'Thoughts/Signing/Written Words'

"Speaking"

"Seal Symbols/Words"

Flashbacks

Disclaimer: I own nothing from Masashi Kishimoto. Enjoy!

Chapter 9

Kakashi found his team on the main road. They walked past Konoha's Public Library and a tall, cemented building with boarded windows. On the front of the building was a sign that read, 'For Sale.'

As they rounded the corner of the hospital, Sora asked, "Hound-san and Fox-san?"

Hound and Fox appeared beside her. She continued, "I will be delivering orders to my clients who are from prominent clans. I am not sure how well they will receive Anbu entering their compound or district unannounced. Please stay in my line of sight each time we enter a clan compound or district."

They both nodded their head in understanding. 'She's not wrong,' Kakashi thought, 'If they're not part of the clan, most clans have a dislike for Anbu showing up.'

They continued down the street to stop in front of two worn wooden gates. Small little cracks could be seen in the upper corners of the gates. Faded on the center of the doors were painted Sarutobi Clan symbols. Hound and Fox appeared behind Sora while Neko and Crow stood by her sides. Seeing no guards near the gates, Sora pushed one of them opened. It revealed a brick road with large Hashirama trees aligned in the center. On either side of the road were houses. As they walked past some houses, Team Ro tried not to react when they stopped in front of an awfully familiar two-story house. Towering above the house was a large wisteria bonsai tree. Sora smiled upon seeing the tree. 'Welcome back Little Listener,' said an old feminine voice of the tree.

Walking up towards the double doors, Sora knocked on the door. A woman with pixie cut dark brown hair opened the door. She had on some plum-colored lipstick and dark purple eyeliner. She was dressed in a black shirt and the standard shinobi black pants. Despite showing no reaction, Sora felt the woman's soul flicker in familiarity when she looked behind Sora and at Team Ro. "Can I help you?" Shiori asked.

Sora bowed and presented a deep green scroll to her. "Good afternoon, Sarutobi-san. My name is Sora Fujiwara and I'm here to deliver your order from Tree Leaves."

Shiori smiled as she took the scroll from her. "Thank you, Fujiwara-san. My family's been looking forward to the delivery. We all love your sweets."

Sora smiled and thanked her. Sora was about to say her farewell when a familiar voice said, "Sora-san?"

Standing in the middle of the path towards the house was Asuma Sarutobi. He was dressed in the standard shinobi uniform with a brown vest like the others. He looked at Sora in surprised but narrowed his eyes at Hound and his team.

"Hello Asuma-san," Sora greeted.

Shiori looked curiously between her husband's younger brother and Sora. Kakashi looked at Shiori, who shrugged, not knowing what was going on between them.

Asuma never took his eyes off Sora as he stepped towards her. "Should I be worried?" he asked.

Sora laughed and shook her head no. "I'm just here to deliver some orders."

Asuma quirked an eyebrow at her, "With Anbu as your guard?"

Sora smiled as she informed him, "Lord Todiyori announced me as his successor."

Asuma's eyes widened. "Congratulations." Feeling a little put out, he asked quietly, "How come you didn't add me to be part of your guard detail. I was a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas before they disbanded."

Sora looked at him softly and said, "I thought it better if you took a break from all things capitol given what had happened as of late."

Asuma blinked at her in surprise before nodding in understanding. Sora smiled as she said, "Say hello to Yuhi-san for me?"

Asuma's face reddened before he nodded, "Aah."

Sora said her goodbyes to Asuma and Shiori as they left the house.

Hound asked, "Daimyo-sama, are you and Sarutobi-san close?"

Sora looked at Hound, "Do you mean Asuma-san?"

Hound nodded.

Sora thought about it. "I guess you could say so. Before I was appointed as the Daimyo, Asuma would frequently accompany Lord Todiyori to my shop along with the rest of the Twelve Guardian Ninja's. We didn't speak much while he was on duty, however, Asuma would stop by from time to time in search of gifts. We've built a small friendship after that."

Kakashi frowned when Sora said nothing more. 'Perhaps I need to have a talk with Asuma.'

Sora exited the gates and went towards the Senju Park. She let out a small smile show as the trees told her stories of the little saplings that ran between them. One of the tree whispered, 'Little Listener, you found the Child of One Thousand Hands again.'

'Child of One Thousand Hands? Again?' Sora thought as she felt Neko's soul flicker beside her. Putting that thought away to be analyzed later, Sora walked past a playground with some kids running around.

