Chapter 20: For Victory
Hana and Tsume Inuzuka stood at the front of the formation of main branch warriors, Inuzuka warriors and their dogs. Just a day after the fall of the North Shield Fortress a large force of cadet branch warriors in foreign looking armor stood at the gates of Farsight and its commander, the weird and passionate Lee, demanded that all main branch warriors and allies leave the city as to do not let the northern reach lose its "Youthfulness".
They both have met the man as a child and knew the many injustices committed by the main branch against him and his family so avoiding an unnecessary fight agreed to leave the defense of the city to the devices of Neji Hyuuga. With no fortress or reinforcements available, a siege would have seen the city reduced to smoking rubble. Another reason was that though they would have stayed and fight, without direct orders from the top avoiding conflict was the main priority for the local main branch commanders and their allies. No one would blame the Inuzuka for starting a civil war, which in their minds was drawing closer. They could imagine the southern reaches rallying their forces to meet Neji's challenge but where the cadet branch warriors had determination and a great leader to follow, the main branch had a bunch of sheltered old men and confused people to obey.
Defeat wasn't a possibility for the Inuzuka but pointless death was a different matter and certainly the Aburame in their swamps were thinking along the same lines. Tsume as current pack leader of the Inuzuka saw Neji's stratagem as rather simple but brutally efficient, the cadet branch had a clear command chain with him at the top while the main branch had a council of aging men, a leader whose involvement with the clan diminished every year and two strong but independent allies to follow. By simple numbers it was already a lost battle and when it came to leadership Neji have proved himself worth of every exploit he was famous for. Hiashi was once a strong, confident and even bold leader during war but the blows of having his brother and wife murdered wounded him deeper than any blade ever could. The last audience she had with him proved all her fears right and forced the Inuzuka and Aburame clans to take precautions to defend their own in case war did erupted.
Another thing she was troubled with was the equipment the cadet warriors were sporting; it looked brand new, of foreign design and was supplied in ample numbers as to cover for the rather numerous forces Lee led to the city. Have his rebellion being preparing for so long that he had time to mass produce equipment in a covert manner, has he imported such goods from another nation and if so from which? The possible answers were chilling and spoke of a great scheme set in motion long ago and if Neji was the sole artificer of it, then Neji was a terrible enemy to contend with.
As Tsume was deep in thought over the events taking place in the Hyuuga lands, her eldest daughter Hana approached her. "Mother, you think lady Hinata is alright? News says that fighting almost broke at North Shield and no news of her whereabouts have been made ever since" said worriedly while leading a large pack of pups born recently.
Tsume smiled at her daughter's concern for her liege, a great trait of worthy Inuzuka yet it could be a disastrous one sometimes "The sage gave his word to keep her safe, and he smelled like the kind of guy who goes at great lengths to keep his promises. And I trust my nose more than my common sense!" said a laughing Hana
Hana smiled faintly and averting her eyes from her mother muttered "Probably why dad ran away from you…"
Tsume just sent her the feral glare that made her so feared on the battlefields of the past war making her daughter remember her status. Tsume silently thought "I still got it! As for your father he was always a wimp! Though a cute one"
"Don't worry Hana, I sent envoys to the force marching south from the fortress to join up with our garrison. Hatsu will try to have as many soldiers with him in case Neji decides to send a louder message to the elders. If Hinata and Naruto have common sense they will be walking by their side" said Tsume to calm Hana though she wondered if Sages actually had regular common sense.
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"Greetings Ten-Ten! My Youthful companion and long life friend! I heard of your rather youthful entrance and flawless execution of Neji's plan! Neji's youthfulness will soon fill our entire nation!" loudly exclaimed Rock Lee third commander of the forming cadet warrior's army to her teammate and friend.
Ten-Ten smiled gently at the boisterous nature of her good friend, she always envied Lee's ability to keep his high spirits despite being one of the most abused and mocked clan less warrior in their current situation. Lee was one of the many reasons Ten-Ten followed Neji with passion, if things didn't change in the Hyuuga soon enough an age of chaos or slavery would begin. And that would allow the other nations of fire to move in and strike the finishing blow if only to stop the madness the elders were leading them to.
