"Kidnapped? What happened?" Hinata asked Kiba with urgency. Kiba was about to reply when he noticed the genin standing behind Hinata.
"Ah, shit, man. Of course, her kids are here."
"Kiba!" Hinata snapped, getting her teammate's attention.
"Sorry," Kiba mumbled. "Me, Tenten, Lee, and Shino were on our way to the Salt Village for a mission and we weren't even a kilometer from the village gates when some Salt goons ambushed us. From what they were saying it sounded like they were trying to sneak into the village to kidnap her, but then she was led right to them. Lee and Shino went after them, and I came back to the village to get help."
"Have you told this to Naruto yet?" Hinata asked.
"Well, you see," Kiba started, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Naruto specifically refused for Tenten to go along on this mission, but we thought he was out of his mind, so we convinced her to go along with us anyway."
Hinata glared at Kiba in anger. "You are going to tell Naruto what happened RIGHT NOW!"
"Yes, ma'am," Kiba said as he shivered in fear before he ran out of Hinata's house.
Hinata looked back at her three gests as she spoke.
"Come on guys. I'm going to talk to my father. I have some questions too."
XXX
Tenten slowly fluttered her eyes open, groggy from the sleep she just woke up from. She struggled to recall where she was or how she got there. She noticed that she was restrained in an upright position against a wall and had a cloth gag in her mouth. She looked at her surroundings and felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity. She then remembered that this was the room in the Salt village where Kugi was held when he was kidnapped. After her realization set in, Tenten remembered how she got to where she was.
Soon after Lee, Kiba, Shino, and herself left the village gates, they were ambushed by members of the Salt Village. They were convening outside the village, trying to find a way to infiltrate in. To their own surprise, their target, Tenten, was revealed to them right outside the village gates. They were quickly able to subdue the Leaf ninja with the use of poisons and they bound Tenten up and drug her along to the Salt Village, leaving the other three ninjas unconscious on the ground.
Tenten struggled and used all her might to break herself from her restraints, but she was unable to break free. As she struggled, someone entered the room and stood in front of her. The person in question was the leader of the Salt Village.
"Well, well, well," he said with a mischievous grin. "One of the Leaf's precious jonin in our clutches. All ninjas from all the great nations love to underestimate us. Sure, we in the Salt Village don't have the combat skills that other ninjas have, but we are very skilled with poisons and other aerial assaults. How many times is it now that we've subdued you? Too many for you to want to admit, I'm sure. And to think that we captured the precious Hyuga DNA that we wanted as well."
Tenten gasped and struggled more in response to what the leader just said. He chuckled at Tenten's misery.
"I'm sure you're wondering how I found out. Let me tell you, you and your pretentious clan had almost the whole world convinced, but you, young lady, are sloppy. No wonder you're only worthy of half of a Hyuga's blood. You're a disgrace to your own clan."
Tenten tried to speak once again through the gag in her mouth. This time, the leader removed the cloth from Tenten's mouth so she could speak.
"I am not a part of the Hyuga Clan. Never have been, never will be. It doesn't matter what my DNA says, I am not one of them."
"Oh, how brave of the poor Hyuga orphan. I just might cry," the leader said, wiping away a fake tear. "Let me tell you, I was about to give up hope when the boy turned out to not be a match. He was exactly what we needed. Half Hyuga, half nothing. We ran tests wondering if we could use the Hokage's children, but sadly that Uzumaki DNA kept getting in the way. What we needed was the infamous Hyuga bastard child, but gosh darn it, he wasn't the boy the clan told the whole world he was."
The leader walked up to Tenten and grabbed her chin, turning her head towards him. "But it was you we were looking for. Crazy world. Makes me wonder how many other mutts like you the Hyuga's are hiding."
Tenten snarled at the word "mutt" but still tried to keep her composure.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "What beef could you possibly have with the Hyuga Clan?"
The leader chuckled. "Oh, I can promise, it's nothing personal. I'm simply trying to resurrect the Otsutsuki Clan."
Tenten gasped and her eyes went wide. Before she had a chance to say anything, the leader spoke again.
"Now, I'm not trying to bring back Kaguya or anyone specific, just the clan."
