My apologies if this chapter is too long, too sentimental or if I explain too much. I will do it a lot less in the next chapter.
Chapter 14.
It was 4am when the five Leaf Shinobi woke up, got dressed and met each other in Hinata's room. There were a lot of things to discuss and a big question for the former 'Team 7' members to ask Kakashi-Sensei.
After making the men some coffee and preparing a nice bowl of fresh water and biscuits for Akamaru, Hinata then proceeded to hand out some bread rolls she had baked the previous day whilst she was baking the cake. She sat in the middle of her two best friends, opposite where Kakashi was sitting so they were all facing him.
After eating and drinking, they all began to talk about what their plans were that day and to also discuss an unresolved query they had.
"Kakashi-Sama," asked Shino. "What were you really doing at the time you learned about the Hunter-nin?"
"We may of course be wrong…" Hinata said, trailing off the sentence.
"… But as far as we know, neither of your former teammates passed away near the Land of Lightning." Kiba interjected, with Akamaru barking in agreement at his friend's remarks. Kakashi smiled at them, his eyes closed.
"You are right. It wasn't to see them that brought me there. I had gone to train with Darui (the new Raikage or Leader of the Land of Lightning) for … personal reasons, shall we say?"
The four stared at their old friend and teacher, but could understand why he was being so vague. He was more the type of person to bluntly tell people things rather than not give details.
"It's okay not to tell us." Hinata said, looking down and starting to twiddle her fingers. Kiba and Shino shared a glance but not wanting to seem argumentative with her let the matter drop.
"Thank you." He said, appreciating them not interrogating him for an answer that he felt bad to talk about. It would only hurt Hinata and cause her pain at a time when she needed a clear head. "I promise to tell you all why I had gone to meet the Raikage when things are calmer. I will just say I went to see him to ask for his help with training."
Training? What did he need Dariu-Sama's help with regarding training? The same thoughts crossed their minds but as they agreed to let the matter go, merely nodded their heads. Kakashi nodded back before starting a fresh topic.
"It appears Hinata and I have been asked to stay while you three protect her niece and help her arrive safely to Konoha. Last night after our discussion with Mei-Sama, Pakkun (a small pug dog that Kakashi regularly speaks to and works with from his ninken) and I arranged to send a message to the Hokage. He's very quick and will probably arrive in Konoha in the next few hours. One advantage of being very small."
"What did you tell the Hokage?" Hinata asked.
"Well, it was actually Mei-Sama who somehow managed to summon Pakkun and asked him to request that we send Naruto-Sama a message. Pakkun told me that she asked him to protect her niece at all costs and that she would appreciate any help the Leaf ninja could give. She also mentioned that she would be most thankful if Hinata could stay to help with the situation. As she is not a Clan leader and has skills that could massively assist her, she wanted to ensure the Hyuuga's would let her continue her stay here and for me to keep her safe."
"That puts us in a bad situation." Shino replied.
"We are not leaving Hinata alone." Kiba added. "It is not that we do not trust her or you, Kakashi –Sensei. We just wouldn't be able to cope."
"And what about Nina-Sama?" Kakashi asked. He saw Shino's nose go red and shaking his shoulders, gave his answer.
"I will keep her safe. At all costs." He meant it. Nothing happen to my Nina-Sama…
"You both agreed to go." Hinata said, and putting her arms around the two men's shoulders, pulled them towards her in a sort of three-way embrace. Akamaru barked, feeling a little bit left out. Hinata took her arms from around their shoulders and patting her legs, Akamaru placed his big paws on her lap as she rubbed his ears, giggling.
"Kiba, Shino, Akamaru… I will be in good hands." Kakashi gulped loudly and without hesitation, Hinata merely smiled at him quickly before continuing. "And you have nothing to 'cope' with. Nina-Sama must be protected at all costs and I know that if you are both with her, she will be safe. The number of times you both have saved me is numerous. I should let another female get the chance to have the three best bodyguards in the world." She closed her eyes happily and they knew there was no way they could refuse Hinata when she was like this. They sighed sadly and Kiba rubbed the top of her head roughly, slightly annoyed but smiling.
"If there is any trouble, you must tell us." Shino said. He then turned his head quickly towards Kakashi. "Kakashi-Sama, I must entreat you to send a member of your ninken to us as soon as there is any trouble. We must be informed as to what is happening and if you need us, we will arrange a way to both protect Nina-Sama and our friend."
