Chapter 13: Broken Cages
A week had passed since the New Year Festival came to an end and with it the first flakes of snow began to fall on the Land of Fire ordering the great clans of the country to pack up and return to their homes.
On this regard the Uchiha had been the first to depart the Imperial Capital without any further words to the other Clans except a court farewell and a promise of peace from Itachi Uchiha who in the eyes of those who knew him better seemed happier than ever in his life.
The Uzumaki and the Hyuuga had accorded to leave the city on the same day for one would depart with a member of the other with the hopes of a future alliance.
Hinata Hyuuga had been the daughter chosen to try and secure an alliance with the Uzumaki Lord though this choice troubled Hiashi Hyuuga given her life of failures and disappointments. Still, he had hoped that the peculiar tastes of Naruto would suffice to be pleased with the girl, for looking at his daughter with the eyes of a man he had to admit that she was indeed a beauty to behold stirring in him deeper paternal instincts of concern and protectiveness.
Not to mention that Naruto's "evil" laughter when Hinata was officially handed over had unsettled the Hyuuga and their vassals who really liked the clumsy Hyuuga princess.
Naruto had been smashed to the ground by an apologetic Sakura while the skimpy Ino gave assurances that Hinata would be well taken care of, though no one.
Nevertheless Kiba Inuzuka and Shino Aburame had made slight threats in case the contrary happened. They had also advised Hinata on how to deal painful wounds to a man's "precious" area in case he turned out to be a "beast"
With that both Clans had promised to begin anew their talks when Spring melted the snows.
Still the Uzumaki were about to leave with a dent in their armor of victory for Empress Tsunade had cloistered herself up behind the walls of the palace and had denied to give her blessing to Naruto dismissively saying that until Naruto proved himself different that the previous warlords she wouldn't speak to him again.
Naruto and his clan had loaded their wagons and were about to depart the Uzumaki Estate when Anko, Kurenai and Yugao approached him.
"So you are leaving?" asked a disappointed Anko making Naruto shiver slightly for still he was unsettled by the tomboyish matron of the brothel that used to be his estate.
Naruto turned and clearing his throat he said "Oh, hey there girls. Listen, I am leaving but you can stay here free of charge, just keep the place nice and the people happy"
"Oh, so you want us to go back to our previous lifestyle? You pimp" said Anko narrowing her eyes with a wicked smile.
"No, that's not what I meant!" hurriedly said Naruto when he noticed that three girls had large bags behind them.
Blinking, Naruto asked "You going somewhere girls?"
"Well, we can't just let our master go without us. So we are moving over with you" replied Anko while Kurenai and Yugao nodded in affirmation.
"Woah, master? You are not my servants, we made a deal remember?" said Naruto not exited that three mature looking girls wanted to be with him and call him master.
"I believe he needs a deeper explanation Anko" said Kurenai placing a hand on her partner's shoulder.
"Oh, I wanted to see him squirm a little further. But fine, we don't want the snows to make the journey longer than it has" replied Anko.
And with that the three girls took hold of their kimonos and in a flashy display took them off making Naruto cover his eyes with his hands but leaving holes through which to peek at the rather daring girls.
But when he focused better, Naruto realized that three girls were not only dressed still but in a garment that made his eyes sparkle with the excitement of a boy with a new toy.
Anko, Kurenai and Yugao were dressed as ninjas (similar to Kasumi from DOA) and poising with her weapons bared.
Anko held two kunai, Kurenai two fans and Yugao a Ninjato though the last two girl were blushing in embarrassment for Naruto's expression of utter admiration and wonder made them uncomfortable.
As one the three girls dropped to a knee and suddenly the rest of the girls populating the estate appeared in a large cloud of smoke in a similar kneeling position.
"You have proven yourself a man worthy of our services and for your lofty goal of uniting the land, the Kunoichi of the Dancing Fire will add their strength to yours. You are our master and your command is our sole desire" courtly said Kurenai while Sakura and a large host of Uzumaki soldiers came to see what was the ruckus.
