Disclaimer: I do not own the Anime/Manga Naruto. I do how ever own the idea for this FanFiction. So no takey!
Oh me gee, I know its been a while since I last updated. But to be bluntly honest, I had this chapter written for more then a month now. I've just been too lazy to beta and fix my mistakes. Soooo my apologizes on that.
As promise, I added more ItachixHinata, though not much. Next chapter though, I promise!
Review Replies-
Kazo_Sakamari: Hehe, thanks! I'm a big fan of SasukexHinata, so I'll try to add more of them later.
xoxo_RiCEbUNnY_xoxo: Haha, sorry again about that. =P I promise it won't take that long to update again.
winterkaguya: She was. Or Hitomi tried to be. Their mother did too, but that all and much more about Itachi and Shisui will be explain in later chapters.
pinay-of-series: Thank you!
midnight_blue08: xD There's so much going on, huh? Its about to get even more confusing!
Getsurenka/Yuzuki0429: Thanks. Shisui is an Uchiha. But like Hinata, he has different hair color then the rest of the clan. I promise that'll be explained later.
xlady_hinatax: It was Itachi. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
KagomeMarie: Thank you! Here's a new chapter for ya.
nwyd: Haha, it'll be a ItachixHinataxSasuke, I promise.
Anyways, here's the start of the newest chapter. Please read and review!
From, Somnia.
Last chapter,
Tears poured down to the ground. Her forehead now pressed against the dirt road. Gasps of air wasn't enough to calm down the burning from her lungs. ' Damn... I'm hyperven... ' Sudden Hinata became aware that everything around her stopped, and that she wasn't alone.
With a final gasp of air, Hinata looked up in front of her. Her heart rate doubled from the dark figure in front of her.
Light moonstone eyes locked with dark ruby red eyes.
" Hello... Hyuuga Hinata. "
' Promise. '
Hinata's breath got caught in her throat as she stared into the eyes of Uchiha Itachi. She's seen his face in many bingo books. Seen different fliers for his capture or kill in almost every village she's been in. Plus she's seen him in her dreams more then she'd like. Of course, she never knew it was actually him, since when his face would start to show, she'd wake up. But to actually be here, right in front of him, the Uchiha Itachi, Hinata couldn't help but stare. Her teacher's voice started ringing in her head, as she remembered what she told her when she was just starting out as a genin. It was one of the first lessons Kerunai gave her.
" This is an important lesson kids, so listen up. " Her three genin students stopped their little chit-chat about their training with each other to focus on their teacher. Kurenai's red eyes looked over her students. " You three have the title of Genin. Which means you are no longer children in the eyes of the village. If a war were the break out, right this very moment, you three would be thrown into that war, because everyone would rely on you to protect the village and it's people. " She paused to see them nod. " And even though the village no longer see's you as kids, doesn't mean that you three aren't kids. By law, now that you have a ninja status, means you aren't a child, and legally are an adult. But to the eyes of every one in this village, the civilians, you still are a kid. Now I know its scary. I know there's a part in the back of your mind that's whispering that you won't be able to deal with certain things that will arise in your life, because you only own the title and skills of genin. But that will pass as the years go by. Now, the lesson is, which no matter what your status is, to never let your guard down. "
Kiba scoffed. " We're not idiots, sensei. That was the first lesson back at the academy! Its elementary! " He said with a wave of his hand.
" Kiba! " Her voice was harsh, getting a hold of Kiba's attention. " Of course its the first lesson they teach back at the academy! But every one, every one needs to remember this! I wouldn't be wasting my breathe if I thought you didn't need to know this. Do not back talk or question me again, Kiba! " Kurenai's red eyes were smoldering upon Kiba.
" S-Sorry, sensei. " Kiba looked down in embarrassment.
" Now, as I was saying. " Her eyes left Kiba to stare at Hinata and Shino. " Never let your guard down. Even if you are part of ANBU and out on a simple walk outside of Konoha. Never drop your guard because you have no idea what or who could be lurking around. Always check your surroundings. If you are on a mission, no matter rank it is, never leave your self open. "
"I am an idiot! I did the one thing that sensei told us not to do! I left my self open! " Hinata's legs wanted to move, to make her crawl backwards. Far away from this man in front of her. " How am I going to get out of this?! " Her mind shouted as it started going into over load, trying to find a way out of this current situation.
After a few moments of Itachi and Hinata just staring at each other, the silent was broken. " Do you know who I am? " Itachi's voice, though soft and quiet, was heard clearly through out the little path they were in.
" Another important lesson is, never, no matter how scared you are, is let your enemy know it. Do not shake and never show fear. " Kurenai's words echoed in her mind.
" Don't shake, and don't show fear. " Hinata reminded herself. Standing on suddenly strong legs that wished to do nothing more then to collapse, she held her posture proudly. With a nod, she spoke. " Uchiha Itachi. " Her voice, also wanted nothing more then to stutter and tremble, yet she refused to do such a weak thing in front of him. This was the man who killed her elder sister. She never got a chance to meet Hitomi because of him.
No, she wouldn't show fear, never to him.
Itachi nodded with a small smirk.
Hinata closed her eyes in a blink. When they opened, she was looking right at the brown dirt on the ground, her forehead resting on the cool dirt. Her head snapped up, in search for the Uchiha. Only thing where Itachi 'stood' at was a crow. Its beady black eyes staring straight at her. The crow cawed an annoyed nasal caw at her with a tilt of its head, startling her further.
" D-Did he hit me? No... I would of felt it. " Quickly activating her blood-limit, she scanned the area for Itachi. When there was no sight of him, her byakugan fell from her eyes before looking up at the sky. " It's still early... Which means I wasn't knocked out. Sasuke and Naruto are still continuing up ahead... If I was gone for a while, either they wouldn't of been in range of my byakugan, or, they would of came looking for me... so... what happened...? Itachi was here... right? " Standing slowly on wobbly legs, Hinata gulped, trying to get rid of the sudden dryness in her mouth, and glanced around slowly. " T-This was the spot I stopped at... My head started hurting real bad, so I fell... here... Was it just a dream? " Hinata rubbed her forehead tiredly before she turned her byakugan on once more to make sure she didn't miss anything. The crow was still there looking at her. " This isn't right... I could of sworn he was right here! He talked to me! " Her eyes landed back on Sasuke and Naruto, who stopped just moments ago. " They're probably wondering why I'm taking so long... " Hinata almost sighed in relief when she noticed that they only stopped because they were arguing with each other. " Oh thank god... I should hurry before they do worry though, or worse, kill each other. "
Another caw came from the crow as it started flapping its wings, catchings Hinata's attention once again. Hinata stared at it, taking in its appearance and details. " No... Could this... be Itachi? I've heard that shinobis often change into animals and birds... But its chakra signature is... like any other crow... " Suddenly another caw was heard from off in the distance. The crow in front of her started flapping its wings a few more times before taking flight in the direction of where the distant caw was heard.
Slow steps were taken at first. Something didn't seem right... All she knew, was she wanted to get to Sasuke and Naruto, as quickly as she possibly could. No, she needed to get back to them. If Itachi was here, it wouldn't be safe to be alone. Dashing off in a sprint, Hinata looked back at where she thought she seen Itachi a few moments ago. Nothing. No sign that he was ever there. No sign of foot prints, no traces of chakra floating around... nothing... Just a few raven feathers that had a few ribbons of green, blue and purple swirled around together. Hinata's legs moved faster, a sudden need to get back to her teammates filled her chest.
" I'm just worried about her! "
" Naruto, leave her the fuck alone! She's a big girl, she knows how to take care of her self! "
" But I-- "
" If you take one step backwards, I swear to fucking god I'm murdering you. " Sasuke hissed as he continued forward. He knew Hinata wanted her privacy, but it was simply the fact that Naruto wasn't listening to him that was pissing him off, and wanting him to stay in place. The blond idiot never listened to him! When ever Hinata, or any one else (besides Kiba and Ino) told him something, that was the end of it, he listened and never once talked back. A sudden flare of chakra flashed behind his eyes. Sasuke's movement stopped before he turned slightly to see who was using the chakra. His charcoal eyes landed on a running Hyuuga Heiress. Her speed faster then what it should of been just to simply 'catch up' with them. Something was wrong... His eyes narrowed. A deep inhale of air made his eyes flicker next to him.
" Hinata-chaaaaaan! " Naruto yelled out, with his hands cupping around his mouth to make his words, if possible, louder. He then started waving his hands and arms frantically, as if she couldn't see or hear him. " Oiiiiii! "
" I'm sure people in Konoha can hear you, dumb ass. You don't need to be so loud. " Sasuke muttered through tight lips.
