A day late from my initial date, but I have been under the weather and couldn't edit yesterday. Hope you all enjoy this chapter! Not really any Naruhina or Shikaino in it, but Hinata and Ino out and about doing their thing.
As punctual as ever Hinata and Ino left the village at the time they agreed to. More of their former close friends came to see them off oppose to the last time. Even Sakura came to see them off, she did not want to lose the friendship she had with Naruto so she told herself that she would learn more about Hinata instead of judging her. Her relationship with Ino she hoped could become a positive outcome as well, she did in all honesty miss both kunoichi and was actually eager to form some type of positive relationship with them. While Hinata appeared to not care about Naruto's teammate being there she did make a mental note to keep a close eye on the over friendly pink-haired woman. Maybe Sakura did have no ill-intention against Ino and herself, maybe she did want a friendship. That was all fine and dandy, but Hinata had no room in her shrunken heart for any of this. It was a mystery to her how Naruto found a way to weasel and maneuver himself a spot in her minuscule heart, but he found a spot and he was stretching it, making space for himself to get comfortable.
Shikamaru saw Ino off with Asuma and Choji. He didn't hide the fact that he was concerned for her being out on her own without the generational traditional Shika-Ino-Cho, but Ino dismissed the matter. In the beginning she took it as a negative, that he thought she couldn't handle being out on her own, like she was weak or something. It kind of annoyed him that she couldn't see the bigger picture that there was an organized terrorist group out there bent on ending the world and Hinata and Ino were now on Akatsuki's shit list. However, when he realized Ino's way of thinking he made his real meaning very clear, he didn't care if she was the strongest human being on this planet, she was his and he would always worry. At first the blond laughed at this, telling him he was becoming soft, but he saw the gentle smile she had after her typical insult and saw that she was happy by his words.
Naruto just like last time opted to see Hinata off by himself, he didn't care if his teammates, Neji, Team eight or anyone else came to see her off as well, he'd separate him and Hinata from them to have her to himself. Neji would say that Naruto was growing too infatuated, Sakura would thin her lips from commenting her ever growing concerns, and Naruto would continue to zone them and everyone else out and focus on Hinata. Hinata was never someone that thrived off attention, so she liked the fact that Naruto kept their farewells one on one. Their comrades were amazed at how soft and mellow the blond was around Hinata and hoped that was the only trait he picked up from her. They also opted to not comment on how much he couldn't keep his hands off of Hinata.
As night fell Hinata and Ino decided to set up camp for the night, Once everything was set to a sufficient standard Hinata pulled out of her traveling bag, two books, and tossed Ino over one of them. The blond picked the book up, noticing how it was hand-made and seemed to be in Hinata's hand writing. Ino scrolled through, seeing pictures and information of members of the Akatsuki, "It isn't the best Ino, but it was information I was able to collect and pick up while Naruto was out busy with his team. I made a quick errand to the shinobi library and spoke with Tsunade about the Akatsuki. It is very important we know as much about them as possible…especially Uchiha Itachi. We happened to stumble across two members that we could handle, what if the others are not so readable? If they're able to capture Gaara and extract his one tail than I am sure it would be nothing for them to harm us." Ino listened to the dark-haired woman and continued to look through the book, recording all the information in her head she could.
"Hmm, do you think any of them will seek us out?" Hinata thought about Ino's question for a moment before shaking her head, "I don't believe they will, we are not of any real interest to them. They would be foolish to steer off their mission because of us…the only person on that list that I think would be an exception would be the Uchiha. He seems different." Ino agreed to this, "I mean all those Uchiha's are fucking weird, but I agree. Somethings up, but I don't want to focus on the small details like this right now. I want to focus on what we aimed out to do and get it done."
"Hmm, in a rush now Ino? Eager to go back to the Nara?" Ino looked up at Hinata and grinned, "Are you insinuating that I, Yamanaka Ino, am being tied down by someone?! HA!"
Hinata didn't know why Ino took slight offense to this, was she in denial that bad? "I like the life we live Hinata, I don't see myself getting tied down to that village. Shikamaru is a traditional man, and I have learned that I am not." Hinata didn't push the matter any further, she'd let the young woman figure things out herself. She almost felt like Ino was trying to push away something that she really wanted just to make her happy, and she didn't want to be the reason Ino decided not to be with the Nara. While she thought her friend was in denial, Hinata felt like when it came to relationships she wasn't the person that should be giving advice.
"Ino, what do you think about Naruto?"
Ino stopped skimming through the book and looked at Hinata with both eyebrows raised, this was new. Hinata never talked about things so personal out right without being coaxed by her. "I mean, what do you mean what do I think? He's loud mouth, cocky, stamina freak Naruto." Hinata pulled out a highlighter and was going over a particular person in the book she made for them, "Think deeper for me please Ino." Ino rolled her eyes at this, "In terms of you and Naruto, the guy is head over heels for you. I'm sure you know that. He'd risk a lot to have you all to himself."
