Authors note: Here ya go guys sorry for the wait this ones a long one. One more chapter to go enjoy.
Yet again Naruto's world was turned upside down. Just moments ago he thought this long fought out war was coming to an end. Hinata. The woman who owned his heart was a mere few feet away from him. Just another minute and she would have been safe in his arms. He could almost feel the softness of her skin and smell her sweet lavender scent. His worry for her had been eating away at him these past few days, and now just like that she was yet again being ripped away from him.
No. Not this time. He would have her. He would save her.
" Its all over Toneri" Naruto said to his enemy.
His eyes locked with Toneri's in fiery brutality. Naruto wanted him to know this would not be like their last meeting. He'd be the one walking away with Hinata.
" All i have to do is signal my friend and the police will be over here in minutes. Give up!" Naruto said.
He then, as if to challege Toneri, took a step forward.
" Stay right there!" Toneri yelled frantically. In his desperation the blade in his hand came closer to Hinata's throat. Hinata hissed, as a small stream of blood trickled from the point of contact.
The sight froze everyone in place. Naruto could only glare at Toneri. How far Toneri would go was proven at this point. He was so set on keeping Hinata he would even hurt her if thats what it took.
Hinata's friends looked at him in disgust. There was no longer a man standing in front of them, but a wild animal.
" Your fucking nut's " Kiba yelled, unable to hold back. If he could, he would fly over there in an instant to take Toneri down, but the blood at the base of Hinata's neck was a painful reminder not to move.
" Let Hinata go! Can't you see how insane this all is" Kiba bore his teeth and clenched his fist, to keep himself rooted to the ground.
" Your hurting her you bastard! What the hell is wrong with you? Stop this!" Tenten yelled next.
Toneri's eyes scanned the group. He felt like he was being attacked by a bunch of predators. His back was against the wall and his heart was broken. No one in this world would ever understand him.
" Go ahead call me crazy! A bastard? I've heard worse. You all have no idea what the FUCK i've been through!" Toneri yelled.
His eyes began to blur with tears, but he could see their reactions through the fog. Some confused, some terrified, but Naruto's being the best of them all. His bright blue eyes stared at him coldly. Not an ounce of pity or sadness flowed through them.
Toneri pointed the knife at the group, still holding a very weak Hinata tightly in his grasp.
" It must be easy from your position. You've all have lived such great lives. You have people who love and care about you. Family, friends, all have been nothing but dreams to me!" Toneri yelled.
No one said a word in response. They continued to stare a Toneri. Slowly becoming lost in his rant.
Toneri laughed at his grief and brought the knife back towards himself. " I thought my dreams would finally become reality. I thought i had met the person who would give me hope. Someone who really cared. Some one to love."
The knife returned to its hovering position over Hinata's neck. " But no, she betrayed me too."
Hinata could feel Toneri's tears drip down onto her shoulder. Her chest tightened as that inner voice of guilt claimed her mind.
" Can you guys believe that? Its like the worlds constantly fucking with me" Toneri said with a chuckle.
" And to make it worse i can't bring myself to hate her for it. I've experience so much pain, its like i'm numb to it now. Just another wound for the collection."
This time Toneri looked at Hinata. In his eyes she saw it again. That hurt, that dull void. Hinata felt sick. It felt like she was suffocating.
Toneri brought her even closer to him. He rested his cheek against the top of her head.
Naruto's gaze sharpened.
" I see why you want her back" Toneri said.
Naruto felt like he was talking to him directly.
" Despite everything, Hinata has brought so much joy to my life. I've never felt so much love for some one before. This happiness is something i don't want to lose. Its something i can't lose" Toneri continued.
" So i am so very sorry, but today she will be my bride and we will live of the rest of our lives together, whether you or even she likes it" Toneri stated.
His eyes became more cold and spaced out. He couldn't hold back his demons any longer.
" Over my dead body!" Naruto stated.
His declaration enraged Toneri, his eyes darkened. " Y-you! You I've always despised. Your forever getting in my way, with your flip flopping emotions and acts of calculated bravery."
" Yeah well I've never been a big fan of you either" Naruto responded. " Some ones got to get through your thick skull and get you to realize that what your doing is in no way love."
Toneri looked at Naruto baffled as if his words made no sense.
" How dare you! I love Hinata-San more than anything in this world. Who are you to tell me that!" Toneri yelled.
Naruto didn't back down. He had heard Toneri's rant and analyzed his actions up to now. How could this be the act of some one who was in love?
" No you don't. What your displaying is obsession. You are obssesed with Hinata" Naruto argued. " She's like a safety blanket or a teddy bear to you that you can't let go."
Toneri lost it. Naruto's direct act on his character left him rageful and confused. He began to doubt himself.
" Shut up! Stop trying to get in my head. I know what your trying to do and it won't work. My feelings are real!" Toneri yelled back.
The loud noise between the two men and her already throbbing abdomen, made Hinata feel like she was spinning in circles. The way things were going, if she didn't get medical attention soon she feared this would be it for her. She was on the verge of losing consciousness, but had no idea what to do.
" Take a long look at her!' Naruto yelled back at Toneri.
Toneri's pain was very relatable to Naruto. The mistreatment, the loneliness and longing for some compassion he understood it all. Toneri's action's however, had crossed the line of simpathy for him. Some one who couldn't see the wrong in there actions, was something he could not accept.
" Love is caring about someone. Its supporting them through the tough times, its passion" Naruto argued. As he said these words he found his eyes wandering to Hinata. She looked back at him and soon it was if they were the only two people on the planet.
" Its not being able to sleep with out knowing there safe. Seeing their face just lights up your world and it's like your heart's dancing in your chest. Your whole world revolves around them Naruto continued.
Hinata could feel her heart fluttering. She couldn't tell if it was due to the pain or if Naruto's words had touched her soul. All she knew is that her eyes couldn't leave his.
" There's no conditons, nothing's forced and you want whats best for them. Them being happy makes you happy" Naruto continued. He then raised a finger and pointed it at Hinata.
" Now i said look at her. Take a long look" Naruto said stepping closer.
Toneri's mind went to mush at Naruto's words. It was a endless cycle of rights and wrongs and fear all combined in a broken vessel.
He slowly lowered his gaze to Hinata as directed to. Her fear stricken eyes looked back at him. Though she spoke no words they begged for freedom. They begged for help.
Toneri struggled to accept his reality. This all meant nothing. This was not the path to happiness that he longed for. This was torture.
" Does she look happy? Do you feel happy seeing her like that?!" Naruto questioned taking another step closer.
Tears dripped from Toneri's eyes. " N-No...it can't be true!"
Hinata's surroundings blurred. She couldn't hold up much longer.
" Let her go Toneri!' Naruto yelled getting even closer.
Fear struck Toneri. The realization of what he had done and what would follow was a pill too hard to swallow.
Naruto took another step forward and Toneri seeing how close he had gotten lashed out.
"NO!" Toneri yelled. He brought Hinata even closer to him and backed away. He unknowingly pressed on her abdomen. Hinata began to see stars.
She coughed loudly and wildly. The very blood Toneri threaten would splatter against the pavement came from her mouth rather than her neck.
Toneri began to shake seeing this. Many thoughts ran through his head.
" W-what but i didn't.." he stuttered.
" She's been severely injured" Sakura answered for him. "You need to give her to us so we can save her" Sakura said.
Toneri looked at the group who had some how gotten closer like a caged animal.
" Give me my sister back!" Hanabi called out to him. Tears leaked from her eyes and Toneri became more shaken.
" She could die Toneri!" Shikamaru yelled to him.
Toneri overwhelm by fear, desperately turned to his Gekkou who had been waiting patiently behind him.
" Gekkou bring her to the car. The Hyuga's have great medical care, they can help her back at the manor" Toneri said.
He looked at the Gekkou with determination. " This wedding will happen" Toneri said with his back turned.
