anything before you were six?-
"Of course I… I… I don't," Hitsuka was shocked that he couldn't remember anything. Not a single thing! "Di-Did I lose my memory?"
-No… you didn't. You sealed up your own memories along with your chakra,- Shion said gently, watching his brother's reaction.
"Wh-Why?" Hitsuka dreaded the answer but he had to know. For Naruto.
Shion sighed and answered, -One day, when you were five, your chakra suddenly went wild. Usually, mum and dad would have methods to calm your chakra but they weren't there that day. Your… your chakra nearly killed a boy. You were covered with so much blood! You stood there, not moving an inch. Then you screamed. I can still remember the way you screamed. It was like listening to an injured animal. After awhile you fell unconscious.
-When you woke up, you had no memories of what happened and your life before. You only remembered about us, your family.-
Silent filled the room. Hitsuka's mind sorted through all the information and it was like a door opened and let the light in, memories started to rush back into his head. The primary school, the cold stared, the jabs from the kids, mum, dad, Onii-chan, the boy, the blood, the body, the scream…
"Ah!" Hitsuka gasped as the flood of memories finished. With another gasped, he felt a surge of chakra running through him. 'It burns!' Shion covered his eyes as light erupted from the small body of Hitsuka.
When the light fade away, leaving a dazed looking Hitsuka behind. -Wow, what was that?- Shion asked, standing up to check his brother.
"It was my chakra," Hitsuka replied, feeling fresh and strong. "I've got all my chakra back!"
-That's great!- Shion cried.
"But…"
-But what? Are you hurt?- the older of the two questioned.
"But it comes with a price. I remembered everything. Everything…" Hitsuka's eyes took a faraway look. "Everything…" he repeated.
-Oh Hitsu-chan,- Shion said gently, drawing his brother into his embrace. -I won't tell you to forget the past, but live on. Don't let the past haunt you. Live on because you have people to protect now.-
"Yes. I have to protect Naruto, Hinata and Neji. They need help," Hitsuka slowly pushed himself away from the couch and Shion. "Shin-chan, I have to go now."
-Yes, you do.- In front of Hitsuka's eyes, Shion started to fade from the feet.
"Shin-chan!"
-No, don't worry,- Shion held up his hands with a reassuring smile. -I am not going anywhere, well I don't think I am. I used up all my energy to pull you in so I am going to sleep now. Don't worry,- he repeated, seeing the worried look on Hitsuka's face. -I'll still be here, in your heart, in your mind. We'll find a way for you to come back. The Naruto in the manga did it didn't he?-
"Yeah…" Hitsuka grinned. "I'll find a way but now, I have to go. Bye Shin-chan."
-Bye Hitsu-chan.- With one last parting smile, Hitsuka imagined him moving his body. He felt a pull then he was gone from Shion's view.
'It was nice seeing my brother again,' Shion thought and disappeared completely too.
Back to where people are, still floating in the air
Gashir smirked as he drew closer to the two children. 'The boy is freaky but I am sure I can take him.'
'No, not fast enough!' the Konoha ninja and the Hokage thought. The Hokage had joined the fight when Gashir made a dash towards Naruto and Hinata.
Suddenly, a burst of chakra erupted from the 'girl' in Gashir's hold. Gashir was knocked off from his feet and flew towards his partner. His partner, stopped in order no to crash with his leader, loosened his hold on Neji. Neji seized this chance and did his family taijutsu, Gentle Fist, if not a bit clumsy. But he managed to make the man doubled over in pain. He escaped and ran to where Naruto and Hinata were.
"Neji-nii-san!" two voices rang as the said boy positioned himself beside Naruto to protect Hinata.
Gashir did a flip and landed perfectly on both of his feet, his back faced the wall. In front of him, still surrounded by blue chakra and still wearing the same kimono, but a different kid. This kid had long white hair and gold eyes and was producing a large amount of chakra.
'From my chakra expansion before, I felt ninja coming. I don't want to be seen,' Hitsuka thought as he pulled a small ball from the inside of the kimono. 'I'll have to do this quick.' He threw the ball and smoke instantly surrounded the area. Leaving only Hiashi and Hizashi to be able to see with their Byakugan.
"Hiashi, tell me what's happening," the Third commanded when he landed next to Hiashi.
"Yes sir. Hitsuka is producing a large amount of chakra and is currently in front of the kidnaper. The kidnaper is going to use a jutsu!" Hiashi was readied to jump in when he saw Hitsuka took care of the guy.
With chakra to boost his speed and strength, Hitsuka seemed to just appear in front of Gashir and punched him in the stomach. Blood flew out from the man's mouth then fell forward, unconscious.
A few seconds later, Hitsuka appeared in front of Third and Hiashi, with both Gashir and his partner tied up nicely. Third, already heard what had happened from Hiashi, said, "Great job."
Hitsuka waited to be dismissed. The smoke was fading quite fast and if he didn't leave soon, others would see him. "I have question that I want to ask you…" He heard the Hokage said.
'NO! Not now, old man. I've got to go!' Hitsuka wailed in his mind.
"But… in your current state, I'll leave the questions until morning. You are dismissed."
'Really! Yes! But what does he meant by 'your current state'? No he understood my nightmare! Gotta go. Gotta leave now.' Hitsuka bowed and was readied to jump away when he heard the Third's voice.
