14. Origins

They had been underway for an hour when Madara appeared out of thin air. Literally. Sasuke was used to his space-time ninjutsu. It still annoyed the hell out of him. How come he was always found so easily?

'What do you want?' He did not fully trust this Madara. The man had told him the truth about Itachi, but he had also been an accomplice in the slaughter. It was unclear what he really wanted.

'You failed, Sasuke. The Hachibi yet lives, you were tricked.'

'I-Impossible!', Karin exclaimed. 'His chakra was inactive, I would have noticed if it was a bunshin.'

'He was too clever for you. ', Madara shrugged. 'But, no matter. Kisame is hunting him. Sasuke, there are some things I need to tell you regarding Danzou. It seems he's after a treasure.' He opened a portal that would lead to a place of his choosing. 'Come with me and I'll tell you more.'

Sasuke was already annoyed before his kinsman appeared. It seemed as if nothing went the way he planned it. Hinata was always on his mind eating away at his resolve. He needed to rest, think and plan. Not get sidetracked by Madara.

'I'm not a child you can lure with candy. Tell me here.'

Madara sighed. 'Do you want that Hyuuga and her team to find us talking in the middle of their route? What I'll tell you involves her too…'

'It's like that team is stuck on us', Suigetsu complained. 'Ever since we first saw them, we just can't seem to get rid of them. Let's just go with Madara-san, Sasuke…it'll put some distance between us.'

Sasuke wanted a hot bath, real food and a quiet place to contemplate. His plan was to get those in Tarui. The town Hinata most likely was heading to. It was a stupid plan.

'Fine. Whatever. Let's go. This better be good, Madara.' One by one they stepped into the portal and reappeared in the meeting room of Akatsuki's headquarters. This space-time ninjutsu, how does it work? It's similar to the one Kabuto used.

Akatsuki was wealthy, but their headquarters were devoid of any luxury. It lacked refinement and beauty, yet it possessed the things any civilized person needs. This room's only ornament were crude pillars and a large stone meeting table.

'Do you have food?', Suigetsu asked. 'I'm tired of food pills.'

'Shut up you fool! Wait till you're offered.', Karin said.

'This place has no servants.', Madara said. 'Go to the kitchen and make something yourself. I will speak to Sasuke alone.' Get lost.

Karin grabbed Suigetsu's arm and pulled him along. Juugo silently followed.

'So?', Sasuke asked. 'What is it you wanted to talk about?'

Madara seated himself at the head of the table and rested his chin on his hand. Sasuke remained standing. He was on edge.

'Have you ever heard of the Hyuuga heirloom scrolls?'

What he knew of Hyuuga was either general knowledge or tales his mother told him. The latter he could disregard as myth. The former contained nothing about heirloom scrolls.

'No.'

'I thought so, such a shame. And you were around their Hime for such a long time. You could have stolen it off her, such treasure. There are only two of these scrolls in existence. A legend tells one of these was once in the possession of Uchiha and that it was won by Hyuuga during battle. Another says that Hyuuga made these scrolls to have an upper hand over Uchiha. Whatever the case may be, they are in Hyuuga hands. These scrolls can nullify any eye technique.' A moment of silence elapsed. Sasuke used the time to mull over the concept in his mind.

Such a scroll would make the user immune for doujutsu. The standard Sharingan that relied on copying and anticipating techniques would not work on such a person. Even Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu and Susano'o would not work on such a person. Did Hinata use one of those scrolls? He could not copy her sword techniques. But that was because they were either completely one with her body's ability or because they were in accordance with her Byakugan. Also…those swords were somehow special. Her elemental techniques he could copy, but he had neither Fuuton or Suiton element so they were useless to him. Which left his genjutsu.

And he realized like he realized back then, that she was never caught.

She could see the illusions, like someone looking inside through a barred window. She was never imprisoned, she could always turn and leave if she so wished.

'If those scrolls exist, they are very valuable treasures.', Sasuke said. 'The Hyuuga girl does not have them. She is no longer heir to her clan.'

Hinata was his and so was that scroll.

'Are you sure?'. Madara asked. 'I know the girl defected, but one would think she had the sense to take the scrolls with her. Did you fight her?'

