chapter 17

Sasuke

I ran a hand through my hair. Tsunade has sent word out to us that they have pin pointed the girl's location. Apparently, she is in one of the smaller villages out side of Cloud. We all stood in front of Tsunade at attention, Yuzuki joining us as a supervisor and aid. It wasn't until a month ago when Tsunade had promoted me temporarily to ANBU. She had called us all in for the briefing, we were to leave immediately to Cloud where one of their ANBU ops was going to meet us at the side entrance of the village.

"Hyuga Neji, I order you to hunt down and bring back this girl, ALIVE. Do I make myself clear?" Tsunade announced.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

"You may use Yuzuki Yami to your disposal. She has agreed to help in anyway possible."

Now that I think about it. Itachi had given me a different last name for Yuzuki a long time ago. I wonder what that was all about. Even Tenten said her last name was Yami. Dammit, Aniki! Stop lying to me!

"Leutenit and Captain, I expect you to continue your success streak in your platoon. Do not hesitate to address Kakashi, Gai, or Yuzuki, for they are your Aids."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Both Tenten and Hyuga replied.

"Dismissed. Except for Yuzuki and Uchiha Sasuke."

Yuzuki and I stood in front of Tsunade. This mission is of great importance to Konoha. She looked at us.

"Due to both of your abilities, I am requesting that you keep a close eye on the girl once you have found her. Yuzuki, I expect you to continue to use your false last name out side of Mist. If it is found out that you have any relation toward me of any kind, it could be trouble."

Yuzuki nodded.

"But what of Tenten? All the lands know she is the Lady of Konoha." Yuzuki asked.

I nodded in agreement. Cloud and Konoha weren't on good terms, but not bad turns either. I'm guessing that Tenten has a high change for screwing things up if she says something that could offend Cloud's leader. But since Hyuga is leader, he will be doing most of the talking.

"Uchiha, I want you to put genjutsu on the girl once you have her. I do not want her to memorize the route to Konoha when you have her."

"Yes, Tsunde-sama."

"Dismissed."

Well that answered the last name question. Yuzuki and I walked down the hallway. I couldn't help but glance over at her. She was a Mist ninja. Tsunade's old pupil. Some how she always ends up backing us up on important things. What about her own team? Her village? She looked over at me and flashed me a smile. I nodded at her and we continued to walk to the entrance where Itachi was waiting for us.

"I have packed all your bags already. Let's get some food before you two head out." He said.

Yuzuki and I nodded. We walked to a small restaurant near the Uchiha compound (where the whole thing use to be before part of it was torn down). We ordered our food and sat in silence. I kept glancing between Itachi and Yuzuki, expecting one of them to begin talking. But it was silent. So, I looked at Yuzuki and asked her where she was from.

"I'm from Mist, Sasuke. You knew that." She responded.

"No, you're not. Aniki said you two went to the academy together."

Yuzuki gave a smile. Yes she was trained in Konoha, but she was born in the Mist country. After she graduated from the Academy, She was shipped a Mist headband from the third Hokage. I asked her then how she managed to stay here. Yuzuki moved back and forth from Leaf to Mist, since her family was one of the noble clans, she could have a dual paper for both villages.

"I met Tenten when she had just entered the Academy. She was put under my care for a little while before she was old enough to understand the world around her." She explained.

"And your older brother here, actually came on some missions with me and we became good friends."

Itachi gave a small smile. Ok but that doesn't explain the last name.

"Traveling between Mist and Leaf was dangerous back then. In order to protect my family name, I changed it. Itachi didn't know me as Yami. At least back then he didn't. And When I met Tsunade, word got around that she was training daughter of the Yami family, so I kept my false name."

"Yuzuki, who was that girl that was with you when I saw you in March?" Itachi asked.

Yuzuki cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh, that was my older sister, Keikoku. She came to visit with me and then left back home."

The blonde? Oh I remember. They don't really look alike though. Yuzuki explained that they were half sisters. Keikoku's mother was part of the Koi family, who held abilities the total opposite of hers. Yuzuki's father couldn't help himself and they had a baby behind everyone's back, having the Koi's abilities. Then when the two families found out, Yuzuki's father married a rich civilian so that the Yami traits will be passed down without any issues.

