Disclaimers: How many time do I have to tell you people that I don't own Naruto?! Sigh. Don't believe me, Huh? Fine. I own them and I can do as I please! Mwahahahah!!! (gets hit by a book) Itai! Fine! I don't own them!
Author's notes: Hi guys! Thanks for the support at every chapter that I did, okay? I hope that you would continue to support me all the way! Now for the reviews!
Inner jk: Ehem!
Author: Oh! Yeah! It's your turn. Feel free to say anything you want to them! But remember that I'll be watching what you say.
Inner jk: Fine.
xXxLiQuiD FaNtAsYxXx: Don't worry! Jink' already has a plan for that! Just wait for it and Hinata will get rescued! PEACE!!!
Astly-Hinata-chan: Awe!!! Really? Thanks! Well Jinky here has already made the next chapter so have fun then! And yeah. Hinata's kidnapped. Jinky's just too weird. (Me: AM NOT!)
Kaede ika: Okay! I'll place on more action for the Uchiha twins. At the right time though. Do you really think so? Thanks!
laZy hyuuGa: Hey! Don't you like me?! Is it because Jinky's a better replier than me? (pouts) Hehe!!! Just kidding! I don't bite! I'm glad that you like the triangle! And yeah! Gatoh's dead now! At last! And Jinky's updating now! (--) Make sure to update soon, okay? Jinky's very excited to see your next chapter and so am I!
Kai013: Well, here's the update! Thanks for the review!
Wormkaizer: Thanks! And of course Naruto would be able to save her! Thanks for the review!
Place-your-name-here: Thanks! And don't worry! Jinky spells words wrong too sometimes! (Me: Are you insulting me, Inner jk?!)
GreatMarta: Yes. We both know that our fic is... WHAT?! It's in your favorite list?! Gee!!! Really?! We're so glad! Thanks! And yeah. Hro must beware. But don't worry! Jinky already has a plan for Hro and I like it. I hope you do too. Hey! Thanks for the review!
Inner jk: I'm done!
Author: Good! Now let the chapter start!
Chapter 10:
"H-Hyuuga H-Hinata..." Keiki stammered.
"Hinata's what?!" Naruto demanded.
"K-k-k-kidnapped..." Lan managed to say.
"WHAT?!"
Naruto clenched his fist and picked up Lan by the collar of his shirt. "Who kidnapped her?! Tell me!" He exclaimed in anger.
Tsunade stood from her seat. "Naruto! Calm down! Don't bent your anger on the boy!" She exclaimed. Naruto tightened his grip on Lan's shirt.
"Naruto-sensei! Stop it!" Keiki exclaimed in worry as he walked near to Naruto. Naruto glared at him and picked him up too... this time, by the neck.
"I swear if you didn't do anything to help Hinata you're going to pay!" Naruto's chakra was fuming already. Hro woke up and went beside Reika whose eyes were wide in fright. Sasuke clenched his fist and pushed Naruto back. He lost his grip on the boys.
Lan fell on the ground hard while Keiki was choking. Reika, Ring, Hro, and even Mika went to the boys' aid.
"If you're so damn angry fro Hinata being kidnapped, go smash a tree or something! Don't hurt my sons just because of your foolish anger!" Sasuke exclaimed.
Neji took a step forward, ready to restrain the two if things get too out of hand. "Sasuke, Naruto, stop it. We won't be able to rescue Hinata if you two fight. Let's think of a plan instead than fight on foolish reasons." He said.
Luckily, that line seemed to calm the two down.
"Everyone! I order you to sit down!" Tsunade exclaimed. It was pretty obvious that she was worried and pissed off at the same time. Everyone sat down in quite a gruff way. The girls helped Lan and Keiki sit down on one of the chairs.
"Excuse me, Tsunade-sama. This note was left by the kidnapper." Lan limped over towards Tsunade's table and gave her the note. Tsunade's eyes widened.
"This is bad." She then passed the note around. "This is a serious case. Hinata is one of the best medic-nins in Konoha. Without her, we are at lost. Just like they are at lost without Gatoh. We need to rescue her. Lan, call Shikamaru."
"Yes Tsunade-sama."
"Kakashi, send Pakun over to the two borders to deliver my message. We need the most elite shinobis here."
"Hai."
Tsunade sighed and slumped down on the chair. She clenched both of her fists in her sides. "Hyuuga Hro, will you please come here?"
Hro turned her attention towards Tsunade. "Hai Tsunade-sama." She made her way in front of the table. "Please sit down."
"As we wait for them to come back, I would like to ask you a few questions. If that's okay with you."
Hro nodded. "What is it you want to ask, Tsunade-sama?"
"Reika, Neji, come here too. The others, please go outside for the time being."
= = = = = = = = = =
Tsunade glanced at the three hyuugas in front of her. She then decided to ask Hro first. "Hyuuga Hro of the Hyuuga Branch house, how come you don't have a bird in the cage seal in you?"
Hro sighed and smiled. "Not wasting any time, eh Tsunade-sama? Well... when I was born, my mother was afraid of the future that may be bestowed upon me for being a branch member. She doesn't want me to get cursed. That's why she ran away with me in order to save me from the dreadful clutched of the main house. Then she gave me to an old couple as she went away to search for a new home. But then..." She stopped.
Everyone noticed the tears coming from Hro's eyes. Neji didn't really give it much attention but Reika had different ideas. She patted Hro's back. "It's okay. Please continue."
