Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Warning Rated M for darker themes in later chapters. If you are a light hearted reader than don't read this
Here's chapter three which will center around Hanabi's early path to becoming stronger.
The morning was dark and quiet and Hanabi had arrived at the forest once more. She wasted no time in going to the spot where she had met her new teacher.
"Good. You have arrived." Itachi said as he walked forward from the shadows of the trees.
"So what will you be teaching me master?" Hanabi said with burning curiosity.
"First I want to clarify something. We won't just be working on Genjutsu. We will also be working on Taijutsu and Stealth as well as sharpening your intellect and strategic thinking. Those are the tools that make for a formidable Shinobi." Itachi explained.
"But I'm a Hyuga. We specialize in Taijutsu. Why would I need to train more on it?"
"When it comes to Taijutsu, there is always room for improvement. "Surely you want to strive to be the best?" Itachi inquired.
"Well alright. Guess it couldn't hurt."
"Good. Now first things first. Do you know why you had so much trouble hitting the center of the target last night?"
Hanabi thought about it for a moment but no amount of intense concentration brought forth any answers resulting in a clueless shrug.
"It's because I placed you in a Genjutsu."
"Ooooohhhh. So that's why." Hanabi exclaimed as it all made so much sense.
"That is the most basic form of Genjutsu and is mainly used in combat to subtly gain an advantage over an opponent. I caused an illusion in which the center of the board constantly changed. Every time you missed I would change it in one of four ways. The pattern was repetitive as well. Right, Left, Up, and Down." Itachi explained.
'Well good thing he at least made it in a pattern. I'd have never hit the stupid thing if he changed it randomly.' Hanabi thought.
"Now then. I actually have a mission to Suna. I can't train you right here." Itachi said.
Hanabi was about to start whining when he stopped her.
"So your coming with me. We'll start your training with your first mission."
Hanabi's eyes widened in happiness and excitement. "Do you mean it?!"
Itachi calmly nodded in response.
Hanabi frowned a moment later which did not go unoticed by Itachi.
"What's wrong?"
"What about my father and the Hokage? No way they'll allow it." She said dejectedly.
"Actually they already have. I spoke with them beforehand."
"Wait didn't you say meet you here in the morning. When did you have time?" Hanabi asked confused.
"True ninja are up before daybreak preparing for the day in whatever way is needed. Now let's get going."
Three days later
Itachi and Hanabi had finally made it to Suna and he had started teaching her basic illusionary Genjutsu using hand signs. She had gotten the hang of it quite well. They were currently meeting with the Kazekage.
"Do these terms seem acceptable to you Rasa?" Itachi asked the fourth Kazekage.
"Yes they do. The sand village will deliver whatever resources Konoha requires in exchange for help with our water supply." The Kazekage signed the form and agreed to the terms as he shook hands with Itachi.
"Let this agreement serve as a sign of peace between our villages and a stepping stone to a better world." Itachi said to which Rasa nodded in agreement before the two leaf village residents made there way back home.
"What was the purpose of this mission? We didn't fight anyone or kill anything." Hanabi asked confused.
"Not all missions involve senseless violence. Some missions are more political and involve establishing agreements between villages for the betterment of both." Itachi explained.
A few hours passed and night had fallen over the sky darkening the world. Itachi and Hanabi had yet to make it out of the desert but were close.
Itachi spotted a traveler nearby and a sly grin came across his face.
"Hanabi. Do you see that man over there?" Itachi pointed out and Hanabi took notice of a middle aged gentleman with an oversized traveling bag on his back.
"Yes. What about him?" She asked.
"It's time to put your Genjutsu Training to the test. I want you to scare him badly."
Itachi's proposal earned a confident smirk as The Hyuga girl ran forward towards the traveler.
A fair distance away. The traveling man came to a stop as a little girl suddenly appeared in front of him. 'What is a child doing out here all alone. Shame on whoever would allow that.'
The girl stared at the man silently.
"Hello little girl. Are you lost?" The greeted her kindly.
The girl said nothing and began to make hand signs.
The man stared at the hand signs in confusion. 'Is this Ninjutsu? She seems a little young to be a shinobi.'
The girl's hand signs ended with her clapping her hands together creating a loud but brief smacking noise and then the man slowly noticed something.
All of the cactuses around him where coming to life and turning into monsters.
He looked at the cactus monsters with fear and horror in his eyes as they came closer and closer.
"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" He screamed in horror as he took off back towards Suna.
The girl left feeling satisfied.
Back at their makeshift campsite, Itachi and Hanabi were laughing histarically.