"That's rough." I commented as our food came.

Yuzuki shrugged. She was the baby that was born with out true feelings. Her mother must be like some...how to explain...? She must have no importance in the clan accept to have kids.

"It's life. At least you guys and the Hyugas can pick, but I know the Hyugas are a bit picky when it comes to marriage. I hear intermarriage is a last resort for them."

I shrugged. Yeah. I know. But according to Hyuga they do not interbreed. We ate our food and I have never noticed how much Itachi actually spoke until he began taking a trip down memory lane with Yuzuki.

Tenten

I sat in my room looking at my bag. They were all packed and my scroll was open. I was debating on taking my Fan or just stick to the usual. The fan is less to carry. But the weapons would be good just in case...I'll just take both but take a smaller scroll!

"Tenten-chan!"

"Yeah come in." I responded.

I turned around and saw Naruto and Sakura walk through my door. Naruto dropped his bag by my door and sat himself on my bed. Sakura walked toward the window and sighed.

"What's up you guys?" I asked putting my scrolls in my pouch and adjusting the weight on my hips.

"We were just stopping by since Sasuke went out to lunch with Itachi and Yuzuki-san." Naruto explained.

I shrugged. I myself was done packing and was ready to head out. There was anther knock on the door. Tsunade had entered and looked around curiously at us.

"I said immediately you know." She looked at Naruto.

Naruto shrugged and told her that we were on our way out now. Rolling her eyes, Tsunade called me over and took out a small coin pouch from her sleeves. I was shocked at the weight. I opened up the pouch and nearly dropped it. She's giving me a lot of money...

"Who do I give this to?" I asked.

"It's yours for the travels. Just in case you need to make an Unscheduled stop or something." She smiled at me.

Oh, uh...I thanked her awkwardly before putting it in my pouch. I drew a seal on a separate scroll and drew on on my bag before pocketing the scroll and strapping my fan onto my back. I turned to Sakura and Naruto and nodded. With Tsunade yelling at Naruto to listen to me and to Sakura to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid, we left my room and ran out the mansion. I actually can't wait to start this mission. I haven't been to the Cloud country since the Jonnin exams.

"Nii-chan, what do you think this girl looks like?"

"Like Orochimaru, idiot." Sakura shot at him.

I laughed as we reached the gates. Neji, Sasuke, Yuzuki and Lee were already there. I looked round.

"Where's Gai-sensei and Kakashi-Sensei?" I asked.

Team Seven shrugged and sighed.

"He's always late..." Sakura explained.

"Always comes up with an excuse..." Naruto grunted.

"And is always quick to change the subject..." Sasuke shook his head.

"My own team knows me very well then!"

We turned to see Gai-sensei dragging Kakashi toward us, looking a bit annoyed. I don't blame him. Gai is all about timing. No wonder Kakashi and him don't get along.

"Are we all here?" Gai looked among us.

"Yes, sensei!" I responded.

He nodded at Neji, who started dashing out the gate. I followed behind him with Lee next to me and Team Seven behind us.

"I plan on reaching the land boarders with in three days since Cloud is a bit further than I thought it to be." Neji spoke to Lee and I.

"There is a small village just before the boarder; we can stop there before heading past it." I told him.

"Yes, Hokage-sama told me about it." Neji replied.

"H-hey, guys!"

We all stopped. I laughed at Team seven since they were so far behind us. Even Gai stayed back to make sure they were ok. Neji sucked his teeth and Lee cheered for them to "use the power of youth".

"I forget that the only one who can keep up is Yuzuki and Uchiha." He mumbled.

"Neji, how about I stay back with them and Yuzuki and Sasuke run with you. I'll make sure Naruto and Sakura don't fall too far behind." I suggested.

"Fine. But I once we set up camp, you and I need to come up with a plan." He looked at me seriously.

I nodded. Once the rest of them caught up, I stayed behind with Naruto and Sakura, just as planned.