"Agreed. But I am very confident that Konoha will send troops very quickly here to help." Kakashi said and then as they all went to their rooms to prepare, Kakashi slightly hesitated in Hinata's doorway. He will not hesitate for a moment if he feels the treaty or Hinata is in danger… especially with him knowing she'd be alone with me. He then realised he had stopped moving and looking back at the pretty, curvy bluenette alone in the room, decided to stay a moment longer.
"So, they are the best three bodyguards in the world?" He raised an eyebrow making Hinata's
cheeks turn pink and a mischievous light shone in her eyes.
"Well… Kakashi-Sama, I don't regard you as just a bodyguard…"
It looked like he was the one who would have mind clouded when it needed to be clear. He just looked at the sweet smelling, beautiful woman in front of him and couldn't help himself. He rushed towards her and at last, being able to hold her close to him, kissed the top of her head. She was not startled and in fact started to put her arms around him.
"Let me guard your body again and I promise you'll make me your number one." He said, lowering his head to her eye and purring the words into her ear. She shook slightly and he had to bite his lip hard so the pain would stop him from trying to take things further. Reaching her head upwards as he tried to pull his head away, she shocked as she said something unexpected.
"You already are… and I will…" Hinata then kissed his jaw and a sudden jolt of electricity came from him, making her jump back in surprise. Kakashi went tomato red and looking very worried, asked Hinata if she was okay.
"Yeah, though slightly shocked." She winked at him and they both laughed, Kakashi very shyly rubbing the back of his and leaving through the main door.
Everyone had gotten ready and when everyone had finished their preparations, it was 4:45am. They decided to leave together for the Mizukage's home and to finales their plans together. The clouds were dark, heavy and thick, making the mist even thicker but thanks to their heightened senses, they are managed to navigate their way through it quickly. By the time they had arrived, Chōjūrō was waiting for them by the front door to the Mizukage's home. He helped them inside and led them to the main living room where Mei-Sama and Nina-Sama were sitting, talking quietly. Seeing the Leaf Ninja enter, they smiled at each other and getting up from their chairs, welcomed them.
"It is good to see you all so soon." The Mizukage said. "We have made all the arrangements necessary. Chōjūrō will not be visiting Ao-Sama and we have sent a message for the medical-nin to inform him that Chōjūrō has gone on a mission. I am sure you were briefed by Kakashi-Sama that we asked your Hokage for reinforcements and was told by Kakashi that the message will be received by them soon." She looked towards Kakashi who coolly nodded at her, his book remaining in his right hand and then looking up from it, smiled and replied.
"The message should be received by the Hokage within the next 2-3 hours." Kakashi confirmed and the Mizukage smiled.
"That is good news! It should reach them before the heavy rain sets in by this afternoon. Nina is ready to leave with Aburame-Sama, Inuzuka-Sama and Akamaru-Sama…" She was suddenly interrupted by a barking laugh from Kiba.
"Mei-Sama, please call us Shino, Kiba, Akamaru and Hinata – no 'Sama' title is needed for us."
Nodding, Mei-Sama agreed and then carried on where she had left off. "Nina is ready to leave when you are ready. I must ask that you all keep each other safe, for the sake of both our villages and mine. You must not come back for ANY reason. Chōjūrō will be coming back as soon as you all reach the crossroads and there will be no need for you to have a wasted journey when we will all be fine."
Mei winked at Nina who returned the wink and hugging her aunt, went over to where Shino was standing and stood beside him.
"Mei-Sama…" Hinata was about to ask 'What things can I do to be of service to you?' when the Mizukage walked over to her and placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder.
"We need your help desperately, Hinata." Mei-Sama said. The smile on her face had dropped slightly and Hinata realised then what may have been the Mizukage's plan. This would surely anger her family and cause them to create havoc for the Hokage and the Mizukage … but Hinata could not refuse. She had set out what was meant to have been done and if everything went well, her family would know the real truth. She would happily risk her life for that. Her friends were Clan leaders and as she knew her family was in the safe hands of her sister and cousin Neji, she saw she had nothing to lose.
"Mei-Sama, you have it." She put her hand on the Mizukage's one, patted it gently and then removed it. The message was sent to Mei-Sama loud and clear and the smile widened on her lips again.
"Hinata… thank you!"
Hinata picked up from her left pocket a small vial and as the Mizukage removed her hand from the young woman's shoulder, she stared at it curiously.