"Look Sakura-chan! My own ninjas! Told you they were real!" yelled Naruto in obvious excitement while Sakura surveyed the assembled Kunoichi with a mix of awe and dread for neither she nor anyone had realized they had been living with spies and assassins.
"Yes boy, and that means you can command us to do anything, and I mean everything…" said Anko winking at Naruto while licking her lips.
Kurenai and Yugao grimaced at that last part but it was true.
But Anko never expected that Naruto, so far somewhat shy and nervous in her presence, turned around with steely eyes that spoke of disapproval.
"Very well, I am very glad for your offer but you are still missing a crucial thing all Kunoichi must have and not having it is a serious flaw" said Naruto while crossing his arms.
At that Anko took a step back with her pride a bit hurt while Kurenai and Yugao looked to one another wondering what their new master was speaking about.
Getting angry Anko took a step forward and with a challenging grin she said "Alright smart ass, what's exactly missing in us that is so important? I mean you never suspected anything awry about us and we could killed you all quite easily several times"
"I don't doubt it Anko, but still you are missing something crucial and that is that…ALL KUNOICHI MUST SAY NIN NIN AT THE END OF EVERY SENTENCE!" declared Naruto spreading his arms wide and casting his spirit as to awe everyone else.
This made every kunoichi face palm where they stood and Anko miss a step.
"What?! You must be crazy! No Kunoichi speaks like that and the day I do hasn't arrived brat!" roared Anko in Naruto's face who was undimmed by her anger.
"Is that any way of talking to your master?" said a smug looking Naruto that made Anko fume in fury but eventually nod and say "As you wish master…nin nin"
"That's more like it, be sure you get used to it. Oh and since you are at my command, you better do something with those Kunoichi attires for they are lacking in sensuality" finished saying Naruto as he went to get on his horse and prepare to leave.
"What happened with him?" said Anko in disbelief for this man was terrified of her until a few moments ago and now was commanding her to his delusional whims.
"He certainly is an interesting character" added Kurenai feeling embarrassed over her new orders.
"You sure we can't kill him? Nin nin" added Yugao making her partners look at her in surprise over the speed with which she complied with Naruto's ridiculous command.
"R-Remember what Danzo said, unless he becomes a danger for the Land of Fire we are to bey him without question of hesitation" said Kurenai.
"You missed the nin nin" replied Yugao making Kurenai and Anko sigh in defeat.
On the way to Castle Maelstrom
Naruto and Sakura rode at the front of two thousand Uzumaki warriors while he had left behind another thousand to keep helping the Imperial Capital's garrison in making the city a good place to live.
Konohamaru had returned to the side of his grandfather and also to train himself for the coming of spring for surely more conflicts would explode in one front or the other.
Shikamaru and Chouji had also made their way back home to be with their families and relay to their parents the events that transpired on the capital and thus prepare for the future and also prepare requests for the Uzumaki given that an alliance with the Hyuuga could see them removed from a position of privilege to one of servitude though Shikamaru thought that was unlikely to happen with Naruto.
So now Naruto was being accompanied by his mother, Lord Jiraiya as an advisor, Ino as his girl and Lady HInata Hyuuga as his harem's newest addition, and a host of angry kunoichi.
At Lady Kushina's wagon.
"We haven't had time to talk Kushina" said Jiraiya as Kushina served him a measure of sake.
"We have been busy Lord Jiraiya. But it's good to see you haven't aged at all" replied a serene Kushina.
"My bones would say differently. But years do have been kind to you my dear" laughed Jiraiya gulping down the sweet flavored sake.
"Now you are just faltering me" replied Kushina serving more sake to Jiraiya.
Both fell at a silence while the wagon swayed gently on the roads Naruto had made built to connect his lands and that of those he now called friends.
"Naruto is quite impressive" finally said Jiraiya.
"That he is, but you would be amazed how fragile he can be" said Kushina with closed eyes.