Neji

We did not see any sign of enemy ninja anywhere. I would normally find this odd but we are pressed for time. The sky began to turn dark as we came to a stop. I wanted to keep going, but Gai-sensei pointed to team seven. They were a bit worn out trying to keep up with us. Deciding to set up camp. I used my Byakugan to survey the area first. Tenten was setting up traps in the mean time. Uchiha had started a fire by the time Tenten had rejoined us. Sleeping bags out, I decided that I would take watch. Team seven didn't object and Lee was already nodding off. Gai-sensei and Kakashi-sensei sat quietly resting.

"Ok so what did you have in mind?" Tenten asked me.

I looked amongst the group. What is the logical thing to do? I kind of wish Shikamaru was here. My knowledge of Cloud is lacking.

"May I suggest?" Yuzuki spoke from her spot against the tree.

I nodded at her. By the time we get to Cloud, it will be day time. Once we reach the gates we will have to split into groups and search the village. I took that into consideration.

"According to my cousin Jun, who is already there, no one is allowed to leave the village until we find the girl." I told the two girls.

Tenten nodded.

"Group wise, I will need you, Yuzuki, to trail with Gai and Kakashi. Tenten, take Naruto and Lee with you. I'll take Uchiha and Haruno with me."

"Just so we are on the same page. Tsunade has authorized Sasuke and I to use our Kekkei Genkai at any means to bring her back."

She did what? Sasuke and Yuzuki could kill her if they wanted to. I nodded, but told her to remember that they need her alive. Yuzuki nodded herself and smirked, saying to tell that to Uchiha. So that means I have to switch some put a hand on my shoulder.

"And if we run into trouble on the way?" She asked.

"Kill them if they get in the way. If it can be avoided that's better." I replied.

"Tenten, remain at the flank with Kakashi and Gai-sensei. Your fan will protect us if Lee and I miss anything." I added.

Tenten nodded. Although the chances of me missing something is slim, I don't have any room for accidents.

"I can make a protective black screen around us. It will be visible to us but it will attack anything that comes near it from the outside with chakra." Yuzuki said.

I nodded. That will be useful. I glance up at the sky and decided it was time to start moving again. I poked Lee to wake up and called out to the others. Naruto grunted and asked to give him give minutes. Sighing, I walked over and picked him up the the collar. He stirred a bit before I landed a smack on his cheek.

"What the hell, Neji?!" He exclaimed.

"When I say get up. You get up. Is that understood, Naruto?" I hissed.

He gulped and nodded. Letting go of his jacket, I turned. Tenten had already put out the fire and the rest had gotten their belongings. I nodded to Sasuke and we all started dashing forward. Yuzuki had made some hand signs and I notice a black smog encircling my arms and torso. For protection, I reminded myself.

We didn't run into so much trouble. It can't even be considered trouble. Just a group of bandits that tried to jump us but Tenten blew them away with one swing of her fan. Well, that's one way to handle it. I don't know where they landed and I don't care. It's been about six hours now and I think it's noon. I don't have my watch on me, I left it at home. By the request of both Naruto and Sakura, we found a little tea shack near the entrance to a small village near by. Naruto plopped himself down on the cushions and we all ordered our tea. I crossed my arms over my chest as we waited, listening to my teammate's conversation.

"Tenten, I will never understand how you are able to use that thing and not get tired." Naruto said.

Tenten shrugged.

"I've been training to build up chakra. That first time I use it I almost killed myself."

"I remember, you had like a drop of chakra left after you used it." Sakura chimed in.

Gai and Kakashi stayed to themselves. It seems as though they were talking to each other about something important.

"Here are your orders." The young woman walked up to our table with a tray.

She placed the teas in front of us along with some shumai...two orders of it apparently and some Takoyaki.

"Ok so there's enough to go around!" Naruto exclaimed grabbing his chop sticks.

"Thank you for the food!"

I eyed the shumai. Some were a light pink color, and some were white. I chose the pink one and placed it in my mouth. I noticed Tenten, Lee and Naruto looking at me wide eyed.