" Shut up, teme! " The blond hissed back through the corner of his mouth.
Hinata slowed her pace down to a light jog. " S-sorry, I took s-so long to catch back up with y-you guys. " She said through pants for breath once she was in front of them.
" Its ok, Hinata-chan! " Naruto beamed with a grin. " Take all the time you need! "
Sasuke suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at the blond, while the Heiress nervously chuckled. " T-Thanks, Naruto-kun, but it's not-- "
" No need to thank me, Hinata-chan! If you want, me and Sasuke-teme can run up ahead so you can be by your self some more. " Naruto grabbed the front of Sasukes' shirt and started pulling him along with the cart. " Come on, teme. Lets let her have some more time to her self! "
Sasuke slapped Naruto's hand away. " Stop it, dumb ass. She wouldn't of came back yet if she wanted more time to her self. " He said in an angry tone as he tried to fix his now stretched collar of his shirt. ' Wasn't he just saying he wished she'd come back? Now he's saying we should give her more time! I swear he's bipolar! ' Sasuke pulled on his collar a little too hard, further stretching it. ' Any way to make him look like a good guy in front of every one. '
" Really, i-it's fine, Naruto-kun. " Hinata said as she shifted her weight from one foot to the next, her arms linked together behind her back. " W-we should try getting to the village b-before the night, like Sasuke wanted us to. "
" Right! Let's go! " Naruto turned back to the carts handle and started pushing it, leaving Sasuke to scoff and Hinata to smile nervously at Naruto's random antics. One minute he's hell bent on doing something, the next he completely forgets about it. Hinata's light lavender eyes roamed over to Sasuke, catching his attention instantly. Her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she asked him a silent question with her eyes.
He quickly shook his head, knowing what she was asking him. ' Did you tell him about Hitomi? Or what happened last night between us? '
" No. " He muttered just as quickly. Sasuke was almost offended that she would think he would talk about either of those things. Especially to the loud mouth blond. But he understood. Naruto was acting as if he did tell him something. Well, technically he did, but it wasn't about Hitomi or what he and Hinata did.
Hinata moved to walk past Sasuke, but Sasuke quickly grabbed her wrist in a tight grip. " What happen? " The question was short and blunt.
" W-What? " She blinked in confusion.
" What happened? " He asked again.
" I-I don't understand-- "
" Don't lie to me. You look panicked when you came here. You didn't need to add that much chakra to get here. I'm well aware that you activated your byakugan one or two times, so you knew how far away we were. And if that isn't enough as it is, you aren't even keeping eye contact with me. " He pulled her wrist a little harder to get her attention. " Now what happened? "
Hinata relaxed in a slacking, defeated posture. Her wrist going limp in his hold. " Sasuke... " Hinata's light lavender eyes traced over Sasuke's pale face. His features... so much like his brother's. She closed her eyes tight, only to reopen them a second later. The burn of blood red eyes was the cause. " You don't... It's nothing... Just please... this one time... let me... let me keep this one to my self... please... "
Sasuke's dark eyes took in her pleading expression. Her eyes still not looking directly at him. He released his hold on her wrist, letting it fall back to her side. " Fine. " Sasuke's voice mono-toned.
She flinched at his single word and voice. He was upset with her. Though he would never admit it because he was too proud, he was hurt and offended. Even though many people say 'The great Uchiha Sasuke, the Demon spawn', isn't capable of feeling pain or is able to be "hurt", he very much can. He just doesn't show it. So in a way, Hinata felt like she betrayed his trust in her. But she had to keep what happened to her self. Even if Itachi really wasn't there...
" I'm sorry... " Hinata gave him a weak smile before jogging a bit to catch up with the complaining Naruto.
" Well Hinata-chan? "
Silence.
" Hinata-chan? "
More silence.
" Helloooooo?! " Naruto finally had to get in her face to snap her out of her little trance.
" W-What? " Hinata blinked her pale eyes a few times.
" I asked if you know what I should do about Sakura-chan. " He peered at her. " You ok? "
" O-Oh... Sorry... must of spaced out. " She gave him a soft smile. " Well Naruto-kun... I-I think it'd be best if you just... ignore Sakura-chan. Girls -- for some reason -- " she mumbled under her breath quietly. " g-go after the guy who ignores them. L-look at Sasuke-kun. He ignores every girl in Konoha, and yet, he s-still gets their attention. "
A horrible sounding snort was heard behind the blond and midnight blue pair. " And it isn't wanted, nor welcomed. " He said in a disgusted tone of voice.
" You're wrong, Hinata-chan. " Naruto ignored Sasuke. He grinned as he started to dip his head backwards, his back also starting to bend backwards as well, in an awkward/painful looking position. His legs still moving forward, and blue eyes sharp, as they stared brightly and teasingly at Sasuke. " He doesn't ignore all the girls. " His grin becoming wider with each word.
Sasuke glared at Naruto for his stupid antics. " You need to stop watching your back, Naruto. Or you're going to get hurt. " He muttered darkly.
" Ohhh I'm so scared! 'You need to watch your back or you're going to get hurt.' " Naruto matched Sasuke's tone of voice before laughing loudly.
" Naruto--! "
" WHOOOOOAAA! " The cart started rolling down a hill at fast speed, making Naruto tumble down with it since he had his hands in a death grip on the handle.
Hinata made a move to try and either pull Naruto away from the cart before he and the cart took off down the hill, or grab him while they were going down the hill, but Sasuke grabbed her dark blue hair in a tug, halting her movements. Hinata looked back at him in question. " He'll never learn if mommy is always holding his hand. " He said harshly, making her flinch again.
Once Naruto landed in a messy tangle of arms, legs, boards, and wheels inside a giant dirt cloud.
" If you payed attention to what I actually said, Naruto, I said 'You need to stop watching your back. Or you're going to get hurt.' " Sasuke's smug voice was heard in Naruto's ringing ears. " I gave you fair warning. You can't say I didn't. " Naruto could practically hear the smirk.
" But you didn't warn me about the hill! " The now bruised and dirty blond yelled from under the ruined cart.
" But I didn't say I was going to be the one to hurt you. Not my fault you miss-interpreted what I said. Besides, you would think the 'All-mighty-Naruto', who is going to be 'Hokage' one day would of noticed the hill. Or got away from the cart. "
Hinata made her way to Naruto while they were arguing with each other, and started helping him up out of the rubble before he even thought to get up.
" Well you could of-- "
" Enough of that. The village is right there. " Sasuke said, interrupting Naruto from further arguing. It was his way of making his word final. " Leave the... cart and lets go. "
" But-- "
" As punishment for breaking the cart, you'll carry our bags, and pay for it with the money out of your pocket. "
Hinata gaped. Carts were expensive. They only carried pocket change, not nearly enough to buy one. And their funds for food and the hotel room had its limit, too. " Sasuke, it was an accident-- "
" Or you can make a new one tomorrow. It'll be less the cost, but you'll have to finish it tomorrow, since we got here a day early. " He called out, keeping his eyes upon the small village in the distance. So that was the place where Akatsuki was rumored to last be at, hm?
" Sasuke... " Hinata said in that disappointed voice she uses when her two teammates get in a childish fight.
Sasuke clicked his tongue, as he started walking down the winding road that circled around the hill, that lead safely to the village. " You two better hurry. I don't want all the good rooms to be gone. "
Naruto pulled a splinter that was sticking out of his arm. " Man, I really hate that guy some times. "
The trio walked in silence as they entered the village. Hinata, found Sasuke's 'punishment' on Naruto was cruel, so she took her back-pack, and Sasuke's pack (after arguing with Naruto about it) as well. Which ended up with Naruto talking smack to Sasuke about being a lazy ass-hole, which in turn made Sasuke hit Naruto across his head before snatching his pack from Hinatas' arms. Each one of them taking notice of the stares they were getting from the village. Mother's would usher their kids inside a random building they were walking near if the three ninja were coming their way. Not so hushed murmurs of whispers were spread all around them.
" Do you think they're here because of the murders? "
" Doubt it. Or else they would of sent some one sooner. Who ever 'they' are, and why they would. "
" I heard they're just here for a mission to get some stones for a merchant in their village. "
Similar little gossips was heard all their way to the hotel. The small team gave each other a glance in confusion. Sasuke's and Hinata's eyes caught a glance at a small restaurant mixed home that was leading down a narrow rode. A few broken windows were boarded up with ply wood, big bold red letters were spray painted on them "KEEP OUT. Police Scene". The sharpness, and advance of their eyes from their special abilities caught the blood stains on the window sills, and door frame. Sasuke turned towards Hinata, their eyes locked in understanding. That was Urons' place.