Naruto became enraged and quickly closed the gap between them." Toneri!" Naruto growled as he charged at him.
" As you wish," the Gekkou said as he approached Hinata.
Naruto nearly punched Toneri when the Gekkou quickly slid in front of him and caught Naruto's fist.
" You dare try to hit my master" the Gekkou growled. The Gekkou then still gripping Naruto's fist tossed him to the ground, like a rag doll. His injuries made his reaction time very sloppy.
" Naruto!" Hinata croaked out as she was taken from Toneri's arms.
Hinata's desperate cry was like the bells at the beginning of a boxing match. Her friends no longer froze in fear and came charging after Toneri and the Gekkou.
Kiba, like he had been waiting all day for this, sent a fist flying towards Toneri.
Toneri dodged it and attempted to retaliate with the knife in his hands. He was shocked however, when Tenten delivered a hard kick to his wrist and it was sent flying.
Sasuke jumped up, caught the knife and then pointed it at Toneri.
" Nice try " he said with a smirk.
Toneri's eyes were plagued with fear just before, Choji tackled him to the ground.
The Gekkou had already taken off with Hinata in his arms, but with her friends right on his tail.
Hinata couldn't allow her self to go out like this. If she didn't make it she had to at least expose the truth.
" Toneri! Don't you realize what your father has planned for us once we get married!" Hinata yelled to him with the little strength she had left. Her body instantly made her pay for her outburst and she coughed wildly.
Toneri who currently was trying to get Sakura off his back stopped and faced Hinata in the distance.
" Quiet you" the Gekkou holding her said.
" Your father wants to kill us both! Were both pons. He will take my fathers company and fame with Kazuki by his side. His plans are for us to die in a car accident!" Hinata yelled ignoring the Gekkou.
Toneri's eyes darkened. He tossed Sakura off him and and glared at Hinata. " Lies. My father may hate me, but he still needs me!" He could never fully trust her again. She was just trying to get in his head like Naruto.
While his thoughts distracted him. Sasuke ran over and punched him as hard as he could sending him to the ground again.
Hinata watched the battle in the distance with desperation. The Gekkou tried to cover her mouth to prevent her from speaking but she bit his fingers.
" No he doesn't! Please if not for my life your own. Stop this now!" Hinata yelled.
Naruto finally rose to his feet and looked at Toneri on the ground. " Even after all this she still wants to help you. Hinata is something else" Naruto said.
Toneri stood up and attacked Naruto directly. He swung kicks and fist at Naruto to which he dodged each time.
" Shut up! I will no longer let anyone manipulate me" he yelled through his attacks.
Hinata looked at her friends who ran as fast as they could to keep up with her and the Gekkou. But they were falling behind. Hinata struggled to speak despite the pain. Her eyes now struggled to remain open " T-toneri please believe me!" she yelled.
Then she remembered something.
She reached down into the bust of her dress and pulled out the recorder. Thank god it was still there.
Hinata looked to the group and made direct eye contact with her sister. She managed to toss the recorder into a bush she passed and mouthed the words " play" to her sister.
Hanabi fell behind the group to pick up the recorder. Dusting it off, she called to her sister.
" Hinata what should i do with this!?" Hanabi yelled.
" Hinata!?" Hanabi yelled again.
But Hinata's eye's had already shut and her consciousness had faded. Her friends watched in horror as she now dangled in the Gekkou's arms.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
How was it possible for something to be so beautiful, yet so frightening at the same time? Neji stared out at the sunset from the balcony of the Hyuga manor, with a glass in his hand and endless thoughts in his head. The final preparations for the wedding were currently taking place. White, gold and purple covered the manor and the sound of laughter and idle chatter filled its halls. He stood awkwardly amongst many guests, trying his best to keep up his friendly host facade. To them he seemed happy and excited for today's event, little did they know anxiety and worry were chewing away at his insides.
After his little chat with Toneri's father, his position in this horrific matter was laid out to him clear as day. He would do nothing. Neji would play the part of unsuspecting, proud cousin and allow for Hinata to join the devil's family. If he were to even think of going against Takeru, well... as Takeru put it " The Hyugas wouldn't be the only ones feeling his wrath." Considering Takeru's track record and pictures he then laid out on the counter of his friends, Neji was conflicted. Still, that didn't stop him from secretly checking his cell phone every now and then, hoping, praying for some sort of message from his friends. He couldn't say he was surprised when he saw no notifications on his phone each time.
Neji took a long sip of his fruity drink and sighed. Maybe this was it. Maybe this was the end for all of them. He was barely in his twenties, he recently began his ventures in business and just made things official with his girlfriend. Now the universe had somehow flipped on him and he was now facing jail, death and the destruction of his family. How had things gone so badly so fast?
He was engaging in conversation with some lady who wore way too much make up and spoke with some accent that sounded foreign, when a familiar looking truck pulled up to the back entrance of the manor catching his attention. His gut sunk as the memory from Ino's flower shop flashed through his head. There was no doubt in his mind that that was the same truck that was used to abduct Sai.
Neji gave a polite bow to the older lady, surprising her. "It was a pleasure getting to know you Ms but if you would excuse me, I have some matters to attend to."
He didn't wait for the lady to respond before he began rushing through the crowd. What would be the reason for that truck to show up at a place where the wedding was supposed to be held? More guards perhaps? Or was it something more? Neji raced down the stairs, gathering a few questionable looks in the progress. Noticing this he slowed down his pace. He couldn't afford to draw any attention to himself, especially when he had Takeru breathing down his neck.
Now outside, he could see a few Gekkou opening the back of the truck and lifting something out of the truck, while checking to make sure no one was around. Neji remained in the shadows out of sight and with further examination, his thought process shifted from what were they taking out of the truck? to WHO were they taking out of the truck? Neji held a hand over his mouth as he watched what seemed like a body covered in white fabric being lifted from the truck and transferred to the back dojo. Neji had to recollect himself for a moment. Perhaps his distrust and anxiety towards these people were making his mind play games with him. After all who in their right mind would decide to transfer a body in the middle of a wedding where they could easily be seen. It could have been a new test dummy gifted to the Hyuga's as a congrats gift for the wedding. After all they were trying to keep up the innocent appearance.
Neji then had to remind himself who he was dealing with, the fact that he was pretty sure he saw the white bundle moving and that they chose the back entrance, was enough evidence . It wasn't long before Neji was moving towards the dojo at a fast pace. Apparently, he wasn't as sneaky as he thought, because out of no where a pair of Gekkou came running from out of the bushes and grabbed him by both arms.
"It would be smart to let me go" Neji said, struggling in their grasp. He was preparing to beat the living crap out of the duo, when a tall figure came out from behind the sliding doors of the dojo.
Neji was tired of seeing Takeru's face at this point.
"And it would be smart to shut your mouth and do as I say "Takeru said with a threatening smile. Neji could only glare up at him as the Gekkou dragged him inside the dojo. Once inside, He let out a painful grunt as he was tossed to the ground next to the fabric covered body.
Neji looked from the body and Takeru in a mixture of shock and confusion. "W-what is the meaning of this?"
"Did I not just say to shut your mouth?" Takeru responded sharply. He shut the door of the dojo and approached Neji with slow steps.
"I need you to fix this." Takeru then removed the fabric from the body effortlessly.
Neji went pale. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. He just stared down at the body with an open mouth. His body was the first to react. He turned his head and crawled back, before emptying everything he had ate that day onto the matted floor.
Takeru ran a hand through his hair in annoyance. "For gods sake pull it together."
Neji wiped is mouth and rose to his feet.
"You bastard!"
Neji charged at him, only to be held back by the Gekkou from earlier. Takeru said nothing and simply smiled at him.
"What's wrong Neji? Is this your first-time witnessing death?"
Rage like no other consumed Neji. He tore free from the Gekkou, knocking them to the ground and ceased Takeru's throat. He saw red. Nothing mattered but revenge and bloodshed.
" N-Neji" a weak voice called out to him.