"What?" I looked at them.

I bit down.

"Uh, that's-"

The heat hit my tongue and spread to my throat. Holy fuck what did I just eat?! My face and chest felt hot and I felt my Byakugan activate.

"Oh, Neji!" Tenten brought my cup of tea to my lips.

Grabbing it from her, I drowned my drink and the heat slowly went from fiery to mild.

"That was weird. What just happen?" Sakura asked cocking an eyebrow.

I shook my head. That was embarrassing...

"Neji doesn't have tolerance for spicy foods." Tenten explained.

"Huh. You have a weak stomach, Hyuga." Uchiha smirked at me.

I sucked my teeth. I do not. I just don't like spicy food. I went for the white shumai and takoyaki. It was satisfying. Tenten flagged over the young lady and asked for the bill.

"Tenten, I'll pay." I said.

She shook her head. She can be so stubborn...

"Lady Tenten?" The young woman looked shocked at her.

"Uh, yeah... What's up?"

I let out a chuckle. She hadn't really gotten used to it yet. Tsunade hasn't told her how to address villagers properly when called. But, her personality wouldn't shine if she took those actual lady lessons.

"My grandmother would love to meet you!"

"Uh, I mean if there's time..." Tenten looked at me.

I shrugged. Might as well. We are a bit early anyway. The young girl went to the kitchen and brought back a little obaa-san. White hair in two braids, she walked over to my teammate and bowed deeply.

"I don't think you remember me, my Lady. But you helped my young grandson out two years ago."

"Hmm, I believe I do. His name was Seiki right?" Tenten asked.

The old woman beamed. She thanked her again for saving him. Her eyed turned to me.

"Ah, Hyuga-kun. You're here too. That's wonderful," the old lady turned back to Tenten "you have grown up quite a bit over two years. You have made ANBU already at this young age?"

Tenten smiled sweetly at the obaa-san. The mission she was speaking about earlier was when I was an ANBU first officer and when Tenten was still a Jonnin. It was about February when we got the mission to come and rescue the boy. Tsunade didn't want to send me because I was an ANBU. But when she read the details about who took the boy, she was all for sending me. Gai and Lee were on a mission in the Star country. We had met the obaa-san before heading out to find Seiki.

"What a fine group of friends you have, My Lady. You are all welcome here anytime." Obaa-san beamed.

"Oh, we need to get going-"

"Then go, my dear. Don't worry about it. You have paid me back with greater value than you can think of."

I thanked the old lady and she made me promise to look after everyone.

"Of course." I replied.

And so we gathered our belongings and went dashing to Cloud.

Just as planned, we reached the gates and met up with Jun. I nodded at him and we passed through the gates, the cloud ninja watching our every move. Since the village was on a mountain, the view was incredible. I couldn't believe that the people have no fear of falling. The villagers were moving about as we jumped from rooftop to rooftop, heading to the Raikage's mansion. I've heard from Tsunade that the Raikage's doesn't trust other villages. Which I can understand. Alliances can be troublesome. (listen to me I sound like Shikamaru...).

"Ok, I'll do the talking. Tenten, stand beside me." I said before we entered the building.

Two Cloud ninja walked us to his office. As we were granted access, I can feel the room's intense atmosphere. We all stood before the Raikage's and bowed, waiting for him to say something to us.

"Konoha ninja. Your timing is exceptional." He bellowed.

"Thank you, Raikage-sama." I replied...not sure if he's being sarcastic or not...

"Raise. We must discuss something before you're sent off, poking your nose around and disrupting my people."

I heard Naruto and Sasuke suck their teeth behind me. I send them a glare before standing at attention.

"The girl is indeed in my village. I wish to compare pictures so we are on the same page." The Raikage pulled two photos from a folder on his desk.

I pulled out the photo that was provided by Tsunade and placed it on his desk. We both examined them. Indeed, it was the same girl we were looking for. She had taken form of a younger version of herself, probably thirteen. I announced to my team that there is a match and described what she was wearing in the photo. Raikage informed me that his photos were taken yesterday. According to his Jonnin that are on foot posts, she didn't look like she belonged anywhere, and when they asked for her name and village, she didn't speak. But she had her headband on her that obviously stood for Sound. I nodded and glanced down at the picture once more. Sound ninja don't normally travel outside their villages. They are easy to pick out since every village has their own vibe to them.

