Disclaimer:- All Characters From Naruto belong to M. Kishimoto...

In A Demon's Possession

Chapter 19

The Human village remains...

The team had finally arrived minus Kabuto who was ordered by their Lord to remain behind. Kimimaro had led the team in through the heavily guarded entrance that had steadily been rebuilt. The current members of the Sound Six headed to their base of operations followed closely by the Suna team. They came to a large estate that looked grand, apart from the telltale signs of battle littered around it.

"I will discuss with you our intel on who you will likely encounter when we begin our mission." Kimimaro announced.

"That would be a start" Baki replied, following the younger demon into the building.

The Suna team looked around their surroundings, taking notice at how big the estate really was, the siblings could see it was once a place filled with grandeur and importance. Tapestries that lined the walls that once looked elegant were now ripped, with irreparable damage. Expensive heirlooms were now cracked and broken with the remains still littered across the once polished hard floors.

They came into a large open room where another member was sat eating a piece a fruit, he looked tall with a much bigger build than the other Sound Six present.

"This is another member of my team, Jirobo" Kimimaro pointed out.

"Anything to report Jirobo?" Kimimaro questioned.

The demon in question swallowed what he had in his mouth as he stood and politely bowed to the newcomers as he began to answer his leader.

"Nothing to report Kimimaro" Jirobo answered.

"Where is Tayuya?"

"She is currently doing the rounds with the other three you assigned to our group" Jirobo answered.

"Very well...I want you to go and find them. Every one of them needs to be back here for a briefing to discuss this mission" Kimimaro answered sternly.

Jirobo nodded as he disappeared quickly from the room. Kimimaro placed his mission supplies upon a large table, rubbing his stiff neck with his hand.

"Have you set any plans so far?" Baki asked curious.

"No, I haven't, but here..." Kimimaro answered back grabbing some files from the same table.

Kimimaro passed the folders to Baki who in turn passed them to each of the siblings that had taken them with curious looks upon their features apart from Gaara, whose features never gave anything away.

"I suggest you and your team look into the intelligence we gathered inside these files so far. They will point out who we will likely encounter on our invasion. Also, there should be details inside regarding those that are of particular interest to my lord, Orochimaru." Kimimaro stated calmly.

Baki nodded. He was informed back within the dark chambers of the snake's throne room, regarding certain conditions that the snake himself had set. He was uncertain what his own leader thought of them and had managed to send a detailed report by hawk summon to Lord Rasa whilst en route here.

"Well as you witnessed earlier I sent a summon to my leader, he will send my summon back with his news" Baki responded.

Kimimaru nodded, turning away from the Suna demon whose thoughts were currently on what took place back in the snakes underground fortress.

Flashback...

Baki heard Temari ask him silently for permission so she could leave for fresh air, the tall man could sense her unease and agreed. He felt Kankuro decide to accompany her outside mainly due to the subordinates that they had allied themselves temporarily to. Baki had noticed the way they looked at his Lord's daughter and was certain that Kankuro had noticed too. Gaara emotionless as always remained behind and stayed with him. Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at seeing the young female leave, followed by one of the males. His subordinates glanced at their retreating figures but dared not move to follow.

"You may leave and keep our guessts entertained...Apart from you Kimimaru" Orochimaru ordered.

The three male members stood and bowed to the snake demon as they quickly departed the room, leaving just the snake along with Kabuto beside him, looking at Kimimaro, Gaara and Baki

"Well then ssshall we begin?" The snake stated calmly.

"My lord has sent myself and my team here to accompany your team to begin the mission ahead. Lord Rasa is on standby, gathering his forces to move to different areas of the borders between wind and fire countries. I am to keep my lord informed on the situation."

"Hmmm...Very well, do you know how long Lord Rasssa will need to have hisss forcesss ready?"

"A few days at least... Lord Orochimaru"

"That will give us enough time to set up a plan of action ahead my lord" Kimimaro announced.

"Yesss...I do not want thisss mission to fail." Orochimaru stated firmly. "Tell me hasss your Lord told you of the certain termsss of our agreement?" Orochimaru queried.

"He has only mentioned certain things to me, my Lord." Baki answered.

"Very well I sshall enlighten you...Firsstly I underssstand your villagesss desssire is to gain more potential bloodlinesss that the land of fire clansss have. Am I correct to assume thisss?"

Baki nodded

"Yes...Lord Rasa wants to create new and pure bloodlines by mixing our clans with the other clans that we get our hands on." Baki answered.