Neji stopped in his tracks and turned to face his almost lifeless cousin who laid on the ground.
"H-hinata? Your alive?" a rare tear dripped from Neij's eye. A pain to his back leg sent him hurling to the floor once again. Neji could feel Takeru's foot then plant firmly on his back.
"She won't be for very long. She's been fading in and out of consciousness apparently," Takeru said.
"What did you do to her!?"
Takeru pressed harder onto Neji making him squirm in pain. "Considering your position, it would be wise not to speak to me that way."
Takeru crossed his arms and sighed. "This little wench just had to go and ruin everything and get herself injured. The wedding has not commenced yet, so we can't have her dying unfortunately. So that's where you come in. Apparently, you Hyugas have great medical care so once again I will ask you. Fix this. NOW."
Neji sat up not even looking at Takeru and put a hand to his cousin's cheek. She was cold and losing color. He cursed himself for not being there in the beginning.
"Don't worry Hinata, I am here now. We are going to get you help, stay with me."
"You've got two hours," Takeru said capturing Neij's attention again. "After that I'm sending her up that isle in whatever state she's in. So you better have great doctors."
Takeru then began to leave the dojo.
"Remember the less people who know about this the better." He then left Neji holding his cousin in the darkness.
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"This is completely pointless" Toneri said from his position on the ground. Toneri laid face down on the ground with his arms tied behind his back and Choji sitting on his back. He was surrounded by Naruto and his very angry friends, who were trying to come up with their next course of action.
"This whole field will be flooded with Gekkou soon and you all will be captured."
"Shut the fuck up will ya" Kiba said giving him a swift kick in the chin.
"Kiba come on don't do that," Sakura said pulling him back.
Everyone was on edge. Despite their efforts their they found their self's in the very same positions they were in from they very beginning. Lost and desperate. They needed to find a way to get Hinata back and now knowing the wedding was taking place today, their time was very limited.
"Well the wedding can't happen if there's no groom," Sasuke said. "He made a huge mistake in not going with his little pet."
" That doesn't help with how we're going to get Hinata back though" Naruto said. He let out a deep sigh and slumped against a nearby tree. "We were so close dammit, this idiot went and messed everything up."
" What if we use him as bate" Tenten said approaching Naruto. She took a seat next to him and ran a hand through her now messy hair. " Then we go there and trash the whole wedding. Simple right?"
" Creative, but don't forget that all the Gekkou and my father now know about this little event," Toneri said. He then let out a laugh that made everyone there want to murder him. "You all are pathetic really. There's nothing left you can do. You can run. You can hide, but my men and father all now have clear descriptions of you all. We will win and there's nothing left you can do."
Sakura delivered a hard blow to the back of Toneri's head silencing him.
Kiba gave her a knowing glance. "Now Sakura..."
"I know, I know. It's just hard to feel bad for this fool when he's running his mouth like that."
" In a way he's right you know."
Ino sat on the stairs of the house with Sai's head in her lap. She absentmindedly played with random strands of his hair. Her gaze did not drift from his face for second, not wanting to miss when he'd open his eyes again.
" We're all out of tricks. The police can't help us. If anything we look like the psycos trying to break up a wedding. It's all hopeless, she said.
"Now's not the time to fall into despair Ino" Shikamaru said. He took a seat next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "This is a total drag but it's not over yet."
"Her emotions are what you all should be feeling right now" Toneri once again added.
" Ok is there a way to shut this guy up" Temari snapped back in response.
Hanabi then approached Toneri and kneeled so she could look him in the eye. "What are you getting out of this? You sick sack of crap."
"Hanabi, honey walk away its not worth it" Ino warned.
"No, I have to say this!" Hanabi argued. Toneri looked up at her but didn't say a word.
"My sister is the nicest person I know, she wouldn't hurt a fly unless she had too. Yet, you have managed to turn her kindness into some sort of sick creepy fetish of some sort."
"Hanabi.." Naruto warned as well.
" You think she wants any of this? Do you think she will be happy when she marries you? I may not know entirely what's going on, but don't you think you've taken this too far. She is literally on the verge of dying because of you and your stupid family. If you love her like you claim let her go!"
Kiba came behind Hanabi and took her hand. She was now shaking and crying "Come on kiddo that's enough."
"You claim you lived such a horrible life. Are you not just putting someone else in your position? You are becoming everything that you hate. You will never truly find your so-called happiness if you continue like this!"
Toneri froze. It was like Hanabi had said everything that his little bit of conscious had been trying to tell him. Still, the darkness this last betrayal had put him in would not let him listen. No, he would fight it. Nothing mattered anymore.
"You sound a lot like your sister little girl, but just like her, your words mean nothing to me now" Toneri responded with coldness.
Hanabi clenched her fist and turned to Naruto. He looked at her with a sad smile.
"He's gone. There's no reasoning with him I've tried" Naruto said.
Hanabi freed herself from Kiba's grasp and went over to Naruto. She once again kneeled and took both Naruto's hands in her grasp. "You can't give up Naruto-ni. Isn't that your moto ? Isn't that what you've preached to every last one of us?"
Naruto's eyes widened at Hanabi's words. He had slipped too. Losing Hinata once again had made him unknowingly slip into his own darkness.
Hanabi reached into the pocket of her cardigan and pulled out the recorder she was entrusted with.
"Before my sister was taken away she threw this to me. I've been too scared to say anything, because I'm afraid what's on it is a goodbye."
Everyone's attention fell on her.
Hanabi chuckled at her foolishness.
"But hearing you guys, it reminded me of who my sister actually was. She may be quiet, maybe a little awkward, but she has always been a natural born fighter whether she realizes it or not. Meeting you all had brought that side of her out even more."
Naruto couldn't help but smile at Hanabi's words.
"So, I want to believe that there's something very valuable on this tape. I may be a little late to whatever this is, but I am certainly not going to throw in the towel just yet. Especially not over this loser."
"We owe my sister that don't you all think?"
There was a pregnant silence. Hanabi didn't know how to react when she felt Naruto's strong arms wrap around her.
"W-what are you?-"
"Thank you Hanabi" Naruto said cutting her off. Hanabi said nothing but nodded her head. She couldn't help but blush in embarrassment. She now fully understood Hinata's attraction.
"I feel like we all needed to hear that" Naruto said releasing her. "It really isn't over guys. We shouldn't let what happened here consume us."
Naruto rose to his feet taking Hanabi's hand and looked at his friends. "Let's give it one last push you guys. Let's listen to this tape and then give it everything we got for Hinata."
He then looked to Hanabi. "Hanabi if you would do the honor's"
Hanabi nodded and with a moment's hesitation clicked the play button on the recorder. Toneri's voice boomed from its speaker.
"It's been a while since we've seen each other hasn't it?" The speaker played.
Toneri hearing his own voice, once again began laughing loudly. "So, she was recording from the very beginning. Cheeky woman. Go on and play the whole thing through I could use some entertainment while we wait for the Gekkou."
No one responded to him. Instead their full attention when to the voices coming from the speaker.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Hinata had no idea where she was. She had no idea what was happening. All she knew was that she couldn't move. She was shrouded in darkness, yet she could feel something digging at her stomach. But, she felt no pain. She didn't feel anything. Was she really dying this time?
Yes, that must have been it. Then as if on command she could hear her own heartbeat. It was slowing down. Looking back on her life it wasn't all bad. Sure, her mother had passed away leaving her with her over demanding father and a rough early childhood, but things got so much better. She made friends, she had begun to become her own person, she had fallen in love. There was so much left to do. It couldn't be over not yet! She hadn't even told him that she loved him yet.
Through the darkness a bright light beamed down from above. In it a woman who mirrored her in appearance stared at her from the distance.
It was her mother.
Hinata attempted to reach for her, to call out to her, but remained in her place and her mouth remained shut. Her mother place both hands up as if to stop her from doing anything further.