"Have troops been deployed to the near villages and border outposts? Neji wanted the entire northern reach to be stabilized before we move south for the reunion with the elders" commented Ten-Ten as both commanders went to their newly acquired palace in Farsight.
"Indeed, troops report people cheering for them and thanking them for restoring some sense of authority at the troubled youth less borders! Outposts have been recovered with ease and digging for new wells at them has begun!" declared Lee as he sat on a chair and removed his riding gloves.
Ten-Ten smiled, Neji's plan was going smoothly, if negotiations failed and more tension was allowed to build up at least the northern and western half of the country would be a strong safe haven for their movement. Not to mention it would put economical pressure on the south having their trade routes and especial impositions cut off, less they start paying taxes.
Still she hoped negotiations gave results since a lot of cadet branch people and clan less warriors still remained at the south, mobilizing them would be difficult and it would invite to a massacre.
As both discussed further elements of Neji's strategy a young Hyuuga maiden entered their room while escorted by two soldiers. She looked embarrassed of addressing the two famed commanders but the information she had was paramount for her people's future.
"My lord and lady pardon my intrusion but I have information regarding one of the royalty members that lived here until some days ago" said the girl while averting her eyes.
Ten-Ten smiled gently and standing up replied "No need to be so formal, we are all equal. Please tell us what you know about this member of the royalty"
The girl smiled but quickly turned serious as she formed the words "Until a few days ago, Princess Hinata Hyuuga lived here as part of her education on the land's settlements and customs. She was guarded by a large squad of Inuzuka warriors led by Lady Tsume and her daughter along the main branch garrison stationed here"
Ten-Ten nodded intently, Inuzuka were not to be trifled with. Excellent trackers, loyal to death and vicious in any fight, thankfully Neji's strategy had already started to part the ever loyal Inuzuka from their deranged masters, if successful the Inuzuka wouldn't be a problem in future conflicts.
The girl continued "Everything went by as usual, at least as usual with that clumsy airhead of a princess. But a few days ago a foreigner came to the city and for some reason brought before the Princess; there he reluctantly declared he was the Sage who saved the Land of Waves"
At this Ten-Ten and Lee gave their full attention to the girl, even the other officers and soldiers within the room carried on with attentive ears.
Ten-Ten asked the girl to further her retelling "At first he seemed reluctant to stay but after a while he was convinced by lady Hinata to go with her to the North Shield Fortress and spy on the inspection and check by themselves the abuses committed against us. Lady Hinata wanted to sway the Sage to her family's side!"
Ten-Ten was surprised, a Sage was looking at the events in North Shield and she didn't have any knowledge of it. Worse he was travelling with royalty and the princess was still with him which indicated the Sage was taking a side in this conflict.
"Lee, have a messenger hawk deliver this news to Neji! If a Sage stands by the main branch things will get very complicated for us!" commanded Ten-Ten while she thankfully dismissed the young Hyuuga servant.
Ten-Ten have heard of the Sage's exploits in Wave, a man who defeated the vicious and destructive ninjas of Water and then drives a whole army of mercenaries to run scared by just looking at them, was a man who could stand a serious threat to Neji's revolution. If the Sage decided to fight for the main branch, then victory would be jeopardized.
But at the same time Ten-Ten was intrigued of why a Sage, a beacon of justice, would side with the unfair main branch. If Sage's lived up to their name, then he should join them!
Ten-Ten recalled the servant in order to obtain a detailed description of the Sage. According to the girl it was young tall man, of blonde spiky hair with a small pony tail, bright blue eyes and some whisker like marks on both cheeks, she also mentioned he was very handsome though a bit dumb looking.
Lee returned declaring he had sent the message to Neji and they should be getting a response late at night. "Ten-Ten, why do you think the Sage is with the main branch? Aren't they youthful heroes and stalwarts of justice?"
Ten-Ten replied "Maybe he hasn't seen all facts, maybe Hinata managed to fool him unto their side"
Lee frowned a bit at that "Ten-Ten, though a lot of people in the main branch have been less than youthful to us, Lady Hinata was never one of them. I understand your reasons but please don't speak ill of her for I am certain there is a youthful explanation to the Sage's behavior!"