Upon exiting the park, Sora could hear lots of barking from a distance. She grinned as she entered the archway with the Inuzuka clan symbol painted above it. In the courtyard was ten puppies running around. Standing in the middle was a woman with dark unruly locks and golden amber eyes with slit-like pupils. Red markings were seen on her cheeks as well as over her eye lids. She wore a black top with her sleeves rolled up and black shinobi pants. By her side was her wolflike ninken partner. He had black fur and a white underbelly. Wrapped around his face was a black eyepatch, and his left ear was missing. Sprawled across his back was a sleeping three-year-old boy.

A few feet away from the woman was a nine-year-old girl dressed in a light brown shirt with white fur around the collar. Wrapped around her light brown pants was a grey sash. On her cheeks were tiny red fang markings of her clan. She was trying to move her peanut butter and jelly sandwich away from two puppies. One had managed to topple the girl over and snatched the sandwich away.

She shrieked out, "Hey, don't eat that. It's not for ninken!"

Smelling a familiar scent, Kuromaru turned around, and gruffly said, "Tsume."

The Head of the Inuzuka clan turned around. Her eyes widened when she saw Sora and Team Ro.

Sora bowed at Tsume, "Good afternoon, Tsume-sama."

Tsume grinned, showing off her fangs. "Well, if it isn't the Snuggling Pup." Placing her hand on her hips and shifted her weight on one leg, "Here to sneak another puppy pile?"

Sora's eyes brightened, hopeful. "If you're offering."

Tsume laughed. "You have ten minutes."

Excited, Sora pulled out another deep green scroll from her sleeve. "Here's your order from Tree Leaves, Tsume-sama."

Tsume accepted the scroll while she watched Sora run towards the puppies and sat down. Knowing they were going to be getting lots of belly rubs, the puppies surrounded Sora. Tsume's face softened when Sora buried her face into one of the larger pups.

After ten minutes, Tsume called out, "Alright you pups, time to go home."

Instantly, everyone whined, including Sora. Tsume laughed and said, "It'll be easier to see the pups if you just marry into the clan, Sora."

Sora's face began to heat up and quickly got up. "Thank you for letting me snuggle with them, Tsume-sama. I'll be going now."

Sora gave a bow and left towards the gates.

Looking at Sora scurrying away, Tsume laughed. 'Works every time. Now I just gotta find a way to make her stop calling me 'sama',' she thought.

Tsume grinned as she looked at the scroll in her hand. Looking at the puppies, she called out, "Let's go to the kennels and you lot can try some of the new dog treats."

The pups perked up at the word 'treats.'

As Sora exited the compound, she sighed and thought, 'Tsume-sama shouldn't joke about marriage proposals. I get enough of them as it is.'

Hearing gentle running water, Sora spotted a water channel not too far ahead. Staying on the edge of the road, she followed along the water channel until she came across a wooden plank connecting both sides. As Sora walked on the plank, she staggered a bit as she felt a cold soul too close to two familiar warm souls. One felt tiny like that of a child's. Neko and Crow both reacted and stabilized her. Thanking them both, Sora continued walking and stopped in front of a familiar house. Above the door was a banner displaying the Yamanaka clan.

Sora knocked on the door. She smiled as she could hear little feet pounding against the wooden stairs. A feminine voice called, "No running in the house, Fu-kun."

A tiny voice called, "Hai, Kaa-chan."

The door opened and a six-year-old light auburn hair child appeared. He was wearing a light brown yukata and black sandals. His eyes widened seeing who was at the door. "Sora-nee-chan!" Fu cried out as he went to jump on top of her.

Sora braced herself for the impact and swung Fu around while laughing. "I'm happy to see you too, Fu-kun. You've gotten taller since the last time I saw you."

Giggling from the door's entrance was a dark auburn-haired woman. She was dressed in a plain black shirt, and a white short. Underneath her shorts were fishnet stockings. She smiled at Sora. "It's good to see you again, Sora-san."

Sora smiled, "Same here Akane-san."

Placing Fu down, Sora ruffled his hair while saying, "I was in the area, so I thought I'd stopped by to give a quick hello before I made my way over to see if Yamanaka-sama's wife was home."

Akane grinned. "She should be back from completing clan duties."

Fu's small voice popped up, "Can I take Sora-nee to Noriko-oba-chan's house?"

