A Tale of two Sisters

by Clutus

[Prologue re-written] This is a Naruto fanfiction (slightly AR/AU) based around the two Hyuga sisters. When both were young did Hinata made a bet with Hanabi hoping to help her sister improve. That backfired on her however resulting in her becoming her younger sisters slave. Both are young and clueless to this topic and still family. Who knows what will happen? Rated M to be safe.

28. Chapter 27 - To work in Wave

Authors Note: Heya, am back, somewhat. The good thing first: my course is finished and all that's left is the practical exam. Am sure that I'll pass, though. The bad thing is, that I'm somewhat out of my rhythm, not having written at all lately. You could say I need to warm up now first to get back into it.

Well, here's the next chapter. It's mainly story and it's somewhat shorter than my averages. Am not feeling too good currently (weather/health and work's stressful) which is why I cut the chapter where I did. Not completely happy with the overall outcome, but it's still okay, I guess.
Tried to also build in some humorous stuff (I think C's always a good character to brighten up the mood a little) and I also grazed the more kinky side of my choosen topic on purpose. Not sure yet, but maybe (just maybe) will I write an advancing, additional scene for it to put into the other place.

So, yeah, as usual: hope you enjoy reading my newest crazyness and feel free to tell me your thoughts. Think the short-term direction is pretty obvious now - but I'm already that far away from the original... I'm sure I can surprise you with the upcomming events ;-)

XXXXX

A Tale of two Sisters - Chapter 27: To work within Wave

He felt good. Yes, he wasn't doing it during the last three years, but this was a situation he felt most comfortable with. After all, if there was one thing he's good at is it his work as a spy and to gather informations out in the field. Sure, he had a pretty effective, wide spread network working for him, but nothing beat doing it himself. A smile crossed his face. Life wasn't as bad at all to him. There was no need to worry about his allys trying to kill him, no need to worry about money, he did currently have a good position, no doubt about it.

Yes, life was indeed good to him. He had friends, people who cared about him, people he got along with. And that was before even mentioning the girls. The girls... he couldn't explain it, but he enjoyed spending time with them. It might just be curiosity from his side, to see how the girls would grow up with the situation they found themself into. Maybe it was a feeling of having a family he doesn't have, they could be his kids based on the age. Or it was the simple fact that he could pass his knowledge along. He wasn't too sure about, but life was indeed good to him.

A smirk crossed his face at these thoughts, followed by some growls and groans coming from around him. "I hate you!" a man sitting at the same table stated, looking at the smirk. "You really trying to rip us off here, aren't ya?"

"Huh? Nah, just thought about something enjoyable, that's all." C answered with a feigned innocent smile to the man he currently was playing cards with.

When the group around Tazuna decided to take another break during the evening, the distance to his village not that big anymore, did C decide to go ahead and to gather some informations on the situation. That is what he is good at and that actually is his mission right now. To provide intel to his comrades, to support them on their mission out in the Land of Waves. And what better way for that than to enter a bar and playing cards with some locals. Some gambling, some alcohol, and people usually started talking.

Another smile crossed his face at that last thought. It was simply convenient that his passion was all around playing cards and card tricks. Whoever stated that work, passion and hobbies were unable to match together was simply a fool. "So, what was it you said about an auction? I got some money to spare, might have a look on it then." he spoke casually about it, folding with his current hand to avoid the people sitting at the table to get angry after misinterpreting his smirk.

It was... intresting how quick he managed to get useful informations this time. He only entered the bar like 30 minutes ago and started playing cards 20 minutes ago. He sat together with two men and a woman, all of them around their late twenties he guessed. One of the men, the one that spoke before, wasn't wearing any kind of shirt, showing his muscled upper body, and the scars on it, around. He had a rather massive sword leaning next to him at the table and seemed to be able to use it. He clearly had experience, but judged with the experience C had was it clear to him that this was just a simple mercenary.

"I don't think that you are intrested in it anymore once you lost your spare money to me today." that man shot back, his face sporting a wide grin now.

"And here he goes again, charging head on into a situation he is unable to judge..." the female shook her head and sighed, looking at her companion with slight annoyance. She knew that he was reliable in battle, in fact did he save her life a few times already, but as a human? Not the best company. "Besides, you know that you can't beat me at cards. Why do you think that you will get his money?"

The woman was nothing special at all. She looked rather plain, her figure a good average, her hair tied into a ponytail reaching down to her neck. Though she sported two things that let her stand out from any group she would be easily overseen within, if these things weren't present. The first were countless sheaths attached all over her outfit, each holding a knife. Some were at her legs, inside and outside, some at her waist, several were lined up across her chest and another few were located at her arms. And that were just the visible ones. She surely had even more hidden blades within her outfit.