"That kid fragile? Don't make me laugh, I seen him standing up after that Sakura chick beats him up into a pulp" replied Jiraiya knowingly ignoring the point.
"There's so much he still needs to learn" said Kushina with a sad tone.
"I hear you, after all he grew up in a small patch of land for most of his life. I bet the world seems a huge fascinating place though he turned out to be quite the interesting fellow" said Jiraiya with affection in his tone.
Smiling Kushina nodded and said "He is surprisingly pure, and that's what makes me fear for his future"
Jiraiya wondered about Kushina meant with that but instead of asking about that he said "Well we will be there to help him along the way so you can relax"
"More like guide him…"said Kushina with some ice in her tone that didn't escaped Jiraiya.
"Hold on there, girl. I like the boy and I am honest about it and so is the Old Man. He has potential to be everything we couldn't" said Jiraiya feeling a bit insulted.
"I am sorry, being a single mom makes one a bit over protective" replied Kushina softening her voice.
"Don't be, you always was the fierce one when it came to defend what you loved…" said Jiraiya and stopping.
Another silence fell between them and Jiraiya took another measure of sake served by Kushina.
"You wish to know about his father don't you?" finally said Kushina.
"That hair and those eyes…" said Jiraiya a bit too eager.
"Yes, they are from him" answered Kushina.
"Do you know where is him?" asked Jiraiya with hopeful eyes.
"No, I don't know. He never told me where he was going" said Kushina with a forlorn look.
"Damn shame, should have taught him better manners" said Jiraiya trying to lighten the mood though he failed miserably.
"He was a gentleman the whole time we were together Jiraiya. But I should have known that he wouldn't stay for long" said Kushina.
"That dream of his…that fool" said Jiraiya with anger and regret.
"A great one and one worth every effort and every pain Jiraiya, don't doubt him please" said Kushina in an apologetic tone.
"I never doubted the boy, it's only that…I had great things in store for him" sighed Jiraiya.
"Then give them to Naruto Lord Jiraiya. Naruto was his gift to me and I am sure he would have liked you in his life. After all, he was the man he was because you made him that way" said an smiling Kushina.
"Ha ha ha! You are right Kushina! I am that awesome huh? Very well, then I'll shape your boy into something even the gods will envy!" roared Jiraiya recovering his good humor though Kushina felt an immense sympathy for the aged man due to the unbearable sadness etched in his eyes.
Once Jiraiya finished his boasting and wiped some tears from his face, he asked "Just one thing Kushina. Where exactly did Naruto got the idea of making a Harem?"
Kushina's stare became a glare that chilled Jiraiya to the bone and replied "He found one of your books when he turned thirteen"
"Oops" said Jiraiya wishing he hadn't asked.
At the "Lord's Girls" Wagon
Ino sighed for what felt like the hundred time that day since they departed the Imperial Capital and made way for Castle Maelstrom.
She had been glad that Naruto found her advice helpful on how to deal with women though Naruto only allowed her to wear her dresses to the length she used to before the fight with the Sarutobi and at least add a shawl over her shoulders for a bit of modesty and to avoid the cold weather.
Naruto had told her that during winter she would be able to cover herself though at indoors she would have to reveal some flesh. What he left that for her to decide.
And if the humiliation during the Festival Night where she had to embrace Hinata rather suggestively, wasn't enough, now she had to show Hinata the ropes of being part of Naruto's crazy dream.
And with this Ino turned to look at the shy Hyuuga princess who hasn't spoken a word since she had been handed over to the Uzumaki; She had attempted to start a conversation a couple of times but so far the princess just yelped and bowed her head to hide her face amidst her hair.
"Sigh, Listen Hinata, I know it's a bit scary being away from your family but Naruto isn't that bad a character you know? And I know he doesn't like his girls being shy or silent" said Ino trying to ease Hinata a bit.
Hinata yelped and casting a worried glance at Ino she was about to say something but decided against it.
"Oh, I got a reaction there…"thought Ino as a playful smile appeared on her face.
