Disclaimer:- All Characters From Naruto belong to M. Kishimoto.
Hard Love
Chapter 36.
Vengeful Meetings...Part 4
Taking out the Pawns.
"Man may feel like a feeble and powerless pawn, at some moment in his life. This apprehension can come out of the blue, in the middle of the day, at the center of a public place, like a cerebral attack. Check mated by 'daily routine', he may feel trapped in a smothering set of circumstances and only a deconstruction of all impeding barriers can bring about a vital mental deliverance. ( "Check and mate" )"
― Erik Pevernagie
From Previous Chapter...
Then when the girls said goodbye to their loved ones they had driven away from the estate, the Hyuga guards that Neji's father insisted came along followed behind them. She could then remember the tense atmosphere and decided to talk about films which, had proved to be the best thing to getting them to talk to her. Tenten gasped finally recalling a van that was coming up alongside her thinking it was going to overtake her. She remembered a jolt, screams and a loud bang and then registered pain on the very top front of her head, then she couldn't remember anything more until she had awoken.
"I-I remember now...My car was hit by a van" Tenten reminisced
"Yes you are right...then w-when we woke u-up we were all tied up in this room" Hinata explained.
"Tied up?" Shion asked, confused.
"Yes Ino-chan and I worked together to cut the binds from a shard of sharp metal here" Hinata stated pointing at the small metal object on the floor.
"So what now?" Tenten asked
"Well do we have any idea on who our captives are?" Ino asked
oOoOo
Minato who was still waiting for the reinforcements was now intrigued in what Shikamaru had to say. He was surprised when Shino had contacted Shibi asking that they make sure the audio was available for the team's to listen in. So here they was inside waiting for Shikamaru to begin and could hear his son asking questions already and felt slight relief at that fact.
Shikamaru had mentioned briefly to him that Naruto wasn't handling the news that well and could see the rage he was trying in vain to hold in, that was consuming within him.
"Is everybody listening?" Shino asked out
"Yeah we are all ears on what you have found out Shika?" Obito answered.
"You're not the only one" Sasuke's voice was clearly heard next.
"Go on Shikamaru" Minato ordered.
"Right...Well from what I have made out, I'm pretty certain that Toneri was the one as we all know for sure in kidnapping Hinata. I do feel that Ino and Tenten was at the wrong place at the wrong time and were taken by the kidnappers at the spur of the moment. Shino has been attempting to look into the Otsutsuki family, what we know is that they are a generations old family the same as the most prominent clans like Hyuga and the Uchiha, even the Senju and Uzumaki." Shikamaru began
"Yeah and to hack into their family records has been very difficult but I did manage to find some interesting information." Shino added.
"Such as?" Minato asked curious.
"Well...Toneri is one of two members that is fighting over being named the rightful heir of the Otsutsuki clan. A will was put together from the last clan head and the only two candidates are Toneri from the branch side and another male named Momoshiki from the main side of the family." Shikamaru continued
"So similar to the Hyuga?" Itachi questioned
"Yes they are and somewhere down the line we do know that both families are somehow related just like the Hyuga and Uchiha are distant cousins." Minato added knowing about that already.
"Yeah...You see that's not all Shino also managed to find out information on Toneri and he is listed as not married in the family records which I found surprisingly odd since he is married. Then when I heard about Shion being sought after by Danzo, when he had already cut her off things finally clicked altogether."
"What clicked together?" Kiba asked, confused as Kankuro agreed, absolutely clueless at what was being said.
"Toneri must of been planning to get Hinata from the very start, and was using Danzo to keep an eye on her to bide his time on getting her. Not realising that things would not go Danzo's way, all because we found her first and retrieved her. For whatever reason before that Danzo had convinced Toneri to take Shion as his wife and he must of agreed. Danzo must of been desperate to get rid of Shion before she turned into a liability to his own goals. At the event words were exchanged between them and truths came out and Toneri literally ended it with her seeking a divorce. So to him she did him a favour to give him chance to get the woman he wanted from the beginning, namely Hinata." Minato said
"Yes and also the fact he must of kept his family background secret from Danzo and managed to provide false backgrounds, my guess is that Danzo and his subordinates didn't thoroughly check. So when he left Danzo to lick his wounds after the surprises he had at the event, he must of found out his real background and what he was really after since the start as well as his reasons why." Shikamaru informed further
"So Toneri was hoping to get his hands on Hinata to have her marry him to give him leverage to be named the rightful heir to the Otsutsuki clan? Neji figured
"Correct...Only he has already been legally married and yet the Otsutsuki records state that he is single" Shikamaru replied.
"So then that means that the family doesn't know of Toneri's marriage to Shion?" Itachi answered
"But why?" Kakashi asked
"It's simple, being from the Hyuga the elders of my family become like advisors to the clan head. They like to keep our oldest traditions alive in the family and although my father is slowly beginning to change how the clan is now run since he was named clan head. The elders still push for traditions to remain unchanged. For example if the elders of our clan had known that Hinata wasn't In fact dead like my late uncle had announced, they would be looking for potential suitors for her to be in an arranged marriage to bring more power and influence to the clan. Not only that but Hinata is still considered a main branch Hyuga, where the main family were always protected by the branch side of the family." Neji answered.
"So more than likely Hinata-chan would of had her life chosen for her by the elders all for their own gain?" Naruto growled out.
"Yes that is true but as I said earlier my father is gradually changing our clans policies. But similar families that are traditionalists keep the old ways of their family alive and if Toneri has in fact kept his marriage to Shion secret, then he has done so for a very good reason."
"Which is?" Sasuke queried
"It is considered an insult to go against the family. To them he would of gone against the clans rules and wishes, usually when families are looking for potential suitors they are assessed by the advisors themselves to see if they will reap any benefits from such a union. The Otsutsuki family must be aware of Hinata already if he is desperate to get hold of her since the start" Neji added.
"Well that surely seems the case with what has been going down. My guess is that Danzo is also involved if only to throw a wrench in Toneri's plans and to have his revenge. If Gato has worked with Danzo before which, we now know they have frequently. It seems that Danzo may of persuaded Gato to help him by aiding him with his revenge." Minato stated.
"So that's why he was after Shion and she simply walked into their trap by heading out when Sai told her to remain where she was...safely hidden." Shikamaru finished.