"I will not ssstand in your way on that, however there are a couple I want that I will not give over." Orochimaru warned

"There iss one demon that I have a particular interessst in and that would be from the Uchiha clan, I have been interesssted in that clan for many yearsss and the other isss a human female from the now nearly extinct Hyuga clan" Orochimaru stated calmly.

"Hyuga clan?" Baki asked confused.

"Yesss the Hyuga clan, I will not sssay anymore on the sssubject, only that I desssire the female and asss to the agreement thosse two are to be handed over to my forcesss if any of your forcesss capture them. They are both to be unharmed do we underssstand."

"Yes"

"Good...You may ssselect the demonsss left and any othersss that are ssstill ssstanding I will take asss prisonersss, or divide them between our forcesss."

"What about the Kyubi Lord?"

"I will leave him to you to sssort out, I am not bothered if he isss dead or alive, maybe your Lord could ussse him as another weapon if you defeat him and he isss ssstill alive, of courssse."

"I will send word to Lord Rasa after the meeting" Baki answered.

Flashback end

Baki had looked at each of the files that had been handed to him. The details on what clans they would likely face in battle was descriptive. Also there was information on the human girl in one of the many pages that gave her description, which in turn had Baki curious as to why a demon such as Orochimaru, wanted the human female so badly.

"Tell me. What does your master want the human woman for?" Baki questioned

"I do not question my lord or his methods. Myself and my team live to serve him and I obey whatever orders he gives without questioning." Kimimaro stated calmly.

Baki nodded, the room was silent as each of the Suna siblings glanced at the paperwork given to them with vague interest. Whilst they waited for the remaining members to turn up and begin discussing their options for the days ahead, and when they will begin their invasion on the Kyubi's lands.

oOoOo

Time skip few days later...

Hinata sighed as she walked down the long hallways deep in thought once again, she relished the small amount of freedom she had been gifted. Kisa the small Fox summon was walking beside her like always. Hinata didn't mind her company, she felt safe with her by her side and more confident to explore her new surroundings.

Hinata was heading to the training grounds, hoping she wouldn't get lost in the process. The many hallways were confusing to her. So much so, that sometimes she ended up elsewhere. So far, she had managed to get to know a few of the demons living there. Ino visited her regularly and she had finally got to meet her mate Sai. To Hinata he was unusual, he was quite pale in complexion with dark hair and dark eyes. She had at first wondered briefly, if he was related to the other demon Sasuke? But that was quickly dismissed by Ino herself.

Sasuke she had seen on numerous occasions and he was mainly beside the pinkette named Sakura, who had treated her upon her arrival. He was quiet and never spoke to her much, although his eyes would follow her if she was beside Naruto. She had met Kiba, who was a dog demon, he seemed friendly to her along with his large white hound named Akamaru who would approach her with his tail wagging and give her hand a lick to greet her. This in turn would make her giggle and she enjoyed both their company.

Along with Kiba came his best friend Shino, now Shino was tall and was very quiet and reserved. Although he looked human to her, she had been told he controlled insects like his clan had done for centuries. He had also spoken politely to her, asking her questions about her life. Hinata had told them both about her clan, and what had happened and why they had trespassed unknowingly into their lands. Hinata felt comfortable with them both. She felt at ease getting to know more about them and their clans. Hinata was also introduced to Kiba's elder sister Hana who was as friendly as she was beautiful.

Hinata had finally reached the familiar part of the building that led to the training grounds outside. When she was first brought by Naruto to see Neji, she hadn't really taken notice to how large the training ground was. The large green field was very large and had ample room for a few demons to train and not get on top of each other. Since the meeting a few days ago many of them had made their way to the grounds and trained for the impending battle ahead.

Hinata thought back to that day in particular.

Flashback...

The throne room was filled with many demons, each arriving to listen to what would be happening in the coming days ahead. Hinata felt nervous as each of them took immediate notice of her. She remained silent as Naruto began to tell them of the impending situation, from what had been gathered so far. The tension in the room was thick, that she felt she may faint with all the energies she could feel around her.

"So Suna has finally decided to make their move?" Hiruzen stated calmly as he puffed on his pipe.

"Yes they have" Jiraiya answered

"Very well. I have gathered a few of the clans remaining as well as one that we took in from Kiragakure that sought asylum and is also willing to join us to fight." Hiruzen informed.

Naruto noticed a few faces that had arrived, Gai and Lee stood side by side. Then there was Anko, who was beside Kakashi. Asuma, along with his mate Kurenai. Then there was someone he hadn't noticed before who was stood beside Iruka. He was definitely demon in origin who had long dark brown hair, dark eyes. If Naruto didn't know any different he would have thought the demon to be female.