'She got caught in my genjutsu.'

Sasuke sensed that Madara was scrutinizing his face from behind his mask. The man leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

'You seem less focused, Sasuke. Did you and that pretty Hyuuga…'

'Cut the bullshit! What do these scrolls have to do with Danzou?'

'Danzou wants them. He's inching close to Hyuuga to get them. For obvious reasons it's imperative that he doesn't get hold of them. Ordinarily I would not worry. Hyuuga is strong, Konoha's greatest clan and so and such. But Hiashi suddenly died, the Hyuuga Hime was practically cast out and a man by the name of Hyuuga Hideoshi has assumed the position of regent and meets with Danzou regularly.'

Sasuke was certain that at least one of those scrolls was in Hinata's possession. He wondered if Danzou knew this as well. It would indeed be disastrous if those scrolls got into his hands. Would she be fine if she is targeted?

'What of this Akatsuki member called Pain? He uses the Rinnegan doujutsu and you plan on sending him to Konoha. If Hyuuga has those scrolls, wouldn't it be easy for them to defeat Pain?'

Madara waved away that notion. 'Who and what is Pain? They do not know. As long as they don't, those scrolls are useless against him. Pain's focus is on capturing the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki. Yours should be on getting those scrolls.'

'My focus is on vengeance. I've done enough scroll hunting. If you want them, get them yourself. At any rate, I'll go to Konoha and I'll kill Danzou, whether he has those scrolls or not.'

'Ha!', Madara scoffed. 'You sure are arrogant. And here I am trying to warn you. Fine then. Do as you will.'

Sasuke stood. 'I'll eat, rest and strategize. Hawk will leave this place come dawn.' He had many things to think about.

-X-X-X-

'Zetsu, you were inside the barrier weren't you?'

The chameleon ninja's shell slowly appeared from the surface of the stone table and opened to reveal his two colored face. 'Yes, and such a pain it was to get there before it closed.'

'Tell me what happened.'

'Sasuke has fallen.'

-X-X-X-

'In times ancient when the human world and the spirit world flowed freely into each other, there lived a Hyuuga Hime by the name of Hikaru. She was a wielder of the Chain Wind Staff and was legendary for her art.

She was as beautiful as the moon. Her skin was white as snow, her hair black as night, her eyes were moonlight.

In those days fire spirits roamed the land. These spirits took the guises of foxes with fire tails. They were masters shape shifters and took pleasure in trickery by illusion.

Hinote who was the king of them all witnessed Hikaru Hime wield her staff in the forest. He was mesmerized by her beauty and skill. He made himself known so that he might have her.

She saw through his illusions with her moonlight eyes. 'I see your fire fox tail and your fire fox ears. How can I love someone who is not a real man.'

She fled and he chased her in his fox's guise. When she tried to chase him away with her Chain Wind Staff it caught fire.

'I could never love a creature like you, a spirit made of fire. You will only bring destruction to me.'

Hinote the fire fox spirit was heartbroken. He left her and vowed to become human so that he might be loved by her.

His subjects tried to persuade him from using his spirit power to become human. 'As long as you are human, you are mortal. Your enemies will take that chance to kill you. Love is useless when you are dead.'

'An existence without her love is unbearable.', the fire spirit said.

The fire fox spirit used his spirit power to become a mortal man. He was of a fair countenance to please the Hime's eyes and an exceptional warrior to gain her admiration.

In his human form Hinote was the subject of many attacks, like his subordinates predicted. In those days Hinote slew many demons, monsters and human foes.

He became known throughout the lands as a legendary warrior. The Hyuuga Hime took notice of this and invited Hinote to her court.

When she set eyes on him, she fell as he had fallen. From their love a son by the name of Uchiha was born.

This son did not possess White Eyes and was not a suitable heir. Hikaru could no longer be Hyuuga Hime, the title was given to her younger sister, Kaoru of the Bow and Arrow.

When one day Uchiha wandered into the forest to play and train, he was flocked by fire fox spirits who came to test the mettle of their former king's son. In his panic his eyes awoke.

