Yes, I am nice. And that is why just under 24 hours, I have given you guys the next chapter. Aren't I awesome? Repay me with reviews. ( * ^ * )
Disclaimer: I still don't know why people do this. Honestly. Obviously I do not own Naruto. Soo sad it finished! But the ending was too typical.
The world stopped abruptly for Hinata. Everyone looked at the head elder. No one had ever done anything like this.
"You will have to remove your eyes, since they are of Hyuga linage. And once you leave, we will also ask you to change you Clan name. We do not want such a shameful being to carry the name of the Hyuga Clan!"
Tears filled up Hinata's eyes, blurring her vision. All of her built up confidence broke like a dam. She clutched her crutch protectively. Any thoughts of rebound were pushed out of her head. Simply the cold stare of the head elder bore into her head. It acted like a spear, piercing through her barriers one by one. Even if she were to protest or try to run, they would get her. They would chase her down easily. She was in no condition to run. She would lose her eyes...!
It happened in a flash. Naruto calmly pulled out a small projectile and launched it into the air. Smoke filled the small room, covering the visions of everyone inside it. Hinata felt something warm under her legs and was immediately lifted up. Naruto carried her bridal style and out of the room.
"Naruto-kun?!"
"We're running away," was the simple reply given to her.
They took off up on the rooftops and out of the Hyuga Estate. There were immediate followers chasing from behind. Naruto formed 3 clones for diversions. Even without them, he was quick on his feet. They lost the Hyuga men quickly. Heading deep into the forest, Naruto lowered Hinata to the ground and handed her her crutch.
"T...thank you Naruto-kun. But running away like this wasn't planned."
He smiled at her worried face. She looked so cute. Running away with her was definitely worth it.
"We...Can't go back. They will come for me. We can't stay in Konoha can us Naruto-kun? Where to now?"
"Konoha can wait! We're heading to Sand Village as planned!"
The smoke subsided quickly. The Hyuga members looked around, noticing the difference in the room. A huge vein popped up on Yuki's face.
"Those brats... Issue a report to the Hokage! Hyuga Hinata is now considered a rogue ninja, along with that monster for helping her in escaping! They must be brought back!
"It's all because of you..."
Hanabi glared daggers at the elder.
"It's your fault she had to run away, you monster!"
She slammed her fist against a wall. Hanabi's eyes were filled with built up hatred for the clan.
Hanabi...
Hiashi looked shamefully at the floor. Grey strands of hair fell next to his face, covering his vision. Even now he was helpless. But...He had to do something for his daughter.
"No order of such sort will be issued. I will rightfully stand against it as the head. She is no stranger to this clan. Hinata is the daughter of the head of this clan. She will be considered as so. Any orders of her assassination are to be perished immediately."
"Hiashi! You'll go against this clan for that failure?!"
"No, I will go against you for my daughter."
"First of all, we need supplies so we can make the journey. I've already contacted Sakura-chan. She knows about the situation. After getting the supplies, we'll head for Sand."
The moonlight shined off Hinata's midnight locks. Soft wind blew around them. It was a serene environment which one could get lost in its beauty. In the low light, Naruto's face looked peaceful, almost illuminated. Hinata reached up and stroked his blond locks, feeling the softness of them. He leaned into her caress and shifted closer to Hinata. He reached out a hand and gently placed it on her back. Bringing Hinata closer, he embraced her while lowering his head to her shoulder, closing his eyes and sighing.
"We're really doing this, aren't we Naruto-kun?"
"Of course we are, Hinata."
Guilt spread over Hinata. She spoke in Naruto's shoulder.
"N-naruto-kun... I'm so sorry I dragged you into this. To begin with, it was my responsibility, yet you had to support me. And now were on this reckless journey to Sand to... Mmn?"
While she talked, Naruto had moved his head up from her shoulder and right next to her face. He pressed his lips against her soft one and took a tasteful kiss from her.
"Hinata, you worry too much. I wanted to be with you. I wanted to support you. That's why I'm here and nothing can change that, okay?"
"Naruto-kun..."
"Wow. You two have been together for what, a day? And you're already so lovey dovey!"
Naruto pushed Hinata behind his back and faced the intruder.