Hro smiled weakly at her. "Thank you. Well... years have passed. My mother didn't return. Obaasan told me the truth when I turned five. I was shocked beyond compare. Weeks later, I heard that my mother was found out, and she was put to death by Hyuuga Hiashi, the leader of the main family. I ran away and started to train myself at the age of seven. A few months later, I met another member of the hyuuga. He was a jounin from the branch family. He was the one who taught me all the skills that I know."
Neji stopped her for a minute. "Do you know this man?" He asked. Hro shook his head.
"No. I'm afraid not. Actually, I never even saw his face. It's always covered with a cloth with little slits for the eyes and nose. I never knew his name either. Well... when I turned twelve, I heard of Gatoh and his men. I knew about the war going on actually so I figured that since he's a very important man, they may be of need for a bodyguard so I applied for a job. Then I met the assassination group. The next you know well about." Hro ended her explanation with a sigh.
Reika's eyes were wide. "Hro-san, that was quite an experience. I never would have figured that out."
Hro smiled. "It's okay. But then, now that I'm here, I need to be careful."
Tsunade nodded. The door opened as one by one, the shinobis entered. Tsunade raised her hand to calm them down. Shikamaru took a step forward and bowed down in repect. Tsunade nodded as Shikamaru faced the group.
"Lan told me the situation. I now have a plan."
Everyone silenced as they let Shikamaru explain. "As you may all know, the note say that they will be waiting for our reply within three days and we have two options: to give up in the war, or to rescue Hinata by force."
"Father, what will we do then?" Ayumi asked. The genin rookies were also considered elite because of the skill that were seen. Shikamaru shook his head.
"You're so troublesome, Ayumi. Let me continue. I'm getting there. We are going to choose option two."
Gasp.
Ino stood up. "But how are we going to rescue Hinata by force?! There are so many sound-nins waiting for us!"
"Ino, what countries have become our allies?" Shikamaru asked. Ino thought for a moment. "Lightning country and the Water country. Grass country and Earth country declined. Waterfall country and the Rain country are allies of the sound."
Shikamaru nodded. "Very well. We also have the Wind country as an ally too. We will ask for a few of the lighting country and the water countries shinobis to help us out. Our plan is simple. We would pretend to start the war with the use of a few of the combined shinobis. Most of the sound-nins will leave their base to attack. When that happens, a team of shinobis will go over at their base and rescue Hinata." He explained.
"Is that all?" Naruto asked. The tone of his voice clearly stated that he's annoyed and worried at the same time.
Asuma stood up. "Wait a minute. The enemy is not dumb. They know that if we were really going to start the war, they would expect our most elite shinobis there. If they don't find us there, they might suspect something."
Shikamaru looked at Naruto. "That's where Naruto's role would start. Naruto, how good are you with your kage bunshin?" He asked. That caught Naruto's attention.
Naruto looked at Shikamaru. "Huh? I already mastered using the kage bunshin no jutsu since I've been using that since my rookie years. Why?"
Shikamaru grinned. "Perfect."
Ruchi leaned closer in total curiousity. "Ne, ne, what's the kage bunshin no jutsu?" He asked. Kiba looked at his son. "Ruchi, the kage bunshin no jutsu is a jounin technique that makes clones that can really make damage. Unlike, the normal bunshin that is only an illusion, the kage bunshin can really make attacks and perform jutsus of their own." Kiba explained.
"Sugoi... I want to learn that too!" Ruchi exclaimed. Kiba bonked his son's head. "You're too young. And besides, we're at war!" Kiba exclaimed. Ruchi pouted. "But Uzumaki-san said that he was already using that technique since his rookie years!" "That's because he learned that accidentally! Well... not exactly accidentally. I don't know the exact reason but... ahh che! Don't ask!"
"Nara-san, what does Naruto's kage bunshin no jutsu has to do with this plan of yours?" Tenten asked. Shikamaru nodded.
"Alright. This is the other part of the plan. In order that they won't become that suspicious, Naruto would make kage bunshins by the number of the people that will compose the rescue team and then each clone will perform the henge no jutsu in order to copy the other member's looks." Shikamaru explained.
Lee stood up with his fist raised. "Oh yeah! Nara-san, you're a genius!" he exclaimed. Gai stood up after in the same pose.
"Yeah! Youth lives!" He exclaimed.
The other people in the room, even Gaara, sweatdropped. "Sigh... the thick- eyebrow duo is really weird." They said in unison.
Shikamaru faced Naruto once again. "Naruto, are you okay with this?" He asked. Naruto nodded. "Yes. If it's to save Hinata, I'll do what I can."
"Good. Then, after Hinata's saved and the team is in safe conditions, the other shinobis will teleport back to Konoha at my signal. Everyone got that?" Shikamaru asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Good. Sigh... explaining is too troublesome."
"That's a good plan, Shikamaru. It's simple but effective. In simpler terms, we will use a few of the combined shinobis as a decoy as the rescue team enters the base to save Hyuuga Hinata. When Hinata and the team is already safe, the decoys will teleport back to Konoha." Tsunade said. Shikamaru faced Tsunade and nodded.
"Hai."
"Well explained Nara Shikamaru. I suggest that you choose the rescue team." Tsunade said. Shikamaru nodded. "Hai Tsunade-sama." He faced the group once again.
"Alright then. The rescue team will compose of Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Reika, Uchiha Lan, Uchiha Keiki, and Hyuuga Hro with Uchiha Sasuke as the team leader. Gaara, you and your genins must go back to Hidden Sand in order to tell the plan. Can you do that?" Shikamaru said.