The second thing, that was even more noticeable, was the scar across her right eye, prove of her being more than just a plain woman and having seen her fair share of battles as well. "Though if you really are intrested..." her focus changed on C. "I don't see a reason to not inform you. After all, it's pretty much common knowledge anyway. The boss decided to do an auction later this month, selling the products to anyone who is intrested and can afford them."

"Yeah, sure, just tell this stranger that we are involved with a criminal that is selling kids and women to who knows whom as slaves. That's so genius from you." the last man growled out, looking angrily at the woman.

She in return simply shrugged. "You do realize that I wasn't saying anything about it and that you are the one that just gave that information away, right?" she stated calmly, but rolled her eyes at that anyway. Sometimes she did wonder why she was staying with these two, but she couldn't deny their long friendship and that they knew how to handle themselfs in a fight.

"Huh?" the man looked at her confused. "Wait, what? I did?" He raised his hand to the back of his neck and scratched him there, brushing with his fingers along the hilt of the katana strapped to his back to confirm that it indeed still was there. "Uhm... sorry about that?"

"All good, all good!" C started laughing, raising his hands defensive. "In fact, yes, it does intrest me and I'm sure I'll have enough money left for when the day comes. But hey, let's just enjoy ourselfs here, shall we? The night is still young. So let's play and drink and forget about the world for now, shall we?"

Yup, life was good indeed. And another time did luck prove to be on his side, giving him three willing mercenaries that, and he was sure about this, would most likely tell him everything he wanted to know about the leader of the thugs, Gato. And about the upcomming slave auction - heck, it felt like ages that he was on one. If nothing else would he really pay it a visit for a change. Maybe even something about the Demon working for Gato. There just were so many things he wanted to know, and he was sure, given enough time he actually had this night, that they would tell him everything.
Not to mention the money he was going to win from them. Though, that was just a perk of that situation.

A certain weapon shop inside Konoha

She was bored. The day was way too long for her liking and work kept itself pretty low. She could count the customers she had today on one hand and the next mission with her team was not in sight yet. Leaning herself on the counter and supporting her head on her arms was she sighing, looking out of the shop window into the setting dusk. At least was she able to close the shop soon, even so she wasn't too sure what she would do with the rest of her evening.

Being deep in thought after that slow day did she fail to realize the bell of the door and the woman who entered the store, walking straight up to the counter. Looking at the spaced out expression of the girl leaning on the counter was the woman getting an evil smirk before speaking up. "Well, what do we have here? A naughty girl slacking off on the job, huh? What would the owner say if he would learn about it, Tenten-chan?" she basicly purred the name suffix close to the girls ear.

Tenten, being startled by that sudden voice speaking to her, was shooting up from the counter, a kunai already in her hand - working at a weapon shop had his perks after all - looking with an expression between anger and surprise at the woman that managed to catch her off guard. Her eyes went wide once realization hit her, lowering the kunai. "Well, guess I should be glad that you like me too much to tell him, huh?" a faint smile crossed her face. "So, why are you here today, Anko? Don't tell me you already need new stuff? I just supplied you three weeks ago! Or are you going to tell me new stories about C?"

There was a glint in Tenten's eyes, a glint Anko knew too well. It was a glint that always appeared when Tenten was confronted with one of the two topics intresting her the most, weapons and... "Nah, 'fraid not..." Anko said absent mindly, waving her in a way to signal her a 'no'. "I'm just bored. C got a super important hush hush mission and left the village for who knows how long. So I thought I would simply go and visit my favorite soulmate."

"Ah, yeah, that sucks, huh?" Tenten nodded in understanding. "I can see why you are bored then. Well, I got nothing planned for this evening, so I guess I can keep you some company. Just let me close the shop, okay?" she wasn't even waiting for a reply and was already on her way to lock up the door.

"Ayup. And not in the enjoyable way at all. It just sucks." Anko confirmed. "Though, I'm sure we will get great stories once they are back in the village." a grin entered her face.

"They?" Tenten asked, looking back to Anko while double checking that the door was indeed locked now. "With whom is C on a mission than? Would have guessed that he would work alone?"

"Oh, you haven't heard yet?" Anko basicly purred, letting Tenten perk up with expectation. "C's on his way to support our favorite sisters on their mission."

Now that got her attention. "Hanabi-chan and Hinata-chan are on a mission? Is she...? And do they...? Does she...?" her thoughts were running wild and she wasn't able to form a coherent question at that moment. She would never admit it to someone, beside the fact that Anko knew, but she got totally intrested about the Hyuga sisters when she heard the slavery rumours for the first time, back these years. And when Hanabi entered the store to order that collar, it was a great day for Tenten indeed.

