Faith Questioned

The sound of snapping wood filled the air as what used to be a tree slammed into the ground where Kurenai and Shinkō had been standing, Kurenai only barely dodging. Kurenai turned and what she saw would haunt her for years to come. Naruto was crouched down low on the splintered remains of a stump. An angry red chakra that vaguely resembled a one-tailed fox bubbled around him. His nails had become claws, his whisker marks had darkened and expanded, his canines had become fangs. But that all paled in comparison to his eyes, normally a kind sparkling blue, were blood red and filled with nothing save rage and bloodlust. Kurenai tried, and failed, to steady her hands as her mind ran with possibilities when the tail trailing behind Naruto expanded and grew misshapen before it split in two. Throwing its head back the red cloaked Naruto let loose a bone rattling roar that was equal parts human…and inhuman.

"YOU DARE!? YOU DARE PROFANE THE GRACE SO!?" The shining Shinkō shouted bursting from the foliage of the downed tree. His tattoos glowed more brightly than ever, his eyed filled with indignant rage. "I WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CONTINUE TO BLASPHEME SO! LIGNT STYLE: BLADES OF THE SERAPH JUTSU!" Dozens of light orbs winked into existence and flooded the area with beams of energy. But Naruto was too fast and seemed to blur from sight as it wove around the incoming attacks. Shinkō continued firing but lost sight of the monster due to the smoke his attacks were creating. Shinkō's eyes darted to and fro looking for the blasphemer. His instincts screamed at him and he threw up a wall of light as the red covered Naruto slammed into it forcing Shinkō back a few feet. His eyes met that of the beast's blood-red eyes staring back at him. Beyond the overwhelming bloodlust Shinkō could see a vast malevolent intelligence looking back at him.

With an inhuman roar Naruto swung both of his tails and smashed them against the wall, sending cracks splintering across its surface. Shinkō tried to reinforce the wall but the twin tails were already descending once more. They smashed through the light screen and slammed down where Shinkō was standing, but the glowing man had already leapt into the air avoiding the attack. With a flick of his wrist he sent a few orbs hurtling towards the red-clad boy, who wrapped himself with his tails just as the lights exploded. Before the smoke cleared a red chakra tail swept out and slammed into Shinkō's side sending him hurtling through the air. He flew through one tree and splintered a second. The taste of iron filled his mouth as Shinkō shakily got to his feet. "Light Style: Armor of the Hierarch Jutsu!" The light emanating from Shinkō's tattoos coalesced around him forming translucent plates that covered his body.

He raised his forearm just in time to catch Naruto's claws on the plate protecting him from harm. Before Naruto could retract his arm or slam Shinkō with his tails the monk punched Naruto in his gut as hard as he could. The plate covering the arm buried in Naruto's stomach shattered, then exploded sending the beast flying through the air away from him. He took a step forward when the light shining from his tattoos dimmed and flickered. Breathing deeply the lights began to gain in radiance. This was dangerous, Shinkō's body couldn't handle much more of this, and he had already passed the safety limit. But if it meant purging the world of such blasphemy, then so be it. Extending his unprotected arm one of the circling lights morphed into the plate he had lost and slotted itself into his armor. "In the name of the Savior you shall be destroyed." Shinkō whispered to himself as the plates covering his feet exploded propelling him towards the out of control Jinchῡriki.


"Kurenai-sensei, what is happening to Naruto?" Shino asked as he and Kurenai carried an unconscious Hinata away from the fights epicenter.

"I can't explain right now, just get you and Hinata to safety," Kurenai ordered. "I'm going to assist Naruto." With that Kurenai turned from the two and moved up to the foliage to gain a better vantage point. She said she was going to enter the fight and help Naruto, but didn't know if that meant attacking Shinkō, or trying to stop Naruto. She saw Shinkō flying through the air with the Kyuubi controlled Naruto chasing after. Then Naruto was sent flying with Shinkō chasing after him. She already knew that Shinkō was currently immune to genjutsu, and she had no idea what Naruto's current capabilities were. Watching the raging battle below Kurenai noted that Shinkō was starting to look fatigued. He was covered in scrapes and bruises and his breathing was labored. Naruto, on the other hand, except for his clothes, which were beyond ruined at this point, looked like he could still run a marathon. She had heard that the Kyuubi was a being of nearly limitless chakra, but only now did she fully understand what that meant.

She had a few special genjutsus she had prepared to combat the Kyuubi, but wanted to save them for when they weren't fighting a crazed religious fanatic hell bent on exorcising them for some bizarre sin. For now, she would wait and observe the fight. If Shinkō gained the upper hand she would intervene, if not she would let Naruto-no not Naruto, Naruto wasn't the one fighting-tire himself out.


Kill him

Rip him apart

Destroy him

He hurt us

He hurt HER

He must die

"Light Style: Blades of the Seraph Jutsu!" Pain lite up his sides as beams of energy grazed him. He roared his anger and used one of his tails to throw a tree at him.

He hurt us

He hurt her

He

Would

Die

We will not be stopped


Shinkō brought his foot down right onto the head of the abomination, the plate exploded burying Naruto into the ground. An angry red tail sprung from the ground and tried to wrap around Shinkō's throat. He kicked it away and gathered the last of his remaining light orbs and fired all of them into the hole he created using the beast. A roar of pain filled the now smoky forest as the red covered Naruto burst from the ground a short distance away.