Akane sternly said, "And straight back to clean your room like I told you to?"

Fu grumbled but nodded his head quickly. "Yeap."

Sora looked at Akane, "I can walk him back if you'd like, Akane-san."

Fu gasped, "But nee-chan, I'm a big kid now. I'm already in the academy!"

Sora laughed and brought him into a hug, "You'll always be a little boy to me Fu, even when I'm old."

Fu scrunched up his nose at the thought. He quickly took Sora's hands in case his mother changed her mind into letting him go, "Come on nee-chan."

Team Ro watched the academy student drag the Daimyo towards the main house of the Yamanaka clan. They all tensed as they felt someone's chakra enter their vicinity only to quickly disappear. They looked at one another uncertainly. Hound signaled to them to be on their guards.

Once they were in front of the main house, Sora squeezed Fu's hand, "This shouldn't take long, Fu-kun. I'll walk you home afterwards."

Wanting to spend more time with his nee-chan, Fu nodded. Sora turned towards the door and raised her hand to knock on the door. A woman in an elegant bun, wrapped in a burgundy ribbon had opened the door. She was dressed in a high collared, dark green dress with shoulder pads. On the base of her collar was a single opal button.

Seeing who was at the door, Noriko looked confusedly at her husband's older cousin's son. "Fu-kun?"

Fu smiled and waved. "Good afternoon, Noriko-oba-chan. This is my nee-chan, Sora Fujiwara. She's the owner of Tree Leaves."

Noriko's eyes widened at hearing the name of the shop. Sora bowed and presented the dark green scroll. "Like Fu-kun had said, Yamanaka-sama, I am Sora Fujiwara, and I'm here to deliver your order from Tree Leaves."

Noriko nodded and took the scroll from Sora. As Sora rose, Noriko bowed, "Thank you for delivering the order, Fujiwara-san."

They said their goodbyes and Sora walked Fu home. Along the way, Sora asked, "How's the Academy, Fu-kun?"

Fu grinned at her, "It's super fun. I can't wait to be a ninja like Tou-san and Kaa-chan."

Sensing his soul flicker in fear, Sora frowned and asked, "But?"

Fu hesitantly looked at Hound and the others, he motioned Sora to lean in closer. Sora did. He whispered, "There's this girl who would sit next to me. She's always on time and never misses class."

Kakashi and Tenzo tensed.

Fu stared at Sora and continued, "Then yesterday, she disappeared. A week ago, a boy from another class disappeared too."

Sora's heart skipped a beat. "Fu-kun, are you sure?"

Fu nodded his head furiously. "Not only that, but I also keep feeling like someone is watching me," he muttered softly. "I don't want to be next," he whispered as tears fell from his eyes.

Sora quickly brought him to a hug. "I won't let anything happen to you, okay Fu-kun?"

Kakashi and Tenzo looked at one another. 'This is bad,' they thought.

Fu nodded into her shoulder. The rest of the way towards his house, Sora held him in her arms as they talked about more lighthearted things such as the new ice cream shop that opened in Konoha. Knocking on the door, Akane opened to see Fu. Sora gave him one last reassuring hug before he went inside. Sora looked at Akane, "Take care, Akane-san."

Akane nodded as she watched Sora leave with Team Ro.

Back at the interrogation room, Ibiki was in the middle of interrogating Sho when another body had mysteriously appeared inside the interrogation room. Sho's eyes widened while Ibiki and Inoichi's frowned. Neither sensed anyone entering.

The body was sprawled on their stomach as long platinum blonde hair had covered the person's face. Next to the unconscious body was a blank white porcelain mask. Inoichi picked up the mask and flipped it over. Handing it to Ibiki, he said, "It's the same seal as Sho's."

Ibiki took the mask to confirm what Inoichi had said. Inoichi flipped the body to lay on her back. His eyes widened. "Fumiko?"

Fumiko was a distant relative of his who had supposedly died during a mission gone bad four years ago. Inoichi lifted her head up and opened her mouth. Internally seething, Inoichi stated, "She has the same seal on the back of her tongue."

As Sora walked back to the busy street, she turned the corner and stopped in front of a large courtyard. Surrounding the courtyard were multiple houses with outside barbeque pits as well as a few restaurants. Wrapped around the lamp posts of the courtyard were flags displaying the Akimichi clan symbol. As they continued walking through the Akimichi District, Sora could smell all the delicious food coming out of the windows from the houses.