Anko was unable to hide her grin. Hook, line and sinker. She got Tenten right where she wanted the girl. "Well, I might feel gracious and tell you what I know about the girls. He did tell me quite the intresting things lately." she chuckled at the look Tenten was giving her. The girl knew what was coming her way, but these informations were worth it in her opinion. "Though... I think I would like some sort of compensation for that." Anko stated thoughtfully, touching her lower lip, pretending to think about it.

...and there it was. Yes, Tenten knew that was going to come the moment Anko mentioned the sisters, but to be honest, she didn't mind it too much. The day really was slow, she was bored just like Anko and she had nothing planed at all. That, and it was quite some while that she got together with someone sharing her intrests. She let her head hang for a moment, but basicly just to hide the smile that entered her face at the same time, before looking back up at the woman watching her expectantly. "I'm sure that you will be pleased with the compensation... mistress." she spoke with a submissive tune to her voice.

Ankos smile was a pleased one. When she decided on a whim to visit Tenten was it really just to kill some time, to kill her boredom. Getting something to eat and chat about things, that was her plan. To change it was a sudden decision when she saw Tenten being in a similiar bored state as herself. "Well, now that's a good girl. I did choose a good student after all."

Tenten grimaced at that comment, but kept quiet. She knew that learning by experience was the best learning. And learning from the best, like Anko, was always worth the effort. Besides, and she really couldn't deny it, that was so much better than being the evening all alone with basicly nothing to do.

A village in the Land of Waves

It was already getting dark when the group around Tazuna finally arrived at his home, the streets of the village nearly empty. The shinobi sure did realize the difference to the lively streets of Konoha around this time, but they kept quiet for now. After all did you never know who might or might not listen on you. They could ask about it later as well, once they were in the safety of their clients home.

He was closing the entrance door behind him, leading his escort towards a table in the living room, signaling them to sit down. Doing as told were the shinobi watching him leave, starting to speak to each other. "Man, that village is nothing compared to Konoha. Did you see how empty the streets are?" Naruto asked casually, speaking out loud what was on everyone's mind.

"I guess it's safe to assume that this has something to do with this Gato guy supressing the citizens." Kakashi explained calm. "But you are right that. To see a village like that is always... depressing."

"But it's not just the village. This house... it's so big, but totally quiet. You think he's living alone?" Hanabi, having calmed down a little while the day advanced, spoke up intrested. She may not particular like their client, but it was their client after all and getting some information about him was essential after all.

Tazuna came back at this moment, bringing something for them to drink and placing it on the table. "I'm living here with my daughter and grandson, but they won't be coming back before tomorrow. I'll show you to your rooms later." he answered the girls question before focusing on Kakashi. "And the work on the bridge will continue in three days. So if there is anything you want to do during that time, will I not object to it."

Hearing these words did all genin suddenly perk up, looking at Kakashi with expectation written all over their faces. Seeing that reaction was he giving a weak smile back at them. "Well, I suppose we can use this time to get some training done..." he started, but got quickly interrupted by three cheerful kids. Letting out a quiet sigh was he raising his voice before speaking the next word. "However..." and as quick as the kids became loud did it die down again. "I'll decide on what you three will learn. And Hanabi, for you will it be chakra control."

Crossing her arms over her chest was said girl pouting. She understood that she needed to do it, but that doesn't meant that she was happy about that boring training. "Damned..." she said quietly, giving Kakashi a glare in return.

The other two looked at him curiously, waiting for what he had in store for them. He took some time to think about what he knew about his genin team before speaking up again. "Say... what are you three able to do on the defensive? You know, for blocking enemy jutsu and that stuff. Our mission is to protect Tazuna and his workers, after all."

Now that got the kids by surprise. They were so focused on learning new jutsu and that stuff that they didn't expect Kakashi to bring up this topic. Naruto was the first to get out of his surprise and to talk up. "I can block stuff with my staff. You know, spinning it quickly like a windmill. Ino-chan helped me train with it first by using buckets full of water, then by attacking me with her Fire Style."

Kakashi nodded slightly to that information. "Ah, right. You did that during my genin test. I would like to see it a bit more tomorrow. Would be bad if you showed me now inside the house."

"Thanks for your consideration..." Tazuna mumbled quietly under his breath before getting up from the table and going back into the kitchen to grab some snacks for them all.

"...the Earth Walls..." was all Hanabi said quietly, the frustration of having to do chakra control excersises still present.