"Gato has not only Hinata, Ino and Tenten but Shion as well, so Shion will be the vital piece to knock Toneri of his high perch" Sasuke had gathered
"So what now?" Naruto demanded
"The reinforcement teams are on their way, they should rendezvous with us shortly. Jiraiya will be currently handling interrogations with Orochimaru and his men back at the warehouse. He has asked the remaining members of the Akatsuki to check out the hideouts of Gato's on the list we have. Also Kisame is familiar with the man and knows someone that had worked for him. Although Gato offers his services for money he is also greedy and doesn't like to pay his men for the work they do. If he does pay them it's not the agreed upon amount." Minato informed
"Well that's some comfort but what about the other places, they can't check them all in that short frame of time?" Neji asked.
"Well that's where you're wrong Neji. You see, your father offered your families services to us, due to the girls being taken from them whilst in their protection. So according to Jiraiya they will be quite a few members of your family, helping them in searching out these places. So let's keep our fingers crossed that they do find them. The only thing we can do is head out to confront our targets and finish this once and for all." Minato stated
"I agree...We can't keep sitting around that's what Danzo wants. He should know that we are all well aware at what has happened to the girls and he is counting on us to not make a move in case the girls are endangered." Kakashi added.
"So you're going to make your move when the reinforcement team arrives?" Gaara questioned
"Yes we have waited long enough and I won't let all our hard work go to waste." Minato answered.
"Well we will be doing the same then" Naruto informed the teams.
"Fair enough Naruto, we will call in when we are about to make a move" Minato answered cutting off the communication.
"Do you think we should hold out Minato at least until the girls have been found?" Shisui asked
"No, I have every bit of faith that they will remain unharmed. And if they are not the only place they are liable to end up going to is where Naruto's team is currently situated. So I want to take full advantage of that fact whilst we still can" Minato explained fully.
oOoOo
Toneri was now about to lose his temper and was about to throw his cell phone at the wall and find the base himself but he gave one more try on the number. The phone rang a number of two times before it was finally answered by the man himself Gato.
"Why haven't you answered my calls Gato? " Toneri raged
"Now Now Toneri-san you should understand quite well how busy I am" Gato answered.
"Well...Did you get her?" Toneri demanded
"Yes the girl is in my hands, although we did run into problems that had made the job that much more difficult" Gato replied casually
"How difficult?" Toneri clenched his fist knowing what was coming his way.
"Much more difficult that I will have to charge you extra due to what I need to pay my men for their services"
"I have already paid you a large sum of money and already have the agreed second amount ready to send once I see with my own eyes that the girl is indeed in your own hands. But that's fine I will pay more but only on one condition" Toneri stated firmly
The other end of the line was briefly silent and Toneri knew that Gato wasn't expecting it.
"And what is this certain condition of yours?" Gato asked his tone wasn't as jovial as before.
"Well since you have done the job I asked of you and want the final part of the payment. I think I would very much prefer to pay you in person and seeing that you require extra money for the difficulties that you said that your men had faced, you can bring the Hyuga girl to me personally and I can then pay you the extra amount on top of what I owe you" Toneri casually stated.
"I would rather be sent the payment now Toneri" Gato challenged
"Yes I'm sure you would but I would like to have the girl in my possession within the hour so make it so and bring her here then I will give you what I owe you with extra if necessary"
"I have a business to run Toneri! I can't just drop what I'm doing to keep you happy" Gato protested
"Yes but I can't leave the estate to come to you and like anyone paying a lot of money I want to see the goods that I'm paying for before I pay the rest to you so make sure you bring her to me within the hour!" Toneri warned and cut of the call.
oOoOo
"That arrogant bastard!" Gato roared slamming the phone on his desk.
Gato was fuming. He was hoping to get the rest of what he was owed and get even more money out of him just for the hell of it. Now he was at a dilemma. He didn't care personally who had the girl, from what he had heard from not only Toneri but also Danzo is that the girl is somehow important to both. He was intrigued due to the demand for her and wondered inwardly who she actually was. The amount of money that was being offered by both men was astounding and he loved money, lots of it.
He was planning to get the rest of the payment from Toneri, even making slightly more just for the hell of it. Then he would wait for Danzo to pay up with his double amount of what Toneri offered either way he would be far more richer than he already was. However, now he has put himself in quite the situation, on one hand he could follow Toneri's instructions and do as he asked, after all he had the girl safely in his possession. Or he could go against Danzo's request and lose double the amount being offered to do so?
The problem was that Gato wanted both due to his ever increasing love of money, he didn't concern himself of the consequences.
"What's wrong boss?"
"Nothing...Have you checked on those girls yet?"
"They were still out of it when we placed the last girl in there with them"
"Well I want you to check on them again soon...I still need to think which is the best action to take"
"What action?"
"Never you mind what!...That's for me to know! You just follow my orders like I'm paying you to got it? I don't pay you to think!" Gato informed
"Yes boss"
"Good...Go check on my other supplies I have a buyer already lined up while I have a think about what I shall do with our live cargo we have here" Gato stated calmly as he sat back down and looked through paperwork.
The short tubby man was inwardly thinking what he could do to make much more money without losing the money being promised on both sides. In business you have to be sneaky and so far it did pay exceedingly well for him to do so.
'Maybe another phone call to Danzo perhaps?' Gato contemplated to himself but decided against it knowing that the man himself would call him.
He didn't want to take the girl, as he was expecting a visitor according to Danzo and he wasn't losing treble the amount being offered by the one eyed man who he knew had it out for Toneri. At first Gato felt a little sympathetic towards the younger male knowing how ruthless Danzo Shimura could be. Now however, after that little phone call he made to him Gato, wasn't the slightest bit sympathetic after all business is ruthless and deadly if you had no clue how it truly went on behind the scenes.
oOoOo
The girls had been conversing back and forth quietly regarding what had happened and what they should do. The situation wasn't any bearable giving the growing tension between Ino and Shion, it was clear that neither liked one another and Hinata knew inwardly that something had to be done about it if they wanted to escape. The blunette took a deep breath and decided to talk to them and make it clear that any squabbles between them had to stop if they needed to work together.
"L-Look we all need to put our differences aside for now at least, remember we are at a disadvantage and also being held captive" Hinata reasoned.
"But..." Ino began but was immediately interrupted by Hinata.
"I know how you feel Ino-chan, but still we are all here, being held against our will. We really need to work together if we have any chance at escape" Hinata added.
Ino sighed clenching her fists tightly. She knew that what Hinata was saying was right they were indeed in a dire situation where they needed all the help they could get in order to escape. The thought of being in a room with Shion after all she had done didn't sit well with the blonde.
"The same goes to you to Shion" Hinata stated clearly looking at her sister's eyes who looked back at her blankly.