"Meet me in my office at ten o'clock, sharp." His voice left no room to argue.
"Yes Hokage-sama. Good night." With that, Hitsuka ran to his friends to take them back to the Hyuuga mansion.
In the morning, outside of the Hokage Head Quarter
'I need sleep,' Hitsuka thought as he walked zombie style towards the Third's office. He was wearing his own cloth now, the black kimono and a pair of black zori sandals on his feet. After he got the kids back to the mansion, questions started to fly at him like bazookas. He avoided every bazooka and finally, when the kids understood that he would say nothing, they fell asleep. By then, it was already seven in the morning.
'I REALLY need sleep.' Hitsuka groaned lightly, seeing the stairs that he had to climb. 'Let me die…'
"Huff! Huff!" After around seven flights of stairs, Hitsuka was welcoming death. 'This won't have been a problem if I actually get any sleep and not running around in the middle of night and have my taller body,' he thought then cried out, "Argh!" He flopped down to sit. "I'll be late."
"Do you need help?" a voice asked.
Hitsuka craned his neck back and an up side down Kakashi came into his view. "Hatake-san that will be well appreciated."
So Kakashi bent down and easily lifted Hitsuka up. With a 'poof', they disappeared, leaving smoke behind.
They appeared in front of the Hokage with a burst of smoke. "Right on time, Hitsuka," the Third, puffing on his pipe.
"Hokage-sama," Hitsuka and Kakashi said, bowing at the same time, after Kakashi put Hitsuka down of course.
Hitsuka took a look around the office and made a list of people that were presented with a comment on each one of them on what he thought of them.
Jiraiya- a stupid but powerful pervert
Hiashi- meanie, could have taken me with him to this meeting
Hizashi- same with his brother, a meanie
Ibiki- a sadist, probably here to torture me
Kakashi- a smart, genius pervert
Hokage- a very powerful pervert
Of course he didn't say these comments out loud. He didn't have a death wish. He sighed. 'This doesn't look to good for me.'
"Please sit down," the Hokage said, gesturing to the only chair in the room, excluding the one that he was sitting on.
'It is me or does that chair looks like it has electricity running through it?' Hitsuka thought but sat down anyways.
"I have some questions that I want to be answered. This meeting has been postponed for far too long," the Third said, placing his laced fingers in front of his face, elbows on the table. "Let's begin, shall we."
"I won't answer any questions if you don't agree to my four conditions," Hitsuka said bravely.
"What! You little ungrateful brat," Jiraiya said, walking towards Hitsuka. He was told to stop by his sensei.
"Hokage-sama, why not let me do 'my things' with this brat?" Ibiki asked, quite excited.
"No, it's fine. Let's hear the conditions," the Third said, looking straight into Hitsuka's eyes.
Hitsuka let out the breath he was holding on to. "Right. First condition, if what I say doesn't please you and you send me away or kill me, you have to take care of Uzumaki Naruto. Not like the way he was taken care of before I came along.
"Second condition, I will tell you as much as I want. Don't force me to say anything else if I don't want to. But I will tell the truth.
"Third condition, I wish only Hokage-sama, Jiraiya-sama, Hyuuga-sama and Hyuuga-san to hear what I'll say. No one else.
"Last condition…" Hitsuka paused.
"Yes the last condition?" the Third enquired.
"Last condition, before we begin, I must have a cup of strong black coffee," Hitsuka finished, blushing lightly.
"What if I don't agree?" the Hokage asked, hiding a smile behind his hands. 'So he still thinks about Naruto at this kind of circumstance.'
Hitsuka pulled out a small black ball and answered, "I'll escape and take Naruto with me. I think most of you know what my smoke bombs can do so I suggest you not move."
"You know any of us can take that ball away from you and knock you unconscious," Kakashi said, slightly disappointed that his name wasn't in the list Hitsuka said.
"Of course, your ranks are all higher than jounin but this smoke bomb is special. With any small but violent movement, it will instantly explode." Hitsuka grinned. "Can you steal this from me with out any violent movement?"
"Fine, I'll agree to your conditions." Six pairs of eyes turned to look at their leader.
"But…" "Hokage-sama!" "You don't need to…" instantly rang out from some of the adults. The two Hyuuga adults had already accepted the conditions in their minds.
The Third held up a hand, silencing the ninja. He said, "Hitsuka's conditions are not unacceptable, especially when he still think of the well-being of another. I agree to your conditions, Hitsuka." He suddenly began to give out orders, "Ibiki, Kakashi, please leave this room now. Jiraiya, go and grab a cup of coffee that Hitsuka wants. The meeting will begin in five minutes."
Ibiki and Kakashi reluctantly left the room, followed by Jiraiya who was muttering, "What kind of kid is intelligent enough to ask for conditions. His three-years-old! And he wants coffee too! Jeeze." The Third laughed lightly and waited for Jiraiya to return.
Five minutes later
Jiraiya was back with the coffee, which Hitsuka gratefully accepted. "Ahh…" he sighed with content as the caffeine rushed through his vein. 'I am alive!'
"We've all have waited long enough," the Hokage said. "I am going to start now."