She spoke but Hinata could not hear a thing. Reading her lips, she was able to get, "Not now, I love you so much."
Hinata struggled to move as her mother then began to fade away.
" Don't leave me mother I'm scared! "she yearned to say.
She had missed her so much, it hurt her once again to see her leave. Then the darkness was flooded with light and reality resurfaced.
Her eyes opened in a fluttering motion and her ears began to ring. Her back ached, the surface she laid upon felt like a table of some sorts. The room smelt strongly of blood and sanitizer and the lights were blinding. Where was she? What happened to her?
"I did the best I could Neji-Sama, but the repairs I did are only temporary. She should go to a hospital a soon as possible, before she tears again."
"Yes doctor. Thank you. We are forever grateful," she heard Neji respond.
"I'm serious, I understand its her wedding day, but something like this requires hospitalization. I am going against my moral code as a doctor for even performing an operation like this off the books."
"Promise me after this she will get treatment."
"Of course, doctor " Neji responded. "You have my word."
Hinata's eye sight un blurred and she was able to figure out where she was. She was in the medical quarter of the manor. Her mother had spent a lot of time in this section of the manor when she was alive.
They had yet to realize she had woke up. She was wearing a white hospital gown, with her stomach exposed. She could see the stitches trailing up a patch right of her naval. She soon regretted looking at it, as it almost triggered pain to shoot throughout her lower body. It was the worst thing she had felt yet.
Hinata let out a howling scream that immediately caught Neji and the Doctors attention. They rushed over, Neji taking her hand into his while the Doctor filled her IV bag with some strange clear liquid. Her screams slowly died down as the liquid course through her veins, taking away some of the pain.
"Its ok I'm here... I'm here Hinata" Neji cooed. Hinata tightly gripped his hand as she tried to get her breathing under control.
The doctor shook his head at Neji. "See this is exactly what I was afraid of. She is in no state to be walking around right after surgery. She almost went into shock just now."
Hinata could see sweat streaming from Neji's brows. She could tell he was beyond stressed at this point.
" I know doctor i-"
" Then why do you insist on keeping this wedding going? Why Am i supposed to keep this incident between the three of us" the doctor said.
" I apologize if I'm out of line but this whole situation seems a bit odd."
Hinata looked from the doctor to Neji. Neji was lost for words. He clenched his teeth as he struggled to come up with another excuse.
" He's doing it for my sake doctor," Hinata answered for him.
The doctor looked at Hinata in a bit of shock.
" I want to be married so very badly. I begged Neji to keep this serect because i knew my father would freak out and cancel everything."
Hinata's eyes once again traced her stitches. " Love will make you do crazy things. Thank you for saving my life, but i will be getting married today. I will go to the hospital right after i promise, so please doctor. Keep my secret."
Her words were met by silence. The doctor looked at her in disbelief, while Neji looked conflicted if he should talk or not.
" This is not very wise," the doctor finally said, " But it is your body, be very careful Hinata-sama thats all i will say."
Hinata nodded and even forced out a smile. " Thank you so much."
" I've left some pain relief medicine on the counter over there. Make sure to take one pill every hour" the doctor said gathering his things.
He gave Hinata one more worrying glance and whispered " Congratulations" before leaving the room.
Once he was out of sight Hinata could hear Neji let out a sigh of relief.
He approached Hinata with thoughtful eyes, before leaning over gently and giving her a light hug, avoiding her stomach of course
Hinata was a bit surprised at his actions. Neji was never the affectionate type. Tenten was the only exception.
" You scared me you know."
" I scared ME" Hinata responded. For the second time today she really thought she wasn't going to make it.
" In my head it was over," Hinata said.
Neji pulled back and looked her in her eyes.
" Hinata, there has to be a way to fix all this."
Hinata's eyes clouded as she sat up. She wanted to believe his words, but the clock that read 8 oclock behind him told a different story. Was there really anything else she could do?
Neji sat at the edge of the table with his back facing her and looked at the ground.
" What happened back there?" he asked.
Hinata sighed, as painful memories filled her head.
" Chaos would be the best way to describe it. To sum it up i created this great plan in my head that back fired badly. I got hurt and then the next thing i knew Toneri was a holding knife to my neck threatening to kill me."
Neji turned to her. " He threatened to kill you!? "
Hinata almost laughed at his reaction. " Yes, rightfully so, i pushed him to the edge. I took advantage of this love he claims he has for me and used it to make my escape. I betrayed him just like everyone else in his life has done."
Neji placed a hand on hers.
" Don't you for a second start feeling bad for him. You did what you had to do. The man isn't exactly sane."
Hinata blinked away the tears that were forming in her eyes.
" The others were there too, apparently they had there own plan to come and save me, but at the last minute everything turned sour."
Hinata held her head in her hands. " And now i don't know if they've made it out safely or not. They all could have very well have been captured. God I'm so stupid!"
" Hinata stop that!" Neji said pulling her hands away from her face." This isn't your fault. None of it is."
Hinata looked at him through her tears. " How could it possibly not be, you've all been dragged into this and now...now "
Neji held her once again. She cried into his shoulder. She let out all her pain and all her worries. Why had this all happened?
Her cries were interrupted by the door opening once.
Standing in the door way, was a very smug looking Kazuki. Her tears seemed to amuse him.
" It's time Hyuga's" he said with delight.
Neji and Hinata looked at each other with panic. Was it really over?
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Naruto rubbed his chin thoughtfully. For the last few minutes he had carefully been observing Toneri's reaction to the tape recordings. At at first it was comical to him. He laughed and added a few snide remarks every now and then. But as time progressed and the tape recordings got more intense that smile he once wore on his face had faded completely and he was now silent. The look in his eyes was unreadable.
" Man. What did Hinata want us to hear on these recordings? So far it's been stuff that we already know " Kiba said rubbing his tempals.
Naruto shushed him and continued to watch Toneri. Kiba followed his gaze and then looked at Naruto with furrowed brows.
" Why are you staring at him like that?" Kiba questioned.
" Haven't you noticed he's not as cocky as he was earlier? Something tells me the tapes are getting to him" Naruto whispered in response.
Kiba looked at the zoned out Toneri with squinted eyes.
" Let me enlighten you Hyuga about your place in this house. I do not really care for your presence you are simply a pawn in my plan. A piece that i will eventually get rid of."
These words played loudly drawing in everyones attention now.
Toneri under Choji's weight began to shake a little bit. He then began to mouth something Naruto couldn't make out.
" That kid has always disappointed me, but this...this is an all time low."
" Turn it off," Naruto finally heard Toneri say. No one paid him any mind and the recording continued to play.
" Its disgusting. Of all the women in the world a Hyuga!?"
" Turn it off !" Toneri said this time a bit louder. Now all eyes were on him and Kiba finally was noticing what Naruto had said.
" I want to get in your head."
Toneri began to fight under Choji. Sasuke and Shikamaru went to both sides of him and held his arms in place. The recording seemed to get louder in Toneri's head.
" You are weak right now and things will unfold that you can not control and that you will be apart of."
Toneri continue to fight furiously as the recording seemed to get louder and louder. Sasuke and Shikamaru still held him down tightly.
" You will cry, scream, but you won't be able to do a thing and you will break."
" Stop it STOP IT!" Toneri cried.
Sakura turned her head away unable to watch. Naruto however did not remove his gaze.
" And before you know it you will be completely under my control just like everyone else."
Toneri's movements came to a halt. Sasuke and Shikamaru no longer had to hold him down. Naruto could see his eyes had clouded. He appeared numb as if his father were here and recited these words to him.
No-one said anything as that recording ended and the next one began. Toneri remained dazed once again untill he heard the voice of his faithful servant.
" Sir with all thats going on forgive me for saying that is a little hard to believe. Toneri sama has been loyal to you for years and has more power over me and the Gekkou. What would cause you to have such a change of heart? He is your son."
