Authors Note: Somehow managed to finish this chapter for this weekend... I lost a whole writing day this week cause my vitals took a critical hit by the heat and I actually needed my break to... well... "recover"...
So, sorry if the end might seem a bit rushed at some point, cause that's basicly what I did on Friday, rush the end. I'm not sure if my follower count for this story is high or low, considering it's my first time here on this page at all, but I wanted to give you this new chapter again at the beginning of the weekend.

I also got a silly idea for the future while I wrote the end of this chapter - but I'm a bit unsure if I'll work it in or not. I wouldn't mind talking about it though - so if you feel like my story really got you intrested and has potential and you would like to get some insight into my head and help me sort this idea out or refine it, feel free to contact me (but please read this chapter before, that I don't need to explain everything. The idea is related to the end of this chapter).

What else... I personally think I'm not really creative. Some might argue that I'm writing and stuff, but *shrugs* the next chapter will show how creative I really am I guess. Just hope I won't loose writing time again for whatever reason next week. So, on to the new chapter. Enjoy! - and if you feel like it, tell me your opinion, 'kay?

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A Tale of two Sisters – Chapter 4: Adventure!

Naruto was on his way to the Academy. He was still upset that he was caught after his prank the day before, even so he came away without any sort of punishment. That white haird Jonin sure was some strange fellow. Smart enough to figure out the one mistake he made, of which he didn't knew he made it in the first place. Then by that mistake catching him, forcing Hanabi to get there as well.

The part he was most upset about was the fact that he also caught Hanabi helping him. And then threatening her to tell her father and getting her in trouble. Naruto cared about his friends and getting one of them into trouble was the last thing he wanted. And what was Hanabi talking about? She hit her sister and feared she would be hated now? He had to find out what was up with her today.

He was stopped on his way however by a gang of boys he quickly recognized as being in his class. When he looked them over did he recognize them from somewhere else too. They were the boys who were bullying the young Hinata four years ago when he stepped in to save her, when she, according to her younger sister, fell for him. Not that he would have talked to Hinata about that. He knew her shyness quite good and wanted her to bring it up by herself.

But right now had he to deal with this group. "Hey, you are Naruto, right?" one of the boys started speaking. "See, we were talking and we decided that you can become our friend if you do something for us. Or, more precisly, if you suceed in a little test of bravery."

Naruto was at alert. These boys never talked to him after the situation four years ago and he was sure he saw angry glances at him during class on the first day. However, he hadn't much friends beside the Hyuga sisters and Ino, so it would be nice to have a few more. "What kind of test do you have in mind?" he asked curious.

"There was a small skirmish in the northern forest yesterday. Some enemy shinobi tried to sneak into the village but were stopped by a patrol. All you have to do is go there and find an item that belong to the enemy shinobi and we will take you into our gang. You will become our friend and can hang out with us."

"Really? Great, I'll get you an item, believe it!" Naruto was turning on the spot and sprinted in the direction of the northern forest. While he doesn't really liked these boys for what they did to Hinata was he more thrilled of gaining a few new friends.

"Why have you done that? We don't want him as friend." another boy asked the leader, slightly annoyed by what was just talked.

"My dad was on that patrol who fought the enemy shinobi. He told me that they are most likely still around. And since he was chasing Naruto through the village yesterday after another of his pranks is this now payback. If we are lucky will he get himself killed in the forest and the whole village will be happy. Nobody likes him anyway." the leader just grinned.

"That's why you are our boss. That's brillant!" yet another of the boys said.

"Just remember, if anyone is asking, we don't know where he is. We never saw him today." the leader laughed while the group headed towards the Academy.

Hyuga Compound

The mood between the two sisters was back to normal this morning, after their discussion the last evening. They had breakfast together and spoke about random things, like they always did. Once they left home was Hinata doing what she promised her sister: she let her jacket at home. She was now wearing a simple black shirt and looked around a bit bashfully once they reached the outside.

Hanabi tried to cheer her up. "Hey sis, there is really no reason to be embarassed. You look beatiful and if others are looking do they realize that as well. And as long as you don't try to hide will you not get too much attention anyway. So really nothing to worry." she smiled at her older sister who tried to stay calm.

"It's just... well... have you seen the other girls in our class? I'm far more developed then them and that makes me feel uneasy..." Hinata tried to argue, but got stopped by her sister.