"Did these Jonnin notice which way the girl was headed in the village?" I asked.

"No, the idiots...but since each mountain is on lock down until you all find her, she is supposedly on the west mountain, closets to the outer gates." He replied.

I nodded.

"Raikage, we will retrieve her swiftly and quietly." I said.

The Raikage gave a grunt and his eyes shifted to my team.

"Uzumaki Naruto... We meet again." He said.

"Yeah, it's nice to be back in Kumogakure, Raikage." He replied.

I held my breathe. Please don't say anything stupid, Naruto!

"Are you still friends with the Kazekage?"

"Oh yeah, Gaara and I still talk."

Idiot forgot to add the honorific.

The Raikage nodded and continued to eye my group. He stopped on Uchiha. They exchanged glanced for a moment before he spotted Jun and Yuzuki.

"Mist ninja. You have come a long way. Did the Mizukage send you all the way from Kirigakure? How annoying. Your presence is not needed here. As is yours Waterfall Ninja. You're far from Takigakure."

"If I may, Raikage?" I raised my hand.

He looked at me and nodded.

"I asked Hokage-sama to add these two shinobi to my group. I have worked with both in the past and try have proven loyal to us in Konoha."

"You Leaf are too trusting. Especially since Kirigakure is the most suspicious village in the nation."

I did not sense any reaction from Yuzuki. She probably knows that it's true. Most rouge ninja come from her village. But in comparison to the Waterfall, it's actually known. Waterfall is isolated, and not known to many people. If you had to point it out on a map, you wouldn't be able to find it the first time.

"And I see Tsunade-san sent the princess as well."

Tenten stiffened next to me. Her face was hard.

"I know who you are. You are the great weapons mistress. News has travelled around about you. Your skill is unique, I will give you that. But I fear your presence will stir up my people."

"I will try not to stand out too much, Raikage-sama. I will wear my mask if you wish." Tenten replied smoothly.

I clenched my fists. This is taking too long. The Raikage nodded in approval. He expected a full report once we have captured the girl and are ready to leave the village. I nodded and we were dismissed. A Cloud ninja led us to the west mountain and showed us to where we were staying. A small hotel with a bath house. How nice of the Raikage. I thanked him and I looked at my group. Since I had the Byakugan, I had a better chance of finding the girl. I passed around the picture. I looked at Jun. even though he has no Byakugan, his tracking skills were still good. He can trace chakra, according to one of my aunts, which could be of some use. But since he doesn't know her chakra signature, it's going to be a long shot.

"Alright, I have the plan." I announced.

They all looked at me.

"Yuzuki, Lee, Sakura, and Kakashi-sensei will search the streets with me during the day. Since there is a lot of people, we will be able to survey the area. Sakura, since your chances of blending in are better than mine or Lee's, you will take the main square here and look around the market."

"Alright." She nodded at me.

"Naruto, Gai-sensei, Tenten, Uchiha, and Jun; you will search at night. Jun's chakra tracing will have better affect since the girl is constantly using her chakra, unlike the Jonnin that will be patrolling the area."

My cousin nodded at me. Naruto raised his hand and asked who Jun was anyway.

"Oh, right. Only Neji-sama and Uchiha-san know me. I am Hyuga Jun; part of the Yonin branch." He smiled at them.

The others looked confused, so Kakashi-sensei explained that the Yonin were a branch of the Hyuga family that didn't have the Byuakugan. They just carried the name. There is another section of Hyuga that does not carry the name, but that have one Hyuga parent and do not carry the Byakugan. Tenten greeted him sweetly and Jun's face lit up and he bowed in admiration. Sakura let out a chuckle, she must have seen my face. I rolled my eyes when he have her a flirty smile.

"Alright, You know your groups. Captain, you will stay here until we return. Here are your radios. Move out." I said and left the room.