"Why should I?" Shino retorted remembering the blunette's words at the event.
"Listen girl...I know about your relation and I also know bits about what you have done to others. Hinata is right we do need to put any differences we may have on one another aside if we want to survive this" Tenten retorted.
"Whatever differences we have Shion, I refuse to remain here and do nothing. If you wish to do so then that's up to you but even after all that you have done to those I care about I can also clearly see that you yourself have also been a victim." Hinata responded.
Shion stiffened and narrowed her eyes but refrained from answering back.
"Whatever our differences, and how we feel about each other I want to escape and get back to my life. I know that you do too Shion, I'm not asking for us to be friends, I'm asking for us to at least all work together here to get us out of whatever situation we have found ourselves in." Hinata further added.
Shion folded her arms against her chest and let out a sigh. In all purposes Shion was just as scared as the other three in the room. She had her suspicions on who had kidnapped her. Well more like on whose orders, but she couldn't be entirely sure. The last 48 hours have been tough on her and had finally opened her eyes to what her life had been like since she was born and growing up.
Shion knew that she had done some despicable things all of them were orders from the man she thought loved her as a daughter, but she was just another tool in the box that he would use when needed. Now she was on her own, her real father was dead thanks to Toneri. Everything she said was true.
Shion was stubborn and proud and admitting that her sister was right didn't sit well with her. However, she remembered her previous conversation with Sai. Their relationship prior to all this was never a close relationship, not real siblings but when her whole world crashed before her eyes he was the one she had sought out.
He could of easily shut the door in her face that night, but he didn't.
She had to open her eyes to those around her and change her ways, even if she found it to be nerve wracking and incredibly hard to be put in this position. When no one likes you due to how you once were. Yet, here she was with the one person that was actually related to her by blood. The person who she had only met only once that at first looked at her, with eyes as cold as steel. But now those eyes didn't look at her judgingly...No they held question but also they held compassion.
It was like seeing herself looking back at her but it was what she herself could of been and that had stirred a lot of emotion within herself.
The girls remained silent waiting for Shion's reply each hoping that she could push aside their differences and work together to escape. Hinata was certain that for all that had happened with Shion, whose life was just as similar to her own and filled with loneliness and sadness.
"Well?" Tenten asked hating the strain of silence in the room as well as the tension.
"I-I agree" Shino answered nervously
Hinata nodded with a small smile knowing it must of been hard for her to say that.
"Any ideas to who could of took us?" Tenten asked
"I have my suspicions" Shion answered
"Who?"
"Either Toneri...Or Danzo on their orders" Shion answered
Ino remained silent not wanting to voice that was currently going through her mind.
"Well that's something to go on at least? What about the goons who brought us here any ideas on who they could be?"
Shion shook her head remembering one of the men at least a big looking oaf was all she could remember and a creepy cackle of laughter when she kicked the large brute in between his legs.
"I didn't recognise them...They are definitely men I haven't seen before that's for sure" Shion answered
"Hmm...Alright then so that's out of the question. Shion do you know any people that Danzo or Toneri would recruit to kidnap us?" Tenten questioned.
"There could be a long list...I didn't know of every man Danzo was acquainted with." Shion protested slightly.
"Well which ones did you know of?" Ino had asked calmly
Shion began to think as she tried to remember a few of the people she knew or had heard of that Danzo knew. It was surprising to her at how many people she knew inwardly that Danzo had dealt with through the years she had grown up in his care. Most could now be dead just like her late biological father Hiashi. The one thought occurred that if it was Toneri that had planned her capture, he would of had to look for outside help to do so.
Her gaze drifted to Hinata knowing that Danzo was desperate to get hold of her for the Kumo gang Lord A. However, Shion was pretty certain that they was not the culprits besides they only wanted Hinata not her or the others. Also Toneri would never seek their services out if that was the case. And with what had happened at the event it was unlikely Kumo was the culprits due to the whole deal blowing up in Danzo's face. So Danzo wouldn't dare to seek them out.
Shion listed the handful of names within her mind, there was Orochimaru but then she knew most of his subordinates and Orochimaru wouldn't listen to Toneri without Danzo's approval so that was more unlikely. The only other person that kept coming up was the short tubby business man Gato.
Shion knew of him through his many business deals with Danzo. Many of the deals was human trafficking that involved the new recruits for his root. Gato was also a drug smuggler and was pivotal to Danzo when delivering the merchandise back and forth from Kumo, including weapons through various back handed deals. Although she had seen the man once or twice briefly he did have many various men working under him and would do any seedy job if the amount of money being offered was great.
"The only person I can think of is a man named Gato" Shion answered finally
"Gato?...Wait the shipping magnate?" Ino replied in surprise.
"Yes him...He has dine many dealings with Danzo throughout the years from smuggling drugs and delivering orphaned children from around the elemental countries." Shion answered.
"Wait...Did you just say smuggled orphaned children!?" Tenten asked not sure she heard right.
Shion sighed and nodded slowly knowing that it was just as bad as it sounds.
"Yeah...I-I never had anything to do with it. That was Danzo's ...S-Sai was in fact one of the many orphans that were delivered to him throughout the years many were through the man Gato." Shion informed them.
"What happened to these children?" Ino asked
"Most of them were trained to become his root members, others wasn't so lucky. I never saw the procedures or what happened to those that didn't get to the standard requirements that Danzo wanted. I-I was told by Sai just recently at what had happened to one boy that he trained with. All through his time there and he saw him as a brother however, it didn't end very good" Shion explained turning pale.
Tenten and the others could see the colour draining from Shion's face and instantly realised where it was leading too. Tenten felt anger swell within her, from being once an orphan herself. She guessed she had been one of the lucky ones, after being finally adopted by a good family and having a life that others in her situation could only just dream about. If that hadn't occurred to her, she could if been one of Danzo's victims by the sounds of things and that left her feeling sick.
"Tenten-chan are you alright?" Hinata asked her softly
"Yeah...I was just thinking to myself that's all Hina" Tenten answered not wanting to talk about it.
Tenten knew that they needed to see if there was anything they could use to get them out of here, Since they had awoken and gotten back their own bearings on the situation at hand. They needed to investigate this room and see if there was anything that could lead them out of this room and fight for their freedom.
"I think we have discussed the situation enough now don't you girls think? I suggest we all search this room inch by inch, and see if we can find anything that could help us. Ino see if that metal you used could be used as a weapon to protect us if those two bastards show up again" Tenten commanded
"Right you are Tenny" Ino stated feeling more upbeat than earlier.