"Don't be like that. Just don't think about it and everything will be fine, sis. There is really nothing to worry abo- huh? Is that Naruto?" Hanabi got distracted while talking, seeing a blonde boy running down the street to the northern part of the village. "That isn't the direction of the Academy. And I don't think he'll prank again already, after he was caught yesterday." putting her finger on her lower lip did she think about what happened the last day and why Naruto would be heading north.

"Naruto-kun got caught? I hope nothing too bad happened..." Hinata was worried about her crush.

"Nah, everything turned out okay. Some weird Jonin caught him but didn't do anything to him. I'll tell you about it later. Let's follow him for now. Common sis!" Hanabi was already running in the same direction Naruto headed for, before Hinata was following her.

They catched up to Naruto around ten minutes later, when he was standing in front of the northern forest, unsure what to do now. They casually approached him and Hanabi started talking. "Hey Naruto, what are you doing out here? The Academy is in the other direction." she giggled slightly.

Naruto turned around, seeing that the two sisters had followed him. "Hanabi-chan, Hinata-chan, why are you here? You should be in the Academy already." A part of him was glad that his two friends were there with him, another part wished for them to be somewhere else, cause he don't want to get his friends into trouble again.

"We saw you running north and thought something was wrong, so we followed..." Hinata said quietly. You don't needed to be a genius to see that she was totally worried about Naruto and he appreciated that.

"You see, I was on my way to the Academy when I was stopped by these boys of our class. You know, the gang that is always hanging around each other. They said I could become their friend if I would pass a test of bravery for them. That's why I'm here."

"A test of bravery? What kind of test?" Hanabi tilted her head to the side, watching Naruto curious. "Beside, you never talked to them before at all. Sounds fishy to me, if I'm honest."

Naruto nodded slightly. "Yeah, I know. But I would like some new friends, so... anyway, they said there was a skirmish inside the forest yesterday. I shall get them an item that belongs to the enemy shinobi and they'll accept me as a friend!" he was grinning, confident that he would find something.

"But... what if they are still around?" it was the worried Hinata again, finding the idea of visiting a battlefield pretty bad.

"Then we run back home of course. Plus, with us around will we able to spot shinobi from a great distance, sis. After all, our eyes are awesome." Hanabi giggled. "Okay Naruto, any idea where that battlefield might be? The forest is not the smallest."

"Yeah, it shall have been near the village. I've an idea where it should be around. Will us take not more then five minutes to reach it. But you sure you will come along?" it was Naruto's turn to be worried about the sisters.

"Sure. You are our friend so we can help you search. And with our eyes can we even provide some safety. No reason why we shouldn't tag along. And Hinata isn't having a choice here, right sis?" Hanabi grinned at a slightly blushing Hinata who simply nodded. Naruto raised an eyebrow at that declaration.

"Okay, seriously, what's up between you two? I'm wondering about that for two years now and you still haven't told me." he was still curious about the whole situation, starting with the books about slavery and the way the sisters sometimes talked to each other, but they never told him at all.

"Sorry, but that's a secret!" Hanabi stuck her tongue out at Naruto. "Anyway, are we going now?" she pushed both Naruto and Hinata forward into the forest. Naruto simply sighed while Hinata started shivering slightly. She had a bad feeling about this.

At the Academy

Ino was sitting next to her best friend, the pink haird girl Sakura Haruno, who just like everyone else recently started in the Academy. It was still time before class would start, so they talked about different things.

"Say, Ino, I realized that you spent much time with the two Hyuga sisters lately. Are you trying to exchange me as your best friend?" Sakura asked, staring into Ino's eyes.

"Huh? Why do you think that? You know that Hanabi-chan dropped by at the flower shop regulary and then one day introduced me to Hinata-chan. There is nothing wrong with making new friends, you know?" Ino looked into Sakura's emerald green eyes, slightly amused by her best friend. 'She is so jealous that I'm spending time with other girls then her. Never thought I would see that happen.' she giggled to herself.

That got Sakura slightly upset. "What? You think I'm unable to make new friends myself? And what is it with you and that Naruto? I saw you hanging out with this troublemaker a few times. Sasuke is way cooler then that untalented boy."

Ino blinked a few times at that statement. "Untalented? You really think that? I mean, sure, he's hated by the whole village for some unknown reason and always pranking them. But you rarely hear that he is being caught. I wouldn't call that untalented, when he is able to outrun and get away from Chunin and partially Jonin chasing him. And he's much more open then Sasuke. Common Forehead, Sasuke barely even speaks any word."

"I told you to stop calling me that, Ino-pig! And just look at Sasuke, he's just cool. And way mature then Naruto." her eyes drifted over to where Sasuke sat at his table, watching out of the window, like he always does.