Gaara opened his eyes and nodded. "Fine." He looked at Ring and Mika and nodded. Ring and Mika waved goodbye at the hidden leaf shinobis and disappeared in a swirl of sand.
"Sigh... that's it." Shikamaru said.
Tsunade nodded. "Done. Dismissed."
The shinobis bowed down in respect as they exited the room. "And Naruto."
Naruto turned around to face Tsunade. "What is it?"
"Please don't you anything reckless."
Naruto grinned. "I won't Tsunade-baba."
Naruto then left the room. Tsunade sighed in relief, at least contented with the fox-grin and the nickname that Naruto said to her.
Outside the Hokage's tower (A/N: I don't know if it's a tower, a temple, or a building so I just made it a tower.), everyone had left leaving the three Uchihas, the three Hyuugas, and Naruto.
"Well... let's see each other tomorrow then, dobe." Sasuke said as he signaled his sons to leave. Lan and Keiki nodded and waved goodbye.
"Goodnight Reika, Uncle Neji, Naruto-sensei." The twins said in unison. Reika waved back, Neji nodded, Hro stared, and Naruto waved frantically.
"See you tomorrow at the red bridge at six! And don't be late!" Naruto exclaimed. Reika snorted. "As if we're gonna be late."
Naruto glared at her. "What was that?"
Reika shrugged innocently. "Nothing."
"Grr... hmp! See you tomorrow then! Goodnight!" Then with a poof, Naruto's gone, leaving Neji, Reika, and Hro standing in silence.
Reika was the one who broke the silence and turned around cheerfully at Hro. "Hey Hro-chan!"
"Hro-chan?"
"Yes! Hro-chan! So just call me Reika-chan from now on! Or Reika. Or Hyuuga. Or..."
"Sigh... just call me Hro and I'll just call you Reika."
"Okay! Hey, wanna stay at our place while you're here at Konoha?"
"Reika, I don't think that's a good idea." Neji chirped in. Reika hmped at him. "Mou! Otousan! Come on! Hro's a hyuuga branch too!"
Neji sighed. "Fine. But she's your responsibility."
"Okay."
"And remember to keep her identity hidden. We don't want Hiashi-sama to know about this, right?"
"I'll keep that in mind."
Unknown to them, a main branch overheard their conversation and went to tell Hiashi about it.
=Hyuuga Main House=
Hyuuga Hiashi clenched his fists as he heard what happened to Hinata. You may think that he's worried about his daughter, but you're totally wrong. "Hn. Hinata's a disgrace among the hyuuga! She really does not deserve to be the heiress if she can't protect herself."
"Hiashi-sama, I have other news." The anonymous Hyuuga said. Hiashi nodded.
"Speak."
"Well it seems that there is one branch member who hasn't got her seal yet."
"What?!"
"Yes sir. It seems that she was the baby girl who escaped the branch family. She is currently staying at the branch house together with Hyuuga Neji and his daughter, Hyuuga Reika."
Hiashi clenched his fists in anger. "A traitor among the Hyuuga, huh? Tell Neji, her daughter, and the traitor to come to my presence at once."
"Yes sir."
=Hyuuga Branch House=
"Hiashi-sama wants to see us?" Neji asked. The anonymous hyuuga nodded.
"Yes. He wants the three of you before him now."
Neji nodded. "We'll be there."
"See to that."
Reika opened the door and went in as she leaned at the frame. "What does Hiashi-sama want now, otousan?"
"This is bad, Reika. It seems that Hiashi-sama knows of Hro's existence." Neji said. Reika gasped.
"No way! It can't be! Hro..." Reika looked at Hro with a worried look on her face. Hro smiled weakly. "If I really am destined to serve the main house and have my seal, then I won't escape."
"Hro, you're wrong. Destiny is not automatically decided. It is made. We make our own destiny. Remember that." Neji said before ushering the two girls out.
"Let's go."
"Hai."
=Hyuuga Main House=
Neji, Reika, and Hro bowed down in respect before Hyuuga Hiashi, the leader of the main house.
"You called for us, Hiashi-sama?" Neji asked. Hiashi looked at the three to see the new face. Hiashi smirked evilly.
"Yes. I did. And it seems that the traitor is here as well."
Hro's eyes widened in fear.
"What is your name?" Hiashi asked.
"H-Hyuuga Hro."
"Face me."
"Yes Hiashi-sama." Hro looked at Hiashi's face. White eyes met white eyes. Hiashi smirked.
"I see. You are the branch member who escaped. That's why you don't have the seal. Now that you're here, there is escape. You shall have your seal first thing in the morning." Hiashi declared.
Reika's eyebrow twitched. She was totally annoyed. She raised her head and looked at Hiashi right in the eyes.
"I'm sorry to disagree with you. But Hyuuga Hro is not to have the seal carved in her. Not now, not tomorrow, now ever." Reika said.
Hiashi was angered. "How dare you look at me in the eye Hyuuga Reika! If your attitude is like that, then all of the branch members are to be severely punished!"
"In behalf of the whole Hyuuga branch, I Hyuuga Reika, am sorry for any deed that may have angered the main house, Hiashi-sama."
"Forgiven."
"But! My statement does not change. Hyuuga Hro is a hyuuga. But she is not an official member of the branch house. She is not even an official member of konoha. Yes she may be a hyuuga, but since she still does not have a country nor a village to really call her home, it is not allowed to do anything that may harm her."
Reika's statement seemed to have angered Hiashi more. "Imbecile!"
This time, that was enough. Anger showed on Neji and Reika's eyes. "No Hiashi-sama. We are not imbeciles." Neji said coolly, even though anger was present in his eyes.
