Another chapter to enjoy!
Chapter Three
Within the Hokage's building a meeting of the council was taking place. Dating back to the days of the first Hokage, the council's purpose, in theory, was to serve as the Hokage's advisors. In practice they were the bureaucracy of the village. One side of the council were shinibos of the Leaf consisting of clans' leaders and independent shinibo of high status. The other side of the council belonged to elected civilian members.
Ultimately, the Hokage made the final decision on legislative matters but he was a busy man and keeping in touch with everything in the village was impossible. Each side of the council included experts in their own fields and their interests did not cross too often. Shinibo cared little about where the metal for their weapons came from as long they could get them. Merchants thought little how their weapons were used as long as the shinibo paid for them.
Sometimes, however, their interests could collide and when they did the old man sitting in a plain chair on a platform above his subjects mentally denounced them all. Wrinkles creased the Third Hokage's, also known as Sarutobi Hiruzen, tanned, liver spotted face. A red, wide cone hat with a white front tip and decorated with his title kijin hid his graying hair. One of his hands stroked a goatee while the other rested upon his red kimono held together with a white sash. Over the kimono he wore a white haori.
To his left side stood the village's Elders. Koharu Utatane, an old woman was clad in a long kimono under a jacket, obi and sash. Flanking her right was Homura Mitokado, an old man looking through green framed glasses and wearing an outfit similar to her counterpart's.
Civilians sat on pillows on one side of the circular room while the shinibo sat on their side. All but one seat, reserved for one of two of the village's most powerful clans was filled.
"We simply can't permit the Uchiha to continue as is," stated one of the civilians. "While their service to the village over time is noteworthy we must focus on the now."
On the shinibos' side of the council a man with black hair tied up into a pineapple ponytail nodded in agreement. "That much we can agree upon. We can't, however, go in and take out those who might be traitors. Loyalists to the village will strike back if they believe their family to be in danger."
"Why can't we just kill off the older generation?" shouted another civilian. "They're the ones who are sparking tensions. Send them off a suicide mission or poison them." That civilian shrunk back when a wave of killing intent hit him from the shinibos and a fair number of his own colleagues.
Inhaling deeply from his pipe, the Hokage held it as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Whatever we do," said the Hokage, "we must keep this to ourselves. If the other villagers found out a civil war will break out."
"Yes," agreed Homura, "if the other Villages were to discover this weakness they will try to play on it."
"Then it might be best to cut off the bud before it blossoms," said Koharu.
"Haven't we already been over this?" said a large, fat man in red armor. "We want to keep the deaths to a minimum none if possible."
"It's too late for avoiding deaths," said a civilian. "When the Uchiha is planning for our own."
In a cold tone a shinibo with long brown hair and white eyes said, "Have you forgotten that without the Uchiha this village wouldn't exist today?"
Back and forth the bantering went with no real end in sight. Sitting back in his chair, the old Hokage wondered why he ever came out of retirement. A sudden noise caught his attention. It was faint and distant but it was there. Steadily but surely the noise became louder and louder drawing first the shinibos' than the civilians' attention to a double door.
"What is that noise," asked a civilian.
The white eyed shinibo's eyes bulged out as an outline of a pupil appeared. Frowning, he said, "It appears as if…"
The double door burst open. With a screaming Naruto clinging to his neck Silver dashed into the room. Twirling around, he flicked his wrist and a knife with a curved blade and plain black wooden hilt appeared in his hand. Gripping the handle, the merchant brought it up and struck out. Several kunai and shuriken were struck by the blade and clattered to the ground. Moments later several men wearing black sleeveless uniforms under gray flak jackets entered the room. Emotionless masks of various animals stared the merchant down as their hands went for the short swords strapped to their backs.
"Calm now," said Silver with an unguarded smile, "I do not want a fight." From the shadows of the room the masked men jumped forward, three of them surrounding the merchant.
"Dog," came the Hokage's cool voice, "what is the meaning of this?" A person wearing a porcelain mask shaped as a dog spoke.
"Forgive me Lord Hokage," said the masked man. His most defining feature was silver hair that spiked upward in one direction. "This man was told that you were busy, but refused to listen."
Lowering the knife, the merchant said, "I merely want to talk with the Hokage."
"He's over there," said Naruto as he pointed to the Third Hokage. "Hey grandpa! What you doing?" Many people in the room stared at Naruto. Some looks were cold, others confused, but all disbelieving of his manner of addressing their leader.
"Who's the man in the funny hat?" whispered a blonde shinbo man with his hair in a ponytail to the heavy shinibo.
"Good question," said Silver as he suddenly appeared in front of the blonde. If the blond hadn't been a veteran he would had jumped back. He looked between himself and the void where the merchant once stood. The masked men were baffled. He's fast enough to get by the Anbu, thought the blond.
"My name is Silver Dollar the Third," said the merchant.
"I'm Inoichi Yamanaka," said the blond. "May I ask why you interrupted the meaning?"
"Of course." Kneeling down, Silver took the fox boy off his back. "But first call off your men. I have no desire to fight. Just talk." Inoichi looked to the Hokage.
While the Hokage shouldn't let the current issue slide, he was in the mood for a distraction. "Was anyone been injured?" asked the Hokage.
"No sir," said Dog, "strangely enough this man avoided doing any harm."
"Then I think we can amuse him for a moment. After that he may or may not be escorted to the Intelligence Division."
"But Lord Hokage," said the white eyed man, drawing a keen interest from Silver. "We've got…"
"A short interruption can be made," said the Hokage. "Anbu, you're dismissed."
"Yes sir," said the masked man with a bow. The man and his comrades hopped out of sight, disappearing back into the shadows.
Silver and Naruto walked to the center of the room. "Good evening ladies and gentlemen," said the merchant. "Today I'm here to file a request."
"You're a foreigner," said a civilian, "what could you possibly need that is so important?"
Chuckling, Silver said, "This is a lovely village with good people and good jobs. Maybe I'll hang around for a while. But that is beside the point. I wish to adopt one Naruto Uzumaki."
A stunned silence fell over the room. Naruto looked at Silver with wide eyes. Looking down at the boy with a beaming smile, Silver said, "I've known him only for a short while, yet the boy wormed his way into my heart. If you wouldn't mind…"
Flesh slapped against wood. Silver followed the sound to the milky white eyed man. Standing up, the tall, regal person wore a loose white robe with an open brown hario. His face was plastered into a stoic mask. "The boy is not up for adoption," he stated.
A small, mocking smile crossed the merchant's face. "Since when do the blind become so forceful?" That got muttered running through the crowd. Ever so slightly the white eyed man's eyes narrowed. Returning his attention to the Hokage, Silver said, "I have heard that the boy can't be adopted, but my question is why? Just because I'm a foreigner is a lame excuse. It's not like your own people treat him decently."