"Well, yeah, whatever. Anyway, speaking of Naruto and the Hyuga's... they aren't here yet. I'm not surprised that Naruto isn't here but Hanabi-chan and Hinata-chan? They are always on time. I really wonder..." Ino changed the topic cause she knew that Sakura would just continue to talk about Sasuke if not stopped. And she was really worried that her friends weren't at class yet.

"I don't know, I haven't seen them today. And I don't really care either. If they don't want to attend class is that none of my problems." Sakura pouted for being cut of from the Sasuke topic. But it was always like that with Ino, so she was okay with it, knowing her best friend since they were little.

When Iruka entered the classroom did Ino walk over to her own seat and sat down, looking at the two empty seats next to her. She was really worried that both sisters weren't at class.

Iruka watched around the class realizing that there were three empty seats today. 'Okay, I kinda expected from Naruto to be not around. I heard he got caught after a prank yesterday. He really is a troublemaker. But the two Hyuga sisters aren't here either? That's surprising.' he thought before adressing the class.

"Good morning everyone. Before we start today, Ino? You are friends with both Hanabi and Hinata, right? Do you know where both of them are?"

Ino shook her head. "No, Iruka-sensei. I'm wondering about their whereabouts the same as you. It's so not like them to not be on time. I honestly am a bit worried."

"Hmm, I understand. That really sounds worrysome. Does anybody know something about the whereabouts of Naruto?"

"Haven't seen him today." the leader of the gang of boys said grinning, knowing quite well that he sent Naruto somewhere he most likely will die today.

"Troublesome..." Shikamaru was mumbling into his arms, his head resting atop of them on his desk, like the previous day. At least wasn't he sleeping this time. "Naruto and the Hyuga girls are friends. So if all three of them aren't here will they be most likely together, wherever they may be."

'I hope Naruto is no bad influence for the girls. I wouldn't want to explain to Hiashi why his daughters became troublemakers themself.' Iruka thought to himself before speaking. "So, Naruto, Hanabi and Hinata are missing today, they are most likely together and none has any idea where they might be? Now that's a perfect second day in school." Iruka sighed and started his class.

"Hey, you think we should tell him? If the girls are there as well, I don't know... they are cute and all..." one of the boys of the gang was whispering to his leader.

"Nah. If they are stupid enough to hang out with the child nobody likes is it fine if they die as well." the leader still grinned while answering.

Somewhere inside the northern forest

"Wow, that place was harder to find then I thought. Look at that, everywhere are blood stains and shattered equipment. So that's how a battlefield looks like, huh?" Naruto looked around, both girls standing behind him.

"Seems that way." it was Hanabi talking, her voice a bit shaky, thinking about how many might have died here. "Can you spot anything foreign? Looks all like Konoha stuff to me on first sight."

"Hmm, hard to tell... we might need to search a bit around to find something. How are we going to work on it?" Naruto asked kinda hyped being out here where a skirmish happened not even 24 hours ago.

"We don't know if there are still shinobi around here. Naruto, you start searching the normal way. Hinata, you will help him with your Byakugan. I'll check the surroundings for any other person using my Byakugan. The faster we are done here the better." Hanabi gave the orders and all of them started right on their task. She may be young, but there were some reasons why she already started Academy with her age.

Naruto was searching through the remains that lay scattered around the area, but couldn't find anything that wasn't made in Konoha so far. Hinata looked around the trees and up in the branches with her Byakugan, searching for anything out of place while Hanabi was scanning the surrounding area for any approaching danger.

"I... think there is something... up in the birds nest on this branch." Hinata said quietly while pointing up a large tree. "I'm not totally sure, but it kinda looks like a kunai but it's shaped a way I haven't seen before."

"Alright!" Naruto shouted excited and started to climb up the tree right away. While he tried to get up there and with Hanabi still busy checking the surroundings walked Hinata over to some things laying next to another tree and crouched down to collect one piece and quickly hide it in her pocket. If she had to come out here did she wanted to at least get a souvenir of this adventure. That seemed quite logical to her, that a souvenir of each adventure would be something good for her shy nature.

While they were busy with their tasks did three shinobi some distance away watch the three children searching the battlefield. All of them were completely masked except for their eyes, hiding quite good all features of their bodys and faces. "What are these children doing there? Scavenging the battlefield? Or are they searching for what we are looking for?" the first of the shinobi spoke, the voice kinda deep but definately female.