"Until the point they fell you because of chakra exhaustion, yes." Kakashi agreed, once again bringing up the topic why Hanabi had to do chakra control first. "And what about you, Hinata?"

A small blush entered her face, before she let her shoulders hang. "I... don't have any defensive abilities, Kakashi-sensei." she admitted quietly. "I mean, I know that water can be used as a wall and such, but... I'm still not there at all."

"True enough..." he pondered aloud, nodding slightly. "We have to do something about that, but I don't think that three days will be nearly enough for that."

"What about the thing you did against my stones?" Hanabi asked her sister, remembering their training session shortly before the genin tests. "I mean, you used our Gentle Fist to destroy a lot and all. Your movements were pretty fluid as well."

"But... that was nothing, really. I barely acted on instinct there. When I saw them coming at me, realizing that I couldn't dodge them..." she shook her head, doubting that this move back then was anything useful.

Kakashi however seemed to think otherwise. "Hmm, considering you can see your surroundings using the Byakugan... I would really like to see that in action tomorrow as well. Maybe did you do something intresting and promising there without even noticing. If I understand it right might we be able to work with that. We'll see."

All Hinata did was nod to that, not thinking that it would be useful at all. But maybe, if Kakashi was right about that, if she used her Gentle Fist in a way none of her clan had ever thought about - that thought left a positive feeling inside of her.

"It isn't much, but please, have something to eat." Tazuna said, carrying some snacks and crackers into the living room, placing them on the table.

"Thanks for that. Say..." Kakashi smiled slightly below his mask. "Is there a place we can use for some training tomorrow? Would be useful if it were away from prying eyes. We don't want to give away our presence or skills to the enemy too quickly after all."

Thinking about it for a moment was Tazuna nodding slightly. "Well, you noticed that my house is located on the outskirts, right? Saw the forest nearby when we arrived? Nobody ever goes inside because most are fishers. I'm sure you could train there without being interrupted or spotted."

"Sounds good. Alright, we got a plan for tomorrow. But for now, thanks for your hospitality. Let's eat a bit and go to bed early, that we can start the day early as well." and with that did the group start to snack a little, doing a bit of smalltalk, before soon calling it a day. Now would the hard part of their mission begin...

The next morning

"Alright, let's get this training started." Kakashi spoke to his team. They were currently standing on a clearing within the forest after having a light breakfast at Tazunas house. The carpenter assured them that he would be safe at home and that they could go train to their hearts content. He was well aware that his and the life of his workers depended on these four shinobi he hired and with that was he of course fine with them getting some more training before it would get serious.

"So... what do we do now?" Hanabi asked curious. "I mean, you basicly have different things for everyone of us, so... how do you intent of doing that?"

Raising an eyebrow was Kakashi looking at the girl as if to ask if she was unable to see what he had in store for them. "Simple. Hanabi, first you will use your Rain of Stones jutsu and attack your teammates. Try to keep it up without wasting too much chakra. As for Naruto and Hinata, you two will defend yourselfs against it. I want to see both your defensive moves as I already told you yesterday."

Looking from one genin to the next was he raising his headband to reveal his left eye, sporting a Sharingan. "And I will study your movements using this to figure out what can be changed or improved. Ready? And go!" he shouted the last part, making a jump backwards on a low hanging branch to watch his students. Naruto was the first to react and had his staff already in his hands, the segments loosened and ready, before Hanabi even started on her handsigns.

Both her and Hinata activated their Byakugans at the same time with Hinata entering their clans fighting stance while Hanabi finished her handsigns. She had a slight smirk on her lips when she announced her jutsu. "Earth Style: Rain of Stones!" she shouted, Naruto and Hinata being high on guard and ready - just that nothing was happening.

"Huh?" Naruto asked confused, lowering his staff a bit. "Uhm... weren't you supposed to attack us?" he looked at Hanabi before looking around, a frown entering his face. "Wait... we are on a meadow in the middle of a forest. There are no stones here, right?" he asked, becoming even more confused when Hanabi's smirk turned into a grin.

"Watch out, Naruto-kun!" Hinata shouted, but Naruto reacted too late. It took some time for the first stone to fly, because Hanabi wasn't aiming for the few ones laying between the grass, but for the ones being slightly buried below it. Hinata saw it coming with her Byakugan, but Naruto was totally unprepared when the first one, coming out of the ground, hit him dead center on his chest.

"Damn it! That ain't fair!" Naruto shouted, quickly bringing his staff back up and starting to spin it like a windmill, to deflect the next oncomming stones.