"No father. Hyuuga Hiashi won't face the truth if you say that to him coolly." Reika then faced Hiashi with anger. "We? Imbeciles? Hah! Look who's talking! You are the imbecile Hiashi-sama! No. It's just Hiashi! I am merely stating the truth. You just can't accept the fact that I'm correct, right? You're stupid pride always goes first! If you don't let yourself be corrected, even for just a few times in your lifetime, then you are not worthy to be called the leader of the main house! Heck! You are not even worthy to be called a Hyuuga!" Reika exclaimed.
Hro was totally shocked at what she was seeing or hearing. Here she was, with people that she barely knew, standing before the very person who she almost killed. She was standing up for her. Bearing the anger that Hiashi have in front of her. No one has ever done this for her. Not one.
"It seems that I found a family." Hro thought as she mentally smiled in appreciation.
A family...
That I can trust...
That I can count on...
That I can love...
Thank you...
"So you see now Hiashi?! No one can ever be a true leader if the don't know how to swallow their pride! Why? Are you afraid that you would make mistakes and then you will be laughed at by everyone?" Reika added.
Now that seemed to hit a nerve. "How dare you!" Hiashi made a simple hand seal. Neji and Hro were shocked.
No. He isn't...
He isn't going to use the seal... right?
Hro and Neji paled. Reika went wide-eyed at a terrible headache started to occur. The clutched her head in pain. The pain was totally unbearable that she screamed in pain.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Hiashi mocked.
"Enough! Enough! I can't bear it anymore!" Reika screamed. Tears were streaming down her cheeks in pain as Hiashi continued his mental assault.
Hro ran towards Reika and stared at her in shock and worry. "Reika!"
"Stop! Make it stop! Stop it! It hurts! Stop!"
"Reika! Bear it!" Hro exclaimed.
"STOP!" Reika lost conciousness. Hiashi placed his hand down and turned around.
"Now you know what will happen to you branch members when you disobey my orders." Hiashi said without looking at them.
Neji carried his daughter in his arms with Hro beside him. "Hiashi-sama, I just want to say what my daughter wanted to say. Hro won't have her seal carved in her. I agree since everything she said is right. If you have any complains, bring it to Tsunade-sama."
Those were Neji's last words before he and Hro exited the Hyuuga main house.
The two walked in silence. Hro looked at Neji in confusion.
"What is it Hro? If you want to say something then say it. I won't wait forever." Neji said without even looking at her.
Hro looked down at her feet. "Hyuuga-san..."
"It's Neji-san from now on."
"Okay. Neji-san, why did Reika do that for me?" She asked as she stopped her tracks, making Neji stop as well.
"Because you're her friend and cousin." Neji answered before walking again. Hro smiled.
"A family... yes. A family at last."
At Naruto's apartment, Naruto kept pacing to and fro. He just can't stop worrying about Hinata.
Darn it!
He really loves her! He promised himself that he would save Hinata at all costs. His thoughts were cut off as he heard a knock on his door.
"I'm coming!"
Naruto opened the door to see his all time favorite teacher.
"Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto-kun."
Naruto hugged his father figure tightly. "Iruka-sensei! I missed you! What were you doing all this time?! You never visited me last week! The last time we met was at that old-hag's office!"
That line gave Naruto a whack on the head. "Itai! What has that for Iruka- sensei?!"
"How many times do I have to tell you?! Don't call Tsunade-sama an old- hag!"
"You have to tell me that forever, Iruka-sensei."
The two burst into laughter, though Naruto's laughter was bitter. Iruka noticed this and became concerned. Then again, when was he not concerned with our blond shinobi?
"Naruto? What's wrong?" Iruka asked. Naruto shook his head.
"Nothing Iruka-sensei."
Iruka frowned. "Come on Naruto. We've known each other since forever. I know you more than enough to know that you're depressed about something. What is it?" He asked.
Naruto laughed bitterly. "Yeah Iruka-sensei. You're right."
Iruka held Narutp's shoulders. "What is it? Tell me."
"It's Hinata. She's kidnapped. And I didn't do anything to protect her." Salty tears started to fall from Naruto's cheeks. Iruka was shocked.
"Since when did Naruto cry like this? He must really love her to feel like this." Iruka thought. "You really love her, right?"
Naruto looked at him. "Of course I do! I love her with all my heart!" He exclaimed. Iruka smiled. "Will you do everything to get her back?"
"Yes!"
"Do you believe that we can get her back?"
"YES! OF COURSE! WE WILL GET HER BACK!"
"That's the spirit, Naruto. Always believe in yourself. Don't let it get you down. You became stronger when you want to protect someone." Iruka said.
Naruto remembered Haku's words when they met at the forest.
"You became stronger when you want to protect someone really important to you."
"Haku's words are really true." Naruto mumbled. Iruka raised an eyebrow. "Were you saying something?"
Naruto shook his head. "Nah. Just thinking. Anyway, thanks for the visit Iruka-sensei. But I rather be alone for now."
Iruka smiled. "No problem. When you need to talk to someone, I'm always there." He said. Naruto smiled. "Thanks Iruka-sensei."
"Bye Naruto!"
"Bye Iruka-sensei!"
Naruto smiled slightly and closed the door behind him. He clenched his fists in front on his face.
"I will save you Hinata. I promise."
Author's notes: How's this? I hope that I did well enough to please you all. I'm sorry if most of this chapter is composed on Shikamaru's plan and the Hyuugas again. Gomen-nasai. I just can't help it. I hope that you like it. Reviews please!