"You see, Naruto is quite an outspoken simple guy and unless you make him notice you, you might as well be flower painted on the wall. I mean you have seen that billboard brow girl riding with him? That's how you get him to notice you" said a smug looking Ino.
"And what of you Ino?" asked Hinata still bowed and with a voice barely above a whisper.
"Me? The freak claimed me after wasting my friends and now makes me wear these outfits for him! I am sure he enjoys to watch every inch he can of me" nearly yelled Ino in righteous anger.
"I-I see…What you think he wants from me then?" asked Hinata with a louder voice.
"You? Very likely to make you wear similar outfits and perhaps fool around with you from time to time. In case you think you can sway him to your clan's point of view you can forget it" said Ino crossing a leg in front of Hinata and leaning back.
Hinata yelped and fidgeting with her fingers said "W-What makes you say that Ino?"
"Because it's obvious and I tried to do the same thing. The guy is too thick headed as to be swayed from his whims, so I am pretty much riding along until he gets serious or something" replied Ino one more sounding frustrated.
After that both girls fell into silence again and only the sound of the moving wagon distracted them from the awkward atmosphere.
Ino turned to see through the window while Hinata took the chance to inspect her blonde companion.
Hinata observed Ino's tight fitting short kimono that showed a lot of her legs and the beginning of her not so small cleavage. She also observed that it discovered the whole of her shoulders and slender neck.
Hinata rubbed her legs together and she admitted that Ino was a very beautiful girl which in turn made her feel bad about herself for all her teenage years her younger sister had said that her body was too plump and her proportions too out of place with a proper Lady.
She couldn't conceive why Naruto had chosen her over a more slender Hanabi but already she guessed that Naruto was savvy enough as to device which of the two princesses would be less troubling for his future plans.
But still she had a duty to her Clan and though she was clumsy and an overall embarrassment, she would not fail at the most important challenge ever placed before her.
With some resolve then Hinata proceeded to cut straight to the matter of the issue and said "I-Ino, can I make a question?"
Ino turned with mild curiosity and said "Sure, ask away…"
"H-H-How was your first time with Lord Naruto?!" Hinata yelled as to not lose courage.
Ino blinked in surprise while the meaning of the question sank and when it finally did, she turned an unnatural shade of red and stuttered "W-W-What the hell Hinata?! W-W-What are you saying?!"
Hinata bowed her head again and while fidgeting she said "W-Well, it's only that I wish to be a good bride for Lord Naruto and I thought it would be a good idea to know what he enjoys before…you know…"
Ino sighed slightly relieved and said "Woah, you sure are the bold girl these days Hinata. But for your information I am still very much a virgin and I am not planning to stop being one for a while"
"But you are his girl, isn't it your duty to lay with him from time to time?" asked Hinata forgetting her previous embarrassment.
That made Ino blush madly and this time avoid Hinata's curious stare.
"N-Naruto isn't like that. Sure he is a perverted loon but he wouldn't go that far as to force himself on me…" said Ino avoiding Hinata's pearly eyes
"But a good bride must offer herself to her man to relieve her stress every now and then. Not to mention sire his heirs" commented Hinata remembering her text book lessons about nobility.
"S-Stop saying those things Hinata! This isn't like that at all!" yelled Ino putting her hands against her ears trying to shut out the picture of her and Naruto on the bed.
"Oh? Then what do you think he wants?" asked Hinata with genuine interest on the young Lord.
Breathing in and out to calm down Ino said "Well, he once said he wanted to make castle where he would get every beautiful girl in the land to live peacefully ever after"
Hinata bowed her head at first making Ino believe that she was dreaded over Naruto's rather mad dream.
But that perception was broken when Hinata lifted her face and it was glowing with utter joy and admiration.
"W-What the hell?" began to say Ino feeling freaked out.
"Such a wondrous man! He wants to create a loving home for his family and make the world a better place where women no longer weeps for their lost sons, husbands and parents!" yelled Hinata while clasping her hands and shooting sparkles from her eyes.