Sitting on his branch was Kakashi watching the scene. He was surprised that Hanabi actually managed to confuse her opponents by slightly delaying her jutsu, but he knew that this delay might also result in her or her teammates die. "We are shinobi, Naruto." he spoke up. "We ain't playing fair. The faster you learn that, the more you got a chance for surviving."

Taking a solid stand was Naruto doing his best to deflect the stones that increased in number, twisting his upper body slightly left and right to move his defense in a particular direction. All things considered was he able to defend himself that way in a good 180 degree, but would have problems if attacks came from multiple directions or from behind him. His defense was pretty static, Kakashi noticed, but it worked for concentrated attacks.

Naruto realized the same, when he got suddenly hit by stones flying from behind him, that he never even got a chance to see in the first place. He growned out in pain, but stood defensive nonetheless, taking the few hits to his back without flinching too much. He knew that he had to take hits if needed, to protect his friends and other important people.

"Don't forget about your sister." Kakashi spoke in the direction of Hanabi, noticing that she was completely focused on Naruto right now. That could kill her as well, in a serious situation. Though he was aware that the girl most likely got an eye on everything around her, being able to see everything with her Byakugan. Still, to ignore just one opponent might be a fatal mistake.

All she did was a slight nod to show that she got the order and concentrated more chakra into her jutsu, starting to fire stones at her sister as well. Deciding to challenge her was she going all out from the beginning, using stones from all around her sister right away.

Hinata however was prepared and, not like Naruto, was she able to see every single stone coming her way. She started by dodging and sidestepping the first stones, but soon did the number increase and she had no choice but to defend herself against the jutsu of her sister. Channeling chakra into her hands was she soon starting to do small movements of her hands in the direction of the single stones, releasing a small amount of chakra to destroy them before they were able to hit her.

At first wasn't she able to hit them all, still sidestepping and dodging, somewhat dancing on the clearing between the flying stones. In fact was she getting hit by a few stones as well, the amount simply being too much for her to handle. But with enough practice...

Feeling another stone hitting her arm let her growl in frustration and she managed to increase her speed a little, starting to hit nearly every stone she couldn't dodge. Naruto hadn't time to watch her, still defending himself to the best of his ability against the flying stones. But if he was honest to himself did he got way too much hits into the back. If this were real weapons, he would be most likely unable to fight anymore.

Hanabi and Kakashi on the other side had all the time they needed to watch Hinata's dance with awe. Hanabi saw it before once, but she had to admit that now, being able to see it that close, for that high amount of time, was quite impressive. Her sister simply was beautiful while doing... whatever she did there. The young girl wasn't even able to find a word for what she saw her sister doing right now.

Realizing the state Naruto was in and seeing how good Hinata was doing was Kakashi nodding to himself in appreciation. These genin had a bright future, if they will survive this mission that is. "Alright, focus completely on Hinata. Naruto can take a rest." he spoke calmly, his eye focusing Hinata as well.

Naruto sighed in relief when the stones flying his way stopped and quickly took some steps away to give his teammate more space to move. It was now that he saw Hinatas dance and he was bewitched right away, unable to keep his eyes from the girl.

Already starting to pant was Hanabi nodding again, directing all she had at her sister. She knew that she was wasting her chakra again, feeling it deplete pretty quick, but right now was that the goal, wasn't it? To try her best to not waste too much while continueing to attack her sister, while her sister was showing off her defensive abilities. No, she wouldn't let her sensei or sister down.

A loud female scream was heard and echoing through the forest, when Hanabi focused the last of her chakra into the still ongoing attack. That scream was followed by a surprised yelp from Hinata, when the amount and speed of stones suddenly increased, now effectively forcing her backwards. She was still able to dodge and destroy a good amount of stones, but she grew tired already and had to take more hits by now.

"Watch out!" Naruto shouted to her with worry in his voice, seeing that Hinata was moving backwards towards a large tree at the edge of the clearing, which would most likely be the end of her dance. Once she would ran out of space to maneuver...

She was aware of the tree in her back. She could see everything around her after all using her Byakugan. The moment she reached it was she doing two small and slow steps backwards up the tree without having any trouble, without falling, before using it as an object to jump from, to get away from the stones flying her way. The idea wasn't bad, but proved to be a failure in the end, when she got hit by multiple stones in the air that she just couldn't dodge.

"Sis!" Hanabi shouted in shock, having stopped her jutsu already to avoid her sister getting hurt too much by sending more stones her way. But that didn't stop all the stones that were already flying her way...

At the village

"Eh, it's morning already?" C wondered aloud, just having left the bar he entered the evening before. "Didn't realize we were playing cards for that long. Though it would explain why your scarred friend fell asleep. That and all that alcohol."