From one of those house, a voice called out, "I'll be back. I'm going to go visit Big Sister Chiharu."

A feminine voice answered, "Ok! Say hello for me."

Out walked a man with serpentine markings on his cheeks. He had light brown hair sticking out from his bandana. His eyes narrowed at seeing four Anbu agents in his clan's courtyard, but they widened in shock when he saw the petite woman walking in between them.

"Fujiwara-san!" he called out and stopped in front of her.

Sora's eyes widened and grinned at the familiar face. "Akimichi-san, how are you?"

Doto smiled, "I'm doing well." Eyeing each of the members of Team Ro, he looked worriedly at Sora, "Is everything alright, Fujiwara-san?"

Sora smiled and fidgeted with her hair pins. "Everything is alright, Akimichi-san. I am unsure if you've been told, but I-."

Doto quickly brought her into a hug. "Say no more, Fu-I mean, Daimyo-sama. Little Brother Mato and Little Sister Momo had told us that you were nominated to become the Fire Daimyo. I should've known that you were chosen. Congratulations."

Sora laughed and returned the hug. "Thank you, Akimichi-san."

Doto smiled and asked, "Is there anything I could assist you with, Daimyo-sama?"

"I was just on my way to see if Akimichi-sama's wife was home," she replied.

Doto's asked, "Big Sister Chiharu?"

Sora nodded her head.

Doto's eyes brightened, "I was on my way there was well. Let me walk with you, Daimyo-sama."

Sora agreed and the two began walking with Team Ro behind them. During the walk, Sora and Doto began to talk about the new food venders that the capitol and Konoha had gained over the years. Doto was surprised to learn that while there was a lot of similar places, they were somewhat different than the ones in the village. For example, one restaurant at the capitol had a rotating sushi bar, while the one inside Konoha had a personal sushi chef making it in front of you.

Stopping in front of the main house, Doto knocked on the door. A short black-haired woman with orange markings on the corners of her eyes answered the door. She was wearing a pink blouse, pink glossy lipstick, pink studded earrings, and black pants. Seeing who was at the door, she greeted Doto and smiled at the unfamiliar civilian woman beside him.

Doto turned to Sora, "Big Sister Chiharu, this is Sora Fujiwara, the-."

Chiharu's eyes brightened as she quickly brought Sora into a hug. "It's nice to finally meet you, Fujiwara-san. I've been told a lot of things about you."

Sora's face reddened and hugged her back. "All good things, I hope Akimichi-sama."

Chiharu laugh. "Most certainly, Fujiwara-san."

Just now realizing Team Ro standing behind her, Chiharu asked, "Did you need to talk to Choza-kun?"

Sora shook her head no. "I'm actually here to see you." Sora bowed and presented the deep green scroll. "I'm here deliver your order from Tree Leaves."

Chiharu's eyes brightened as she retrieved the scroll. "The dried spices."

Sora nodded. Saying her farewells to both Chiharu and Doto, Sora had just gotten on the road when Doto called out, "Come over when you aren't fulfilling your Daimyo duties. We'll celebrate with a feast."

Sora blushed, turned back around to face them, and nodded. Beside Doto, Chiharu's eyes widened in shock. She turned to give Doto a stink eye, making him wince. "You forgot to mention that little tidbit the last time we talked, Little Brother Doto," Chiharu said.

As they exited the district, Hound asked, "Daimyo-sama, may I ask how you operate Tree Leaves?"

Sora looked at him before saying, "Like many venders that sell fruits and vegetables, most of my merchandise depends on the season. The most common way is visiting my shop in person to see what you would like to trade for. Once done a contract can be easily be written. Another way is via messengers."

Confused, Crow asked, "How does a contract work through a messenger?"

Sora answered, "Most of the time a previous client would contact me expressing that someone wishes to form a contract. Once they have stated what they are willing to trade for the items in my shop, a contract is written. Unlike visiting my shop in person, however, they would need to have the signature of the previous client who contacted me as their witness. The contract comes back to me to sign. Once that is done, I make copies and send them back to the witness and the new client. After that, the new client has to send me their trading item first before I can fulfil their order."

Crow nodded in understanding. 'That's a lot of paper trail,' he thought.

Curious, Neko asked, "Can your clients and customers purchase their orders or items from Tree Leaves rather than trading?"