"I don't think that children would have any knowledge about it. I guess they are simply scavenging after hearing what happened here." the second shinobi answered, the voice again female. Looking over to the third shinobi did the second frown. "Seriously? Common, put your bingo book away. They are children, there won't be any bounties on them."

The third shinobi looked up with a slight smile on the lips and addressed the second, the voice again clearly female. "Well, and here you are wrong. Look at the girls. Or more specific at their eyes. Are they familiar to you? Well, they are to me. The girls must be from the Konoha Hyuga clan. And..." turning the book around that the other two shinobi could get a look on the opened page "...Kumo does have a running bounty for any living member of the Hyuga clan. And there are two girls, not even Genin yet. They won't be able to fight back if you ask me. Easy earned money."

All three shinobi grinned at the thought. Maybe the day wouldn't be too bad, after their friends lost the skirmish the day before. They didn't really cared what might happen to these girls. With this young age will they most likely be brainwashed and used for breeding that Kumo can earn their Kekkei Genkai, but they didn't care for that. The money was way more intresting to them.

Naruto was nearly reaching the branch with the birds nest on it and Hinata watched him worried, when Hanabi quietly spoke up. "Don't panic... grab what you are looking for and then be ready to run back to the village... There are three shinobi watching us from some distance and they aren't from our village... I don't want to find out what they are up to. Maybe they want to retrieve something they lost here yesterday or maybe they want to avenge their comrades or whatever. But we should get away here quickly."

Hinata gulped and nodded slightly and Naruto, reaching the birds nest, nodded as well. He picked up the strangely shaped kunai and put it away, before suddenly jumping down the tree and as soon as he landed did all three of them turn around and started running back to the village.

"So much for the bounty... did they see us?" the third shinobi mumbled, a bit disappointed that the kids were running away.

"I don't think that they spotted us. It is most unlikely, they are kids after all. But I wonder why they were running away all of a sudden..." the second shinobi added.

"Well, would have been quite some money we would have gotten for the two girls. Too bad. Anyway, now we can search for what we came here for, right?" the third shinobi said, getting ready to approach the battlefield.

"Yeah... about that..." the first shinobi was now talking "I think I saw that the boy picked up what we came here for..."

"What?" the third shinobi gasped in shock. "And you are telling us now after they already had some time to run away while we were talking? Hurry up and follow them!" all three of them started to chase down the kids, jumping from branch to branch between the trees while the kids were running on the ground of the forest.

"Shit... they are following us and they are fast. Won't be long before they catch up to us..." Hanabi was cursing, still checking their surroundings and the area behind them with her Byakugan, seeing that the three shinobis after talking started to chase them.

"We need a plan and we need it quick... Hey, Naruto, do you still have the earpiece from yesterday?" Hanabi ran closer to Naruto, hoping he would still have what he snatched the day before.

"Huh? Yeah, I do. Why?" he looked at her a bit confused while avoiding some bushes on his way.

"Don't ask, just gimme. It's the best plan I can think of now!" she said slightly upset by his hesitation and grabbed the earpiece as soon as he pulled it out and placed it in her ear. "Oh shit, dodge. There are shuriken flying our way!" she shouted before jumping behind a tree and the other two followed, avoiding the attacks.

"Please let it work..." Hanabi quietly said while all three of them went back to running. "Hey, spooky white hair guy, can you hear me? Mister one eye? Cyclops? Please, please, please let it work... please hear me. Hey, bookworm? Common, answer me!" Hanabi activated the earpiece, hoping that the guy who catched them the day before would still have the one he used to listen into their conversation.

The radio was silent for quite some time and she repeated calling into it, fearing that they might be done for. After another time of silence and another dodge to flying shuriken did the radio however activate. "Spooky white hair guy? That's a new one. Anyway, I already catched you yesterday girl and you have nothing better to do then using the same radio earpiece again?"

"No time for that!" Hanabi shouted, being out of breath already. "Listen, we need your help quickly. We are chased by some enemy shinobi and..." a scream from Hinata could be heard. "Oh shit, sis? You okay? Common, keep running. It's just a scratch, really!" Hinata got slightly hit by a shuriken in her flank, a thin cut in her shirt which slowly changed to red. Naruto went to her side to support her while they continued to run.

"Where are you? And why? Details!" the voice of the white haird guy changed to death serious, figuring that Hanabi wasn't trying to prank him at all.