They were not White Eyes. Their color was red and they were Spinning Wheel Eyes. With these eyes he subdued the foxes.'

-X-X-X-

'Was that the first tale?', Hanabi asked.

Nanaji was pouring herself tea and added some honey to smooth her throat. 'Yes.'

'It's kind of unbelievable. I understand why people would dismiss them. I mean…a fire fox?'

'These tales are myths.', Nanaji acceded. 'But they were handed down for a reason. They must contain grains of truth. Hinote might not have been a fire spirit turned human, but he might have truly been a legendary warrior. There are many stories about his adventures.'

'I see.' Hanabi mused out loud. 'The main message of the story is that Sharingan came from Byakugan. But those Hime-sama's, they were wielders of staff and bow and arrow. I've never heard or seen such a thing. Hyuuga mainly uses hand to hand combat. These Himes must have been masters to be named for their weapons.'

'Maybe it was a time before Jyuuken was developed.', Nanaji said.

'That might be it…', Hanabi said. 'So… suddenly there was a Hyuuga with a different type of doujutsu and at some point his descendants formed their own clan.' Hanabi stood up reluctantly. 'I need to meet up with Aniki and train with my team afterwards. I'll definitely come back tomorrow, if that's okay with you grandmother.'

'You're always welcome, Hanabi-chan.'

-X-X-X-

During their three day journey all her thoughts ultimately led to Sasuke. It was frustrating and distracting. This attraction is dangerous. I'm a fool. A moth drawn to fire. Picturing his face alone was arousing. Memories of his kisses were mind numbing. What has he done to me? She almost dared not sleep lest she dream of him. She was ashamed. She should fully concentrate on her clan. And here comes Sasuke, shattering her. And even when she managed to think of clan, her thoughts led to Itachi. And Sasuke. And his tongue on her nipples. Gods help me. Spirits help me. Let me not see him ever again.

'We're finally home.', Kiba said as they stepped through the gates.

It was dawn. Hinata had informed the Hokage briefly about their mission and their run-in with Team Hawk through the Katsuyu summons while they were resting in Tarui. Katsuyu had taken with her the scroll containing Kabuto's head. Team 8 could now go straight home without first reporting at the Hokage Tower. Hinata would go tomorrow to expand on the mission details and hand in the official report. She would tell Hokage what she learned about Itachi and Sasuke's motifs. She had requested that Sakura be present during that briefing as well.

'Will you be okay, Hinata?' Shino asked, 'Would you like us to escort you home?'

'I've fought through monsters and traps. I'll be fine, Shino-kun. I'm not running or hiding.'

'Alright, then we'll see you tomorrow Hinata-chan. When you'll tell us.' Kiba was anxious to know what she learned.

So was Shino, though he didn't voice it. Of course they noticed she'd been acting strange. It was clear that she was troubled. And I was supposed to be heir, I can't even mask my emotions.

They bid their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

The weather was lovely. Summer still reigned and the hot sun was mellowed by fresh morning breezes. She still had the whole day ahead of her. It was good to be back. They'd been gone for almost a week and it seemed like months. The streets were near empty, it was seven o'clock in the morning. Most shops were closed. There were a few ninja traveling the rooftops on their way to the training grounds. Hinata was walking the sidewalk like a civilian. One of the ninja suddenly landed behind her. In a flash of movement Hinata unsheathed her swords and swung. If Rock Lee had not been the ninja he was, his neck would have been sliced. The taijutsu master barely managed to dodge and executed some back flips to stay out of the range of attack.

Hinata instantly relaxed her stance. 'I-I'm s-so sorry! I didn't mean to attack you. That is, I did mean to but I should have ch-checked who you were first…'

'It is okay Hinata-chan!', Rock Lee's voice was forceful and loud. 'I should be the one apologizing! I should know better than to approach a ninja such as yourself from behind! Forgive me!'

'Aah…it's okay…'

Tenten landed next to Lee. 'That was amazing Hinata, that was master class! You've really improved. And what fine swords you have.'

'Thank you. Gifts from sifu Li, I treasure them greatly. I plan to visit the master soon.'