Despite the awkwardness, and odd behavior they were receiving from the village people, the village it self wasn't that bad. Not too over run with tourist shops, and enough nice little restaurants that was great for families wanting to spend time together, without having the food be cooked in an almost instant, like Konoha was littered with. Ninjas' needed to be able to get a quick meal before going on a mission, which was why ramen was so popular. Naruto just loved it because the people were nice, and the meal was cheap.
After spending about ten or fifteen minutes searching for the hotel, they finally found it, almost in a small corner of the village. But before finding the hotel, they came across another small looking house, which windows were also boarded up, the same lettering sprayed painted on the boards, just like from that little restaurant from earlier. Naruto whistled lowly as they entered the hotel.
" What do you mean I have to share a room with Sasuke?! I don't want to share a room with Sasuke! " Naruto yelled out loud towards the ceiling.
" Could of fooled me with that first comment of yours. " Sasuke muttered with a roll of his eyes.
Naruto growled. " I heard that! "
Hinata wrung her hands around their bundle of money. " W-well, Naruto-kun, we only have enough money for two rooms, so... " Her words drifted off into silence, hoping Naruto would understand. In the back of her mind, she knew she shouldn't get her hopes up. Every time they went on long term missions like this, it was always the same. Hinata had no problem sharing a room with them. It was just that the rooms usually only had two beds, so they (Naruto and Sasuke) would argue over the beds. It was a given that Hinata would get a bed, since she was a girl (Which she argued on that. It wasn't right for her to get a bed automatically just because she was a girl. That wasn't fair in her eyes. And to this very day, Sakura, TenTen and Ino give her crap for). And she wouldn't mind sharing a room with one of the guys while the other got a room to their self. But again, when Naruto would say he was going to share a room with Hinata, Sasuke would call him a pervert. When Sasuke would say he would share a room with her, Naruto would say he was a pervert, so she might as well just take a room for her self, and let the two of them deal with sharing a room.
" But he-- "
In an instant, the tip of Sasuke's katana was presses harshly against Naruto's spine. " Don't you dare bring up that bathroom incident again. " Sasuke muttered through clenched teeth. Luckily for them, Sasuke was standing right behind Naruto, so the inn-keeper didn't notice Sasuke pull his sword out. With the way the villagers are already treating them, it wouldn't be a good thing for one of them to see that.
A sweat bead slid down Narutos' neck, falling in the shadows of his clothes. " H-He needs his o-own room. " Naruto visibly gulped as soon as the sword was removed from his back. He was sure that, A), his jacket and shirt was ripped, and B), the tip of the blade pierced his skin, making him bleed.
" Well its ok. Your rooms will be side by side, so just unlock the door that joins the rooms together, so you three can enter and exit each others rooms with ease. " The inn-keeper gave a key to Hinata, then handed one to Naruto, only to have Sasuke snatch the key from the owner's hand, making Naruto pout. He never got to hold onto the keys! Of course, that only was because every time he got a hold of them he ended up losing them.
" Neshu-San, if you don't mind me asking, " Hinata bowed slightly. " our cart got busted up on the way over here from Konoha, so we need to make a new one. Can you tell me where we can find a Lumbar shop at? "
Neshu rubbed his chin for a few seconds. " Ah, yes. There's a small little lumbar shop just a few streets down. Right before the shopping district. I'll draw you a map right quick. "
" Thank you very much. " She bowed again. " And if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you also write down instructions on how to get to a few tool shops that rent out their tools? "
Pulling out a sheet of paper from underneath the counter he was standing behind, Neshu pulled out a near by pen once he was standing straight again. " You're here for those glow in the dark stones, huh? For Seki Lana? "
" Yes, sir. It appears she's running low. " It was best to let Hinata do all the talking. Naruto would just ramble on about meaningless things, and Sasuke would pull attitudes and berate everyone he talked to.
" Yeah, that'd be her. " He mumbled. " She just had another team come here not that long ago. I guess they're very popular there in uh... "
" Konoha. "
" Yeah, Konoha. " Neshu grunted out. " I don't think you're familiar around these parts, since I have never seen either of your faces here before, or in general for that matter, I'll go ahead and draw a map out on how to get there. The spot where people usually go to get them is running a bit low, so there's a new location anyways, even if you have been there before. " Neshu finished writing out his instructions on how to get to the lumbar and tool shops. " Should take you a few days to get the cart fixed and get the right tools ready. I'll have the map ready for you by the time you get everything prepared. " Folding the piece of paper in half, he handed it to Hinata.
Hinata bowed once more. " Thank you very much, for everything, Neshu-san. You've been a big help. "
" Don't mention it. " Neshu said in a gruff voice. Pulling out a thin warn book from below the counter, Neshu flipped through a few of the pages before started writing something on the guest log. " Now will you three be joining us for dinner, or are you going to eat out? "
Hinata turned to look at her comrades in question.
" What's going to be served? " Naruto asked, hoping, praying that it would be ramen.
" White rice and fish. " Was his short reply.
Naruto blanched. " We'll be eating out. "
Sasuke resisted the urge to elbow him. There was nothing wrong with the meal. As long as it was something to eat, and wasn't poisoned, it was fine.
" Kinda figured that. I went ahead and wrote down a few small shops that's pretty good, and quick to get their orders out, too. Is there anything else I can help you with then? "
" No, that will be all. Thanks, Neshu-san. "
Sasuke, Hinata and Naruto started to head to their rooms up a flight of stairs. Once they found the doors with their numbers on it, the trio stopped, Hinata activated her byakugan and searched their rooms first before scanning the rest of the hotel. With a slight nod, both Hinata and Sasuke pushed their keys into the key hole and unlocked the door. Even though Hinata gave the 'a-ok' on the rooms, force of habit kicked in, making Sasuke activate his own blood limit and check the room for any slight movement, traps, or genjutsu. Once 100 percent satisfied that the room was safe and secure, Sasuke threw his bag on a bed closest to the wall leading to Hinatas room, then went and unlocked the door adjacent to Hinata's room, who was already unlocking her door.
" My window has near p-perfect view of the small house we just passed. It'll be easy to keep an eye on it, and sneak into it at night, while some one stays and k-keeps a look out. "
" Right. " Sasuke walked into her room and moved towards the window. Pressing his back against the wall that's further away from the house, he peered out at it. Now he could get a better look and analyze it. If he were to stop and stare at it in the open, people might get suspicious as to why they really were there. Sasuke noticed the village people stayed cleared from the house. At least a good 20 feet. He remembered hearing about this village before. The people here believed that if you associate your self with some one who had one of their family members died or a friend, death will float around that person, and transfer onto you.
Sasuke lightly sucked on his teeth, earning a low 'tch' sound. People were such dumb asses some times. No, scratch that. People are dumb asses all of the time.
Studying the house a little closer, he could tell it wasn't just some thief's breaking in, and killed the family to make sure no one could tell who robbed them. No, this was work of a ninja. A highly skilled one at that. The house gave nothing away. It was just a simple house that was probably only taken care of by a single person, who had a few kids. No one that could be threat worthy. The way the shinobi got in was probably from a window or the back door if there was one. The occasional smashed in window was just a way of leaving a note. Saying 'We were here. Look at what we've done.'
" So what's the hub-bub, bub? " Naruto asked as he jumped and landed on Hinata's bed, making him self right at home on her bed.
" The place doesn't seem to be guarded, and every one seems to be steering clear around it. Should be a cinch to break into later tonight when everyone is asleep. " Sasuke finally turned and looked at his two teammates. " Naruto and I will go and search the place, Hinata you keep a look out with your byakugan for any thing suspicious looking, or if anyone is coming, so you two make sure you have your headsets out and ready on channel 3.6 by tonight. " Hinata and Naruto nodded. " Now, Neshu said that the lumbar shop is a little away from the shopping district of the village, and if I am correct, the restaurant we passed earlier should be around that area. Since Naruto broke the cart, we'll go to the lumbar shop and 'accidentally take the wrong turn', so we can get a better look at the restaurant, and see if there's a place where we can stake out the restaurant to see if there's an easy way to get in. "
Naruto groaned loudly before jumping off the bed. " Anyway to make me fix the cart, eh? " He muttered through the side of his mouth.
" While passing it off as being part of our mission, yes. " Sasuke said in a flat-voice.
" So its a good thing I'm such a klutz! " He said grining before smacking Sasuke's back rather harshly in a 'friendly fashion', making Hinata giggle.
" Hardly. " Sasuke elbowed Naruto in the gut, just as hard, which barely fazed Naruto.
