First off i want to apologise to all my readers for the month delay especially Mari. As i told her (don't know if you got the message. sorry if you didn't) i have been on vacation for three weeks with my family. when i got back i finished this chapter and because i am stupid i thought i had already posted but surprise surprise i didn't. My PC most have just said no or something. it does that. anyway sooo Sorry and that is my bad. I thought it was funny i didn't get any new reviews. now to the disclaimer then authors notes and then story.
Disclaimer-I do not own Naruto but i do own this story and any OC's. This is a completely original story idea in the world of Naruto. Any similarity or relevance to another work is completely coincidental and i apologise.
Authors Note1- well here it is after a month. sorry again. And guess what everyone. i now have an editor. YEAH!!! no more stupid mistakes because my editor is the captain of the grammar police YEAH for me. but this chapter isn't edited yet. i plan to re-post all the other chapters but because i know it can be a pain to wait for an editor i am just going to post the unedited one first and then the edited one later. so you know the edited chapter will have a EDITED in the upper left and right corners. i have some other stuff to say but i will save it to the end. so here's the next chapter.
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Chapter 3-The Elders Mission
"So Hinata. What do you think Grandma Tsunade is summoning you for?" Naruto asked as the group of three headed to the Hokages Mansion. She couldn't begin to guess what it was about. Neji just looked away at the question.
"I'm not really sure but . . . whatever it is, can't be good." She looked over at Neji. "He definitely knows something about it though. So why hasn't he said anything? I could probably ask him but I don't think he will give me a straight answer." Naruto saw Hinata staring at Nejiand couldn't help but think Neji had something to do with it.
"So Neji. What do you think Hinata's being summoned for? Hmm." He said in a very annoying and accusing tone. Neji didn't even bother answering his question. Not because of Naruto's accusation but because he was so deep in thought that he didn't hear him. Naruto just got angry at his silence. "HEY! NEJI! I asked you a question. Are you going to even bother answering me?" He said rather loudly which caught Hinata off guard and made her jump. He did manage to get Neji's attention this time though.
"Huh. Oh. Sorry Naruto. I was just thinking, but anyway, your guess is as good as mine. I don't have the faintest idea what she wants with Hinata." He said and then looked away from them. It was easy to tell that he knew something. Naruto wasn't going to stand for it though. He hated it when someone knew something and wouldn't tell. Especially when it concerned one of his friends. He also was in a bad mood since no one was around.
"Come on Neji. You know something so spill it. What's she being called for?" This time Neji heard him but just didn't want to answer which made Naruto rather angry. "Come on Neji! Don't give me the fucking silent treatment." He still didn't say a word. "Damn it Neji. Come on! At least say something." Neji was having just about enough of it. "Tell us at least for Hina . . . " He was interrupted before he could finish.
"What the fuck do you want me to say Naruto! I told you I don't know anything so drop it!" Neji had stopped to say the words which shocked both of them. They weren't used to seeing Neji lose his temper. He was usually a calm, cool, and collected sort of guy. Naruto was getting a bit angrier now. He didn't mean to make Neji mad but because he did, he knew there was something important that he wasn't telling them.
"Well I'm not going to drop it and I say you do know something so quick saying you don't and tell us already!" He said getting up in his face. Hinata was getting a little scared now.
Neji had been in a bad mood prior to this (which he was trying to hide) and Naruto wasn't making it any better. "Listen to me Naruto. I am in a very bad mood. So back off!" He said through gritted teeth. Naruto wasn't about to back down for he was pissed off as well.
"And if I don't, huh Neji. What are you going to do about it!?" Naruto was trying to pick a fight now and Neji was going to oblige. Hinata could only watch in horror, not sure what to do.
"I'll do this! Byakugan!" Neji sent a palm thrust at him which he narrowly avoided. Neji had completely lost his temper now and Naruto was actually kind of excited to finally be able to fight someone without holding any punch's.
"Hehe. Good. I have been itching for a fight and you are perfect. So take this!" He jumped at Neji, fists a flying with no hope of ever being able to connect. Neji simply kept blocking the attacks until he found an opening and took it. Naruto was sent flying backward by the thrust into a nearby house. They were managing to create quite a seen and a crowd was beginning to form. Hinata could only stare. She was too afraid to move to try and stop them. She fell to her knees and prayed someone would stop this before they really got hurt. "Damn you Neji. You will pay for that." He said with a smile and went back in for more.