"Sorry Lee" replied Ten-Ten, she forgot herself for a moment. She did knew there was good people on the other side of the fence and though Hinata was a clumsy, shy, weak willed person, she wasn't a bad person, in fact they used to play together all the time when they were small, before Neji's father's demise, before hatred took root among the Hyuuga.
Deciding to change the current sour mood Ten-Ten went over all the measures Neji had ordered to be implemented before the fated reunion with the elders.
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Naruto and Hinata have been walking for a day with a rather large crowd of civilians, traders and soldiers still loyal to the main branch or feeling that war wouldn't come so far into the south. Hatsu the standing leader of the caravan had received word of Tsume's garrison leaving Farsight and heading southwards so he had ordered the entire group to set camp in a defendable position and wait.
In the past days since witnessing how deep the divisions among her people were, Hinata have constantly blamed herself for being such a fool. She felt guilty knowing that people her age were already leading their nations, Nawaki was less than year of taking reign among the Senju and Sasuke have risen to the challenge despite his young age. She knew that eventually the role of leadership would be casted upon her but seeing those examples in foreign lands made her cringe with fear of not being up to the task.
Naruto noticing her inner struggle grasped her hand gently and just smiled at her making Hinata blush lightly and making her feel better in an instant. Hinata feeling better but still worried needed some counsel and since Naruto was her only ally at hand, she asked.
"Naruto, in your travels, did you met with the leaders of the clans?" asked Hinata while smiling as some children played on the open fields.
"Curiously I did, they were amazing people albeit quite strange" answered Naruto curious for the sudden question.
"And how were they? Was anything special about them? Anything in common?" asked Hinata almost pleading to Naruto.
Naruto had a slight idea of where this was going so thinking well his words commenced "Well I met the leaders of the Senju, the three clans at the central valley and the Uchiha. They were quite distinct from each other if I am honest, some were of strong character, others were very unfazed about their duties and others weren't ready I think"
Hinata lowered her head, that wasn't the answer she expected. She needed to see if she, among all her flaws, had some leader material with which help her people and stop the coming disaster.
Naruto quickly continued seeing Hinata's crest fallen attitude "But there was one thing they all shared in strong measure. Love for their people, they may not be ready for the task but out of love for their families and the scores of people living under their rule they try their best. And that's really the only thing a leader need to be one. They put their people before freedom, sadness, hurt, confusion or anger; they are human like us and hence have to deal with as many issues as the humblest citizen but since fate had them rule they overcome those things and rise to the challenge. And somehow they manage, time will tell us from their accomplishments and their mistakes"
Naruto lifted her face to his and continued "You may be lacking in every aspect of leadership but there is one thing you have in boundless supply and that is love for your people. You wept when the opposing sides were about to kill each other, you shed tears for the pain and the mistakes that led them to point each other with weapons at hand. You already have the most important thing a leader needs to fairly rule her people, don't doubt that"
Hinata smiled and sadly replied "Must be great to freely roam the lands and be called hero anywhere you go, everyone welcomes your presence"
Naruto frowned lightly "Well being a Sage was a title at first for me, I had mastered most of the arts involved but the word hero hardly applies to me. In my first mission a stupid mistake of mine cost a life, anger led me to almost do a very regrettable thing, and I have to admit that I wanted to avoid helping your people with your struggles. But as a Sage I have a duty to fulfill and seeing your situation called me to honor my title and truly earn it. I will help this madness stop dead in its track one way or another!"
Hinata smiled having many of her worries lifted; even a mighty sage remained a human with fear and mistakes. And the other leaders probably had the same worries as she.
"Ahem! Seems like we got in the nick of time before the Sage "scored" another legendary feat!" exclaimed a glaring Tsume with and equally upset Hana by her side and half a dozen angry dogs at their feet.
Naruto jumped back from Hinata with hands in the air "I didn't do anything I swear!"
"Then why does Hinata have your scent all over her body!" said Hana in a very threatening voice
At this Hinata went beet red while Naruto sporting a lighter blush replied "huh, well you see…some things happened and we had to huh…"
Hinata saw how the Inuzuka women and dogs were about to torn the Sage apart so braving up she stood as defiantly as possible between them "Please stop Lady Tsume, Hana! I just slept in the same bed as him but nothing else! We had to do it in order to keep our cover in case someone considered us suspicious! I am a ninja too and such things happen from time to time!" finished saying Hinata while trembling but sporting a serious look.