"Dohhn't wohhrry ahhbout him..." the man with katana said during a long yawn. "He's playing all tough, but he can't handle alcohol, you know?". After stretching his body was he turning to walk away. "Anyway, I gotta need some sleep. Cya 'round!" he gave C a wave over his shoulder while walking away.

"So..." the woman purred into his ear, clinging at his arm. "Wanna come over to my place to find out where exactly I have hidden knives on my body? And I could search for aaaalllllll of your hidden cards too." she drawled the word 'all' out extremely.

"Don't say you are angry that I emptied your friends purses?" he laughed warmly before pulling out a single card from one of his hidden decks and showed it to the woman. "Besides, why would the queen of spades need any other cards?"

Snatching the card from C's hand was she slightly giggling, her mind a bit clouded from being tired and the alcohol she drank. "You know how to charm a girl, huh? So... wanna join me now or not?" she asked again, trailing her finger over his chest.

Before he got the chance to answer however did he feel a shiver run down his spine. Looking into the direction his instinct told him was he surprised, and cursed his bad luck at the same moment, when his eyes fell on Zabuza, the Demon of the Mist, who looked straight back at him, having stopped his walk. Both were professionals, none of them showing any reaction or emotion, but both did remember the other quite good, despite it being 3 years already that they 'worked' together.

"You..." Zabuza spoke quietly, taking a few more steps towards C and the woman clinging on his arm. Having heard someone else talking was the woman finally turning her head as well, her eyes falling on Zabuza as well.

The state she was in wasn't enough to stop her brain from realizing the person that appeared and she put a weak smile on. "Oh, the Demon. Don't worry, I'm off duty, all's good here." she spoke in explanation, thinking that Zabuza adressed her just now.

Taking a second look of the woman was Zabuza actually remembering her. Not her name though, no, but he remembered her and her two companions as being decently useful in battle. "I'm not talking to you..." Zabuza said quietly, a slight tune of warning in his voice. "But you would be wise to just leave now."

Blinking her eyes a few times was she looking back at C. "You know the Demon? Who did you say you are?" she blinked again, trying to comprehend the information she was just getting.

"Uh, yeah, somewhat. It's been a while, huh?" he gave Zabuza a weak smile before adressing the woman. "But he's right. You should really leave now."

"And here I thought I would have found someone nice to keep me company..." she half whined while detaching herself from C. "Stupid idiot..." she mumbled the last words before giving C a quick seductive smile, putting the card she was still holding in one of her pockets and walked away, quietly cursing about the Demon ruining her fun.

As soon as the mercenary woman was gone did both men turn towards the nearest side alley and started walking over to it in complete silence, both of them knowing that what was to come next should have no witnesses if possible. Zabuza, annoyed at this reminder of his time working off the debt he had with the Organization, C worried about his cover being blown right away. The only positive thing was that Zabuza couldn't have any knowledge about his affiliation with Konoha, meaning that his comrades were safe for now - but being seen by someone who knows him and his connection to the Organization, even if in the past, was just as bad.

"What are you doing here?" Zabuza asked right away, his voice like ice and without trying to hide his annoyance.

"Business." C shrugged, trying to be as vague as possible. "You do remember the things we got our hands in, right?" An angry growl left Zabuzas throat but he was nodding slightly in response. "See? So why are you surprised, considering that this Gato is doing just the same?"

"So you aren't here because you tracked me down? You aren't trying to sell my slave again? And you think that I'll believe you just like that?" he was drawing his unique sword from his back. "Maybe I should just end you right here, right now, just to be sure about it."

"Eh, it was just business. You had a debt and it would have been the easiest way to get it paid. But you worked it off in the end, so all's good." C shrugged without even flinching at the sword directed at him. He just hoped that Zabuza didn't have any contact with the Organization within the last three years. If he would bring something up that he was unable to have knowledge about, for being with Konoha all this time, would he be done for.

His eyes were focusing C for some time, waiting to catch just a glimpse of movement, to give him an excuse to just cut the guy up. But to his disappointment was C not making any move at all. "...fine." Zabuza spoke finally, putting his sword back on his back. "If you stay away from us will I not interfere with your work here. To be honest, I couldn't care less what you guys have planned here or what you want to do to Gato. Just stay away from me and my slave!"

The last words were spoken with a warning tune and Zabuza wasn't waiting for any kind of response, simply leaving the side alley. There was just no reason for him to stay longer in the presence of this eel. He don't wanted to have anything to do with him at all.

C took a deep breath once Zabuza was gone. He was reliefed that his cover wasn't blown and that the Demon wasn't too much concerned or suspicious. Plus this encounter solied his observation of the Organization not being involved with the local thug managing this whole mess. Still, that didn't meant that they wouldn't show up eventually to deal with the situation, that much was certain to him.