He couldn't last a lot longer at this point. He was bruised, bloody, and badly beaten. His chakra was running out and the only thing that his opponent had to show for the fight was some burnt up clothing. Any wound he inflicted healed up instantly and he didn't seem to be running out of chakra anytime soon. But he couldn't give up now, he was close he knew it. He just needed one clean strike, one shot to kill the beast dead. The last of the glowing plates surrounding him floated off and resumed their round shapes. With the thrust of one hand the orbs let loose their deadly beams sweeping the area, but the beast was too nimble and managed to dodge the attacks, right to where Shinkō wanted him to be. The orbs surrounding him coalesced into one giant glorious ball of energy. With a primal roar Shinkō threw his arms out wide "Light Style: Wrath of the Hierarch Jutsu!"


Kurenai frantically leaped from branch to branch as Shinkō's beams cut through all the trees in the surrounding area, clearing out the area. She hit the ground hard, but managed to roll with it and got back to her feet instantly. She was about to seek higher ground when a blinding light filled what felt like the entirety of the forest.


Shino continued to shuffle away from the battle, still dragging Hinata along with him. "Mmhmm," Hinata mumbled as her head moved slightly. Shino allowed himself to hope she would wake up and that they could go back and help out. But no, she remained asleep. He only hoped that Kurenai was handling the situation and that Naruto was alright. When…whatever that was…happened his remaining Kikaichῡ had gone crazy and had entered into emergency defensive formations around the queen, and there was very little he had been able to do to control them otherwise.

But their heightened wariness served him well as they sent him a warning and he managed to throw himself and Hinata to the ground as multiple beams cut through the underbrush around them. The small ferns and shrubs burst into flames from the heat. But he couldn't rest as the beams swept through the area cutting everything in their path. Shino struggled to move both himself and Hinata so that they could avoid the attacks. He managed to keep Hinata safe, and almost got himself cut in the process, but avoiding such a fate cost him his coat. Trying to keep up left him unbalanced though. He wouldn't be able to avoid the next pass of the light in time as he was. "I apologize Hinata," Shino said as he shoved her away from himself with all his might. The momentum threw the two shinobi out of the path, but separated them. He had to leap further away, but luckily Hinata remained safe. The beams died down and he was about to go pick Hinata back up when the whole forest was engulfed in light.


Panting, Shinkō had to put his hands on his knees to catch his breath. A keening inhuman cry of pain filled the air. The abomination wasn't killed in the blast; it would be back soon. He had a plan, but couldn't put it into motion here. He ran trying to find where the light was just right, when the howl of a vengeful demon filled the air. He moved faster, pushing his body well past its already strained limits. Turning Shinkō spread his arms wide and began invoking a prayer. With a roar Naruto charged straight for Shinkō, malice in its eyes.

"Light Style: Bonds of the Sinner Jutsu!" Bringing his hands together chains of light materialized from thin air and bound Naruto locking him in place just as his tails were about to impale Shinkō. The enraged Naruto struggled and thrashed trying to shatter his bonds, but they held him fast. His hands shook with the effort of holding the beast. When Shinkō was confidant the abomination was held static he slowly separated his hands, a ball of light forming between them. "I know you cannot die, beast," Shinkō sneered locking his shining eyes with Naruto's blood red ones. It calmed as they stared at each other and Shinkō once more gazed into the great intelligence behind the childlike façade. "I know not the means to your destruction, but we will find it! We will fix what the Usurper has broken! We will have the salvation that was stolen from us! We wil-" Shinkō stopped, his eyes going wide. He heard it, a twisted whisper, an echo of a sigh, he though it a trick, one of the Usurper's illusions, but no. Thin black wisps flowed around the red cloaked Naruto, looking so fragile that a mere breeze would scatter them. With an inhuman roar the chains binding the beast shattered.

The tails held static thrust forward, acting on instinct Shinkō dived to the side managing to avoid one tail, only for the other to stab him in the side. With a cry of pain Shinkō let loose his technique blasting Naruto in the shoulder with the beam of light. The abomination staggered back from the blow as Shinkō used a tree to pull himself up. His side was bleeding heavily, his tattoos were flickering, and he could feel the malevolent chakra trying to eat him from the inside out. The battle…was lost. "Child who bears the Usurper's sin, and the Savior's Grace. We will meet again." Roaring Naruto leapt. "Light Style: Leap of Faith Jutsu!" And with a blinding flash of light, Shinkō was gone.


Shinkō was gone, she couldn't sense him anywhere, and Naruto was frantically scanning the area looking for him. She quietly moved closer making sure to stay downwind of him, just in case his smell was strengthened. He still hadn't noticed her and she started preparing her illusions, if she could trap him, she could subdue him. She was about ready to cast when her eyes went wide, color drained from her face, and her heart plunged into her stomach. "NO!" She shouted leaping into the open prepared to die

Or kill if necessary.


Where was he

He was gone

He had hurt us

He had hurt HER

He had gotten away

We will find him

We will KILL him

Their nose worked furiously, but they could find no trace.

We will find him

We will have revenge

We will not be stopped

We will show him our anger

We will show him our fury

We will show them all

The bushes rustled to their right. They turned towards the sound snarling and baring their fangs. They stopped and looked on curiously, they felt no ill intent.

Unimportant

We track

We hunt

We kill

He will not escape us

"N-Naruto?" It reached for them

"NO!"


Where was she. The world was fuzzy, she had trouble seeing. She felt tired, the splitting headache wasn't helping. She was with her team, right? Wasn't she on a mission? She stumbled through some bushes, groping the air in front of her, blinking her eyes trying to clear up her vision. There was someone in front of her, she squinted trying to make out details, was that a snarl she heard? She made out flashes of red, or was that yellow, orange maybe? Wasn't she in a forest? Why would there be orange here? Naruto! Naruto wears orange, maybe it was him. He could explain what was going on. "N-Naruto?" She said reaching out. A flash of something red moved in her blurry sight, something hit her hand, it burned!