The Inuzuka smelled her scent and it spoke of her usual honesty, still there was the feeling she left out something.
Tsume relaxed while placing a hand on Hana to do the same "Well seems like our princess here performed a good job on her self-imposed mission! Let's get a bite and hear the outcome of things to get a better hold of what's going on"
Naruto went relieved to Hinata and silently thanked her for not telling of what happened the next morning. Hana's keen ears caught that last part but Tsume placing a hand on her shoulder beckoned her to let it go. Their little princess was finally growing.
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After Naruto and Hinata retold the entire account of events at North Shield to Tsume and Hana, Tsume had confirmed such things with Hatsu. At Naruto's request Tsume kept his identity and whereabouts a secret since he deemed his presence might unbalance the current situation among the Hyuuga, Naruto wanted to remain in hiding at least until the talks took place.
Hatsu had confirmed the account of events and felt relieved that the princess was taken out of Farsight safely.
Tsume went back to Naruto and Hinata and proceeded to explain some new developments recently informed to her by messenger hawks.
"Well seems like the elders are finally taking some measures, already the main branch warriors are rallying their forces and joining up at the southern fortresses and keeps. We will find a large elite warriors unit to escort lady Hinata back to the capital. Naruto if you want to remain anonymous you will have to reach the city on your own" said Tsume as she seated at the fire with Hinata, Naruto and Hana.
Naruto nodded and got into a pensive mood while Hinata added "Have the elders given other instructions beyond preparing the troops?"
Tsume was gladly surprised to see Hinata finally engaged in clan matters "They have given instructions to avoid unnecessary conflict and have sent envoys for defensive measures to be taken in the most vulnerable settlements. They also evicted new norms to keep the servants and clan less warriors still in south from sensible government stations as well as military ones; they also had restricted the use of messenger pigeons and other communication forms for them. Amazing right when we need to have a conciliatory stand with cadet and clan less warriors they go ahead and basically declare they are getting ready for war! What the hell is Hiashi doing?" exclaimed Tsume but quickly repented since her small outburst made Hinata cringe.
Hinata recovered quickly and being as serious as she could she began "We have to act as if Neji already anticipated the elders' moves. Once I get to the capital I will need to revise our traditional deployment tactics, Neji probably already anticipated how and where our troops will be deployed so a new configuration may stay his hand further and force him to stall his plans whatever they are. This will give me time to talk with father and the elders and perhaps Neji"
Tsume recognized the wisdom behind Hinata's insights; this was no ordinary enemy they were facing but their lifelong neighbors and countrymen. They have helped build the southern fortifications, roads, and settlements and during better times devise strategies to better defend the land. They knew those things as well the main branch did, so the current deployment was like walking straight into a trap Neji would use with ruthless efficiency.
"Point noted I will speak with the other general's about this and redesign our deployments. But my lady, what do you expect to do against the elders or your father. If I may speak frankly your authority is very limited before them and your inexperience gives you no credit before others" replied Tsume, no more as a bodyguard or a friend but a fellow leader.
"I know my limitations but I need to see if I can persuade any of them to be more open and attend Neji's demands. Taking away Neji's reasons to have an army and keep the land split would end this madness before it turns deadly for many. And if I fail I have Naruto to support me, Sages are always heard by leaders and he has already agreed with me to seek a peaceful solution to all this" answered back a determined Hinata.
Hana seeing the exchange added her own views "How about asking for Hanabi's support? She may be young but she is still of main branch and a princess. Adding her weight may make the higher echelons of the family and society to put pressure on the elders for a reasonable negotiation. Also we should ask for the Aburame's support for talks, the combined pressure may force things in your way my lady"
Tsume considered this, indeed all this efforts may have a favorable result but having the main branch warriors split upon what to do may give Neji even more advantage "I will send a covert envoy to Shibi Aburame and see if we can count his support for Hinata. Nonetheless, my lady we must also face the possibility that Neji may not want a peaceful solution to all this, he has thoroughly prepared for this moment and we may have to fight him. If all things come to war, we have to stand united and determined to fight with all our might"
Hinata gravely nodded at the possibility "I understand lady Tsume, if we have to fight we shall do so undivided and at the best of our ability"
Hana hearing all this wondered aloud "So we are basically going to place leadership on lady Hinata?"