Tenten replied in anger. "The Otsutsuki Clan was merciless and malicious gods. Why would you possibly want to resurrect that evil?"
"You, like many others, fail to see the big picture." The leader began. "The world is tainted in sin and that sin is clans and Kekkei Genkai. All the major clans, the Hyugas, the Uchihas, and the Senjus, they're all held back simply by lacking what each other has. There's always going to be someone that can overpower these supposed powerful abilities. Now imagine this, a world where everybody had the Byakugan and other abilities of the Hyuga Clan. In that case, there's no unfair advantage in a fight. Pure strength alone puts you above the rest. Not only that but there will no longer be clan-less nothings like you."
Tenten glared. "Just because I don't have a clan doesn't mean I'm nothing."
"Oh, quite the contrary," the leader said with a smirk. "You are nothing. No matter how hard you train, you will never be able to beat any clan-specific jutsu. It's simply not possible. Everyone in this village has struggled with this, but now we are fighting back. Lacking strength simply by not being born into a clan is unfair. The only way out of this hell is true conformity."
"You're sick and twisted," Tenten snapped.
The leader smiled at her. "I had hoped you would support our cause and die with pride and dignity, but alas, you will die protecting the very society that turned its back on you. How pitiful."
Before Tenten could say any more, the leader returned the gag to Tenten's mouth, and he left the room with a chuckle.
XXX
Kugi and Hinata kneeled near the center of a room within the Hyuga Compound. Jin and Mie followed along to the compound and were kneeling at the back of the room, behind Kugi and Hinata. They were all waiting as Hanabi went to retrieve her father.
Jin looked around in awe and whispered to Mie. "Can you believe this crazy day has led us inside the Hyuga Compound?"
Mie nodded in agreement. "I've only ever seen the outside of the compound. It's so much bigger than I imagined."
Kugi turned around and shushed his teammates as he noticed Hiashi enter the room. He situated himself at the head of the room, Hanabi kneeling not far from his side.
"Hinata, Kugi," Hiashi said, nodding to his family. "To what do I owe this formal meeting arrangement?"
"Father," Hinata began. "I'm sure you are aware of the mission Kugi and his team returned from earlier this morning?"
Hiashi nodded.
"I wanted to inform you that the enemy has come to the Hidden Leaf Village and has kidnapped Tenten," Hinata said.
Hiashi was shocked by this information but remained composed.
"I am terribly sorry to hear that. I assume there is something being done to help her?"
"Yes," Hinata replied. "Shino and Lee are following her captors to the Salt Village and Kiba has gone to inform the Hokage."
"That is good to hear. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help," Hiashi said politely.
"Actually, Father, there is something you can do to help."
Hiashi gave Hinata a perplexed look and allowed her to continue.
"I have a few questions. Why would the Salt Village be after Tenten? What do they want with her? There were after someone who is half-Hyuga, and they discovered that Kugi is not. How is that possible?"
"Hinata," Hiashi said as his eyes softened.
"Normally, when it comes to family matters, I keep my head down and don't ask questions. But this now involves someone outside the family. Someone who is a close friend of mine. Someone who was a closer friend of your nephew. I can't keep quiet on this issue. I need to know what you are keeping to yourself."
Hiashi's expression remained blank as he processed Hinata's words. Everyone in the room was waiting on the edge of their seat as they waited for Hiashi's answer.
After some time passed, Hiashi closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh. When he opened his eyes again, he looked at Hinata with sympathy.
"I do believe that it is time to reveal the truth," Hiashi said. "As far as DNA is concerned, Tenten is the half-blooded Hyuga that the Salt is looking for."
Hanabi and the three genin all gasped while Hinata's expression remained unphased.
"How is that possible?" she asked sternly.
"While it is rarely done, and even more rarely successful, there is a way for someone in the Hyuga Clan to have their traits genetically altered so they can leave the clan. Tenten's mother is one of the few people who went through this process and survive. Tenten herself only recently became aware of this fact."
Hinata lowered her head in thought. "I see. I understand why the council would want as few people as possible to know this information."
"Well, it seems that it doesn't matter who knows or doesn't know. The enemy discovered it all on their own," Hiashi said, his anger rising.