Hinata staggered back as the pain pierced the haze surrounding her mind, and the adrenaline cleared her eyesight some. Blinking she finally got a good look at what was happening. Naruto stood in front of her, at least she thought it was Naruto. He was covered in what she could only assume was red chakra, she didn't even know that chakra could be a color other than blue. In fact, she could almost make out an animal's profile in the chakra's form. What looked like ears stood alert above his head, and two tails of pure chakra waved lazily behind him. His whiskers had enlarged as had his canines, they were fangs now. But the change that disconcerted her the most, were his eyes. She would probably never admit this out loud, ever, but she loved Naruto's eyes. She loved how they looked so crystal clear, how they always seemed filled with energy, with humor, good cheer, and she especially loved them when they were filled with mischief.

These weren't Naruto's eyes. They were red, slitted, and filled with anger. "NO!" The two turned as Kurenai charged. Naruto crouched low, and released a guttural growl that chilled Hinata's blood as he readied to meet Kurenai's charge.

"Naruto!?" He turned towards her and Hinata was confronted with the Kyuubi's full blood lust. She staggered back and, she hated to admit it, whimpered. Naruto's expression changed from murderous rage to confusion at Hinata's reaction. He looked down at himself and jumped in surprise, as though he just now realized he was surrounded by angry red chakra. He looked back up as his eyes turning from red back to blue.

"H-Hinata I-I-I can e-explain," Naruto stuttered as his chakra cloak started evaporating. "I-it's not w-what you think, I p-promise. I-I c-ca-can exp-xplain." Hinata looked into Naruto's eyes and saw only fear. "I-it's not wh-what you th-thi…" Naruto tried to continue making excuses but his eyelids grew heavy and he collapsed to the ruined forest floor, unconscious.

"Hinata are you okay?" Kurenai asked rushing to the girl.

"Y-yeah, j-just my hand."

"Shino! Shino!"

"I am here," Shino said limping out from the brush, nursing an injured arm. Hinata looked around utterly confused.

"Wh-what happened? Did we w-win, a-and Naruto?" Hinata asked moving to the unconscious boy's side. She was relieved to find that he was breathing evenly.

"Naruto…used a…secret Uzumaki technique and managed to push Shinkō back," Kurenai said as she gently, but firmly, pulled Hinata away from Naruto.

"What kind of technique was it, I have never heard, seen, or read about anything like that?" Shino asked.

"That's because Naruto is one of the last Uzumaki's around. I don't think anyone else can do what he just did," Kurenai said as she swallowed a chakra pill. She then bent down and picked Naruto up and placed him on her back. "Shinkō might still be around. We need to get back to the village quickly," Kurenai said turning towards Hinata and Shino.

"W-will Naruto be a-alright?" Hinata asked worriedly.

"He looks to be in better shape than the rest of us," Shino noted as he looked Naruto over. Indeed, Naruto didn't have a single scratch or bruise anywhere on him. Where the rest of the team had their own assortment of bumps, scrapes, and cuts.

"We'll all be fine, but we'll need to push ourselves, we're not stopping till we get home. Think you guys can do it?" Hinata and Shino nodded as Kurenai lead them away from the ruined forest.


Hinata forced herself to not blink as the blinding light shone in her eye. She really wanted to just grab the doctor's penlight and throw it out the window, she had had enough of obnoxious lights today. "Okay your pupils are dilating normally, now follow my finger please, Lady Hinata," The Hyῡga doctor said as Hinata followed the finger being waved in front of her. After she had been checked out by a regular doctor they sent away for a Hyῡga specialist when Hinata complained that her eyes hurt. Aside from her eyes the only other noteworthy injury Hinata had was the burn on her hand. She was told that it was a chakra burn, and that one on this scale was rare, especially for a genin.

"Okay, your following seems to be unaffected. Now look at the chart please and tell me the direction the letter is facing starting from the top please." She did so with only a little trouble on the bottom row. Even without the Byakugan the Hyῡga had exceptional eyesight. "Good, one more test Lady Hinata," The doctor said moving behind Hinata. "Now, how many fingers am I holding up?"

Hinata activated her Byakugan, which was harder for her than usual, and made her eyes feel sore. "Five, two in front and three behind your back." Hinata grunted as she deactivated her dōjutsu and rubbed her eyes.

"Okay," The doctor said moving back around. "Don't worry, it seems that you have simply overused your Byakugan. It is to be expected with your first C-rank mission, more importantly a C-rank mission that ran into unexpected difficulties," The doctor explained.

"B-but I've k-kept my eyes a-active much longer during endurance t-training."

"Yes I have your records right here, a very impressive time for one of your age. But keeping the Byakugan active for endurance training is much different than constant use during combat. Most Hyῡga don't appreciate that fact and often come back with overused Byakugan their first few times outside the village. Your eyes will strengthen in time. But for now you are not allowed to use your Byakugan until I give you a clean bill of health, and I want you to come back to the compound with me to put on some blinders for the rest of the day." Hinata grimaced, she couldn't help it, all Hyῡga hated the blinders. Tinted glasses that were basically opaque for all intents and purposes. Hinata was resigned to her fate

"How did you come to acquire such severe chakra burns on your hand?" the doctor asked pointing to Hinata's bandaged hand.

"The d-doctors already t-took care of it," Hinata said holding her injured hand.

