It had been almost a year since he was found injured by Lord Kinto. His live was ordinary, if not to say boring. He trained every morning, he worked in the afternoon and evening . The only bright thing in it were the children. Never before had he considered children to be interesting. They never let him get bored, always asking questions or needing help with something. He patiently came to search them after each escape from the servants, and he patiently told them how they should behave. Both Lady Kyoto and Lord Hashobi looked jealously as he talked and played with their kids, and as their kids obeyed and listened to him. No one before had so great influence on their offspring and it made them feel a bit uneasy. At first it made them worried, but soon they both realized that his influence was of the positive kind, and that was something they could not contradict. They always wanted their children to be good and to behave, so finally when someone managed to do it they would not oppose in any way. Lord Hashobi was glad no more pets were introduced into the household because then it would be a total mad house. Little Maya was a kind kitten, and she behaved very well. Soon she became a permanent resident in the main office sleeping on the lap of either Lord Ryu, Neji or Lord Hashobi. She did not disturb anyone, and she learned Akira a very important lesson. He took care of the cat, and he learned how to be responsible which made his father very proud. Neji had been treated as a family member, and soon he took over many duties of Lord Ryu. The old man sometimes even wished for him to never recall who he used to be, because that would mean he would go away and all the work would go back into the old man's hands.
One day something unexpected happened, within the usual mail Lord Hashobi found a peculiar note which in fact was a threatening note.
He immediately called his father and Neji to take a look at it.
"If you won't pay us 1 000 000 your son will be killed. Await further details."
The note was short and imprecise but it could not be taken lightly. The Kinto family was one of the richest in the Country of Fire, and a kidnapping or murder of the heir was a big problem.
Lord Kinto was terrified, and said he would pay the money just to make sure his grandson was safe. But both Lord Hashobi and Neji opposed the idea.
"Can't you see father that this is what they want? To get paid without even proving that they can kidnap him. This house is well guarded and if you really want to spend that money we should rather get some more guards then pay those bastards." Said Lord Hashobi.
"I agree" said Neji " It's better to pay this money to some good people who need a job then to pay some kidnappers."
"He is right father, better give employment to some good and decent people then pay these criminals. I suggest we ask the Feudal Lord to give us one of his teams of bodyguards for the time being, and then we could go and sign a contract with one the ninja villages ensuring the protection of the family."
"That's a good idea my boy, but what if the kidnapping takes place soon?" demanded Lord Ryu.
"I think we needn't worry for the time being, this note is only about the money, and It doesn't even say how we should pay them. So we should wait for the second note giving details of payment and then start worrying." Said Neji.
"You're logical as always Neji, and as always you are right, even if I wanted to pay I don't know how" Lord Ryu began to laugh. "Hashobi will you go and ask the Feudal Lord for his help? He is in dept to us so he should not hesitate."
"Very well father, I will do it right away." Said Lord Hashobi and left.
"Neji I have one request, take the rest of the day off and keep an eye on Akira, and if anything happens protect him." Asked Lord Ryu.
"Of course my Lord." Replied Neji with a bow. "I will attend to it right away."
The children when really happy hearing that Neji would take care of them the whole afternoon and evening. They spent most of the time in the garden, the girls were picking flowers for the dining table, and they boys were playing hide and seek. Neji was just sitting next to them, carefully observing and answering the girls questions about flowers.
"How do you know so much about flowers?" they kept asking but he did not know the answer. It was one more thing he remembered and not remembered where he learn it. When thinking of flowers he thought of that beautiful girl Hinata and somehow he felt it was her doing that he knew all these flowers and their meanings, but as always when it come to his past he was never sure of anything.
Time whet by quickly, soon the children were put to sleep and the men gathered once again in the office this time accompanied by Lady Kyoto. They did not want any servants or other members of the family know about this delicate situation.
"So what did the Feudal Lord say?" demanded Lord Ryu.
"He said that he will gladly give us a team of Bodyguards, but for know it is impossible. One of his sons is on a journey to the capital of the Land of Wind, but as soon as he returns that team of guards will be at our disposal."
"And when will that be?" demanded Lady Kyoto.
"In six days at best." He replied.
"That will have to do for now. I thought more about it and now I am sure we are doing the right things. This house is well guarded and unless they are professional ninjas no one will get in." he explained " So let's wait for those bodyguards."
"There is something more father, I discussed with the Feudal Lord the matter of signing a contract with one of the ninja villages, and he suggested the village hidden in the leaves. He said that in two months time there will be a delegation from that village to sign a contract with him, and as their delegates will be here we could negotiate with them as well."
"That's perfect timing, the village hidden in the leaves you say? They are one of the main villages, a strong village. Very well we will negotiate with them. Let's go to sleep now it's been a long and stressful day for all of us." He excused himself and went to retire.
"The village hidden in the leaves" Neji whispered to himself but Lord Hashobi thought it was directed to him.
"Yes, we will negotiate with them." He said. Neji looked at him, puzzled. "Does this name remind you of something?" he asked looking at the shocked young man.
"I'm not sure, I just remember that they are very strong and nothing more." Replied Neji.
"Don't worry one day it will all come back." Lady Kyoto gave him an encouragement smile and went away. Soon Lord Hashobi left as well, but Neji decided he was not sleepy at all and began to look at the papers laying on the desk trying to sort them out. He liked when everything was in order, and he felt he would not be able to sleep anyway. The name village hidden in the leaves kept coming back to his mind, along with an image of a blue haired girl Hinata. Before he knew it he fell asleep on the desk in front of him.
He could see a mountain with five faces carved into it, there was a red building, and several streets going from the square in front of it. There were many people walking around, many faces he felt he knew or he used to know. "The village hidden in the leaves" those words echoed in his mind. Then he saw a forest, it was a forest full of life, a lot of green trees, animals, insects. He felt happy, then he saw her, she was standing in a meadow picking wild flowers, she looked so beautiful he wanted to run to her but she was getting further every time he tried to run closer. He wanted to ask her who she was and why she was in all his dreams. But then he realized why, he could feel it with every bit of his body and soul. He loved her.