Hinata and Tsume turned their looks in her direction and Naruto also casted a glance at Hinata's direction.
Tsume considered it "It does sound like that isn't it? As a faction we need a clear head to follow either in conflict or negotiations with Neji. The elders aren't very cooperative and let's face it Hiashi isn't the same man anymore. Hinata with the Sage's support and credibility would make a strong head to follow"
Naruto considered the entire discussion "In any case Hinata, if you truly intend to take over leadership of the main branch you have to be careful, these people forming the council won't relent power easily and also a lot of people supporting them over the many privileges given will stand in your way. Whatever you intend to do, you have to be swift, decisive and careful"
Naruto, having reached his own strategy, asked "By the way, how long until the talks?"
Tsume answered "About six days from today, we can reach the capital in two days after the elite force picks Hinata and get her on carriage. I will go with her to guide her to the proper people to talk with. Hana will see to the deployment of our clansmen on the newly drawn border"
Naruto nodded "Then I am off to talk with the cadet branch warriors, I'll let them know that people on our side are willing to talk and reach an understanding, maybe I will get them to have some good will for our efforts"
At this the three women looked at him with wide eyes and at the same time "WHAT!"
"I am a Sage so I may be seen as a third party to this conflict, maybe they will be more prone to listen if I give them assurance that good people are making the effort on this side to help settle things peacefully" explained Naruto as he geared up for the travel.
Tsume and Hana did understand his point and at this point they needed as much willingness to negotiate as possible. But Hinata suddenly felt betrayed and replied at the verge of tears.
"But you said you would stand by my side at Truesight! I won't know what to do if you aren't there!" said a near hysterical Hinata.
Naruto closed the distance quickly and grasped her small slender hands in his "And I promise I will be there when you make your move. But as you have your duties I also have mine as a Sage and so I must speak with Neji and his people. You have your mission and I have mine, and as ninja we must carry them at the best of our ability"
Hinata stiffened some whimpers and recognizing the validity of his words nodded and sat down staring intently into the fire.
Tsume added "Besides it will increase our chances of avoiding conflict, by doing as much as we can before the reunion. Something tells me it would be too late if we wait longer than that to act. Lord Sage, it is very likely the elders won't hear Hinata's words and the dissenting voices will be too scared to act if she doesn't have strong support. My clan is already with her and very likely the Aburame but that alone won't move the elders, so your presence is critical as to give Hinata credibility as a valid leader"
Naruto nodded understanding the weight of his title and swiftly disappeared in a cloud of dust as he made way for Farsight, the closest settlement with cadet branch leaders.
Hana whispered silently "Amazing how much that man have changed lady Hinata in such little time. Sages are truly amazing"
Tsume smiled wickedly "Indeed, he would make excellent breeding material for a future pack!"
At this Hana went red and huffed away muttering "Getting strange ideas in my head! Stupid mother!"
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Naruto had reached the city before sunrise using the Sage mode to cover the long distance as quickly as possible. What he found surprised him, since the city looked like celebrating a major victory. People were dancing and drinking happily, children ran around wearing masks, the stores that once housed decadent activities now sported varied assortments of goods and others were just closed down. From a distance he witnessed the old lady from the inn and the little tea serving girl.
Naruto decided to remain unseen and moved as stealthily as possible between alleys and rooftops trying to discern an isolated leader among the many soldiers enjoying the party. He now regretted making a "cool" exit before asking for descriptions of the leader at Farsight and he doubted that girl from North Shield would be here.
As he went by, Naruto became increasingly frustrated over not being able to find a distinguishable leader, so he started heading for the main keep of the city where he was more likely to find a ranking officer.
Ten-Ten have finally returned from dragging a drunken Lee back to the keep after he blindly accepted a treat from a girl, he almost pummeled down the entire force, thankfully Ten-Ten always carried tranquilizing darts with her just in case.
She went out to a balcony overlooking the celebrating city; if things went smoothly they would have many days like this ahead of them, but if things turned sour many people down there would be mourning not too far from now. All she could do was to pray fervently for Neji's plan to succeed.
