Hello readers. Chapter could somewhat be considered standalone but also place within the overall story/series, it can be taken somewhat as its own. Read to see what I mean. Disclaimer, I don't own Naruto.

Chapter 5
Seize

"Tell me again why we're do this again?" On the edge of a cliff, the team of Kiba, Shino and Hinata looked onto the large forest that resided with the valley below. "I mean I know that the Hokage assigned us to come here to retrieve some bug but she wasn't really specific."

"It's called a Bikouchu." clarified the designated team leader, Shino. "And if you paid attention to the briefing then you would've understand why this mission is happening." The subtle jab toward him didn't go unnoticed by Kiba as he was close in giving a few choice words in response but the bug user continued before he had the opportunity.

"It's said that when Bikouchu catches a scent soon after hatching it'll track down the source, no matter where it is." Removing the pack from his back he pulled out what appeared to be an off-white shirt. "Hokage wanted us obtain one and have it acquire Danzo's scent to locate his whereabouts and hopefully stop the conflict with ROOT."

That was something the three of them could agree on. All of them wanted to the inward turmoil that was going within Konoha to end before anything catastrophic happened. That was why the Hokage sent their team specifically to do this mission. They specialized in tracking and locating stuff.

"Let's get going then." The three of them started to make their way down to the valley hoping to accomplish their assignment as soon as possible. What they failed to noticed was that lurking in the shadows they were being watched.

"Apparently our intel was accurate." declared an unidentified person. "We mustn't allow them achieve their goal and prevent us from accomplishing ours. You know what that means." That was directed toward the other unnamed individuals there. All of them were in agreement with what was being imposed.

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"Better get started." On her own, Hinata was searching for the Bikouchu. Having decided that using their individual abilities would help speed things along, the team from Konoha had gone their own ways. Activating her Byakugan the young Hyuga focused on her surroundings.

"It's like looking for a needle in a haystack." Although she knew what she was looking for, Hinata was having trouble finding the specific insect as there were thousands more in variety of shapes and sizes to go through. "I can't give up. I've got to keep going." Not allow her resolve falter, she pushed on.

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"Nope. That's not it." Tossing the insect away, Kiba continued the search. His canine like ability to smell only got him so far as he had no reference point to compare to the particular insect that he was looking for. Regrettably, his companion, Akamaru wasn't having better luck on his end.

Becoming frustrated he let out an aggravated yell. "This is getting maddening. Is this damn bug better even worth all this trouble?" His little rant probably would've gone further if it weren't for Akamaru giving him a bite on his leg. Not hard enough to draw blood but it was enough to do what it was suppose to do.

"Thanks buddy. I needed that." Composing himself Kiba went back to work. "Need to keep myself on track. Don't want to hear Shino berate me. He's probably having better luck than we are."

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In a small opening, Shino stood there as his insects returned to him. Out of the team, he was perhaps the most suited for this mission as the Aburames had expertise involving insects and he could use the ones that he had within him to do a widespread search.

"Negative results again." Shino acknowledged what he was told. He didn't show it but there was a trace of irritation in his voice. "Hopefully the next sector will get results." Shino started to leave but stopped when another one of his insects flew around his ear. "You noticed too. Trouble is approaching."

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Sitting against a tree, Hinata rested. The Byakugan was putting a strain on her due to using it for such an extending amount of time that she had to take a break. "Knew that this was going to be trouble but this is ridiculous."

Taking a few more deep breaths she resumed her streak. Again Hinata used her Byakugan to scan over the surrounding area. Like before see saw the swarm of insects that were there and again it was difficult to tell them a part. "Have to concentrate. Need to differentiate them." In spite of the additional strain it caused, Hinata put more chakra into the Byakugan. The results became evident as things became clearer.

Resuming her search she came across something. At the base of a tree about half a mile away was an insect that fit the description that was given for the Bikouchu. Adding to the good fortune was that it had just laid an egg.

"Need to alert the others about this before the egg hatches." Hinata was going to contact her teammates with the radio receivers that her team used when she happened to catch something from the edge of her enhanced vision. "What was that? Looked like a person. Who could it have it been?" Putting aside the confusion for the time being she made her way for the target.

Soon the Hyuga made her way to where she found what she was looking for. By the time she got there the Bikouchu had already left but the egg remained. Pulling out a container Hinata was going to put the egg in when all the sudden she was knocked face first to the ground and had her arms against her back.

"Look at what we came across." Standing before the apprehended Hyuga were three men dressed in clothing that were designed for stealth and with the exception of one of them having their face that partially covered his face, they wore identical outfits. "Seems as though we found what we were looking for."

