Underlined italics are Team Eight's wordless communication
BOLD italics are Hinata's visions
Disclaimer: PandoraBoxx777 Does NOT in anyway own the series Naruto or any of its other name rights. Happy Reading!
There was only a month to prepare for the final segment of the Chunin Exams and Team Eight were going to make the most of it.
Both Shino and Kiba were going to start training with Anko and Ibiki harder than they ever had.
Hinata, though feeling left out because of her health, was happy to lend a hand in their training and cheer them on.
Things had suddenly gotten quiet in each of the lives of the genin, something that seemed to unnerve them all.
Since he's told them about his progression into the final stage of the Exams, Shino's parents had made limited contact with their son. While it was something he was used to, there was suddenly a strange coldness in the house. There was no talking during family meal times and they've limited their speaking to once, maybe twice a day.
He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he was glad that they weren't pushing their beliefs on him anymore, or staring him down constantly whenever he was around. He took advantage of the lack of attention as well, taking his time to study his new colony of insects and study the ancient seals he received; something he needed to improve upon soon.
Kiba made a small mention of the finals to his mother, when Hana wasn't around, and watched as she stiffened up, face scrunching into something indiscernible. She hadn't congratulated him, or given any positive feedback. In fact, she hadn't given any feedback at all, she just walked away as if she hadn't heard him.
Hana was insufferable as ever, but since Kiba had told Tsume about the Exams, she had Hana training like mad, leaving little time for her to pick on her brother.
Kiba hadn't paid any mind; in fact he was glad that they were too busy for him. He could now spend his time training and hanging out with Team Eight. He was even promised a hunt soon, something he felt he desperately needed.
Ever since Hinata went home, there was a shunning within her family. No one spoke to or acknowledged her. They glared and whispered, but all abuse seemed to slow down to a distanced resentment. She figured it was because of her loss to Neji.
Maybe they were respecting the doctors orders to reduce her stress at home? Or what if they finally gave up on her? Either way, she was thankful.
Her father had only called her in once to his study, recalling what the medics had instructed. He insulted her and berated her for losing but seemed too tired to actually continue.
Hinata didn't mind as she had other things to tend to, such as her meditation, gardening, and other forms of training that were easy on her heart.
She delivered that letter to Neji, who, upon reading it, cried. He hadn't known his father sacrificed himself, not only as a choice he freely made, but to protect Hinata in his own way, as well.
Since then he'd been more tolerable of Hinata, no longer lashing out in anger or chasing her down to beat her. They weren't friends, not even close, but it was, in Hinata's opinion, the start of something that could grow into a friendship, and eventually, familial love.
Team Eight were worried, yes, for it seemed like a calm before the storm, but they would carry on bravely. After all, what's the worst that could happen?
The Chunin Exams were going on just fine. Shino and Kiba were about to go on next, seeing as how the proctors were still trying to make time for Uchiha Sasuke to make it to his match.
Everyone in the village was anticipating the fight between the Last Uchiha and the Demon of the Sand; so much in fact that Daimyos from Fire country and beyond were attending the Chunin Exams to watch, something rare in itself.
Hinata felt herself smile as both teammates approached each other within the contestants' corner and shook hands, laughing and grinning with each other.
There was no doubt that it still would be an interesting match, but the people wouldn't know that until later.
They made it to the ring and approached each other. They were ready.
Wait… Why is Sasuke in the ring? Why is his arm bleeding?
There was a terrified scream, "It's my blood!" But that's not Sasuke who's screaming.
It's a genjutsu. She knows that because the people are sleeping very deeply.
What is happening?
'It's the Sand! They're betraying us? But we're allies!'
'This isn't right. None of this is right. The Hokage must know!'
'He's fighting! Who is that pale man he is with? What does he want? Who is he?'
Oh no. He's looking right at her and his eyes look hungry.
She should run away but she can't move as the Hokage is DYING RIGHT BEFORE HER EYES!
He falls with a smile on his face, happy to know that somehow this man is defeated.
"Find her." She heard, "She is to be the next Hokage. You must find her!"
WAKE UP!
Hinata woke with a start, heart beating painfully inside her chest. She was crying, she realized, and panting as if she had run a marathon through the Shinobi Nations.