"Come on then let's get investigating and see if we can find anything useful no matter how dire our situation looks at the moment we mustn't give up hope" Tenten encouraged.
Hinata smiled and stood up as Shion followed and each split up to look in the different areas of the large room. Each was hoping that they could find something to get them out of this nightmare situation they had found themselves in and get back home.
oOoOo
With Minato...
The time was quickly ticking away as his group remained waiting for the reinforcement team to arrive. He lit up another cigarette thinking he should look into quitting with the amount he alone had smoked away. What with the stress of being named successor to Hiruzen and becoming the new Hokage to Konoha that he had still not as yet made a decision on. The situation with Danzo and getting the man once and for all had taken up his entire thoughts and energy on every other situation at hand.
He looked at his surrogate family, the once young boys that were now young strong men with a bright future ahead of them. He had brought them along to fight those that were innocent of Danzo's despicable crimes but had no other option but to fight against them to get to the one man that had caused so much pain and suffering. Including those once young boys that were haunted daily by the deaths of their loved ones.
Each of them were spurned on with the knowledge that they would get the man that had ordered the hit on their family. They each sought answers from that man to get closure in the horrors they had walked into on that particular night. Itachi had held his emotions well but Minato knew inwardly that it was all for appearances sake. Itachi was a lot like his father Fugaku than he cared to realise. Fugaku had thought his first born son a prodigy and Fugaku was correct about that fact.
Itachi was indeed a unique individual who grew up more than a prodigy to Minato.
Itachi to him had grown in ways that astounded even him. His love for his younger brother was testament to his unique strength and character. His own personal desire to see his remaining family through the disaster they had all endured. Minato knew that both Fugaku and Mikoto was proud of all of them and in particular their two sons who grew up wise beyond their years.
Minato and Kushina had guided them since their families demise and were both immensely proud of them. Although not biologically their own children he saw them all as his son's no matter what. He was worried about each of their safety knowing that Kushina was at breaking point at discovering Hitomi's daughter as well as Inoichi's daughter was currently now in enemy hands.
If his beloved wife took any further bad news on anyone of them she deeply cared about it would certainly destroy her completely...And it would also destroy him too.
"Minato...It looks like the Calvary just arrived" Kakashi stated breaking Minato from his thoughts.
Minato nodded relieved that the waiting would now soon be over so that they can now finally head off and make their own move. Enough was enough as far as the blonde was concerned and Minato would make sure to clash head on with the one eyed bastard. He just hoped that his son would be alright, if he was anything like himself then he pitied the man he was gunning for, especially when it had anything to do with Hinata.
Hinata was the light to his darkness after all...Just like Kushina was to him.
Minato followed behind Kakashi hearing the murmur if more voices as two vans had pulled up in the distance. There he could see his good friend and right hand man Shikaku talking to Shibi with Chouza and Tsume conversing with the other team members. Minato felt relieved that his good friends who knew more than better of the situation and what Danzo was like was with him to help guide the team for the best result possible.
Shikaku, who was smoking another cigarette had just lit up, signaled everyone to make sure that their mission fear was ready and to be prepared at what they will soon be facing.
"Shikaku...I take it your mission wasn't as troublesome as this?" Minato asked
"No it wasn't that troublesome...A agreed to my proposal thankfully and has called back his group and is currently waiting on standby to get word from you" Shikaku informed.
"I see then the deal was successful after all...I wonder if we will get an alliance between us?"
"It is more than likely Minato...A does listen to his brother a lot and values his opinions."
"That's good news then and Inoichi?"
"He didn't take the news good...I had to reason with him to stay back with Jiraiya for interrogation purposes. You know as well as I do that he is much suitable for that job and could help take some of the stress away regarding Ino. Anyway have you heard anymore news in that situation?" Shikaku explained.
"Yes Inoichi would be more useful remaining with Itachi and his chosen team. I'm glad you managed to convince him in that. Well in regards to the girls we are certain that Toneri was the one to bring in Gato. He is the obvious choice. Jiraiya has the remaining Akatsuki working with the Hyuga to search the known bases we have from information gathered by Shino and Shibi. Not only that but Jiraiya mentioned that Kisame knows the area very well and also he has known if Gato and a friend that worked for him so any other buildings not mentioned on the list will be found out." Minato informed.
"Good...That just leaves our sons? I take it my Shikamaru is keeping Naruto on a leash?" Shikaku queried
"Yes that's right"
"Thought so...Troublesome"
Minato chuckled as he finished his cigarette the last one he would enjoy for a while.
"Well then are you ready to get this show started Minato?" Shikaku asked but already knew the answer to it.
"Yes let's go and pay that bastard a long overdue visit shall we?" Minato replied with a devious smirk.
oOoOo
Elsewhere...
The remaining members of the Akatsuki had been accompanied by a large number of Hyuga members to help search for the missing girls. Kisame had already managed to get in contact with an old acquaintance of his. Zabuza Momoichi, had used to work for the man Gato on and off for a couple of years mainly as an enforcer to get outstanding debts. However, due to the fact that the man didn't like paying the amount of money owed made him stop his services for a better job prospects.
Zabuza had confirmed that Gato did have a few other additional buildings in his arsenal that wouldn't be listed officially, due to the nature of the business it led to. The information provided, intrigued Kisame further and had asked if Zabuza would meet up with him.
Zabuza agreed to it
So far four of the buildings listed had been searched with nothing leading to the missing girls. There was only two more left on the list provided as well as three more additional building locations that was revealed by Zabuza himself.
"Well it looks like team Hyuga B have found nothing regarding the girls" Kakuzu announced.
"Well that leaves just these two and the additional three, I sent the remaining Hyuga left to the first location not to long ago so they should be almost there, that leaves four in total that will be left."
"Hmm...Get one of the Hyuga teams to get to the fourth location on the list."
"I see that will leave us the last three?"
"Yes...besides my acquaintance, Zabuza, should be here at any moment and he may have an idea where the girls are being kept by Gato" Kisame stated.
"Hmm then the only thing we can do is split up and check out the remaining locations that your friend has given us?"
"Yes I agree the time is ticking and I expect the other teams are all on standby for updates on our progress"
"Well I have notified Jiraiya about the last few locations that were checked and there was nothing to report. Hidan and I will head off to this location here. That will leave the two other locations left to be checked over"
Kisame nodded to Kakuzu's suggestion he could direct the other Hyuga team to the other location leaving only one left that he along with Zetsu could investigate.