"Yes, but your father specifically asked me to ensure your health and safety. You are our heiress after all. Let me see if there is anything that I can do to help." The doctor said.

"Sorry I c-can't say anything," Hinata said. Kurenai had told them that they couldn't say anything about the mission that wasn't absolutely necessary for their treatment until after Kurenai had talked to the Hokage.

"Very well I will leave it then. Come Lady Hinata your Father is waiting," The doctor said motioning to the door.

"C-can I see my t-teammates first?" Hinata asked worried after Shino and Naruto.

The doctor thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well. I will inform your father that you are ensuring the health and safety of your teammates. We Hyῡga must lead by example after all. But I want you reporting to my office at the clan compound immediately upon arrival."

"Th-thank you Doctor," Hinata said relieved. "My pleasure Lady Hinata."


"Okay one more time just so I understand," Hiruzen said as he requested some headache reliever from his secretary. Kurenai sighed as she prepared to explain what happened for the fourth time.

"We were attacked by bandits on the way to Tabe, but we dealt with it with no problem. After we handed Mr. Takaki over to the next team we decided to take the Jizanaogo Pass, so that we could avoid the bandits in the region. But they were waiting in ambush for us in the pass."

"Because they wanted the Byakugan."

"Yes, they were led by Jishin the Rumble, from Iwa. During the fight the one named Shinkō joined the fray and slew all the bandits, including Jishin."

"And he's from an organization called the Shrouded Heralds?"

"Yes, do you know them?"

"Not off hand no, but I will ask the intelligence division what they know."

"He claimed that he was helping us out of kindness. I didn't trust him but the pass collapsed from the battle and we had no choice but to follow them."

"I will send a missive to the daimyo to get that cleared up, continue."

"He seemed harmless enough, and Naruto didn't sense any hostility from him so we traveled with him since he claimed to be heading in the same direction. I figured it would be better to keep him in my eyes than to risk him attacking us unawares. It seemed like we would part ways peacefully until…"

"Until?"

"I don't know, he started going on a rant about artifacts and a usurper and then attacked us. I had placed numerous genjutsus on him while travelling and had him incapacitated when his tattoos started glowing. After that none of my illusion worked on him. More worrying was him using some sort of light element. I had never seen anything like it."

"And when exactly did Naruto lose control?"

"Shinkō did…something to Hinata. Naruto used some techniques I've never seen before, or anything like them. Shinkō blasted him through a tree and then…it came out."

"This is not good. What's the status of your team?"

"Naruto was unconscious when I left them. Shino seemed mostly unhurt, but I could tell that losing the majority of his bugs affected him. I'm worried about Hinata the most to be honest. She seemed fine when she woke up, but I don't know what Shinkō was trying to do to her, or if he succeeded."

"How many tails did Naruto have?"

"Two. Will Naruto be alright?"

"He should be, he should be. I will monitor the situation closely to ensure the "incident" hasn't altered Naruto in any significant way. I trust that you understand that you are to tell no one of what happened, this matter has become highly classified. Do you understand?'

"Yes sir, I have already informed Hinata and Shino that they are not to tell anyone anything."

"Good, good. Head back to the hospital, to get fully checked up on. I thank you for coming to me so quickly. Dismissed," Hiruzen said as Kurenai bowed and left the room. With a wave of his hand an ANBU agent appeared in front of Hiruzen. "Find Jiraiya, he should still be in the village somewhere. Check the bathhouses first. When you find him say 'the red dawn rises twice'." With a nod the ANBU vanished. Hiruzen wasn't looking forward to Ziren returning. Cracking his neck Hiruzen rose from his seat, there were some top secrets files he needed to get.


Hinata walked down the hallway, she had needed to ask directions a few times to find where Naruto was being checked out. For some reason it was different than where she had had her examination. She found Shino sitting on a chair and sat on the one next to his. "How are you feeling Hinata, are you well?" Shino asked.

"Y-yeah, I just overused my B-Byakugan," Hinata said.

"And your hand?"

"They s-said that with the proper c-care it w-won't scar."

"Did they not use healing jutsu?"

"The d-doctors were w-worried that more ch-chakra would aggravate the b-burn."

"Can healing ninjutsu do that?"

"I-I guess so. What ab-about you, are you o-okay?"

"A few minor bruises. The greatest damage to me was to my hive. It will take time for them to reproduce, but my Kikaichῡ will return, stronger than they were before."

"G-good," Hinata said. The two sat in awkward silence as they didn't ask the question both wanted answered. "Wh-what happened after I p-passed out?" Hinata finally asked. She hadn't had a chance to ask before because Kurenai pushed them hard to get back to the village as quickly as possible, and then they were separated to be checked on by the hospital.

"After Shinkō, I am unsure of what to call it, knocked you out. Naruto used a new technique and managed to separate you from Shinkō. Since my combat capabilities were greatly diminished I was tasked with ensuring your safety. While moving to safety I saw Naruto get sent flying and then subsequently explode. I had…I had worried that he had perished," Shino said, Hinata noticed his hand shaking. Shino used his other hand to steady it.

"Th-then what happened?" Hinata asked, almost afraid of the answer.

"Then? I do not know exactly. It felt as though Naruto had changed into something completely different." Hinata was about to ask another question when the door they were waiting in front of opened and a seemingly younger woman with blonde hair and a purple diamond mark on her forehead stepped out.

"L-Lady Tsunade!" Hinata eeped, jumping to her feet Shino quickly following.

"Huh? Oh um…Hinata…and…Shino." Tsunade said taking a moment to remember her ex-students. "What are you two doing here?"

"We are waiting to hear how our teammate is doing," Shino informed her. "Are you his doctor?"