Ten-Ten have already removed her armor and was enjoying the night lights of the city as the party headed for sunrise. She allowed herself a moment's peace since most of Neji's measures have been implemented sooner than she expected, since the civilians on the northern settlements aided the cadet branch warriors in their duties.
She felt proud that despite the many abuses committed by the main branch, people who had been constantly abused still managed to hold together and help each other. Neji have brought them hope of a better future and they were willing to fight for it.
"Wonder if it wouldn't be better to just split the land in two and build a wall?" said Ten-Ten sighing
"You think that would be the end of it?" asked man's voice just outside the balcony.
Ten-Ten jumped back into the room and rolling around grabbed her two Sais from their holsters and in a defensive position demanded "Who's there? Step out coward!"
Naruto dropped from above the balcony and entered the room "Relax my lady, I mean no harm. I am the Sage Naruto from Myoboku and all I want is to talk"
Ten-Ten slowly got up to her feet and studied the man in front of her. He was all the servant described, even the handsome but dumb looking trait. She slowly closed the distance and like many before asked for evidence.
Sighing once more for this necessary introduction requirement Naruto proceeded to invoke one of the toads and have it vouching for him as a Sage from Myoboku.
Content with the answer and the demonstration Ten-Ten holstered her weapons and invited the Sage to take a seat at the other side of the table.
Ten-Ten was at a loss on what she could do, the Sage which was supposedly with the main branch was now sitting across her with a kind expression and not starting a conversation. And so, tired of the silence she began "I know you have been travelling with lady Hinata princess of the main branch which means you probably already know the regrettable estate of our clan as a whole. I should treat you as a hostile since you have spent time with our abusers so speak, why should I listen to anything you have to say?"
Naruto held his hands up in sign of surrender and replied "Easy now, I am not your enemy nor I intend to be so. Yes I have been traveling with lady Hinata and yes I know of your current struggles. All I want to do is help this entire situation doesn't explodes, a civil war would be the entire clan's undoing. Lady Hinata is currently on her way to have an audience with the clan's elders and her father as to convince them to listen to Neji's demands and have a spirit of reconciliation with you. Division would only foster further hatred and eventual conflict"
Ten-Ten snorted at the Sage's proposition and replied "With all the respect my lord, but despite lady Hinata's good intentions, all her efforts would be in vain. No one listens to the royal family these days, Lord Hiashi is but a husk of the man that once lead us in war and the elder's are a bunch of backstabbing greedy bastards who have taken all power and privilege for themselves. Hinata is nothing but a figure head they will manipulate to replace Hiashi when he finally kicks the bucket!"
Naruto was not taken aback by Ten-Ten's hatred for the main branch, but determined to stop a civil war from occurring he pressed on "And if the negotiations were serious, would Neji listen? If Hinata could negotiate with Neji, would he consider her a valid interlocutor?"
Ten-Ten decided to go along with the Sage's ploy and replied "The only way I see that happening would be if Hinata was named Hyuuga clan head in replacement of her father, with the approval and recognition of the elders, the Inuzuka and the Aburame. Anything short of that would make Neji suspicious and withdraw him from any deal. The elders must have a master to which they bow; if they don't then it would be the same as with lord Hiashi"
Naruto nodded in understanding, the cadet branch and its allies were playing a desperate card with this uprising and nothing short of a serious commitment from the main branch would stop them from taking arms against their now hated brethren.
After Ten-Ten's reply a deep silence fell between the two and Naruto wanting to end it and gain more background dared to ask "Would you be kind enough to tell what Neji's demands to the main branch are? I know this may be sensitive information but on my word as a Sage and my firm commitment to peace and justice, I swear I will do everything in my power to achieve a peaceful resolution to this tragedy!"
Ten-Ten casted a mild cynical stare, years of abuse, humiliation and neglect can make people stop believing that there was some good in others but those who have suffered like yourself. Still taking a Sage's word for what it was she didn't saw any harm in telling him the cadet branch objectives, any advantage available was worth getting.