Struggling as much as possible, Hinata was unable to get free. "Leave that alone. We need that Bikouchu." The outburst resulted in her getting a kick to the gut that knocked the wind out of her.

"What you need is no concern of us." proclaimed the person who delivered the kick. "Are purposes for it outweighs yours."

Without being instructed the man in the mask went over and used a container of his own to capture the Bikouchu. Just as the container was sealed he had jump back as a large swarm of insects flew pass where he once stood. "So, you managed to detect us. I figured you would."

In the center of the insects that had attacked was Shino. "Of course you did. You're an Aburame, like me. Apparently your reported death wasn't what it seemed, Torune." Was barely detected but there was anger and some betrayal in Shino's voice.

"It was a necessary action, cousin. I was needed for something that far surpassed the needs of the Aburame family." There wasn't the slightest bit of remorse from the presumed dead Aburame shinobi for his deception.

"Guess becoming a pawn in ROOT was more important that our family." The anger that Shino was furthered shown by his insects swarming around him. "What does Danzo want with the Bikouchu? Who is he trying to find?"

"Someone that has been a thorn in our side for quite some time." Torune vaguely explained. While the 'conversation' between the two Aburames went on, the two other ROOT members remained on guard. As for Hinata, she wanted to backup her teammate but was unable to get herself free.

"We're going to find who Fox really is." That revelation was a shocker and was unexpected. "Lord Danzo knows that there's another side to him. A side that he keeps hidden. No matter how well hidden he may be, the Bikouchu will find Fox. Once we find out who he is, it'll be the end of him."

When hearing that, Hinata was barely able to keep herself from showing any sign of being troubled by that statement. Unlike the rest of them there, she was the only person who knew who Fox really was and knew what'll happen if that secret was revealed.

"While it was nice to have this little family reunion, it's time for us to return with our prize. Goodbye, cousin." That was followed by Torune removing one of the gloves. The captured Hyuga seemed to be the only one who didn't know what that gesture meant as the ROOT members that kept her immobile while Shino became more alert.

An obvious fight was going to take place but before any actual blows was thrown, a spiraling mass came charging in and having no other choice, the ROOT agents that were holding Hinata down had to release her to get to safety. The mass was revealed to be her other teammate, Kiba Inuzuka.

"Damn. I missed." cursed Kiba. Getting over his letdown, he helped get his teammate up. "Sorry for making you wait. I had to wait until the opening was there." Hinata didn't make an issue as she was still free from the adversaries' clutches.

Witnessing what had transpired, Torune slightly smirked. "That was a futile move. You may have freed your comrade; it won't save you from us." Standing behind him were his two ROOT partners. "Do you actually believe that you can acquire the item from us?"

Rather than answering, someone rushed from the sidelines and snatched the container. The identity of the new arrival was soon discovered and was surprisingly an identical copy of Kiba. Joining the others of Team Kurenai, the second Kiba disappeared in a puff of smoke and in his place was Akamaru, with the container in his mouth.

"Apparently you forgot that we have four members in our team." proclaimed Kiba. Reaching over he removed the container from his animal partner's mouth. "We'll be taking this and be going now."

Before they could even take a step away, a swarm of insects blocked their path. The insects weren't Shino's but Torune personal hive. "You're not going anywhere. Handover the container or it'll be taken by force." None of Team Kurenai complied with the request. "So be it. Kill them." Without hesitation, all three ROOT agents went on the attack.

Both sides went at one another but while Team Kurenai were trying to defend themselves, they also need keep the container with the Bikouchu egg from being taken by the opposition. Due to him holding the container, Kiba was the primary target and they were coming at him from all sides. Luckily Akamaru helped to even the odds a little.

"Go long, Hinata." Throwing the container as if it was a football, Kiba sent it to his teammate. On reflex she managed to catch it without the egg being damaged.

"That was a foolish way to handle such a delicate item." berated Shino. Ignoring whatever remarks that the Inuzuka had made, he avoided an oncoming attack and at the same time pulled out the article of clothing that he had been carrying. "The egg will soon hatch. It must acquire Danzo's scent or it won't work for us."

"You won't have the opportunity to do that." Torune motioned to his insects and they swarmed toward Hinata. They would never reach her as another swarm intercepted and started to battle with one another. Seeing that their squad leader was currently occupied, the other two ROOT members tried to go for the Hyuga but they too were cut off as both Kiba and Akamaru stood in their way.

"What are you waiting for Hinata? Get out of here." Kiba motioned to his partner and understanding, Akamaru transformed himself into a copy of the Inuzuka. "We'll hold these guys off while you do what you need to do."