"I can't believe you made him think the Cactuses we're alive and going to kill him."
"You should have seen him screaming and running for his life." Hanabi said proudly.
"Believe me I saw it all." Itachi said with happiness at his students growth and capabilities.
The two stayed up for a half hour before going to sleep.
Two Days Later
Itachi and Hanabi had returned to Konoha. Upon arrival Itachi dismissed his talented young apprentice and went to report to The Hokage about their success in Suna.
Naruto and company were still on a mission so Hanabi decided to head back to her family compound. Once she got there she opened the door to the training room and saw Neiji and Hinata sparring.
Her cousin Neiji was the strongest Genin in the current generation of Leaf Shinobi. He was not having any issues deflecting Hinata's attacks. And when he saw an opening he took it delivering a sharp jab to the chest forcing Hinata to the ground.
Hanabi stared on admirably. 'Big Brother Neiji is amazing. I hope I can beat Hinata like that one day.'
"That's enough. Come Hinata, it's time to train some more." Her father said as he took his elder spouse to the courtyard to work on her skills with The Gentle Fist.
Neiji looked on with hatred towards the two. He was bitter and angry towards the main branch of the Hyuga because of his father's death which they were responsible for.
"Neiji you were amazing." He turned around to see his younger cousin Hanabi.
Without saying a word Neiji walked past her but Hanabi grabbed his wrist and tried to keep him there.
"Wait I want to ask you something."
Neiji yanked out of her hold. "Shouldn't you be out playing or something?" He asked with all too much hostility.
Hanabi shook her head. "There's no time for that. I need to train to become stronger."
Neiji was confused by the statement. "Why would you want to do that. Your a member of the main branch. You'll be adored throughout your life."
"That's where your wrong. Few people in the clan hold any love for me now that I have been disgraced because of my Father and Sister. I'm going to forge my own path in life. Now for my question. Will you please help me train?"
Neiji was lost in thought now. 'She was disgraced? And she wants to walk along her own path?'
Neiji looked at the girl. "Why would you want to do that? You can't escape destiny. A person's path is written in stone and is inescapable." He stated.
"If you really believe that then tell me what my destiny is. I've already been disgraced by my family but unlike you I am not bound to servitude by the curse mark as you are." Hanabi said.
Neiji clenched his fist in anger but he couldn't deny that she had a point. This girl's destiny is unknown assuming she even has one set in stone.
"Let me ask again. Will you train me in the clan arts. I want to get revenge on my Father for turning his back on me." Hanabi pleaded.
"Fine so be it. I will train you." Neiji said in frustration.
"Yay! Thanks cous." She wrapped her arms around Neiji affectionately.
"Stop that!" He said embarrassed and caught off guard.
After the conversation between the two Neiji started training his younger cousin for several hours that day. It was grueling work but she kept up. Afterwards Hanabi waved goodbye and ran off into the village.
Hanabi was going to see if Naruto had returned. She ran to The Kage's office.
"Lord Third! Is Naruto back yet?!"She barged in to see The Hokage in his chair and Team Seven was in the office too. Her eyes immediately gravitated towards the blonde ninja.
"Naruto. I've missed you so much!" She ran forward tackling the boy to the ground and just about squeezing the life out of him.
Hiruzen chuckled while Kakashi and Sasuke looked confused. Sakura looked jealous and angry. Naruto was the bees knees to her. She had quite a crush on him.
"I had no idea you were aquianted with The Hyuga clan's second born." Hiruzen stated.
Naruto chuckled nervously. "Yeah. We've been friends for months now."
"And someday we'll be so much more." Hanabi sighed dreamily.
Being the dense knucklehead he is the comment went straight over his head.
"Oh Naruto let me help you up." Sakura said as she pulled Hanabi off of him like a cat and yanked him to his feet.
"Thanks Sakura." Naruto said happily.
Hanabi looked at the two with seething fury. 'You Bitch! I'll teach you the definition of pain for hitting on my Naruto!'
Hanabi yanked Sakura's rediculously long hair back thus pulling her away from Naruto.
"Naruto let's go eat some ramen. I haven't seen you in days and you must be hungry after your mission." Hanabi said sweetly.
"Sure! That's a great idea!" Naruto happily exclaimed.
He ran out the door while his young friend followed his lead quickly turning back towards Sakura when she reached the door to stick her tongue out which infuriated the girl to no end.
"You little Bitch!" Sakura screamed.
Kakashi smacked her on the head. "That's no way to talk to a young lady."
Hope the chapter was enjoyable. Stay tuned for the next part. Feel free to review as well. I love to hear what people think.