She looked around, gathering herself and checking her surroundings. She was at home, in bed. The sun was getting ready to peek over the horizon and everything was a peaceful quiet within the village. She was safe. It was all a dream, or maybe a vision, so it didn't happen.
Not yet.
That thought had her jumping out of bed and rushing to put on appropriate clothes. She threw on a random pair of pants under her nightgown, grabbed her jacket, and jumped out of the window, not bothering with shoes. She needed to see the Hokage immediately.
As she approached the massive building, she gathered her resolve and did her best to clear her mind of distractions. She needed to be able to See again.
She threw open the door, startling the secretary and other shinobi hanging around the desk. She knew she must have looked pretty wild, but that wasn't her concern at the moment. "Please," She nearly begged, "I must see the Hokage."
The other ninja looked around uncomfortably at one another before one walked up in an attempt to calm her, "Listen kid," He attempted a smile but it came out more as a grimace, "The Hokage is in a very important meeting. You can't just barge in there right now. How about I escort you home and you get some proper rest to tell him whatever it is later?"
"No!" She shouted, "I don't have time! WE don't have time! I need to talk to him immediately!"
She pushed past his hand and ran as fast as she could, ignoring the shouts and sounds of running behind her. She couldn't waste another second, not while she still had time to change everything.
A hand on her arm slowed her down for the moment, stumbling her in her run. She turned, and with a fire in her eyes, grabbed the offending limb and pulled, flipping the man clean over her head and into the floor with a sickening pop. Surely, she had dislocated his shoulder.
She didn't miss a beat, however, as she continued running towards her destination with shouting behind her
"Lord Hokage!" Hinata desperately shoved herself past the wooden doors and into the office, ignoring the adults who followed her in.
Sarutobi looked up, hardly startled, while the other man he was sitting with looked very annoyed.
An old war veteran, was her first initial impression, and she couldn't help but think that he felt very… off; as if there was something more to him than he let on, and not in a good way.
Nevertheless, Hinata swallowed hard and bowed deeply, "Lord Hokage, forgive me but I must speak with you. It is of the utmost importance." She hoped she didn't sound too desperate.
"Of course, Hinata," He smiled, "We were just finishing up here. I'm afraid you'll have to go now, Danzo. Stay in good health and we shall meet again next month for business."
Danzo huffed indignantly, but stood from his chair. "The same to you." He grumbled as he walked to the door.
He stepped to Hinata, who resisted shrinking back under his intense gaze. She distantly heard the Hokage dismiss everyone else as Danzo smirked at her and drew himself up taller, "Hyuga Hinata," He somewhat greeted, "I've heard many things about you. Your teammate, Aburame Shino, how is he doing?"
Hinata resisted a glare now, sensing sinister intentions, "He's just fine, thank you." She politely replied, though both men in the room could hear the thinly veiled warning of 'don't fuck with my team'.
Danzo frowned and pushed past her, slamming the door behind him. It seems he wasn't too pleased that she caught onto his innocent act.
Sarutobi sighed in relief, relaxing into his chair now that Danzo was gone.
Hinata seemed relieved for a moment as well, before her anxiety came back full force. She felt herself duck her head sheepishly at the rudeness of her actions and found herself apologizing once more.
"Lord Hokage, I'm so sorry for my abrupt rudeness and disregard to your busy schedule but I would not interrupt if it was not important. I'm so-"
"-It's alright Hinata." He gently interrupted, "I know you had a great reason for coming in so late so suddenly." He smiled, a twinkle in his eyes that loosened the tension in Hinata's shoulders. He leaned forward, rubbing his hands together in anticipation, "So tell me, what did you see?"
Hinata retold her vision, wringing her hands together all the while. She wasn't sure what else she had to offer in all of this, but she was sure that her Hokage would know what to do.
After she was finished, Hiruzen sat for a moment in deep thought. He knew Orochimaru had hatred for the Leaf and that he was going to go out of his way to destroy it, but he hadn't anticipated that it would be this soon. He was going to have to make preparations immediately.
He turned his gaze back to the Hyuga, who was nearly shaking in nerves and fear. He felt guilty about the responsibilities that were now on her shoulders, but it was for the good of the village and she seemed more than set on protecting it. So long as she had the Will of Fire, and the support of her fellow shinobi, she would do just fine.
"Are you sure of this, Hinata?" He asked gently, shaking her out of her own headspace, "Am I really to die?"