"We basically want the social division to end, along with every privilege given to the main branch, no more main and cadet branch everyone is Hyuuga. We also want our wages to stop being cut to finance the clan, include that on the contract not afterwards. We also want the entire council of elders to step down, their laws revoked and a new clan head chosen by the involved parties. Anything short of that is unacceptable, the old ways must die so a new world can be born!" sternly said Ten-Ten showing her conviction and the inflexibility of their demands.
Naruto considered the demands and though they all seemed fair, reality dictated how hard it would be for some of them to be applied "And you honestly believe the elders or the members of the main branch will accept these demands? I agree with you on them but common sense dictates they will not renounce them easily specially after having them for so long"
Ten-Ten frowned deeply "Either they renounce peacefully and willingly or they shall do so in war and misery! We will not accept anything short from that and even if we find our demise, we will have grins on our faces since at least we would have burned their comfortable lives!"
Naruto was saddened to see such anger and resentment in someone so young and fair he couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of things has she and her people endured to reach such an extreme stand.
Casting a saddened look Naruto asked "And you would destroy what little you have? Leave orphans and widows everywhere just because your demands weren't met?"
Ten-Ten laughed and continued "We have so little already and whatever we have left it's only a matter of time before they take that as well. We rather die and leave the Hyuuga clan in ruins so better nations become our master's masters than accepting a life even worse than that of slaves!"
Naruto nodded and sighing said "I see, so that's your stand and I can presume Neji's as well. All I can do is try my hardest so you don't throw you life and that of many into ruin"
Naruto neared the balcony to leave but Ten-Ten nearly screamed at him "And what about you lord Sage? Aren't your brethren supposed to bring justice and peace to the land? Haven't your ancestors taken extreme measures to guarantee this? Aren't our demands just enough for you? Why negotiate when you should side with us and have the main branch bend! It's not like we are demanding their heads on a stick! We just want equality a chance to be as prosperous as they are and make the clan strong as a whole! No nation should cement it's foundations on the back of the oppressed!"
Ten-Ten felt exhilarated, she lashed out all her pent up frustration, and she really needed to scream at someone who actually deserved it. Nonetheless she felt her fury rise again as Naruto gave her a sad look.
"How dare you! You have the power to help us and still you will try to negotiate? You rather support a powerless girl over a just leader? Earn your title and render justice! Help us damn it!" screamed Ten-Ten while slapping and punching Naruto with decreasing strength.
Naruto on his side withstood her lashing understanding how powerless she felt over an unfair situation. Riku's death certainly was unfair and nothing he could do would change that. But he firmly believed that violence and imposition wouldn't work, that path leads to the loss of valuable lives, Wave taught him that and in the end several lives were lost and though some of them had earned it they also lost the chance to seek redemption which is everyone's right.
Ten-Ten was now openly weeping on Naruto's chest as warm tears wetted his shirt and small hands clung to the sides of his red cloak. Naruto reached for her hands and clasped them in his as he laid his compassionate eyes on her red puffy ones.
Ten-Ten needed some comfort to all her woes, all the abuse, all the mocking, all the injustices and all the frustration. But especially she needed hope that for once, for heavens mercy, things would go her and her people's way, that somehow the main branch would openly recognize their mistakes and help heal such rift.
Naruto saw the despair in her eyes, she clearly had bottled it up and now it was coming out. She has remained strong in the face of her companions and the people that admire her. He could tell how lonely and hopeless she felt. And so he did the same Sakura did when Riku passed away.
He embraced her tenderly as Ten-Ten accepted it and continued to cry on his chest.
After a while Ten-Ten finally stopped crying and lifting her face to look at the now somewhat troubled Sage she stepped on her toes and bringing down the sage gave him a caste kiss on his lips while muttering a soft "Sorry for that"
Naruto smiled kindly without letting her go and responded "No worries, you seemed to need it. Feeling better?"
Ten-Ten nodded but still clinging to him dragged him slowly to the large bed at the bottom of the room. Naruto noticed too late where she was leading them to and by the time he noticed Ten-Ten twirled them both around and landed on the bed with her straddling him.
Utterly confused about the sudden turn of events Naruto took hold of Ten-Ten's right hand and asked "Huh, What are you doing?"
Ten-Ten smiled seductively as she undid her buns allowing her dark brown hair to fall freely in curls "Be with me, just a little longer" and without further words she started her assault on Naruto.