"You mean Naruto Uzumaki? Yeah I just finished checking him an-"

"How is he!?" Hinata cut in before remembering who she was talking to and lowered her head, her face red.

"We were in a pitched battle and Naruto took the brunt of the attack, we are very worried about him," Shino said saving Hinata further embarrassment.

"Really? Could've fooled me, the brat doesn't have a scratch on him," Tsunade said going over Naruto's chart.

"So he's o-oaky then?" Hinata asked hopefully.

"He just has some minor chakra exhaustion he'll sleep it off soon enough. In fact, normally we'd release him as soon as he'd wake up, but since his guardian's out of the village we'll keep him overnight." Both Hinata and Shino released the breath they had been holding as relief washed through them. "But, you two are more hurt than he is, so go rest or I'll make ya rest. Got it?"

"Yes Lady Tsunade!" Hinata and Shino said remembering the punishments Tsunade gave out at the academy.

"Good. I need to go talk to the old man, you two take care," Tsunade said walking away. Hinata didn't like to admit it but she always felt intimidated by Tsunade and was always glad when her class finally finished in the academy.

"I was unaware that Tsunade was practicing medicine again," Shino said adjusting his glasses. "Quite the coincidence that it would be Naruto who would receive her care. Especially if he was unharmed like she claimed," Shino said trying to follow a trail that seemed to be forming in his head.

"M-maybe she lost at pach-chinko again," Hinata said.

"Hmm, possible. I should go, my mother will begin to worry if I take longer. I am sure that the hospital has already informed her."

"I-I should go t-too, the Hyῡga d-doctor wants me to w-wear blinders," Hinata said shuddering.

"Blinders?" Shino asked.

"N-no I just…I j-just don't w-want to wear them-sigh-" Hinata tried explaining but just deflated.

"Yes well…I believe that I will go home and sleep. That seems like a good idea. See you later Hinata," Shino bowed before leaving. Instead of leaving and facing the dreaded glasses Hinata walked into the room and found Naruto fast asleep on the bed. She just wanted to reaffirm that he was, indeed, okay.

"S-see you in the morning," Hinata said as she left the room, her worries allayed for now.


Hinata had woken up early, not as early as she usually does she was exhausted after all, and headed towards the hospital to check up on Naruto. Kurenai had found Hinata and Shino and told them that they would have tomorrow off to rest, and that they would meet the day after. Having nothing better to do she, and taking advantage of the fact that Hyῡga don't wear blinders outside the compound, too embarrassing, she left. She walked through the front door and walked up to the receptionist. "E-excuse me, I'm l-looking for Naruto, N-Naruto Uzumaki."

"One moment Lady Hyῡga, just let me see what room he's in," The elderly receptionist said as she looked at her clipboard. "I'm sorry, it seems he has already checked out this morning, first thing it seems," The receptionist said somewhat apologetically.

"Th-thank you for your t-time," Hinata said walking out of the hospital. Ziren often woke Naruto up early, but that didn't mean that Naruto was a morning person. He must have really been restless. If he wasn't there where would he be…Ichiraku's…of course. Hinata didn't know if they opened that early, but decided to head over anyway.

Surprisingly, it was open. Shrugging off such odd hours Hinata walked under the curtains and smelled the savory aroma wafting through the air. "Hey Hinata, welcome back," Ayame said spotting the young girl.

"H-hey Ayame, have you seen N-Naruto?" Hinata asked hopefully.

"Naruto?" Teuchi asked walking in from the back. "Yea you just missed him. He was halfway through his third bowl when he got this anxious look. Said he was late and left in a hurry. Didn't even finish the bowl, never seen him do that before," Teuchi said shaking his head.

"W-when was that?" Hinata asked. "Just a minute ago, surprised you didn't see him," Ayame said.

"O-oh," Hinata said disappointed. "B-by the way, wh-why do you have s-such weird hours?"

"Well ya see, a lot of shinobi travel through the night to make it back to the village. They usually want to eat something hot and hearty before going to bed. There is a surprising amount of business to be had at this time." To accentuate his point a weary looking shinobi walked in and sat down next to another tired ninja and ordered two bowls of ramen.

"W-well thanks' for the h-help," Hinata said bowing out of the ramen stand.

"Come back soon!" Ayame shouted after her.

Not at the hospital, and she had just missed him at the ramen stand. She would check his apartment next. She stopped mid-step as something occurred to her. Naruto was a sensor, a skilled one too. Wouldn't he have sensed her approach and met her instead of walking off. He was probably just too tired and didn't sense her, or maybe he…no, no, no he must have just missed her. She made it to the apartment building and made it up to Naruto and Ziren's door and knocked. She knocked again but no answer. She still wasn't allowed to use her Byakugan so she couldn't really search the village. She could see him at the team meeting tomorrow so she wasn't really worried.

Now she had the whole day to…to do what? Before, she was a student at the academy which filled her days. Any days off were spent training or studying in order to please her father. After she graduated she and Naruto were put on the same team, and any free time the pair had was spent together. She legitimately didn't know what to do for the day. She could go visit Shino, but he didn't really seem like the kind to "hang out" as Naruto often called it. Maybe he had just never been asked, but she wasn't brave enough to be the first. She still wasn't cleared by her doctor to train effectively. She had nothing to do today.

She was alone.


Hinata was anxious, she got to the training grounds even earlier than usual. She was pacing back and forth, waiting for the rest of her team. Shino was the first to arrive. "Good morning Hinata," Shino greeted.

"M-morning Shino."

"Did you see Naruto yesterday?"