" So w-what am I going to do? "
"You'll stay here and... do girl things. Just make it seem like we're not here for a mission other than getting the stones. If you take a bath or go to the hot springs, people might relax a little bit. "
" R-right... "
" And if you can, try to find anything out about what happened. If you go to the hot springs or sauna you might over hear some gossip or rumors, or whatever civilians do. "
Hinata almost smiled. That was his way of saying 'Take a break, you look stressed.' He'd say something along the lines of that when she would have a problem with her family, or from missions, or just looked plain tired. Even now though he was mad at her, he was still looking after her. Her heart started thumping painfully.
Naruto started laughing. " Civilians aren't the only one's to gossip. Don't you remember spending missions with Sakura and Ino? "
" It doesn't matter. " Sasuke grunted out in irritation. " Just try to get information any way you can without being suspicious about it. "
Hinata nodded. " Will do. "
Sasuke grabbed the back of Naruto's collar. " Let's go. " Pulling Naruto along with him as he talked.
" W-wait! Why are we going back to our room? Can't we just leave through Hinata's door? "
" I don't want you to forget your money like you did last time, and the time before that. "
" Oh... right... " Naruto chuckled sheepishly.
Once Hinata heard their door click shut, she activated her byakugan to make sure they were gone. Seeing that they were both down the hall, and now going down the stairs, she allowed her tense body to finally relax, and fall to the floor on her knees. The weight of everything that happened finally came crashing down on her. It was horrible having to keep a happy face on the whole time after that incident. What the hell even happened today? That wasn't a dream. A genjutsu maybe? No... she would of sensed it, no matter how powerful he is. What ever it was, she had to make sure to keep a better look out on things around here.
Standing on shaky legs, Hinata moved to her pack and rummaged through it until she found a new set of clothes so she could take a long soak in the bath house. She still had a mission to, even if Sasuke was taking pity on her...
Tch.
Damn he sure was taking his sweet time. How long had he been tracking that damned team now? Around when that pitiful excuse of a man Uron decided to double cross them? Or perhaps a little before that?
Tch.
The lines were beginning to blur for him. What was the point of all of this? Any time he or any one else asked, they'd get the same answer. "Its none of your concern." All he knew was, he was getting tired of waiting. Finally pulling out one of his crow puppet scrolls, he summoned it and brought it to life with his chakra strings. Adding a little bit more chakra, the beak opened up letting out a loud nasal caw.
Tch.
After a more minutes of waiting, a near pitch black crow flew into sight, landing on the forest ground a few feet away from him. A few seconds after it landed, the crow started to grow, and transform into a crouched over human figure. The human figure stood straight, letting the black feathers fall off with each movement, revealing Uchiha Itachi.
" What a dramatic entrance. Was that really necessary? " Sasori thought in annoyance for having to wait. " What's this all about? " He asked once Itachi walked past the tree he was perched up on. Damn Uchiha knew he was there, yet he ignored him. Sasori didn't want to dance around the question. Blunt and upfront was the best way to go with things. That way you didn't waste any time.
Itachi kept walking, not once giving Sasori the slightlest attention.
More than annoyed, Sasori jumped off his branched, landing right in front of the Uchiha. " Forgetting something? " Sasori pulled out a small vile from the inside of his coat pocket. Inside the clear glass vile was a lightly green tinted clear liquid. " I also said, what is this all about? " His dull honey colored eyes were smoldering against Itachi's onyx eyes.
Itachi blinked and stared at the vile. " Its none of your concern. " He said in a monotone as he grabbed the vile from Sasori's cold hand.
" Oh, I think it is my concern. Especially having to go through all what I did to get that. "
" And I think it isn't. " Itachi moved to walk past Sasori but Sasori side-stepped in front of him.
" It is also my concern if Leader-sama tells me it's my concern. "
Itachi halted his movements as his eyes locked on the red head.
" What is this all for? What are you trying to use the Hyuuga girl for? Her eyes? Or her body? "
Itachi scoffed. " Don't be ridiculous, Sasori. Out of every one in Akatsuki, I would of thought you'd be the most mature, and know better than to think like that. "
" Well I'm grasping at straws here Uchiha, and I'm running out of time to tell Leader-sama why you're doing this. "
The two fell silent. Each waiting for the other to talk. Sasori's patience was running thin. He hated waiting more than anything.
" I too, am running out of time, Sasori. And that is time that I do not have to spend on these childish games. " Itachi blinked again.
" Running out of time for what? " His eyes stayed on the Uchiha.
Itachi turned silent again.
" Dammit, Itachi, I cannot help you if you do not give me any information. Now spit it out. "
Silence.
" Does this have to do with the first Hyuuga-heiress? Hitomi? "
More silence, but Itachi's eyes narrowed a little. Just barely for Sasori to catch. Sasori sighed as he turned his back to Itachi. " I'll tell Leader-sama that you are looking into the Byakugan, while trying to study the girl to see if her blood limit is strong enough to be used. " He started walking away from a still silent, and now slightly shocked Itachi, though he didn't show it. " But I expect some answers, Itachi. And do not think I'm doing this out of the kindness of my heart. " He spat out. " I'm only doing this simply because I'm curious, and I respect you, as a shinobi. I'll give you till midnight tomorrow to come up with your answer, and I expect it to be the truth, or I will tell Leader-sama that what I told him wasn't the truth. And he'll personally put a stop to whatever the hell it is you're planning on doing with the Hyuuga girl. " Sasori's figure disappeared into the thick and flush forest. " And trust me, that last part was his words, not my own. "
Itachi stayed still until Sasori's chakra was completely gone from his senses. Shit... He was really pressed for time now. He didn't have time, he had to do everything tonight. Itachi turned on his heel, and made his way to the little village that the team he was stalking earlier should be at now. Itachi stared down at the small vile in his hand as he walked.
Hinata slowly slid down into her bath tub, that was filled with nice hot steaming water. The water almost instantly relaxing her tense muscles. Tipping her head back on the tubs rim, she let her eyes wonder around the ceiling. Her mind going back to recent events that happened only a day prior.
After what seemed like hours, Hinata finally peeled her hands away from her burning face. Her and Sasuke really... made out. Her hands went straight back to her newly flushed cheeks.
" Come on now... " Hinata whispered to her self as she patted her cheeks gently. " Its a common thing for a guy and girl to make out. Don't make such a big deal about it. " Straightening out her hair and clothes a bit, Hinata reached into one of her jacket sleeves and pulled out a little black leather wrapped bundle that Kakashi gave her earlier that day. She almost forgot to read this. Untying the white ribbon that was wrapped around the bundle, Hinata pulled the black leather away, making a small pouch that was usually used to hold money, and a small scroll be seen. It was almost as small as one of the scrolls you'd put on a carrier bird. It was just bigger in length.
Slowly Hinata opened the scroll. She could tell that both Tsunade and Kakashi wrote her a message each in small writing to fit everything.
First message read-
" Hinata-san, Kakashi has told me of your leadership over Naruto and Sasuke. Which means you are in charge of sending messages by carrier birds, and the like.
As you know, Akatasuki is involved with this mission. I did not wish to send Sasuke on such a mission just yet, but duty calls, and I had no one else to send. Please, keep an eye on the Uchiha. Make sure he doesn't do anything to ruin his or your reputation. If you think he might be planning something, write it down in your message. And if you think he might run, or go after Akatasuki if they are indeed involved, do not hesitate to use that special jutsu I taught you, and bring him back to Konoha.
I expect you to follow orders to the fullest, Hinata-san.
Tsunade, Hokage of Konoha. "
The Hokage stamp was next to her name.
Below that message was Kakashi's, it read-
" Hellooo, Hinata-chan! " Hinata held in a giggle. Tsunade wrote such a serious note, and Kakashi was being so carefree. She kept reading. " As I've read from the Hokage's note above mine, I do not need to tell you to keep an eye on Sasuke. But keep an eye out for Itachi. ANBU said he hasn't been sighted with Akatsuki in a while, but they might be hiding him for some reason. If you see any sign of Itachi, or any of the Akatsuki members, write it down and send it by bird, and get the hell out of there. Do not tell Sasuke, nor Naruto. We don't want him to let anything slip out by accident.
P.s., I added some extra cash so you can have your own room. I know, I know, you don't mind sharing a room with Sasuke and Naruto, or you brought your own money, so you can buy your own room. But I wanted to do something nice for you, as a 'Thanks' for always bringing food to our training sessions.
