Chapter Thirty Six

Then there were two

As far as anyone could say, something very important had just happened, the rookie nine were too surprised to say anything. Until they were away from their friends they would be able to speak of the events. Everyone could see Sasuke and Naruto lose control of themselves but Hinata was questionable, it was unheard of. They never seen her eyes hold so much hatred, she was kind and looked out for everyone so, it was surprising to see her in such a state. Unsure what to do next everyone left after making sure team seven was able to continue in their way.

No one spoke, they were all consumed with their own thoughts and feelings to notice that the three were going through something similar. Naruto had decided to leave, preferring to wash his body in the stream ahead. Sasuke set up camp and placed simple traps around their campsite, he was left alone with his own thoughts. Hinata looked down at her hands free of the blood that once marred them, remembering the girls face, full of pain as each stroke of her blade made contact with her fair skin. Hinata tried desperately to tune the haunting screams, she shoved away the feelings that came with it. She tried to tell herself that she'd done worse, done things she was not proud of. Toneri's rein made her realize that certain things had to happen, difficult choices had to be made even if that meant killing- killing people who she once called friends. Clenching her hands into fists she reasoned that things couldn't continue the way they were. One of her hands unclenched and touched the side of her neck where the curse mark lay, she had to control it as best as she could, if her emotions got out of hand who knows what she would do if there was no one to stop her. Neji came to mind, he had stopped her and for that she was grateful. Hinata could still feel his touch, his thin fingers barely touching her skin. Then she remembered. Hinata scurried to the body of water near her and looked at her reflection. She looked the same except that her hair had grown longer and there was still blood on her face. Ignoring all of that she raised her bangs away and let out a sigh of relief that only lasted a few moments before she let out a gasp.

Her seal she had created with Naruto was on display, it was faint but still there. The only way it was noticeable was if someone was looking for it. Hinata furrowed her eyebrows, her eyes filled with concern. She was confused to say the least, the seal was not supposed to appear much less at that moment in time, she was not supposed to have it-yet. With one finger she traced the faint outlines trying to figure out how the seal came to form. Her mind raced with many questions and all of them with no answers. Making sure that her two teammates were not near her, she removed her clothing leaving only her undergarments. Not thinking twice she submerged deep under the water, it's cool temperature cooling her down and arranging her messy thoughts.

Toneri was confused as much as Hinata, his own questions plaguing his mind. Since his last encounter with Hinata he had stayed away. All alone in his room thinking about why he was back, why of all people was he chosen to return. He knew the Hyuga asked herself that question over and over again and even though she got a partial answer it still was not enough. Letting out a sigh he stood up from his bed and paced back and forth in his bedchamber. You can't escape what you will become. Toneri shut his eyes, willing the thoughts that plagued him. His hand went up to his head and his fingers pulled at his hair, the pain helped him but he could still hear the other one talking. Thinking about his next steps. He came to a stop, his puppet and clone that resided on earth had spotted something interesting. Without further ado he was on earth, watching the girl who possessed the byakugan the other one wanted. . Even if he had no eyes he learned ways to see. He watched as she put in her light creamed jacket and zip it up halfway, her forehead protector around her neck effectively covering the curse mark. By the way she flinched, Toneri knew she had spotted him. He kept calm and collected awaiting to see what she would do next. He wasn't disappointed. He let out a chuckle when he felt the sharp blade of the kunai touch his neck. " I was beginning to wonder if you had spotted me or not."

"I should kill you."

"Oh, but you won't. I can see it in your eyes. You have questions as do I." Not removing the blade, Toneri raised his hands in surrender, " Do it, with one movement you could kill me." Toneri pushed himself closer to the blade, he moved his head just slightly, blood appeared from the cut. Hinata retreated the blade after witnessing the act. She stayed behind him for a couple of seconds before she warily stepped aside and faced him. Keeping her distance.

On the outside Toneri looked the same, just like Hinata remembers him but there was something there that was different. The way he carried himself; there was no arrogance in his posture, his shoulders sagged but only if you looked closely. His head would flinch ever so often. After observing all of that Hinata knew something was off about him.

" The seal, you have it. How?" Still on guard Hinata answered him truthfully not sure what made her do it. "I don't know." The next thing he said caught her off guard, " It's for the best." His face was a mixture of relief and anger.

"For the best?"

"Yes, the other won't get his hands on your byakugan."

"Other?" What did he mean, by other? Another what? Another him? Someone who worked for him? Hinata tried recalling her last encounters with Toneri, so far he was the same like she remembered and there was no other chakra signature present, she would have seen them with her bloodline. But that time with Sasuke, he was different somehow. "Th-the other me, the one who wants-" his voice was filled with agony, his eyes brows furrowed and he sagged even further, he looked defeated and so much like a child. Having to watch Toneri in such a state made her take a step, her hands in front of her ready to reach for him. Her heart felt for him, the naive Hinata wanted to comfort the enemy, with great willpower Hinata stopped her advances. She placed her arms beside her then took several steps back. "I can't let him out again, he-he." He began to mumble, he swayed back and forth, although his eyes were closed she could see his struggle."Toneri?" She asked, he jumped at her voice and then stalked towards her, his hand cupped the sides of her face, Hinata stood frozen. "You have to kill me, please...I don't know if I'll be able to stop him the next time. I hear his voice, tempting me. KILL ME!"

Authors Note: so sorry about the late update, family members have come to visit and I just didn't have time to write the chapter and finish on time. I usually try to reach 2,000 words but this time I couldn't. Anyways hoped you enjoyed this late chapter, I had to add Toneri, I've been missing him, and what's up with the whole other? Split personality? Till next update.