"I was asleep when I saw it all, Lord Hokage," She meekly answered, "But I can try again, if you wish?"
Hiruzen nodded, thinking once more. "Why not go back home and change, Hinata?" He gently commanded. "I'll have a shinobi come by in a few minutes to properly summon you so your father won't be suspicious, as well as take you to get a proper morning meal."
Hinata hesitated but did as she was told. She didn't want to upset her father.
A moment after Hinata left, the Hokage summoned an ANBU into the room, "Please fetch Hatake, Nara, and Yamanaka into my office please. We have some preparations to make."
Kurenai walked along the early morning streets of the market, picking up food from her grocery list. Things have been pretty mundane as of late, it seemed.
Though she diligently trained Hinata in the art of Genjutsu to make up for her lack of physical training, and oversaw the training of Kiba and Shino, Hinata was still limited with chakra usage, and the boys were under the tutelage of her good friends.
The days were moving slower it seemed and she was happy with the progress that everyone was making. In just a few weeks, at least one of her students would be a chunin, and she couldn't be more proud.
She turned sharply, catching Hatake Kakashi, who was looking a little too innocent standing behind her while he "read". She didn't relax as she fully turned to face him, assessing his body language. It was aloof as usual, but she could see the slight stiffness in his shoulders and the almost smug look in his eye.
"Good morning, Kakashi," She greeted, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
He said nothing at first, looking Kurenai up and down swiftly before pocketing his lewd book in his jounin vest, "I need to talk to you a bit more."
Kurenai knew what this was all about, "I told you already," She gritted out, "I'm not to say-"
"-I understand that," He interrupted, "But luckily for me, The Hokage was more than willing to lend me some information instead. I have to say, I'm quite surprised." He handed her a sealed scroll and turned around to walk away, heading for the Hokage's mansion while whistling a cheery tune.
Kurenai glared after him, opening the scroll and looking over its contents.
"To whom this is intended: You are summoned to a meeting of the utmost importance with the Hokage. Please arrive at your earliest convenience."
Kurenai sighed in frustration and began to walk to her home. Kakashi was lucky she finished her shopping.
"Lord Hokage," Kurenai intentionally ignored Kakashi's eyes staring at her, "I understand that you wanted to see me." She wasn't surprised that any of this was happening, afterall, her children were very special.
Sarutobi blew smoke from his pipe, taking his time to answer her. While, usually, this wouldn't bother Kurenai, she found herself growing impatient.
"I have decided to include Kakashi into our little secret, seeing as how I have heard many things come from one of your students." Sarutobi finally broke the silence and found himself holding back a smile when Kurenai decided to scowl at Kakashi in response.
"Now, now," The old man tutted in amusement, "There's no need to be so hostile, Kurenai. You can trust Kakashi; he is, afterall, one of our best and brightest ninjas."
The gentle reassurance did not ease the scathing look Kurenai was giving.
She didn't like Kakashi. He was sneaky and mysterious, even for a ninja. She wasn't sure if she should trust her team, her children, to the likes of a lazy jonin who didn't bother with his team until they almost died; even so, he continued to ignore Sakura's lack of training to focus on his precious Uzumaki and Uchiha.
"With all due respect, Lord Hokage," She managed to bite out, "I don't believe it wise to involve Hatake in my team's matters when he is still solving the problems of his own. I think he should focus more on his Uchiha, than my heiress. That's what all of this is about, isn't it?"
"While on any other normal day, I would agree," Sarutobi countered as he took another smoke from his favorite pipe, "You, unfortunately, have no choice; we need another set of eyes on Hinata. She came with me in regards to a vision concerning the chunin exams, and she will tell us the next Hokage of the village.
"Aside from that, I'm afraid that ROOT is hearing too many rumors within these walls. It won't be long before Danzo decides to pay you a visit."
Though Kurenai didn't trust Kakashi, she wasn't foolish. She knew the power Danzo had within the village, and she would be damned if he got his greedy hands on any of her students. She had no choice but to accept the outside help.
"I give, but on some conditions." She looked straight at the copy-cat ninja as she listed her demands, "You are not allowed to interact with my students' abilities unless I am present or unless they come to you. You are also not to tell me how to run my team. Am I clear?"
Kakashi seemed amused, clearly not taking her demands seriously, "Crystal."