Author's notes: Hi guys! Thanks for the support at every chapter that I did, okay? I hope that you would continue to support me all the way! Now for the reviews!
Inner jk: Ehem!
Author: Oh! Yeah! It's your turn. Feel free to say anything you want to them! But remember that I'll be watching what you say.
Inner jk: Fine.
xXxLiQuiD FaNtAsYxXx: Don't worry! Jink' already has a plan for that! Just wait for it and Hinata will get rescued! PEACE!!!
Astly-Hinata-chan: Awe!!! Really? Thanks! Well Jinky here has already made the next chapter so have fun then! And yeah. Hinata's kidnapped. Jinky's just too weird. (Me: AM NOT!)
Kaede ika: Okay! I'll place on more action for the Uchiha twins. At the right time though. Do you really think so? Thanks!
laZy hyuuGa: Hey! Don't you like me?! Is it because Jinky's a better replier than me? (pouts) Hehe!!! Just kidding! I don't bite! I'm glad that you like the triangle! And yeah! Gatoh's dead now! At last! And Jinky's updating now! (--) Make sure to update soon, okay? Jinky's very excited to see your next chapter and so am I!
Kai013: Well, here's the update! Thanks for the review!
Wormkaizer: Thanks! And of course Naruto would be able to save her! Thanks for the review!
Place-your-name-here: Thanks! And don't worry! Jinky spells words wrong too sometimes! (Me: Are you insulting me, Inner jk?!)
GreatMarta: Yes. We both know that our fic is... WHAT?! It's in your favorite list?! Gee!!! Really?! We're so glad! Thanks! And yeah. Hro must beware. But don't worry! Jinky already has a plan for Hro and I like it. I hope you do too. Hey! Thanks for the review!
Inner jk: I'm done!
Author: Good! Now let the chapter start!
Chapter 10:
"H-Hyuuga H-Hinata..." Keiki stammered.
"Hinata's what?!" Naruto demanded.
"K-k-k-kidnapped..." Lan managed to say.
"WHAT?!"
Naruto clenched his fist and picked up Lan by the collar of his shirt. "Who kidnapped her?! Tell me!" He exclaimed in anger.
Tsunade stood from her seat. "Naruto! Calm down! Don't bent your anger on the boy!" She exclaimed. Naruto tightened his grip on Lan's shirt.
"Naruto-sensei! Stop it!" Keiki exclaimed in worry as he walked near to Naruto. Naruto glared at him and picked him up too... this time, by the neck.
"I swear if you didn't do anything to help Hinata you're going to pay!" Naruto's chakra was fuming already. Hro woke up and went beside Reika whose eyes were wide in fright. Sasuke clenched his fist and pushed Naruto back. He lost his grip on the boys.
Lan fell on the ground hard while Keiki was choking. Reika, Ring, Hro, and even Mika went to the boys' aid.
"If you're so damn angry fro Hinata being kidnapped, go smash a tree or something! Don't hurt my sons just because of your foolish anger!" Sasuke exclaimed.
Neji took a step forward, ready to restrain the two if things get too out of hand. "Sasuke, Naruto, stop it. We won't be able to rescue Hinata if you two fight. Let's think of a plan instead than fight on foolish reasons." He said.
Luckily, that line seemed to calm the two down.
"Everyone! I order you to sit down!" Tsunade exclaimed. It was pretty obvious that she was worried and pissed off at the same time. Everyone sat down in quite a gruff way. The girls helped Lan and Keiki sit down on one of the chairs.
"Excuse me, Tsunade-sama. This note was left by the kidnapper." Lan limped over towards Tsunade's table and gave her the note. Tsunade's eyes widened.
"This is bad." She then passed the note around. "This is a serious case. Hinata is one of the best medic-nins in Konoha. Without her, we are at lost. Just like they are at lost without Gatoh. We need to rescue her. Lan, call Shikamaru."
"Yes Tsunade-sama."
"Kakashi, send Pakun over to the two borders to deliver my message. We need the most elite shinobis here."
"Hai."
Tsunade sighed and slumped down on the chair. She clenched both of her fists in her sides. "Hyuuga Hro, will you please come here?"
Hro turned her attention towards Tsunade. "Hai Tsunade-sama." She made her way in front of the table. "Please sit down."
"As we wait for them to come back, I would like to ask you a few questions. If that's okay with you."
Hro nodded. "What is it you want to ask, Tsunade-sama?"
"Reika, Neji, come here too. The others, please go outside for the time being."
= = = = = = = = = =
Tsunade glanced at the three hyuugas in front of her. She then decided to ask Hro first. "Hyuuga Hro of the Hyuuga Branch house, how come you don't have a bird in the cage seal in you?"
Hro sighed and smiled. "Not wasting any time, eh Tsunade-sama? Well... when I was born, my mother was afraid of the future that may be bestowed upon me for being a branch member. She doesn't want me to get cursed. That's why she ran away with me in order to save me from the dreadful clutched of the main house. Then she gave me to an old couple as she went away to search for a new home. But then..." She stopped.
Everyone noticed the tears coming from Hro's eyes. Neji didn't really give it much attention but Reika had different ideas. She patted Hro's back. "It's okay. Please continue."
Hro smiled weakly at her. "Thank you. Well... years have passed. My mother didn't return. Obaasan told me the truth when I turned five. I was shocked beyond compare. Weeks later, I heard that my mother was found out, and she was put to death by Hyuuga Hiashi, the leader of the main family. I ran away and started to train myself at the age of seven. A few months later, I met another member of the hyuuga. He was a jounin from the branch family. He was the one who taught me all the skills that I know."