"Let me introduce you all to Haku." Hiruzen announced to the room.

The demon in question stiffened slightly, due to being on show in a roomful of demons that he hadn't met before but had just heard about in talking. Taking a calming breath, he stepped forward and bowed his head in polite greeting. The silence was thick as everyone present who hadn't seen this male demon before looked at him curiously.

Naruto hadn't met him before but had heard about him from Hiruzen, when they passed messages through Summons. Hiruzen had informed him about a demon from Kiragaukure, that had trespassed onto their lands, however, this demon was not looking to cause danger or aggravation. He had given himself up immediately, begging the patrollers to speak to their leader. It turned out that the demon was begging for sanctuary, having got this far.

"Haku is not from our lands but is from Kiri" Hiruzen informed the room.

Some gasps were heard but everyone remained silent wanting to hear more from the elder monkey demon.

"Haku here is from the Yuki clan. He trespassed into our lands nearly two years ago. He was found by a team of patrollers observing our borders. He instantly surrendered and wanted to speak to the leader, so he was brought to me quickly. He begged to be given asylum here in the land of fire due to the ongoing war in Kirigakure."

"Why?" Sasuke asked curious

"The ruler who is one of the demon lords Kaguya, had ordered clans that possessed bloodlines to be assassinated and purged from society. My family perished, I was found by one of the seven demon swordsman Zabuza Momochi, who had rescued me and got me out of the country. He could only travel with me so far, he had to return to the rebel side to fight against Kaguya's forces." Haku answered calmly.

"Why didn't you join the rebel side? Why flee to here?" Shikamaru now asked.

"I wanted to believe me...But Zabuza instructed me to leave to remain safe as the dangers are extremely high within Kiri and I would need sufficient training that he didn't have time to oversee." Haku answered.

"I had heard rumours about bloodline clans being persecuted. So the rumours turned out to be true after all." Jiraiya stated.

"So Haku...I have heard about this from Jiji in regards to you and your being here." Naruto began causing everyone to look at him surprised.

"You knew my lord?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yes I did...Jiji had informed me about it and had assured me there was no threat from him and that he would be closely monitored. I trust Jiji and his decision, I am surprised that you wish to fight amongst us to protect our lands" Naruto admitted.

"Lord Naruto...When I heard about the oncoming invasion, I asked Lord Hiruzen for permission to fight. I know that I am not a native here, but everyone has been kind to me since my arrival. Giving me a chance at life that I wouldn't possibly get anywhere else. I wish to offer my services to fight in this battle with, of course, your permission." Haku stated

"I will not turn down any offers to help us fend off potential enemies Haku. So welcome aboard" Naruto answered.

Haku bowed his head and stepped back in line.

"Now that everyone has gathered a few of you who have just arrived, may wonder who this is beside me." Naruto announced talking about Hinata.

Hinata felt her nerves on high edge feeling everyone's eyes upon her and was twiddling her fingers nervously. All of them from what she could make out was curious of her, but she hated being in the spotlight, and being centre of attention.

"Everyone this is Hinata Hyuga, from the late Hyuga clan. Her cousin Neji is beside Tenten. These are the only two members left of the human clan from the fallen human village, where the snakes gathered forces are present at this moment. Their village was invaded and they had escaped into our lands to travel to the next human village, which we all know by now there aren't any left. The reason as to why she is beside me is that Hinata here is my chosen mate" Naruto informed them.

Everyone who hadn't known had their eyes widen in surprise at the news.

"The snake, it seems, is after her. I will protect her as I will protect everyone I consider my ally and family. I have brought her here so that she is well informed of everything, I will not keep secrets from her. The other reason is that I want a few of you to volunteer to train her. Neji Hyuga, will be one of those I have selected, however I need a few of you to offer your time to not only train Hinata-chan here but to also train a member of the Uzumaki clan, my cousin Karin."

Everyone nodded seeing the logical sense in the matter, but a few were still surprised to find that the Kyubi Lord had a female human for a mate. Then were doubly surprised to find another member to the Uzumaki clan was now amongst them too.

"Now before we discuss the training...We have other things to talk about." Naruto announced getting back on track regarding the main subject of the meeting.

Flashback End...

Hinata had broken from her thoughts, she so far had a lot to think about, especially with the bonding situation. Naruto was being patient with her, even knowing that time wasn't on their side. Hinata had been thinking upon it more, like he had asked her to do. Later she would be meeting up with Ino again, the last few days she has found that she has enjoyed speaking to Ino, who she had found liked to gossip.

