Kaaru: Here we are again for another update to RMH!
Mitsuki: School...school...school...
Kaaru: Yeah, it sucks. Hopefully school won't be as hectic as before.
Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me.
::Within White Walls::
Naruto, Sakura, Hinata and Ino were given praises and compliments about their growth in the Hokage's office. Kurenai's students gave their evaluation on the team and all came to an agreement that Team 7 had gotten a lot stronger, they asked if they could spar sometime; Naruto eagerly accepted of course. But that was yesterday, today was a new day. The day Hinata would go and visit the Hyuuga compound. Some may call her shameless and scoff at her for showing her face in the compound again, but Hinata didn't care about that for now, she just wanted to be able to see Hanabi, Neji and even her father again; and maybe to see if the clan had changed even just a little. Hinata knew the guards most probably wouldn't let her in, so she would have to sneak inside and avoid the all-seeing eyes of the Hyuuga. It would be difficult for any other person, but Hinata knew of a place where she could slip in and out easily; her mother's garden. The garden was enclosed by a relatively high wall but it had a hole, large enough for a person to enter but small and hidden enough to be unnoticeable, at the end of the wall, which was near the forest edge. Hinata knew this because she used that hole before when she was a child. When her father would get angry at her, she would sometimes sneak out at night and walk around the forest. Her only problem now, was to see if they had noticed and fixed the wall.
After stealthily sneaking around the forests near the outskirts of Konoha, Hinata saw the unmistakeable white wall that surrounded the whole Hyuuga Compound. There were thick bushes that grew near the wall, she knew that the hole was behind them. She frowned as she crouched down and parted the leaves and branches as best as she could, so that none would scratch her...or poke her eye out. The ex-heiress sighed in relief when she found out the hole was still there.
"What're you doing?"
Hinata nearly jumped out of her skin as she heard a voice behind her. She pivoted and pulled back her hand, ready to execute a strike that could render someone immobile. Before she could attack, the person had somehow managed to trap her hand with a chain. "Tenten!" Hinata gasped, "G-g-gomen!" she apologized.
Tenten merely smiled and released the chain, "No worries Hinata." she then looked at the bushes that were parted, "What are you doing here anyway?"
Hinata fidgeted, "Err, I wanted to visit." she told the weapon mistress, "I used to crawl through this hole when I was small."
"Oh." Tenten said, "So Neji-kun and I aren't the only ones who knew about it..."
Hinata quirked an eyebrow, so Tenten visits Neji secretly? "Tenten, if you don't mind me asking...is there something going on between you and my cousin?" Hinata asked, she noticed that both of them seemed happy these days.
Tenten blushed, "W-w-w-what?! N-no! Of course n-n-not! Why would you t-think?!"
Hinata cut in, "Tenten, you're stuttering worse than I did before."
Tenten sighed and her shoulders drooped, "...Yes, we're kinda off secretly dating, after we confessed to each other back in the Retrieval Mission."
Hinata smiled at her, "That's great!" she cheered, "I promise not to say a single word about it.", she put a hand to her heart to show her sincerity.
"Thank you Hinata." Tenten sighed in relief, "Well, let's go in shall we? I still have to go to my TI training later, and trust me, Anko would and could find some sort punishment that I would positively despise". Tenten was part of the Torture and Investigation squad, she decided to join so she could use her weapon expertise. Anko had currently taken her under her wing to learn the ways of twisting a person's mind to the point they break. Tenten seems to enjoy the sight of criminals suffering, not as much as the sadistic Anko though; which was probably a very good thing.
Hinata stood aside and offered for Tenten to enter first, then she crawled through the small opening after the brown-haired teen. Both of the girls dusted the front of their legs and straightened their clothes. Pale eyes took in the surroundings; her mother's garden was as beautiful as ever. The grass was kept trim and green, the low bushes and shrubs were healthy and pruned as well as the other topiaries. The big Sakura tree in the center of the garden was still strong and sturdy on that small patch of land in the middle of a small pond, which had a wooden bridge over it. The different flowering plants were also in bloom, still as pulchritudinous as ever. It was nice to know that the garden was still tended to even after all those years that had gone by. Who kept the garden alive though? Few people knew or had access to the garden. Hitami, Hinata's mother, had passed away when Hinata was still young and the old gardener had probably retired too.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" Tenten said, breaking the silence that surrounded them.
Hinata nodded, "Yes...I...used to spend my time here when I was young...okaa-san's garden." she told Tenten, unconsciously biting her bottom lip.
"...Tenten-san?", a feminine voice said. Hinata and Tenten looked at the source and spotted a young woman dressed in a simple, white robe. She wore a bandage around her forehead, showing that she was from the branch family. "I see that you dropped by to visit again." she said with a smile, looking at Tenten. She then noticed Hinata, "H-h-hinata-sama?" she stammered, shocked to see the indigo-haired girl.
"Errr...yes, that would be me. And you are...?" Hinata asked.
The young woman blushed, "Ah, I'm Megumi. The old gardener's youngest daughter." she introduced hereself, "I used to come here when I was small, you and I would play sometimes..."