LEMON ALERT (FAN SERVICE YAY!)
Naruto tried to protest but Ten-Ten plunged her tongue into his mouth just as he was about to speak. Naruto was very startled at this moment but Ten-Ten expert technique started to draw him into the act and little by little he relaxed under her ministrations.
As the kissing continued, Naruto and Ten-Ten had begun to undress each other slowly while feeling the hot skin underneath the clothes. In moments both were completely naked and still kissing each other while their hands had begun to roam their bodies seeking to give each other further pleasure.
A fleeting thought went through Naruto's head as he slowly fell to his own desires. So far the girls he had been with and were his own age have been quite inexperienced. Yet Ten-Ten seemed very skilled, she was kissing, caressing and touching in the right places in fluid motions. This brought a feeling of wrongness but it was quickly drowned as his desire began to burn anew.
Soon enough Naruto was ravishing Ten-Ten's neck giving kisses and small bites, making her mewl sweetly, which in turn encouraged him to go further and be bolder. His left hand kept Ten-Ten's head in place, while his right hand snaked to her nether regions where he began to rub her softly earning more of those sweet moans.
He began to slowly pump one of his fingers into Ten-Ten when she held Naruto's manhood and reciprocated his fine attentions.
Both continued to please each other as their breathing became short and ragged. Right before any could climax Ten-Ten stopped and quickly got on top of Naruto aligning herself to be penetrated by a very eager Naruto. "Take me now!" managed to gasp Ten-Ten as Naruto held her by the hip and lowered her all the way on top of him.
They continued for a time in the same position as Ten-Ten kept enjoying how deep Naruto managed to go inside of her. Naruto changed positions so he was on top now going harder than before while muffling Ten-Ten's screams of ecstasy with long desperate kisses.
Both continued to exchange positions seeking dominance but never allowing the pleasure to drop. Finally, after a long time, both reached their own climax while holding each other as close as their bodies would allow.
Ten-Ten's eyes were glazed with the ecstasy of her orgasm as Naruto's seed kept filling her at a steady pace. Naruto relished on such face and stealing a kiss from her proceeded to begin his ministrations to begin anew.
LEMON OVER (Short I know see notes for explanation)
Both kept going strong until pleasant exhaustion took hold of their bodies and just lay back holding each other as the sun casted its glance through the still opened balcony.
As they reeled back from the act, that strange sense of wrongness returned to Naruto as several questions started to sprout. How he came from arguing the cadet's position to be making love to one of their top commanders? Once again, why is Ten-Ten so good at it? Why is he feeling he just committed a terrible mistake?
As Naruto sat meditating about his situation Ten-Ten reached his arm and clearly reading his expression she casted a smile that was no longer enticing or even friendly.
And in a tone Naruto would learn to hate, she gave answer to his doubts "So, how did you found my training my Lord? Was I lacking in some area? My masters would punish me if I failed to please you"
Naruto's eyes widened at the realization of such words. What have they done to her? Have this happened to others? What kind of monsters are the elders? Why have she done this?
Ten-Ten once more realized the thoughts in his head and replied "Now you see one of the many dark reasons we have to fight the main branch. We rather face death than allow this to go on. Victory is our only hope, and with this I expect you to reconsider how you approach this conflict"
Rising from the bed and using the covers to half cover her lithe body she directed a last sad look to Naruto "Now leave and go back to the princess, I hope you do the right thing my Lord"
AN: Done!
Order is restored and so I go back to my usual pattern of one chapter per story.
I have reached my twentieth chapter which is a major feat for me and now I have questions for my loyal readers as well as for those who never review yet read my story.
Do you like my writing style? Should I change something? Where can I improve?
The story so far. Do you like it? Does it make sense? Any advice or suggestions?
How did you liked the lemon? I changed the style trying to make it classier and less graphic since my previous lemons are poor at best and I have huge problems writing them. Most of the chapter was done by last week!
If you have an account please review this chapter since I need feedback on this phase of the story and my readers are my best critics, so take five minutes of consideration and do it.
Anyway, I am glad I have gone so far and hope I can keep writing another twenty chapters to please you all. Thanks for keeping up so far.
Read, enjoy and review!