"Silence your tongue," shouted a pink haired civilian, "you do not know what happened in this village."
"That's because this village isn't willing to speak with the world," Silver calmly said. "That isn't something I can control." Looking to the Hokage with slight irk, Silver said, "What I can control is giving this boy some quality of life. Just a week ago I found a mob chasing after the boy with the desire for blood. I recognize more than a couple of faces still roaming free."
"Wait a moment," said a feral looking kunoichi with a dog sitting beside her, "you're the one that hung those ninja?"
"Sure did," exclaimed Naruto. "He took them out as if they were nothing."
"They underestimated me," said Silver with a shrug, "even then they were pretty weak. Anyway, I wish to take this boy under my wing."
"That isn't possible," said the Hokage's advisors in union.
Homura said with a bit of an edge, "We don't know your intentions. For all we know…" The Hokage rose a hand and the advisor gave his leader an odd look.
"Even if we agree to allow this," said the Hokage. "What makes you think you can care of the boy?"
Snorting, a wide smile crossed Silver's face. "Please," said Silver with a wave of his hand, "it will be no problem. I can't do much worse than any of you already have." A small frown formed as the Hokage's gaze hardened. "And considering the ninja of the village…" Shaking his head, Silver said, "I see a blind man, a sloth, a glutton, a feral woman, and a creeper among your ranks. A little discouraging if you ask me."
Heated glares came from the civilians. Though the insults weren't thrown directly at them, they still felt the village had been insulted as a whole. The shinibos were more interesting to obverse. Some stared at him in surprise. The "feral" woman growled deeply while the heavy man glared as if his looks could kill. A man with a ponytail shaped like a pineapple top had a calculated look while the Hygua stared with an unreadable face.
Surprisingly, it was the Hygua who spoke first. "You're confident in your skills."
The merchant nodded while smiling. "Confident enough to beat a blind man. In fact, why not make a little wager?"
"Like a bet?" asked Naruto. Silver nodded.
"I'm listening," said the clan leader.
Silver his hand and three fingers. "Three days," said the merchant, "we shall meet at the training field with the memorial stone. When I win Naruto must be put up for adoption. If you happen to win than I'll drop the subject and leave town. Never to be heard of again." A nervous look came from the fox boy. While confident that his new friend was strong, the clan leaders weren't people to push around. His grin became much warmer as the merchant turned to the Hokage. "Of course, it up for the Lord Hokage to make it official."
Loudly snorting, a civilian said, "Go on Hiashi. Show this man who he is talking to." Similar agreement went through the council among both sides.
Silence settled upon them. The Hokage puffed on his pipe while the challenger stared down the challenge. Sort of like watching an excited chimp stare down a block of wood. "Well," said Silver, stressing the word.
"Lord Hokage," said Hiashi, "would you be able to agree to this man terms?" The Hokage mulled the question. Yes, there was a law forbidding Naruto to be adopted. It was imposed to keep the clans and certain other people from abusing the boy he considered a grandson. Yet if this merchant who showed no ill will were to win…
Sighing, the Hokage exhaled a cloud of smoke. He held out the pipe to his right and turned it upside. His thumb knocked on it until the ashes fell out, the remains of his tobacco landing with a puff in a bronze jar. "As long as Silver agrees to keep Naruto within the village," proclaimed the Hokage, "his wager will be accepted."
"Hear that Naruto," said Silver with a wide grin. "Time to adjust for life with parents." With one arm the merchant scooped up the fox boy and placed him on his shoulders. He started for the door when the Hokage's voice to stopped him.
"Silver, never burst in here again without permission. You might not be so lucky next time. And Naruto, please visit me tomorrow."
"Yes sir," said Silver with a nod.
"Okay Grandpa," shouted Naruto as he waved. "See you tomorrow." With that said the two left the room.
Through Fu, the snake mistress figured out where the merchant was staying. She was waiting for him, petting Hoshi absentmindedly, when Silver marched through his door. "What happened?" Anko immediately demanded. To make her point she grabbed Silver by the shoulder and planted him right onto the bed. Fu scrambled to his side to hear the story.
And it was a story to be heard. By the end of it Anko stared at the merchant while Fu clapped her hands together. "You're incredible," said Fu.
"Incredibly insane," said Anko, "or stupid. Or both."
Shrugging, the merchant said, "No avoiding it now. I've got a mean date with Hishia. So do you mind helping a guy out and providing a little information about the guy? Anything at all well help."
Rolling her eyes, Anko said, "I'm surprised you haven't heard of the Hyuga. They're a clan with a dōjutsu known as the Byakugan. The short of it is that their eyes let them see through pretty much anything and a person's chakra network. A fighting style known as the gentle fist has been created around it where the aim is to damage internal organs rather than cause external bruising."
"Sounds like a hell of way to fight," said Silver with a thoughtful face.
"Though it sounds like you have to be up close to be effected," noted Fu.
Anko smiled at the vertette. "Pretty much. That's all I can tell you really. Anything beyond that is the clan's secret."
"Of course is it," said Silver. "Thanks for the info. You best be heading home. No need to worry about Naruto. I already took him home."
The blond fox boy sneezed. A hand rubbed his nose as he stared up at the dark ceiling. His normal clothing had been replaced by green pajamas with a night cap shaped like a dog. It was that hour of the day when all life should be asleep. Lying in his bed, Naruto felt little need to sleep at the moment. Lowering his hand, he said to the darkness, "It's annoying how Fu keeps on calling me Whiskers. As if I'm some type of cat."
"She's only doing it to get a reaction," replied the voice.
Naruto pouted. "I know, but even when I don't react she keeps calling me that."
"At least she does it in good nature. There's no hate in that voice."
Nodding in agreement, Naruto said, "True enough Kurama. So what do you think Grandpa wants to talk to me about?"
Suddenly, Kurama's voice grew bitter. "Probably going to interrogate you about your time with the merchant." Naruto couldn't help but sigh. Whenever the villagers were noted his friend would always talk in that angry voice. Kurama's voice soften a bit as she said, "Though it will only be for your safety. Silver may mean well, but we never know."
Memories of when the blond was younger flashed into his mind. More than once a villager been friendly to hurt him later on. "I'll be careful," said Naruto.
"I know you will. Now sleep. You shouldn't keep the Hokage waiting by sleeping in."
Behind a plain desk and small amount of paperwork the Third Hokage sat in a tall blue chair. In his hand was one of the many papers that he had to deal with. With a shake of his head he placed it down into a pile for forms being rejected. Upon seeing that he still had a small mountain to go, he sighed. He twirled around in his seat to look out a series of large windows that provided a view the village.