"N-no, he had left the h-hospital before I g-got there, and I c-couldn't find him," Hinata said dejectedly.

"I am sure that he is alright, it is Naruto we are speaking of after all."

"He should be here soon anyway," Kurenai said causing Hinata to jump and Shino to adjust his glasses. "It's a lot easier to sneak up on you guys without Naruto."

"How are you feeling Kurenai-sensei?" Shino asked.

"I'll be fine, just a few cuts. Now where is Naruto?" As though saying his name summoned him Naruto ran into the clearing

"Sorry I'm late guys." Hinata was about to return the greeting when Kurenai addressed her team.

"Okay guys so what I first want to say is that our first C-rank mission was a success."

"B-but what about S-Shinkō?" Hinata asked.

"If my memory serve we were tasked with seeing the Merchant Takaki safely to the city of Tabe, and to accompany him in the city while he went about his business. Then we were to transfer his safe keeping to another team for the next leg of his journey. Shinkō attacked us after that had been accomplished. Meaning that our mission was indeed a success," Shino said.

"Correct," Kurenai replied. "While on a mission one must be prepared for anything to happen. But most important is to see the mission to completion, no matter what. So while we took a hit from Shinkō, we still won in the end."

"Of course we won, we're the best genin team in the village!" Naruto interjected.

"Right, anyway I spoke to the Lord Third and he's said that what happened on the mission is to be confidential while investigating Shinkō and his group. So no telling anyone, understood."

"Yes Sensei!" the three genin said in unison.

"Now with that out of the way how are you guys doing?"

"My hive is recovering according to schedule. I should be back to full combat capabilities within a few days."

"Th-the doctor said I ov-over strained my Byakugan, b-but should be f-fine with some r-rest."

"The blonde doctor lady said I was good to go, no lasting damage."

"Okay, we're not going to do any heavy combat training, but we'll still do our exercises. So start your laps. Go!" The three genin took off and started running around the training grounds. Hinata tried to catch up to Naruto so she could talk to them, but Naruto seemed to be really putting his all into the exercises and always remained ahead of her.

"Okay, gather," Kurenai said once the team's exercises were finished. "We're not going to do any missions today. But tomorrow it's back to normal, so rest up." And with that Kurenai disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"H-hey Naruto you w-want to…" Hinata was about to ask when she noticed that the orange clad boy was already gone. "N-Naruto? Shino d-did you see Naruto l-leave?" Hinata asked turning to her remaining teammate.

"I did not, no. I do not understand how someone who wears such bright colors can disappear like that."

"I-it's uncanny," Hinata said. "D-do you want to g-get some f-food?" Hinata asked breaking the awkward silence that fell over the pair.

"Yes, let us get some food."


Shino and Hinata stepped out of the bakery, treats in hand. They hadn't talked since leaving the training grounds, and the atmosphere had grown far too awkward for either to try to break it. Naruto was always the one to continue the conversation. He never could let a silence last too long. Without him the team was left with an introverted heiress too shy to talk, and an Aburame who sees no reason to fill the air with unnecessary words. Neither of them particularly skilled in social situations. The two walked down the street enjoying their confection when Hinata finally had to say something. "I-I think Naruto's a-avoiding us."

"What makes you say that?"

"L-like today, he left i-immediately, and didn't sh-show up till a-after Kurenai-sensei arrived. And yesterday h-he left I-Ichiraku's just b-before I a-arrived in a h-hurry."

"Could it be he was there when he should have been doing something for Mr. Adair. Naruto has skipped his duties in the past to eat a bowl of ramen."

"N-Naruto left b-before he finished his b-bowl."

Shino stopped and turned to look at Hinata. "Then that changes things. Naruto has never not finished a bowl of ramen placed in front of him. How many bowls did he have beforehand, do you know?"

"O-only two."

"Barely a snack for him. I think you may be right then."

"D-do you think it's ab-about that red ch-chakra cloak he used against Sh-Shinkō?"

"Undoubtedly."

"D-do you really th-think it's a secret Uzumaki t-technique?"

"As much as I would like to state that I trust my jonin instructor, I must confess that I do not, in fact, believe what Naruto did to be some clan jutsu. I have studied both the Uzumaki and the Hyῡga clans so that I can better adapt my fighting style to the team. Among my research I learned much of the nearly extinct Uzumaki clan. They were renowned for their near innate mastery of fuuinjutsu, and of their deep chakra reserves. Never have I read anything even remotely similar to what I saw."

"B-but if it r-really was a secret t-technique it wouldn't b-be in a book."

"True, however there is something else."

"W-what?" Hinata asked as Shino stepped off to the side of the road. Shino held up his hand, a single Kikaichu crawling across his palm.

"The queen of my hive is the progeny of my father's queen, who is the progeny of his father's queen and so on. Our insects are capable of passing on instinctual instructions, memories almost. As such our Kikaichu possess "memories" far older than even this village." Hinata looked on fascinated, but unsure of where exactly where this lecture was going.

"A-and?"

"When Naruto, I fail to find a better description, lost control, my Kikaichu recognized the chakra. Not that type of chakra, but the exact same chakra signature. They recognized it, and they feared it. I have never seen or heard of anything like it."

"Th-they recognized Naruto's ch-chakra?"

"No. They do not react to Naruto's chakra. They reacted to the chakra he released when he faced Shinkō. The two are dissimilar."

"Y-you mean he has two chakras?" Hinata asked in disbelief.

"It is the only plausible explanation I have been able to come up with. Have your eyes ever seen anything out of the ordinary?"