"Come on Naruto. Give me all you got which won't be much. That's for sure." Neji was still angry and not about to show mercy.
"Gladly but promise me you won't cry after I beat your ass!" he swung a few more times before backing off and yelling out "Shadow clone jutsu." About twenty clones appeared out of thin air and rushed him. Neji only smiled at his attempt to fight him.
"Come on Naruto. Your going to have to learn a new trick or this is going to get really old really fast. He began to dispatch the clones with ease until there was only three left. The three clones charged in on him at the same time. Neji smiled again and used his rotation to destroy them all. "What? None of them were the real one. Then where is he?" He looked around for a moment before Deja Vu kicked in. "The Ground!" He jumped back quickly avoiding the attack.
"Damn. I almost had you." Neji glared at him. "Humph. I'll make sure not to miss next time."
"You couldn't hit me if I stood still. " He was mocking him now, trying to get under his skin which was working perfectly.
"You will regret saying that." Naruto charged in for another attack
"We'll see." Neji also went in for an attack. They each swung at the other determined to win their meaningless squabble. Hinata was still praying and the crowd had grown a bit larger but just as their attacks were about to land Naruto was sent flying by a very familiar pig. Neji stopped his attack just in time to not hit Tonton.
"What in the hell do you two think you're doing?" Said a very angry Shizune. Neji had to think for a moment what was happening. He had been too distracted by the battle to notice that they were in the middle of the street.
Neji bowed before speaking. "I'm sorry Shizune. I wasn't thinking."
"Damn straight you weren't thinking!" She looked over at Naruto who had gotten back up. "And what about you Naruto? What's your excuse?"
He just gave her a stupid look. "Who me? Eh. I was just bored from not having anyone to train with."
Shizune was a little bit pissed now to say the least. "What kind of fucking excuse is that?! You are in the middle of the damn street! You could have hurt someone. Ugh. Sometimes I wonder if you even have a brain."
"Ouch. That really hurts Shizune and hey wait a minute. It wasn't just my fault. Neji here started it." He said pointing his finger.
"Look, it doesn't matter who started it. Just that no one got hurt. Now apologize to each other so we can move on. Tsunade is waiting for Hinata." Hinata was overjoyed to see that they had stopped and that neither had gotten hurt. Neji and Naruto just looked at each other before swallowing their pride and apologizing.
"Sorry Neji. I've just been kind of touchy cause Pervy Sage and Kakashi sensai haven't been around."
"Don't worry about it Naruto. It's mostly my fault anyway. It's unbecoming of a ninja to let their feelings get in the way of their better judgement."
"Well good. Now that were all friends lets go to Tsunade's office. Are you Ok Hinata?" Shizune asked concerned. Hinata was still on the ground.
"Oh. Yeah I'm fine. Don't worry lets go." She said quickly not wanting anyone to worry. They all nodded and once again left to the Hokage's mansion to see Tsunade.
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Later at the Hokage's Office
Knock Knock Knock. The four were standing outside of Tsunade's office waiting for her to answer but only silence came after the knocks. "Come on Tsunade. I Know you're in there. Open the door. It's me, Shizune. I brought Hinata." There was some movement in the room before Tsunade called out "Come in." The group walked into the room just to be shocked at the huge stack of papers everywhere. Shizune just smiled at the mess.
"What in the world is all this? There are papers everywhere." Said an amused Naruto who was glancing at some of the paperwork near him.
"This is all paperwork that the elders gave her." Shizune answered before walking over to Tsunade who was about to throw her new desk out the window to suppress her anger. (Not due to the paper work either.)
"What in the Hokage's name are you two fucking doing here?!" She said furiously. At first Hinata thought she was talking to her but soon realized she meant Naruto and Neji.
"I came because I wanted to speak with you about the . . . " he wasn't aloud to finish.
"Neji! You have a mission and all of your orders for it and lets not forget how important it is. The mission does mean something to you doesn't it?"
"Of course it does but . . . " he was cut off again.
"I don't wanna hear your pathetic excuses! I want you to leave right now!" she said pointing to the door. Neji knowing that he wouldn't get anywhere obeyed her and left without saying another word. Hinata watched him leave, feeling bad for him.
