Sanctuary

Chapter 37

Because I love you

Hiashi fumed as he sat in the newly rebuilt council room. From what he pieced together from the various reports, His daughter was kidnapped on her way home from visiting her sensei, and was found by the pale boy unconscious in holding cells with some kind of block on her chakra. Fought double sided Anbu/ROOT ninja, who appeared to be some kind of emotionless soldiers and finally made their way home. Yes, that angered him that his daughter was a target, it infuriated him more than he would let anyone else know, but the one thing that drove home the need to kill was what his daughter had said only hours earlier.

~~~Flashback~~~

Naruto for once stood stoic and silent, the boy was fuming, and after his discussion with Sai about ROOT, he knew who exactly had done this to his Fiancé. Having just had this discussion with Hiashi about Danzo, there was little reason the boy had to doubt his suspicions. Sai stood before Jiraiya, the acting Hokage who looked gravely at the group while ingesting this new information. After he had given his report on what happened, the only person left to speak was Hinata, the rest already having reported.

"Hyuga, Hinata. Your report on what happened if you're able?" Hinata nodded.

"Yes, I'm able. Earlier today I visited my sensei Kurenai…" The group listened as the girl recounted her day, leading up to the abduction.

"I remember leaving sensei's house after Shikamaru arrived, and I took my usual route home, but after that I don't remember what happened. I woke up some time later in a really dark room with a blinding light shining on me. I couldn't manipulate my chakra, my hands were bound back to back so I couldn't preform any jutsu. I couldn't see anybody because the light was way too bright…but I could hear a voice, he was talking to me. He said that I was 'truly my mother's daughter.' I tried my best to remain calm. I asked him why I was there and what he wanted. I tried to pin point where he was as he was talking to me, but I couldn't locate him until he was right behind me. And he said…he said…"

Hinata struggled with the words he had said, they disgusted her to no end. Taking a breath she looked around at the faces in the room, the group was staring intently. Naruto placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder as he nodded his head for her to continue, and her father took her hand.

"What did he say?" Hinata silently prayed that these words wouldn't give her father another heart attack.

"He said 'I want you to be your mother for me.'" Naruto's grip tightened as he recalled Hiashi's story this evening, and Hiashi's grip on his child's hand tightened as well. There was no doubting it, he knew who had done this, his killer intent spiked as he thought of ways to completely destroy Shimura Danzo.

"Then what happened?" Jiraiya asked still absorbing the information given to him.

"Then he stabbed me in the neck with a needle. I tried to resist the drugs effect but I couldn't, the last thing I heard was another man tell him that he was needed, so he told the other guy to put me in the holding cells. I don't know how long the drugs affected me, but I have flashes of memories. I remember Sai poking me, then being in the forest, that memory is more vivid…I think he had me sitting up against a tree trying to see if I was alright. Then he carried me until we met up with Naruto, Kiba and Akamaru, Hanabi, and Amon. Hanabi unblocked my chakra and we fought the ROOT members trying to get back here. We split up into three groups of two, each taking on several opponents. Once Naruto and I had successfully incapacitated our enemies, we split up, he went to help Kiba and Sai, and I went to help my sister and her team mate. Once all the enemies were handled we rendezvoused with Kiba and the rest, by that time, Shikamaru, Neji and Shino had arrived before we did. Then we immediately came here, Neji brought my father as I requested his presence." Jiraiya nodded as he looked around the room now packed with the majority of the Konoha 12, and Sai.

"According to you." He said motioning to Sai. "Danzo, the very same Danzo who appears on the council has control over a select group of Anbu who he's trained and made part of a group he controls called ROOT, I've got that down correctly yes?"

"Yes." They watched as the white haired man folded his hands and closed his eyes for a moment.

"I think we should gather a select group of council members and discuss these matters. Shinobi only, no civilians this time. I want to see the heads of the Aburame, Nara, Yamanaka, Akamichi, Inuzuka, Hyuga, and Namikaze." He said giving Naruto a steady stare.