"Father," Hinata began, trying to comfort Hiashi.
"Please, Hinata," Hiashi said, raising up a hand to silence his daughter. "I do appreciate your concern, but I have finally been shown the error of my ways."
"What are you saying, Father?" Hinata asked.
"For a long while, since Kugi's birth, I have been mulling over something drastic. Today, I have finally reached my decision."
"I don't understand," Hinata said again to her father.
"I am no longer continuing this clan's outdated and bigoted ideas. You said so yourself, Hinata. This now involves people outside the clan, and something must be done about it."
By this time, Hiashi's behavior is becoming more erratic, concerning everyone in the room, especially Hiashi's daughter.
"Though Tenten is a Hyuga by blood, this is not the life she was born into." Hiashi continued. He looked over to Kugi as he spoke again. "You, Kugi, were unfortunately born into this family and thrust into this lifestyle without any choice, all to protect our so-called omnipotent eyes. I am through with holding onto this shallow pride. I'm through keeping secrets and being feared by outsiders."
"Father," Hanabi began, starting to get concerned over her father's behavior.
"Kugi," Hiashi said, choosing to ignore his daughter. He instead elected to speak directly to Kugi.
"I am telling you with the deepest sincerity that your mother is a commoner. At the same time, though, you are not a half-blooded Hyuga. This is true because Tenten is your mother."
The room went silent as the breath was taken from everyone's lungs in shock. Kugi's eyes were wide as he kept eye contact with Hiashi's stern face.
"Holy shit."
Everyone in the room looked over at Jin, surprised by his sudden outburst. Once he noticed all eyes were on him, he cowered in embarrassment.
"Sorry about that."
Hiashi chuckled in response. "That is quite alright. Your reaction is warranted." Hiashi then turned his attention to Kugi. "How are you taking all of this, Kugi?"
Instead of speaking, Kugi quickly stood up and ran outside the room to the adjacent courtyard, emptying his stomach onto the grass.
"Kugi!" Mie shouted in concern, beginning to stand up so she could help her teammate.
Trying to regain his composure, Kugi held up a hand to halt Mie, mumbling "I'm fine." He took a few deep breaths before he entered back into the room.
"Grandfather," Kugi said addressing Hiashi. "Would it be alright if I excused myself?"
Hiashi nodded and Kugi left the room. Jin and Mie scrambled to their feet and ran out of the room to catch up with Kugi. Once all the children left the room, Hinata looked at her father with a weary expression.
"Are you sure about all of this, Father?"
"As sure as I could ever be."
XXX
When Jin and Mie caught up with Kugi, they found him leaning against the outside wall of the Hyuga Compound looking up at the sky. The two older genin gave each other a quick look before they stood on either side of Kugi and leaned against the wall with him. They were all silent and took in the moment of relaxation.
"You'd think I'd have a lot of questions, but I don't."
Jin and Mie glanced over at Kugi, hearing him speak. They did not offer any reply as they knew that Kugi still had more to say.
"Everything just makes sense now. For the first time in my life, I don't have to wonder who I am or where I came from."
"I'm guessing that's all a good thing?" Mie asked.
Kugi let out a snide chuckle. "There's still the fact that my own family kept so much important information from me for so long, but yeah, it's a good thing."
When Kugi finished talking he let his lips form into a small smile. As Kugi enjoyed his moment of happiness, Jin spoke out loud.
"Kugi, you don't resent Tenten-Sensei, do you?"
"I could never," Kugi said shaking his head. "The Hyuga Clan is ruthless so I'm sure her actions were controlled by a higher power. Despite that, she always knew how to make me feel important, and make me feel like a part of this team. I could never thank her enough for that."
Jin and Mie smiled at Kugi.
"You guys too," Kugi continued. "You both have your own fair share of family drama, but you still stuck with me through the thick of it. I appreciate you guys and I truly love being on this team."
Mie laughed and patted Kugi's head. "The sappiness you got from your mother is really showing right now."
"Knock it off," Kugi said with a smirk, knocking Mie's hand away from his head.
"Guys, what are we going to do about Sensei?" Jin asked softly.
"What do you mean?" Mie responded.
"What those goons did to Kugi was scary and he wasn't even who they needed. I can't imagine what they're doing to Sensei."