"W-well…" Hinata hesitated, the Hyῡga only divulged what they saw with their eyes when a mission demanded it, otherwise it was considered a breach of privacy. But considering what all had happened Hinata decided it was best to tell Shino, hopefully they could come up with an answer together.

"When Naruto uses his ch-chakra a t-tattoo appears on his s-stomach. I think it's f-fuuinjutsu."

"A fuuinjutsu tattoo, interesting. Are you versed in the art?"

"N-no, besides it looks r-really complex. I think o-only Naruto can tell u-us."

"No, that I believe is inaccurate. My father went on a mission that once involved Naruto, he says the details are confidential and will not share more information regarding the matter."

"I-is that where your insects g-got their 'memories'?"

"Perhaps, we shall have to make efforts to talk to Naruto tomorrow. Hopefully he will provide us some answers."

"L-let's hope."


"N-Naruto I wan…"

"Come on guys lets go get some missions!" Naruto shouted after completing the next day's exercises and running out of the training grounds.


"Naruto when we are done here do…"

"Almost done just gotta get the roof." Naruto interrupted jumping onto the top of the building, paint can in hand.


"Okay you three, you're done for the day. I'll see you guys tomorrow," Kurenai said addressing her team.

"H-hey Naruto w-want to…wh-where did he go?" Hinata asked as she looked around for her teammate.

"I had tried to plant an insect on him, but he found it and removed it," Shino said also looking around.

"M-maybe tomorrow."


Team Seven plus Ziren stood before the Hokage, their mission complete.

"Congratulations on your first successful C-rank mission," Hiruzen said beaming. "You had a rough start but I'm proud of you for being able to pull through." Sakura couldn't believe the praise she was receiving from the highest authority figure she knew, Kiba's ego doubled in size, Kakashi was his usual nonchalant self, and Sasuke almost smiled. "But I'm sure you're tired and don't want to listen to an old man blather about. You are dismissed, and again congratulations." Sakura wanted to fist pump and cheer, but had to restrain herself due to who she was standing in front of. Kiba had no such self-control and he and Akamaru howled in victory. "Ziren a moment please," the Hokage said as the team was filing out the door.

"Of course Lord Hokage," Ziren said taking a seat opposite the aging man.

"I'm glad you got them home."

"Of course, I said I would and I don't go back on my word."

"So I see yes. I'm sure you want to go see Naruto and rest so I'll keep this brief, did you handle the matter of payment?"

"I spoke to Tazuna and got everything worked out," Ziren said producing a folder of papers and placing them on Hiruzen's desk.

"What's this?" Hiruzen asked opening the file.

"Well Tazuna didn't really have a whole lot of money, which is why he had to lie to us in the first place."

"I'm aware, that's why I had you try and get the money he owes us. We can't be giving out discount A-rank missions, no matter how noble the cause."

"And if I demanded the money it would only cause problems for not only him, but the village as well. So I came up with a new, better solution that helps everyone involved."

"And how did you do that?" Hiruzen asked perusing the papers inside the folder.

"Well Gatō was a remarkably paranoid man. Not about a group of shinobi coming into his turf and flipping his metaphorical table. No, no, no. He was paranoid about someone killing him and taking his place. So as to deter such a happening he put plans into place that should he die, his business will essentially collapse. I mean, he didn't have a single person in place to run things in case he came down with a cold or something."

"And you know all this how?"

"Well I went to his house and read all his papers and…"agreements"…with the Daimyo. With his business in ruins and a good deal of his employees dead the state of trade in the region was in dire straits. Which was the perfect opportunity for me to step in and clean everything up." Ziren said with a flourish.

'This should be interesting at the very least,' Hiruzen thought to himself.

"So I negotiated on the behalf of Konoha with the Daimyo to set up new trade agreements."

"I can see that," Hiruzen said reading the fine print of the multiple contracts. "And you thought going behind the council's back on this was a good idea because?"

"Time was of the essence, the news of Gatō's death would spread soon enough and less savory characters would have more than gladly stepped in. Besides the Wave Daimyo was very amenable to our demands."

"Yes, and I'm sure that had nothing to do with Gatō's head being found staked outside his bedroom window."

"A concerned citizen sending a message I'm sure."

"I'm sure," Hiruzen said skeptically.

"As you can see the terms of the agreements heavily favor Konoha interests."

"I can see, but why does it say we're responsible for rebuilding infrastructure?"

"Well Gatō let the infrastructure necessary for normal trade decline in favor of strengthening his back routes and smuggling lanes. As such Wave's infrastructure is in dire need of repair."

"Okay, but why are we responsible for building it?"

"Because money's only worth so much."

"Yes, that makes it easier to count, please get to the point."

"Let me weave a tale for you, a tale of villains, heroes, sacrifice, and facing impossible odds," Ziren said starting to build up steam. Hiruzen was already this far in, might as well hear it out. "A man of Wave, a bridge builder, seeks aid in overthrowing the corrupt powers that be that are choking his homeland. But he doesn't have enough money to hire the right shinobi for the job. So he lies and hires what he can. But when the truth comes out, the hired shinobi decide to help after seeing the plight of the people. And so with the help of the bridge builder they fight and slay the villain and his minions."

"Wouldn't negotiating with the Daimyo put a damper on your heroic tale?"

"You've obviously never tried telling a tale to a tavern full of drunks. Trust me, anyone who tries to talk about business negotiations and trade deals will quickly be ignored."

"You're doing a remarkable job dancing around the main point, so please just get to it."

