Ch. 5
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
AN: all things in good time this is like one of those stories that cook slowly.
Hinata snuggled in a box. She resembled one of the many homeless people. The smell of urine was strong on the cement floor, smog and grime hanged in the air.
Hinata had been searching and gathering information from there. She made sure she imitated those around her and at the same time avoided everyone. By now she had mapped out the city, discovered every shortcut, mapped out exits and entrances.
It was also clear where suspicious activities were held, since many steered clear of that district.
The Akatsuki headquarters were no secret to the city but no one tried anything to stop them instead they were adored as the god and his angel. Hinata overheard the rumors of their battles and victories. Their fighting style was unique. She still had to find the other Uchiha though.
The remainder of team 8 and team 7 set up camp for the night. "This is ridiculous!" exclaimed Kiba, "there is no scent to follow no bug to point us in the right direction, no clues in the forestry, how the hell, are we supposed to find them?"
At this point even Naruto was quiet. "No, no, no", Kiba griped his head, "Imagine what they're putting her through, is she scared? Is she waiting for us? I can't … I can't set up camp and try to sleep, when we need to find her… Now!" his voice echoed.
"Relax", came the firm command of Kakashi. "You are a trained nin you can't let your emotions fog your reasoning. Yes all of what you said is true, all of us are worried but we can't help Hinata if we lose sight of common sense. Suppose you do go out there and search till you're tired, what then? What if you fall sick, the body has limits, and you know this."
Kiba was seething but he knew Kakashi was right. They were sitting ducks, he tightened his fists.
"I don't know about this", said Tsunade. "It's risky and dangerous."
"He-h, calm your boobs down, it's me remember. I'll be fine."
Tsunade glared at Jiraiya, who smiled.
She sighed and shook her head. "Just be careful."
"I will."
When Hinata wasn't spying she was busy stealing food or necessities. She felt she'd been there way too long. It was scary and very stressful; she didn't sleep well and was beyond paranoid. She was eating frantically and downed it with water, the only free and limitless supply the rain country had.
Hinata went back to her box where she had a perfect view of the city. She crouched and stared like she always did. A bright red caught her eye. Amazing, what are the chances of her bumping into someone from Konoha and Naruto's sensei no less.
Hinata raised her eyebrows, he was gallantly strolling in the rain country like no one's business. 'Is he insane? The danger and fear is palpable in the air. What is he thinking?'
Have you ever disturbed a bee's nest? Hinata's heart thumped in slow motion. They buzz around you to scare you away before they attack. Hinata noticed the wind pick up and paper rustle. She acted before she thought.
She speed walked to Jiraiya and bumped harshly to his right and took off running.
"Hey, you little scoundrel!"
Hinata led him straight out of the danger zone. She concentrated chakra on her feet and dashed out of his reach. Jiraiya was surprised but it would not do to be robbed by a little pip-squeak; no, not him, not one of the legendary sennin.
He caught the runt by the shoulder and flung at him, to the face but the runt blocked and backed up facing him.
Jiraiya was about to charge when the kid threw his money sack back to him. The kid turned and ran away. Jiraiya was confused, "What just happened?"
He went to pick up his money and walked the way the boy had run. "Hey wait up!"
Hinata stopped and looked at him.
"Here let me give you some money," he handed a roll of bills over. "You have something to tell me?"
Hinata shook her head.
"No thanks? No nothing?"
Hinata shrugged.
Jiraiya smirked, "Speak kid"
Hinata looked around without looking they were being watched from afar. "Come" she said in a hoarse voice. She had not used her voice till now. So it came out raspy and low.
She led him through the back of the town excited and still continued to get further away.
"So what, you just gonna lead me away from the city?"
Hinata shook her head. "Until I feel safe we'll talk" she murmured.
And so they continued running till night fell on them somewhere deep in the tropical rainforest. The darkness hugged them. Not one stretch of light anywhere. Hinata felt comfortable; she activated byakugan.
"I'm taking out a book full on information I was able to collect while roaming the rain country's capital."
The rustle was heard.
Jiraiya was still apprehensive his ninja instincts were telling him to not trust. He grabbed the book and the boy's hand at the same time.
"If this thing has a bomb; we'll both explode", he warned.
The boy stood quiet and time passed between them. "Who are you?"
"A …"Hinata struggled to remember the name of the ninja division in Konoha, "… root anbu."
Jiraya frowned. "That can't be true. If there was already an operative, then why send me?"
Hinata shrugged. "I supposed you came to pick this book up."
Jiraiya thought about it. "Are you done here?"
"No I have not uncovered my true mission here so I will be staying."
"Alright, see you later ladybug," Jiraiya smiled, "that outfit threw me off a bit it serves its purpose."
Hinata watched him take off. Her heart was still beating she didn't know she was capable of lying. She let out a sigh of relief and took off back in the direction they came from. Until, something grabbed her by the neck and smacked her to a tree.
Itachi tightened his hand around her neck. "What do you think you're doing?" came, his smooth voice.
He let her go and she coughed for oxygen. Her fear brought her to her knees.
"I didn't tell him who I was" she implored, "or what I'm doing here. I'm still trying to fulfill my assignment," she quivered.
He patted her head, to that Hinata became a statue. He smirked if only she knew he already planned the rest of her life and death was nowhere near. But in the absence of an actual life theatrics became a past-time for him. Time to instill her some motivation he couldn't keep dodging his baby brother for much longer.
"I'll give you one more week, find the other Uchiha and I'll spare your life, understood?"
Hinata nodded vigorously and stood up by that time Itachi had already disappeared.
...
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