Neji stopped her for a minute. "Do you know this man?" He asked. Hro shook his head.
"No. I'm afraid not. Actually, I never even saw his face. It's always covered with a cloth with little slits for the eyes and nose. I never knew his name either. Well... when I turned twelve, I heard of Gatoh and his men. I knew about the war going on actually so I figured that since he's a very important man, they may be of need for a bodyguard so I applied for a job. Then I met the assassination group. The next you know well about." Hro ended her explanation with a sigh.
Reika's eyes were wide. "Hro-san, that was quite an experience. I never would have figured that out."
Hro smiled. "It's okay. But then, now that I'm here, I need to be careful."
Tsunade nodded. The door opened as one by one, the shinobis entered. Tsunade raised her hand to calm them down. Shikamaru took a step forward and bowed down in repect. Tsunade nodded as Shikamaru faced the group.
"Lan told me the situation. I now have a plan."
Everyone silenced as they let Shikamaru explain. "As you may all know, the note say that they will be waiting for our reply within three days and we have two options: to give up in the war, or to rescue Hinata by force."
"Father, what will we do then?" Ayumi asked. The genin rookies were also considered elite because of the skill that were seen. Shikamaru shook his head.
"You're so troublesome, Ayumi. Let me continue. I'm getting there. We are going to choose option two."
Gasp.
Ino stood up. "But how are we going to rescue Hinata by force?! There are so many sound-nins waiting for us!"
"Ino, what countries have become our allies?" Shikamaru asked. Ino thought for a moment. "Lightning country and the Water country. Grass country and Earth country declined. Waterfall country and the Rain country are allies of the sound."
Shikamaru nodded. "Very well. We also have the Wind country as an ally too. We will ask for a few of the lighting country and the water countries shinobis to help us out. Our plan is simple. We would pretend to start the war with the use of a few of the combined shinobis. Most of the sound-nins will leave their base to attack. When that happens, a team of shinobis will go over at their base and rescue Hinata." He explained.
"Is that all?" Naruto asked. The tone of his voice clearly stated that he's annoyed and worried at the same time.
Asuma stood up. "Wait a minute. The enemy is not dumb. They know that if we were really going to start the war, they would expect our most elite shinobis there. If they don't find us there, they might suspect something."
Shikamaru looked at Naruto. "That's where Naruto's role would start. Naruto, how good are you with your kage bunshin?" He asked. That caught Naruto's attention.
Naruto looked at Shikamaru. "Huh? I already mastered using the kage bunshin no jutsu since I've been using that since my rookie years. Why?"
Shikamaru grinned. "Perfect."
Ruchi leaned closer in total curiousity. "Ne, ne, what's the kage bunshin no jutsu?" He asked. Kiba looked at his son. "Ruchi, the kage bunshin no jutsu is a jounin technique that makes clones that can really make damage. Unlike, the normal bunshin that is only an illusion, the kage bunshin can really make attacks and perform jutsus of their own." Kiba explained.
"Sugoi... I want to learn that too!" Ruchi exclaimed. Kiba bonked his son's head. "You're too young. And besides, we're at war!" Kiba exclaimed. Ruchi pouted. "But Uzumaki-san said that he was already using that technique since his rookie years!" "That's because he learned that accidentally! Well... not exactly accidentally. I don't know the exact reason but... ahh che! Don't ask!"
"Nara-san, what does Naruto's kage bunshin no jutsu has to do with this plan of yours?" Tenten asked. Shikamaru nodded.
"Alright. This is the other part of the plan. In order that they won't become that suspicious, Naruto would make kage bunshins by the number of the people that will compose the rescue team and then each clone will perform the henge no jutsu in order to copy the other member's looks." Shikamaru explained.
Lee stood up with his fist raised. "Oh yeah! Nara-san, you're a genius!" he exclaimed. Gai stood up after in the same pose.
"Yeah! Youth lives!" He exclaimed.
The other people in the room, even Gaara, sweatdropped. "Sigh... the thick- eyebrow duo is really weird." They said in unison.
Shikamaru faced Naruto once again. "Naruto, are you okay with this?" He asked. Naruto nodded. "Yes. If it's to save Hinata, I'll do what I can."
"Good. Then, after Hinata's saved and the team is in safe conditions, the other shinobis will teleport back to Konoha at my signal. Everyone got that?" Shikamaru asked.
Everyone nodded.
"Good. Sigh... explaining is too troublesome."
"That's a good plan, Shikamaru. It's simple but effective. In simpler terms, we will use a few of the combined shinobis as a decoy as the rescue team enters the base to save Hyuuga Hinata. When Hinata and the team is already safe, the decoys will teleport back to Konoha." Tsunade said. Shikamaru faced Tsunade and nodded.
"Hai."
"Well explained Nara Shikamaru. I suggest that you choose the rescue team." Tsunade said. Shikamaru nodded. "Hai Tsunade-sama." He faced the group once again.
"Alright then. The rescue team will compose of Uzumaki Naruto, Uchiha Sasuke, Hyuuga Neji, Rock Lee, Hyuuga Reika, Uchiha Lan, Uchiha Keiki, and Hyuuga Hro with Uchiha Sasuke as the team leader. Gaara, you and your genins must go back to Hidden Sand in order to tell the plan. Can you do that?" Shikamaru said.
Gaara opened his eyes and nodded. "Fine." He looked at Ring and Mika and nodded. Ring and Mika waved goodbye at the hidden leaf shinobis and disappeared in a swirl of sand.