From the room's entrance he heard a commotion. "Hey Grandpa," came an all too familiar voice. "It's me."
A grin crossed the old man's face. "You may enter Naruto." The door banged open as the blond rushed into the room. The room was truly plain. Aside from the desk and several bookshelves lining the walls there was little to see.
Rushing around the desk, Naruto tackled the Hokage and hugged his stomach tightly. "Hey old man," said Naruto with a bright smile, "keeping that chair warm for me?"
Chuckling, the Third Hokage grabbed Naruto and lifted him into his lap. "You've still got a long way to go Naruto," said the Hokage. "So I see that you have made a new friend."
His head bobbed so quickly that Naruto's head became a blur. "Sure did old man. Silver had done nice to me since we meet. He's even got a daughter who likes to play with me. A bit mean at times, but cool for the most part. Did you know that ladybugs can help keep a garden healthy?"
"I did not," admitted the Hokage. "So Naruto, what is Silver like?"
The blond's face scrunched up as his eyes narrowed. "He's odd," said the blond, "with his way of speaking and clothing in general. Certainly isn't from around here. I think he said something about being a merchant." Nodding his head, the Hokage waited for the blond to remember more things. After a little while the blond shook his head. "Honestly, he hasn't talked about himself all that much. Neither does Fu come to think of it."
"Can you think of anything at all," the Hokage egged with a kind voice.
Naruto shrugged. "You know as much as I do." In a much more excited voice, he said, "Hey Grandpa, do you happen to have some water somewhere?"
"There's the bathroom down the hall." Before he could ask for any reasons, Naruto jumped out of the seat. At a dead sprint he left the room. Moments later, he was rushing back with his hands cupped together, water splashing out and dripping onto the floor.
"Watch this!" proclaimed Naruto. For a moment the Hokage wasn't sure what he was looking at. Then he noticed that what remained of the water stopped leaking out of the blonde's hands. As the blond pulled his hands apart the water split roughly in half. Waving his hands about, the blond's smile grew wide from the Hokage's stunned look. It wasn't that the show of chakra control was incredible on its own. It was that a boy of Naruto's age was doing it. As Naruto got the water to travel around his body the Hokage clapped.
"Not bad Naruto," said the old man as his hands rest on the desk. "Did Anko teach you that?"
"No, Silver did," said Naruto. The blond drew the water to his forehead. With a little effort he shaped it into a diamond. "I can make shapes if I try hard enough."
"Impressive," said the old man. "Naruto, I have to return to work." He chuckled at the groan. "But later today we can go get ramen if you like." Instantly, a smile appeared on the blond's face.
"Okay," said Naruto as he turned to leave.
"And make sure to dump that water into a sink," the Hokage shouted.
"Of course I will." In honestly, Naruto was about to dash outside without a second thought.
As soon as the door closed the Hokage's smile faded to a confused frown. "This merchant isn't making my life easy." From a corner of the room the shaped of a man with a pineapple sticking out of his head peeled away from the wall. Regaining his colors, the man's hair grew dark while a couple of scars appeared on his face. He wore the outfit of most shinibo of the village with a headband wrapped around his arm. He swiped away a fly resting on a red swirl on his shoulder. "What do you think, Shikaku?"
Even when addressed by his leader Shikaku had a slouch to his stance. "Hard to say really. Obviously, Silver's motives aren't malicious. No one is stupid enough to kidnap someone by proclaiming they want them."
"Yet you're still disturbed?" asked the Hokage as he brought his fingers together.
"I had the shinibos and civilians who assaulted Naruto arrested," said Shikaku. "Didn't take much to get them to admit to the deed. Downright proudly some of them." A bit of disgust leaked into the shinibo's tone. The Hokage couldn't help but sigh at the news. "The shinibo's report on Silver's fight was troubling. Without using hand signs for speed he appeared to be able to cross a large gap almost instantaneously.
"Time-space jutsu," offered the Hokage.
Closing his eyes, Shikaku said, "Can't say. I think he used it in the council room, but it happened too fast. Overall, I don't think he's a threat to the village. He is, however, hiding something." Opening his eyes, the shinibo said, "To be on the safe side I think we should place an Anbu unit on him. Unless he's threatening or being threatened they should keep their distance."
"Fair enough," said the Hokage, "but for Naruto's sake let's hope this kindness is nothing more than that."
Naruto made his way through the streets at a brisk pace. From all around he could quite literally smell the fear and loathing radiating off the people around him, a bitter smell that made rotten eggs a wonderful perfume. Not that he liked strong smells to begin with. The whispers were the worst. His hearing was on par with that of a dog and throughout his life he learned to tune out the background noise. Yet he found it impossible to block out the stinging words.
"It's that kid," muttered a female voice in scorn. From inside a shop, a man said, "He's still around." A group of kids said among themselves, "Look, it's the fox kid. Think he'll bite if we throw something at him?" Harsher words than the last filtered into his ears. A bright smile covered his face yet his insides were twisted into painful knots.
It is okay Naruto, said Kurama's soothing voice.
But it wasn't okay. It was never… "Hey Whiskers!" shouted a familiar voice. This drew Naruto and several other people out of their thoughts. Waving a hand, Fu looked right at the blond. Sitting beside her was Hoshi. A real grin broke across the blonde's face as he darted over to the vertette.
"Hey Fu," said Naruto. Looking around in confusion, he asked, "Where's Silver?"
"Hanging out at a bar," said Fu.
Frowning, Naruto said, "Shouldn't he be getting ready to fight that stern guy?"
"Hiashi?"
"Ya," said Naruto with a nod.
"He is. Anyway," leaning in she whispered, "what's with all the evil eyes?"
"I don't know," said Naruto. "Most people in the village look at me that why."
"That's not nice," noted the vertette.
A scowl formed as Naruto said, "It isn't." The scowl twisted into a wicked grin befitting a fox. "And I think it's time to have a little fun with them." Leaning forward, Naruto whispered into Fu's ears. The fox watched as Fu's confusion turned into a wide, mischievous smile.
"Not a bad idea," said Fu as Naruto pulled back.
"Then you'll help?" said Naruto.
Nodding, Fu said, "But I think we need one more helper for our conspiracy. It all depends on if she has her all seeing eyes yet." Naruto gave the girl a blank look. Rolling her eyes, Fu said, "Let's find Hinata."
"Okay," said Naruto, his tone doubting.
"Just come on and help me find her."
Finding the heiress proved difficult to do. While they knew that she was a Hygua, neither knew where they lived. Fu sighed in frustration when the blond, who had lived here all his life, knew so little about one of the village's most famous clans. Asking for help was a no-no. Anytime either of them approached someone the person would give them a cold stare and told them to get lost. One man took the liberty of throwing a pot at Naruto.