He pondered about his options for now. Either track down the woman that got scared away, it wouldn't be too hard considering she still got his card after all, or heading back to Kakashi to inform him about the things he learned. Shaking his head and sighing did he decide that his duty came first. Though he hoped that he would get another shot at the woman before hell would eventually break loose in this village.

Inside the forest

Hinata woke up to the loud curses of her teammates. Slowly sitting up was her body protesting, sending pain from everywhere to her brain. That quickly reminded her why she was out cold in the first place. How she demonstrated her idea, her defensive use of the Gentle Fist, to her sensei and ended up being hit by countless projectiles from her sister. She was seriously doubting if her defense was any good at all.

"Finally awake, huh?" Kakashi spoke up next to her, startling the girl. Moving her head to look over to where her sensei's voice came from was she met by one of his usual smiles behind his mask. "You were out for nearly an hour, you know?"

Shaking her head to get her thoughts straight was she processing that information. "I... was? So it wasn't any good at all..." she said quietly, letting her head hang.

Raising his visible eyebrow was Kakashi chuckling. "Not good? I thought your dance was really impressive. With a bit more training, with higher speed and precision, am I sure that you could defend yourself against weapon and even elemental jutsu without problems."

"You really think so?" Hinata asked surprised, looking at Kakashi before their talk was interrupted by another loud curse from Naruto. "Uhm... what are they doing there?"

"Tree climbing. I got the idea to let them train on it while watching you. You took two steps up the tree without even trying, before you made your jump and got knocked out by all these stones. Being mid-air makes you a good target because of your reduced possibilities to dodge." Kakashi explained to the girl. "It's a good excersise for chakra control and an essential skill for any shinobi. Two goals at once."

A drawn out shriek from Hanabi interrupted their talk before she too cursed again, having landed on her ass after having lost hold on the tree branch by loosing concentration on the chakra flow into her feet. "Do I have to do that too?" Hinata asked curious.

"Either that or, if you really are able to do that already, we might work on your defensive Gentle Fist. I can only repeat myself, it was impressive."

"So you think I invented a useful way to use my clans style?" there was a slight tune of happyness in her voice, the thought of having come up with a use for that style, none of her clan had ever thought about before, warming her heart.

"I do." was all Kakashi answered before gesturing to a tree next to his other genin, signaling Hinata that it was her turn to try walking up a tree. Her turn to show whether or not if she was able to do so or if it happened just because of the situation she was in during her training, that she did right without thinking when she reached the tree before. To show whether or not she was able to do it again or if she needed to train it as well.

Hinata nodded in understanding and got up from the ground, walking over to her teammates to join them in their tree climbing training. Naruto was currently sitting in front of his tree, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself down a bit and to build up his concentration again. Seeing his friend awake brought a smile on his face and he gave her a wave which she returned, smiling herself.

Having seen that movement out of the corner of her eyes was Hanabi looking over to see for herself. "Sis!" she shouted, seeing her sister on her feet again easing some of her guilty thoughts. However, the whole turned out to be a mistake, canceling her concentration. Considering that she was currently walking up the tree again, determined to get past the first third of it, did it result in yet another failure, sending her straight back to the ground. She grumbled to herself, rubbing her ass on which she landed again.

The image brought a smile on Hinatas face and she couldn't help but to giggle. "Maybe you will think twice now before threatening me with a spanking?" she asked her mistress. It was meant as a joke, but it hit Hanabi pretty hard. It wasn't hard for Hinata to read her sister. She knew that Hanabi had self-doubts because of her aggressive outbursts against her. Put that on top on the trauma still haunting her younger sister...

Knowing what to do was she pulling her sister up from the ground and into a hug. "I'm not mad at you. We were training and I simply wasn't good enough." she told sister soothingly, stroking her over the head.

"You... really okay, Sis?" Hanabi asked cautious, a single tear forming in her eye.

Giving her a gentle smile was Hinata poking her sisters nose. "Of course, silly. It needs way more to get rid of me." she couldn't help but to smile even wider, figuring that fragments of her dominant and mischievious side just reached her surface. "Now, let your sis show you how to walk up a tree. Better watch carefully and learn."

"Okay." Hanabi said nodding. "Thanks sis... but don't disappoint me, okay?" a smile entered her face as well, some of her usual happyness having returned. At least enough for now to do a suggestive statement like that on their unique situation.