Sarutobi was pleased that Kurenai had finally seen reason, though she was not happy at all with any of it. However, he knew that Danzo would pose a problem for years to come, and he only hoped that Team Eight would be able to handle whatever he would throw their way.
A small knock at the door drew the attention of everyone inside. Hinata poked her head through and smiled shakily at all of the adults, "Lord Hokage," She greeted with a bow of her head and looked around, "Should I wait a little longer?"
"Actually, you're right on time." He hoped his smile could ease her nerves, but with everyone that was inside staring at her, he knew that it would take more to calm her down. "Why don't you come inside and we can talk about the next step in our secret mission? Kurenai will be with you every step of the way."
The way his eyes shined made Hinata feel important and needed, something she never really experienced before. She stepped in and immediately went to Kurenai's side.
Kakashi was surprised that this genin who had glared at him at the beginning of the chunin exam was cowering by Kurenai's side. Where was the strong confidence and ninja skill? He then figured that she was more docile without her team, much like Sakura.
"Hinata," Hiruzen's voice broke the silence. He stood up and lightly stretched, walking around the desk to talk to her directly, "We'll be going to go to a different room now. There will be other shinobi there, but they're going to help us figure out what exactly is going to take place and how we can stop it, alright?"
She nodded, following Kurenai out of the door and into the hallway.
They walked for some time, going down every set of stairs until they arrived in the crypts where the library was located.
Hinata had never been this far down before. She gazed at the cobwebs and hundreds of thousands of scrolls on the shelves before they came to a door Hinata almost didn't see. It was a plain brown door that looked worn and unused. One could even mistake it for a broom closet.
Sarutobi lifted his hands to activate a seal and the door clicked, opening by itself, which left Hinata amazed. She shuffled in, resisting the urge to jump when the door closed behind her with an echoing slam.
They walked in further, the dim lighting showing them their way further in. The room was not unlike the temple Hinata had visited on her first C rank mission with her team, though it was slightly more ominous. Other than the torches that lined the walls and pillars, the room was bare.
Two more shinobi popped out from nowhere, their movements slow so as to not startle. Hinata recognized them as Shikamaru's father and Ino's father, Nara Shikaku and Yamanaka Inoichi. She met them on a few occasions when the clans had meetings or during school hours when both parents came to pick up their respective children.
"Good morning, Lord Hokage," Inoichi greeted cheerfully.
His eyes moved to Hinata's shy form and he couldn't help but smile. She was so unlike his daughter, but if given the chance, they would be great friends. He bent a little to meet her gaze, "Good morning, Lady Hinata. I hope you're doing well?"
Hinata couldn't help but be drawn to the warmth of the blonde man and stepped a bit closer so that he may see her bow, "Good Morning, Lord Yamanaka, Lord Nara." She added as an afterthought.
Shikaku smirked at her and nodded his head, "Morning," He drawled lazily as all Nara males did.
He understood his son's hidden fascination with the young girl. Shikamaru thought his father didn't notice, but he did. His son would often stare at the young girl, his face hard and thinking. He could only guess as to why, after all, it could have been a million things to a Nara; but after meeting her, he saw it. She was either a ticking time bomb, or a diamond in the rough. Only time would tell which.
"I hate to rush you, Hinata," Sarutobi said, "But I think the sooner we get this all over with, the sooner you can go home or train with your team. I'll even treat you to ice cream afterwards for the trouble." Hinata couldn't help but smile and nod at the bribe, going to sit against a pillar to begin meditating.
She did her best not to shrink under everyone's expectant gaze. She didn't want to disappoint anyone, especially not the Hokage, but with so much pressure placed on her shoulders, she couldn't help but feel intimidated.
Some time passed but she wasn't able to fully activate her dojutsu, the fear and nerves being too much to focus though. She only felt their eyes staring and judging and expecting.
What if she couldn't do it? What if they were all doomed because she didn't see the right thing? What if she's the reason everyone dies?
Kurenai's gentle hands were suddenly on her shoulders, startling Hinata out of her thoughts. Her sensei kneeled in front of her with a gentle smile, "It's okay Hinata," She soothed, "We just want you to try, okay? Do you want Kiba and Shino to join us, so it's not just scary adults?"
Hinata nodded, smiling weakly. She was a little embarrassed to admit that Kiba and Shino's presence helped her get out of her own head.