Hinata's eyes lit up in recognition, "You were the black-haired girl! Meg!"
Megumi nodded, "It's nice that you still remember me Hinata-sama."
The ex-heiress shook her head, "You can drop the formalities, I'm disowned, although I was still allowed to carry my last name, I am still an outsider here."
The black-haired girl nodded solemnly, "Oh yes, sorry.", she then turned around, "Shall I call Neji-san?"
"Yes please, and if you could call Hanabi too..." Hinata said.
"Oh no problem at all!" Megumi waved her hand dismissively and turned to fetch Hanabi and Neji, her footsteps on the red-brick path echoing around the garden.
Several minutes passed and Megumi was still nowhere in sight. Hinata had expected her to return shortly with Hanabi and Neji, but the three were still not there. Two birds flew above their heads, a squirrel darted up a tree, a yellow butterfly fluttered by, but still no Megumi. After what seemed like hours, they heard rushed footsteps and Megumi burst into the garden, face flushed and shoulders heavy. "H-hiashi-sama caught word you were here...I...I'm truly sorry." Megumi said as she bowed, "He wants both of you in his private study along with Neji-san and Hanabi-san.". She composed herself and turned her back to Hinata and Tenten, "Please follow me."
Tenten and Hinata gave each other worried glances but followed Megumi nonetheless. Hinata couldn't help but shudder slightly as she walked into the traditional building; it still looked the same as before. The wooden floor was still smooth and clean as ever, the round windows on either side of the white walls were dust-free and permitted light to enter the seemingly gloomy corridors. The pale-eyed girl listened to the sounds their feet made when they walked; they seemed to bounce off the walls and resounded throughout the empty halls. Only the Head Family and selected Branch members were allowed inside the Main House, so no one saw them. Hinata would have no qualms being seen by the Branch servants if ever they saw her though, she and her mother had always treated them like human beings, so she knew they would not be a problem.
Hinata's heart thumped as the three of them stopped just outside the double-doors that led to Hiashi's study. Hinata glanced at Tenten and saw her fidgeting and constantly shifting her weight from her left to her right foot. This was probably the first time the weapon mistress would meet Hiashi face to face. Hinata silently wished all would go smoothly. Megumi straightened her back and Hinata absentmindedly looked at at her midnight-colored tresses fall below her shoulders, Megumi knocked twice before she pushed open the doors.
Yamanaka Flowershoppe
"Hello and welcome to the Yamanaka Flowersho- oh Sakura, it's just you." a certain blond girl said.
"Wow. What a way to greet a customer." Sakura replied with sarcasm in her voice. The pink-haired teen wandered to the aisle with different kinds of tulips displayed and delicately held one red tulip in her hand.
Ino noticed this and said, "That's a red tulip, if I remember correctly, they symbolize a declaration of love.", the blond rested her chin on the palm of her hand, "Is there someone you want to give that to?"
Pink dusted Sakura's cheeks, "What are you saying pig? I simply thought the tulip looked attractive, that's all."
"Oh really? Are you su- "
What Ino had to say was cut off as the chimes above the door clinked against each other. Ino and Sakura turned their attention to the doorway and their eyes widened. A man stood there, barely able to hold himself up. He looked like he was in his early 30's with dark red hair and hazel eyes. But he was clutching his chest, his face body was pale and his knees looked like they were about to buckle, not to mention that his face projected severe struggle and fatigue.
"Sir? Are you okay?!" Ino shrieked.
The man was about to answer when he suddenly doubled over and vomited blood, he was shaking violently. "W-w-was a-attacked...cough...g-g-ive to Hokag-e...", after that the man stopped moving.
Ino and Sakura went into action. Ino retrieved the scroll that the man was carrying and Sakura began to examine him. "It looks like he was attacked by a medic-nin, and a very skilled one at that. The pulmonary vein that connected his heart's right ventricle to his lungs was precisely cut with a chakra scalpel. It looks like this guy managed to use some sort of medical jutsu which allowed him to stay alive long enough to get here."
Ino nodded solemnly and looked at the man, "It looks like this man is a diplomat-nin." she said, "Look at that badge on his sleeve, it's the Diplomacy insignia.". She pointed at the badge that was sewn onto the man's shoulder. It was golden with a large 'D' on it, a pen and a piece of parchment pattern were sewn beside the letter, there were also embroidery to make it look more attractive and official. "Here, you get the scroll to Tsunade-sama. I'll go and find some ANBU." The blond said as she handed Sakura the scroll.
The rosette nodded and shunshin'd out of the shop, whilst Ino ran out of the shop and called for help.
Hinata had expected to meet cold, emotionless eyes filled with disdain and a small frown, but to Hinata's surprise, Hiashi didn't give her this; instead, he gave them to the person beside her, Tenten. The poor girl shuddered at the calculating gaze, silently trying to put into practice all she had learn in her TI training: show no weaknesses in front of the enemy, be calm, be strong. Hinata decided to ease the tension inside the room, seeing that no one seemed to talk. "I-it's nice to see you again...Hiashi." Hinata said uncertainly.