Kakashi- "
Hinata sighed as she sunk deeper into the water, letting the water raise up just below her eyes. Did she really see Itachi? Should she write it down? It probably was just stress, from finding out about her sister, and how she died, hearing everything Sasuke said... Because if it was Itachi, wouldn't he of done something? Why would he go after her first, and just ask if she knew who he was? Didn't every one say Itachi was after Sasuke for his eyes? For what ever reason that was for... Maybe he went to see her because... because she was Hitomis' sister?
And even if she wrote it down that she seen Itachi and sent it to the Hokage, she couldn't tell them why they were going to abort the mission and go home. It was a lot easier said than done. Sasuke and Naruto would grill her until she broke down and told them. Then Naruto would probably do whatever he could to help Sasuke track down and find Itachi, so he could help kill him, so then he won't have to worry about Sasuke leaving again. And if that was to happen, Tsunade would find out, and punish Sasuke for betraying their secret law. He'd be sent to the underground chambers for the rest of his life.
Hinata groaned loudly, making air bubbles float up to the top of the water. No matter what she did, it'd be a lose-lose situation. For right now, she'll just keep the information to her self for a little bit longer. And if she even thinks she see's Itachi again, she'll make them go back, no matter what.
Suddenly the door to the bath house she was in opened, leaking in dull yellow light from the light bulb that hung just outside the door. Giggling was then heard.
" I know! Then she got up and ran like hell out of the shop, not even paying for all the glass dolls she broke. "
" Oh, that's so horrible, " a second voice was heard. " And so you say this was because of those three shinobi that just came to town, huh? "
" Yeah, she must of been scared out of her mind. They look harmless. That blond and raven haired guys was pretty cute. "
" I know! You think that girl is dating one of them? "
The blond hair girl scoffed. " Doubt it! Like she'd be able to land one of them. Especially the raven guy. He looked so strong and mysterious... Like he is too cool and important to be bothered by anyone. " Both girls giggled again as they took off the towels that was wrapped around their figure, and slowly eased them selves into a much larger tub than the one Hinata was in.
" He does, but you can have him. I'll go after his blond friend. He looks like he has a real good sense of humor. Some one you can just be your self around. The other guy looks like he has a stick up his ass. " She laughed when her friend splashed her with water. " Well he does, Ayva! "
" Whatever, Meko, just don't come crying to me when you can't have a serious relationship with the blond. "
Hinata almost laughed. These girls were making it seem like they were about to go out on dates with the guys, and not that they just barely seen them on the street. She could barely place their faces amungst the some what busy streets. And knowing Sasuke and Naruto, they didn't even regestier on their raidar. Naruto was probably thinking about getting something to eat, and how much of a jack ass Sasuke is, and Sasuke was probably thinking what an idiot Naruto is, and how fast he wants to get this mission over with. Though Hinata did admire the girls confidence.
Meko sighed as the hot water wrapped around her body. Silence fell on the two (since they didn't know Hinata was there in the room with them). " So... " Meko started off as she was trying to find what to say. " Do you think they're really here for a different mission? Or about the small massacure that happened? " Her words were whispered, as if saying them out loud was forbidden. It probably was in this village. Though when the Uchiha massacure happened, no one was allowed to talk about it. It wasn't even allowed to be gossip. At least, that's what Hinata heard.
Ayva stared down at the water for a few seconds before speaking. " I don't know... if they're here for the massacure, then... they're going to have trouble finding out what happened, and who did it. My uncle is in the police force, he said that who ever did it left no clues what so ever. They combed the place, and came up with nothing. Maybe these guys can find something out that the police didn't. They are trained for this kind of stuff, after all. "
" Do you think they know about Uron? "
" You mean how he was found hanging in a tree in that families back yard a few days after the massacure? "
Hinata's eyes widened a bit.
" Yeah. I mean, it was obvious that those were his kids. EVERYONE knew except for Urons' wife. Do you think he was away on business and couldn't take having his wife murdered AND his not-so-secret-family was massacured, and he couldn't stand being by himself? "
" Mmm... " Ayva bit the tip of her thumb in thought. " I don't know... I don't think Uron had the strenght to climb up that tree and hang him self. Also, Uron was a cowardly man. I don't think he'd have the balls to commit suicide."
" That's true. " Meko nodded. " Remember that one time we was at their resturant, and a spider crawled on the counter? He had to get his wife to kill it! "
" What a joke! " Both Ayva and Meko laughed. The two girls kept chatting away with each other. Topics from clothes, to guys, to their hair, to back to clothes, then their favorite eatting place.
Figuring she wasn't going to get any more valuable information about Uron and what happened, Hinata stood from her tub, gaining the attention of both Meko and Ayva. Each equally shocked. Thankfully for Hinata, she didn't take her towel off when she got in the tube, or else they would of been staring at her naking, making her even more uncomfortable. Hinata grabbed a dry towel that was hanging on the rim of the tub and wrapped it over the towel that was still on her. As Hinata started walking out of the bath house, she paused at Meko and Ayvas' tub, barely bowed with a small smile, and said " Ladies. ". With that, she finished walking out of the bath house and into the changing room to dry off, and get back into her shinobi gear.
Once she was dried and dressed, she calmly walked back to her hotel room, hoping that Sasuke and Naruto were back.
Inside the bath house, Meko and Ayva stared at the door.
" Did you know she was in here? " Ayva asked Meko.
" No I didn't... " She gasped. " Did you think she heard us? "
Ayva turned silent again. " Let's just say she didn't... "
Meko nodded. " Right. " The two sat in silence a few moments or so. " Ne... Did you see the size of her chest? "
" Let's just say we didn't... "
Naruto rummaged through his pack, trying to find a new change of clothes. " So what you're saying is, is that Uron came back and they killed him, hanging him in his other families yard? "
" T-That seems to be the case. " Hinata shifted her weight on her right leg. " What's the plan? "
Sasuke finally spoke up. " I'm guessing the Hokage doesn't know about Uron's murder. Since we're 100 percent sure that Akatsuki is involved with this, lets check out the restaurant/house that Uron and his wife lived in, and check out the house his 'secret' family lived in, to see if we can find anything on Akatsuki. I honestly doubt we'll find something at the families house, but we might as well look. Maybe Uron left some documents in some safes for collateral against them. We'll leave for Konoha in the morning. As for now, we'll continue to act like we're still here for the stones. "
Hinata almost squealed with joy. Her prayers were answered! She didn't have to worry about writing a report, or have to worry about not spilling the beans on maybe seeing Itachi. She'll wait till she got back to Konoha, to tell Tsunade (when Naruto and Sasuke were far from the Hokage build, of course) that she might of seen Itachi.
" So... dinner time? " Narutos' eyes shinned brightly.
Sasuke sighed. " Yes, Naruto. Dinner time. "
Dinner was nice. The three teammates ate outside under the bright stars. Paper lanterns were hung every which way above their heads, giving each table a nice glow of light. The small restaurant the group ate at served a mixture of foods. Fortunately for Naruto, they had ramen. But not so fortunate for him, it tasted horrible. He only had 3 bowls, instead of normal 5-6 servings he usually has. And unfortunately for Hinata, since Naruto's mouth was busy chewing food, he brought up old missions and comrades.
" S-Sai-san isn't that bad, Naruto-kun. " Hinata said, defending Sai.
Both Naruto and Sasuke snorted loudly. " Oh, please, Hinata-chan! Remember that one mission we went on to find out what happened to that loser of a prince? Where me and Sasuke had to pretend to be your body guards, and he was your fiance? "
Hinata's face burned bright red. She tried her hardest to put that out of her mind. They almost fail the mission because of her. Well, because of Sai, but who's counting?
Everything was going smoothly. Make it seem like the Hyuuga Heiress was making peace with the Wutno clan, and learn about the disappearance of the Wutno prince. First part was done. Now they just had to find out what happened to their prince. They had a few leads. A few was rumored that the King had him locked up for disobeying him, another was because he tried to run way, another was because he tried to rat out his clans secrets to one of their rivals. Naruto and Sasuke was only able to search almost half of the property. They would of been done a whole lot sooner, if Sasuke was able to use his sharingan, but the Wutno guards were trained to sense even the smallest amount of chakra. Hinata would of used her byakugan, if it wasn't for the fact that the Wutno clan specialized in hiding things from the byakugan eyes. Hence why they were using the Hyuuga Heiress to make peace with them. The reason why Sai was posing as her fiance, was for a few reasons. One, they needed him to make sure the Wutno clan didn't try to arrange any marriages between Hinata and one of their own. Two, he posed as a third body guard for her. And three, she needed some one with her at all times, just in case. If the Wutno clan specialized in deceiving the byakugan, Hinata would be almost defenseless. So having a fiance was a perfect cover.