"Northern forest and on our way back to the village. He are chased by three unknown shinobi and they try to kill us here. Please help us!" Hanabi shouted again. "They are faster as well and... shit... COVER!" all three of them barely made it away from the fire style jutsu that got thrown at them. "We... won't make it..." she quietly said and sighed, before picking up the run again.

Back in the village was the white haird Jonin already on his way to the northern forest with haste, while he sent a clone of his into the Academy, to inform the responsible teacher that three of his students were in a deadly situation. "Hang in there, kids, I'll be right there."

Inside the Academy

Iruka was talking about some basic things about chakra at the moment. It wasn't really intresting and even if it were, Ino was way too distracted to pay any attention. 'Hanabi, Hinata, where are you? I'm totally worried...' she thought to herself, when she got pulled out of her thoughts by a sudden commotion inside the class room.

A white haird Jonin with a mask covering his face and his headband pulled down over his left eye appeared basicly out of nowhere and gave a slightly wave. "Yo!" he greeted Iruka, who was shocked to see his friend in his classroom.

"Kakashi, what are you doing here? Can't you see I'm busy teaching right now?" Iruka wasn't happy of being interrupted even so he guessed that something must be up if Kakashi took the time to get here in the first place.

"Uhm, well, you see..." Kakashi scratched the back of his head "It might be the case that three of your students are currently hunted by enemy shinobi and might not make it back in time or be rescued."

The class fell silent by this information, most of them shocked. Though some boys were slightly grinning by this information. "Wait, what? Enemy shinobi? But why?" it was Ino to shout out. "There are only three missing today... that means that Hanabi, Hinata and Naruto are in trouble. And you aren't going to help them?"

"She is right. Thanks for telling me, but I need to hurry now. Where are they, Kakashi? And how did you know?" Iruka felt uneasy and wanted to help his students right away.

"Aw, common, relax Iruka. I'm already on my way to help them but I don't know if I'll be in time. The little Hyuga girl contacted me some moments ago and I went right away. Just thought I would inform you, so..." the clone prepared to disperse, but was stopped.

"Stop right there. What do you mean with she contacted you? How? And why do my students know you anyway?" Iruka wanted answers. He might not be needed to save them, but then he at least wanted informations on the situation.

"Huh? By using a radio earpiece. Oh, right, you don't know. I caught the little Hyuga and Naruto yesterday after they pranked some Chunin. They snatched two earpieces and I got the remaining ones to chase them down. I just happened to still have them with me and was able to hear her call for help. So, if that's all, I guess my real me needs my chakra back..." the clone prepared to disperse again, but was stopped, again.

"You... will rescue them, right?" Ino spoke again, this time close to tears. "I don't want to loose my friends..."

Kakashi sighed and turned to Ino "Listen girl, the world is dangerous and life can be short. It's sad, but we can't change that. I am trying to rescue them, but I can't promise anything. See ya." the clone waved and finally dispersed, leaving a now crying Ino and a mostly shocked class behind.

"So troublesome..." could be heard from Shikamaru. "I wonder why they are hunted by enemy shinobi in the first place. They aren't stupid enough to just walk somewhere dangerous by themselfs..."

"Yeah, true enough. I really wonder what happened..." Iruka added, missing the grin of the leader of the boy gang while some members looked distressed. They didn't want the two girls to die as well...

Northern forest, somewhere between the battlefield and Konoha

The three shinobi were currently going through some hand signs, all of them identic. They were planning the final attack to get rid of these kids and to get what they came for, even if that meant killing the girls and with that loosing the bounties. Maybe they might get a partial reward for their bodys.

Naruto and Hinata were supporting each other, both having some cuts from all the shuriken while Hanabi was biting her lips and holding her right arm where she got slightly hit by one of the fire jutsus thrown their way. All three weren't in any good condition at all and easy targets for the oncomming attack.

Finishing their hand signs did all three shinobi shout out "Fire Style: Giant Salamander" and a huge wave of flames erupted from all three of them, targeting straight for the kids. They still tried to run but knew they would be done for.

"I'm sorry, girls. I really am... it's my fault you are with me." Naruto spoke up, appologizing during their last moments. "Kinda funny... the villagers tried so often during my life and these foreign shinobi will get the kill now..."

"And it's my fault Hinata is around. Sorry sis..." Hanabi mumbled, feeling guilty just as Naruto.

"It's okay. I don't regret it, Hanabi. I never will, promise." Hinata said smiling slightly, knowing that's the last thing her sister will see, so give her a good image.