After a bit of wandering they happened upon a tall, white wall. Positioned at its entrance were two men with the same eyes as their friend. Just as Naruto headed their way, Fu grabbed him and pulled him behind the corner. "Hey," exclaimed the blond.
"Sorry Naruto," said Fu, "but whenever someone sees you they just get cold. Leave this to me."
Naruto seemed reluctant, but with a nod of his head he said, "Fine."
Putting on a sweet smile, Fu started humming a cheerful tune, one she had heard Silver hum thousands of times before. She sauntered around the corner and toward the two Hyuga. Within hearing distance, she said, "Hello." The two Hyuga faced her with stoic masks. "Does Hinata happen to live here?"
"Lady Hinata does live here," said one the Hyuga, "why do you ask?"
"I'm a friend of hers and I was hoping she could come out and play." An expression of slight shock came upon one of the Hyuga's faces. His kin examined the girl.
"I'll see if she is busy." With that said he left them. Minutes later Hinata briskly walked over to Fu.
With a shy smile, she said, "G-good morning Fu."
"How does going to the training grounds sound?" said the vertette. "I think there are a bunch of Red Admiral butterflies flying around there."
"O-okay," said Hinata as she looked around, "but w-where is N…."
Fu quickly stepped up and slapped a hand over Hinata's mouth and hand gestured to the ground to Hoshi. "Nara is right here silly. For someone who can see everything you're kind of blind to what's in front of you." This caused Hinata to raise an eyebrow. She received a pleading look.
As the hand was removed, Hinata said, "N-nara sure is g-good at sneaking up on p-people."
"Lady Hinata," said one of the Hyuga, "you can't leave the compound without an escort."
Grabbing the heiress by the wrist, the vertette said, "She'll be fine." With that said she darted off, dragging a startled Hinata behind her.
"Wait," said the Hyuga as he took a step forward.
"Let her go," said his companion. "It would be good for our Lady to spent time with a confident person. Maybe she'll rub off on her." The Hyuga seemed displeased, but nodded before returning to his position.
Quickly coming around the corner, the two girls were tackled by the blond. "Hey Hinata," he said with a wide grin. The heiress' face took on the shade of a tomato before she promptly passed out. "Hinata," exclaimed Naruto as he pulled the girl closer to him, "what's wrong?"
Beneath both of her friends laid Fu, eyebrows twisting. "Get off of me Whiskers," shouted the vertette as she jerked upward. This caused both the blond and heiress to fall off. Naruto fell upon Hinata, but was quickly grabbed by the collar and yanked to his feet. "Stay off her and she'll be fine," said Fu.
Displeased with that answer Naruto said, "What does that have do with anything?"
Sighing, Fu said, "Just do as I ask."
It wasn't long until Hinata came to. As she sat up she said, "S-sorry."
"It's nothing to worry about," said Fu while waving a hand in a dismissing manner. "Anyway Hinata, are you able to use the byakugan?"
"Byakugan," said Naruto with a confused look, "how that going to help us?"
"Naruto," said Fu with a shake of her head, "the byakugan is able to see through objects."
"I-it can," said Hinata as she stood, "and I h-have just recently l-learned to activate it."
"Good," said Fu as she looked around. She gestured with her hand for the heiress to lean forward. The heiress complied. Whispering into her ear, Fu explained the real reason she was needed. As more was explained the greater the disbelief that Hinata showed.
"W-we shouldn't do t-that," said Hinata as she pulled away.
"Oh come on Hinata," said Fu with a pout, "nobody is going to get hurt."
"And it's going to be funny," said Naruto. "Image all the looks there are going to be."
Force of habit had the heiress looking to the ground, index fingers pushing together in front of her face. "As l-long as n-nobody is h-hurt I g-guess it's fine," said Hinata.
"Then to the hot springs we go," declared Naruto as he rushed off.
Staring at the rapidly retreating figure, Fu asked, "Do you know where we are going?"
"Yes," said Hinata.
"Then let's catch up with the idiot." Hinata giggled as they started off.
Pushing aside the door, Silver called over his shoulder, "It has been grand guys. We should do this more often." Although the merchant had a faint odor of sake on him he walked with little hindrance. From his pant packet he took out a piece of paper. It was a small map of the village detailing all of the village's main buildings and hotspots. To his disappointment there were hardly any gambling halls in town.
There was, however, a hot springs on the edge of the village. Upon hearing that the village had one he immediately thought of the soothing effects of the hot waters. His schedule might be tight but a quick dip shouldn't do him much harm. With the assistance of the map he found the hot spring's bathing house, which was a bright red building tucked into the mountain and surrounded by a moat of steaming water.
As he crossed a wooden bridge to the main building a great angry shout echoed throughout the springs. Hardly a moment later three young children were darting right by him. Silver caught only a glance, but he knew that was his troop of children. "Run Hinata!" shouted Fu.
Curious about what had happened the merchant walked to the building. Just as he entered it a mob of people came flowing out. "Where are they?" shouted one of them as they scanned the area. The merchant stared at the people, his lips fighting not to break out into a lopsided smile. The entirety of the people's bodies were dyed. The men were a hot pink and the ladies a cool shade of blue. Each gender was wearing clothing suitable for the opposite sex.
The crowd's eyes fell onto the merchant as he roared out in laughter, tears threatening to spill down his cheeks. Needless to say, the victims were not pleased. "Where did the demon go?" shouted one of them.
"Naruto?" asked Silver.
"We have to stop them before he corrupts those girls."
Pointing in the exact opposite direction the children had taken, Silver said, "I think I saw them heading to the north." Without making further inquiry the prank victims charged off with righteous fury. The merchant headed in the direction of the kids. Maybe I'll skip the springs today, he thought to himself, a hand clamped over his mouth in a failed attempt to halt the laughter.
As soon as the names of the children who dyed the hot springs got out Hiashi visited the merchant. His words were cold and stinging. He was disapproving of not only his child's actions, but of the fact the merchant allowed Naruto to drag the two girls into it. With a shrug of his shoulder, Silver said, "Kids will be kids. Sure the springs will need a day or two to clear the water of dye, but no real harm was done."
"They should be punished," Hiashi stated coldly.
"They are," said Silver, "as we speak they are helping with cleaning the springs." Whether it was his causal tone or mild demeanor the clan leader was not impressed. Unbeknownst to either of them Anko had used a scare tactic to teach the children a lesson. She had let a big and hungry snake chase the three children around the woods for a couple of hours.
"Just keep those hooligans away from my daughter," Hiashi more or less ordered.