The person who requested their assistance was a maid who was madly in love with the prince. She knew they could never be together. He was too stuck up to be with a lowly maid, such as her self (first part was Naruto words, last part was her words). But she wanted to make sure he was safe and ok. Its been 3 weeks since he's been gone. And the King hasn't seemed to be too concerned about his absence.
" Everything is very delicious, Wutno-sama. " Hinata said before taking a sip of tea.
" Only the best for my special guests and her... fiance and body guards. " Nashi cleared his throat. " Though I am a bit disappointed that you are already engaged. You would of been perfect for my son. Such a pity. "
Naruto choked on his food 'cause of Nashi's last sentence. 'Pity my ass.' He thought it was funny. From what he heard from the servants and towns people, the prince was a big ass-hole who thought he was god him self. Hell, he thought he was greater than a god. He also heard he was fugly to boot.
" Speaking of your son, I haven't seen Noshi-sama yet. "
Nashi sat down his tea cup rather harshly, make some of the liquid inside slosh out. " Ah, yes, well... Noshi-kun isn't feeling too well at the moment. He's resting in his chambers. "
" May I pay my respects to him? " Hinata asked with a slight tilt of her head, giving her an innocent look.
" No. " He said hastily, earning curious looks from every one at the table. " No, he's caught a rare bug, one that could be fatal to any one who isn't used to living here in our conditions. You understand, yes? "
" Yes, I do, Wutno-sama. My apologies. Please pass on my best wishes onto him, the next time you see him. "
" Very well. " The group ate in silence once again for a few moments before Nashi cleared his throat again. " So, Sai-san, you've hardly said a word since you got here. Is there anything on your mind, hm? "
" Oh, my apologies. I'm just a little over whelmed with your villages beauty. " He smiled that signature fake smile, which, not-so-shockingly, fooled Nashi.
Nashi smirked. " Yes, our village is renowned for its lush flowers and forests. I should take you on a tour of my private garden some times soon. "
" That will be nice. " Sais' smile became wider.
" So if you do not mind me asking, Sai-san, what exactly drew you to Hinata-sama in the first place? Besides her good hearted nature, beautiful looks, and clan status. "
" Isn't it obvious? " Sai leaned over and kissed Hinata on the cheek lightly. " Its because of her huge breasts. " He smiled again at Nashi.
Everyone, who all just magically started taking a drink of their tea at that very moment, spat it out in surprise at his rather unexpected and blunt answer. The next thing every one heard was a loud 'thud'.
" T-To be fair, Naruto-kun, n-no one told him what he was s-supposed to s-say... " Hinata hid her face with her hair. The group was already walking to their hotel. All of the lanterns were either being turned off now, or already were. All the little shops and stands long since closed. The streets were basically bare of humans.
" Pfft! Anything, and I mean ANYTHING would of been better than that! He could of said your smile, or your hair, or... ANYTHING! " Naruto snorted loudly. " I'm actually surprised he just kissed you, and didn't grab your bre--... your... woman parts, and give them a big squeeze! " Naruto made the hand gestures of squeezing something in front of him.
Sasuke scoffed. " Hn. I have to agree with Naruto here, which is surprising in it self. " Sasuke ignored Naruto who childishly stuck his tongue out at him. " Nashi was so out raged, he almost forced you to break off your engagement with Sai so you could marry a 'real gentleman'. " Sasuke scoffed again. " Then when you wouldn't, he got suspicious and almost blew our cover. "
" 'The Hyuuga-Heiress deserves to be with a real man! One who won't utter such rude words! I demand that you break your marriage contract with him immediately, or else our peace treaty is through! I will not have some one talk so low about one of my ally members! Really, do the Hyuuga have no shame?!' " Naruto yelled out while shacking a fist in the air, mimicking Nashi's voice. Naruto crossed his arms behind his head. " Really, he was over reacting. But that was a good save, Teme."
" Well some one had to say something. Hinata was passed out, you was frozen from shock with a dumb ass look on your face, and Sai just kept smiling like nothing was wrong. "
" S-Sorry about that again... " Hinata was more than embarrassed. After coming a long way from learning not to stutter in front of clients and enemies, she still managed to faint at the worst of times.
" I'm just glad Sasuke-teme said that Sai being your fiance was just a cover, and that you two were the ones really going to get married. "
" Again, some one had to do something besides faint, be frozen, and have a stupid grin on their face. Some one had to take charge. "
Naruto blew a raspberry. " Yeah, yeah. We suck, you always have to 'take charge' and save our ass. You're God, blah blah blah, we know. "
Hinata giggled. She thanked the gods every day for her and Naruto finding Sasuke that day when they were doing that simple mission. Yes, Hinata was scared out of her mind that Sasuke might kill them, (Their odds were terrible, since it was four against two) but Hinata realized, that Naruto was slowly dying. He wasn't his normal self when Sasuke was gone. As the days passed, Naruto was slowly losing his appetite, the light in his eyes was dimming, and his craziness was drifting off. So Hinata will always be grateful for Sasuke coming back to Konoha. Plus it was an upside to having Sasuke around. Hinata learned to open up more, and not be so shy. She'll admit, that when she was assigned to be Sasuke's care taker, she did (in the back of her mind) regret Sasuke being back home for the first four months. But after she got past his harsh glares, and snappy remarks, Hinata found he wasn't such a bad guy. She was able to talk to him about anything, and always get a honest answer. Sure, more than half of what he said hurt her, but at least he was being honest. When ever she asked Ino or Sakura about something, they would always sugar coat their answers.
" Whatever, dumb ass. " Sasuke said as all three of them walked into the hotel and made their way to their rooms. " Oh, and tonight, make sure you don't stay up late like you did on our last mission. I don't want you to be passed out to where I have to carry your lazy ass back to the village. " Sasuke pulled out the hotel room keys and unlocked the door.
Naruto groaned loudly, making the noise echo in the small hall they were in before walking into the room. Hinata unlocked her door as well and went in, locking it behind her. She rushed over to the door leading to Sasuke and Naruto's room to unlock it, knowing Sasuke was already unlocking their door. Once both doors were opened, Sasuke walked into Hinatas' room, to her window, and looked out at the now abandon house. " Got your mics ready? " Sasuke didn't need to look behind him to see that both Hinata and Naruto nodded while adjusting their mics in a comfortable position. " Good. " He muttered while putting on his own mic. " Here's what we're going to do, " he said as he turned around to look at his two teammates. " The streets are completely covered in shadows, so it'll be easy to get to the house without being detected. Hinata, keep watch with your byakugan. I want you reporting everything you see. Even if you see a mouse in the walls, a cat roaming the streets, or a drunk leaving a bar. Let me know. "
Hinata nodded again.
" And also search the house for any secret compartments, if you can. Once we're done with this house, we'll go to the restaurant/house complex. We found an old shrine that's basically in good distance of the building, I'm fairly certain its abandoned. If it isn't, its probably too late for any one to be there, unless they're homeless, then just cast a light genjutsu on them. "
" Right. " Hinata turned towards the houses direction and activated her byakugan. Her pale eyes scanned over the abandon house. No signs of traps, or any one hiding in the house. She then checked around the streets and a few houses around the area. Only seeing families either preparing for bed, or were already asleep. " It's clear. "
Sasuke nodded. " Lets go, Naruto. " Sasuke slid the window open, letting him and Naruto jump out of the hotel without being detected. The two quickly ran from the hotel to where the house was.
Hinata watched their movements closely. Her eyes darted to the house. " There's a back door on the left back side of the house. It doesn't seem to be as boarded up like the front door. "
" Right. " Came Sasuke's voice through the communicator. After they easily entered the house, they went right to work, going through each room for any clues the Akatsuki might of left. Hinata continue to follow the two with her byakugan.
" Nothing so far. A stray dog is rounding the corner to the right side of the house though. Also every one seems to be asleep. Only a few people still up eating a late dinner. " She didn't get a reply from Sasuke, then again, she wasn't expecting one. " The bars don't seem to be too packed with people. But no one seems like they're going to be leaving any time soon. "
After a few moments longer of Sasuke and Naruto searching the house and coming up with nothing, and Hinata telling them everything she seen, they moved to the restaurant/house building that Uron lived at. Hinata stealthily entered the shrine Sasuke told her about. It was no surprise that there was someone in the building. There always had to be something to make their job a little harder. Quietly she peered around a corner so she could get a good look at the one homeless man who was sound asleep with his back against one of the walls, and a almost empty bottle of some random liquor bottle held loosely in his hand. Pulling her hands together in quick signs, she whispered a few words, and the man was in an even deeper sleep.