Ino almost face palmed at that and with an awkward smile she asked "And what of his harem ambition?"
Nodding sagely Hinata said "Well, he must want a large family but as not to burden his wife with many children over the years and having her lose her figure, he will have others sharing that duty. Such a considerate man don't you think?"
"B-But wouldn't you feel offended as a woman that you have to share him?" asked a bewildered Ino.
"Not at all Ino, Naruto's vitality must be godly so one girl alone wouldn't be able to satisfy him at all, one girl might even find herself in danger with such a beast" said Hinata sagely once more making Ino's jaw become loose over the avalanche of images of a grinning Naruto covered in sweat and a bunch of exhausted girl lain around him on a huge bed.
"No! Stop saying those things!" yelled Ino grabbing her head.
Hinata ignored her and thought aloud "But for him to refrain from taking Lady Ino…I know, he must be waiting until his harem reaches an acceptable size so he can unleash his pent up energies…"
With that Ino made laughing sound and passed out.
Hinata didn't seem to mind Ino much and placing a finger on her lip she said "But if he wants to take us all at the same time then he'll like that we are well acquainted with one another… I'll have to ask Ino if she wants to practice with me later"
At the front of the caravan Naruto couldn't help but feel incredibly flattered while grinning like never before and laughing perversely under his breath.
"What's wrong with you? That's gross" said a freaked out Sakura.
"I don't know, suddenly I feel just too happy" said Naruto.
At Castle Black Fire (Home of the Uchiha Clan)
The Uchiha had made their way back home relatively fast thanks in no small part due to the ample stone roads the Uzumaki had lain across their lands and going so far as placing nearby connections to those already built by the Uchiha themselves.
Fugaku Uchiha had been fast to call his generals to council as to relay the events of the meeting with the Uzumaki and the new situation across the land. Many of them had been outraged over the Uzumaki lord's behavior around women and have made oaths that they wouldn't see such a ravenous fiend get his hands on their women…
Sasuke Uchiha had gotten about his training as a warrior like never before in his life for the promise of full blown war come spring was too tantalizing on someone who the closest to combat he had been was the routing of a band of brigands who had crossed the border with the Land of Lightning to the far North East, and they had been starving and robbing out of necessity.
On the other hand Itachi had been more relaxed than ever in his life and had taken a winter leave of his duties as the clan's prime minister.
Ever since the Festival, Sasuke and Itachi had been playing a daily game of shogi with the set the first had bought for the latter as a gift.
Sasuke had been showered in praise from his relatives, particularly from his father who thanked him with the warmest smile he had seen displaying with his name on his lips.
Right now Sasuke and Itachi were once more immersed in their new daily tradition and as always the contest was still somehow in Itachi's favor for no matter what tactics Sasuke employed, he always knew how to counter them every time.
Itachi moved a piece towards Sasuke's line and while Sasuke observed the board with complete concentration, he asked "Tell me Sasuke, what do you think of peace?"
"Peace? What are you talking about?" asked Sasuke slightly bothered by Itachi's sudden interest for small talk in the middle of their game.
"It's a subject that has gotten my interest recently and I was curious about knowing your opinion of it" replied Itachi leaning back seemingly no longer interested in the game.
Sasuke quirked a brow and giving it a thought he said "Peace…well it's the time allotted between the end of an armed conflict and the beginning of the next. Clans use it to rebuild their strength and plan for the next"
Itachi sighed and waited until Sasuke made his next move.
"And is that all there is to it? Just a breather before one raises the blade again?" asked Itachi sounding a bit irritated to Sasuke's surprise.
Sasuke allowed his attention to be drawn from the game and unto the talk with his brother for he rarely got angry and when he did, he usually hid it and dealt with it privately.
"It's the way it has always been even from before Hashirama Senju proclaimed himself emperor" explained Sasuke evenly.
"But what of the time when he finally united the land? Weren't there peace then?" asked Itachi with some emotion laced in his words.