We split around the village. I told Sakura to be careful while walking through the streets. I told Yuzuki to stay with Lee, just in case he needed help with the whole "can't use ninjutsu" thing. I just worry about him since he has always had the tendency to jump into a situation with out thinking.

"Leutenit," a voice sounded into my ear.

"Yes?" I replied lowly as I walked through the crowd, my eyes down (just in case any of these cloud ninja try to question why a Hyuga is roaming around).

"The square seems to be clear. Should I ask around about the girl?"

"Go ahead, Sakura. But keep an eye out." I replied.

I weaved through the crowd with ease. I need to get higher up onto the rooftops without causing a ruckus. I soon found a small alley and slipped into it. I jumped off of one of the walls and bounced off the other, reaching the top of a roof. Crouching on the ledge, I looked around. People were shuffling about, but there was no sign of any unusual movement. I activated my Byakugan and continued to scan the area. People, Cloud ninja, the cabbage man, but no unusual chakra signature. Sucking my teeth, I checked in with the others. Sakura was still in the square, but she didn't have any luck. Lee and Yuzuki's results were the same.

"Leutenit," Kakashi-sensei's voice sounded in my ear.

"Yes?"

"I have one of the Cloud ANBU here. He is the Captain to the Hunter-ninja and he wishes to speak with your captain."

Captain of the Hunter-ninja? I had forgotten that Cloud also had a type of elite unit. I sighed and gave the ok to Kakashi to bring him to the others.

"Yes, Leutenit."

Sasuke

Ok so either Hyuga disturbed the peace, or Raikage really doesn't like us. I looked at Kakashi-sensei as he stood in the doorway with a Cloud ninja. He held a straight face as he asked for Tenten. Tenten stood and walked up to him. He bowed to her.

"Yes?" She asked him.

"Lady Captain, I have a request."

"Do you?"

I glanced at her. She had her arms crossed over her chest and her posture was straight.

"I request that your ninja to not wear their headbands in public. The citizens are becoming antsy that something is wrong." The ANBU said cooly.

Ha, what nonsense. Seems as though Raikage has an iron fist on his village. I can see Tenten holding back an eye roll as she nodded.

"Very well. However I suggest that your shinobi do not try to interfere with our operation. Mother will be very cross if it's reported that the Cloud shinobi were unwilling to comply to our mission by stepping back and letting us work."

I watched as the ninja clenched his jaw.

"Also, since this is your village, you can help by calming the people so Raikage-sama doesn't, not only be cross with us, but with you for not doing your job and keeping the peace."

Oh snap. I hear Jun give a grunt, trying not to laugh. I held back my amusement as he bowed and left the room, his face drained of color at the thought of dealing with the Raikage. Tenten looked pleased with herself. She held a mighty smirk as Kakashi gave her the the thumbs up. She actually handled that really well. Our Lady scared him shitless in a classy, professional manor.

"Way to make him scared for his life, Tenten." Jun let out a laugh.

"What? That sweet princess shit don't fly with me. Since I am technically of higher status, I needed to let him know what's expected and what are the consequences." She replied putting her hands on her hips.

"Woah, easy there, my flower. Don't let it go to your head now. That's not youthful." Gai-sensei called from his hand stand.

Tenten shook her head. It hasn't gone to her head at all. In fact she just pulled it out of thin are to make him back off. I chuckled. That's no surprise, winging it is her specialty. I glanced out side. It's almost time for Hyuga to bring it in for the night. Naruto walked through the door, just coming back from the bathroom.

"You just missed our lovely 'Lady of Konoha' turn on the sass toward a Cloud ANBU." Jun exclaimed.

Naruto's eyes got wide as Tenten grinned, obviously pleased with herself.

"You, got sassy? That's new."

Tenten shrugged.

"Naruto! Come occupy the time and do push ups with me!" Gai-sensei chirped.

I sweat dropped as Naruto gave me a desperate look. I gave him a face and he slowly approached Gai and began to work out.

Now if only Hyuga would hurry up...

(()()()

hope this was ok...- p.o.g