" Just took care of the homeless guy? "
" Yes, I did. He should be out for a good seven hours or should. "
" Heh, I think you just did him a favor, Hinata-chan. He shouldn't wake up with a hang over. " Naruto said over the headset.
" Naruto, focus! I want to get out of here before a stupid kid comes over here on a dare. " Shortly came Sasuke voice.
" You're no fun. " Naruto pouted.
The guys barely got done searching the kitchen before Hinata started talking. " Stop. Some one's coming. I think he's just a drunk trying to get back home. " Naruto and Sasuke stopped their movement as they ducked down a bit, to make sure their figures weren't able to be seen through any windows. Yep, Hinata was right, he was just a drunk. He staggered along the dirt roads, trying his hardest to not fall completely over, and flat on his face. " Ow... " Hinata thought. " That must of hurt." She thought to him tripping over a bucket, and smashing his face against a pillar that held up a small balcony. " Alright, he's gone. " She said once she was sure he wasn't checking on the house, and he was far away from the restaurant/house. With that, Naruto and Sasuke continued their search.
" I don't see-- Wait... Sasuke, check the upstairs room, the first one on the right. In the floor just below the bed. I think there's a hidden compartment. "
" Right. Naruto, stay down here and continue searching. "
In a flash, Sasuke disappeared, only to reappear at the top of the stair case. " First door on the right... " Sasuke thought as he slowly opened the door and scanned the room with his blood red sharingan eyes. " And under the bed. " He made four quick strides to get to the bed. Crouching, Sasuke started moving the shoe boxes and other random items that was shoved under the bed. Sasuke then, as gently and quietly as he could, started to move the bed away from the wall to get better access underneath it. After a few more pulls, the bed was far enough to get to the under ground compartment. Sasuke ran his fingers cross the edges. It was hidden well. To a normal person, or even the police, they wouldn't be able to see it. It didn't look like it was opened recently. Thankfully this wasn't a shinobi village.
He wouldn't be able to pry it open with his hands. Well he could, but that would make a lot of noise, and let other people know some one was here going through this stuff. So in stead, Sasuke pulled a kunai out of the pouch that was wrapped around his thigh, and gently slid the blade down a thin crack. Pulling the handle back, the wooden lid panel lifted up, letting Sasuke grab and pull it away from the floor, revealing the paper contents that were hidden. " I think this is all that we're going to find. " He said as he picked up the papers and quickly stuffed them into one of his more empty pouches.
" Ok. I guess I don't need to tell you I didn't find anything here, ne? "
" Hn. Hinata, you're being awfully quiet. " Sasuke muttered in annoyance. He hated it when people slacked off. Hinata wasn't one to do so, but she did have her moments from time to time like she did just a few hours ago. " What's the status? "
Silence.
" Hinata? "
More silence.
Sasuke tapped his ear piece to make sure it was working. " Hinata? "
Seconds ticked away, and still no reply from the Hyuuga.
" Hinata-chan? "
Nothing.
Panic started to fill both Naruto and Sasuke's chest. Hinata wasn't one to space out during a mission, no matter how little of importance it was.
" Shit! "
" Right. Naruto, stay down here and continue searching. "
Seeing Sasuke appear at the top of the stairs, Hinata took the time to check back on the homeless man who was in her blind spot. Turning her head a little to the right, Hinata seen he was no longer up against the wall, but right behind her. She was staring right at red sharingan eyes. He wasn't wearing the old ratty torn looking clothes any more, but a black body suit, covered in the traditional Akatsuki cloak.
Try as she might, she couldn't get her voice to talk, to scream that she needed help. How did she let this happen?! He wasn't a genjutsu! She would of seen it! Her byakugan would of picked it up. After what happened earlier that day, her guard should of been at its highest. Hinata's pale lavender eyes widened.
" I think this is all we're going to find. " The drunk outside was just a decoy, to make her lower her guard inside the shrine, just for a second! Her instincts kicked in as she quickly darted her eyes away from Itachi's red ones, but it was too late, she was caught in his genjutsu. Not a dangerous kind or a genjutsu that put you in a deep sleep, but a trance. One that wouldn't let her look away. Her whole body was frozen in its place.
" I guess I don't need to tell you I didn't find anything down here, huh? "
" Hn. Hinata, you're being awfully quiet. -- What's the status? "
Hinata and Itachi just continued to stare at each other. Hinata literally couldn't help but stare.
" Hinata? "
Itachi grazed his knuckles across Hinata's cheek in a whisper of a touch, there, but barely. His pale fingers then reached to her ear and muted her communicator so she couldn't be heard, then slid his hand into the inside of his coat pocket, bringing out a blindfold that had the words 'SEAL' written on the front of it. Still staring into her eyes, Itachi wrapped and tied the blindfold around her head. Once it was tied tightly and neatly, the Uchiha summoned the tiniest amount of chakra into his index and middle finger, and tapped the center of the seal, activating it.
" Hinata? "
Once the Seal turned on, the genjutsu on Hinata vanished, she started gathering chakra into her hands to push Itachi away but the chakra never made it, making her finger tips ting with numbness. Itachi grabbed her wrists in a tight, painful hold and muttered a few words she couldn't make out over her loud heart beats. He released his hold on her wrists, but it was replaced what she guessed was thick ropes. She heard about this jutsu before. Normally it would take an average shinobi at least 12 seconds to be able to summon the right amount of chakra, and make it tangible into ropes. It took him less than 3 seconds. Not only that, but he was able to do so without spiking any chakra senses. No way Sasuke could of felt that, especially since she couldn't when she was right in front of him. Seal or not, she would still be able to feel it.
" Hinata-chan? "
Hinata quickly laced her fingers together, and started wildly swinging her arms around, hoping to get a hit on Itachi. But to no avail, she would swing and only hit air.
Itachi quickly moved behind her before she laced her fingers together. He knew what she was going to try doing. Then with a little force, he hit the base of her skull, making her double over, and almost lose conscious. Hinata was sure her vision trippled as she held onto the will to staying awake. Thank god she was used to all the harsh training she went through with Neji and her father, or else she would of be knocked out cold the moment Itachi's blow hit her. The next thing Hinata knew, was she was being lifted up by her waist, and thrown over a lightly muscled shoulder. Hinata tried her hardest to make her limp arms and legs move, hit, kick, anything! But with her starting to lose conscious, her chakra was starting to fail her from fighting to keep awake. Suddenly, Itachi jumped on the wide sill of the broken window, and leaped down to the ground effortlessly, even with Hinata's extra weight. He then took off at running, in what she assumed was compared to lighting speed.
" Shit! "
Hinata heard both Sasuke and Naruto yell through her ear piece. Funny, 'cause that was the same thing going through her mind...
Sasuke jumped through the window, ignoring the small shards of glass that embedded it self into his shoulder and back. He landed on the dirt road with little noise, (Not that he cared. Him crashing through a window probably woke the neighbors up.) and took off running as fast as he could while pumping chakra into his legs. Naruto soon joined him, though he was still a bit behind Sasuke. They both leaped onto the roof tops in order to get to the shrine quicker. Sasuke's blazing red sharingan eyes widened at the sight of Itachi leaping out of the shrine with Hinata slung over his shoulder. Even though he was still too far away to be 100 percent sure that it really was Itachi, he knew, he knew it was Itachi. Every fiber of his being was shouting, screaming that it was him.
Plus Naruto just confirmed it.
" What the hell?! Is that Itachi?! "
Sasuke pushed even more chakra into his legs, making him go faster, but also making his legs feel almost numb. Sasuke passed the shrine with Naruto catching up behind him slowly. " Itachi! " He screamed out, hoping that if his brother knew he was right behind him, he'd stop and face him. But no such luck. Itachi only increased his speed.
" Dammit! " He shouted as he pulled out a few shurikens and flung them at Itachi's right shoulder, but Itachi nearly jump on top a building, still keeping his speed going. He jumped down on the ground once there were no more buildings in his way, and stopped right where the forest starts. Sasuke and Naruto caught up, and were standing behind Itachi in no time. Naruto, out of instinct, summoned over 50 shadow clones to surround the three of them, to make sure Itachi didn't escape. Sasuke gathered a large amount of chakra into his right hand, forming a loud and crackling chidori. " Put her down, Itachi. " He said through clinched teeth. " She has nothing to do with you, so put her down, and fight me. No running this time! " Sasuke snarled loudly.
Itachi barely turned his head to look at Sasuke. " I cannot do that, little brother. " His calm voice barely reaching their ears.
Sasuke clinched his teeth harder. How is it, that Itachi was going faster than him and Naruto, and he wasn't even panting, while himself and Naruto were?