" Son? Only in name. That little shit has caused me nothing but misery and anger since his birth killed my beloved wife. He's useless, he thinks too much with his heart and not enough with his head, making him weak and incapable of running a proper business."
Toneri's face read a new emotion. His eyes opened wide as tears began rapidly flowing from them. Choji no longer felt the need to restrain him.
He stood up, leaving Toneri to wallow in his own tears on the ground. Everyone watched him with conflicting feelings.
"So what about Toneri-sama what will become of him?"
" I did leave out one little detail when i told that idiot my plan."
Toneri's shook hearing his father chuckle.
" Since he loves his little Hyuga so much i thought as a last act of kindness he'd share the same fate as her."
" Which is?"
" Death of course!"
Toneri suddenly stood up from the ground, causing everyone to go on defense. He looked at the recorder in Hanabi's hand lifelessly. He did not move.
" It will be a freak accident. I'll tell him I'm having a Gekkou take him and his wife to a place to have their honey moon and then as soon as they enter the car-"
" I think i've heard enough Naruto. Could you please tell her to turn it off" Toneri said facing him.
Naruto could read no ill intent in Toneri any longer. Who stood in front of him was not the same person from minutes ago. This Toneri looked defeated.
Naruto nodded at Hanabi and she turned off the recording. Once again there was silence. Naruto now knew Hinata's intentions.
" Okay you got me. You've all got me" Toneri almost whispered. His distress was very evident. The recordings had not only reminded him of where he stood with his father, but pointed out the flaws in his so called plan of happiness. No matter what he forced or hoped for, just as Hanabi stated he wouldn't be happy.
" You were right none of this has any purpose. I'll never be happy" Toneri said to the group.
" And my father was right too, I am a disappointment."
He had destroyed the only some what healthy relationship he had. All in the name of a love that was never meant to be. All he had accomplished was feeding into his fathers plan. A plan that would too result in the end of him. It took a silly recording to get his mind straight and so many mistakes. He had unknowingly become the monster his father was.
Toneri didn't know how to deal with himself. He stood there in front of the people whos lives he played a major part in messing up. His thoughts did laps, taking breaths of air felt like a crime. He was the worst kind of person.
" I'm a fool, i've always been one. Happiness? Ha i don't deserve it. Look what i do. I destroy lives" Toneri said holding his head in his hands.
Naruto could see Toneri falling in dispare. He took a step forward and with out fear rested both hands on the zombie like Toneri's shoulders. Toneri didn't move an inch, he just stared off into space.
" Everything has a purpose. Maybe this was life's big theatrical way of pushing you on the right path. Its what you do you now that really matters."
Toneri finally looked at Naruto and gave him a pain filled smile.
" What's the point. Either way I'm as good as dead. After today my life ends. I fucked up and now my asshole of a father wins no matter what choice i make" Toneri responded.
Naruto for the first time in a while smiled. His friends all gave him questionable looks. Had he lost his mind? Was there a joke they did not get?
" Yeah maybe a little bit. But what's the biggest most valuable thing your father couldn't stand to have damaged" Naruto questioned.
" I'm really not in the mood for jokes Uzumaki."
" Nah.. just bare with me on this one."
Toneri sighed. " Well it certainly isn't me."
" So the next thing on the list would have to be his...?" Naruto said waiting for Toneri to finish his sentence.
" His pride? His Status? His ego perhaps?" Toneri finally answered.
" DING DING DING we have a winner" Naruto said dramatically. " Wouldn't it be great to give your dad one last kick in the ass as he's being hauled away in hand cuffs by the cops."
Toneri smiled slightly, " It is kind of nice thinking about it."
" Then lets make it a reality, " Naruto said, now becoming serious.
" I think you owe it to Hinata. All of us in fact, especially after all you put us through. You and i haven't exactly always seen eye to eye, but if we all work together we can attempt to fix this mess. It may not erase your past, but you can rest a little easier knowing you've done something good, that you tried to cleanse your sins. "
Toneri looked at his feet in thought. Naruto could tell he was truly reflecting on all that had happened.
" Your wrong you know" Toneri said.
" About?" Naruto questioned.
" I really am in love with Hinata-san. I let my emotions get out of control and began treating her like some expensive doll, instead of a human being. That was the mistake i made" he responded.
Toneri looked at Naruto and could see him holding back his annoyance. He couldn't help but chuckle.
" But you love her too don't you?"
Naruto flushed slightly and began to stammer. " W-we're talking about you n-not me!"
Toneri laughed out loud at his reaction, making Naruto even more irritated.
" In the end you were always better suited for her, even though i hate to admit it" Toneri said with a sad smile. " Cherish her, unlike i did."
Naruto said nothing as his face shifted to red, but gave Toneri a simple head nod.
" So what do ya say? Ready to piss off your piece of shit dad?" Naruto said, sticking out his fist to Toneri.
Toneri hesitated for a moment. He looked at Naruto and then at his friends. They all Despite hating him to some extent, did not once arguedagainst his help. They looked at him waiting for his response. Toneri could not believe them. After all he had put them through they were willing to trust him? Was this what it was to have faith in someone? Too try to see the good even when presented with bad constantly?
Toneri for the first time felt a deep appreciation and warmth forNaruto and his friends. Sure they still seemed kinda like a bunch of ill mannered goofballs too him, but they had something Toneri longed for and maybe in the future hoped to be apart of.
A deep unbreakble bond of friendship and loyalty.
And that's all Toneri's gut needed to feel, to get him to connect his fist with Naruto's.
" I hope the police slam him into the ground before they put the cuffs on him" Toneri said.
Naruto smiled his typical wide smile and laughed out loud at Toneri's comment.
" You know your pretty weird, but sometimes i like the way you think" Naruto said in response.
The group gathered around in excitment. Despite there differences, the opportunity to finally save there friend and end this for real this time sent shock waves of happiness through out the group.
Toneri couldn't help but smile and feed off the warm energy. This feeling of hope, this feeling of love and care was something he wished he could keep forever in his heart. He never thought he would feel this way. Just in a matter of minutes Naruto and his friends had given him a taste of what true happiness could be. He swore in that moment he'd be a changed man, so one day this could be something he could bask in forever.
Just then, the sound of rustling and creaking froze everyone in place. Toneri's eyes widened and his smile left his face completely. Across the field at the front gates he could see Gekkous flooding in at a fast rate. Toneri's stomach dropped. Naruto and his friends looked trapped as the Gekkou soon began coming from all over to surround them.
It took everything in Toneri to remain calm. What if they heard there conversation? There was too many of them to fight they'd loose.
Still, Toneri stood tall. He wouldn't be unnerved and he wouldn't allow them to hurt the people he had just grown to like.
He quickly shot Naruto a look that said stay calm. Naruto nodded and he and his friends stood still as they were encircled.
" So you've all finally decided to show up" Toneri said in his usual authoritative tone.
The Gekkou all dropped to one knee as a sign of respect for Toneri.
" We apologize sir, we had to find a way to leave the manor with out causing suspicion" the Gekkou closest to him said.
" Yes and apparently at the rate of a snail, i could have been dead for all you know. Then what? How would you explain that to my father!?" Toneri yelled.
The Gekkou did nothing but lower his head.
" My deepest apologies sir. We've come to get you and take care of the trash" The Gekkou said.
Naruto looked at Toneri. He wondered what he would do? Would he order against the harm of he and his friends or would Toneri betray him.
Toneri swallowed at the Gekkou's response and glanced at Naruto.
" We really must hurry sir its almost time for the wedding" another Gekkou said.
Toneri looked out at the amount of Gekkou and couldn't help but be intimidated. Standing up the them seemed impossible. He could feel Naruto now start to glare at him. Toneri had a big decision to make.
" Sir is everything ok?" one Gekkou said.
Toneri had made up his mind. There was no other choice.
Toneri turned to Naruto and whispered to him.
" I'm sorry," he said.
Naruto barely had time to react when he heard Toneri bark a command to the Gekkou.