Recognizing the reasoning and that there was no room to argue, Hinata took off further into the forest. "While she's doing that, let's go ahead and put an end to these guys. Wouldn't you agree, Shino?" The Aburame gave his usual silent reply but Kiba understood that his teammate was in agreement.

Like before the fighting went back and forth but Shino noticed something. "I should've known." With a swipe of a kunai he cut into Torune. Instead of bleeding he turned into a swarm of insects. They flew away before reforming back into Torune. "An insect clone."

"Where's the real one then?" Kiba answered his own question. "He went after Hinata." Kiba was about to give chase but was blocked by the ROOT agents.

"Apparently we're not going to be allowed to leave anytime soon." surmised Shino. Having no way out of getting away, the members of Team Kurenai could only hope that their teammate would be all right.

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Running nonstop, Hinata broke herself away from the fighting. What she was doing was something that she hated to do but it was necessary. When the Hyuga felt that enough distance was created she placed the container on a low hanging branch. Hinata looked inside and saw that the egg was shaking, indicating that the Bikouchu would soon hatch.

"Now I just have to wait." With the piece of clothing in hand, Hinata waited for the new Bikouchu to be born. Fortunately she didn't lose sight of her surroundings as she quickly moved out of harm's way. Acting on reflex alone she inadvertently left the container where it had been placed. Putting aside that slip-up she kept her focus on what had tried to attack.

"Did you believe that this plan was going to work?" questioned Torune. "How the Hyugas have fallen. To actually abandon your comrades to save yourself is shameful." Hinata wanted to deny such accusations but calmed herself. "Your attempts to foil ROOT's plans only delayed the inadaptable.

Torune made his way toward the container but had to quickly turn around to catch the kunai that was aimed for his back. "You will not take the Bikouchu." declared Hinata. She already had another kunai in hand and Byakugan activated to back up those words.

The Aburame ROOT member only seemed mildly annoyed by the delay. "You wish to continue to resist. So be it. What happens is on your hands." Using the previously thrown kunai to his advantage, Torune threw it back at its original owner. Thanks to her Byakugan, Hinata dodged it but failed to notice that along with the weapon were some of Torune's insects.

Like a swarm they latched onto her arm and instantly started to feel her chakra being scythed away. "Water Style: Water Sword." Water appeared around Hinata's arm that the insects were attached to. Being submerged in water, the insects drowned and as a result released their hold on the Hyuga. Having done what it was suppose to do, Hinata released the jutsu and let the now dead insects fall to the ground.

"A creative use of a water jutsu." Torune commended. "My insects may have been killed, they served their purpose." There was no clarifying necessary as Hinata's chakra supply had taken a hit and using the jutsu weakened her even further. "In the end, all those who stand in our way will be eliminated." Following that, more of his insects swarmed around him and removed his gloves. "Enough time has been wasted. It's time to end this."

Hinata steadied herself for whatever might come. As she expected, the insects were sent straight at her. Using the gentle fist she managed to keep them from taking anymore of her chakra. However, that caused her attention to be diverted of what Torune was doing as he got within striking distance and grabbed a hold of her left wrist. Instinctively the Hyuga girl went to free herself but surprisingly he distanced himself from her.

The tactic made no sense to Hinata until she felt an intense pain from where she was grabbed. Looking at her wrist she saw that it had become a sickly gray and was slowly spreading. "Wh-What have you done?" Hinata wasn't known for cursing but she was on verge of doing so due to the pain she was feeling.

"With a simple touch I inserted nano-sized insects into your body. You'll endure excruciating pain until they are removed or until you're unable to pair it any further." Having explained his method of attack, Torune once again made his way to the container and noticed that the Bikouchu was beginning to break through its egg.

Barely keeping herself from rolling up into a ball because of the pain, Hinata glared at the retreating man's back. Through a partially clouded mind she tried to come up with some kind of plan. "ROOT can't have the Bikouchu. Naruto's life will be at risk if they discover his secret." Suddenly a possible but unfavorable salutation came to her. "I'm sorry."

Ignoring the pain that she was going through, Hinata created a water whip. Sending it forward it completely missed Tornie. "Pitiful. Did you truly believe you'd hit me with such a feeble attack?"

Instead of answering right away, the Hyuga girl gave a smirk that resembled the one that her boyfriend used. "Who said that I was aiming for you?" Comprehending what she was referring to, the Aburame looked back and saw that the water attack struck the container.

It shattered onto the ground and along with them was the now dead Bikouchu. Torune stood there for a bit before glancing back at the Hyuga. "That was a bad decision. One that you won't have long to regret." He started to make his way toward Hinata. His intentions clear as his he had his exposed hand in front of him.