Hiashi broke eye contact with Tenten and turned to Hinata, facial expression softening. "Yes it is Hinata." he said, not really knowing to say anymore. Megumi quietly excused herself from the room. Silence once again engulfed them. Fortunately, Hanabi spoke up, "Nee-chan, look." the twelve year old girl held out a familiar handkerchief, one that had a sun embroided on it.
Hinata's eyes widened, "Okaa-san's handkerchief...you kept it?" she said softly.
Hanabi grinned, "Yep! I made sure to keep this hanky safe all these years."
Hinata smiled fondly at her sister, "I'm glad."
Neji then spoke to them, "Hinata-chan, Tenten-chan, I'm happy that both of you came to visit."
Tenten blushed while Hinata smiled. Hiashi though, did not seemed pleased, "And may I ask, who are you miss? And what are your relations with my nephew?"
"H-hiashi-sama...ahem." Tenten cleared her throat and spoke more confidently, "My name is Tenten, I am Neji-kun's teammate."
Hiashi quirked an eyebrow, "Oh really?".
Tenten glanced at Neji, said person nodded slowly. "I...am also Neji's girlfriend." she confessed to Hiashi with her head bowed.
The Hyuuga head's face protrayed no reaction, "And may I ask about your upbringing?".
Tenten resisted the urge to say that it was none of his business and chastize him about his rude and laconic attitude, but the weapon mistress swallowed those words down her throat. She recalled another lesson given to her by Anko; never loose your cool. "My father is a skilled blacksmith and my mother helps him run our family business, Konoha Weaponry." she replied with a clipped tone.
Surprised appeared in Hiashi's eyes but it was quickly gone, Tenten had noticed though with her training about spotting body languages. Konoha Weaponry was famous throughout the Land of Fire, it had the best weapons, tools and armor. Hiashi must not have expected this from her. The Hyuuga head seemed to regain composure and spoke, "Okay then. Hinata it was wonderful seeing you once more. You, Hanabi and miss Tenten may go and do what you wish outside the Hyuuga grounds. I will have a guard escort you three out, so you do not need to worry about them thinking that you broke into the compounds, which you did. Anyway, Neji stay here. We have some matters to discuss." he waved them away. Just as he had said, a guard was already waiting outside for them. "Well, how about we go get some ice cream?" Hinata suggested, hoping to brighten up the mood. "Sure." Tenten merely said, while Hanabi nodded her head eagerly.
Hokage Office
"Kaaru, I called you here to discuss about an important matter." Tsunade told the jounin. Kaaru wordlessly nodded in reply, Sakura standing in the corner, watching the scene unfold.
"Sakura and Ino was given this scroll by a diplomat-nin.". The Hokage placed the scroll on her large desk, "He had been assaulted but managed to get to the Yamanaka Flowershoppe and give them the scroll. He is currently in the hospital to be given an autopsy." she informed him.
"I see, but why did you summon Hokage-sama?" Kaaru inquired.
"The seal on the scroll was the symbol of Sea Country. That means the Land of Crescent Moon, the Land of Shining Sun and other lands near them also have something to do with this letter." Tsunade told Kaaru.
Kaaru's eyes widened, "Can I read the letter Tsunade-sama?". At Tsunade's nod, Kaaru read the scroll.
To: The Hokage of Konoha
Matters to Discuss: Unknown Disappearances
Madam Hokage,
First and foremost, I would like to apologize for disturbing you with our predicament, but Sea Country is currently experiencing a mysterious ordeal. It would seem that several ships, whether it be small fishing boats or large cruise ships, have been disappearing, along with the people on board. At first we thought that it was just the weather, as we were experiencing terrible weather conditions for awhile now. But after a month, the disappearances kept going on, and because of this, everyone is afraid to travel. If this keeps up, we will not be able to commerce with one another. So we humbly ask of your assistance. Our deepest gratitudes.
Signed,
Sea Country Daimyo
"Unknown disappearances...?" Kaaru pondered, "It seems serious, and the fact that the diplomat-nin carrying this scroll was attacked makes this even more serious."
Tsunade nodded, "Yes. That is why I want you to accompany some ninjas to Sea Country to investigate this, it will be treated as an B to A-rank mission." she said, "Sakura, go and recruit who you think are best for this mission. You shall be the junior leader of the team, can I trust you with that?"
Sakura almost gasped, "Y-yes Tsunade-shishou! I will not disappoint you."
With that Sakura poofed out of the Hokage's office and went to find people for the mission. She needed someone who was skilled in reconnaissance, but Hinata probably had plans with Hanabi and Neji, so she couldn't recruit a Hyuuga. Kurenai's team specialized in reconnaissance, but Kiba would be no help in water. Kei used different kunai techniques including one that could act as a homing missile but she needed a homing beacon, in this case, Shino's Kikachu beetles on the target so she could use it, and it would be of no use in the mission. The only choice would be Shino, but Sakura didn't know if his bugs would be able to find anything underwater.
'Okay then, time to find Shino and Naruto.'