"Sigh... that's it." Shikamaru said.
Tsunade nodded. "Done. Dismissed."
The shinobis bowed down in respect as they exited the room. "And Naruto."
Naruto turned around to face Tsunade. "What is it?"
"Please don't you anything reckless."
Naruto grinned. "I won't Tsunade-baba."
Naruto then left the room. Tsunade sighed in relief, at least contented with the fox-grin and the nickname that Naruto said to her.
Outside the Hokage's tower (A/N: I don't know if it's a tower, a temple, or a building so I just made it a tower.), everyone had left leaving the three Uchihas, the three Hyuugas, and Naruto.
"Well... let's see each other tomorrow then, dobe." Sasuke said as he signaled his sons to leave. Lan and Keiki nodded and waved goodbye.
"Goodnight Reika, Uncle Neji, Naruto-sensei." The twins said in unison. Reika waved back, Neji nodded, Hro stared, and Naruto waved frantically.
"See you tomorrow at the red bridge at six! And don't be late!" Naruto exclaimed. Reika snorted. "As if we're gonna be late."
Naruto glared at her. "What was that?"
Reika shrugged innocently. "Nothing."
"Grr... hmp! See you tomorrow then! Goodnight!" Then with a poof, Naruto's gone, leaving Neji, Reika, and Hro standing in silence.
Reika was the one who broke the silence and turned around cheerfully at Hro. "Hey Hro-chan!"
"Hro-chan?"
"Yes! Hro-chan! So just call me Reika-chan from now on! Or Reika. Or Hyuuga. Or..."
"Sigh... just call me Hro and I'll just call you Reika."
"Okay! Hey, wanna stay at our place while you're here at Konoha?"
"Reika, I don't think that's a good idea." Neji chirped in. Reika hmped at him. "Mou! Otousan! Come on! Hro's a hyuuga branch too!"
Neji sighed. "Fine. But she's your responsibility."
"Okay."
"And remember to keep her identity hidden. We don't want Hiashi-sama to know about this, right?"
"I'll keep that in mind."
Unknown to them, a main branch overheard their conversation and went to tell Hiashi about it.
=Hyuuga Main House=
Hyuuga Hiashi clenched his fists as he heard what happened to Hinata. You may think that he's worried about his daughter, but you're totally wrong. "Hn. Hinata's a disgrace among the hyuuga! She really does not deserve to be the heiress if she can't protect herself."
"Hiashi-sama, I have other news." The anonymous Hyuuga said. Hiashi nodded.
"Speak."
"Well it seems that there is one branch member who hasn't got her seal yet."
"What?!"
"Yes sir. It seems that she was the baby girl who escaped the branch family. She is currently staying at the branch house together with Hyuuga Neji and his daughter, Hyuuga Reika."
Hiashi clenched his fists in anger. "A traitor among the Hyuuga, huh? Tell Neji, her daughter, and the traitor to come to my presence at once."
"Yes sir."
=Hyuuga Branch House=
"Hiashi-sama wants to see us?" Neji asked. The anonymous hyuuga nodded.
"Yes. He wants the three of you before him now."
Neji nodded. "We'll be there."
"See to that."
Reika opened the door and went in as she leaned at the frame. "What does Hiashi-sama want now, otousan?"
"This is bad, Reika. It seems that Hiashi-sama knows of Hro's existence." Neji said. Reika gasped.
"No way! It can't be! Hro..." Reika looked at Hro with a worried look on her face. Hro smiled weakly. "If I really am destined to serve the main house and have my seal, then I won't escape."
"Hro, you're wrong. Destiny is not automatically decided. It is made. We make our own destiny. Remember that." Neji said before ushering the two girls out.
"Let's go."
"Hai."
=Hyuuga Main House=
Neji, Reika, and Hro bowed down in respect before Hyuuga Hiashi, the leader of the main house.
"You called for us, Hiashi-sama?" Neji asked. Hiashi looked at the three to see the new face. Hiashi smirked evilly.
"Yes. I did. And it seems that the traitor is here as well."
Hro's eyes widened in fear.
"What is your name?" Hiashi asked.
"H-Hyuuga Hro."
"Face me."
"Yes Hiashi-sama." Hro looked at Hiashi's face. White eyes met white eyes. Hiashi smirked.
"I see. You are the branch member who escaped. That's why you don't have the seal. Now that you're here, there is escape. You shall have your seal first thing in the morning." Hiashi declared.
Reika's eyebrow twitched. She was totally annoyed. She raised her head and looked at Hiashi right in the eyes.
"I'm sorry to disagree with you. But Hyuuga Hro is not to have the seal carved in her. Not now, not tomorrow, now ever." Reika said.
Hiashi was angered. "How dare you look at me in the eye Hyuuga Reika! If your attitude is like that, then all of the branch members are to be severely punished!"
"In behalf of the whole Hyuuga branch, I Hyuuga Reika, am sorry for any deed that may have angered the main house, Hiashi-sama."
"Forgiven."
"But! My statement does not change. Hyuuga Hro is a hyuuga. But she is not an official member of the branch house. She is not even an official member of konoha. Yes she may be a hyuuga, but since she still does not have a country nor a village to really call her home, it is not allowed to do anything that may harm her."
Reika's statement seemed to have angered Hiashi more. "Imbecile!"
This time, that was enough. Anger showed on Neji and Reika's eyes. "No Hiashi-sama. We are not imbeciles." Neji said coolly, even though anger was present in his eyes.