" Very well, capture them all. In fact, bring them all with us. My father would love the idea of making them watch, as I marry there dear friend against their will" Toneri said.
" Toneri you bastard!" Naruto yelled as he was forced to the ground by several Gekkou.
One by one each of Naruto's friends were roughly apprehended.
Toneri watched will cold eyes. He really was a coward.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Hinata stared at her reflection lifelessly. The only thing that assured her that this wasn't some sort of nightmare was the stinging of her abdomen from her stitches.
" Well look at that. We've some how made even you look decent" the make up artist said.
Looking at herself she felt nothing but dread. The front section of Hinata's hair was done up in two space buns with the remander of her hair flowing freely down her back. She wore gold jewelry on her neck, ears and fingers. With her long dress, tiara and sparkly make up, she looked like a princess out of a story book.
Most girls would be delighted with her transformation, but this was no ordinary wedding. Kazuki who stood in the corner watching her was very diligent in reminding her of that.
He put his hand to the speaker in his ear and responded to who ever was speaking to him. Finally he came over and grabbed her arm.
" Get up. The young master has arrived" he said smiling wickedly.
He looked at Hinata expecting a response or perhaps fear or sadness in her eyes. Hinata however continued to look at him blankly and allowed herself to be pulled along.
As soon as the dressing room opened she was met with the flashing of camera's. She had forgotten the media was a big part of this wedding.
There was no other way to describe what she was feeling other than numb. All her plans had fell flat. Today she would be forced into marriage and then her life would be taken away from her. If someone had told her that this would be her fate from the beginning she would have lived a completely different life. She wouldn't have been so weak, so shy, so apprehensive. Forget social cues, forget the what if's, the buts and the maybes. Life is very short. She realized that more than ever now.
Hinata could hear the loud chatter of people as she and Takeru headed to the room where it all would end.
Standing in front of the double doors Hinata took one last look at Takeru. As she expected he was still beaming with joy.
" I hope this heals your wounds" Hinata said to him. Even after all this man put her through she still couldn't bring herself to despise him. They were all victims in this matter.
Takeru looked thrown off by her words for a few moments before returing to normal.
" Oh it will trust me" he responded with a wide smile. Hinata could hear uncertainty in his voice. It seemed even he wasn't sure what he would gain from all this.
The double doors opened and bright light stung Hinatas eyes. All the guest turned to her in their seats, amongst gold and purple decorations.
Hinata still felt nothing. She forced her eyes to look at the end of the isle where she would be. There she could see her father some what smiling and Neji visibly uncomfortable. To their side she saw the man who she would meet her treacherous end with.
Toneri wore all white with gold accents. Along with his smile he very much fit the prince charming image. His father stood next to him with a smile that to others might come across as proud or happy but Hinata could read more in it.
It was a smile of victory. He had her right where he wanted her. Just as he told her he had finally gotten in her head and she had become one of his puppets.
Or at least he thought so.
As Hinata was forced to walk down that isle, the camera's flashing, music playing, she came up with her final plan.
She would wipe that smug grin off Takeru's face once and for all. She didn't care that the press and her family were watching. She didn't care about possibly ending up in jail. All that mattered was ending this all. Then for once in her own way, she would come out on top.
Hinata took Toneri's hand that he extended towards her but her eyes grilled Takeru. She wanted him to know that she wouldn't be defeated. This new found rage in her would destroy him.
She smirked at him causing him to raise his eyebrows, before facing Toneri.
Toneri looked at her with such loving eyes. The man she had last seen and the one before her were like night and day.
" You look absolutely stunning" he whispered to her.
Hinata didn't even crack a smile in response. The man who was to marry them drew the audience's attention with a loud tapping on the podium.
" Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Today we celebrate the union of Toneri Otsutsuki and Hinata Hyuga. We Otsutsuki's have a very different way of unifying families. So please bare with us member's of the Hyuga family. Or shall i say new members of our family."
Hinata snuck a peek at the bishop or pastor or what ever you would call this man. He was tall and strongly built and wore a black vail over his face, along with an extravagant head piece. His voice however was very nasally and almost improper sounding, clashing with his appearance. Hinata could already tell he was going to annoy her, which wasn't good because she was already on the edge.
The irritating man then pulled out a book that seemed to have some words scribbled down on it, before very clumsily flipping through it. It was like he didn't know what he was doing.
Even Takeru looked at him questionably.
The man after finishing his flipping cleared his throat.
" Would all members of the press please leave the room. We Otsutsuki's would like this part to remain private. We will call you back in for the final part of the ceremony" he said.
Takeru was outraged, surprising Hinata. Was this not what was planned?
One by one the very confused members of the press began leaving the room. The remaining guest were just as lost as to what was happening.
" I thought we discussed leaving the press in the room for this part" Takeru whispered very angrily to the man.
" Really? Well one of your men told me other wise. Whelp can't do much about it now can we" the foolish sounding man said in response.
Takeru opened his mouth to say something, but stopped himself
He simply adjusted his tie and glared at the Gekkou who sat in the audience.
Hinata could see them whispering amoungst themselves. She then looked at Toneri who was calm and collected. Something was off here.
" Now on with the ceremony!" The man said catching every one's attention again.
" Would the bride and groom take each others hands and everyone else please focus their attention on the statue of our great goddess of the moon.
Once again Takeru gave the strange man a questionable glance but did not say a thing. Hinata and Toneri did what they were told. The man then brought the book he was reading closer to his face as if he was having trouble reading it. He mumbled a few words under his breath, before apparently finding where he was.
" Ah yes here we go. Will the husband to be take his brides hand and place it over his heart"
Toneri delicately placed Hinata against his chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against her finger tips.
" Will the bride close her eyes and the groom repeat after me."
Hinata closed her eyes and awaited Toneri's voice. It was now or never she had to do something.
" Today under the moon and stars"
" Today under the moon and stars" Toneri repeated.
" I bestow my life, my loyalty and my heart to you"
Hinata could feel the heat of Toneri's gaze as he repeated those words. She became very tense. How she despised the guilt that gripped her gut.
" With Kaguya's strength and blessings our souls shall unite as one"
Toneri's hand slightly tightened around her wrist almost making her open her eyes. She could feel him shake slightly. Was he really that nervous?
" Please exchange your life long promise to your future wife" the man said.
Toneri closed the distance between them. He softly placed Hinata's hair behind her ear and whispered into it.
" I was a horrible friend to you and a even worst fiancé. I can't change the past but hopefully I can lead you to a peaceful future. I love you. I've learned today however that love can not be selfish. I want you to be happy so I will set you free. In exchange I hope you will remember the good times we had before all this and that you smile brighter than ever before."
Hinata's eyes snapped open just as Toneri placed a soft kiss against her cheek.
Then there was darkness.
All the lights in the room had shut off and set off an onslaught of panic and questioning. Hinata could feel herself being pulled away and soon heard the sounds of yelling and bodies dropping. Screams then filled the room and Hinata began to panic. What the hell was happening? Who had grabbed her?
" What the hell!?" She heard Kazuki yell out, before hearing the impact of something hitting against him.
The lights then flickered back on and clarity soon came.
Hinata stood behind that same weird guy who was suppose to be marrying her and Toneri. His stance was protective and his attention was not on her but on what was going on in front of them.
Hinata was beyond shocked at what she was witnessing.
Toneri held his own father in a choke hold and Kazuki now laid on the ground completely unconscious. This all while the Gekkou in the audience seemed to have broken out into an out brawl with each other
Neji and her father stood frozen, while guest fled to corners avoiding the gekkou's battle.
Takeru looked at his son with fury.
" Toneri what is the meaning of this!?"
Toneri pulled a knife out of his pocket and held it to his father's throat.
" Its over father I'm putting an end to this nonsense."
Hiashi approached Toneri with both hands up.
" I don't understand whats going on here, but put the knife down Toneri" Hiashi asked.
Hiashi felt a tug on his sleeve and directed his attention to its source. Neji shook his head at him.