"It may not be true, but when Ao-Sama told me that he cremated my aunt's remains by the entrance to the village, I collected some of the earth into this. Nina-Sama," she handed the small vial to the young heiress and placed it in her hand. "Could you with my friends go to my family's home and hand them this? Please tell them that I will be home within the next 2 weeks as agreed and that I will have some answers for them then."
"Of course, Hinata." Nina felt very pleased to have been trusted by her new friend. It had been very difficult for her to make true friends and now she felt an over-abundance of them. She then put the vial into her side pouch, attached to her left leg. She then hugged the bluenette and held her tightly. "Please take care of my Mei-Sama."
"Of course, Nina." Hinata smiled at the embrace and as they gently let each other go, she then went to her friends and hugged them in turn.
"Shino, Kiba, Akamaru… be careful and take care of each other. If you need me, send a lady bird or Akamaru to come and get me. I'll be there as quickly as I can."
Kiba looked tearful but held everything together. Shino snorted quietly and adjusted the glasses on his nose. Finally, she went to Chōjūrō and hugged him too. "I don't care if we are cousin's or not – I love your way and must ask you too to be extremely safe. Don't break our hearts by getting into trouble and take good care of our friends.
"I will." Chōjūrō beamed and hugging her gently back pulled her slightly apart from him so he could look into his eyes. "You will always be family to me, Hinata." He then adjusted the weight of his sword on his back and went to join the others.
Nina, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru then picked up the remains of their things from the ground they had placed them on and walking with Mei-Sama, Hinata and Kakashi made their goodbyes and left through the front door.
Mei-Sama smiled as she waved goodbye to the small group of Shinobi, before closing the door.
"We must now make preparations for what will happen later today…" Mei-Sama said and showing Hinata and Kakashi towards the hallway, showed them to a different corridor which led to a small study with a large metal door. Mei-Sama turned on the Study's main lights and as they went inside, the Mizukage then proceeded to lock the large metal door, pushing buttons and turning a large metal wheel at the doors centre. It was very cold as the floor was marble and appeared to have no windows to let sunshine or light in.
She then showed them towards some green leather chairs surrounding a fire place. She used her fire element jitsu to light the logs in the fireplace and they all proceeded to sit and Mizukage explained things in more detail.
"My guards at the Mizukage's Office indeed are aware of the plot against the Kirigakure government but are loyal still to me. The research they made on the 'Bingo Book' was correct and valid. It belonged to a ninja we had previously thought dead. A man who worked under the former head of the Hunter-nin core, Tsurugi - his name was Aka (which means 'Red' in Japanese). The argumentative man Kakashi described sounds like this man."
"It is strange they have picked this time to start a rebellion… it doesn't seem to make sense."
"I think this may be all because of Ao-Sama's condition." Hinata said. Mei-Sama and Kakashi looked at Hinata. It certainly seemed probable but why, they were not sure.
"Kakashi-Sama, do you think my aunt's personality traits which have now started to fully merge with Ao's personality may also have included some of her memories? His sudden nightmares and expressions of guilt to the medical-nin at night would seem he certainly has things on his mind from the past. Things he doesn't want to acknowledge."
Kakashi nodded. "It is very likely. I still can remember some of my former classmate's memories from when he gave me the Sharingan (a red-coloured eye(s) with the abilities to copy other ninja's fighting techniques and create vortexes and mind games (referred to as 'Genjitsu'))."
"It seems that this rebellion as been quite newly set up, as there is discord amongst its members and numbers are small. Ao is likely to have been a very large factor to do with this and it coincides from when he was starting to become very ill and was hospitaised." Mei-Sama added. "He is certainly not an imposter as it would have been very easy to have seen through."
"Then we must try to resolve things quickly. The Village Elder was notified by me as soon as this was made aware to me. He has chosen however to stay – he thinks we can resolve everything before the festival begins and said he does not want people to feel afraid by him going." He truly believed in the Mizukage. She remembered the confidence he had in her ever since they 1st met and he asked her to lead and protect their country. It was an incredible honour and she meant each promise she made to him – that Kirigakure would be protected by her with all she had. She would not let him down.
"Mei-Sama, shall I go to Ao-Sama again?" Hinata asked quietly. Mei nodded her head gently.
"I did not tell the medics that Chōjūrō wasn't coming and yes, it would certainly help speed things up." She knew the danger she was putting Hinata in. How frightening it must be for the girl to have to go through with this. The young woman showed no reaction and merely smiled and nodded back.