"Alright hopefully Hyuga team A can check one of the two and myself and Zetsu can check the other?"
"Well time isn't on our side so me and Hidan are heading off now"
"Report in with what you find"
Kisame sighed looking at his watch and hoping that Zabuza would arrive quickly. Walking over to Zetsu he saw a small group emerge and immediately noticed the familiar figure of the man up front.
"Zabuza" Kisame greeted
"Kisame...So why the hype about that bastard anyway?"
Kisame chuckled and decided to tell him what was going on and hoped that Zabuza would know where the girls could be being held.
oOoOo
They searched every inch of the room and found nothing apart from the broken pieces of metal that Ino had broken off to cut through their binds. Each were frustrated knowing that there was no way to get through the large steel door. There weren't any windows or fire ducts to climb into or out of, just blank looking walls to stare at.
"I can't believe that there is nothing here that can help us escape this dump!?" Ino exclaimed.
"Well there isn't, we checked everywhere" Tenten admitted reluctantly, hope dwindling.
"Shhh...C-Can you hear that?" Hinata whispered, alerting them all to listen.
Each of the girls could finally hear footsteps approaching, and the footsteps were more than just one and were definitely coming their way.
"Shit! They are coming to check on us and we are no longer bound!" Ino whispered in a panic.
"Calm down Yamanaka...I'm worried too...but, which do you prefer? To still be bound or to be free where we can now move?" Shion stated calmly.
Ino sighed trying to calm her emotions down, it would be inevitable for them to see them no longer bound like they had been. Ino refused to be bound again and Shion was right at least they had regained their limbs to use to their advantage.
"Remain calm girls if there is a chance then take it, at least if one of us manages to get out, one of us can alert someone to get help?" Tenten informed them.
The footsteps had now stopped outside the door and each of them could hear the muffled voices behind it along with it being unlocked for them to gain entry inside. Each of them remained calm and collected, even if inwardly they were really scared. The door opened and two men stepped into the room once the door had been closed behind them.
The one man was taller and bigger build than the other, each of them had looked surprised to see the girls awake and free from the ropes they had tied them up with.
"So you managed to free yourselves huh? Well no matter...None of you will be able to escape." The shorter of the two stated.
"Oh yeah what makes you think we won't try?" Tenten challenged.
No sooner had she spoke those words the man had in his hands a flick knife that was now fully seen by all four of them. His lips turned into a cruel smirk that sent shivers down every one of their spines. The other man laughed but looked just as sadistic as the other.
"Oh don't tempt us...a couple of you here were not needed, so I would suggest for you all to behave or else you will get hurt, we don't care who"
Hinata placed her hand upon Tenten's shoulder, reassuring her to not do anything stupid as she then stepped forward in front of her step sister and friends protectively. The two men looked at the indigo haired beauty with smirks upon their lips that made her feel sick to her stomach but was determined to find out what they wanted, even if she had a feeling it was her they was after.
"What is it you want?" Hinata asked calmly
"We have come to take the one named Hinata and Shion to our boss" The one named Zori announced.
"Who is your boss and why do they want us in particular?" Hinata asked
"Our boss is Gato and why?...Because someone is here to meet the two of you in particular" he answered.
Hinata glanced at her two friends and then at Shion who looked on confused but just as frightened.
"Fine I will come willingly as long as my friends are left unharmed" Hinata stated.
"No y-you can't Hinata!" Ino cried out with tears falling down her cheeks as Tenten looked shocked but angry.
"Listen I don't want to see you hurt because of me...I would never forgive myself if that happened." Hinata answered softly her eyes holding unshed tear.
"B-But..."
"P-Please let m-me do this Ino-chan" Hinata stated with emotion as her tears began to fall.
Ino who had subconsciously held Hinata's top with her clutched fists, lost the strength in her legs and fell to her knees as Tenten and Hinata called her name out with worry.
"L-Look after her Tenten" Hinata asked softly of the brunette who reluctantly nodded not wanting them to be split apart. She felt she was going against everything Neji had asked of her.
"I don't like this Hinata...Just...just stay safe, you too Shion." Tenten stated.
Hinata smiled softly and nodded as Shion who had watched in was shocked she had been included in that statement and nodded as her own tear fell down her cheek.
"Well this is touching and all but we don't have all fucking day?" The larger of the men growled out.
Hinata glared at the man as she took a step forward then glanced at Shion who also stepped out and stood beside her facing the two of them.
"We are ready to meet your boss" Hinata stated coldly feeling a hand gently grab hold of hers that was trembling.
Hinata surprised glanced at the trembling figure beside her and saw it was Shion and she looked very pale, paler than normal and Hinata knew that Shion was frightened. In fact she was petrified and it made Hinata worried at who they were likely going to be facing. Whoever it was didn't appear to be anyone good.
oOoOo
With Naruto
Naruto was relieved to see the reinforcements arrive, no sooner had they appeared the blonde made it clear it was time to head off. The wait was killing him and it was driving him to despair, even the comfort that each of the possible locations on the list was currently being searched by teams mainly by the remaining members of the Akatsuki and also members from the Hyuga family courtesy of Neji's father and grandfather. For Naruto it didn't provide him that much comfort, he was inwardly despairing with each report from the team's that had searched each location on the list reporting nothing of the girls had yet been found.
Sasuke and Neji wanted to leave the team to help join in the search. Naruto was willing to let him but Shikamaru had denied it saying they were here to confront the Otsutsuki family, mainly Toneri. Naruto was getting very frustrated with waiting but now the tiger was out of the cage and he was no longer prepared to wait, not now that Hinata was among the missing and could be with Toneri at this very moment.
That thought angered him even more and now the reinforcements was finally here they could make their move and end this once and for all.
"Let's head out" Naruto ordered.
"Naruto...The remaining teams are checking the last three, but Kisame has reported that he and an acquaintance are heading to where the girls are likely being held. All other teams are on route to join them for back up." Shino informed him.
"Good keep listening out for them I want to be informed of everything Shino no matter if it is good or bad nothing is to be kept from me got it?"
Shino nodded as Naruto got into the vehicle and they made their way towards the Otsutsuki estate.
oOoOo
Hinata and Shion who was still holding her hand followed behind one of the men named Zori after hearing them conversing with each other when they led the girls out of the room, then locking the door securely again keeping Ino and Tenten inside. Hinata hoped that she was doing the right thing and that they wouldn't be harmed or she could get word out to have them rescued at least.