Just a second before the flames could consume them however raised an earthern wall between them and the attack, saving them at the last moment. "Yo!" Kakashi waved to them. "Seems like I made it in time. Run to the village, I'll handle this here. And then we need to talk about it."

All three nodded and ran away, while the earthern wall lowered itself back into the ground, Kakashi now facing the three slightly upset shinobi. "How dare you interfere here? We were so close..." the first of them spoke, totally annoyed.

"How dare I interfere? Hmm... how about you were attacking children from our, from my village? And now you are done for!" he went through some hand signs with lightning speed creating an electric charge in his right hand. "I have an idea who you might be and that means you are dead now. Just like your friends from yesterday. Chidori!"

Kakashi charged at the three and jumped from one to another, hitting all three of them without any trouble. They didn't even had time to defend themselfs against the speed of the Konoha Jonin and everything was over within a few seconds. "I'll send a team to clean up. Now back to the kids." he stretched slightly before following the children back to the village.

At the hospital

Hanabi, Hinata and Naruto were currently treated at the hospital, when Kakashi entered the room together with Iruka, who left his class when he heard that his students got rescued in time but got injured. Naruto and Hanabi looked to the ground when they saw both enter and Hinata became suddenly nervous, fearing the worst.

"I'm glad that all of you are safe, but why were you out there at all? Children your age aren't supposed to be out in the forest, especially when there was a skirmish just a day ago. That was plain stupid and you could be dead by now. Nobody knew you were out there and if you hadn't been lucky with your radio earpiece who knows when we might have found you at all?" Iruka was upset about his students foolish act. Relieved that they are safe now, but still upset.

Naruto blinked his eyes a few times. "I'm sorry that I endangered the girls, but sensei, it's not true that nobody knew. The boy gang of our class said I could join them if I would find a foreign object from the battlefield of the skirmish. That's why I went there in the first place!"

Hanabi nodded. "And we saw him walking towards the forest and followed him. Once he told us what he wanted to do did we decide to help him. We thought it would be a good idea assisting him with our eyes. When I saw the shinobi nearby did we turn and run away back to the village."

Iruka was speechless. 'Wait a moment... Hanabi's insight on the situation wasn't that bad. She kinda expected someone to still be out there and searched the area with her Byakugan. A smart girl indeed. But that part about the boy gang... did they try to kill Naruto? They haven't said a word about his whereabouts... so much work is comming my way...'

"So, to get this straight, you were searching for an object from the foreign shinobi that fought in the skirmish last day to pass a stupid test and when you found out you weren't alone did you turn and flee. Was that all that happened?" Kakashi asked, putting the information together.

"Uhm, well... you see..." Naruto scratched the back of his head. "I actually found this strange kunai and put it away, right before fleeing." he pulled out the kunai and handed it to Kakashi who started to inspect it. His one eye turned wide when he realized what he held in his hand. Around the shaft of the kunai was a piece of paper containing critical informations about the village.

"ANBU, come in." he said, before a female shinobi with purple hair and a cat mask appeared beside him, just a second later. "Ah, Cat, it's you. I need you to bring this to Hokage-sama. Seems like the enemy shinobi managed to sneak in and steal our defensive plans. And Naruto incidentally found and retrieved them for our village. Please report that."

The female nodded and took the kunai before vanishing again. All three kids sat there with wide eyes. "You... you mean we kinda saved the village just now?" Naruto was struck by this information. "That's so awesome!" he just started to get excited before getting a hit on the head by Iruka.

"You mean you nearly lost your live together with two of your classmates in addition to the fact that the enemy would have gotten the informations about our defenses if it weren't for one lucky event that you were able to contact Kakashi over there and that he saved you at the very last second. That's nothing you should be proud about." Iruka scolded him.

"Well... actually might it be even worse then that, Iruka. The enemy shinobi's had a bingo book with them and it was opened on the running bounty Kumo has set." Kakashi smiled while speaking, knowing that these kids won't understand what he is talking about.

"You mean...?" Iruka looked at the girls and frowned. "Yes, that might be worse then being killed. We should be happy that everything went just fine out there. Okay kids, once you are fixed up are you free to walk home. Class is finished for today anyway. But tomorrow you'll receive your punishment for skipping class."

All three looked at each other before nodding slowly. It was again Naruto who spoke up. "What about the boy gang? They tried to get me killed out there... and honestly did they do a far better job then the whole village so far..." he frowned and got upset, thinking about the whole situation.

"Don't worry Naruto. They will be addressed as well tomorrow and they will get some punishment as well." Iruka reassured his student, ruffling his hair.