"Okay," Hitsuka replied, holding on to the warm mug, a bit nervous.
"Where did you come from?"
Silence filled the room as Hitsuka decided what to say will be the best. 'I can't get out of this question,' he thought with a sigh. He began his answer, hoping that he wouldn't be chucked into a metal institution, "I… am not from this world."
"What do you mean?" the Hokage asked, very confused. 'I wasn't expecting that.'
"I mean exactly what I said. I am not from your world, I am from another world or dimension, if you like," Hitsuka explained. 'The moment of truth. Will I be gone or will I stay. Drum roll please,' he thought sarcastically.
'He is not from this world. Is that even possible? Is he crazy? But he did say that he'd tell the truth according to the second condition. Anyways, it won't hurt to listen,' the Hokage decided. "What… is your world like?"
'I stay!' He mentally cheered. He then proceeded to explain his world to people who only appeared in manga and anime, "My world is kind of like your world but we don't have ninja, ninjutsu, genjutsu, bloodline, etc. But we do have the belief on chakra and because we don't use it like the way you do, we can't do jutsu."
"But you can!" Jiraiya cried out, still trying to think that the boy was crazy.
"I… am different. According to my family, I was an unusual and powerful child."
"What do you meant by 'was'?" this time it was Hiashi who asked the question. 'He's only three yet he can understand complicated things.'
Hitsuka closed his eyes to hide the pain brought forward by his newfound memories. "In my world, the colour of my eyes and hair is not normal so I was an outcast. Children at my school and in my class made fun of me from distant because they knew I held unusual power, which was chakra.
"I was adopted so I have no idea who my parents were and what they did. When I was little, I had abnormally high chakra and absolutely no control over it. My parents, adopted parents, usually have ways to calm me down in my chakra outburst. But one day, they weren't there and I nearly killed a boy.
"After that, I fell unconscious and when I woke up, I had somehow sealed my own chakra and my memories. So that was why I couldn't use any jutsu when I first arrived in your world. When Naruto was attacked, I managed to gain access to a small amount of my chakra to defeat the man. And this morning, I got all my memories back and full access to my chakra."
"You said that children at your age made fun of you. No offence but I don't really think children at the age of three are already that bias," Hizashi said. 'Is my son, Neji that smart?'
"No, they weren't three-years-old. They were five and six."
"But, you're three… at your age… five and six… what!" a confused Jiraiya cried.
"Don't you think I am unusually smart for a three-years-old?" Hitsuka chuckled lightly.
"You mean…" the Third realized.
"Yes. I was sixteen in my world and when I arrived into your world, I got turned back to my three-year-old self."
"That… will explain a lot of things," said a shocked Hiashi.
"Yes… but that doesn't explain how you could adapt to our world so well," the Third said. He was shocked, that was certain, but he didn't show, he was the Hokage. "I assume you arrived in our world on the day you released the pink smoke?"
'This old man is very smart. Asking all the important questions,' Hitsuka thought, impressed. "You are right. The reason why I can adapt to your world because… I know this world quite well."
"How!" Hizashi asked. "We are in different worlds!"
"Is that also why you know quite a lot about us?" the Hokage asked too.
"Yes for Hokage-sama's question. How, because… your world in my world is a programme on the TV and drawn into manga."
"What! So you mean our life, our secrets, our… everything are shown on TV and drawn into little books!" Jiraiya cried out, couldn't believe his ears. 'No! Not my secrets!'
"Yes, but not everything," Hitsuka replied, a sweat drop on his head.
"Then what do you know?" Hiashi asked.
"I know a bit of the past and quite al lot of the future," Hitsuka replied mysteriously.
"You know the future?" the Third asked disbelievingly. "Tell me about it."
'I might be able to prevent something that is bad,' he thought, worried for the safety of his village.
"No, I can't tell you the future."
"Why not? We can prevent things that are bad," Hizashi said, thinking on the same line as his leader.
Hitsuka sighed. "One, because no one should know their future. Two, my presence here has already changed a lot of things. I gave Naruto love and he had make some friends, I stopped Hinata-san from getting kidnapped, thus prevent Hyuuga-san from dying. And, because of me, the future that I know may be different to the future now."
"But…" Jiraiya started.
"No, and according to my second condition, you can't make me say anything else," Hitsuka said firmly.
"You really have thought over this haven't you," the Third said this not as a question but as a statement. 'This boy… he's quite smart.'
"Yeah," Hitsuka gave a satisfying grin.
"But… you told us about the kidnap attempt. Why?" Hiashi asked and Hizashi nodded in agreement.
"That's because… I wasn't sure that I would be able to stop Gashir by myself so it was better to be safe than sorry."
"So you told them the future why not tell us!" Jiraiya cried.
"Because!"
"Because what!"
"Just… Just because!"
As the argument continued on, Hokage used his fingers to massage his temples. "Silence," he said and his wish was granted. "How about this, Hitsuka, you will give me suggestions which might prevent what's coming in the future. So, we can be prepared what ever future has in store for us."
Hitsuka thought over this idea. 'This is actually not such a bad idea. This way, I don't have to always be so worried!'
"Very well, I'll only give suggestion and if I have or need to, I'll tell you what may or will happen."