With a mock bow, Silver said, sarcasm dripping from his voice, "Whatever you say your highness." The clan leader left with a slight scowl on his face.
News of the impending fight traveled fast in the village. Especially when Fu and Naruto, by the merchant's request, went around telling everyone about it. Tales of Silver's behavior during the council meeting also spread. The villagers seemed divided between being impressed and being insulted. Either way, many people visited the merchant during the short time he set up shop.
People couldn't tell how seriously the merchant took the fight. Everywhere one looked Silver appeared in that spot at one time or another. Bars, shops, theater, and hot springs were just a few of the places he went, talking to anyone who cared to talk to him. During his training sessions with Fu and Naruto he focused on finishing his orange book.
The Anbu squad assigned to him hadn't seen anything of interest. Their target went about his dull days. Even at night when the merchant and Fu went out to the training field all they seemed to do was sit around or play with one another. They might have found it strange, however, if they had noticed the figure hanging back in the shadows, holding her hands in an unusual hand sign as she watched them.
A break in occurred at the library and Hygua compound late one night. This sent the village into a heightened state of alert, but they couldn't find the person responsible. Ninja hounds would find a scent, follow it for a couple hundred yards, and then lose it completely. Whoever had done the deeds left little physical evidence. Only a piece of long black hair was discovered at the scenes. Strangest of all was that the perpetrator didn't take anything. They knew that a person had been there for scrolls were tossed to the ground. Information seemed to be the object of the break-ins, yet all the scrolls contained were general information relative to chakra and a justu which only a Hygua might use.
Three days came and went. Putting on his top hat, Silver reached into his pocket and grabbed his watch. It was then that he remembered that an exact time hadn't been set. "Fu," Silver called.
Lacing her sandals, the vertette said, "Yes Father?"
"Go to the Hyuga compound and tell them that I'll meet their leader around noon."
With a nod of her head Fu dashed out of the room. Not surprising, Naruto was hanging around outside the Inn entrance. For the past week he had taken the liberty of waiting for his new friend. "Whiskers," said Fu, "Father has given me the mission to take a request to the enemy. Mind accompanying me?"
"Sure," said Naruto as he fell into step. "Think we'll see Hinata?"
Snorting, Fu said, "I doubt it."
Before they reached the main entrance to the Hyuga's compound two Hyuga guards blocked them. "Lady Hinata well not be seeing you today," said the guard. Naruto became downcast as Fu glared. They had received that answer several times now.
"We know," stated Fu, "we're just here to say that Silver will be expecting Hiashi at twelve at the training field." A fellow villager was walking by. Upon hearing the news he darted over to his nearest friend. That friend quickly relayed the message. Soon enough the news spread like a wildfire.
With a nod of his head, the Hyuga sternly said, "If that's all then leave."
Fu and Naruto stuck their tongues out before rushing off. Both of them ran straight for the training grounds.
Silver was leaning against the memorial reading his little orange book. It wasn't the best read and the smut was laid heavily on the plot. Boredom and the fact he had bought it prompted the merchant to read on. Fu and Naruto arrived and were shooed away by having them practice taijutsu. As they sparred Silver took notes on their forms.
Due to being children with little real training both Fu and Naruto's strikes were sloppy. Yet they were quick on their feet and could take a hit. "Fu," shouted Silver, "no pulling Naruto's tail."
The poor blond yelped in pain as Fu ruthlessly yanked on it. "In a real fight this would count," noted Fu.
"True," said Silver, "but this isn't a real fight. Though Naruto does need to learn to keep his tail tight to his body." The blond took the word to heart and wrapped his tail around his waist.
As the designated time neared people started to flow into the training grounds. First it was a curious child or genin. Older shinibo and civilians followed. To many peoples' surprise the Hokage himself came. "Someone needs to referee the match," said the Hokage around his pipe. More and more people crowded the edges of the woods. When Silver's pocket watch told him it was five minutes to noon the forest's edge was teeming with people. Only his opponent had yet to arrive.
Standing in the middle of the field, Silver leaned lazily upon his cane. His gaze settled on the stream. Then his eyes rolled to the right to where the Hokage stood. Flanking him was Fu and- to the protest of many- Naruto who was currently introducing his friend to the Hokage. "Excuse me Hokage," said Silver, "if my adversary fails to show do I win by default? I've got a bet riding on this."
The Hokage gave the merchant a quirk look. "You will win if that should happen," said the Hokage.
"Already regarding your decision?" came a cool voice. The crowd parted as Hiashi, followed by his clan members, walked into the field. Walking beside him was a downcast Hinata and a girl several years younger than the bluette. With a wave of his hand he ordered his convoy to stay behind.
As the clan leader walked into the field Naruto spotted Hinata. He tugged on the Hokage's robes to get his attention. "Hey Grandpa," the blond said in a quiet voice, "do you think you can get Hinata to stand by us?"
With a nod, the Hokage said, "Hinata Hygua." The bluette whipped her head around, eyes growing with fright. "Would you like to stand with me?"
Hinata spotted her friends and looked to her kin. They nodded their heads and with a timid smile she walked over to the Hokage.
"Hinata!" exclaimed Naruto. The bluette eepped as she was pulled to his side. "Ready to see Hiashi's ass get whipped?" From above a small peddle pelted him.
"Watch the mouth," said a familiar voice. Above them Anko sat in a tree branch, swinging her legs.
After frowning at the snake mistress Naruto returned his attention to Hinata. He was a little shook to see her downcast look. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"You're excited to see her dad get hurt," explained Fu. Her gaze resting upon her father.
"Oh," said Naruto, a little dejected.
"I-it's alright," said Hinata, "I'm w-worried about Silver more t-than Father."
"Don't dismiss Father like that," said Fu. "He's stronger than he looks." The confidence in the vertette's voice got the Hokage's attention.
"How so?" asked the Third.
"You'll see."
Hearing Hiashi's light steps, a smile crept onto the merchant's face. "Good afternoon Hiashi," said Silver without taking his gaze off the river. "Lovely weather we're having. Not a cloud in sight. Warm, but not too warm and nice breeze coming in once in a while." Taking in a deep breath of air, the merchant sighed. "Just lovely today."
No replied was given. Twirling upon his cane, he turned around. "What's with that face?" asked Silver. "During the time I've seen you all I have seen is that plain old neutrality."
"I warn you now," said Hiashi in an icy tone. "I'm the clan leader of the Hygua clan. Jonin of the Leaf Village and master of the gentle fist style. If you choose to fight me I will not hold back."
Staring at the ground, Silver counted the blades of grass. "Yes, yes," he said in a dismissing manner. So slightly did those stoic eyes narrow that it could be passed off as an illusion. "Speaking of holding back, let's talk about rules. The one and only rule is that anything goes. Treat this fight like one of life and death, but don't worry. I'll restrain myself from killing you. I can't leave Lady Hinata fatherless."