She remained calm drawing strength from her thoughts of Naruto. She was determined that she would see him again, and see that smile that she loved so much about him. The trembling hand of Shion's was holding hers tightly, Hinata was worried about Shion, whatever had happened to Shion must be something that was bad to see such a change in her. Hinata had a feeling that Shion was preparing herself to see someone she didn't want to again, and she did wonder what could of happened.
The sound of their footsteps echoed along the dark narrow halls, wherever they was it was still dark out and even the air about them was cold. She fought to repress a shiver herself as they then reached the end of the hallway to a set of large double oak doors and male voices coming from inside.
Hinata squeezed Shion's hand in reassurance, letting her know that she was beside her and would remain so. The one named Zori knocked on the door and they heard a male voice announce them to enter inside. So Zori ordered them both to follow with the larger man named Waraji following behind them to stop any attempt at escape.
Both of them followed Zori inside seeing the room was large and well lit with a large enough desk right at the back. Behind the desk was a large glass window that showed nothing but darkness. A man was sat behind the desk staring inquisitively at the two females, whilst they were ordered to stand before the man.
Hinata felt herself grow nervous and swallowed nervously as she obeyed, knowing that Tenten and Ino were here and trapped inside the room with no way to escape. She had to remain calm, and most of all strong. Shion was trembling even more and hoped that Shion would herself remain just as calm for now at least until they knew what they was wanted for and who the person was that wanted to see them.
She hoped it was neither Danzo or Toneri, from what she had learned about Danzo and how many people he had hurt through the years had angered her. Toneri she had only met at the event when he was with Shion, obviously something had happened between the two of them, since then to see such a drastic change from how she was at the Hokage event.
Everything at the moment to Hinata, was just so confusing.
"Here are the ones you wanted boss" Zori announced
"Good...Now wait outside" Gato ordered.
Zori and Waraji left the room without protest, as both girls remained silent and looking back at the short man who was sat with a cigar now within his mouth puffing away on it. Hinata wanted to hurl any contents within her stomach at the strong smell of cigar smoke, it was different to the smell of cigarettes that she had grown accustomed to.
"Hmm...Well then here are the two girls that you wanted to meet" Gato stated.
Both girls stiffened, more so Shion than Hinata as they looked around in confusion at who had wanted to see them, only seeing Gato at the desk. Hinata then registered movement from behind the large leather chair and a male figure with long pale-blue hair, who had been looking out of the window and out into the darkness outside.
The man had turned right around to face them, revealing himself further to the two women. His hair was long and kept in a long ponytail, he had delicate facial features and his eyebrows were cut very short. He was dressed in traditional attire consisting of a white Karinginu robe, with baggy pants, a pair of tengu-geta and a single black glove on his left hand. He looked somewhat similar in features to Toneri, but he was more paler in complexion and his eyes was more similar to an Hyuga than Toneri's ice coloured blue ones.
"W-Who are you?" Shion nervously asked.
The man remained silent as he looked at both of them in his leisure, Hinata could tell he was studying both of them and had wondered why that was. The silence was unbearable to both of them as the man didn't look like answering Shion's question anytime soon. Until he decided to ask his own questions and Hinata knew he expected answers from them. There was something about this man that had her body all tensed up.
Appearance wise the man looked typically calm, and collected and also calculating. However, Hinata could feel there was something about him that had set a red flag off within her. He was definitely someone she didn't want to keep accompanying with that was for certain, she wondered if this man was from the Hyuga family? Maybe the elders of her uncle's clan had arranged this due to what had happened at the event with her making an appearance?
"So these are definitely the two women huh?" The man asked outright to the shirt tubby man watching on with interest.
"Yes...I instructed my men to bring the ones you wanted to see here before us and these two must be the ones." Gato answered.
"Your names please ladies? So I can see for myself who is who?" The man asked
Shion remained silent feeling something off about the man and was afraid to answer him and Hinata could understand her reluctance. So far the man hadn't answered her question and yet asked his own as if their questions was not good enough to answer and Hinata had to admit she hated people like this.
"Well...I asked you a question, so answer it." He demanded making Shion jump.
Hinata for some reason felt her anger start to come to the surface with this arrogant man before her.
"S-Shion" Shion answered the man smirked and looked at Hinata.
"Since you yourself remain ignorant and not answer our own question on who you are? My name is Hin-;"
"Hyuga Hinata" The man answered with a smirk.
"Wrong actually. If you would of let me finish before you rudely assumed otherwise!" Hinata snapped at the man and finished with her full name her eyes narrowed into a defiant yet angered glare.
"Hinata Namikaze"
The man was surprised and his eyes widened at the name. She was a Hyuga he was sure of it.
"Aren't you an Hyuga my dear?"
Hinata let a tiny smile form on her lips as she then stared at him in defiance as she told him why she was no longer an Hyuga by name.
"Why yes I am Hyuga but I am now a Namikaze as I have recently been married to the man I love" Hinata revealed.
"You're married? From what I understood the one that was married was this one here?" He asked surprised pointing at Shion.
"I-I was married...but am divorcing since I was forced to being married to him by Danzo" Shion retorted when her own marriage was mentioned.
The man blinked and chuckled, it wasn't a pleasant sound for both woman to hear in fact it made their blood run cold.
"No matter...both I you will benefit me and my purpose so I'm taking you two with me" The man asked.
Hinata and Shion looked on wide eyed and gasped at the revelation. Neither one of them wanted to leave with him, the way he looked at both of them frightened them and had them on edge. The talking began between both men in the room that they hadn't heard the man call someone into the room.
"Wait your taking them? But I have been asked by Danzo to keep the one girl named Hinata for..."
"Well I don't give a damn what the man Danzo asked you to do. I will take both of these girls with me, as they will be useful to me"
"Hold on a minute Momoshiki was it?" Gato growled out his anger rising to the surface.
Momoshiki looked on at the man Gato, not even bothered by the change in emotion with him. To him, the short tubby man was nothing of importance whatsoever. To Momshiki he was just a means to an end, he had met many men like him before. A man that would do anything for money. The man was greedy as he was gluttonous.
The door had opened revealing another man altogether, his appearance was much different than the man who was called Momoshiki. The man was definitely older in appearance with similar pale features. His hair resembled a similar colour pale-blue as the younger man but had a sort of grayish tint to it. His hair was a lot shorter and spiked, with a full had a burly physique and large hands, with a towering height of around two meters.
His outfit was different to Momoshiki, consisting of a pale blue shirt with black cuffs, and a high collar over which he wore another Dar appendage with a grey sash wrapped around his large waist. He also wore grey pants and black flat shoes on his feet that were slightly upturned at the toes. Hinata watched the man warily as he came in not even sparing a glance towards her or to Shion for that matter he was more interested at looking at the man who had summoned him.