"Good," the Third sighed and leaned back in his chair. He drew in a breath from his pipe to relax. "Right, next question. What about your parents? Won't they be worried about your sudden disappearance?"
Sadness and pain filled Hitsuka's eyes. 'So much pain!' Hiashi thought. 'They don't fit on an innocent face of a three-years-old.'
"They won't, because they are no longer alive."
"I am sorry," the Third murmured, understanding Hitsuka's pain. He too, had lost people whom were precious to him.
"Don't be. It happened a long time ago," Hitsuka smiled lightly, assuring the Hokage. "Any more questions?"
"No, that'll be all for the moment," the Third answered and fell silent to think. He noticed that Hitsuka was fidgeting out from the corner of his eyes. "What's wrong? Hitsuka."
Hitsuka stopped fidgeting and asked the Third, "What are you going to do with me now?"
'So he is worried about his future here in Konoha?' the Hokage thought amusedly. He asked a question instead of answering, "Do you know if you can get back?"
"I never really thought about that," Hitsuka admitted. "But I don't think I can yet."
"Right…" With a nod, the Hokage finally made his mind up. "What had been said and will be say here today CANNOT leave this room," he told everyone formally. Seeing them nodding, he continued, "As for your future, Yuki Hitsuka, I've decided to pull you out from the Ninja academy." With a hand, he silenced Hitsuka's protests. "And make you the secret weapon of this village, Konoha. I hereby, promote you to the rank of anbu."
Silence…
Then a burst of "WHAT!" "You can't be serious." "But sensei, he is just a snivelling brat!" and "Hey! I resent that!"
"Let me explain!" the Hokage waited until everyone's attention were on him again. "From what I have seen and heard today, I am sure that Hitsuka has the power, a smart calculating brain and the heart to become a great shinobi. And as you all know, the rank anbu does not promote from jounin, but chosen by me."
"But he doesn't have a lot of experience," Hizashi said, worried for his little friend.
"So I'll be sending him on mission suitable for him," the Third replied, not at all worried.
"You sound like you've already have a mission for him, sensei," Jiraiya said, still in a state of shock and denial.
"You are right. I do have a mission for him." The Hokage chuckled as he watched people picking their jaws up from the floor.
"Do I not get a say in this," Hitsuka grumbled. 'This is moving too fast for me. Me? An anbu? Has the world comes to an end?'
"No, as the leader of your village, I command you."
"You… You still see me as one of you? After what I've just told you?" Hitsuka asked disbelievingly. The Third nodded and Hitsuka felt something spreading through him. 'I… I'm wanted! After what I've told them and they still accept me!'
"Now I'll tell you about your mission," the Third said, smiling at Hitsuka's expression, and pulled out a scroll from his desk. "I've just received this a few days ago and I was going to decline in but now I have you… I'll start from the beginning.
"The relationship between us and Sunagakure is very unstable right now. The Kazekage had just recently sent an invitation to invite a child from Konoha to his village. He wanted a playmate for his youngest son. I was going to refuse because of the rumours that I've heard.
"Rumours said that his youngest child is… different and may be unstable. But now… will you take this mission?"
'I can't believe it! I had been thinking a way to go to Suna to see if I can do anything about Gaara of the Desert. Now I have this offering to me on a silver plate. Of course I'll…'
"I'll take it."
"Excellent. Now I'll just give a reply to Kazekage and you'll leave with the merchants going to Suna in two days. This mission will be for two weeks and I am sure you'll know what to do-"
"Wait!" Hitsuka interrupted. "It's fine that I am going on a mission but what about Naruto? He can't come with me."
"Yes you are right…" the Third murmured. "What to do…"
"He can come and stay with me," Hizashi said, looking at the white-haired boy. "I'm sure Neji will be happy."
"That's sorted," the Third said, glad that he didn't have more work to do.
"Thank you, Hyuuga-san." Hitsuka smiled gratefully at Hizashi. He then remembered something. "Hokage-sama."
"Yes?"
"What's going to happen to Gashir?"
"For now, I'll give him to Ibiki then I'll have a chat with the Cloud," the Hokage said, puffing on his pipe.
"Last question, why was Morino-san here."
"He was here to learn about Gashir and what I wanted him to do," the Third answered. "I assure you, Ibiki wasn't here to torture you."
"Good."
"Go home now and rest. You'll leave in two days." The Third dismissed everyone. Hitsuka decided to go and pick Naruto up form the Hyuuga mansion. So he walked back with the Hyuuga men.
On the way, none one of them spoke, each deep in their own thoughts.
At the Hyuuga mansion
"Hitsuka! Where did you go?" Naruto greeted Hitsuka with a question.
Happiness, relief, love and fondness rushed through Hitsuka and he picked Naruto up. "No where. I didn't go anywhere and I'm staying."
Readied to go home and rest, Hitsuka and Naruto bid the Hyuuga family goodbye. For some reason, Naruto was quiet all the way home. Confused, Hitsuka asked, "What's wrong, Naruto?" But Naruto only shook his head and stayed silent. Decided not to push, Hitsuka fell silent too.
When they got home, Hitsuka decided that he needed some food in his rumbling stomach, fast. So he chucked the pot on the stove and ripped the cover off the instant ramen cup.