"I promise you, I will not fail you." It was then Kakashi forced himself to look at Hinata, he was totally wide eyed but knew how brave a girl she was. He remembered about how that day when she and the 'Konoha 11' ran to where he and Naruto were fighting Madara and Sasuke, friends and students dying as the battle went on, she prevented Sasuke from killing Naruto by throwing her body in front of Sasuke. She lay limp in Naruto's arms, smiling with a slight blush and he knew she was dying. He tried to comfort her and when she had blacked out, Naruto looked ill. He handed her body to him and from that point on all he felt he could do was hold her hand until help came as Naruto fought his former team mate.
However, he then realised that although he was no medic, he had seen the 'Mystical Palm' healing technique used by them. Placing his hand to her abdomen, he let chakra flow from him into her. It was thanks to his Sharingan that meant he had the ability to quickly and easily copy other people's jitsu … and he was thankful. She had not fully recovered but was now at least more stable. He moved her to a safer location and from there made sure nothing would happen to her. Not her.
She had survived many dangerous things, some physical, some emotional and some mental … but she survived. And pulled through on sheer strength, love and determination. Even when Naruto did not respond to her feelings, years passing slowly after the war… she never cursed him. Even now, she still loves him… and I hate him for that. Thought Kakashi. He then put on a fame smile as best he could, and nodded.
"You have always been strong. I do not think you have ever truly failed in anything."
Hinata smiled brightly at his words and she knew that he was being sweet. She had failed at most of her missions and often in the past created many problems… but now none of that mattered. The past was the past. She had forced herself to deal with the 'what-might-have been' moments in her past … Why aren't I stronger? … Why can't I make father proud of me? … Why doesn't he love me? … . Facing reality, she realised some time ago that she was happy with her life and at the amazing things she had. Amazing friends, a wonderful teacher, a sweet god-child, a family who now loved and respected her … and to at last feel love for a man who could love her back.
"You are the blessing to my life and I really want to escort you to the festival later." She winked and Kakashi laughed gently, a cheeky rising of his eye brows made her laugh back. "Promise me that we'll go together."
"I promise." And he crossed his heart and raised his right hand. "Or forever let Guy Sensei bombard me with duels."
"He already does…" Hinata joked and Mei-Sama, feeling a little embarrassed went slightly red. Hinata then remembered something and took something carefully from her jacket "…Oh, Mei-Sama. Chōjūrō asked me to give you something."
Carefully wrapped up in blue silk, Hinata gently handed the Mizukage Chōjūrō's gift. Mei-Sama delicately unwrapped the silk to reveal a crystal rose with the words 'Mei' engraved upon the stem. It was beautiful and attached to it was a small label. She read it: "I will return to replace this with a real one very soon xxx". Mei was ecstatic. She beamed dreamily for a moment and then carefully got up to place it on her desk. Returning, she then confirmed with them her plan.
"As you will be in a very dangerous position, Hinata. I would like to ask you to take this." She then produced from the shin protector on her left leg a small scroll. "It is my personal gift to you. It will allow you to summon Kakashi and me to where you are instantly. All you have to do is merely touch it with a wet finger. It will only respond to your finger, your chakra and your will. Even if some was to force you to use it, it would not work if you did not want it to. This is how my family survived through the 'Bloody' times of the past."
Hinata felt moved and rising shyly went to hug Mei-Sama. Mei-Sama embraced her back and the two looked at each other.
"I owe you so much." Mei-Sama said.
"No, I owe you. Mei-Sama, you have given me the opportunity for my family to have peace and for me to experience wonderful people and things. I hope I can return here in the future."
"You certainly can, Mei-Sama." She then took off from Hinata's face the glasses and looked into her pearly eyes. "You are truly beautiful – inside and out. No more need for these visors." The Mizukage placed the glasses into Hinata's hands and then returned to her seat. The fire crackled warmly and a small firefly landed on Mei-Sama's hand. "It looks like we must make our goodbyes too. Kakashi-Sama, I will need your help to warn my guards that the rebellion is starting and to begin scouting and engaging the enemy."
Kakashi nodded and looking at her Hinata one last time disappeared in a puff of smoke. Hinata then bowed to the Mizukage and waiting for Mei-Sama to rise and open the doors, quickly left the building to head towards the hospital.
Mei-Sama for a moment felt the loneliness of her home but smiled as she saw the light of the fire reflect in the crystal rose on her desk, making the room shine with light and rainbows captured within it like a prism. Chōjūrō…