" Why not?! " Sasuke and Naruto yelled. They both could tell by her shaking form, that Hinata was trying her hardest to keep conscious, while trying to get out of his grasp. They needed to get her away from Itachi as soon as possible.
" She is of great importance to me. "
" Like hell she is! " Naruto shouted, his blue eyes were now fading into red. " You don't even know her, you bastard! What do you want with her?! "
Naruto and Sasuke questioned their ears if they heard a chuckle come from Itachi. With the wind blowing as hard as it was, they weren't sure. " On the contrary, I know more about her than you two do. And if I told you why I need her, it would ruin the surprise. "
" It doesn't matter, big brother. Put her down and fight me! " Sasuke ran at Itachi with his chidori aimed right at Itachi's right shoulder blade.
Itachi turned back to look at the forest, then mumbled a few words, making Hinata gasp. She then sucked in as much air and strength as she could. " SASUKE! " She screamed loudly, right before her and Itachi disappeared. Her scream echoed against the trees from the forest.
Sasuke ran right through where Itachi stood, his chidori barely missing his brother. His head started whipping around, trying to see if he caught any sign of Itachi or Hinata. Nothing. " Dammit... " He muttered under his breath, still praying to see if he could find them. Suddenly he took off into the forest, jump from tree branch to tree branch. " Dammit...! " Naruto's screams of threats didn't even register in the Uchiha's mind. All he wanted to do was find Hinata and Itachi. Though he knew he wasn't going to find either one. That was a teleport jutsu, there would be no way to know where Itachi went.
Sasuke finally dropped down to the forest ground after an hour of blindly searching through the trees. He failed again. He swore that the next time he seen his brother, he would kill him. Not only did he fail, but he let his comrade, his team mate, his... Hinata get captured by him. Just like he couldn't do anything to protect Hitomi, he couldn't protect her sister. Sasuke gritted his teeth. " ITACHI!!! " Sasuke yelled out to the night sky.
Itachi and Hinata reappeared standing just on the outskirts of the large forest. Hinata's squirming tripled. " P-Put me down! " Her voice shook as she yelled. Itachi did just what she asked, letting her slip from his left should, and fall to the ground, rather harshly. Hinata landed with a loud thud. Her head banged against the hard ground, making her headache intensify. She was sure if she could see, her vision would be blurred, almost fading. Hinata wanted to get up. She tried. The best she could do was get on her knees, with her still wrapped together hands keeping her up. " W-what is i-it that you w-want w-with me? " She also tried to sound angry, and not scared or nervous. But its kind of hard to do that when you're whole body is in pain, you can't see anything, are completely alone, and slowly falling out of consciousness.
Itachi didn't see the need to answer her, so he kept quiet as he stared behind him, back into the forest, as if he could see past all the tree's. Sasuke would be coming soon.
Though she knew she very well couldn't see with the blindfold on, her eyes still scanned the darkness. " W-well?! " Did he leave her there? Doubtful, she knew she was getting her hopes up way too high. But one could always wish.
" It appears my little brother seems to be heading in our direction. " Itachi said after a few moments of silence. " We need to go. Now. "
" I-I'm... not going.... a-any... any where with y-you! " Hinata said as she reached up towards the blindfold to rip it off, only to have her finger tips burned from an electrical current that shot out from the center of the blindfold.
Itachi grabbed a hold of the rope that was binding her wrists together, and lifted her up to her feet. " I wasn't asking. " His voice was husky and deep against her ear. " Now since you won't behave I'll have to do this the easy way. " Itachi grabbed her waist and flung her into the nearest tree. Hinata's back hit the tree hard, making her cough out blood. As soon as she hit the ground, she was unconscious. Itachi stared at Hinata's unmoving body for a few seconds before walking up to her, and picking her up and placing her behind his back.
A almost silent 'thump' fell on deaf ears, as a ninja clad in all black entered the dark room through a low window. All ten finger tips were pressed gingerly against the wooden floor to keep her balanced, while one knee also rest on the floor. Pale lavender eyes quickly scanned the familiar room, for the object that she was looking for. Her eyes fell upon the small twin-sized mat in the corner of the room. On top of the mat, to the untrained eye, appeared to be a small child sleeping under thick covers. What probably was the 'small child' was nothing more then a rolled up mat, and some toys to give the affect of a body. The female smirked under her mask. He was getting a little better. It was a pretty good appearance, since he couldn't do genjutsus. Because if he did, it'd wake up the trained ninja's, who could feel when ever chakra was being used.
She smirked again, as her eyes glowed with pride. He was getting smarter, too.
Now to find who she was looking for.
Hitomi's eyes did another scan to the room. Nothing. She knew where he was. She did not need her byakugan to tell her where he was hiding. She sensed where he was the moment she climbed through his window, but wanted to boost his ego a bit by playing along with him. Suddenly, a figure dropped down behind Hitomi from the ceiling, then jumped on her back while wrapping his thin pale arms around her neck.
" Gotcha, Tomi-chan! " He whispered in her ear in triumph. A grin plastered on his little face.
Hitomi chuckled at his childish behavior. Oh how she missed being a kid... not that she had much of a childhood. " So it seems, Sasuke. " She patted his arms a few times. " Ready? " When she felt Sasuke nod, and his grip around her neck tighten, she stood from her crouching position. Tucking her hands on the back of Sasuke's knee's to make sure he didn't fall off her back, Hitomi turned around and silently jumped out the window. Once she was no longer on the wooden walk way that wrapped around the house and was on the dirt path, Hitomi took off in a fast sprint, while using no chakra to alert any one of their presence.
Cold. That was all she could feel. Funny, because it was in the middle of summer time. It shouldn't be cold... In a split second, Hinata was aware of everything that happened. She didn't have to open her eyes to see that she was that she was in a cobble stone room. Most likely an old prison cell. The rough texture and dips of the stones gave her already sore body even more discomfort and pain. Hinata moved a little, and earned a light rattle of thick heavy chains. Itachi must of traded out the ropes for steel clasps, and moved her arms behind her. Finally giving in, Hinata opened her eyes, and was surprisingly greeted to dim light from an old light bulb hanging in the center of the ceiling. She closed her eyes quickly. Even though the light was very dim, it only made her eyes and headache pound more.
" Ah, so you're awake. "
Hinata moved more to see if she could locate what part of the room Itachi was at, and earned yet another painful rattle from the chains. A sudden 'click' caught Hinata's attention.
" I turned the light out for you, so you can open your eyes now. "
Just as he said, the lights were out, but blue light from the moon filtered in through a small window and coated the room. " What... " Her voice croaked out. Hinata tried her best to clear her throat. " What do you want... with me? " She was too tired to stuttered. Too tired to be scared.
" That's very simple, Hinata-sama. " Itachi started out as he pushed off of the wall he was leaning against and walked then crouched in front of Hinata. " I want you to be the first Hyuuga Heiress again. "
Fear and confusion shook Hinata's body. " That's impossible... I-I'm not Hitomi. " She breathed out.
" I know you aren't... yet. I know you aren't yet. But in time, you will be. "
" W-Why are you doing this? " She asked, tears finally stinging her eyes. " What did Hitomi-sama ever do to you? "
Itachi was quiet for a moment as he gently rubbed her cheek with his knuckles. " I want you to help me with something. To help you... understand... what happened, and what you should do to make up for those things. And you can only do so, as Hitomi. " Itachi didn't even blink while he said that. Didn't even show one spic of emotion.
Hinata gritted her teeth. " But I'm not her! I'm not Hitomi! " She screamed as loudly as she could. It didn't help that her voice kept cracking due to dehydration.
Itachi grabbed a hold of her upper arm, and dragged her up with him when he stood. With his free hand, he took the vile he got from Sasori earlier that day out of his pocket, and popped the cork off with his thumb. Itachi harshly pushed Hinata up against the wall making her gasp out in pain, with that opportunity, Itachi quickly placed the vile up to her dry lips, and poured the liquid in her mouth. Grabbing her chin, he tilted her head back to make the liquid go down her throat. Hinata tried to spit out the unknown liquid, but to no avail. The horrible tasting liquid slid down her throat, leaving her mouth and throat feel as if she just drank some acid.
Once Itachi let go of her chin, Hinata coughed a few times to get the remaining liquid out of her mouth. Suddenly Itachi cold hand grabbed her neck. She looked up in confusion, and was met with a new design of sharingan she never seen before. Though she did hear and read about it, but barely.
And just like that, he had her in a trance.
"Lets see how much you remember... and how much you want to believe when you wake up from Mangekyo..." Itachi said as he released his hold on the unconscious Hyuuga's neck.
Hinata fell back to the cold cobble stone ground.