Kurenai obviously didn't mind as she turned to head out of the door, "I'll be back shortly." She announced.
Kakashi, however, didn't seem pleased in the slightest, "If she's going to learn how to do this," He began, stopping Kurenai in her tracks and gaining Hinata's attention, "Then she needs to do this alone. We can't keep waiting on her teammates to comfort her."
Hinata looked away in shame, while Kurenai looked at Kakashi with fire in her eyes, "I believe, Hatake," She spat, "That we agreed that you would keep your mouth shut about how I guide my team, but it seems that you need a reminder on why I am to be taken more seriously. I don't need your input, nor do I want it.
"Hinata is the first in many generations to have this gift, and she is still young. If she needs the support of her team, then I'm going to give it to her; afterall, we both know you realize what a gift it is to still have a team."
Shikaku and Inoichi resisted the urge to choke on their own spit and the lowly placed jab. They didn't think Kurenai would go as far as to drag Kakashi's skeletons from the grave, just to prove a point. He must have really pissed her off.
There was an intense silence as Kurenai stared Kakashi down, who in turn, took out his smut and read it. A sign of surrender.
"I thought so," She glared, though feeling triumphant for shutting him up, "If you have anything more to say I suggest you swallow it and let the shit come out of your ass instead of your mouth. You'd be doing us all a favor that way." And with that, Kurenai left the room and slammed the door behind her.
Hinata snickered silently behind her hands at Kurenai's verbal lashing, especially at seeing everyone's shocked faces. Kakashi honestly didn't stand a chance.
Hinata sat straight with her hands clasped together, eyes open wide and shining. No one could believe the beauty or the power her eyes showed as she stared forward and watched the future unravel.
Inoichi sat across from her, struggling to focus on seeing into her mind. He was to help confirm whatever it was that Hinata saw, but he was finding it to be difficult, as his mind couldn't keep up with how quickly everything was going by, while to Hinata, it was like watching a movie.
He saw fragments of the past. Wars, plague, beauty, and life. He saw lands that had yet to be claimed by any one of the Shinobi Nations, and people he had only read about.
Then, suddenly, he was thrown forward and seeing people he knew with different faces and heights than he remembered. He almost lost track when he saw how beautiful his daughter grew up to be, as well as strong. He marveled at a new Konoha that he didn't recognize at first, but there was no mistaking the buildings and how they were made.
He was thrown back again, watching a war break out in his own village due to the Sand's betrayal and Orochimaru's toxic influence. He watched as Shinobi fought and fell and children ninja fought with equal vigor. He watched his Hokage die, but not before taking Orochimaru's arms.
'Amazing," He thought incredulously, 'All of this is simply amazing!'
Kakashi watched in awe as Hinata's eyes glowed and sparkled an array of colors, some he couldn't even begin to describe. This little genin, overlooked and mistreated, was terribly gifted with a powerful dojutsu. She was going to be hunted and sought after for the rest of her years.
Kurenai looked on proudly as her team watched diligently over Hinata, easing her nerves and aiding in her search for the unknown. She glanced at Kakashi smugly, "Would you look at that," She jabbed, "Hinata is doing perfectly fine now that she is more comfortable with her team. It's almost as if I know what I'm doing with my students or something."
He rolled his eye at her immaturity, "Either way," He muttered, "We have to plan a way around the invasion. Who knows which way it'll go? And your other students; what about them and their abilities? Three children who have power from a time forgotten."
Kurenai looked back to Hinata who released herself from the jutsu with a sigh, accepting the cup of water that Shino held out to her. Kiba, with Akamaru on his head, pushed himself into her face, complimenting her eyes excitedly, to which Hinata blushed furiously and Shino shoved him away by his face. Hinata laughed at Kiba's over dramatic fall and lightly scolded Shino. Both boys visibly relaxed at seeing her smile.
"I think..." Kurenai started carefully, "I think they'll be just fine. They'll make it as we have: burning brightly with the will of fire. Besides, they have each other in this world of danger, which is all they need."
Jiraiya, the Legendary Sage Toad Sannin, would remember this day for the rest of his life: His own giggling as he peeped into the Konoha hot springs, furiously writing in his notebook.
"Hey!" He would hear from behind him, "What do you think you're doing?"
He would see a ninja he didn't quite recognize, coming at him with intent. 'Looks like my research is in threat of being interrupted.'