"Wow Grandma Tsunade. That was Harsh." Naruto said while looking at the door.
"Shut up Naruto. You also have a mission to be on so why are you here?"
"Hmm. Mission?" He thought for a moment before answering. "Oh right. The mission. Yeah well. The thing is. They kind of solved the problem by themselves." He put his hands behind his head and smiled. "I probably should have reported it sooner hah." Tsunade would have completely lost it at that point if not for Shizune.
"Now lets remember our blood pressure shall we" Shizune said putting her hands on Tsunade to try and make her sit back down. Luckily it worked.
"Naruto. Sometimes I just feel like breaking you in half but I'm the Hokage and that would be wrong I suppose. Ugh." She put her hands on her head before turning around and looking out the window. Hinata took the opportunity to finally speak.
"Um . . . Lady Hokage. You sent for me, right?" She turned back around before answering.
"Yeah. I almost forgot what with Neji and Naruto being here. Naruto this doesn't really concern you but you can stay if you want. I may have some use for you." Narutonodded, ready to do anything that she may give him. "Well the reason I have called you here Hinata is for a mission to put it simply. This mission however is much more important then any other you have ever done and also a lot harder but I get ahead of myself. Let me start from the beginning." They both nodded, ready to hear what she had to say. "You both know about the elders right?"
"Yeah. They're those old people who help you make certain decisions that you can't make on your own and they also help give out the missions." Naruto answered. They all looked at him with the look of. You actually knew that much. Naruto got the vide right a way and smiled. "Yeah I know what your thinking. Iruka told me a lot about the elders one time but that's all I can really remember." Hinata stared at him for a moment. "Good job Naruto."
"Well it's a little more complicated then that but that's basically a few of their duties. They also help obverse the village and make sure everything is running right in all the different clans but that is just basic knowledge that you should all know.
"Mhm mhm. Of course. Everyone knows that. Hehehe." He said. Tsunade smiled at his lack of brains but then returned to a serious face.
"Well that's true that mostly everyone knows that but what most people don't know is that during times of war the elders can actually get more power then me."
"What?!" Shizune said rather loudly deciding to make her opinion known. "I have never heard of any such law or agreement where the elders can get more power then they already have."
"Well if you would let me explain then maybe you will learn something." She said angrily at being interrupted.
"Huh. Oh right. Sorry. I'll shut up."
"Anyway. When the village was first formed, the idea was brought up that the Hokage would have to much power and would eventually abuse it. The older people of the village had lived through it before and didn't want it to happen again so they asked that elders be in charge of overseeing the Hokageto make sure that they don't abuse their title. If they ever did then they could be removed. This however was also a problem because this gave the elders to much power. They could blackmail the Hokageinto doing what they wanted or simply remove them. So an agreement was formed about letting the people and the elders agree upon any knew Hokage. Where in disagreement there would be a vote. The elders were still not happy however about leaving any possible decisions involving the Hokagein some young persons hands due to their lack of knowledge about war and such things. So another agreement was made which give elders more power in times of war due to their knowledge of it and most having lived through it. Of course this is only possible if every elder of every clan agrees with whatever they're deciding on. Wow that was a mouth full. Ugh. I need a drink."
"Wait a minute. I still don't get something. What does any of that have to due with Hinata or me?" Naruto asked.
"Good question and I will explain that in a second. First off I told you that little story because the elders are bringing up that exact agreement right now and are making all of the villages decisions for me which means, I have pretty much lost all my power. Now just recently the elders have taken notice of all the mission failures and through using their little agreement they are giving missions to every Ninja to make sure that they are correctly where they should be. Rank wise, I mean. At first I actually liked the idea and everything was going well until I got yours and Neji's missions. You see the failure of one of their missions was normally only a rank cut that could be reacquired by doing a few more missions but with you two, failure would not be tolerated and also each of your missions are next to impossible." She stopped talking not wanting to continue. She knew that Hinata was frail and wouldn't be able to do the mission alone and that would be where Naruto would come in. Hinata was getting extremely worried now. She was about to get a next to impossible mission where failure would not be tolerated and she wasn't exactly the best ninja. Naruto was getting a little excited about finally getting a mission worth his talents. "But what exactly are the consequences for failing?"
