A/N - This will be the last chapter I write until I come back from my mission trip. Meanwhile, I have a sort of pole going on about - clamps hand over mouth oops, I almost gave away what happens in this chapter! See below for details. Read the chapter first, though. I do not own Naruto.

Tsunade stopped by the hospital the next morning to check on the girls. When she arrived, Hinata was still asleep; Kyiara was dressed and standing by the open window, staring almost unblinkingly out.

"Good morning, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade closed the door quietly behind her. "Saw me coming?"

Kyiara shook her head, turning around to face Tsunade; her eyes were the normal black color, but there was something bothering her. "No. I guessed. You've been the only one to come and check on us other than Shizune." she frowned. "What are you going to do about Neji?"

"I can't do anything. Hyuuga Hiashi isn't pressing charges, and as the head of the Hyuuga clan not doing so, even if Hinata was to press charges, there's nothing I can do."

Kyiara's eyes went from thoughtful to furious. "He's not pressing charges? Why the hell not?"

Tsunade shrugged. "He said that he would take care of it. I wish there was something I could do, but there isn't."

The fury in Kyiara's eyes did not vanish. If anything, it intensified. "He's not going to do anything, I know it." Then her eyes softened, resting on the still-sleeping Hyuuga girl. "Even if Hinata could press charges, I doubt she would. She still loves him after all he's done to her."

Tsunade nodded. "That she does. But I have a question for you; how were you able to completely heal Hinata? You even opened her close chakra points."

"I did what?" Kyiara demanded. "Hokage-sama." she added hastily.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the teenage genin, ignoring the nearly forgotten Hokage title. She could care less right now. "You didn't know you did that?"

Kyiara shook her head, bewildered. "No, I didn't. I thought only extremely strong healers like you or Shizune could do that."

"Apparently you can as well." Tsunade cocked her head. "Describe how you heal other people."

"Well, It-It's hard to explain." Kyiara frowned thoughtfully. "I let my chakra start in the heart and follow the blood vessels to where the injury or injuries are, and through the rest of the body to check for any wounds that are too small for me to sense normally, healing anything that needs to be healed. Or if it's a wound not on the chest, I heal that and then go to the heart and the rest of the body unless I sense poison in the blood, then I take care of that immediately. Why?"

"Because very few people can do that. Like you said, Shizune and I can do it, and apparently you can as well. Someone in the ANBU also."

That caught Kyiara's attention completely. "Do you know who he is?"

Tsunade looked at her oddly. "What makes you think it's a man? We don't even know who - wait, do you know something about this ANBU person?"

"Hinata said that a male ANBU nin with a cat mask healed her the day of the third part of the Chuunin Exam. The day Orochimaru attacked Konoha." replied Kyiara. "And he-" she stopped and looked away, lips pressed tightly together.

"He, what?" Tsunade prodded.

Kyiara eyed Tsunade squarely. "You sure you want to know?"

Tsunade nodded. Kyiara continued, "I recognized the healing chakra still inside Hinata's body." Her eyes flashed with an unnamable emotion. "It was Kabuto's chakra."

"What?" Tsunade nearly shouted.

Hinata gasped, sitting bolt upright in the hospital bed. Tsunade clamped a hand over her own mouth. "Sorry, Hinata. I didn't mean to wake you."

Hinata smiled shyly. "It's alright, Hokage-sama." Her smile faltered, eyes flicking from Tsunade to Kyiara and their expressions. "Is-is something wrong?"

Tsunade tried to smile. "Nothing you need to worry about, Hinata."

The door opened with a loud bang, making all the genin inside jump. Shizune bowed. "Tsunade-sama, the report you were waiting for has arrived."

Tsunade smiled grimly. "Finally." She nodded to Hinata and Kyiara. "I will speak to you two later. Both of you may leave when you're ready to."

Shizune and Tsunade left. Immediately Hinata turned to Kyiara. "What upset Tsunade-sama so much?"

Kyiara was unsure how to answer. "I was asking her about that ANBU nin who healed you during the Chuunin Exam."

"What did she say? Is there any way I can thank him?"

Kyiara eyed her young friend uneasily. "She didn't know who it was." That much was true, Tsunade hadn't known. Not until Kyiara told her, anyway.

Hinata cocked her head. "But what upset her so much? Or are you not allowed to tell me?"

"She didn't say that I couldn't tell you," Kyiara said slowly. "But I don't think I should just now. I really don't think you'd like what I'd say."

Hinata nodded. "Okay." She hugged her knees to her chest. "Did anyone from my clan come to see me? And what are they going to do with Neji-niisan?"