He quickly detained and knocked out the ninja who foolishly challenged him, only to be challenged by a snot-nosed kid this time. He could recognize that blond mess of hair anywhere and especially those piercing blue eyes. Naruto, his godson.
Of course he agreed to be his mentor for the upcoming Chunin Exams, but he couldn't let anyone know it was willingly.
Besides all of this, that had just happened, it was when he was approached by an ANBU member that a different journey would begin as well…
"Lord Jiraiya," They greeted him emotionlessly. The Toad Sannin almost groaned at the title, knowing he was caught and likely to be scolded by his sensei. "The Lord Hokage would like to speak with you. It is of the utmost importance that you are present promptly."
This had him intrigued, almost nervous. He was never immediately summoned to the tower unless he was needed for information, or if he was in severe trouble; and while, yes, he was peeping in the women's hot springs, he's done far worse over the years.
"You heard 'em, kid," He turned to Naruto with a mischievous smirk, "How about I go take care of some business with the Hokage, and we start your training tomorrow? Sound good?"
"Well… Alright. But you had better teach me some awesome jutsu!" He almost laughed at the serious glare that Naruto gave him, even going as far as to point his finger threateningly at him.
Jiraiya entered the building, looking around for the cute receptionist he knew still worked the desk. Seeing a young chunin male instead, he begrudgingly made his way over and informed him of the meeting with Sarutobi.
"Oh!" The young man exclaimed, "Yes, of course! The Hokage has been waiting for you. Go right ahead!" He smiled kindly as he pointed to the staircase.
At least he was nicer than the usual woman.
He didn't bother to knock as he entered, but he kind of wished he had. Inside was a genin team and their mentor. He recognized her immediately, as Yuhi Kurenai was the only kunoichi in the entire village with ruby-red eyes. He felt himself drool as he took in her figure, but flinched when he saw the look of murder on her face.
"Ah, Jiraiya," Hiruzen exclaimed cheerfully, "There you are. I knew it was you when I sensed your chakra come through the gate. Can't hide from your old sensei, can you?"
"Good morning, Lord Hokage," He greeted respectfully, "I'm sorry for barging in. Should I wait outside the doors?"
"Nonsense. We were, in fact, waiting for you."
This came as a surprise. What did this team of wimpy genin and super hot jounin have to do with him? "What's going on?" He asked suspiciously.
The gleam in his sensei's eye made him all the more nervous.
"As my former student, I'm sure you're aware of the history of dojutsu and their mutations. Going further back, you are a master of seals and know almost all of the abilities they come with. Going even further back, you are aware of hidden bloodline limits not limited to specifically the eyes. I called you in my office today, not because of your 'adventures' within the hot springs, but because of your expertise and knowledge within the ninja world.
"These three genin have extraordinary abilities and mutations long forgotten within this time. Hyuga Hinata has gone beyond the standard Byakugan, acquiring the Zenchi Zengan (All Knowing Eye). Her vision is far sharper than normal Hyuga, as she is able to track objects and notice details on a microscopic level. She can see into the past and future, meaning she can determine outcomes and possibilities. We have an idea that she is able to even see past our world into another, but we've yet to test the theory completely.
"Inuzuka Kiba has a hidden bloodline limit of Okami Henkan (Wolf Conversion). His senses are sharper and more acute than any other Inuzuka we've had within the village. He can transform himself completely into a giant wolf, bigger than any we've ever seen. Kiba is able to think clearly as a human inside this form and go through certain stages within the transformation without commiting completely. We've yet to see if there are any other abilities he possesses, as he's still young and new to this.
"And finally, Aburame Shino has managed to acquire a scroll long forgotten that has granted him the ability to activate the secret technique of Konchū Totsuzen Han'i (Insect Mutation). As you know, this has not been seen for a very long time. Shino is able to activate the seal on command and can grow at least four legs. He is able to control them and use them individually, as he has a higher understanding of his body. He is also currently breeding an army of insects for study and use. We've yet to see if we can advance the seal any further, but that is why you are here.
"As you can see, Many things have changed while you were gone. We have a lot to catch up on, don't you think?"
Jiraiya was speechless. He struggled to process the information past his amazement and disbelief, seeing as how these kids were products of legend.
How has no one heard of this yet? How has Danzo not reached out just yet? What were they going to do? Who would train them?