"It's about time they're given the chance to discuss these important matters with the council. The house heads that are here please go to the council room. You're all dismissed, those who belong in the clans that I've requested the heads of, please inform them immediately, Shikamaru inform the Yamanakas' and the Akamichis'." As the group cleared, Hiashi stood and walked over to the white haired Sannin.

"I'm going to be present at this meeting." He said firmly. The temporary Hokage simply nodded as he walked to the council room, motioning for Hiashi, Hinata, and Naruto to follow.

"Naruto, being part of the shinobi clan council is a large responsibility. Take your cues from Hinata and Hiashi and try not to make a fool of yourself." Jiraiya said as he sat at the end of the table. The two Hyugas sat in their assigned chairs. The blonde looked around before Jiraiya motioned for him to sit as he pulled out a chair near the head of the table. Minutes later, one by one, the members of the council called upon that evening by the temporary Hokage arrived, each taking their seat and giving Naruto a curious glance. Once the final member arrived, the meeting began.

~~End Flashback~~~

The council meeting lasted until the early hours of the morning and once the members were dismissed, the clan heads dispersed. After walking the former Hyuga head home, Hinata and Naruto made their way back to the house, both thinking quietly.

"Are you ok Hinata?" Hinata who had been walking silently paused to think for a moment before answering.

"Yes, I'm fine. It's funny, I should be used to stuff like this by now. I was kidnapped when I was three, I'd get captured on missions….lots of missions…and now this. I'm fine, really but to think that because I didn't think to keep my guard up in my own village led me to get snatched off the street by some creep obsessed with my mother… It's just scary." Naruto nodded as well, it disturbed him to no end that Hinata was targeted so often. Her family alone had so many enemies outside the village, but now that they were getting married, she'd gain his enemies as well. The one thing that truly frightened the blonde boy was the fact that the Akatsuki could use her to get to him. Itachi already proved that they were aware of her being so close to him.

'I'll do everything I can to keep you safe Hinata.' Naruto thought as they walked up to the house. The clock read 2:24am, and with a yawn they climbed up the stairs leading to their beds.

"If you need anything, let me know, ok Hinata?" The tired girl smiled and nodded her head as she walked to her room. Making his way to his, Naruto pulled on his pajamas and flopped on his bed, flailing around until he found a comfortable spot sprawled on the middle, as he closed his eyes he could hear the sound of the shower turning on.

Hinata, while exhausted could not resist the urge to bathe herself. She stood under the steaming jet of water and let it run down her back, it felt so nice that she probably could have fallen asleep there. After a quick scrub down Hinata pulled on her own pajamas and made her way to her bed as she scrubbed her hair dry with the towel. Climbing into her bed, Hinata pulled the purple comforter over her head trying to find some warmth. While sleep was easily attained, the nightmares were difficult to avoid and once again Hinata sat up in her sheets gasping for air as she looked wildly around her room. She knew she was safe but thoughts of what could have happened plagued her dreams.

With a sigh, Hinata pushed the sheets away and walked to her sister's room. It was a habit she had every time she wandered the halls of the Hyuga manor after dark, it gave her an excuse to be up if anyone caught her walking around that is. Finding Hanabi sleeping soundly, instead of returning to her room, Hinata walked to Naruto's and peeked inside. It seemed that she was the only person unable to sleep peacefully that night. Walking into the room, Hinata shut the door softly behind her.

"Naruto?" She asked softly nearing the sleeping blonde. He was sitting up in seconds and had a kunai knife pointed at her. "Naruto it's me!" she squeaked holding up her hands and taking a step back. Naruto blinked at her for a moment then put the blade down quickly, apologizing the whole time.

"What's wrong?" He finally asked after Hinata convinced him that she wasn't angry with him.

"I… Well, I keep having nightmares." She said softly looking at the ground.