Kyiara looked away, her anger returning as she thought about how uncaring the Hyuuga clan was being about what had happened. "No one other than Shizune and Tsunade came to see us. As to what'll happen to Neji, according to Tsunade-sama, is nothing at all unless what I know about your father is wrong."

Hinata sighed in relief. "I'm glad." She said softly.

"Why? Why are you relieved? He should be punished for what he did to you!"

Hinata laid her head on her knees. "Because he has suffered so much already. His father died because someone tried to kidnap me. Me, Kyiara-san! And the way all of the Head treat the Branch members, it's all so wrong! I want to change all of it. I want to save Neji from any more pain than what he has already suffered." She set her mouth in a stubborn streak very few saw in her. "If - when I become Head of the Hyuuga clan, I will do my best to find a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal from all Branch members and unite the clan once again into one."

Kyiara had to smile. "You were always more forgiving than I was. You may be able to forgive him easily, but I can't. I won't. I have a very hard time believing in people like you do. And I know you will find a way to release Neji. You always find a way to help your precious people."

Hinata smiled at her friend. "And you are always there for your precious people, and are more than ready to fight, heal and even give your life for those you love. You may not realize it, but you too believe in others. We both see what many are blind to. We can see things no kekkai genkai can show."

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Tsunade entered her office, followed by Shizune. Awaiting her was a four-man ANBU team which was made up of two men and two women. Their still wore their masks, though Tsunade had a good idea who each one was, but protocol forbad her from greeting them by name. After all, she had selected these four for the mission personally.

Their leader in a hawk mask and commander insignia on his arm nodded to her. "Tsunade-sama, we have found where Orochimaru's lair is."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Continue."

A female wearing a wolf mask walked over to where different maps could be pulled down and selected one. "It's right in this area, Hokage-sama." she pointed to an abandoned cave/mine in the middle of a forest.

The hawk ANBU continued, "Surprisingly, it's further away from the Sound Village than we originally thought it was. Though Orochimaru probably some well-trained and powerful ninjas there with him.

"But can we defeat him there, in his own territory?"

The other female, who was wearing a cat mask shrugged and said, "Possibly. It would mainly depend on if we could draw most or all of Orochimaru's ninjas into a battle a fair distance away from his place. Then send in a very small group of elite ninjas to take on Orochimaru and anyone else at or near his lair."

Tsunade nodded absently, thinking. "I can already think of two who will make up the elite attack force."

The last ANBU ninja in a bear mask asked, "And who might they be?"

Tsunade smiled. "Naruto and Kyiara."

The bear ANBU cocked his head. "I can see why you'd send the Kyuubi-"

He stopped when Tsunade glared at him for using the term 'Kyuubi' for Naruto. He continued, "-Naruto to fight Orochimaru or the Uchiha, should the need arise again. But who is this Kyiara? I don't remember seeing her on any of the recent Chuunin or Jounin lists. Not even the Genin lists."

"Nor will you. While you four were on your mission, Shikamaru's mission group found her severely wounded by some Sound nins. To make a long story short, she was captured by Orochimaru over six years ago and experimented on. He tried to get rid of her just before he attacked Konoha. Her full name is Yakushi Kyiara. Ring any bells?"

All four of the ANBU nins nodded. "The traitor Kabuto's little sister. Are you saying that she's been alive all these years?" The cat ANBU asked.

"But why send her?" the hawk ANBU demanded. "Is this because she's Kabuto's sister?"

The bear ANBU nin folded his arms. "Does this have anything to do with what Orochimaru did to her?"

"Yes." Tsunade leaned against her desk. "To the both of you. I want Kabuto to have to fight his own blood. Also because of what Orochimaru did to her gives her the kekkai genkai of some of the top clans in both Konoha and Sound, as well as the knowledge of how to use them. Plus she can regenerate as well if not better than her brother can. She also knows her way around the inside of the caves." She looked at each ANBU in turn. "I want as much information on the terrain, location, possible location of places Orochimaru could use to trap us or have traps laid, and visa versa, as well as how many troops he might have at his disposal in his lair." Her eyes hardened. "It is time to take the snake down and bring the Uchiha back to face the village he turned his back on."

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Hinata and Kyiara literally ran into Kiba and Shino as they exited the hospital. Shino and Hinata collided, though he caught her before she fell. Kiba and Kyiara barely managed to stay on their feet after walking into each other. "Are you okay, Hinata-san?" Shino asked as he guided the small group away from the hospital doors.

Hinata nodded, looking down at her feet.