Moving over to one of the trees was Hinata taking a deep breath before concentrating, chanelling her chakra into her feet. Her first step was slow and careful, but she could feel that the amount of chakra was right, her feet sticking to the tree. Getting confident was she taking another step, then a third. The rest of her team watched her, but she was able to not let herself get distracted by that. Her next steps followed quicker than the ones before, confidence filling her mind.

She managed to get up to slightly above half of the tree before she lost her concentration. Everything happened so fast and she couldn't tell why her concentration faded. All she could remember was the pain in her ass from the impact the moment she hit the ground. Groaning out in pain was she lifting her body up, turning around to look at her team.

"Well, it does seem like you have a good instinct, but you still need to work on keeping the output on a constant level." Kakashi commented, leaning on another tree and of course having his noose in one of his books. "So it's tree climbing for all three of you right now. Have fun."

"You managed better on your first try than I did after all my tries. Not bad, sis." Hanabi said smiling. "Alright, let's continue then. We need to learn this in order for Spooky to teach us new things."

With new motivation from Hinata's display did the other two genin get back to their own trees. They were determined to finish this training. If that was the first step of becoming stronger would they take it. Hinata managed over half on her first try, it couldn't be that hard...

Evening

All of them were beat. But on the positive side stand the fact, that all three of them managed to reach the top of the tree by simply walking up its side. It was a great help with all of their chakra control and it was a basic they needed to know, to become more effective during a battle. If you got more possibilities to move around, to dodge and escape, would you have more chances to survive after all.

"Alright, that's enough for today. I'm proud about all three of you. Honestly, I'm surprised that all of you managed to reach the goal already. Anyway, let's head back to Tazunas home." Kakashi applauded his team, a smile on his face.

"Heh, you should know by now that it's wrong to underestimate us, Spooky." Naruto spoke happyly, a smug smirk on his face. "We will become strong enough to protect every person close to us. Believe it!"

"Yeah..." Hanabi panted, her body bend forward and supported by placing her hands on her knees. "Don't think I'm giving up just because my control is bad. I'm getting better."

"True." Kakashi nodded. "But don't get too full of yourself. That will just get you killed. We should really leave, though."

Kakashi turned to walk away and both Hanabi and Naruto were following him. Only Hinata still stood there, watching their backs before speaking. "Uhm... if it's okay with you, would I like to stay and train some more..."

The group stopped at that and turned to look at the girl. "But you did the best of you three. I don't think that you need additional training for today." Kakashi stated, looking slightly curious at Hinata.

Said girl was shaking her head in reply. "I'm not planning to do additional tree walking. There's a pond nearby. I would like do a bit training on my defensive thing."

He kept silent, thinking about it. It's true that Hinata did the best on the tree walking and probably had the most chakra left for that day. And her defensive dance might be helpful during this mission. "You sure sis?" Hanabi interrupted his thoughts, basicly speaking out what was on his mind as well. "It's getting dark and you want to stay behind alone?"

"It will be okay. Nobody knows that we are here after all, right? I'll be careful, promised." Hinata tried to reassure her sister.

"Well... I guess I don't see a reason why not. But I'll leave the decision to you, Hanabi. She's yours, after all." he was shrugging slightly. Hinata did have a point that nobody knew that they were training in this forest. And she had her Byakugan and would most likely see anyone who tried to get near her.

Hanabi was biting her lower lip in thought, before slowly nodding. "...I guess it's okay. Just don't overdo it and come back to the house once you are done, okay?"

"Yes mistress, I will." Hinata said smiling. She did figure two things out by now. The first was that it wasn't too bad that her team knew the truth and that she was able to speak about it in their presence. The second was to differ the sayings from her sister into orders and not. And she knew that this was an order, to come back once finished. An order that she should follow.

"Good... see you later then, sis." a small smile was visible on Hanabis face at this moment.

After watching the group leave and staying behind alone did Hinata move a bit deeper into the forest, where she could sense the pond. It wasn't too far away and she didn't need long to reach it. Once arrived was she taking a deep breath, concentrating on her task at hand.

She knew exactly how she intended to train. In fact would it be a training for three different aspects: her defensive move, chakra control and concentration. A small smile crossed her lips when she started to do handsigns. It felt kinda nostalgic to her right now. It was her first Water Style jutsu after all. "Water Style: Bubbles." she said quietly, creating a good dozen bubbles using the water from the pond and positioned them in a loose circle around her. Next she activated her Byakugan and entered her fighting stance, before going through another set of handsigns. "Water Style: Water Needles."

It was during that exact moment that a doubt crossed her mind, if this was a good idea at all. The needles started flying her way from all directions, leaving her no room for further thoughts. All she could do was to start defending herself against her own attacks. And so she did.