Each word was delivered with an even, respectful tone. Somehow that made the insult all the more grating. Hiashi took a stance that was similar to Ko. Many of the villagers cheered their home player on. "Go Father/Silver!" proclaimed Fu and Naruto. Fidgeting, Hinata looked at the ground. The Hokage, snake mistress, and many of the shinibo watched intently.
The two combatants stared each other down. Silver's orbs filled with playful mirth were denounced by a cold sheet of white. Neither moved. Both focused on their surroundings. Briefly, Silver's eyes darted to the right and Hiashi followed. They landed upon a woman wearing a plain blue kimono with edges decorated with red flames. Long black hair splattered with white hid her eyes. Silver gave the slightest shake of the head.
This distraction was what Hiashi looked for. Mentally he shouted "Byakugan." Charka filled the veins around his eyes which popped out as the outline of a pupil formed. His vision became black and white. The merchant's skin and clothing became transparent. Throughout Silver's body he could see streams of blue charka circulating.
Pumping charka into his legs, the clan leader sprang forward. Within several steps he neared the merchant. He thrust an open palm forward, aiming to hit the chest. Silver didn't bother to look as he pulled away from the strike. The hand missing by several inches.
Pivoting on his heel, the clan leader swirled around and struck out again. Silver leaned to the right to avoid the blow. A series of rapidly fired thrusts aimed for the chest and the legs lashed out. Yet the merchant pulled away from every strike. From the audience's view it looked as if Silver was dancing around the cane, leading the Hyuga in a small circle.
As he pulled away from a strike Silver took a wide step back. He lifted his cane, grabbed it by the end, and allowed his left hand to slide down the shift. Charka pumped into his right hand. A dull click too faint to hear was the only warning. Silver's right hand gripped tighter on the cane as the left hand yanked down.
Without seeing it directly the clan leader spotted a gleam. In one smooth motion Silver whipped a long blade in front of him. Hiashi buried his foot into the earth and leapt away. Cold steel nearly nipped his cheek. Upon landing the clan leader faced the merchant and got back into stance.
Swirling around, Silver landed hard on his left foot. The sheath portion of the cane pointed diagonally into the air while the sword pointed at Hiashi. Silver's feet were shoulders length apart, his body perpendicular to the clan leader. "Not bad," said Silver.
Mutters went throughout the audience. Leaning forward, Anko stared at the merchant. "What kenjutsu style is that?" asked the snake mistress.
"Not sure," said the Hokage, "but it's giving Hiashi less surface to hit directly." The children around the Hokage stared intently at the fight. Naruto's eyes wide with awe as Hinata gave Silver a curious look. Sitting on the ground, Fu was playing with a spider.
A giddy, almost feral smile crossed the merchant's face. A dangerous gleam came over his eyes. "So you really can see me three hundred and sixty degrees," said the merchant. Keeping himself perpendicular to Hiashi, he charged forward. Though his steps looked awkward he quickly closed the distance. Silver took quick jabs at the clan leader, each one aimed to cause the most pain possible.
Hiashi stood his ground and batted the blade away. Before he could counter attack the merchant recovered. None of the jabs landed home, but the clan leader felt a small sting in his arms and shoulder. As he batted the blade away he found an opening. He threw his open palm forward at the side of Silver's chest, right where the liver should be.
In one quick motion Silver brought the sheath down and it took the brunt of the blow. "What?" said Hiashi, his eyes widening slightly.
Huffing, Silver said, "You didn't think this was just for show, did you?" Silver shoved the cane forward and went into a spin that shoved the hand away. As the clan leader recovered the merchant whipped the flat of the blade downward. Hiashi threw himself back. The tip of the sword grazed his Adams apple.
The merchant quickly followed by lashing out with his sheath. It was countered by a palm strike yet the sword came back around. Sounds of flesh meeting wood and steel reverberated as the two combatants attacked and counter attacked. Silver suddenly blocked the thrust of a hand while his sword thrust was batted away by a hand shooting out charka.
Momentarily the two stared at each other. Neither's expression had changed over the course of the match. Both combatants disengaged by leaping backward. Upon landing both resumed their stances. "Now that's a work out," said Silver, his smile somehow growing bigger than it already was.
This man has blocked or evaded all my attacks, thought Hiashi. Looking to himself, he could see cuts throughout his clothing. Yet he has been able to do minor harm to me. "Tell me," said Hiashi, "who warned you?"
"Hmm," huffed Silver, "even a civilian knew that getting a direct hit by your gentle fist is dangerous. Learning the basics was pretty easy. Though I find it amusing that your field of vision isn't complete." Hiashi's eyes hardened. "Don't worry," said Silver, wagging his sword a little, "not like I could make much use of it anyway."
"What is he talking about?" asked Naruto.
"Nothing to be concerned about," said the Hokage. Still, he thought, to learn of the blind spot within just a short time period. Only clan members and a selected few knew that.
Dashing forward, Silver lashed out. Hiashi didn't bother to move. Holding his ground he started to spin. Charka emitted from his body to produce a faint glow. Just as the sword made contact Hiashi shouted, "Rotation." Expanding from the clan leader was a dome of charka. It struck Silver and sent him flying back.
The merchant's hat flew off as his monocle fell. He landed roughly on his shoulder, but he quickly buried his sword into the ground to slow himself down. As he got to his feet the dome faded away and the clan leader stopped spinning. He frowned upon seeing the merchant standing, brushing himself off.
"Oh look what you've done!" exclaimed the merchant as he looked to his shoulder. "The grass stained my clothes."
Really? The crowd thought as a whole. Hiashi raised an eyebrow.
Placing the sheath onto his back, the merchant said, "And my hat is gone. Oh well." Bringing his hand in front of him, he added, "I'll retrieve it in a moment." To everyone's surprise the merchant started forming hand signs single handily. Stranger still was that they resembled none of the twelve hand signs all shinibo must know.
What does that fool think he's doing? thought Hiashi. One can't just weave random hand signs and…
Silver suddenly bent down and slammed his hand into the earth. As he drew back and upward a large tube shaped object spurted from the ground. "Let's see how strong your shield is," proclaimed Silver. "Earth style: shrapnel."
With a roar the tube fired. Hiashi quickly counted the hand size shards of rock. It didn't take long for him to realize that the numbers, velocity, and spread area made evading impossible. "Rotation!" he shouted as he went into a spin. This time the dome was bigger and more solid. Shrapnel ricocheted off the dome, prompting many people to duck or jump for cover.