" Uncle let him be there's more going on here then you know"
Hiashi stared back at Neji with widen eyes. Hinata mirrored Hiashi's expression. She wasn't sure if she should make her escape now or stay here and wait and see what would happen next.
" You got that right Neji" a familiar voice said.
Hinata couldn't believe where that voice was coming from. The strange man who she had been ready to strangle, removed his head piece and vail. Still staring at his back, Hinata was over come with emotions as her eyes met with golden locks brighter than the sun. She didn't have to see his face to realize who it was.
Both Neji and Hiashi looked at the blond with hanging jaws before in union calling out his name in confusion.
" Naruto!?"
Naruto smiled at both of them scratching his neck. " In the flesh, alive and well more or less" he responded.
Hinata took a few steps closer to him unsure if this was reality or her mind playing tricks on her again.
" H-how?" Hinata finally managed to say.
Naruto looked down at her with gentle eyes. He could see she was on the verge of tears. He took both her hands and smiled at her.
" I told you I would get you back didn't I?" He said to her.
Hinata was speechless once again. In a matter of seconds she threw herself against him and hugged him tight. Naruto responded to her embrace holding her just as tightly .
" You did well. Your one of the strongest people I know ya know that Hinata?" He said into her shoulder
" Your one to talk" Hinata said, the tears she held back finally falling from her eyes. " Your the one who sneaked in here to save the day like some sort of superhero."
Naruto chuckled. " Well I can't take all the credit the real hero is actually the guy with the knife over there."
The two separated and Hinata's eyes focused on Toneri who struggled to keep his father in place. His gaze met her's and he smiled at her with sadness.
" My eyes have been opened. I will no longer allow for anyone else to suffer at the hands of this man. Including myself. Isn't that what you were trying to teach me Hinata?"
" Toneri..." Hinata said before he abruptly faced the crowd of people. Hinata did as well and could see the majority of the Gekkou were laying on the ground. The few that remained removed their mask and were revealed to be her friends.
" You guys?" Hinata said in shock.
Naruto rested a hand on her shoulder and smiled proudly.
" Pretty smooth right? Who knew they'd fall for the same trick twice" He said.
Their group of friends then opened the doors to the room where a very shocked and confused news crew stood out side. Despite the chaotic scene they were witnessing cameras flashed and questions were shouted it out.
" Attention everyone, I know your all very confused and probably terrified but please listen to me closely I have a confession to make" Toneri announced.
" Toneri you listen to me! I am your father you will do what I say or suffer the consequences do you hear me!? Let me go this instant" Takeru ordered.
Toneri tighten his grip around his father's neck.
" Shut your mouth I'm the one who's in control now" Toneri responded
" News crew members make sure your cameras are on and your mic's are working for this par "Toneri said.
" For those who are watching who don't know me my name is Toneri Otsutsuki. Son of the man I am holding captive right here Takeru Otsutsuki and heir to the lost company Lunar health. You've all heard our story of what was a powerful company that had gone bankrupt after a bad deal. Thee majority of our money torn away from us by loan sharks and the government. We became a shell of what was once one of the highest growing companies in all of japan. Forgotten and what felt like erased from history. But there's a darker side to what sounds like a sad story my father here being its main character."
" You are making a huge mistake. Don't you realize the millions we could be sitting on son? Everything you've ever wanted could be yours with the snap of your fingers!" Takeru whispered.
Toneri looked at his father with cold eyes. " All I ever wanted was your acknowledgement and to feel loved something you and I both know you can't provide."
Takeru's eyes widened at his sons sharp words.
" You see my father isn't the kind selfless man he proclaims to be in fact since I was a child I've only ever known him to be a cold heartless cruel man who manipulates people into doing his bidding and only operates under the name of greed. He will use anyone. His friends, business partners even his own children to achieve what he wants and that's what he almost achieved today.
" Toneri!" Takeru cried out.
" The truth is the Hyuga's have always been great people to us. He knows that yet he tries to paint them out to be selfish monsters who aided in our companies downfall. All those years ago they came to our aid to help us out of our financial troubles but my grandfather being too proud, being to selfish, refused to take any of their advice or guidance. My father being jealous of their success only continue to spread lies to the point where our own family began to hate the very people who continued to help us and creating this almost silent war between the two families. But my father wouldn't stop at that, no he would not rest until he had finally out did the Hyuga's he was so envious of. So he devised a sick plan to get back at them.
" He doesn't know what he's saying. Can't you all see my son is very sick. Why hasn't anyone come to my aid!"
The crowd remained still, absorbing Toneri's every word.
" And what was this plan Toneri-sama?" One of the news members asked.
" Acquire information about their company and then ruin them until they had nothing left. At first it started off with manipulation. Getting information from regular employees but then when that didn't work he went down a more criminal path. He had our people steal from hospitals to acquire medical supplies to drug people and force info out of them. Sometimes the use of physical force and blackmail was used at the hands of our what was suppose to be our security guards. Who then were trained to become more like spy's and became what you know today as our Gekkou."
Kiba walked over to the press and held up picture evidence of the chambers where people were held and the medical supplies used.
" But when the Hyuga's heighten their security and he didn't have enough information he grew frustrated and his plans were put on halt. That was until he heard about my relationship with Hinata-sama."
Toneri briefly made eye contact with Hinata. She looked at him sadly. He gave her a reassuring smile that told her it would be alright.
" I was so blinded by my unrequited love for my friend that I became desperate to do anything to be with her. That's right I played a role in this. My father was to use this marriage as a opportunity to finally take down the family he hated. He would frame the Hyuga and make them seem like the crooks who robbed the Otsutsuki' of their fame and wealth and put its leaders behind bars."
Gasp of shock erupted from the crowd. The once confused Hiashi had gone silent and stared down Takeru with a serious expression.
" The marriage would make our family appear innocent and boost our image. We'd be the family who tried to make peace but was betrayed. I was going to go through with this, but after a series of events and eye opening I realized I was to be betrayed as well. My own father had plan to kill me and Hinata-sama after the wedding and call it a freak accident. This all in order to keep this new found wealth to himself."
Shikamaru held the tape recorder up in the air for everyone to see before pressing the play button.
" Since he loves his little Hyuga so much I thought as a last act of kindness he'd share the same fate as her."
" Which is?"
"Death of course."
More gasps rang through out the room. Looks of anger, confusion and hurt could be read on people's faces. Takeru seemed to be at a lost for words.
" My father has committed many crimes and sadly so have I. I apologize for wasting everyone's time and most of all I am sorry to the people I hurt in this process. There will be no wedding today but I hope there will be justice" Toneri said.
Takeru felt the heated, questioning stares coming from all directions. He could feel his heart beat drum violently in his ears. Taking a last course of action he bit down violently on Toneri's hand causing him to release the knife. Catching it he slipped from Toneri's grasp sending screams of horror echoing through out the room.
With wild eyes he lunged at Hiashi with the knife aimed at his gut, but before he could reach him the shock from a taser send him shaking to the ground.
" Oh no you don't "
A man who looked a lot like Sasuke stood over Takeru's jittering body.
" Can I get some back up in here" he said into his walkie-talkie as he kneeled down to put Takeru in hand cuffs.
Hinata held her chest in relief and looked at Naruto with a raised eyebrow. " You guys got Itachi to come here too? Talk about planning."
Naruto rubbed his chin in satisfaction " That was all Sasuke. Can't take any chances with this psycho."
Sasuke walked up to the mic from the podium and spoke into it.
" Alright everyone this is now a police investigation site everyone please evacuate the room."
No one wasted anytime in fulfilling Sasuke's request and all the guest began leaving the room quickly, talking amongst themselves about what had just occured.
The clicking of hand cuffs grabbed Hinata's attention. Itachi now was placing Toneri in hand cuffs.
" No! hey wait a second " she called out to Itachi.
" Its ok Hinata-san its only natural" Toneri responded.