"Umm . . . Lady Hokage. What . . . are the consequences for failing?" Tsunadewas hoping she wouldn't ask and that she could just give her the mission, make Naruto go with her and they would be off without ever knowing what would happen if they failed.
"Well. For failing your mission you . . . you will no longer be a Ninja."
"What!" all of them said at the same time.
"It gets worse. Since if you fail you will no longer be a ninja there will be no point in you keeping your Byakugan. So failure also results in the loss of your Byakugan through a special seal." If you walked into the room at that point, you would have thought the world was about to end. Hinata was about to pass out and Naruto was getting pissed. Shizunejust looked down not knowing what to think.
"What the fuck do you mean if she fails she will no longer be a ninja as well as lose her Byakugan!" Naruto said fists clenched together.
"I'm sorry Naruto but . . . " she was interrupted.
"You're sorry?! Come on you're the Hokage. You have to be able to do something."
"Well that's where you come in Naruto. The only thing I can do is have someone else go on the mission and seeing as how you're the only Ninja available I can put you on the mission with her. Of course failure also results in you no longer being a ninja. It's your choice Naruto." He smiled before answering.
"Like I have to think about it. I will do anything for a friend, no matter what the consequences. Believe it." He said giving a thumbs up. Hinata looked over at Naruto again. It made her feel better that Naruto would be with her on the mission. "Thank you. Naruto."
"Well I guess that settles that. The only thing left is to tell you the mission." They both looked at her and nodded. "It is a two-part mission. First off you have to go to a very distant Land Known as Earth Valley. There will be a village directly in the valley and upon arrival you are to locate this artifact." She held up a picture. It looked like a golden Jar. "Once you have found it, you are to keep it into your possession while you complete the second part of the mission. Not much is known about the artifact, only that it holds great power to whoever can open it. This has of course, drawn a lot of unwanted attention. It is believed that Kabuto will be in the area trying to get the artifact and that's where the second part of the mission comes in. You are to find and capture Kabuto alive and bring him back here for questioning along with the artifact as well. That is all for the actual mission but there are also some limitations. There are to be no casualties and there is no telling anyone other then a fellow leaf Ninja what you are doing there. Here is a map with the picture of the artifact. It's getting late so you can leave in the morning. It's about a week walk from here so you'll wanna leave early. Any questions?"
"Umm . . . Yes. I have a question. The Hyuga elder is a part of this is as well right. So . . . why would he agree to such a thing happening to one of his own people?" Hinata asked
"Another good question. A question that I specifically asked them about. I mean it seems as if there going right after you two with this. They gave me some kind of bullshit excuse saying you to were going to cause some kind of rebellion. So because of that they had to make your mission's and consequences' higher. The Hyuga elder also completely agreed with it which was strange. They wouldn't tell me anything more then that. Do you have any other questions?" They both shook their head thinking of what lied ahead of them.
"Ok. You are dismissed." They nodded and left her office without anther word.
"Do you think they will be able to succeed?" Shizune asked.
"I don't know. I can only hope but I definitely need a drink and to think about this. There is just something not right with the elders suddenly doing this. Especially, the Hyuga elder.
"This mission sounds like quite a challenge, doesn't it Hinata?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah. It won't be easy. Umm . . . thank you by the way. For going with me on the mission that is. I just hope that we won't fail because of me."
"Don't think like that Hinata. You have to think on the positive side. This mission may sound hard but it won't be any problem for us. Believe it." She smiled at his words.
"Thank you Naruto. I needed that."
"No problem. Anything for you Hinata." Hinata started to blush. "Anything for me. Hehe. He probably didn't even realize what he said."
"Well Hinata I'm gonna head home and get ready for our mission. I will meet you at the gate tomorrow morning. Okay."
"Ok. I will see you later then. Bye Naruto."
"Later" with that he started to run to his house. "I wonder what I should do now. It's still a little to early to go to sleep. Hmm. I guess I will just head home. Maybe father will know something about this."
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Later at the Hyuga estate
Hinata had arrived at home but there wasn't anyone around. "I wonder where everyone is."
"I'm here." Someone said from behind her causing her to jump. She quickly turned around to see Neji. "So you got your mission and learned what's happening right" he said getting straight to the point. She looked down.
"Yeah . . . Uhh." She wasn't sure what more to say.