As he came out of the spin Hiashi spotted a knife hurling toward his shoulder. Pulling back, he saw his reflection in the polished steel. Twisting around, he got into stance to see a large wall of earth before him. The clan leader's byakugan peered beyond the wall. A small frown crossed his face upon seeing the merchant sitting down with a piece of cake in one hand while the sword point was buried in the ground. His hat was back on his head.
Dashing forward, Hiashi came at the wall and leapt over it. Arms ready to strike he descended toward the merchant. Silver rolled to the right as Hiashi's palm struck the earth. "I'm eating here," said Silver around a mouthful of cake. As he got to his feet he used the flat of his blade to stop a palm strike. Stuffing the cake into his mouth, the merchant leapt onto the top of the wall.
Hiashi followed as the merchant leapt back. Bringing his hand forward, Silver rapidly formed hand signs. Charka pumped into his legs and he sprang back to gain more distance. As he and the clan leader landed Siler slammed his hand into the ground. Crumbs of cake fell from his mouth as he spoke. A new wall of earth rose before him.
Is he mocking me? thought Hiashi as he sprinted forward. Before he reached the wall charka suddenly flooded it. His view of the merchant disappeared behind the ocean of blue. Gritting his teeth, Hiashi jumped over the wall to see that the merchant had disappeared. What?
"Looking for someone?" came the merchant's joyful voice. Landing upon the wall, Hiashi turned about to see Silver standing in the field, already in stance with sword and sheath in hand.
"Enough of this," shouted Hiashi as he leapt off the wall. In an all-out sprint infused with charka he sprang forward. The merchant ducked beneath the first strike. As he rose his sheath met the second. Pain shot through Silver's hand as a palm strike slammed into the back of his hand. The sheath went flying to the right.
Another palm strike forced the merchant to block and again his hand was struck. The sword planted deeply in the earth. Hiashi pulled his hands together and lashed at Silver's stomach. The merchant bent backward at an awkward angle. His hand touched the ground as he threw a kick into the air. The kick knocked the arm thrust to the side.
The merchant planted into the earth and he pushed himself up. Whipping around, he launched a fist. His knuckles grazed Hiashi's hair as he leapt back. Getting in into boxing stance, the merchant gazed at the clan leader. His breaths fell heavily from his lips, but the feral smile had yet to wane.
"Come on Hiashi," said Silver, "is that all you've got!"
Without a word Hiashi got into a new stance. "He's f-forcing Father t-to use t-that jutsu," said Hinata as her eyes grew wide.
"I told you not to worry," said Fu with a roll of her eyes. "My father can handle anything that your old man can dish out."
"It over, "said Anko. "Silver has been playing with Hiashi too long." Naruto and Fu looked to the snake mistress, but she didn't explain. She frowned as Hiashi's legs spread out, knees bending as one palm was brought back to face the air, the other one ready to strike.
"You're within my range."
"You specialize in close combat," noted Silver, "you can't possibly…"
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms," exclaimed Hiashi. The clan leader disappeared in a blur. Silver's eyes widened slightly from surprise, but they were replaced by pain when two sets of fingers jammed into his chest. "Two palms," shouted Hiashi. The attack increased in speed and force, causing Silver to dig his heels into the earth.
A cheer engulfed the audience. Nearly everyone was cheering for Hiashi to finish the merchant. Only the Hokage, Anko, Naruto, Hinata, and Fu didn't add their voices. The adults stared at the merchant while the bluette and blond stared in shock. With a bored expression Fu looked up.
"Four palms! Eight p…" As the last two strikes of eight were made a sudden blast of charka from the merchant's body encased them. As the clan leader jammed his fingers into Silver's body he felt something grip his hand. Already in the process of doing the jutsu Hiashi couldn't pull away, but lashed out with the other hand. Again the wrist was grabbed. Hiashi's eyes widened as he tried to jerk his hands away. Yet the vice grip on them prevented him from moving his far.
Silver whipped his head back. His hat flew off and the merchant slammed his forehead into Hiashi. A stunned silence fell over the audience as the two combatants stared each other down, one with wild mirth the other with astonishment. "That hurt," said Silver in a melodic tone, "that truly did."
At that moment the merchant's chest area felt odd. It hurt, but at the same time felt numb. He tried to channel charka in that area, but he wasn't getting anything. Better end this before he leaves me helpless, thought Silver. Gathering all the saliva in his mouth, Silver spit into Hiashi's eyes.
With a startled shout Hiashi drew back. Silver used that reaction to shove away the clan leader. With an arm the clan leader rubbed his eyes. Thanks to his byakugan he could still see the merchant, but by god, that was disgusting. "Damn you," said Hiashi, his rage threatening to spill into his voice.
Silver flicked his wrist and a glass ball glowing a bright blue appeared. "Bye-bye," exclaimed Silver as he tossed the ball at the ground. Upon hitting the glass shattered and a bright blue light emitted from it. Everyone looked away from the light. Hiashi instantly raised his hand.
"Do you think a flash bomb can blind me?" shouted Hiashi. "Even bright light…" His voice trailed off as his eyes flared with pain as an intense wave of charka hit him. "Awwwww," he screamed as he cupped his eyes. Laughter echoed in the air for a few seconds before silencing.
Eyes blinking rapidly, Hiashi readied himself for an attack. Yet he had no idea where the merchant might come from. For the first time while using the byakugan he was blind and that thought scared him. After a good minute of waiting nothing hit him. This was when his vision started to clear. It was spotty, but he could still see a wide field around him. At once he spotted the merchant hiding among the crowd. His top hat as clear as day.
Coward, thought Hiashi as he dashed forward. As he neared the merchant he readied his arm. With a shout Hiashi attacked only to have something drop on him. "Hiashi," shouted Anko, "have you gone mad?"
"What?" said the clan leader.
"Turn off your byakugan." Though he didn't like the commanding voice he did as he was told. As the jutsu wore off his vision returned to normal. To his surprise he saw a pair of feet. On top of him sat Anko. As she stood up the clan leader got to his feet. In front of him was the Hokage.
"Lord Hokage," said Hiashi in a curious tone, "why are you wearing the merchant's ridiculous hat and jacket?"
"Hmm," said the Hokage as he looked to himself. All the villagers that heard the clan leader looked to their leader. Sure enough his hat and coat had been replaced by the merchant's clothing. A roaring laughter drew everyone's attention to the other end of the field. Standing on a branch of a tree near the trunk, Silver was holding his midsection. Crowning his head was the Hokage's hat, while the Hokage's jacket covered his body. Around his left arm was a leaf hand band while a tool belt wrapped around his waist. At that moment several shinibo noticed they were missing something.