While Hitsuka was waiting patiently for the water to boil, Naruto came up from behind him. "Hitsuka…"
"Hmm?"
"I want to ask you something."
"Yeah…"
"This morning, when I saw you were hurt, I heard a voice in my head. It gave me power, scary power so I could go and safe you. What… was it?" Something like fear flashed in Naruto's eyes.
Hitsuka sighed, 'I was expecting this not for at least another two or three years.' He turned the gas off; his stomach could wait, and turned to look at Naruto. "Let's go and sit down. We'll talk."
When they got comfortable on the couch, sitting next to each other, Hitsuka turned to face Naruto. Slowly, he began to tell the poor child the reason why the villagers hated him, "Naruto, do you know who Fourth Hokage was?"
"Yes," Naruto replied, wondering why the man was brought into this conversation. "He was a great man. He died with the demon, Kyuubi no Kitsune, and saved the village." Admiration shone in Naruto's eyes.
"You've got most of that right but there was one mistake. Kyuubi no Kitsune, it didn't died. The Fourth was unable to kill it so he sacrificed his life to seal it inside a newborn baby." Naruto's brain started to see the connection. "Yes, Naruto, you were the baby. It was sealed inside you," Hitsuka finished bluntly.
Naruto placed a hand on his belly. "In… me?"
"Yes, in you," Hitsuka echoed, placing his hand on top of Naruto's.
"I'm… the demon?" Tear swelled up in Naruto's shy blue eyes. "So what those mean villagers said were true," he sniffed.
"No, no, no. You're not the demon," Hitsuka said gently, drawing Naruto into a hug. Naruto cried into the taller boy's shoulder. "You are a hero, you saved the village! You stopped Kyuubi from rampaging. It's only because the villagers are too dense to see that." Naruto gave a teary laugh. Hitsuka smiled. "You are you. Kyuubi is Kyuubi. That'll never change."
"Thank you, Hitsuka…"
I'm not a demon. A deep voice said inside Naruto's head.
"What? Who's there?" Naruto squeaked and Hitsuka instantly moved back to look at him.
I said, I'm not a demon. The voice sounded impatient.
"Ar-Are you Kyuubi?" Naruto asked with fear laced in his voice. Hitsuka, understood what was going on, tensed.
Yes I am.
"Hitsuka! It-It's Kyuubi and he said that he is not a demon!" Naruto told Hitsuka. He was scared but a bit excited at the same time.
"He's not a demon?" Hitsuka muttered. "Then why did he attack Konoha?"
It's because… Ahthis is annoying. Brat, I am bringing you in.
"What do you mean 'bringing me in-'" before Naruto could finish, he was out cold.
"Naruto!" Hitsuka yelled, taking a leap towards Naruto. While he was still in midair, a string of red chakra rose from Naruto's limp body. "What the?" Before his mind could register what happened, the string of chakra snaked towards him and wrapped around his body. He managed to say "Huh?" before he was too, unconscious.
"Hitsuka! Wake up! Hitsuka!" Hitsuka woke to see a very worried Naruto.
"Naruto?"
"Hitsuka, you're awake!" Naruto sighed in relief then looked around him. "Where… are we?"
Hitsuka sat up and took a look around him too. They were in a dark corridor with water running gently around them. 'This… This is…'
"We are in your mind, Naruto."
"My mind?" Surprise spread across the boy's face.
"Yes, it seems to me that Kyuubi had pulled us in so-"
That'll be correct. Both boys jumped in surprise.
'That's Kyuubi! What a deep voice,' Hitsuka thought. It was the first time that he heard Kyuubi speaking.
I won't be able to move to where you are so you have to come to me, Kyuubi said, his voice echoing in the long corridor.
"Right, Naruto, we're going," Hitsuka said as he stood up. Naruto grabbed his hand, trembling slightly. Hitsuka patted him on the head and reassure him, "Don't worry, it'll be fine."
So the two boys, holding hands, walked down the corridor to meet the creature that attacked Konoha three years ago.
Welcome to my humble… home, Kyuubi greeted the boys. Hitsuka's eyes widened in surprise.
'This is Kyuubi?' To say that Hitsuka was surprised was understandable. The bars of the cage were there with the seal on it. Everything looked like manga except…
Kyuubi was the size of a small dog with nine fluffy tails behind him. He almost looked cute! No wait, he was cute.
Surprised human? You should be, after all, I am the Great Kyuubi no Kitsune, Kyuubi said proudly, walking up to the bars of his cage, tails flared out and wagging.
"You are so cute!" Naruto squealed with delight, completely forgotten whom he was speaking to. He ran up to the cage and squatted down in front of the shocked fox. "Can I call you Kyuu-chan? Or Kyuu?"
What are you talking about, you insolent brat! I am the Great Kyuubi no-
"Well, you are not exactly what we expected," Hitsuka cut Kyuubi off, speaking the truth.
What did you expect? Kyuubi asked, irritated in being cut off and Naruto's nickname for him.
"Well…" Hitsuka tried his theory and it worked. Soon a sketchy picture of Kyuubi in magnificent glory appeared on top of his head. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he concentrated on the details. After a while, a beautiful picture of Kyuubi snaring and tearing little humans into pieces. It was the first picture of Kyuubi in manga.