"Briefly yes…but then came the elemental wars with the neighboring lands" said Sasuke remembering his lessons and trying to discern his brother's thoughts.
"But on those brief years, didn't he build the Imperial Capital? Did you appraised its size and wonders?" asked Itachi with even greater emotion in his words.
Sasuke was a bit taken aback by Itachi's sudden display of emotions and bringing back his memories to the city he had to agree that indeed it was a wonder to behold for not even the Uchiha Castle and its town managed to be a reasonable comparison with the majesty he had beheld.
"Imagine what a century or at least a decade of peace would do for this Land, for all Lands for that matter. Scholars would advocate themselves to write great works, unravel the path towards the future and improve out people's daily lives instead of vilifying our enemies and devising new death dealing terrors" said Itachi with hope in his eyes that effectively freaked out Sasuke.
"Art would prosper immensely, technology would improve thus bringing hope to the people" continued Itachi but stopped himself knowing he had made an outburst.
Sasuke though smiled approvingly and said "Yes, it would be a thing to behold brother. But first we must crush our enemies and unite the land. Then the Land of Fire will know an age of such splendor that not even the Senju would be able to dream of"
Itachi's eyes flashed with icy anger, but it was so brief that Sasuke barely managed to register that terrifying look.
Itachi sighed and re addressing the shogi board he asked "Tell me Sasuke if not a warrior of the Clan, what would you like to be?"
Sasuke blinked surprised and said "Don't say such silly things Itachi, I was born to be a warrior and I long for the day I can show it to you and father"
Sighing in defeat Itachi made one last move on the board and got up saying "Such a loss little brother"
Itachi left with heavy steps while Sasuke saw that Itachi had once more defeated him with ease.
At Castle Sky Watcher (Home of the Hyuuga Clan)
"What will history make of me?" thought Neji as he fasted his leg plates.
"Will I be known as a traitor? A Hero?" continued to think as he went to check his arm braces.
"Maybe as a tragic character?" thought Neji as he pulled at his chest plate to check it's fastening.
"Then again, it all depends on whether I succeed or not…" sighed Neji at last taking his long curved blade and slid it on its scabbard on his back.
Waiting for the hilt to reach the length of the scabbard he got angry and said lowly "I am fated to succeed…"
With those words the doors of his chamber slid noiselessly to reveal Ten-Ten and Lee already armored and with determined looks on their faces though Neji could still glimpse their doubts on what they were about to do.
With any other, Neji would have already dismissed them for their cowardice but he knew both enough to remember that when the time for action came neither would falter.
Neji stepped out of his room in complete darkness for he knew by memory the layout of the castle and so needed no lights to guide his steps and the same held for his companions who had trained themselves for this night for months.
"The generals await the signal and I already slipped the drugs into the drinks of the night shift guards. They won't be a problem shortly and the few who remain won't be able to do anything" whispered Ten-Ten.
"What of the vassal envoys?" asked Neji already knowing the answer.
"Moved from their dormitories and on to the stables to see the new batch of stallions brought from the south. Our men surrounds them as we speak, yosh!" loudly whispered Lee.
"Have you memorized the main building layout? Time is of the essence if we want to keep this clean" asked Neji with steel in his voice.
"Of course, I still think you should not come with us…" replied Ten-Ten with concern.
"I have to, my presence there is symbolic if we are to truly come through the night with our heads intact" said Neji not caring about his kunoichi's concern.
Stepping out into the yard outside his housing building, ten soldiers in full battle armor with a yellow armband approach him and kneeled in perfect synchrony.
Neji appraised them for a moment and felt the righteousness of his actions wash away any lingering doubt.
"You know your duties. Be swift and make no mistakes for the Clan's future is on the line" said Neji to the men who nodded and bowing to their master turned and went about their planned duties.
"Let us go" said Neji without turning and marching in direction to the main building of the Castle complex.
It didn't took him long to reach the inner gates separating the building where he lived from that of the towering structure where the Clan's leadership made their home and seat of power.