Sora nodded, "Yes, though they still have to sign a contract stating that they traded money for my items. Prices are based on the competitive rates set by the capitol. Most of the time my customers prefer the trading and contract method."

Fox who has been silent all this time, asked curiously, "Daimyo-sama, I'm curious to know how you purchase personal items when your business isn't bringing in a lot of monetary gain."

The rest of Team Ro was curious as well. Sora smiled at Fox briefly before saying, "I have other businesses that uses the current ryo system. It is only Tree Leaves that is an exception."

Team Ro looked curiously at Sora before Hound and Fox returned to the shadows. As they walked through the streets, tall white walls began to draw closer. Going around the tall walls, Sora stopped in front of black metal gates. Welded on the doors was the symbol for the Hyuga clan. Two guards were stationed outside. They both had long brown hair that was tied at the base. They wore their forehead protectors on their forehead. Both studied the group that stopped in front of them with pale lavender eyes.

Sora frowned when she felt the seals hidden underneath their forehead protectors. 'It's harming them,' she thought as she felt the constant flaring of the seals.

One of the guards said, "State your business."

Sora bowed, "Good afternoon, Hyuga-san, Hyuga-san. I am Sora Fujiwara and I'm here to deliver an order for Hyuga-sama's wife."

The two guards looked at one another in surprise. Everyone in the Hyuga clan was familiar with the shop. Some of the clansmen would trade some of their custom-made kimono's and yukatas for the shop's exotic teas and sweets. They just did not expect the shop's owner to be so young since most of them ordered via messenger.

The guard said, "You may enter." Looking at Team Ro, he said, "Please refrain from straying from Fujiwara-san's side, Anbu-san." Team Ro nodded. The guard continued, "Keep following the brick road and it'll led you straight to Hiashi-sama's residence."

Sora nodded. As they walked through the compound, Sora heard a little child's soul cry out in terror. Sora heart began to pound hard against her chest as a loud screech was heard from the main house. Sora took off running with Team Ro hot at her heals. Her heart dropped when she had entered the courtyard of the main house. The sliding doors of the house broke opened as a large four-foot white owl was thrown out. It's wings were stained with blood.

"You damn bird," a voice snarled.

Sora's eyes widened at the gruesome scene behind the elderly woman. On the floor was a four-year-old little boy being held down by five Hyuga elders. An elderly man with similar facial features as the little boy was hovering over the boy's forehead. Sora could see blood running down from the center of the child's forehead to the side of his cheeks. The owl quickly got up and swooped back into the room, tackling the elderly man. The two landed with a thud. Irritated, the elderly man struck at the owl with chakra laced fingertips. Before his fingers could touch the owl, it disappeared with a poof. A seal activated underneath the little boy and the elders watched in shock as he disappeared.

Team Ro looked at Sora in shock. In her arms was the little boy. His body was shaking, and blood was running down his forehead and all over his face.

Kakashi was shocked to see how bad in shape the nephew of the clan head was. 'I thought you were better than this Hiashi,' he thought.

Sora felt a very weak flicker of his soul respond back to her when she called to it. Sora gently placed him on the courtyard grass. Placing her ears to his chest, she could hear his heart beating but it was weak and slowing down. She whispered, "Come on little one. Stay with me."

Kakashi's eyes widened when the water began to appear from thin air. 'Kekkei Genkai?' he wondered.

Once a fist sized ball of water was formed, it went from clear to a soft greenish white color. He watched in amazement as Sora guided the ball of water over Neji's wound. The wound began to heal.

The elders came out enraged when they realized where Neji had disappeared to. Elder Hyuga demanded, "Who let Anbu into the compounds?"

Sora ignored him as she focused the little boy. His breathing was becoming haggard. Sora called to his soul again. 'Breathe deeply, little one,' she urged.

Hearing the soft gentle voice, Neji took deep breaths. "There you go. That's it. Come back to me sweety," Sora whispered.

Once Neji was stabilized, Sora ripped her yukata to wipe away the remaining blood from Neji's face. Only then did she look up to focus on the enraged soul. Elder Hyuga glared at Sora, leaking some killer intent at her. Team Ro quickly sprang into action and stood in front of Sora and Neji.

Walking from the side of the house was the twin brothers: Hiashi and Hizashi. The only way to tell them apart was a small scar in the middle of Hizashi's forehead. They had just rounded the corner towards the courtyard when heard their father shout, "You have no right to-!"