"Uhm... these boys... are the same that bullied me back then..." Hinata said quietly, looking towards Naruto who fully understood.

"These are the boys? Seriously?" Naruto entered a rage, now that Hinata confirmed what he thought right away this morning. "They are so going to be the next victims of me. First picking on Hinata, now trying to get me killed? Payback, believe it!" he shouted, ignoring the looks of Iruka and Kakashi.

Hanabi grinned at that declaration. "Sounds good to me, count us in. Hey, spooky white hair guy, you got two earpieces left from yesterday, right? Mind giving us one of them?" she smiled innocently at Kakashi who tried to hide his face just now.

"Spooky white hair guy? How did that name came around, Kakashi?" Iruka asked intrested.

"Don't ask. I'm not entirely sure myself..." Kakashi sweat dropped. "Well, I'm gone now. Think we have everything settled, right?" Kakashi turned to leave, giving them all a wave. Before he was out of the door completely did he toss an earpiece over to Hanabi who catched it grinning.

Iruka shook his head and left as well, leaving the three children alone. Hanabi handed one earpiece back to Naruto and gave the other one to Hinata. Once she got her's from home would they be set. They discussed some ways to critically prank these boys tomorrow for what they have done to them and went home once they decided.

Hyuga Compound

Hinata entered her room and sighed. This was a day she wouldn't forget for a long time. She was out on an adventure with her crush, got nearly killed, scolded by her teacher and planned a prank she would participate in for the next day. That was more things on one day then she did in her whole life so far. At least did it felt like that to her.

She went over to the place she was hiding her secrets and treasures, pulling out a small box from behind her desk. Sitting down at the desk and placing the box atop it did she pull out the thing she snatched on the battlefield before they had to run back to the village.

"I knew you picked something up, I just wasn't sure what exactly, sis." Hinata was shocked hearing her sisters voice and didn't move. She didn't notice her entry which is frustrating enough. But she also got caught with her secret box, meaning her sister would now learn the last things about her she didn't knew yet. Not that there would be much left to learn anyway, but still.

Hanabi moved over to Hinata, sitting down next to her on a second chair. "So that's your secret box, huh? Wonder what you have inside it." Hanabi smiled at her sister, who was breathing deeply. "Now show me what you picked up, sis. I'm intrested."

"It's... just a small souvenir... I thought I would start getting a souvenir from each adventure I'm going on. And that was one for sure." she said quietly, showing the item she picked up to her sister. She hadn't really looked at it herself yet, she just picked it up quickly the moment she saw it in the corner of her eye, cause it kinda looked out of place or at least not like normal ninja gear.

Hanabi raised an eye brow at the object and Hinata blushed slightly, now seeing it clearly for the first time. "Uhm, sis? Do you know what this is? I have a good idea about it. But I would like to know if you have one too?" Hanabi looked at her blushing sister who nodded slowly.

"It... does look like... a collar. Slightly damaged because of the battle, but clearly a collar. I wonder who was wearing it? Ninja dogs aren't wearing ones, right? And I didn't hear that there were some involved at all..." Hinata thought about it.

Hanabi grinned slightly. "It's not just animals wearing collars, you know sis? I wonder if the enemy shinobis had a slave with them... too bad the name tag isn't readable anymore..." Hanabi pouted slightly. "Well, doesn't matter, right? Common, put your souvenir away and show me your little secrets. Show me, show me, show me!" she giggled, bouncing slightly up and down atop the chair.

Hinata sighed and opened her box, showing her sister the contents of it. There wasn't much inside and most of the things weren't that much surprising. Some pictures of Naruto, whereever she got them in the first place. A letter written by Hinata and addressed to Naruto was there as well. "You still haven't told him, sis? You know that would be a great step back from your shyness, right?"

"I know, but... I just can't do it... Not yet..." Hinata sighed. "Plus... am I even allowed to have feelings for someone?" she looked at Hanabi with worried eyes who looked back in surprise, before realising what her sister was getting at.

"Of course you are, dummy. I can't forbid you to have feelings. And I wouldn't want to do it even if I could. You are my sis and you deserve a love!" Hanabi smiled at her big sister, who smiled relieved back at her.

"Thank you, Hanabi. But... I still can't. Not yet..." Hanabi sighed at these words but simply nodded them away.

"Say, sis, why is the book Naruto gave to you two years ago in your box?" Hanabi tilted her head slightly, watching her sister. "I know you got it from him and all, but it's just a book about raising pets, right? I mean, that's the title anyway, Raising Pets. Why did you put it in your secret box?" Hanabi tried to take the book but Hinata pulled the box away from her.