"You called for me Momoshiki-sama?" His deep voice asked.
"These two females will be accompanying us back to the estate." Momoshiki answered.
"Wait...I still have business with one of them Momoshiki. The deal was that you was here for the blonde one!?" Gato protested.
"Well my plans have changed and I require them both." Momoshiki answered him.
"You can't just do that I have money supposed to come to me for her and I'm not losing money!?" Gato retorted in rage.
Momoshiki sighed in annoyance and boredom. The short stumpy man was clearly getting in his nerves and that was the wrong thing to do to him. Hinata could clearly see the flicker of change emotion within him and subconsciously took a step back pulling her half sister with her.
The sound of hysterical laughter broke out within the room, that not only shocked both sisters but also had shocked Gato as well. The blatant laugh angered Gato like no other. He also knew that this man who was cackling with laughter in front of him, was in fact laughing at him as if he was some sort of insignificant joke.
Gato did not find that amusing in the slightest, the man's face was as red as a cherry, that Hinata had thought the short fat man would keel over with a stroke or heart attack.
"WARAJI!...ZORI!" Gato had shouted banging his fists upon his desk as though a he was a child.
The door burst open as both men that had brought them from their holding cell quickly entered into the room. Both look around the room in confusion as Momoshiki's laughter had began to dwindle down, wiping the stray tears from his eyes. Hinata saw those eyes glaze over into a deadly looking glare that could annihilate anyone looking at him. Her instincts then told her that something bad was going to go down as the hairs on her slender neck literally stood up. Shion sensing the same thing as Hinata looked at the man's eyes petrified. This man before them was definitely arrogant, but the air about him changed like a click of the fingers and they could sense the immediate danger within this man.
"BOSS?!"
"I WANT YOU TW-;"
Within a split second Momoshiki appeared before Gato, cutting off his words midway. The reason Gato hadn't finished his sentence was due to the hand belonging to Momoshiki, which had connected with the shorter man's sternum. The man's face was growing even redder as his eyes had grown causing them to nearly bulge out in appearance. The seconds passed and to Hinata's horror his face was slowly turning a bluish purple in colour.
"I have met men like you before...Gato was it? Men like you would sell your soul to the devil himself for money, its pitiful to see but then again I don't really give a Shit. You see... i know that you are holding out for more money but I refuse to play along in your little seedy game. These two females are coming with me, even though you won't live long enough to stop it. The men you hired won't stop me either, unless they value their own life's its really up to them?" Momoshiki stated staring coldly in the man's eyes mere inches from Gato's face.
Gato himself was struggling for air, desperate to fill his lungs with oxygen but couldn't and something wet was dripping from his mouth on to the floor he was standing on. Hinata looked on in horror seeing the man's blood dripping out from his open mouth. As both his subordinates remained shocked in silence not even daring to move to help their boss.
"Kinshiki take them, we are leaving" Momoshiki ordered.
Hinata saw a dark shadow appear knowing that the huge man Kinshiki was behind her. Feeling her arm being grabbed securely by a very large hand and then pulled out of the room, along with Shion to an awaiting vehicle that was mentioned outside. Her thoughts was of Ino and Tenten, not liking that they were being left behind with the two men that no longer worked for Gato.
"W-Wait...my two friends are being held captive...P-Please let them go!?" Hinata pleaded.
"Two others huh? Well...they won't be of any use to me so I will let them live" Momoshiki replied calmly in front of him.
Hinata felt a sense of relief not caring about herself in the slightest as they carried on moving towards outside into the dead of night. Hinata felt confusion seeing that they went heading to release both of her friends.
"W-Wait you said that you wou-;"
"Let them live? Why yes I did didn't I? But that's about it my dear Hinata...They are not my problem they can take care of themselves" Momoshiki answered with a sick and sadistic smile that had her trembling in fear for her own safety.
Hinata then began to feel despair not knowing what was going to happen to her and to Shion who had remained silent, mainly out of fear. So deep in thought regarding her friends still held trapped in the room inside, Hinata didn't register being shoved inside the car along with Shion behind as both men got inside and the car moved further away from where they had been held. A surge of silent tears flowed from her eyes, feeling very distraught at her failure...Her failure to assure her two friends safety and that hurt her like nothing had hurt her before.
'Ino-chan...Tenten-chan...F-Forgive me...Naruto-kun...'
oOoOo
Kisame was pleased that his hunch was right on the mark. When Jiraiya had mentioned the name Gato to him, it was a name that he had known of for some time. The Land of waves was where he had situated himself, trying to play a hard man and help destroy people's lives when it suited him or if he himself and his businesses were ever threatened.
It was no real surprise to hear his name being mentioned on a possible kidnap. One was the new wife to the Namikaze's only son. The other was fiancé to the son of the head Hyuga, and the other was an heiress herself to the head of the Yamanaka clan, who was in a relationship with Itachi's younger brother Sasuke.
Kisame knew the land of waves quite well it wasn't that big but more of an island that wasn't as easily as accessible as it is now. He had heard rumors that Gato had tried to stop the bridge on being built, causing some huge tension between the people there who wanted the bridge built so that they could bring visitors and trade. Gato from what Kisame had heard didn't want it as it meant him losing money as well as his own back handed dealings being shown to those he wanted it kept hidden from.
He had heard that the man had orchestrated a murder of one of the villagers there but nothing was ever proved, though most of them knew he was responsible. The murder itself still remained unsolved to this day and the people kept well clear of Gato and his men so not to suffer the same fate, even if the bridge was finally built without any further trouble from Gato. He had always wondered if the rumors to that murder was true and why Gato let the bridge be built after all the fuss he had made to oppose it.
Now though sitting in a vehicle whilst Zetsu drive to the location and he had a long chat with Zabuza, and his right hand man Haku did he finally see Gato for what he is.
An opportunist, a bully, and a wannabe business man for shit loads of money. The life's that he must of helped destroy would be as long as the man named Danzo. Both of them in his opinion suited each other a match made in heaven or in his opinion...Hell.
"Looks like we are almost there" Zetsu announced.
"Are you certain that the girls will be here Zabuza?" Kisame asked unsure.
"Look i worked for the greedy bastard Kisame...That fucker would keep his mother close if he could get more money for her! That's how he operates playing one against the other for money" Zabuza informed.