A feminine voice interrupted him. "As far as I'm concerned, you are no longer clan head, Elder Hyuga. What kind of grandfather does this to his own grandchild?"

The twins looked at one another and quickly ran towards the courtyard. They gasped at the scene before them. They saw a ruby haired woman with a torn bloody yukata standing in front of Neji. Hizashi could see drops of blood on his son's blue yukata.

Sora set her cold stare at Elder Hyuga. "Children are meant to be protected, or have you've not learned that when you had your own children, Elder Hyuga?"

The twin brothers' eyes widened as they remembered someone else who said something similar.

"Hizashi, no!" cried out a ruby haired woman.

She quickly went to tackle down the older man. The man growled, "Get off me, woman."

"No!" as she clung onto the older man to prevent him from harming a scared teenaged Hizashi. "You cannot do this. I don't care if you're the clan head, old man. Hizashi is your own son!"

The man narrowed his eyes and started punching her in trying to make her let him go.

Seeing her getting hurt, Hizashi struggled to get up. Blood and tears began to cloud his vision. "Nee-chan," he whispered. "It's ok."

Her eyes narrowed as tears ran down her face. "It's not okay Hizashi. A parent is supposed to protect their child, not be the one to harm them."

Irritated, the Hyuga Clan Head started to close her chakra points, but Tomoe held on. "No one should be forced to have a seal placed on them." She winced when he had successfully cut off her left arm. Refusing to loosen her grip on the old man, she forced her other arm to tighten. "No one should be allowed to think that they are worthless. Because Hizashi, you are worth more than you know. You are one of my precious person and I'm going to protect you at all cost."

Hizashi laid there frozen as his tears fell, mixing with the blood that flowed from the center of his forehead. From the hallway, a young Hiashi cried as he heard this. He quickly ran into the room only to freeze when he saw his now freed father kick the woman towards Hizashi.

Hiashi cried out, "Tomoe-nee-chan!"

Seeing she was going to land onto Hizashi, Tomoe quickly twisted her body and landed beside him with a thud.

Hizashi cried as he reached a trembling hand towards her. He whispered, "Nee-chan."

Hiashi stood in front of his younger brother as his father straightened up. "Stop it, Chichiue."

"Out of the way, boy," his father growled out.

With a determined face, Hiashi said, "No."

"You dare defy my orders?"

"I dare, Chichiue." Hiashi interrupting him.

Elder Hyuga's eyes widened, before narrowing. "I should've placed the seal on your brother when you were three just like the others," he growled out as he lunged at Hiashi.

Only to be blocked by an older man with white, gravity defying hair. Not far behind him was a thirteen-year-old Tsume and inside her jacket was a puppy with black fur and white underbelly. Running beside her was a thirteen-year-old Shibi dressed in a long sea-green overcoat.

"Sensei, Tsume-san, Shibi-san!" Hiashi exclaimed.

"Yo," he said giving him a wave, only to freeze at the bloody woman on their floor. 'That's Tomoe-san,' he thought.

Tsume and Shibi gasped in shock at the scene.

Narrowing his eyes at the Hyuga Clan Head, Sakumo ordered, "Tsume-chan, Shibi-kun, help Hiashi-kun with Hizashi-kun and Tomoe-san. I will handle Hyuga-san."

The two adults quickly disappeared as metal clashed with metal.

Tsume and Shibi quickly followed Hiashi towards the blue eyed, ruby-haired woman, who had blood dripping from her mouth. "Nee-chan!" both brothers cried out.

She whispered, "Hiashi-kun, you can't force someone you love in a cage. That's not love. It's a prison."

Hiashi quickly created a clone to help Shibi pick up Hizashi, while he and Tsume gently lifted Tomoe up, "Don't speak, nee-chan. We have to get you and ototo to a medic."

Their father's voice brought them back to the present. Elder Hyuga growled, "You wench!" He went to lunge toward Sora.

"Enough," Hiashi said as he blocked his father's attack while Hizashi quickly went to his son's side.

Sora looked at Hizashi, "He needs a medic, Hyuga-san. I've done what I could."

Hizashi nodded and picked up his son to take him to the medical ward. Elder Hyuga was about to protest but was pinned down by Hiashi's warning stare. Hiashi looked at his father and the other five Hyuga Elders in distaste. 'Despite all this time, you have not learned a thing, Chichiue.'