"Sensei can more than hold her own and I'm sure the Hokage is coming up with a plan to help her."
"Yeah, I guess," Jin said sadly to Mie. The three genin were silent for a moment before Kugi spoke.
"Why don't we save her?"
Jin looked over at Kugi in confusion. "Has the trauma of the last few hours turned your brain to mush?"
"I'm serious," Kugi retorted. "The Hokage's taking too long coming up with a plan against the Salt Village. He's trying to come up with the safest course of action, which is respectable, but we know the situation better than anyone else in the village. We're the only ones who can save our sensei."
Jin gave Mie a nervous glance.
"You're the sane one of the team. Are we really doing this?"
Mie made direct eye contact with both her teammates before she gave a small smile.
"Let's go save Sensei."
"Great," Kugi said, cracking a small smile to himself. "Go get packed and we'll meet at the gates in 15 minutes."
Jin and Mie gave Kugi sharp nods before the genin took off in different directions.
XXX
Kugi and Mie stood waiting at the gate to the village when Jin came running up to them. He halted in front of his teammates and looked at them both.
"Are we all ready?" he asked.
Kugi and Mie nodded at Jin and the genin turned to face the open road. The team was about to take off when they heard a voice behind them, stopping them.
"Did you three really think you'd be allowed to leave the village that easily?"
The genin turned around to see Naruto standing behind them, an angry look on his face.
"I'm not sure what you three are planning, but I bet it has something to do with Tenten. Whatever it is, I'm ordering you all to go home and let the adults handle this."
Jin and Mie stood frozen in their places, but Kugi decided to refute Naruto.
"Lord Hokage, all due respect, but the adults aren't handling this. The decisions of the adults are what got Sensei kidnapped in the first place. We're going to go help her because we know the situation better than anyone else."
Naruto's eyebrows twitched in anger, but he took a deep breath and collected himself.
"This is a serious matter. You three will go home right now or I will have a jonin escort each of you home."
Jin and Mie took a deep breath and were about to concede when Kugi spoke again.
"This is all a bit hypocritical of you, isn't it, Lord Naruto? Didn't you and four of your peers, each fresh out of the academy, go on your own on a suicide mission to rescue Lord Sasuke back in the day?"
Naruto looked at Kugi baffled. "How could you possibly know that?"
"Tenten-Sensei had told me everything about my father. You trusted him enough to go with you back then. I need you to trust me now as you did him."
"The two situations are hardly the same," Naruto responded. "Back then, all the jonin were busy trying to deescalate a possible war and we had a chunin on our team. This is not the same and I can't have you treating it like the same."
Kugi opened his mouth to retort, but he was cut off by a voice speaking behind Naruto.
"Would you change your mind if I went along with them?"
Naruto turned around to see who was speaking. Behind him, stook Hiashi, donning a Konoha flak jacket instead of his usual robed garb. Naruto looked at Hiashi with shock and suspicion.
"Hiashi, what do you mean?"
"These children are set on leaving to save their sensei. While I too would rather them stay in the village, I know that they won't so the safest option for them is for me to accompany them."
Naruto was baffled in response. "You can't be serious, Hiashi. You are the head of one of the most prestigious clans in the world. I can't let you do this."
Hiashi gave Naruto a small smile. "Now is a good time as any to finally step down as the head of the clan. I want to fulfill my duty as a shinobi and help the people of the village."
Naruto looked at Hiashi skeptically.
"I promise," Hiashi continued. "I will do everything in my power, even sacrifice my own life, to ensure that these children come back safely."
Naruto pondered for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.
"Okay, I guess there's no stopping any of you. I hereby give Team Hiashi the mission of rescuing Tenten from the Hidden Salt Village."
Jin and Mie grinned widely and let out a small cheer while Kugi and Hiashi simply smiled at Naruto. As the team was about to take off, Naruto spoke once more.
"I need all of you to come back alive, even you, Hiashi," Naruto said, looking at his father-in-law. "I couldn't possibly explain it to my wife if you didn't."
"You have my word, Lord Hokage," Hiashi said giving his head a slight nod. Next, Hiashi turned to look at the genin.
"Let's be off, then."