"Wow…" Naruto breathed. Kyuubi was silent, staring first at the image then at Hitsuka.
"What do you think?" Hitsuka asked, a bit breathlessly from his effort.
"It's great!" Naruto said quietly.
I agreed with the blond brat, Kyuubi said, ignoring Naruto's protests on calling him a brat. Yes, that's my true form. I can look like that if I want to or if I am very angry. Don't I look like that now? Two small heads shook in negative. Oh…
"Let me guess, you were very angry when you attacked Konoha?" Naruto asked the question that was on Hitsuka's mind.
Yes, I was…
"So you took your anger out on Konoha? And you said you are not a demon," Hitsuka accused.
One, I didn't take my anger out on your village, and two, I AM NOT A DEMON! Kyuubi roared. Hitsuka was surprised that such a small creature could make such a loud noise.
"Then what are you?" Hitsuka asked, trying to stop the ringing in his head.
I am an animal spirit.
"As in ghost kind of thing?" Naruto asked, very interested.
Not really. I am certainly no ordinary animal and I have, or had, a physical body. I look after the forest that is around and in Konoha.
"So you are the protector of the forest," Hitsuka concluded.
Yes. I make sure everything is in order and nothing is out of balance.
"Then why did you attack Konoha in your true form? Surely that had affected the forest that you were protecting." Naruto asked, confusion written all over his face.
'They look so cute!' Hitsuka thought, watching Naruto talking with a fluffy animal. 'Okay… that was random.'
I attacked Konoha because… I was hunting for a human.
"So many lives lost just for one single person?" Naruto whispered in shock. Although the villagers never treated him well but it was his village where his precious people lived.
It wasn't my fault. The snake human that I was hunting for was in this village. I only wanted him but those stupid ninja decided to attack me. I was so angry that I would rip apart anything that was in my path. This was how I met the Fourth.
"Wait a sec, did you said, 'snake human?'" Hitsuka asked, making sure what he heard was correct.
Yeah…
"What did this 'snake human' do?" Naruto butted in, curious.
At the thought of that human, Kyuubi began to grow in size. Naruto moved back to where Hitsuka was standing in fear. Soon, both children understood the fear the villagers felt.
A snaring fox with nine tails lashing behind it was presented inside the solid cage. That bastard He killed my family, my wife and my kits! HE KILLED THEM ALL! Kyuubi roared, shaking the room that they were in. My kits, they hadn't even opened their eyes yet. Slowly, Kyuubi went back to its original size as anger turned into sorrow. They were so small…
"What happened," Hitsuka said gently, moving forward to the cage with Naruto behind him. "Let it out, let your pain out," he murmured, extending his hand into the cage and started to stroke Kyuubi's head.
My mate, she just gave birth to my kits. She was tired and weak but she was happy. My kits, there were four of them, they were so cute. I knew my mate needed food, so I went out. I was delayed by some business with the animals in the forest. And when I came back the next morning, I found my mate dead. A human had taken my kits.
I smelt a snake, no snake could outsmart a fox! But I calmed myself down, I needed to find my kits. So I took after the scent and soon I arrived at a cabin. I felt no life in it but I knew my kits were in there. With dread, I pushed the door open and walked in. My kits, my poor kits. They were all dead! But that was not the worst. They each had wires and tubes sticking out of them. They were used in an experiment!
With slow movements, Hitsuka shifted the trembling fox onto his laps. Naruto joined the patting. With tears running, Kyuubi continued, I found one kit was still alive, barely alive. For a second I thought I might be able to save one. But… the kit was suffering, he was better off dead. I… I had to kill him! I had to kill my own kit with my own teeth to end his suffering! The moment I felt the bones snapped under my teeth, I vowed that I would kill the snake human. Revenge, revenge, revenge…
I again followed the scent, this time in my true form. I was so angry! I arrived near a village and tiny humans started to attack me. Blinded by hate and anger, I killed. I knew the snake human was in the village so I charged forward. But soon, there was another obstacle. It was a blond human standing on a huge toad. I attacked and he defended. For how long I didn't know. He then disappeared, leaving other humans to attack me.
After a while, when I was so close to the village, he appeared again. The toad charged forward to attack me while the human did hand seals. He was crying, I noticed. Then with a yell, he did something. He sealed me inside a baby. I tried to run for I hadn't had my revenge yet. But I was sucked into the baby. Before I completely disappeared, I saw the snake human. He was smirking at me! He knew I was coming for him and I couldn't do anything to harm him now. I would never forget his ugly pale face. I will kill him one day. I will.
Hitsuka and Naruto were silent. What they heard now was completely new. They didn't know what to say.
Suddenly, Naruto started to cry. "I am sorry. I am so sorry. I am so sorry…" again and again he apologized for his village. Kyuubi cracked open his eyes. He jumped from Hitsuka's laps into Naruto's and licked the crying boy's cheek.
Don't be, kit. It wasn't your fault and because of me, you have been suffering. I am sorry too.
Naruto smiled happily at the name Kyuubi called him with. He giggled because the warm tongue was tickling his face. Hitsuka smiled too. 'Looks like Kyuubi have found his kit inside Naruto,' he thought then he noticed something different. 'How is it that we are touching Kyuubi when he is supposed to be inside a cage?' He looked around and discovered that he and Naruto were on the other side of the bars. "We can move in and out of the cage?" he thought out loud. That was when Kyuubi and Naruto noticed the difference.