The brief meetings they had were a welcome distraction to her, the other female she had now begun to talk to was Tenten the demon huntress. Naruto had ordered that Neji trained Hinata in order to protect herself, which the blonde had explained to Neji his reasons after the meeting. Neji reluctantly understood the logic and had agreed to the order, other than Neji she had also been given lessons from Tenten. Hinata had found that she liked the woman very much and from close observations she had surmised quickly, why her cousin had been so vacant with her that day.

Hinata had wondered why he was acting distant, but the next day it was quite clear as to why her beloved elder cousin she saw as her brother was being like that. The reason was simple, it was the demon huntress Tenten. Hinata with the help of Kisa who always remained beside her led her out to the training field for her first lesson. The training field wasn't empty upon her arrival, she had noticed that her cousin was already there along with Tenten. Both of them were warming up, so Hinata had stood off to the side and waited patiently for them to finish.

Hinata had grown up with Neji, they had grown close as young children. When Neji was sealed he went to the branch side and she never saw him until two years later when his father, her uncle Hizashi, who was her father's younger twin brother died due to illness. Her father broke tradition and had moved Neji into the main house to live with them. Hinata knew Neji wasn't normally expressive with his emotions. Usually it was her that had reddened cheeks from blushing, but she had noticed a slight redness that had formed on her cousin's cheeks.

At first, she put it down to exertion, but that was immediately pushed aside later in the training when she caught his lingering gazes upon Tenten. He never noticed that Hinata had caught him doing so. The next day was the same and she did notice a slight reddening bruise upon his neck. Whilst Hinata had a break and was sat beside her cousin as Tenten took some time to train with her weapons she finally decided to question him.

Flashback...

Hinata had to admit seeing the demon huntress summon weapon after weapon was shocking as well as entertaining to watch. Hinata had been trained by Neji first on more of their clans fighting style. Tenten had been training her with how to use weaponry. The bluenette was now sat beside her cousin who taking a short break. Hinata glanced at Neji, seeing his eyes were intently watching the display in front of him.

"Neji-nii...Do you like Tenten-chan?" Hinata asked.

In all Hinata's years of knowing Neji, she had never seen his cheeks turn crimson like herself before. She noticed his eyes had widened to the size of dinner plates, turning her face towards her so quickly she thought he might strain his neck by doing so.

"W-What!?" Neji stuttered out in surprise and shock.

Hinata had witnessed it all and knew that even if her cousin wasn't admitting it to her, she was certain that he had developed some sort of feelings for Tenten. Hinata had to admit Tenten was very beautiful and a talented fighter, she could understand how her cousin was fascinated by her. She had wondered briefly on how Tenten felt for her cousin and was certain it was the same.

"I asked you if you liked Tenten-chan?" Hinata asked him again.

"W-Why ask me that Hinata-sama?" Neji asked.

"No reason Neji-nii" Hinata sighed with a slight smile.

Flashback End...

Hinata was more than certain that her cousin had indeed developed some feelings for Tenten, even if he himself wasn't aware of it. Hinata had thought they complimented each other and if and when they would get together she would of course give him her blessing.

Hinata had finally arrived at the training grounds and noticed that her cousin nor Tenten was present which confused her. Hinata went towards the side and sat down upon the grass with Kisa sitting beside her as she waited patiently for them to arrive. Within a few moments a yellow and orange flash occurred a few feet in front of her, revealing none other than Naruto.

"L-Lord Naruto!?" Hinata stuttered out in surprise.

Since their talk she hadn't seen much of him, and had found herself thinking about him and what he was doing. Seeing the object if her thoughts now in front of her made her own cheeks flush slightly. He was wearing his usual clothing of orange and black with a white coat with red flames along the seams. His bangs seemed longer to her or was they always long but she had only just taken notice.

"Hime" Naruto greeted her softly with a warm smile.

The blonde walked towards her until they were standing a few paces apart, his face looked serious that had made her heart thunder within her along with her growing anxiety.

"Hime...I am here to tell you that from today your training will be overseen by Tsunade Senju. Your cousin will resume training you in a couple of days time. He is going to be on a mission of importance, I will also be accompanying him with a few others I have selected."

"B-But..."

"I know you get upset when your cousin is selected...But I really need him for this mission." Naruto explained

Hinata nodded feeling a tinge of fear well up within her for her cousin. She was shocked that the blonde was also taking leave and had wondered what the mission was about.

"Jiraiya will be in charge, and baa-chan will look out for you in my absense. I am sorry that I haven't been able to spend much time with you as of late. I know that you have a lot to think about regarding the subject of mating. I really do hope that you come to a decision soon though...Hime" Naruto answered softly a slight dusting of pink upon his cheeks.

