This is very likely going to be the last chapter that I release a day after the previous one. I need to think about something and keeping up this pace isn't going to help me. However, it shouldn't take me to long to release the next chapter either.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Or Hinata for that matter.
When they said they'd come, they meant it.
It took less than an hour for them to appear. And by them, she meant the toad sages.
Hinata had been at the Hyuga (hers since no one else occupied it) compound, reading a scroll when they quite literally just... knocked on her door like normal people.
She was so caught off guard by what was supposed to be a normal action that she yelped.
''Ah, please excuse me for frightening you.'' An elderly voice spoke from behind her door, before they stepped in.
She'd said they, but it was one toad, and it was a he.
''Ah, don't worry about that. Just... not used to it anymore, I guess.'' she composed herself as she put the scroll away.
''To be completely truthful, we didn't expect a single human to be left awake after the Infinite Tsukuyomi.'' the elder answered.
She couldn't blame them. If she were in their position, she'd outright assume as much.
''I can see why... ah!'' where were her manners?
''I am Hinata Hyuga. It's nice to finally meet someone else.''
And someone whose first introduction wasn't followed with a kidnapping. That was a better first step.
''Ah, yes. Where are my manners? I'm Fukasaku. A pleasure to meet you.'' Fukasaku introduced himself as he jumped on the small table where the scroll laid.
''Now, what is your reason for seeking us out? It's close to being 3 years since the fourth shinobi war and the assumed extinction of your race.''
''It's... because I wish to free everyone. But the one who cast this is too strong for me. So when I remembered the power that Naruto-kun had won when he fought pain... well, I wanted to seek that power myself.''
Fukasaku seemed thoughtful about the matter. And for a second, Hinata was scared he'd refuse.
She had no need to be scared.
''I see... well, we can teach you what Naruto-boy was taught. It wouldn't do if we didn't do anything to help. But there is one problem.''
It was to be expected. Although...
''What is the problem?''
Fukasaku cleared his throat as he explained the problem.
''You see, what Naruto-boy was taught, is something to do with Senjutsu. A third energy that all of us could potentially use if we were trained properly. Senjutsu is nature energy, coming from everywhere on the planet. Except there lies the problem. Senjutsu has been harder to gather ever since the Infinite Tsukuyomi took place.''
But then, why would it be harder to gather after that? What changed?
Fukasaku seemed to be thinking the same way as her, and with answers.
''We've long since discovered why. You've noticed the tree roots, correct?'' at her nod, he continued, ''Those tree roots are absorbing a good portion of Senjutsu that exists. And constantly doing so as well.''
''It's... absorbing it?''
Then that gigantic tree had one more purpose than just keep people trapped inside its cocoons?
''Wait. You said most?''
''Correct. This tree seems to be taking as much as it can without killing the life on this planet, but it's also troublesome because it impedes on the training I should be able to give you.''
Fukasaku's words nearly made Hinata give up. Because after months, it turned out that her chance was slipping away from her?
But no. She could not allow that. So much time passed, and she would not give up just because of one setback. Even less so when his words replayed in her mind.
''But it is still possible?''
''Absolutely.'' Fukasaku said with confidence, ''It might take more time, even longer than a year perhaps, but it is possible so long there is still Senjutsu in the air.''
Hinata sighed in relief. Finally, she was making it. Finally, she was progressing.
''When can we start?''
There had been one small problem.
The village couldn't keep itself running, and even though she had 50 Clones that could last a day, her training would require her to be away from Konoha, so she couldn't send them away.
Thankfully, Fukasaku had an idea in mind.
''Perhaps we should have some toads settle in the village?''
Her eyes actually lit up, not because of the toads, but because she wasn't going to be lonely in the village anymore! Well, her clones, but they all felt the same way.
''It will also allow you to get your Clones back to the village, using a reserve summoning, to keep it running and working.''
She had no objections. Absolutely none. This village was dear to her and the day the rest came back, they'd need somewhere to live again.
''Well then, when do we start?''
''Once you're ready. Whenever that may be.'' Fukasaku said while he was perched on her shoulder, walking around the village.
Well, she did have nearly everything ready.
''Give me a day, and come back tomorrow. I'll be ready by then.''
The fact some of the toads would stay here to keep things going with her Shadow Clones would make things infinitely easier. That is assuming the rest agree.
''Very well.''
And with that, Fukasaku poofed away. Hinata meanwhile prepared herself in case sending toads here was refused.
She summoned one clone with its maximum amount of life, the clone and original looked at each other in the eyes before the clone left.
Away towards Suna.
It turns out she really didn't need to worry herself.
The next day Fukasaku came back along with quite a number of frogs. Likely because since some would stay here, they might as well settle.
Most of her clones were still taking care of everyday chores, but a few were with the original when they arrived.
''Hinata-girl. Are you ready?''
She nodded, ''Yes.''
He nodded in return before turning to look at the other toads, ''You all know what to do here.''
Their grunts were their answers as they moved away. Hinata stepped closer as Fukasaki clapped both...
Hinata was pretty sure they could be considered hands, yes.
He clapped both hands as he spoke.
''Come closer. It is time we head to Mount Myoboku.''
She did as told, stepping closer and before she knew it, they both poofed away.
It was Hinata's first time leaving the village in person, and not via clones.
And that's it. Hinata's headed towards Mount Myoboku where she'll finally be able to learn sage mode. Albeit, rather slowly.
Fukasaku is... someone I'm not sure if he'd actually just agree to teach Sage Mode like that. But considering the circumstance and how he himself wants the humans to be freed, well, it leads to a rather easy acceptance.
I really don't have much to else say, so I'll be seeing you all next chapter.