Getting close to the gate the guard posted there lifted his lantern and with surprise on his eyes asked "My Lord? What are you doing up so late in the night? And why are you wearing your armor?"
The guard parted his lantern slightly as to watch Neji's eyes and with unbelief recognized the intention on Neji's eyes too late as an open palm struck him dead center on the chest propelling him to the gate draining him of air and consciousness.
At that Ten-Ten and Lee leap at the other two guards and took the out in moments managing to prevent any noise from drawing the attention of other guards within the main building's yard.
With care and purpose, Neji took the keys of the felled guard and quickly opened the gates leaving them unlocked for those who would come later. And with great speed alongside Ten-Ten and Lee soon reached the entrance.
Having dispatched the main door guards the trio made their way into the large castle and in complete darkness made swift progress towards the Clan's leadership chambers.
As they went they took out whatever guard came up to them leaving the building even less defendable.
It wasn't long before they reached the main level where the Clan leaders slept and was pleased to see that no light was on and with lighter steps than his armor should allow the trio slowly inched their way towards the main hall where they would split to secure their targets.
As they reached the hall he noticed quickly a stumbling slim figure he recognized as lady Hanabi who was probably up for a night call to the toilet.
Neji nodded to Ten-Ten and the kunoichi darted towards the sleepy Hanabi who barely registered the white blur that took her by the mouth and swept her from her feet to land on her back while her consciousness was already leaving her only for her to notice two compassionate brown eyes staring at her.
With Hanabi been taken care ahead of plan Neji commanded Ten-Ten to accompany Lee towards his own father's room.
Neji didn't liked the idea of not confronting his father alone on this momentous night but Hiashi Hyuuga demanded his whole attention and to be honest he relished the approaching moment.
Neji then made his way towards the small hallway that lead to his uncle's chambers and there he noticed the Inuzuka and Aburame warriors that guarded the entrance stare at him surprised that their sense hadn't noticed the approaching intruder.
Neji allowed himself a small moment of amusement for he had waited so long as to prepare for this night accordingly by becoming a common smell the Inuzuka would no longer consider strange to the building and to learn the patterns of the warding spiders the Aburame used to detect approaching hostiles.
As they went for their weapons Neji dashed at them with astounding speed knocking the Inuzuka with a savage chop to the neck and a demolishing palm strike to the Aburame that lifted him from the ground and dropped him motionless to the ground.
Taking a moment to listen if his uncle had been roused from his sleep by the brief confrontation he smiled confidently at the silence that very likely announced his victory that night.
But having enough of subterfuges for a night he stepped forward and delivered a powerful frontal kick that slammed the chamber's doors wide open only to duck just in time as a dagger made its way towards his throat.
Standing on top of the large bed was Hiashi Hyuuga in a perfect gentle fist stance while his wife held a dagger and crouched by the edge of the bed.
Neji stepped in with a serious look on his eyes for he was angry that his overconfidence nearly cost him his life at the hands of his most hated relative.
"Come forth coward and face your death with honor" growled Hiashi as he tried to discern his attacker though the darkness clung to it like a cloak.
Neji wanted to say something but decided that his purpose was more important than his own satisfaction. There would be time for that soon enough…
Neji drew his long sword relishing the look of horrible realization that drew on his uncle's eyes.
"Neji?" whispered Hiashi in disbelief while his attacker threw the blade at the Clan symbol at the head of the bed and leapt at him intending to best him in close combat.
Instincts took hold of Hiashi and avoided the lightning fast palm strike aimed at his chin and spun on his place to try and deliver a rib cracking one to the attackers side but his eyes went wide when it collided with an equally strong palm.
Hiashi was about to cry his disbelief when the armored attacker launched a barrage of deadly attacks on him that he could barely block or dodge and in moments several had already found hom on his body though he had been careful enough as to expose the hardest areas of his body and lessen the damage.
"I am impressed uncle, I thought age and privilege had dulled your training to that of an apprentice" hissed Neji further increasing his uncle's horror at the crime being performed here.