Hinata felt her cheeks grow hot and was probably beet red at his words, she nodded too frightened to talk in case her voice was too high pitched.

"I will take leave, Hime...I will leave you with baa-chan since she has arrived now." Naruto stated

Hinata glanced and saw the elder female stood off to the side watching them. Naruto had turned to get ready to teleport when he felt a warm hand holding his arm, stopping him in his tracks. The blonde glanced towards Hinata seeing her head lowered and was puzzled. Hinata slowly lifted her head towards him, he could then sense the worry and fear within her building as well as her feeling upset with the situation.

"P-Please...C-Come back safe...Y-You and Neji-nii" Hinata pleaded softly.

Naruto felt his own cheeks instantly warm and his heart beating incredibly fast, he had expected her to ask him to keep her cousin safe. He was surprised as his heart leapt with joy, at hearing her words that had included him as well. He couldn't help but to reveal a truly warm, and genuine smile, that again had Hinata looking at him in a blushing daze and Tsunade looking on with her chin hitting the floor at seeing the blonde actually give a smile.

"I will, Hime...I promise" Naruto answered her softly.

A few seconds passed by as they both looked at each other and then he disappeared in a flash of light, Hinata remained standing where she was just watching the place where the blonde had stood, feeling all sorts of emotions that were all confusing to her. Hinata felt a gentle hand rest upon her shoulder making her turn towards the female demon, Tsunade, who she had spoken to a few times briefly since the meeting.

"Don't worry...Naruto will return and will keep your cousin safe, the gaki always keeps his promises." Tsunade assured her.

Hinata nodded, wiping the few falling tears from her eyes and smiled.

"Well then, let's head inside, I want to discuss more with you regarding your healing ointments"

"O-Of course" Hinata answered following Tsunade back inside with Kisa trailing alongside her.

oOoOo

Naruto had emerged out the front where the team he had gathered was already situated ready and waiting for him to arrive. He had selected a few to divide into teams among them was Neji, Tenten, Lee, Kiba, Shino, Shikamaru, Sai, and Sakura. The others were to remain and guard their home.

"I see you finally arrived, my lord" Shikamaru announced.

"Yes I had to visit Hinata-chan seeing as she was waiting for Tenten and Neji" Naruto answered.

"Very well shall we set of my lord?"

"Yes...Everyone knows their designated teams...So let's get started." Naruto ordered.

Everyone present headed off following behind their blonde leader.

oOoOo

Human village Remains...

A hawk circled the skies above the village. Baki had been stood on one of the undamaged walls waiting for the summon to arrive. He felt the slight pull on his chakra alerting him that it was close. Raising his arm out, the hawk circled again as it made its way to land on its summoners arm.

Baki felt this hawk land and took the small message scroll that was secured on its leg. He dismissed the hawk summon immediately to the summoning world. Taking the scroll, he jumped from the tall wall to the ground and headed inside the building. Unravelling the message as he walked, looking at the neatly written contents inside.

It seemed that Rasa had his forces ready and in position to begin operation Invade and Conquer. All that was needed was the signal from him once they went over the plans they had been planning the last few days. Lord Orochimaru had sent a message stating that he would have powerful reinforcements on standby if needed. Baki had wondered who else was in league with the snake as he entered the planning room.

oOoOo

Otokagakure...

Orochimaru was sat upon his throne with a devilish smile. His new experiment had worked perfectly as he looked upon the eight demons before him that he had summoned. Each of them had unique and powerful techniques and were now in his control to use as he wanted. Each prisoner that Kabuto had selected for his master to use was perfect. Each of them stood facing their new master with different expressions.

"You two...I want you to go on a misssion for me that isss of importantance, the ressst of you may be disssmisssed, but to be on sstandby" Orochimaru ordered.

The six demons left the room obediently, leaving the remaining two behind, awaiting their orders.

Yellow eyes took pride and satisfaction in his work as he looked the two demons over, they were powerful he could feel their demonic chakra radiating from them. He was immensely pleased with the discovery of the ancient scroll from a temple not too far away. He had studied its contents carefully and was amazed by what he could do to get his forces unstoppable. Soon he would have the entire world at his feet, ruling over everything in his grasp.

"I need you to head to Sssuna village for me and deal with a certain problem there." The snake began.

oOoOo

A/N:- Again thank you to everyone following and favouriting my story I really appreciate it. A big thank you to my beta Oceanmoon for looking over each chapter. I have been busy personally with family, writing here and there on chapters, and also catching up on chapters to stories that I am currently reading.

Until next chapter guys x