"Jiraiya," Sarutobi interrupted his thoughts with a grim tone. There was a look of acceptance as well as sadness on his sensei's face. "Hinata has foretold my death by Orochimaru's hand during this final segment for the Chunin Exams."
"No," Jiraiya whispered in shock, "Are you serious?"
"I'm afraid so." Hiruzen replied, "The Sand is to betray us but only because of Orochimaru's deception and influence over their Kazekage, who he eventually murders as well. I shall take Orochimaru's arms before I go, and we have found the next Hokage for the village." A mischievous smile played on Hiruzen's face, "I'm sure you'll be happy to see your other teammate after so long."
The Toad Sage was incredulous, "You mean to tell me that Tsunade, The Legendary Sucker, known for her gambling and drinking habits, is fit to be the next Hokage? She can barely stand half of the time, let alone lead. Are you sure this kid is telling you right?"
Hinata slightly shrunk within herself, something that her team noticed.
Kiba felt anger for her as he pointed accusingly at Jiraiya, "Hey, you old man!" He growled, "You can doubt the other lady all you want, but don't doubt Hinata's ability to see what you can't."
First of all: how dare this little brat call him old? He was 'Mature' damn it! "Listen here you little-"
"-Kiba is right." Kurenai interrupted, "While we've all had our doubts, Hinata has seen far enough to know who the next leader is, and what they are capable of doing. For the time being, you're here until you are to go find her, and until you do that, the Lord Hokage has requested an audience with you, concerning Shino's seal. We believe he has mastered the first stage of his mutation, and would like to advance it."
Jiraiya huffed and crossed his arms, pouting childishly at Kurenai's light scolding. He knew how important this was, of course, but that didn't mean he had to like it. These kids were weird, and even though their sensei was drop dead gorgeous, she was a total hard ass.
"Fine, fine," He grumbled, "Let me see the original scroll and then we can see how to advance it." He wasn't expecting much but at least he could see what he could do with it.
Sarutobi pulled it from his desk, handing it to Shino who passed it to Jiraiya. His eyes hardened as he looked over the design, pouring over every single detail and curve of every design, big or small.
He could see where he could add more to it, but he was going to need help. Either way, it was beautifully painted. He couldn't help but inwardly praise the amount of care and detail that had gone into it during creation.
"Alright," He announced, "Now that I know what this looks like on paper, I need to see the final product. Shino, was it? Show me what you can do."
Shino hesitated, looking at the Hokage for approval.
Sensing his discomfort, Hiruzen stood from his desk to lead them to Shino's original sealing room, "It's best that we move somewhere more secluded." He said with a hushed voice, "Follow me and I shall show you where to go."
Once they were in the room, Shino began to shed his jacket and shirt, presenting the seal to Jiraiya for a moment before sprouting 4 legs from his back. Jiraiya watched in amazement as he saw the legs move from under the skin of his back before they emerged. The legs were long and deadly looking, stretching and moving just as well as any other limb. It was almost terrifying.
Whoever had placed this seal had some real talent.
"Can you put them back in?" He asked gently, "I need to feel your back." He watched as Shino cringed at the thought, but folded his legs back inside and stood still facing away from Jiraiya, who turned to the Hokage with a grim and serious face, "Who placed this seal?" He asked.
Hiruzen turned to Hinata who stepped up shakily and bowed, "I did, Lord Jiraiya." She squeaked.
The sage said nothing as he turned back to Shino and carefully felt along his spine, while Shino did his best not to attack or move away. He was oddly quiet, taking the time to look over everything carefully. Hinata wrung her hands together in the meantime.
She had every right to be nervous, afterall, a great seal master was overlooking her work, ready to critique at any given moment about the flaws and mistakes.
Finally, he took a step back and frowned, obviously thinking hard.
What exactly was he thinking? Did he hate it? Maybe she did something terribly wrong? What if it was something she couldn't fix? Has she crippled Shino for good?
"How old are you?" He suddenly asked.
Hinata was taken aback, looking at the sage in confusion. She hadn't expected that question. "I'm sorry?" She stuttered.
Jiraiya turned around to grin at her excitedly, "This, though simple, is a high-level seal; only jounin, or maybe even a highly-skilled chunin, are capable of writing and applying this on the outside of the body, where the appendages come from.