"No father. Hyuuga Hiashi won't face the truth if you say that to him coolly." Reika then faced Hiashi with anger. "We? Imbeciles? Hah! Look who's talking! You are the imbecile Hiashi-sama! No. It's just Hiashi! I am merely stating the truth. You just can't accept the fact that I'm correct, right? You're stupid pride always goes first! If you don't let yourself be corrected, even for just a few times in your lifetime, then you are not worthy to be called the leader of the main house! Heck! You are not even worthy to be called a Hyuuga!" Reika exclaimed.
Hro was totally shocked at what she was seeing or hearing. Here she was, with people that she barely knew, standing before the very person who she almost killed. She was standing up for her. Bearing the anger that Hiashi have in front of her. No one has ever done this for her. Not one.
"It seems that I found a family." Hro thought as she mentally smiled in appreciation.
A family...
That I can trust...
That I can count on...
That I can love...
Thank you...
"So you see now Hiashi?! No one can ever be a true leader if the don't know how to swallow their pride! Why? Are you afraid that you would make mistakes and then you will be laughed at by everyone?" Reika added.
Now that seemed to hit a nerve. "How dare you!" Hiashi made a simple hand seal. Neji and Hro were shocked.
No. He isn't...
He isn't going to use the seal... right?
Hro and Neji paled. Reika went wide-eyed at a terrible headache started to occur. The clutched her head in pain. The pain was totally unbearable that she screamed in pain.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Hiashi mocked.
"Enough! Enough! I can't bear it anymore!" Reika screamed. Tears were streaming down her cheeks in pain as Hiashi continued his mental assault.
Hro ran towards Reika and stared at her in shock and worry. "Reika!"
"Stop! Make it stop! Stop it! It hurts! Stop!"
"Reika! Bear it!" Hro exclaimed.
"STOP!" Reika lost conciousness. Hiashi placed his hand down and turned around.
"Now you know what will happen to you branch members when you disobey my orders." Hiashi said without looking at them.
Neji carried his daughter in his arms with Hro beside him. "Hiashi-sama, I just want to say what my daughter wanted to say. Hro won't have her seal carved in her. I agree since everything she said is right. If you have any complains, bring it to Tsunade-sama."
Those were Neji's last words before he and Hro exited the Hyuuga main house.
The two walked in silence. Hro looked at Neji in confusion.
"What is it Hro? If you want to say something then say it. I won't wait forever." Neji said without even looking at her.
Hro looked down at her feet. "Hyuuga-san..."
"It's Neji-san from now on."
"Okay. Neji-san, why did Reika do that for me?" She asked as she stopped her tracks, making Neji stop as well.
"Because you're her friend and cousin." Neji answered before walking again. Hro smiled.
"A family... yes. A family at last."
At Naruto's apartment, Naruto kept pacing to and fro. He just can't stop worrying about Hinata.
Darn it!
He really loves her! He promised himself that he would save Hinata at all costs. His thoughts were cut off as he heard a knock on his door.
"I'm coming!"
Naruto opened the door to see his all time favorite teacher.
"Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto-kun."
Naruto hugged his father figure tightly. "Iruka-sensei! I missed you! What were you doing all this time?! You never visited me last week! The last time we met was at that old-hag's office!"
That line gave Naruto a whack on the head. "Itai! What has that for Iruka- sensei?!"
"How many times do I have to tell you?! Don't call Tsunade-sama an old- hag!"
"You have to tell me that forever, Iruka-sensei."
The two burst into laughter, though Naruto's laughter was bitter. Iruka noticed this and became concerned. Then again, when was he not concerned with our blond shinobi?
"Naruto? What's wrong?" Iruka asked. Naruto shook his head.
"Nothing Iruka-sensei."
Iruka frowned. "Come on Naruto. We've known each other since forever. I know you more than enough to know that you're depressed about something. What is it?" He asked.
Naruto laughed bitterly. "Yeah Iruka-sensei. You're right."
Iruka held Narutp's shoulders. "What is it? Tell me."
"It's Hinata. She's kidnapped. And I didn't do anything to protect her." Salty tears started to fall from Naruto's cheeks. Iruka was shocked.
"Since when did Naruto cry like this? He must really love her to feel like this." Iruka thought. "You really love her, right?"
Naruto looked at him. "Of course I do! I love her with all my heart!" He exclaimed. Iruka smiled. "Will you do everything to get her back?"
"Yes!"
"Do you believe that we can get her back?"
"YES! OF COURSE! WE WILL GET HER BACK!"
"That's the spirit, Naruto. Always believe in yourself. Don't let it get you down. You became stronger when you want to protect someone." Iruka said.
Naruto remembered Haku's words when they met at the forest.
"You became stronger when you want to protect someone really important to you."
"Haku's words are really true." Naruto mumbled. Iruka raised an eyebrow. "Were you saying something?"
Naruto shook his head. "Nah. Just thinking. Anyway, thanks for the visit Iruka-sensei. But I rather be alone for now."
Iruka smiled. "No problem. When you need to talk to someone, I'm always there." He said. Naruto smiled. "Thanks Iruka-sensei."
"Bye Naruto!"
"Bye Iruka-sensei!"
Naruto smiled slightly and closed the door behind him. He clenched his fists in front on his face.
"I will save you Hinata. I promise."
Author's notes: How's this? I hope that I did well enough to please you all. I'm sorry if most of this chapter is composed on Shikamaru's plan and the Hyuugas again. Gomen-nasai. I just can't help it. I hope that you like it. Reviews please!