"Gosh, you'll make her lose her balance Naruto-baka!"
An angry vein popped above Sakura's head as she dropped her stuff and knuckled a good punch in Naruto's gut. She rushed over to Hinata, hugging the kunoichi tightly.
"Word gets around quickly. I can't believe the Hyuga would do such a thing! You guys are correct to run away. Currently, a search is being conducted for both of you. Even now, I can't stay for long. Naruto told me where you're headed and what for. I've gotten you some supplies that'll be more than enough for the 3 days journey! Take care of yourself, Hinata. Contact me as soon as you guys get there! And Naruto, don't do anything reckless."
Sakura's long speech brought tears to Hinata's eyes. She was so mature, calm and collected.
"Sakura-san..." She returned the hug tightly.
Naruto looked at his teammate with pride and smiles.
"Sakura, thanks for helping us. Take care of Sasuke too, we'll be back soon."
"Of course you will! Meanwhile I'll try and make Konoha safe for you two. And Hinata..."
Sakura motioned for the girl to come close. She whispered in Hinata's ear.
"I also packed some 'things' in case you and Naruto do it!"
Hinata's whole body turned beat red.
"S-s-sa...Sakura-san!"
Sakura laughed wildly while Hinata rushed away, almost fainting from embarrassment.
A puzzled Naruto followed her quickly after waving to Sakura. The pink haired kunoichi smiled melancholy.
Those two have far to go...
The gates of the sand village loomed overhead. Naruto and Hinata were welcomed by blowing winds and a lonesome gate. They gave their identification and entered the sand village. Finding Gaara was easy. The two entered the Kazekage's office right in the middle of an argument between him and Kankuro. The man had a bright scar on his cheek and his hand was bandaged.
"I'm telling you Gaara, I'm fine! I don't need these days off! There are better things to do than just taking a vacation."
They noticed the new spectators and Kankuro immediately shut up.
"Naruto. And Hinata-san. What brings you two here?"
Naruto stepped forward, clenching his hand into a fist.
"Listen, Gaara, Kankuro we need your help."
"Hm... This is a difficult matter." Kankuro stroked his chin.
"It's never been done before."
Hinata and Naruto had told Kankuro of their plan and the series of events that occurred with them. Gaara observed the former heiress quietly. Pretty, confident, and definitely willing to continue her life, even after an injury like that. A small smile started on his lips. You picked a smart girl for yourself Naruto.
"Its fine isn't it, Kankuro. This can be your new project to work on. You wanted a challenge right? Well, this is your project. Hinata-san, we will be glad to be of your service. Kankuro, make sure they get comfortable rest and let them start immediately."
Kankuro laughed smugly.
"It will be difficult, but let's do this!"
Naruto, Hinata and Kankuro stood in the middle of a clearing just outside of the village. Kankuro brought out his puppets and started controlling their movements slowly so that each move was noted by Hinata. She activated her Byakugan and studied the chakra networks running through them.
"This is so intricate! The chakra lines act almost like nerves, following your hand movements and responding accurately."
"Huh, you're impressed? Good, good! This is how I control my puppets. With the right practice and prosthetic leg, I can make an imitation leg for you to control. Best part, No pain. You won't tire from walking, running or even jumping. However, I've never tried attaching puppetry on a human before."
Hinata contemplated on that for a few minutes.
"What about… Sasori?"
"That was a different matter. Sasori attached his own heart with a puppet body. But what I'm doing with you is easier. We will first get you to learn how a puppet works. If you learn about it as a whole, it will be easier for you to control the functions of a leg. After you've properly familiarized yourself with the puppet body, we'll attach the chakra networks on your leg and begin the training. But before that, let me see your leg."
Hinata sat down on a stump and pushed up her pant-leg. Her prosthetic leg was simple, designed to look like a leg with a hidden leaf symbol just under the back of the knee. She bent it once, the twisted the ankle. The sensation was really odd.
"Why is it that it still feels unnatural, even after it's been attached to me for half a year?"
Kankuro inspected her leg as he spoke.
"That's because your body hasn't registered the fact that a part of it is gone. But if we make your limb a puppet limb, over time, you'll be able to use it naturally and it will adapt to you ninja instincts. So let's get started eh?"