How is that possible? Kyuubi wondered. The seal… He stood up and walked towards the bars. He couldn't even put his paws through the gap.
"My turn," Naruto said and he walked through the bars. His eyes widened along with Hitsuka's. "Cool…"
Is there an explanation for this?
"Probably not," Hitsuka replied as he too, walked out of the cage. He walked back in again for he wanted to talk to Kyuubi. "Stop running backwards and forward, Naruto. You're making me dizzy."
"Sorry," said Naruto, running back in and plopped himself down next to Kyuubi.
"Okay, Kyuubi-sama-"
Kyuubi will do.
"Right, Kyuubi," Hitsuka started again. "Does the 'snake human' look like this?" An image of a pale-faced guy appeared over their heads. It was Orochimaru.
Yes, it was him, Kyuubi spat out. His eyes blazing with hate. Do you know him?
"Know him? No. Know about him? Yes," Hitsuka said. "He was taught by the Third but he betrayed Konoha. He is a dangerous man."
I will kill him. I will.
Hitsuka sighed. "Kyuubi, you can't kill him unless we find a way to unseal you, otherwise, it'll be Naruto who'll kill him."
"I am not sure about the killing but I can kick his ass!" Naruto said happily, making Hitsuka and Kyuubi chuckled.
Thanks kit.
"That'll be a great plan but Naruto, you are not strong enough," Hitsuka said seriously. "You could die or be taken in as an experiment subject."
Naruto shivered slightly at the horrible thought. I'll never let that happen, Kyuubi said with fatherly protectiveness. I can help him.
"And I can train very hard," Naruto piped in.
Hitsuka looked at the pair. Naruto had a look of determination on his face and Kyuubi's showed protectiveness. Again he sighed, "Know this, Orochimaru is very strong for his is one of the Legendary Three. Not to mention his knowledge and experience, which Naruto are lacking."
I have thousands of years of knowledge and experience that I can teach.
"So you are saying that you can train Naruto?"
Yes.
"Good!" Hitsuka said, finally achieved his gaol. "I'll leave him to your hands… err… paws."
"Aren't you going to teach me any more?" Naruto asked quietly, afraid that Hitsuka was going to abandon him.
"No, not for the next two weeks," Hitsuka replied, understanding Naruto's fear. He explained, "Naruto, I went to a meeting with Hokage-sama this morning and I was promoted. From today, I am an anbu, the secret weapon of Konoha. And I am going on a mission in two days that lasts for two weeks."
"That's great!" Naruto squealed, truly happy for Hitsuka. "Wait until Neji-nii-san and Hinata-chan find out."
"No Naruto, they mustn't know." Hitsuka shook his head to emphasise. "No one should know about this. You should never tell anyone what had happened here today. This is our secret. Understand?" Naruto nodded. "Good."
You are not a normal kid are you? You are more mature than any other kids at your age I've ever seen, Kyuubi asked.
"You can say that," Hitsuka replied with a soft smile. "When the time comes, I'll tell you and Naruto about it."
Right, you should go back to your world now. Don't worry, I'll look after kit, Kyuubi added, reading Hitsuka's mind. I'll train him and make him strong. I'll also train you too, Hitsuka. From now on, you two will be my kits.
"Really! I have a father!" Naruto squealed while Hitsuka was shocked.
"Really? A father?" Hitsuka whispered.
Kyuubi grinned and gave his kits a lick on the face. Yeah, really.
Two days later
Hitsuka stood in front of the Konoha gate with the merchants and their carts. Naruto was there with him. "Bye, Hitsuka."
"Bye, Naruto." They gave each other a hug, moving slower than usual. Hitsuka gave Naruto a kiss on the forehead. "Be good."
"I will, I promise."
"We are leaving now," Kakashi said, standing next to the pair. He was assigned to protect the people that were going to Suna. He was a bit confused why Hitsuka was going.
Hitsuka gave another hug then climbed onto one of the cart. "Bye" Naruto yelled as the group of people, animals and carts started to move. Soon, Hitsuka disappeared from his sight.
"Bye…" he distantly heard Hitsuka yelled.
"Come, we are going back now," Hizashi said, placing a hand on Naruto's head.
Naruto did his best not to cry but a few sobs escaped. Hizashi looked at the blond boy and picked him up. "Don't worry, he'll be back soon."
"Yeah…" Naruto agreed.
"Is it me or have you gained a lot of weight in two days?" Hizashi asked, a bit confused why Naruto was suddenly heavier.
Naruto chuckled and replied, "I've got six kilograms of weights on. 1.5kg on each arms and legs." He showed Hizashi the wrist band-like things on his wrists and ankles.
"Why?" Hizashi asked curiously.
"Because, I must get very strong in order to protect the people I love and this village," Naruto said proudly.
Hizashi smiled. 'After what those villagers did to him, he still wants to protect this village.' "Let's go back now. Neji is waiting."
"Yeah!"