'Why am I even in his room? Who wants to talk about nightmares at 3:30 in the morning anyways?' "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have woken you for something so trivial, I'll just-" As Hinata moved back, Naruto took her hand pulling her towards him as he scooted over making room for her on his bed.

"You can sleep here." He said watching as Hinata climbed in next to him snuggling under the covers. She was blushing from head to toe, but had fallen asleep in moments, the blonde was trying to decide if she had simply fainted or if she was indeed that tired. Leaning over he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Good night Hinata."

Hinata woke to the dazzling light of the rising sun shining through the window. She felt so warm this morning that she actually contemplated going back to sleep, oh it was so tempting. As she made to get out of the bed, Hinata found that she couldn't. Calming her panicked mind, Hinata looked around the familiar room. Orange was EVERYWHERE.

'Ok this is Naruto's room, that doesn't explain why I can't move though… wait….I'm in Naruto's room?' Hinata could feel her face beginning to tint pink when she noticed the arm wrapped around her waist. She was in Naruto's room, in his bed….the same bed as him. Now her face was beginning to resemble a tomato, but with a soft sigh she relaxed, they were engaged after all, and they hadn't done anything. They had simply slept; they had done nothing different than what they did on a usual basis on the couch down stairs. Hinata smiled as she snuggled closer to the warm blonde as she decided to sleep for a bit longer, it was the weekend after all.

Naruto woke the moment he felt Hinata move, attempting to leave the warm bed, then he felt her stiffen in shock as she steadily grew warmer.

'She's probably blushing like crazy right now.' Naruto thought with a small smirk. Finally the girl sighed as she relaxed, that made Naruto smile, Hinata was truly comfortable just lying there with him. Naruto pulled Hinata closer to him, earning a small gasp from her in the process. Sticking his head in the crook of her shoulder he sighed softly.

"I don't wanna get up." He said quietly. Hinata smiled.

"Nobody said we had to. It's the weekend, you've been on missions all week rebuilding, I've been doing clan things all week. Who says we can't sleep in for once?" she said making the blonde smile.

"What if Hanabi comes in looking for you? What do we do then?" Normally Hinata would panic if her sister accidently barged in on them, but this time she simply laughed.

"Who cares if she sees? We're only sleeping."

"Have any more nightmares?" Naruto asked, still nestled in the crook of her neck.

"None." Hinata said softly, shivering from the goose bumps caused by his warm breath tickling her neck.

"Good." Pulling Hinata closer Naruto tugged the blanket over their heads blocking out the sunlight, and in the warm safe darkness they both gave in to sleep.

Jiraiya once again sat with Tsunade, giving Shizune a break. He held her hand as he talked to her, telling her of the events that have passed since her coma, reminiscing of the past, and even talking to her of his hopes for the future. As usual, the blonde haired Sannin lay silently, sleeping and ignorant to the world. Little did the world know that though her body lay peacefully, her mind was running wild.

"How the hell do I get out of here! I have a job to do, a village to run, and people to protect! I can't do all this in my mind!" She shouted angrily into the empty whiteness. As usual, the blonde was surrounded by passing memories, and once again as she stomped around angrily she was met with the stern, yet kind face of her sensei. However, she noticed one thing in peculiar. As she ventured farther and farther, her sensei grew older. His once brown hair was significantly more greyed, and lines on his face had grown deep. This was the last time she had seen him, right before the attack on Konoha from the nine tailed fox.

"Welcome back Tsunade, I see you've made it here ahead of schedule." He said now walking away, making it quite obvious that she was to follow him, which she did. "You are being offered two options Tsunade. You can go on straight ahead, go home and wake up. Or, You can follow me and stay with all of us." He said waving his arm in the direction of a group of people she recognized. They were long gone friends and family, her parents, grandparents, brother, boyfriend Dan, and many others. Tsunade's amber eyes stared longingly at the group while they simply stood there and smiled at her. Everything in her heart wanted to be with them, she wanted to go and be with them, be with the people who loved her unconditionally. Taking a step towards them she froze. As much as she loved them, and with every fiber of her being, heart and soul, she did, if she went with them, there would be no more Naruto, no more Sakura or Shizune. People still loved her out there, people who were putting their lives on the line every day just to keep her village safe. People who would need her.