"What are they going to do with Neji?" Kiba demanded.

"Not a damn thing." Kyiara growled. "Hyuuga Hiashi told Tsunade-sama that he would deal with it on his own-"

"-which means he'll do nothing." Kiba finished for her. He turned to look at Hinata. "From now on, we have to make sure that you're with at least one of us, to make sure Neji doesn't try anything again."

At the edges of their perception, all four genin felt someone approaching them fast. Whoever it was had powerful chakra control, though it was impossible to tell if it was Neji or not. Not willing to take any chances, Kiba and Shino shifted almost casually into fighting stances; Akamaru jumped down to stand by his master. The girls readied themselves in more evident manners. Hinata activated her Byakugan and Kyiara her hybrid form of Sharingan and Byakugan; Sharugan.

An ANBU nin in a wolf mask turned out to be the perpetrator, not Neji. He seemed a little unsettled at arriving to talk to the four genin and have them all be on guard for his arrival, as if suspecting him to attack. He cleared his throat. "Hokage-sama wants to speak to the four of you along with a few others in her office immediately."

Before they could ask the ANBU what about, he jumped away.

Shrugging, the four genin headed to Hokage Tower.

Tsunade was waiting for them, desk unusually clear of paper. Naruto and Shikamaru were the only other ones in the room. "Hey Hinata-chan, Kyiara-chan!" Naruto waved at them.

Kyiara raised an eyebrow at him. "'chan', Naruto-kun?"

He rubbed the back of his head, laughing nervously. The boys just shook their heads. Hinata blushed.

"I will let you children continue this conversation later." Tsunade said, voicing it like an order rather than a comment. "I have some very grave news to tell you." She eyed them cautiously. Shikamaru's mouth twitched; Kyiara's eyes narrowed slightly. Those two, at least, had a good guess at what she was about to say. "We now know where Orochimaru's lair is."

The reaction of Shikamaru and Kyiara confirmed her suspicions; Hinata looked startled; Kiba growled; Shino - well, it was hard to tell what he ever thought; and Naruto… "NANE! WHERE IS HE? IS SASUKE'KUN WITH HIM? WHAT-"

Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "Naruto, keep your voice down." she growled. "I have a migraine that I wouldn't wish on Kyuubi-" she stopped abruptly, realizing what she had just said. Naruto knew why she stopped and thankfully (and surprisingly) stayed silent; Kyiara being the oldest genin present also knew; to the surprise of everyone who knew, Shikamaru didn't react either. Everyone else cocked their head at Tsunade.

"Why not?" Kiba asked.

Tsunade shook her head. "Forget it, and that's an order. I will let you all know on the details as soon as they are worked out. You all may go except Naruto and Kyiara."

The others left.

After she was sure the others were gone, Tsunade said, "Sorry about the slip about Kyuubi, Naruto."

Naruto shrugged. "Kyuubi was laughing about it. Don't worry."

"Why did you want to talk to us alone, Hokage-sama?" Kyiara asked.

"Because I wanted to tell you that you are going to be part of the advance team who actually goes after Orochimaru."

Both of the genin looked at her with surprise written all over their faces. "Why us?" they both asked together.

"Because both of you are more than likely going to end up fighting certain people. And I'm sure you both know who I'm speaking of."

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Shino, Kiba and Hinata had waited for Kyiara and Naruto at the doors leading out of Hokage Tower.

"What did Hokage-sama want to talk to you about?" Kiba asked as the two genin approached them.

"She told us that we're going to be part of a small fighting group who'll go after Orochimaru himself."

"Why you two? You're both just genins." Kiba demanded. "No offence, Kyiara."

"Hey, what about me?" Naruto yelled.

"Whatever, baka." Was all Kiba said. His eyes were on Kyiara, asking for an explanation. He didn't get one. Kyiara was glaring daggers at someone who had just entered the Tower; Neji, accompanied by Lee, Tenten and Gai-sensei.

Kiba snarled a curse at Neji, who ignored him. Naruto's eyes briefly flashed their Kyuubi red before returning to their sky blue. Kyiara and Shino stepped subtly forward.

Once Team Gai and their sensei were out of sight, the genin surrounding Hinata relaxed.

"Why?" Kiba poked Kyiara's arm.

She grabbed his hand to keep him from poking her again. "Why do you think?"

Kiba actually appeared to be thinking. Finally he said, "Because he wants Naruto to fight Sasuke if need be and you to fight Kabuto."

Kyiara nodded. "Let's go train. You too, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head. "I can't. Ero-sennin said he wanted to see me today." He waved goodbye to them before dashing out of the door.