In the cart
'I am bored!' Hitsuka thought in annoyance. It had only been ten minutes since he left Konoha but there was nothing to do. He turned his head and saw Kakashi walking behind the cart he was sitting on. 'He's not reading Icha Icha Paradise? Oh yeah, he's only 17 this year. Good, so he's not a pervert yet.' Poor Hitsuka, he didn't know how wrong he was.
Hitsuka shifted so his back was leaning against the side of the cart. He pulled his black backpack towards him and started to rummage. He soon found what he was looking for, a book. It was a book titled Kung Fu from his world. 'One of the things that I found in my backpack,' he thought. 'I should learn Kung Fu or taijutsu. I need to get fit, already the extra 6kg is making me tired. I need to be strong in body too if I want to be a great ninja.'
He started to read and look at the illustration in the book. The book taught the basics of different style of fighting, including Tae Kwondo, Kendo, Shinto Ryu and even Kick Boxing. As he read about Tai Chi Chuan, he felt Kakashi moved towards him.
"What are you reading?"
"Taijutsu," Hitsuka replied, eyes trained on the book.
"You don't read taijutsu, you move and learn," Kakashi said.
"But I don't have anyone to teach me so I learn by myself. I'll practice later," Hitsuka replied then he ignored Kakashi who went away.
When the stopped for the night, Hitsuka hurriedly ate his dinner then he walked away to practice. He found a small clearing in the forest not too far away from the campsite. 'This will do,' he thought then he started to learn Tai Chi all by himself.
He had seen people doing Tai Chi in the park before so he imagined himself as one of them. He did the moves slowly, following the book. Although he was only a beginner, he managed to do every move smoothly. He was so concentrated that he fell to notice Kakashi's presence.
'What kind of taijutsu is that?' Kakashi thought as he watched Hitsuka from a tree. 'It looks like the Gentle Fist that the Hyuuga are famous for, but it's kind of different. Maybe he invented it by himself from watching the Hyuuga practice?' Kakashi noticed that Hitsuka was reading a book then did the moves. 'The Hyuuga don't pass their taijutsu down by books so what is that book? I am interested to find out.'
Hitsuka sat down wearily. The extra weight was getting heavier and his kimono was slightly damp from his exercise. "Argh! I need a bath," Hitsuka cried.
"I can help you with that," Kakashi said, making himself known by the boy. He jumped down and landed in front of Hitsuka.
Hitsuka's eyes widened and he stuttered, "Pe-Pe-Pe-"
"Pe- what?" Kakashi asked.
"PERVERT!"
A sweat-drop rolled down from the back of Kakashi's head. "That was not what I meant. There is a small river near here, you can take a bath there."
"Oh…" Hitsuka blushed slightly in embarrassment. "Thanks…"
"No problem," Kakashi said with a smile, not that Hitsuka could see it. "I'll take you there." He lifted Hitsuka up and started to walk.
"Heh! I can walk by myself," Hitsuka yelled, now blushing madly.
"No you can't. You are tired. Have you gained weight in two days?"
"No I've got weights on."
"So you must be more tired. You didn't even sense me coming," Kakashi said. "I saw you practicing."
"You saw me practicing?" Hitsuka asked in disbelieve.
"Yup! What is that book?"
"I told you before, it's a book on taijutsu."
"Can I have a look?"
"Nope."
"Why not?"
"Because I am going to invent a taijutsu that no one has seen before," Hitsuka said with determination.
"Fine." With that, Kakashi dropped a surprised Hitsuka into the cold water. "We're here!"
Sputtering, Hitsuka stood up. "What did you do that for!"
"Your kimono needs a wash too," Kakashi replied cheekily. "I was only trying to help."
"Yeah right," Hitsuka muttered under his breath then he started to take his kimono off. Soon he was only in his boxers. He gave his kimono a quick rinse then he climbed out of the water. "I need to light a fire," he said and started to gather dry wood.
"I'll help," Kakashi chirped and brought some wood forward. They arranged the wood so it'll be easy to light a fire. Hitsuka expectantly stared at Kakashi. "What!" Kakashi asked.
"Light a fire," Hitsuka cried, wanting to jump back into the water and leave his clothes to dry.
"Oh!" With a few hand seals and a cry of "Katon no jutsu!" a roaring fire lit up the riverbank.
Hitsuka spread his kimono beside the fire then he jumped back into the water. He noticed Kakashi was sneaking around his kimono. "It's not there," he called out.
Kakashi jumped slightly then replied, "Who said I was looking for the book?"
Hitsuka looked at Kakashi thinking that for a genius he was stupid. "You just did."
"Oops," Kakashi said, scratching the back of his head. "Well… where is it?"
"I hid it, knowing that you have the skill to steal it off from me without me noticing," Hitsuka said washing quickly so he could get out of the freezing water. He climbed out quickly and settled himself beside the fire. "Ah… It's so warm."
"I don't steal, I borrow!" Kakashi protested. He stood up and unzipped his jounin vest, he then proceeded to drape it around Hitsuka's shivering body. "Here."
"Thank you," Hitsuka whispered, touched by Kakashi's action.
After another four nights, everyone finally arrived at the Sunagakure. It was time for Hitsuka to meet Gaara of the Desert.
Phew, long chapter. Please review and I once again apologize for not update for such a long time. I am not sure when the next chapter will come because I have to study for my music theory exam that is coming up in two weeks.
Please review. I know you want to.