Still in pain from the infection and having used up what chakra she had left in that last attack, it left Hinata too exhausted to get away. "At least I kept them from finding out Naruto's secret. A shame that I won't be able seeing him again." Unable to escape, she could only lower her head and wait for what was to come.

The hand was inches away when Torune had to quickly get out of the way as a swarm of insects flew in-between them. "This was unexpected. I figured that my comrades would be capable of at least delaying you longer than this."

Not that far away was both of Hinata's teammates. With the exception of the signs of being ruffed up they appeared to be all right. "Then you miscalculated as they were incapacitated." Shino stated. The Aburame then noticed the condition of his other teammate. "You used that on her? You're deplorable."

Torune had no issue with what was being said. "A fitting fate for her I believe. Considering that she foiled the plans of my master." Recognizing the situation that he was in he decided to take his leave. "With my reason no longer now gone I'll be going. Enjoy the time that you have left with your comrade." Before their eyes, the ROOT agent escaped. Ideas of going after him were forgotten as treating Hinata took precedent.

"That doesn't look good." remarked Kiba to the sickly gray skin of Hinata's arm that covered from her elbow on down. "We need to do something and fast."

"Unfortunately that's not an easy task." Shino enlightened. "The technique that was used was one that only two members of the Aburames were able to perform it. One was the one who just left and the other is dead." The despair about this revelation was clear in the usual unemotional bug user.

"What are we going to do then?" Kiba's concern was evident as he saw Hinata strained to keep the pain she was feeling. Try as she might she couldn't contain all of the agonizing groans from escaping. "She'll die if we don't do something."

"It's all right." Hinata managed to get out. "At long as ROOT was stopped then I'm okay with what happened. Just make sure that they don't win." Another round of pain came over the Hyuga, stopping her from saying anymore.

Nothing else was said as none of them could think of what to say. "Don't being giving farewells so soon." Shino announced. "There may be a way to save her. I'll have my insects absorb the ones that were put into her. Not sure what'll happen though." They glanced down toward Hinata and saw their teammate and friend in pain. "But there isn't much choice."

Placing his hand above Hinata's forearm, Shino had some of his insects surround every spot that was affected. While they were doing whatever they were doing, the Hyuga started squirming violently. She had to be held down by Kiba when it got bad enough. This went on for a few minutes and it didn't look like anything was going to happen until Hinata suddenly became still.

Along with it were Shino's insects falling down to the ground. As they fell, it revealed that Hinata's arm was completely healed. "It is done."

Checking his friend's pulse, Kiba discovered that it was steady even though she was unconscious. "What just happen?"

"As I said before, my insects absorbed the damage that was being done to Hinata. It saved her but at the cost of the insects as they died as a result." Shino tried to maintain his casual tone but there were traces of grief for his lost. "We should get going. It's a long way back to Konoha."

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Days Later…

"So that was what happened." Returning to Konoha, the team was sent to the Tsunade's offices to give a report at what happened in their mission. Her annoyance at what occurred was apparent. The team only hoped that she wouldn't take her frustrations out on them.

"While you may have not fulfilled the parameters that were bestowed on the mission, you were able to prevent the enemy from getting an advantage on us. I commend you all. You're free to go but I wish for Hinata to remain for a moment." Soon there was only the Hokage and Hyuga remaining in the office. "First off, are you recovering well from your ordeal, Hinata?"

Tsunade was of course referring the attack that Hinata received from Torune. At the moment, her arm was wrapped in medical bandages. "I'm doing well. My arm is a little weak from the experiences but that should fade before long." Whether she knew it or not, she lightly rubbed the aforementioned arm.

"Still, I would prefer that you have Shizune examine you, just to be safe." She could detect that the girl was depressed at everything that took placed. "You mustn't beat yourself for what you did. You were protecting the safety of someone you loved. That's something I can relate to."

"Thank you." Hinata appreciated the sannin being sympathetic as she was. "I'll do my best to make sure that it won't happen again."

The Fifth gave a nod of acknowledgement. "For now though you should head home. Apparently there's a certain blond that's waiting for you to return." Knowing what the Hokage meant, Hinata gave a small bow before leaving. Left alone in her office, Tsunade allowed the small amount of concern that came from hearing about the recent mission to surface.

Another chapter done. Will admit that when I came up with this part of my series, I didn't plan on doing something that touched on the Bikouchu filler arc. But I wanted to do something that a bit different without it being too much so this just came to me.

You also might've noticed that Naruto wasn't in the chapter, which I explain his absence in the next chapter. Also, I figured that it's good to sometimes to have a main character not in every chapter as it allows the chance for other characters an opportunity to shine.

That's all for the now. Will try to update again either later this month or earlier next month. See ya until then.