"No! You... can't read it!" her eyes showed her panic and Hanabi was completely confused by this.

"Why not, sis? It's not like I would use that knowledge to be cruel to pets or something..." Hanabi pouted at her sister.

"Please... you just... can't, okay?" Hinata placed the damaged collar atop the book and closed the box, getting the contents out of sight.

"Jeez, okay. No reason to get this upset you know?" Hanabi shrugged it off and smiled slightly. "Ready for tomorrow?" she changed topic and grinned.

"I think I am. I hope it will work..." Hinata put her fingers together, becoming nervous, thinking about the prank the next day.

"Everything will be fine. We have the prankster king on our side!" Hanabi smiled and hugged her sister. "Get some rest. See you tomorrow, sis."

"Okay, I will. Good night, Hanabi." Hinata returned the hug and smiled slightly. Both of them finished this day with a smile, knowing that the next day would be a fun one, if they manage to pull the prank on their classes boy gang. A well deserved, sweet revenge for everything they did...

Hokage office at night

The hokage was still at his office, working late. He was an old man, far beyond the best years. But as leader of this village was it his duty to protect it and to deal with any affair that might interfere with the village politics. That's also the reason why he still was in his office in the first place.

He wasn't alone. Together with him were one of his best Jonin, the white haird Kakashi Hatake, his most trusted ANBU, the purple haird female known as Cat, as well as the head of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi Hyuga.

"Do you understand the situation we just told you about?" the Hokage asked the Hyuga clan head, who looked slightly concerned.

"Well, I do understand a few things, but... basicly there are three main things on my mind right now. First is the knowledge, that both my girls are friends with the Uzumaki brat. Something I wasn't aware of, to be honest. I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing... but it would be bad to forbid the contact at all. Let's just hope that the demon won't take any influence on them."

All inside the room nodded at these words. The chances right now were little, but not at zero. There is always a risk if dealing with demons.

"The second thing is that my girls were nearly killed today. Or even worse close to being kidnapped and sold to Kumo. Something I would like to kill the Uzumaki brat for, endangering my daughters like that. But it isn't really his fault, I know that much... and the third is the information, that some enemy shinobi managed to actually sneak into our village, steal data on our defenses and somehow managed to get this information out of our walls. It was mere luck that they found the kunai today, after our patrol had the battle the day before. I do appreciate their rescue, Kakashi. I do owe you a favour now." the clan head finished his sum up of the situation.

"Oh, I might get back to that, Hiashi. Probably in three years, when your girls manage to become Genin. We will see." Kakashi smiled with his one visible eye.

"Cat, did your team finish the clean-up of the enemy shinobis already? We don't need corpses lying around in the surrounding forests." the Hokage addressed the purple haird ANBU.

"Of course, Hokage-sama. My team brought the corpses away and double checked both battlefields that there won't be any more valueable or important things that were overseen the day before. We haven't found anything more, so we should be safe now. However, there is one thing I'm personally worried about..." her voice got quiet. While her face was hidden by the mask some could guess that she must have a worried look right now.

"Oh, and what might that be?" the Hokage raised an eyebrow at his subordinate.

"It seems like the enemy is using slaves in their ranks. One of the enemy shinobi was wearing a collar. But we couldn't find any indication from which country or village these were from at all. That is..." Cat sighed.

"Disturbing information indeed." Kakashi finished for her. "I never heard of a force using slaves. If they are trained as shinobi, who knows what might happen? And no indication on where they are from? Even missing ninja do still wear the emblem of their origin... Let's hope that this was just random and won't bother us at all in the future..."

"I'll order some of my people to support the lookouts for the next few weeks. We should play it safe and our Byakugan will be a big help to detect approaching threats for our village." Hiashi said, getting a thankful smile from the Hokage.

"Okay, thank you Hiashi. One last thing before you are all dismissed. I want to reward the three children for returning critical information to the village. Hiashi, please hand these payings to both your daugthers and give them the third for Naruto. Each of them is getting a pay for a C-rank mission and I'll add one to their records as well. They couldn't fight back, I know, but it was definately a C-rank if we had sent a team. You can leave now." the Hokage dismissed them and sat back in his chair.

"Can't I at least get one day without any emergency? All I want is some time to relax..." he sighed and pulled out his pipe, inhaling one long breath of it and exhaling the smoke. "Just one day of quiet and peace..."