"I love you. I really do, but if I go with all you now, I'll miss out on so much. My God son's getting married, my students are still learning from me, and… There's still so much for me to do." The third Hokage nodded sagely.

"Go to them Tsunade, we will still be here when your time comes. Go be with them."

"Thank you sensei, I will." Tsunade said as she walked away from her family, friends and sensei.

"Tsunade, please wake up." Jiraiya said quietly as he squeezed her hand. Surprise and shock coursed through his body when he felt her hand squeeze back.

"Tsunade…try that again, squeeze your hand again." He said hoping that what had just happened wasn't in his imagination. Once again her hand tightened around his as ever so slowly her eyes opened.

"Sakura, get Shizune now!" Jiraiya called, hearing the girl run down the hall. Tsunade stared at him in shock and confusion as she accepted the glass of water handed to her. The blonde never realize how thirsty she was until the cool liquid met her lips, after several glasses she could finally speak.

"You're dead. You died fighting Pain, Jiraiya…You can't be-"

"Lady Tsunade!"

"Sensei!" Two voices said drawing her attention to the dark haired Shizune and the bubble gum haired Sakura who both hurried over to her and immediately began doctoring the woman who could do nothing but stare. Seeing the tears in their eyes she decided that she had definitely chosen the right path.

Hinata once again opened her eyes and seen that the sun was high in the sky, glancing over at the clock she was shocked to find it reading almost 11:30am. Climbing from the bed with a last glance at Naruto, who by now was stretching and letting out exaggeratedly loud yawns, Hinata walked from the room, heading towards hers to get dressed. Hinata headed down the stairs, looking to grab some breakfast, but she had yet to make it to the bottom of the stairs when she heard knocking at their door. Diverting her course to the door instead of the kitchen Hinata opened it to see a messenger with the familiar council meeting scroll. She took the one for herself, and for Naruto, hurrying to grab breakfast.

"Naruto, hurry up we've got an emergency council meeting!" Hinata called up the stairs as she slathered her piece of toast in peanut butter making a sandwich and taking a bite as she began boiling ramen for Naruto. The ramen cup was steaming by the time Naruto hurried down the stairs, and as they rushed from the house, they took their breakfast/lunch to go.

Hinata answered all Naruto's questions, refreshing his memory on council behavior and etiquette. As they arrived, the room was packed, filled with clan heads, shinobi and civilian alike. Naruto took his previous spot near Jiraiya's, and Hinata took the seat designated to the Hyuga. While most of the Shinobi clan heads weren't surprised with Naruto's presence, several on the Civilian's side couldn't help but be outraged to see the boy sitting at the table among them. It seemed that ignorance still ran deep with some.

The table was crowded, and the white haired sannin finally sauntered into the room, yet he did not take his spot at the head of the table, but stood next to the chair of the Hokage. The group gave him questioning looks, but once again the door to the meeting chamber opened, the group looked to see the new presence, some stared in shock, others were speechless, Hinata simply smiled along with Jiraiya, but Naruto…His reaction was by far the most outlandish, and the most expected. Smiling the blonde made his way over to his 'Baa-Chan', and after giving her a respectful bow he welcomed her back with a bone crushing hug. The older blonde smiled as she watched Naruto walk back to his rightfully gained seat, his father's seat. Taking her own, she gazed upon the council members, noticing the empty seat that belonged to Danzo.

'Not surprising given the story Jiraiya's told me of, damn coward's probably run off.' She thought venomously.

"Today were going to discuss many things, but most importantly were going to discuss the betrayal of our village by Shimura Danzo…." Most of the council members began to stir at this information, with those simple words, the meeting began.