'He'll like that.', Tenten said. 'He speaks very highly of you. It's hard to believe it's only a few months ago that you asked me for advice. Maybe you and I could spar sometime too, Hinata-chan. You've made quite the name for yourself…the Hyuuga with swords.'

Hinata blushed crimson under the praise. 'Sure! I'll be going to the dojo frequently now that I'm back. I still owe Hon Ke a spar.' She sheathed her swords self-consciously. 'Could you guys tell me…how my brother is?'

'Neji-kun does not train with us as often as before.', Lee answered. 'But every time he does, we notice great progress. His youth burns brightly and becomes more formidable everyday!'

Tenten's face turned from bright to still. Her gentle smile remained, but there was a hint of sadness. Hinata had known for a long time that Tenten loved Neji. She didn't realize how much until now.

'You should go see him, Hinata-chan.' Tenten said, 'It would give him much peace.'

Hinata nodded solemnly. 'I will.'

'Alright! We'll get going then before Gai-sensei comes blazing in search of us. Goodbye, Hinata-chan.'

'Have a nice day, Hinata-chan!' Came Rock Lee's voice from above. He had already leapt on the roof.

'Goodbye you guys!'

Hinata continued her slow walk home. She would definitely see Neji and Hanabi today. She realized she hadn't planned things through. But if she waited for that, she feared she would lose her nerve. If her father was indeed murdered, she would get to the bottom of it. She owed it to her honor and to her father as his eldest.

She passed the Yamanaka flower shop absentmindedly. 'Hinata!' Ino's head was sticking out her window and she was waving at her. Ino and her family lived above the shop and Ino's bedroom faced the street.

'It's been ages! If I hadn't looked out the window I would have missed you!'

'So good to see you, Ino!'

'Come visit me soon, alright. We need to catch up!'

'Sure thing!'

It was good to be back. To be among friends in her hometown. This was the peace Itachi suffered for. She was grateful to the point of tears.

She was approaching her own residential area. It was in the complete opposite part of town as the Hyuuga district, yet familiar chakra signatures flared brightly. They were Hyuuga. No effort was made to hide their presence. It was fine. She was feeling especially fearless this morning. No running or hiding. She did not intend to hand over her eyes. There were two of them. A young man and woman. She had to search for their names. Ayase and Natsu, Hyuuga elites. They were walking the roofs of the houses on either side of her.

'Ohime-sama.'

'What do you want?', Hinata spoke in the direction of the voice. It was Ayase. She looked strangely happy. She jumped down next to her and Hinata warily jumped back. To her uttermost surprise the woman kneeled down. A moment later the man was down beside her doing the same. 'We knew it!', the woman said. 'You're still our ohime-sama. Please forgive us for stalking you.'

Wait what…hime?

'We were ordered by Hideoshi-san to take your eyes. We refuse!'

'Either Hideoshi or the council has gone mad.', Natsu said. 'But we refuse to go along with it any longer. You should come back home, ohime-sama, there are still Main House members willing to follow you.'

Hinata was utterly confused. She had prepared herself for battle, her nerves were on edge. She'd been ready to defend herself with all she got. A show of loyalty was the last thing she expected.

'D-Don't humble yourself before me! Stand up!', she said.

This is dangerous. '

'If it's true what you say, and you've been ordered to take my eyes, you can't return home without carrying out your mission. You would be punished.'

If they were really telling her the truth and weren't tricking her somehow.

'And besides, how can I return? I left the clan of my own volition.'

'True.', Ayase said. 'We were there that night. Some of us were relieved that you did what you did. Not everyone wanted to see you branded….There's a core of elders over which Hideoshi holds much influence. It's uncanny. Those elders vote for everything he proposes. The younger ones in the council follow their parents, uncles, aunts. And in the end what Hideoshi wants is what happens. Ohime-sama, something strange is going on with Hyuuga.'

Hinata was shaking all over. She had to restrain herself from running to the Hyuuga district. What the hell was going on? 'You…please… let Neji know I'm back.'

'Osu!' The stood straight and met her gaze head on.

'Concerning our original mission we have a small request though… We would be very grateful if you could grant it.'

-X-X-X-

She unsheathed her swords and made ready to strike.