"Neji, what are you doing?!" finally cried Hiashi as he tried to defend himself from Neji's attacks.
"What Fate commands uncle…" replied Neji finally landing a square hit at his uncle's poorly protected chest making Hitomi cry out in horror.
"Fate?! What's this madness?!" asked Hiashi barely able to pull in air.
"No more mad than you handing over our noble clan to the Uzumaki uncle. This is necessary if the Hyuuga intends to finally establish order on the Land of Fire" said Neji with fierce determination.
"What are you talking about? The alliance with the Uzumaki is our only way of finally putting an end to the Uchiha menace once and for all!" roared Hiashi finally allowing anger and outrage overcome the disbelief of such a betrayal.
"The Uchiha could have been destroyed by us many times during your rule but time and time again you failed to do what was necessary! Every time fate handed you over victory, you turned from it and allowed our enemies to grow stronger and learn" roared back Neji with indignation in his voice.
"I know that my father urged you to the path into victory many times over and every single time you did not heeded him seeking more peaceful means and trying to play the diplomatic card to outmaneuver our enemies. That's a coward's path uncle and your reckoning was long overdue!" said Neji taking a step closer to his uncle.
Hiashi observed Neji's eyes at last and observed a look that he had already seen many times over for years and at long last he recognized it for what it was. Pure and unrelenting disgust mixed with anger and contempt.
"You fool! You were supposed to be the next Clan Lord! Now you'll be quartered as a traitor! What of you father? Did you even thought about him?" cried out Hiashi as he launched himself at grinning Neji who simply sidestepped and delivered a powerful palm strike on his back dropping him from the bed.
"My father is all I ever thought of uncle. Seeing him frustrated at your lack of courage and knowing that a jest of the gods had denied him the Clan's leadership over having been born a few moments after you…" hissed Neji with barely restrained anger.
"But I was willing to wait to inherit the Clan and right your many wrongs. But your latest betrayal has prompted me to take the reins now before you crash us into the rocks of servitude to a lesser Clan" coldly said Neji as he delivered three painful strikes at Hiashi.
Hiashi reeled back in pain and already knowing that Neji had already surpassed him as a warrior managed to gasp "Your betrayal will not stand…The Clan will not follow you into this madness!"
At that Neji laughed mockingly and if in cue several war horns blew through the valley outside the Castle.
"You hear that uncle? That's your generals waking up to reason. As we speak over five thousand warriors are pouring into the Castle to proclaim me the new Clan Leader in the old fashioned way" said Neji taking a wide stride at his uncle and delivering a powerful two handed palm strike at his body propelling him to the far wall where he landed barely conscious still.
Hitomi dropped the dagger and scuttled towards her husband unable to speak up.
"And tomorrow I shall let know the rest of the Clan of your crime of selling us out to the Uzumaki thus securing my new place" said Neji with finality as he went for his sword and turned in time to see Ten-Ten and Lee dragging the unconscious form of his father who he had drugged hours before at dinner.
Quickly shrugging off a pang of guilt Neji strode towards a nearby torch and lighting it up opened a window and waved it for a large crowd of warriors who cheered at the sight.
AN: Done in record time, can you believe I wrote this in a single day?
I know I said I would take some time to update my other stories but inspiration struck me and well this is the end result and in record time.
Now I am serious about going over to my other stories and update them for it has been moths since then.
On the next chapter I'll be having some character development of little mentioned characters like Haku, Zabuza and others, and immediately after on the action once more.
As always, I am open to helpful criticism, suggestions and questions you may have and as for those making requests about me writing stories based on their ideas.
I am honored to see you like my style enough as to want your ideas brought to life by me and whatever I make of them.
But to be honest I can't divide my attention so much between many projects and I am already struggling with three as it is. That's why at the end of my earliest project I published a poll on my profile with tentative ideas for stories and no one save a few seemed interested at all.
Thanks again for the interest and the support though.
Read, Enjoy and Review!