"You think so?" Hinata had a small creepy smile on her face from hearing Ino say that. Ino gave a light laugh and shook her head at the Hyuga, the girl was a real creep.
A week has passed and while the girls were back on track and where Hinata would like them to be the young Hyuga felt on edge. She felt like her and Ino weren't alone at times and was even more frustrated when she felt as if the person was able to best her eyes. Whoever it was, had knowledge of the Byakugan and this made her even more upset. Ino, being the sensory type picked up on this immediately as well. She advised non verbally for the two to communicate that way and for them to not give away any special techniques for the person to study from.
Going on the second week of the presence around the girls it was a clear full moon night that the presence decided to let itself be known. To say that Hinata was surprised to see that it was Uchiha Itachi would be a lie. The man made no signs of sneaking up on the two and just outright walked into there campsite. He looked tired, sick even and Ino wondered if it was an Uchiha thing to look so somber all the time. Hinata looked the man up and down and noted that he was not giving off the impression that he was going to attack them, she still would not relax considering his bio describes his character to always be this way. Everyone was untrustworthy in her eyes until proven otherwise.
"Leaf Shinobi. In particular a Hyuga, out here all alone, not very smart." Hinata did not say anything to this and continued to study the man before her, "Well not really leaf shinobi anymore and I wouldn't say we've been alone considering you've been looming over us for almost two weeks." This did not mean Ino would not speak up.
"Most people won't even talk to me or look in my direction. Considering you know, me being a mass murderer. While you, are indeed very rude to me. I like that trait you have though, don't lose it. I have been watching you, and I have gathered you are from the Yamanaka clan. I have also gathered that there was no point in observing you two anymore if you were going to continue to put up a facade. So, that being said, you were the two that took down Hidan and Kakazu?"
Ino pouted at him, it was rude to tell someone you don't even know that they were the rude one.
"We do not want any problems with you Uchiha-san. We are on our own path, Hidan and Kakazu just so happened to be in the way of it." Hinata spoke to Itachi as she slowly started to stand from the camp fire her and Ino were around. The two stared each other down, "The death of those two do not concern me either, so we have something in common Lady Hyuga. I just wanted to see the people that have done the deed. Tell me would any of you happen to know my brother. Looking at you I am sure he is your age."
Ino rolled her eyes at this, she was so out of this conversation.
Hinata gave him a curious look, "Yes, we do know him."
"I'd like for you to deliver the message of my location to him, and to tell him that I am waiting for him." Ino looked at him with crossed arms, what were they his messengers. Just when she was about to go on with her smart comment Hinata spoke up.
"What's in it for us?"
Itachi for a moment didn't respond, his aura that he gave off was intimidating. However, these were not two people that were easily intimidated. He found this about them to be humorous and made him for some reason feel relaxed, something he hasn't felt in a long time.
"You're telling me someone that belongs to the wildly known Hyuga clan is asking for something in return of a favor? Do your people not have enough already?"
Ino laughed at this, he did have a point.
"I'll relay the information, but I know that you have personally got the best of Orochimaru-sama and you may know about this curse seal mark. So, I'll help you if you help me Uchiha-san." Itachi was quiet and again for a moment, "So you two were also the ones people rumored about that killed Orochimaru."
"Oh no, not me." Ino held her hands up in innocence.
"Just you than Hyuga?" Hinata remained quiet but shook her head in confirming that it was indeed her. "So, can you help us?"
"No."
"You. Are. Lying." Hinata didn't like to be the one that's lied to. This has been the closest she has been in years to having a chance of hope of getting the curse mark removed and he was toying with her. She always considered herself a cautious, analytical person when it came to going up against someone she didn't really understand, but this man was pushing her patience on her usual tactics.
"And you're desperate." Hinata had to stop herself from grinding her teeth at the insult. "Does it matter? I'll help you with your mediocre suicidal message to your brother and you help with taking this horrid thing off of us." Did he really think she couldn't see the grim reaper hanging over him? The man was sick and looked it, this was his last move before death consumed him. She honestly didn't care what he did with himself, as long as she got something out of this. Was her savage side coming out? Possibly.
Itachi walked up to Hinata and she almost thought she saw regret in his eyes, "I can help Yamanaka, for it will not take much chakra. Your curse mark would take too much out of my already failing body, I wouldn't be able to help my brother then. I am sorry, but that is the most I can do."
Hinata felt like screaming, pulling at her hair and overall she felt like throwing a giant temper tantrum. What would that solve though? Gosh she was so fucking upset, it felt like the mark on her forearm was taunting her at this moment. Laughing at her in that snake's voice because in the end he somehow bested her. However, there was a positive from all this, "Okay, then please remove Ino's and I will personally deliver the message by the end of the night."