"I will see you six later at the clan meeting tonight to discuss your punishment. Do not be late," Hiashi said, leaving no room for argument.

Looking at Sora, Hiashi said, "If you could follow me inside, Daimyo-sama."

All five of the Hyuga clan elders' eyes widened as they stood there in shock. 'Elder Hyuga had released killer intent on the Daimyo. This is not good,' they thought.

Once they were inside the main house, Hiashi turned towards his wife who was holding onto their two-year-old daughter. "Hinako, can you-." Only to pause at her tear-stained face. Worried, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Hinako quickly dried her tears and walked away from him. Hinako set Hinata down and bowed in front of Sora, "Daimyo-sama, please follow me towards the guestroom. I'll have a new yukata ready for you right away."

Hiashi could only look helplessly at his wife as she left. 'I'm sorry Hinako,' Hiashi sadly thought. He had remembered what had happened when he could not stop the elders from placing the Caged Bird Seal on her younger twin sister. Her sister had died the minute the seal was completed.

Hiashi clenched his fists and walked away from the main house towards the clan's medical ward. Entering the room, he saw his brother sitting close to the entrance while the medics worked on Neji's vitals. He asked his younger brother, "How is Neji?"

Hizashi looked at him with angered filled eyes as tears fell down his face. "They said that if Daimyo-sama had not intervened, he would've died. They're waiting to see when he'll wake up."

Hiashi's eyes widened. "I'm sorry ototo. I should've abolished the seal as soon as I became head."

He looked up at him curtly, "You should've."

They both looked at Neji solemnly as he laid on the bed hooked to a heart monitor.

When Hinako had opened the guest room, she allowed Sora to enter first. On the back wall was a dresser, while in the corner was a folding wall divider with a highchair. Hound was about to follow Sora into the room when Hinako reached out a hand to stop Hound from entering. "It is improper for an unattached male to enter the Daimyo's quarters, Anbu-san."

Sora blinked up at Hinako in surprised. She watched as Hinako said, "If there is a female amongst your team, she may enter. If not, then you all must remain outside the door."

Hound looked at Hinako for a minute before nodding. "Fox will enter."

Hinako looked at Fox before nodding and letting her pass. Quickly speaking to three of her maids, they left to retrieve what she had requested. Hinako closed the door behind her when she entered the guest room.

"Daimyo-sama," Sora turned to look at Hinako. Sora stared curiously at the maids who had entered the room. Each of them was carrying a yukata in one hand, and an obi sash in the other.

Hinako continued, "Here are some of the selections my maids had brought. Please select one for you to keep. You can leave your yukata here and we can properly dispose of it."

Sora was about to protest before Hinako bowed deeply, "Please, Daimyo-sama. Let me do this one thing as forgiveness on behalf of my father-in-law."

Sora eyes softened, "Hyuga-sama, you have nothing to apologize for. It is him and the rest of the elders who needs to do the apologizing."

Hinako's eyes widened slightly before giving Sora a small but genuine smile. "Then accept the yukata as a thank you for saving my nephew."

Sora relented and looked at the three yukatas. Looking at Hinata who was curiously looking at Sora, Sora crouched down and asked, "Which one do you think will look nice on me?"

Hinata pointed to a midnight blue yukata with silver dandelion whisps. Sora smiled and booped her nose, making Hinata giggle. "It's beautiful."

Sora thanked the maids and took the one Hinata pointed to. Walking behind the wall divider, Sora placed the yukata on the chair. Reminding herself that Fox was next to her, Sora removed her outer layer. Internally sighing in relief that the white inner layer had not been marred by blood, Sora put the new yukata on.

Tying on the golden yellow obi sash, Sora stepped out from the wall divider.

Hinako smiled, "You look beautiful, Daimyo-sama."

Sora laughed as she grinned at Hinata, "You can thank little Hinata-chan for that."

Hinata smiled up at Sora and her mother.

As they exited the guest room, Sora followed Hinako towards the hallway. "Hyuga-sama," Sora asked, "Will it be alright if I check in on your nephew?"

Hinako nodded and led the way towards the medical ward. They entered the room and saw Neji beginning to sit up on the medical bed. Sora nodded to Hiashi and Hizashi who was standing on one side of the bed. Neji refused to look up at either of them. Feeling his soul cry out in turmoil, Sora went to stand on the other side of the bed. Once she was next to Neji, she gently said, "Hey there little one."