Hinata spent the next few hours studying puppetry with Kankuro. Watching her from a distance, Naruto smiled at the immense confidence in her eyes. She looked so eager to learn, so eager to rid herself of this disability. He took out a small piece of paper, jotted down their location and that they were safe along with their progress. Summoning a small bird of prey, he directed it to send the message. Naruto sat back and relaxed. This was going to long day.
"...The puppet is controlled by his torso from this joint. Over here are the key points and the leg joint are controlled from here."
Kankuro watched fully impressed as Hinata relayed all the information she'd learned in such a short amount of time and successfully threw it back at him. She even memorized how to control other areas like the head, mid-thigh and special compartments within a puppet.
No wonder. She is unlike anyone I've tried to teach before.
"Well, you learn pretty fast. I would love to move on to the next part but there is only one more thing to do. And that's for you to replace that wood with our special puppetry wood. I'll place an immediate order for it. It will be made by tomorrow morning, so enjoy your evening in our village. We'll meet here tomorrow at 10 sharp. You've done well, Hinata-san!"
Hinata's face lit up like a child.
"Thank you Kankuro-san for helping me! Then, we'll meet tomorrow."
Waving goodbye, Kankuro left to place the order. Hinata ran to Naruto, a bright smile on her face.
"Well, today's training is done! We can relax and head to the hotel room."
"That's great Hinata! Let's rest here for a bit before leaving."
Naruto pulled Hinata's hand so she lost balance. The kunoichi fell on Naruto, who laughed and hugged her tight.
"N-naruto-kun?!"
He pulled her beside him and put his head on her shoulder. After calming down slightly, she patted his head and returned the embrace. Many questions formed in Hinata's head now that they had a chance to just sit together and talk.
"N...naruto-kun?"
"Hm..?"
"Do, do you trust me?"
"If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't be sitting here with you in Sand."
The two sat together, enjoying each other's company when Naruto spoke up.
"I've seen all of your family by now, but I never saw your mother. What happened to her?"
This was a tough question to answer. Hinata gripped Naruto's hand slightly and leaned into him.
"She died. It was when I was very young. I would take care of Hanabi because she was gone. She was so kind and lovely, unlike my father. What about you Naruto-kun, do you know about your parents?"
"From what I've heard about them, they were very kind. I don't remember much about them, but I'm glad to be born as their son."
Naruto recollected of the times Minato and Kushina had shown up to help him. It brought so much sadness but also happiness to him.
"Whoever they were, they were great people. Hinata, I'm sorry how stupid I've been these past years. I never once acknowledged you...I was so busy looking at Sakura I never noticed you. Will you be able to forgive me?"
There was only silence between the two. Naruto pulled back and clasped Hinata's shoulders. Her eyes were almost pearly white in the evening twilight. A tear slipped down her cheek.
"Naruto-kun... I don't mind. It wasn't as if you knew me. You were always alone, and yet not once did I help you..."
"I wasn't alone. I noticed you when I was little, but that went away..."
Before Naruto could finish the thought, Hinata reached up and stroked his cheek. His eyes were stormy too. She looked at him with a new light. Things she never noticed before came into view. She saw his beautiful azure eyes filled with fear, doubt and confusion. She saw the child in him who wished for acceptance, the man in him who wished a family, the friend in him who craved for Sasuke to understand. She saw his lips quivering with built up sadness and pressure. She saw the whisker marks on his cheek, how they singled him out so easily. How they separated him from the crowd.
aah, so this person has sadness buried inside him too. What can I do for him?
She brought his face close, forgetting her shyness.
"From now on, your sadness, your anger, your pain, your depression, you fears, they are all mine."
She leaned forward and sealed those words with a kiss. She swept her hand over his face and the back of his back, placing it below his noggin. Feelings overwhelmed Naruto and he passionately returned her words with the kiss.
"Then I'll also be your ray of light."
Under the soft moonlight, the two shared pain, happiness and soon to come change.
With this, there are 3 more chapters to go! As for the training, I'm planning to keep this story to about 30 chapters and adding details as to how Hinata adapted to her leg would take too long. So I'll finish it up quickly. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! It was a long one. The next chapter will start something new that will be the last of events in this story. Please Read and Review!
~TheJollyHyuga