At this Ino and Itachi looked at Hinata a bit taken back, "Hinata are you fucking NUTS?! That's not how we work, we either get it done together or not at all." Hinata could have sworn she saw Ino's eyes glisten with tears. "Ino, this is an opportunity I cannot let you pass up. The marks are maddening, and I cannot have you suffer anymore. I will be okay." Ino stood up and grabbed Hinata by the shoulders, fighting the urge to shake her, "You are losing your battle with this thing Hinata. Fuck! Just admit it already! You do not have that stupid strong willpower that Sasuke has, you have the will to kill. Orochimaru made sure you did, this is why it will consume you. Your random bloodlust outburst is happening more, and this is why you push back that dobe and everyone else. You'll push me out too, I know you will!"
Hinata stared at Ino with wide eyes, "I would never do that. Not after everything we have been through. Look, you are not wrong, but one of us has to be able to control the other. We can't both be at the level of insanity. You can help me more with not having the mark Ino, please do this for me. Don't make me beg in front of a Uchiha." Itachi had to stop from making a face, of course, heaven forbid a Hyuga has to lower their standards. He noted that this Hyuga wasn't really the same as the others, she still had that annoying Hyuga pride that she tries and fails to conceal. She is calm and level headed like most Hyuga's, opting for showing their strength by fighting instead of talking, she wasn't a showboat, they never were. However, unlike the Hyuga's she was very giving, it wasn't all about the Hyuga's with her. She would sacrifice her own sanity for that of a comrade, she was loving and caring.
He briefly thought she would make an amazing wife and mother.
He heard the Yamanaka let out a sigh that he knew meant that she had accepted defeat. "Hime, you never fight fair." Ino turned to Itachi, "If you kill me, she won't stop until she finds a way to kill you." Itachi looked over at the dark-haired women before him and saw the classical cold, deadly Hyuga stare. He smiled at this; she really was a beauty.
Naruto and Sasuke sat at the very top of the Hokage mountain to look at the scenery. The two needed a breather from everything going on, between training and learning of the progression of the Akatsuki, team seven found no time really to relax anymore. Akatsuki has collected the one tails, and now the two and three tails as well. The urgency to protect Naruto was high now, Sasuke pushed himself more in training to be there for Naruto and still be able to confront Itachi.
"The view is very beautiful." The two young men almost jumped at hearing Hinata's voice, both surprised she was able to sneak up on them.
Upon learning that it wasn't the real Hinata, Naruto frowned. "A shadow clone, really Hinata, you couldn't come in person."
Hinata gave Naruto a small smile at the light joke, "Oh Naruto, I couldn't leave Ino behind. She is resting, the curse mark has been removed from her and I would never leave her side with a mere shadow clone." Naruto eyes widened in shock, "That's amazing! I'll tell Shikamaru! OI! What about you?! How did you get it removed?"
Hinata's smile faded and was replaced with a hollow look, "Unfortunately I will still have to hold out and wait on that. My mark remains on me. Which reminds me, I have to do my side of the deal." She turned and looked at Sasuke, "You told me to let you know if I ever got any information on your brother." At this Sasuke stood up and hurried his way over to Hinata eagerly waiting for her to finish, "Your brother is waiting for you at the Uchiha hideout. Best of luck Uchiha-san." Sasuke nods in her direction before making eye contact with Naruto, the two had gone over how this situation would go down when Sasuke faced his brother. Naruto gave him a grin and nodded his head in farewell.
Now alone Naruto looked over at Hinata's clone, "Itachi removed Ino's curse mark?" Hinata shook her head confirming his suspicions, "Yes. Naruto about that, what do you know about the curse marks from Orochimaru?" He was silent for a moment and Hinata looked over at him, she was taken back by how dark his eyes had gotten and how upset he became. She was confused until he gave her an enduring hug, careful not to be too rough, "I wish you were here; God I really do so I can hold the real you. I know it hurts Nata, I know that it's driving you fucking crazy. Seeing how hard it was for Teme to gather the will power to fight against the curse mark, I can imagine the pain you have went through."
At first she was shocked and did not return the affection but listening to him talk and how warm he was, she returned the affectionate gesture. "I do not have the will like Sasuke to fight the curse mark like I should. It would be very problematic to face Kabuto and still have this mark. I am a danger to Ino and anyone else that gets close to me for I am unstable. I'm sorry, I know you wanted more from me, but I feel like I am slipping away more and more each day." Naruto pulled back and looked at her, "So that's why you're always in a rush to leave the village? You don't want me to see you randomly snap and go ape shit?" He watched as a light blush came to her cheeks, "You and Ino I swear, you don't have to put it that way." He laughed at this, "Nata, this is something you don't have to hide from me. I will be there through every meltdown. We will deal with it together. Just stop running from me." He smiled down at her and kissed her forehead, refusing to kiss her lips, "I want the real you, I'll be hear waiting when you get back Nata."
Just like that Itachi came and went, I really loved his character and wished somehow him and Neji lived. I don't know how it could of happened, but it would have been nice! Oh well, that's why fanfiction was developed right? Hope you all enjoy the chapter, see you next week!
FYI, in the Pain arc I planned on Hinata having a meltdown then. If you have any ideas I could add in to what I already have I'd be more than happy to read and consider the ideas!