Recognizing the familiar voice, Neji quickly looked up. His eyes began to tear up as he tackled her into a hug and cried. She circled both of her arms around Neji, cooing and gently rocking him back and forth.

Seeing her cousin crying, Hinata wiggled from her mother's hold and walked towards Neji to give him a hug. Neji cried harder. Hearing a sniffle from Hinata, Sora moved her arm to wrap around her as well.

Tenzo watched as Sora rocked the children back and forth. When she began to hum a little tune, he froze and looked at Sora with wide eyes. 'It can't be,' he thought.

His heart started to beat rapidly as he began to remember what he thought he had lost a long time ago.

In a dark cell, a brown-haired baby boy looked up to the warmth near him. He heard her speak. "No matter what happens, you must survive."

His eyes widened as she began to glow a golden color. A little white orb appeared in her palms, "I'm giving you mine. Call to it and it will protect you, just as it had protected me."

The white orb entered his body. It was not painful as he had expected. Instead, it was warm and soothing. He slowly began to drift to sleep as the child's voice hummed the same lullaby she had hummed the first time they met.

The next thing he remembered was a sudden loud bang. Terror filled his body, as he began to cry. Before he knew it, he heard her cry out, "Stop! Don't come any closer!"

Feeling him being forcibly taken away from her, he shrieked louder, not wanting to be parted. He heard her scream out, "Let him go, you bastards!"

Her cries went unheard as her voice was carried further and further away from him.

"You must live on!" was the last thing he heard before he succumbed to darkness.

Hearing Tenzo's heartbeat pick up, Team Ro looked at Tenzo worriedly. Kakashi's eyes narrowed when he saw Tenzo staring at Sora as if he just saw a ghost. Looking at Yugao, he signed, 'Stay with Crow.'

She nodded and stood beside Shisui while Kakashi placed a hand on Tenzo's shoulder and they silently poofed away. Once on the rooftops away from unwanted ears, Kakashi looked at Tenzo. His eyes were glazed over and looking rapidly everywhere but him. Kakashi recognized that look. It was one he constantly had when the demons of his past came back.

Feeling Tenzo's body shake underneath his palms, Kakashi pressed on his shoulder to anchor his kohai back to the present. "Tenzo," he firmly muttered.

Hearing his Captain's voice, Tenzo blinked and looked wide-eyed at Kakashi. "Senpai," he whispered, "she was there in the lab with me."

Kakashi tensed while he looked around the perimeter. Sensing no one, he asked, "Are you sure?"

Tenzo nodded. "I know I don't remember much, but I'd recognize that lullaby anywhere. The only time I've ever heard of it was in that lab."

Kakashi's eyes widened as they watched Sora exit the Hyuga main house. Tenzo looked at Kakashi uncertainly, "Senpai, do you think she also suffers from amnesia?"

Kakashi looked at him unsurely. "I don't know."

Sora bowed in front of Hinako and presented a deep green scroll to her. "Thank you for your business with Tree Leaves, Hyuga-sama."

Hinako smiled as she took the scroll from Sora. She bowed, "Thank you, Daimyo-sama."

Turning towards Hiashi, Sora asked, "May I be curt with you, Hyuga-sama?"

Hiashi nodded. Sora continued, "No child should ever have to go through what your nephew had just gone through. I can only imagine what little Neji must have felt. To look up at his grandfather pleading for him to stop hurting him, but only to realize that his grandfather was not going to. The more you perpetuate this behavior, the longer you will instill to the rest of the clan that they do not matter, and they are dispensable. No life is dispensable, Hyuga-sama."

Hiashi winced. Sora looked at him gently, "You are not your father, so become the Head of the Hyuga Clan on your own terms."

Hiashi nodded, taking her advice to heart. As Sora left, Hiashi returned into the medical ward, only to see Hizashi frowning at a now sleeping Neji and Hinata.

"Nii-san," Hizashi turned towards him in wonder, "did Tomoe-nee ever mention having a child?"

Hiashi looked at his brother curiously. "No, why?"

"Neji and Hinata has the same protection bracelets she gave us," Hizashi said.

Hiashi looked and there around the children's small wrists were the silver bracelets with the golden words, 'To Protect My Precious Ones'. Hiashi and Hizashi pulled back their own sleeves to reveal the same bracelets.

Hiashi and Hizashi looked at one another wide eyed.