Hanabi had returned home to find a scribbled note from her sister on the counter after her morning training, she hadn't been surprised to find both she and Naruto gone, word was spreading like wild fire about Tsunade's recovery, and no doubt that this was what the meeting was about. With a sigh she made her way up the stairs and pulled off her filthy training clothes, a shower was definitely on order. Once squeaky clean the brown haired girl pulled on some warm clothes and once again left the house, what's the point of being in an empty building? There really wasn't one… Hanabi didn't really have a destination in mind, so she was quite surprised when instead of arriving at Anko's apartment (where she usually hung out) she stood at the gates of the Hyuga estate. Shrugging and feeling quite 'Hyugaish' Hanabi decided that it must have been fate and waltzed in like she had done in the past while she lived there. The building itself had hardly changed, but the atmosphere was on a completely different level. It was so calm and relaxed, completely the opposite of what it had been when she was last here.

As she perused through the familiar old building, Hanabi ended up at the dining room, quite surprised to find her father sitting before a freshly made sandwich reading the newspaper. Instead of waiting patiently at the door, hoping for him to notice her, Hanabi did what she used to do when she was younger. Sitting down near her father, she grabbed the pickle on the side and bit into it with a loud crunch that drew his attention. Hiashi flicked the corner of his paper down and eyed his child as she smirked at him.

Oh he knew she was here, he knew the moment she stepped on to the grounds. Why else would he ask the cook for an extra pickle on the side? He hated pickles, but for some unknown reason Hanabi had a thing for them. After simply raising an eyebrow he folded the paper, took half of his sandwich and stood up after passing her the plate.

"Let's go for a walk." He said simply as he began walking from the room. Hanabi picked up her half, and the rest of her pickle and followed her father from the room with a smile. As much as she loved her freedom with Hinata and Naruto, as much as she loved not seeing 13'ft high walls every time she left the house, Hanabi couldn't deny that she had missed her father. Their walk was silent, not an awkward one, but one of understanding for the both of them. Hanabi had grown a lot in the months that had passed, not just in height either, she seemed more mature than the average genin. Hiashi had long accepted that his previous actions caused him to miss so much in his children's lives. He followed her lead for once, staying a half step behind her. They walked through the Hyuga gardens, and eventually out of the Hyuga estate and all around Konoha. Normally they would walk through the gardens a few times and be done, but this time Hanabi was leading the walk, and every once and a while she would look to her father for reassurance, to see if he was alright or if he needed to sit for a moment. They eventually strolled along the path Hanabi took every Sunday. Hiashi watched as the girl began picking random flowers near the path, wondering if she knew where exactly she was going, or was just blindly leading them. They walked down a very familiar path that led to the cemetery, and Hiashi noticed the worn path in the road, much like Hanabi had the first time she ventured here.

Hanabi placed the majority of the flowers on her mother's grave and placed a few on the stone of her grandmother and knelt before them both. Hiashi simply took in the sight for a moment before he too knelt in front of the stone alongside his daughter. Bowing his head he prayed, for his family's happiness, for blessings from his beloved wife, but of all the things he prayed for he wanted his daughters and nephew to be safe, that was the most important thing. The two Hyugas raised their heads simultaneously, Hanabi standing first and offering her father a hand as he climbed to his feet.

"Will you tell me about her?" Hanabi asked quietly stooping to dust away a small bit of dirt near the Hyuga symbol emblazoned on the stone. Hiashi smiled softly.

"I'll tell you what ever you wish to know."

There was more fluff for the fluff lovers! I think I did pretty good with that one, there was Naru/Hina fluff, Jiraiya/Tsunade fluff (cuz we all know the guy loves her it's obvious people! And vice versa) and even family bonding fluff! Fluffiness everywhere. Well, Danzo played the wuss and skipped out, but don't worry, he'll get what's coming to him…I'm not quite sure what that is yet, but he will! (any suggestions?) LOL Thanks for reading and for the reviews guys! I truly love them! 3 ^_^