I'm assuming, because of your Byakugan, you were able to apply it directly and completely into his body, which is something that has never happened before. That in itself, requires a lot of talent and skill with chakra control and fuinjutsu arts.
"So I'll ask again: How old are you?"
"I'm twelve years old, Lord Jiraiya." She replied.
"No kidding?" He laughed cheerfully, "You certainly are talented. If you continue practicing, you'll make it as a master like myself in no time." He laughed once more, missing the excited gleam in Hinata's eyes.
He wiped away a stray tear to see Hinata bowing low, back straight and tense, "Then please," She begged, "Take me as your student. I wish to learn!"
He glanced nervously to his sensei, who smiled knowingly, and then to her team who stared on in anticipation. He didn't really have much of a choice in this, did he?
This small genin, who bowed too lowly for a perverted, washed-up old man like him, was determined and gifted. And while she wasn't fit to be his successor (that honor went to Minato's son), he didn't see the harm in teaching her. The village needed a sealing master anyways, and she burned bright with the Will of Fire.
He smiled softly at her, placing a gentle hand on her head, "Well seeing as how you asked so respectfully," He drawled, "I guess I can show you a few things. Maybe by the end of it all, you'll be better than I am. Meet me at your training grounds around four in the afternoon starting tomorrow. If something comes up, you'll know."
Hinata's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, a wide smile on her face.
Jiraiya watched from the Hokage's office window as the team left the building, chattering excitedly about everything. He smiled slightly, remembering his own genin team from the land of Rain; but there was something bothering him…
"So," He casually asked, "What's going to happen with this invasion?"
Sarutobi smoked from his pipe, thinking carefully about what to say. He, himself, wasn't sure either. "We're looking to Nara to come up with an effective battle plan. I have accepted my death already. I'm too old to be leading and my time is coming regardless. It seems only right that I be the one to defeat Orochimaru and then pass away.
"However, while I share the same amount of concern as you do, I believe in Tsunade's ability to lead this village into greatness. Hinata has seen it. I'm having some important notes and documents written to help her accumulate easier, as well as give her advice on what is happening.
I'm asking that you find her, but have someone trustworthy watch over the village in the meantime; possibly Nara Shikaku acting as temporary until she is brought home. And whatever you do, do not allow Danzo anywhere near those children."
Jiraiya nodded, still looking out of the window, "How hasn't he found out anyways? Isn't he always using his own robot shinobi to look over everything?"
"Yes, but we've cautioned the team directly over keeping their abilities secret, even during training. Unfortunately, we've needed them here inside the tower more than any other team, and so he's been trying to connive his way into my business with them.
"He hasn't gotten far, but once I pass away, he won't miss the opportunity to try to dig as deep as he could to find the dirt he needs to take them away."
Jiraiya frowned, "I don't think their parents would allow that. Every clan head has an inkling to his reputation at the very least."
Hiruzen sighed sadly, "One would think so, but they're different. All three children are troubled at home, and I haven't been involved for the reason that they fall under 'Clan Matters'.
"Hinata's father would jump at the opportunity to send her away and name her sister heiress. At the very moment he's probably threatening to send her away to a daimyo.
"Kiba's mother wants nothing to do with him since he looks so much like his father, going as far as to allow his older sister to abuse him.
"And Shino's parents isolate him completely. They are the most likely to send Shino away, as they did his brother, Torune.
"These gifted, unlucky children would lose themselves completely if they were to go to Danzo. He would break them and use them until they are too powerful for him to comprehend, then he would kill them. If he doesn't have a firm grip on someone with power, they are a threat; that's how he's always been."
The following silence was grim and sobering. Jiraiya knew that Danzo promised safety and security, using the vulnerabilities of a child to control and bend them to his will. He breaks them of their resolve, having them believe that his power was greater, or that they shared the same goal.
If Danzo was to take over the village, he would reshape the entire shinobi force to his desired outcome. He would drive them into ruin.
"Let's send them on a mission then." Jiraiya suggested, "I know that forces will be tight, but surely there's something we'll need after all of this. I'm going to take Naruto with me to find Tsunade, so that I can continue his training, that means I can't bring Team Eight along.
"How about we send a majority of genin teams to build relations with outside merchants?"
The Hokage thought for a moment, "Possibly." He muttered thoughtfully, "Let's wait a bit longer. For now, track down Tsunade. We need to prepare everything as quickly as possible."