Hinata approached Toneri and looked at him sadly.
" Its not. Sure you messed up big time in the beginning, but in the end you saved me. You saved everyone" Hinata said to him.
Toneri shook his head with a sad smile. " I didn't. The man right behind you did. The man who's always looked out for you. He's the one in the end that changed my mind. He pushed me to see what was right."
Hinata looked over her shoulder at Naruto. He looked at her for a instant but then focused his attention on Toneri.
" She's right Toneri. You don't deserve to serve the same time as that crazy father of yours. You had your reasons for doing what you did and those stem from that man" Naruto said.
Still Toneri shook his head. " I still must atone for my sin's please."
Hinata and Naruto looked at each other with sad eyes.
" Don't make those faces" Toneri said with a smile. " Its alright i swear. Just take care of your selfs. And Naruto.."
Naruto looked at Toneri who wore the kindess smile he had ever seen him wear.
" I am intrusting her to you. Don't make me regret my decision" Toneri said.
Hinata looked at Naruto with wide eyes. Naruto slightly reddened, but nodded his head.
Then with one final look, Toneri was taken away along with his father by the police.
Hinata fought the urge to run after him. Who would have thought that in the end he would have such a change of heart? Her speculations about Toneri were true afterall. He was a lost soul who just needed the right people in his life to guide him.
" It'll be ok there's no way I'm gonna let him rot in prison" Naruto said to Hinata. " I'll talk to the police and see if there's anything we can do."
Hinata nodded her head and studied her surroundings along with Naruto. Gekkou after Gekkou were being handcuffed by the now numerous amounts of police officers. Kazuki seemed to be giving them the most trouble. A total of five officers had to help guide him out of the room as he thrashed in his hand cuffs and yelled.
Her friends were also speaking to some of the officers giving their witnessed statements. Neji had reunited with Tenten and along with Hanabi, they began to explain to her father what had happen.
Chairs were broken and flowers and other decorations were scattered across the floor. The room was a total disaster, but for Hinata and Naruto there was a sense of peace.
" Its finally over " Hinata said turning to Naruto. Naruto turned to her and let out a sigh of relief.
" Yes i can say that for sure now" Naruto said.
The two then exchanged smiles. This battle of jealousy, hatred and twisted love had finally ended. They could now go back to being regular college students and enjoying their lives. But there was one last thing they both had to do in order to begin the next chapter of their lives.
" Naruto-kun"
" Hinata"
The two paused awkwardly waiting for the other to speak.
" Y-you started first go ahead " Naruto said. He could feel himself starting to sweat and his stomach twisted into knots.
Hinata waved her hands in front of her face, " N-no its ok you go ahead" she insisted. She didn't need a mirror to know she was bright red.
Naruto looked at the ground rather than Hinata and scratched his cheek in embarrassment. He was so confident in his self earlier. They practically went through hell and back, this experience was a reminder of how quickly your life could be over. You could lose everything so fast there was no guarantee of a tomorrow. So this feeling that he felt just being near her. He had to share no matter what right?
He looked Hinata in her eyes, before taking her hands once again.
" I'm a huge idiot. I am just as dense as everyone else says. It took me too long to realized this and because of that you got hurt. You've been the one by my side since day one. It should have been obvious. I've only felt this feeling being with you" Naruto said.
Naruto's anxiety rose seeing Hinata looking at him with her big glassy eyes that seemed to hang onto ever syllable.
" What I'm trying to say is that I..." Naruto swallowed hard and hesitated.
" This probably isn't the right time to say this.." he then said doubting himself.
Hinata grabbed a section of Naruto's shirt forcing him to look at her. She would not let him run away from her this time. Today they would end this ambiguous air between them.
" If this is what I think this is, this is more than the right time" she said. Her gaze was soft yet demanding, as if she knew deep down what he was going to say.
Naruto's eyes widened at her words. Was he right? Did...she also.?
Naruto's brain turned to mush.
" I...I I think that I'm... that I'm in-"
Hinata lost the last bit of patience she had left. They had faced near death scares and the threat of jail time and now of all times he was at a lost for words and nervous? Before she had time to stop herself, she was gripping the sides of his face and pulling him towards her.
Naruto froze when her soft lips met his. Now his brain was really mush.
After feeling no reaction on Naruto's end, Hinata's eyes fluttered open and she pulled away in question. He remained in his frozen state staring dead at her. Not a sound came from his mouth, his wide eyes were the only thing Hinata was left with to interpret.
Thousands of thoughts ran through Hinata's head and soon she was crimson. Their newly formed audience did help either. Her friends stared at her and Naruto with as much shock as she was feeling currently. To top it off she had forgotten that her father and sister were still in the room along with the many police officers. What had she'd done? She had gotten too caught up in the moment.
" Holy shit" she heard Kiba say and that was a trigger for her fight or flight response.
" I-I am so sorry" Hinata said. She then gave Naruto a bow before sprinting out of the room as fast as she could.
Sakura sucked her teeth in annoyance. " Oh my god really Naruto!?" Sakura yelled at him. Naruto however continued to remain in his frozen state like some statue.
Getting no response she sighed, " Some one fix him please" she said. She then ran out the room after Hinata. Ino, Temari and Tenten soon followed giving him dirty looks.
" I could really use some aspirin right now" Hiashi said taking a seat. Hanabi came up behind him and patted his shoulder.
" It's been a long day for me too father" she then said.
Sasuke sighed and walked up to Naruto who still hadn't moved. He lifted a hand and then smacked Naruto as hard as he could, causing him to fall back onto the ground.
Naruto blinked and looked up at his disappointed friends that surrounded him.
" Thanks teme" he said.
" Don't thank me. What the hell just happened?" Sasuke questioned.
Naruto didn't respond his lips just spread into the biggest cheesiest smile that had ever existed.
Shikamaru and Kiba looked at each other visibly shocked and confused. Sasuke looked at them as well with raised brows.
" Ok why is he smiling like that?" he asked the two.
" Earth to Naruto. Hinata just left the room practically in tears because you choked up that's no smiling matter!" Kiba yelled at him.
Still Naruto smiled brightly and rose to his feet confusing his friends even more.
" I think he's finally lost it" Choji said as he munched on some of the wedding food.
Lee went up to Naruto and grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him.
" Get it together Naruto you are freaking us out!" He yelled but also got no response.
Neji approached him next, rolling up his sleeves. " Step aside Lee I'll knock some sense into him."
" He's still injured Neji let's not do that" Shino warned.
" She kissed me" Naruto said grabbing everyone's attention.
" Yeah no duh dipshit" Kiba responded giving him a questionable look."
Naruto grabbed Kiba's wrist and got closer to him. Kiba looked at him in pure terror.
" What the-!?"
" Do you know what this means!?" Naruto said with excitement.
Kiba looked around for help from his friends, but they seemed to find the situation humorous and did nothing.
" She feels the same way. That means I'm not crazy for thinking that way, my thoughts were true. This whole time we've both liked each other and none of us knew for sure. How crazy is that!?" Naruto yelled in excitement.
" Still in the room" Hiashi said.
Naruto turned to a very upset Hiashi nervously. " I'm so sorry sir, I'm really happy and rambling but we will talk later I promise."
" Can you let me go" Kiba said trying get out of Naruto's grasp.
" More importantly your forgetting that Hinata doesn't know that" Shikamaru said.
Naruto looked at him with furrowed brow's " Say what now?"
Sasuke put his hands on Naruto's shoulders. " Finally coming back to earth? I don't think he froze as soon as i kissed him is going to translate to he really must like me in her head dobe. "
Naruto's smile instantly dropped and his friends could see panic set in.
" He finally gets it" Shikamaru said shaking his head.
Naruto's hands gripped his hair and his breathing patterns changed abruptly.
" Aw shit...I fucked up again god damnit!" Naruto yelled.
" Yup" his friends said in union.
One challenge ended and another arose in a matter of hours for Naruto that day.