"It's all about theatrics. Anyway, right now the citizens of Wave have a very favorable view of Konoha, and when we start helping them rebuild, then they'll absolutely love us. It's much easier to work with people that don't distrust you. Plus, play this right and they might even agree to letting Konoha build a military outpost in Wave, thus preventing another Gatō from taking power."

"So a little money now, and we'll be reaping the profits for a long time," Hiruzen said nodding as all the pieces fell into place in his mind. "Plus Wave's position on the continent is highly strategic. You know for someone initially resistant to joining Konoha you certainly do go above and beyond for us."

"I promised my loyalty to Konoha and I do not take such things lightly." Ziren said seriously. "So does that mean you accept the contract?"

"Something like this will have to be approved by the civilian council, but I doubt they'll say no considering there's profit to be had."

"Good, good," Ziren nodded, as a somewhat awkward silence descended upon the two. "So are you finally going to tell me what you've been dreading to ever since I walked in?" Ziren finally asked.

Sighing deeply Hiruzen refilled his pipe. "No wonder you are so skilled at negotiating, you have a remarkable talent for disconcerting people."

"Being able to sense other people's emotions really helps with that, but don't try to change the subject. What happened?"

"What do you know of a group calling themselves the Shrouded Heralds?"

"You mean the religious cult? I've never met one but I do know people who encountered them. While zealous in their beliefs I haven't heard any real negatives about them," Ziren said wondering where this was going.

"Naruto and his team were attacked by one of them on their way back to Konoha…"

"Naruto-"

"Is fine. Him and his team are alright." Ziren sighed in relief at hearing that. "But…" Hiruzen said and Ziren could feel the man's trepidation. "…During the fight Naruto lost control of the Kyuubi."

"What!?"

"Again Naruto is fine."

"How did it reach a point like that? Kurenai was with them right?"

"She was, however their opponent had some sort of resistance to her genjutsu, someone named Shinkō. The battle was won in no small part by Naruto losing control. I have the details of what I was told for you to go over," Hiruzen said as Ziren got to his feet. "Where are you going?"

"To see Naruto obviously, I need to check up on him and make sure he's alright."

"I told y-"

"Yeah and would that have stopped you?"

Hiruzen thought for a moment before nodding. "No it wouldn't have. We'll go over it later, dismissed."


Hinata was sullenly stirring her barely touched ramen at Ichiraku's. It had been a week since Team Eight had returned from their first C-rank mission and Naruto was still avoiding her. She had come to Ichiraku's in hope of finding him, but Naruto was remarkably difficult to find when he wanted to be. Sighing, Hinata picked up another noodle but debated whether or not she wanted to eat it when suddenly Hinata felt someone ruffling her hair.

"You know you lose a little bit of happiness eveytime you sigh, right? How ya doin' Hinata? Haven't see you in a while," Ziren said sliding onto the stool next to her.

"M-Mr. Adair, you're b-back!" Hinata said straightening her hair.

"Yep, got back in yesterday," Ziren said ordering two bowls of ramen to go. "How was your C-rank mission?" Ziren asked turning back towards the girl.

"W-well uh…um…" Hinata was at a loss as to what to say. On one hand she had been told not to say anything about the mission, but on the other hand Ziren might be able to help her with Naruto. Quite the conundrum.

"Before you twist your thoughts too much you should know I've heard what happened from the Hokage and have read the mission reports," Ziren said sensing Hinata's inner turmoil.

"I-if you know, th-then why do y-you want to l-listen to me?"

"Well, I've read the reports and the Lord Hokage's account is second hand. I want to hear your side of what happened. Naruto's been really sulky and hasn't really opened up to me about what happened. So I was hoping you could help, please?" Ziren pleaded. Hearing of Naruto not even seeking Ziren for help stirred something in Hinata, and she told him everything in the hopes that Naruto could be helped.

Ziren listened to Hinata and didn't interrupt her once, but she noticed Ziren stop looking her in the eye when she got to the part about Naruto and the red chakra. "Wh-what happened. It wasn't an Uzumaki technique, was it?"

"That secret is not mine to share, Hinata," Ziren said morosely. "Naruto, despite what it might seem otherwise, doesn't trust others easily. His bright and cheerful demeanor hides it well doesn't it?" Ziren said a sad smile ghosting across his lips. "Knowing the life he led before I found him I can't really blame him. But some of the fault lies with me, never staying in one place for too long does tend to prevent making lasting friendships. You were his first real friend Hinata."

"Th-then why is he a-avoiding me?"

"Because he's terrified."

"O-of what?"

"Of not being your friend anymore."

"I-is his secret th-that bad?" Hinata asked. At that moment Teuchi placed a bag in front of Ziren, his to-go order.

"Maybe, maybe. That all depends on you I guess."

"O-of course I'll s-still be his f-friend, but if Naruto w-wont ta-" Hinata was interrupted as Ziren held up the bag of food to her. She took it confusedly when Ziren reached out and took her free hand. He pressed something metal into her palm and closed her fingers around it.

"Naruto's carried this secret his whole life, but I don't think he can carry it alone any more. He needs someone who will stand next to him, cheer him on, support him when he wavers, or call him out on his stupidity. He needs a friend. Thanks for being his friend Hinata, really thanks." Ziren ducked his head quickly, but Hinata could swear she saw a hint of moisture in his eye.

"Well there's still much to get done. I'll see you around Hinata." With that Ziren placed money for the food on the counter and walked out of the ramen stand. Hinata watched Ziren leave, still a little confused as to what just happened. She looked down into her hand and her heart leaped into her throat when she saw that Ziren had given her his and Naruto's apartment key. She clutched the key tightly as new determination filled her. She was going to get answers, no matter what.