"Let's hope the girls are still here...Kakuzu has already reported back to say the building he and Hidan checked was empty as did the Hyuga groups. If the girls are not here then we are at a standoff with no more other leads to follow from"
"They will be here man...So don't fucking doubt my words...Shit" Zabuza retorted.
"Well if you say so...I'm glad you agreed to accompany us the more the better I say"
"Well since you mentioned that greedy bastard, myself and Haku wanted to get back at him for not paying us for the last job we did...Double crossing fucker!" Zabuza hissed out.
Kisame chuckled, knowing how much blood lust Zabuza has when he gets going. He was the same when it came to fighting and kicking the Shit out of people, even better when you was being paid for it.
"Hey looks like we are here?" Zetsu announced.
Kisame looked at the building, it was a fair size and at the back was the river which had a couple of large boats docked at the sides. Kisame assumed it was simple for Gato to smuggle anything up and down river under the guise of a legitimate company. Then he could continue to do many underhanded dealings by hiring the men under him to do the job for him to keep his hands clean. Looking over the rest of the building his eyes caught sight of a large van that matched the description of the van that had zoomed past the Hyuga guards after their tires had been shot out.
"Well well well...look what we have here" Kisame stated pointing at the vehicle parked on the other side of the building.
"The van matches the description perfectly Kisame...Shall I call this in? " Zetsu as me after agreeing about the parked van.
"That's that fucker Zori's van!" Zabuza informed.
"Zori?" Kisame asked confused nodding his agreement to Zetsu to report on their findings
"Zori is one of the men that works for Gato Kisame-san...He usually hangs out with Waraji...Those two are always together in jobs and hang out frequently" The young man Haku explained
"Seems we have not only the van in question but the suspects also who did the kidnapping...Well then Zabuza are you going to help me to bring down holy hell on these ass wipes?" Kisame asked
All that Kisame heard as a reply was a chuckle of laughter and he knew that Zabuza wouldn't miss this for the world.
oOoOo
Minato's team...Near Danzo's Base Zero.
The vehicles had stopped further back as a small group remained with Shibi to be on look out and to relay updated reports on their upcoming mission as well as the others currently taking place. Not only that but due to the fact that this wasn't the only mission going on as he had originally hoped it would be. Minato had wanted to be kept informed throughout the other groups mission progress.
His main concern was getting to the girls and rescuing them all safely before he reached Danzo.
He had absolute faith that they would indeed be found and although idealistically it would be better to hold off until the girls were indeed safe. He just didn't have the time, luxury or opportunity to let that happen. If he did hold back on this, he knew that that what Danzo was hoping for. He would be hoping to have the leverage to use against him, and to stop whatever he had planned for him.
Well Minato wasn't going to play into the one eyed fart's hands...
"Minato...I have an update from Zetsu and Kisame" Shibi reported within the communicator attached within his ear,
"Go on report" Minato ordered.
"Zetsu has confirmed that they are now at the location and have found the van that was described as the one used to do the kidnapping" Shibi reported.
"That's great news...Thank god"
"Kisame and his friend Zabuza who provided the location are heading inside to look for the girls...Zetsu will report back to me immediately when they are found and safe"
"Fine I will keep the line open. Have you notified Shino about this development?" Minato asked.
"No not yet, should I?" Shibi asked.
Minato sighed wondering if they should due to Naruto but then he had promised him he would do so.
"Yes you had better after all I had promised him after all " Minato answered.
"Very well are you near the position?"
"Not far, we should meet up with Pein and Konan's position any moment and then head on right to it" Minato reported
"Very well Minato I am on standby good luck to everyone and be careful"
"Will do Shibi" Minato answered as the communication ended.
"Well any news?" Shikaku asked walking up beside him
"They are at the location given to them by a Zabuza Momoichi, he is Kisame's acquaintance. They found the same van that was described as the vehicle from the kidnapping" Minato informed
"Let's hope they find them safe and sound"
"Me too Shikaku...Me too" Minato whispered.
oOoOo
With Naruto's team...
Naruto and the team was now looking ahead at the large grounds of the Otsutsuki estate, and the grounds seemed as large as his own home give it take. In the far distance he could just make out the large estate and grit his teeth in anger, trying to control the growing rage he was feeling.
The team were all converged together talking strategies amongst each other the one organising it was Shikamaru, whose brilliant planning could only be matched by his own father. Naruto was half paying attention to what was being discussed preferring taking action than sitting down thinking and planning, he just didn't have the patience, especially at this moment and time.
From what the blonde had heard was there would be three teams one to remain here for communication purposes and hacking namely Shino and a few members to stay with him on look out in case any people arrive. Then two teams to move in two different locations one up front and one from the back. Shino had managed to provide Shikamaru with a recent blueprint that was around twenty years old and according to records no further work had been done on the extremely large property.
Not that Naruto gave a damn...
"Naruto...I have received word from father...Kisame from the Akatsuki and his acquaintance Zabuza has got to one of the locations provided and located the van that was used in the kidnapping according to witnesses." Shino informed.
The blonde quickly headed towards him with Neji and Sasuke listening intently
"Have they found the girls?" Naruto demanded
"No word as of yet"
"Fuck!"
"We should hear back soon Naruto" Shino assured
"Keep everyone informed Shino"
Naruto looked at Shikamaru who nodded and told him their plan so far, inwardly he was relieved they were getting somewhere. The not knowing was killing him and once he knew she and the other girls was safe he would then concentrate fully on what was at hand.
Even though he was completely unaware that his wife was already on her way to his location...
oOoOo
A/N:- Hello I am sorry for the wait on updating this story but I am only just again starting to write. I really want to thank those of you who left reviews with messages of condolences I do appreciate your thoughts and your kindness. I am still believe it or not grieving so I am not rushing in my writing but I am pleased to say that this story is just a chapter away from finishing. When I will update it I don't know as i am only a quarter into it, and it will be long.
To guest reviewers please become a member! I understand that most of you love this story but please understand that currently I am having a rough time and I have found a few reviews rather demanding, and wanting to know when I'm updating? Become a member and then I can personally message you and tell you! I'm sorry but I do have a life outside fanfiction, it is only me writing my stories I do not have a room of assistants to help me? Then when I do finish I do not post up immediately as I send to my beta and then I wait patiently for him to send it back to me. So although I know that most are desperate to read the next chapter, please just be a little bit more considerate and have patience? I have currently three stories that are on hold and one I haven't updated since summer last year!
Anyway thank you to my beta gio08 as always for looking over the chapter and I hope to post next chapter soon so please please please be patient!
till next time x