Hinata turned to face her friend. "What are you thinking, Kyiara-san? I can tell you have an idea."

Kyiara nodded. "You bet I do. And I know just how to try it out." Then she grinned mischievously.

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Teams eight, ten and Team Gai and their instructors were having their once-a-month training session in one of the fields. They were joined by Sakura, Kyiara and Kakashi. Everyone could sense the anger Kiba, Kyiara and Shino were radiating toward Neji, even if they didn't know why yet. Curious looks flickered between the three and Neji. Kurenai had to finally order Kiba to stop growling curses at Neji. He stopped with the voiced threats, but continued to dare Neji to try anything with his eyes.

Hinata, Kiba and Shino shared the occasional look with Kyiara, waiting for her signal. Finally she gave it. But suddenly darkness fell; only a few faintly shining stars shed their light in the field. Out of the woods a group of unmarked and masked nins advanced on those within, surrounding them.

"W-what's going on?" Kiba stuttered, eyes wide.

The jounin eyed the approaching nins cautiously. "What do you want?" Kurenai demanded.

"Genin," one of them said hoarsely. "All of them."

"Why them?" Asuma asked. "What do they have that you want?"

"Youth," said one.

"Blood." added another.

"N-nane?" Ino stammered, shaking.

As one, all of the nins attacked. The odds were about even, but the attacking nins were besting even the jounin teachers. Panting, the jounin tried to get to their students, but failed as they started to be driven away. One of the unknown nins raised a kunai to kill Hinata and Sakura.

"No!" Kurenai, Kakashi and Asuma yelled.

Then everything vanished; the darkness, the unknown nins, even the wounds the mystery nins had caused on the jounin and genin.

"What the heck was that?" Kurenai spat as she touched her forearm that had been bleeding just moments before. The students approached their teachers.

"Where the hell did they go?" Asuma muttered, looking around.

"Who were they, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura panted, still winded from her fight.

Kakashi adjusted his Haiti-ate over his Sharingan eye. "I don't know."

Kiba burst out laughing; Shino crossed his arms, though everyone could tell he was hiding a grin; even Hinata had a small smile on her lips. Everyone glared at them. "Just what is so amusing, Kiba?" Kurenai snapped.

"You-you all - we all, actually, were fooled." Kiba managed to choke out. Before laughing again.

"What do you mean, we were all fooled?" Neji demanded.

Kiba stopped laughing and glared at the genius. "What I mean is-"

"What he meant was that you were all fooled by a recording I made. A recording. What would've happened had it been the real thing? Hinata-san, Kiba-kun and Shino-kun knew what I was going to do, and they were still startled by it." Kyiara said, holding up a small tape recorder. "Be angry at me if you want to, but not them. I wanted to test my idea, and this…training session seemed like the perfect place to do so."

Everyone who hadn't been in on her 'plan' stared at her. "What do you mean?" Kurenai asked.

"What did you do?" Sakura asked. "It must've been pretty powerful to beat the Sharingan and Byakugan."

"That's because the person who created the illusion has both of those powers. Even I could not see through the illusions that were created; if I hadn't known that it was an illusion, I would've been fooled. I used one of the kekkai genkai Orochimaru gave me, to create realistic illusions with my voice and recorded the…song and played it. The results completely surpassed my expectations."

No one said anything for a moment. "Create a small illusion right now for me, please." Kakashi finally requested, uncovering his Sharingan eye. Next Lee and Tenten, Neji activated his Byakugan; Hinata did as well.

Kyiara nodded and began to sing. Nothing happened. They could see and hear Kyiara singing softly though they couldn't understand the words; then her lips stopped moving. About to ask what he was supposed to see, Kakashi halted when a kunai flew out of the woods and buried itself in Kyiara's chest. She gasped in pain and clutched at the weapon, blood running down her clothes and over her hands. Falling to her knees, Kyiara tried to pull the kunai out. Panicked black eyes turned to look at the ninjas around her as blood started to flow from her mouth. "It - it won't - come out." Was all she managed to choke out before falling to the ground.

A/N He he, I just love leaving cliffhangers... Anyway, besides Kyiara and Naruto, who else should going on the advance attack mission? (NOTE: Neji and Hinata will be part of the main battle, so don'tvote for them.)This is about whoelse (if anyone) should go to Orochimaru's place, not the main battle, just so you all know.

1.)Anko

2.) Shikamaru

3.) Kakashi

4.) Someone else... (say who)

5.) just Naruto and Kyiara, they'll do fine themselves

See you at the end of July!