"Well don't worry about the mission to much. Something isn't right with the elders suddenly doing this. I am sure that the Hokage will find out what's going on and have this all sorted out," he said only to make her feel better not actually believing in what he said. "But until then you will just have to continue with your mission and me with mine and once I finish I'm going to come and help you."
"You don't have to do that! I mean . . . you have your own mission to worry about. You shouldn't worry about me."
"Heh. That's just like you Hinata. To worry more about others then yourself. It's a good trait to have but don't let it get the best of you and don't worry. I'll meet you in Earth Valley."
"Huh. How did you know I was going to Earth Valley?" she asked confused.
"The Hokagetold me about your mission when she gave me mine. Our missions are actually connected and if we are going to want to get through this we will have to stick together." She thought back when he told her not to worry. "It's obvious that Neji is worried over this. I guess we can only hope that the Hokage can fix it."
"So what is your mission Neji, if you don't mind me asking."
"My mission is to basically locate a special artifact that will allow a person to open the artifact your looking for. I will find it as quick as I can and then catch up with you in Earth Valley like I said before. Now if you will excuse me. I just finished getting my supplies ready and I'm going to leave right now."
"What? But its going to get dark soon. You shouldn't travel at night. It's dangerous."
"I'll be fine. Now make sure you get plenty of rest before you leave. The way to Earth Valley is dangerous. Goodbye." He left right after that.
"Bye . . . Neji."
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"Naruto, above you! Look you!" Hinata yelled. Naruto looked up at Kabuto who was about to impale him with a kunai. He barley dodged.
"Thanks Hinata. I would have been a goner there." He threw a few shuriken at him which was easily dodged.
"Stupid Bitch. With her using the Byakugan, I won't be able to hit with any sneak attacks. Heh. I guess I will just have to put an end to that." He made a few hand signs before his hands started to glow blue. "Take this." He started to run at her, full speed. She would have to time it just right to be able to dodge. Luckily she didn't have to.
"You will have to go through me to get to her." Neji yelled out blocking his path.
"Gladly," he continued his attack
"Rotation!" he yelled out knocking Kabuto away.
"Damn you." He said before smiling "You know I don't think this is really fair. I mean four on one. The odds of surviving this aren't in my favor but . . . they're not in yours either."
"Kaichi. Come on do it now." Neji yelled.
"Right." He did a few hand signs before yelling "Thorn Garden Jutsu." Vines were starting to appear everywhere, surrounding Kabuto. "This will kill you!"
"Hardly." Kabuto did a few more hand signs and disappeared.
"Damn, he got out." Kaichi said "Where is he. Damn it. Hinata where did he go?" she looked around for a moment. "Where is he?" Her eyes grew wide
"Behind me!" she wouldn't have time to dodge. "No. I won't be able to dodge. I can't die. . .not like this. Not before telling Naruto how I feel."
"Hinata look out" Naruto yelled "ugh"
"Damn. I wanted to get the Byakugan bitch but you will work just as well you nine-tailed fox demon." She couldn't believe what was Happening. "Well I guess that's one down. Only three to go."
"No. . . . Naruto. . . . No. . . . You Can't . . . Die." But it was two late for him. He fell to the ground as his last breath left him. "No. . . . No. . . . No. . . . NOOOOOOOOOO!"
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Note to Readers- I hope all of you enjoy my stories as much as i enjoy writing them. Thanks for all the reviews. i don't know about anyone else but without reviews even the bad ones. it's hard to get the ambition to continue to write. so a big thanks to all who have reviewed and my readers. Give yourself a pat on the back.
Authors Note2- well well well. so the plot thickens. I think some people will get what i did there but for those who don't. no worries. i will eplainin the next chapter. also about the next few chapter. they are going to be kind of short. only about 1500-2000 words. this is due to keep you happy and give me time to think of what i am going to do next. most people know this as filler chapters. but don't worry about waiting a month these chapters should come out much quicker. as long as there are more family vacations or i pc says i posted it when it really didn't.
Authors Note3- Okay. last thing. because when i write. i periodically forget to explain something, i am going to make a Q&A section which for those who don't know are question and answers. so if anyone has any questions at all about the story or otherwise. simply put it in your review and i will answer it as long as it doesn't ruin the story. i figure this will be much easier then sending emails about certain things. like you forgot this or that.