Regaining his breath, Silver straightened himself while crossing his arms. A calm, warm smile crossed his face. "Hiashi," shouted the merchant, "you dare assault your leader? Where is your honor?"
Nobody would ever accuse the Hyuga's clan leader of being rash. Yet at that moment he felt like doing nothing more than wiping that stupid smile off the merchant's face. Hiashi disappeared in a blur. Byakugan, Hiashi mentally shouted. To his relief his second vision had returned to normal. Faster than the untrained eye could follow he made his way to the tree. He focused on Silver's chakra. As he suspected eight of the man's chakra points were already close to being sealed.
While not surprising that the merchant could move, it was incredible to see him moving around so quickly. If Hiashi could just seal off a couple more chakra points the match was his. With that in mind he leapt into the air. Arm cocked and ready he flew toward the merchant.
During this whole time Silver had just stood there, his smile never fading. As Hiashi neared his target he launched his hand for the chest. Lazily, Silver suddenly fell to the side. The strike nipped the merchant on the shoulder. Hiashi planned to follow when he noticed something disturbing.
Right on the trunk of the tree, where his hand was going, was a piece of paper. On it was writing surrounding the kanji for "explode". Paper bomb, Hiashi thought dumbly. He quickly went through his options. He was moving too fast to stop. Redirecting his hand would at best keep him from hitting dead on, but it would still hit and his chakra was ready to shoot from his hand There was no jutsu he could perform in time to stop or revert damage. In other words, he was screwed.
The clan leader's hand hit the tag, his charka went into it, and the tag exploded. "Father!" shouted Hinata as she tried to run forward. The Hokage's strong hand on her shoulder kept her in place. Shards of wood and black smoke rained down with the merchant. Turning in the air, he landed in a crouch. Hardly a moment later Hiashi landed on his back several feet away.
Groaning in pain, Hiashi's eyes were screwed shut. Much of his skin had been burned. While his right arm was still intact, the skin around the hand had peel back to reveal muscle. Blood seeped through the tattered clothing. Getting to his feet, the merchant walked over to the clan leader.
"How?" Hiashi croaked. To his bleeding ears his voice was muffled.
Kneeling down, Silver picked up the Hyuga's hand. He reached into his pocket and took out a small tube. He uncapped the lid and brought it to the injured arm. Pushing down on its top, a fine mist covered the wounds. Haishi winched in pain. "Stop moving," said Silver in a gentle voice, "this should prevent the wound from becoming infected."
The sound of feet drew Silver's attention. A number of Hyuga and medical ninja with a stretcher rushed up to them. Silver stepped back to let them in. As the clan leader was lifted onto the stretcher a Hyuga boy with long brown hair and a bandage wrapped around his head approached the merchant.
"You were able to fool the byakugan," said the boy.
"Don't get me wrong," said Silver as he rubbed his midsection, "the jutsu is certainly a pain. It just has a minor drawback." The boy raised an eyebrow. "You're able to see through solid objects and chakra networks." He received a nod. "Are you able to do both at the same time?" The boy was about to reply, but paused. "A human is literally incapable of splitting its attention between two objects, at least in an effective manner. I first tested this theory out with the Rotation jutsu. For something that covers a blind spot it certainly creates a larger one. Those earth walls earlier on weren't to defend but to test that theory a little more."
"So you let Lord Hiashi hit you with everything he had to enable you to blind him with a charka filled bomb."
Silver nodded as his smile waned a little. "Yep, though I was a bit shocked by the speed of that jutsu. As you probably figured I used the blinding light to nab this new clothing. It helps to make sure your enemy is too angry to focus."
Nodding, the boy said, "But how were you able to move across the field so fast to do all of it?"
Chuckling, Silver said, "That, my boy, is my little secret. Could you do me a favor and unlock my chakra points?"
"You just proved to the main branch how inferior they are," said the boy. "I'll be more than glad to help." Silver wasn't sure what to make of that comment. He did, however, thank the boy for reopening his charka points. Before the medical ninja carted Hiashi away Silver gestured to them to stop. The Hyuga's kin seemed peeved, but did not interfere.
"Lord Hiashi," said Silver. That got the clan leader to crack open his eyes. "That was a splendid fray. I do pray that your recovery is quick. As soon you're up and about maybe we could go get some coffee and sweets. Think of it as a peace treaty."
Hiashi stared for a moment. With a shake of his head, he said, "I can't make sense of you Mr. Silver."
"What?" said Silver with a shrug. "The last thing I need on my tail is a bunch of Hyuga. Wouldn't live long to regret it." A ghost of a grin appeared on Hiashi's face.
"We'll see," he said as he closed his eyes.
As the medical ninja carted the clan leader off Silver wandered the field. He gathered his sword and sheath to reform a cane. Once it was on his back he walked over to his hat and put it back on before strolling over to the Hokage. "Forgive me Lady Hinata," said Silver with a slight bow, "I think I went overboard in that fight."
"F-father going to b-be okay?" asked Hinata.
"He'll be fine," said Fu. "If father wanted to he would have killed him."
As Silver and the Hokage exchanged clothing, the Hokage said, "It looks like you won your bet."
Naruto hugged Silver's legs. Smiling down at the blonde, Silver said, "Yep. Now Anko can adopt this kiddy."
"What?" exclaimed Anko.
"My words were that Naruto would put up for adoption," said Silver with a shrug. "And you'd do a better job than I. You've known him longer than I have."
Naruto released Silver to latch onto Anko. "Ever since she rescued me from the forest of death a few years back," Naruto proclaimed.
Flustered, Anko said, "But I can't take care of a kid."
"What is Naruto favorite food?" Silver suddenly asked.
"Ramen," said the snake mistress.
"How does he handle being ignored?"
"He hates it."
"Is he willing take a bath?"
"He will, but he likes it when someone is with him."
Spreading out his hands, Silver said, "See, I think you're ready to take care of the kid."
"Well Anko," said the Hokage as he donned his hat, "what do you say?"
Anko looked at all the expecting eyes. Looking down at Naruto, she was assaulted with a puppy dog look. Sighing, Anko said, "Where's the paperwork?" With an excited shout Naruto leapt into the air. Grabbing the blond by the top of his head, Anko shoved him back down. "Cool it kid," she said. "We still need to make it official."
"Then let's do that," said the Hokage as he started off.
"Come along girls," said Silver as he followed. The bluette was confused for a moment, but Fu grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her along with the others. Together they left the area as the crowd dispersed. Among them was the woman with splashes of white through her black hair, a sly smile upon her lips.
I hope the story doesn't sound like it bashing anybody in Naruto- beside the literally bashing, of course. I always hated it when people pointlessly bashed a character. Always seemed like a waste of a character to me. Oh, and don't forget to leave a review.