Chapter Fifteen.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Suigetsu yelled at the tall male who was helping him and Jūgo get out from the apartment they had been living in as quietly as possible. Kakashi raised a finger to his lips with hand and with another gave to Suigetsu Kubikiribōchō. Suigetsu smiled evilly and carefully took the sword from its previous owner.

"Your brother Chōjūrō asked me to give this to you."

"Your brother?" Jūgo questioned, but Suigetsu merely nodded his head, almost lost in a world of his own.

"The dumbass is acknowledging me as a 'Swordsman of the Hidden Mist' … about sodding time! I worked my ass off for the last few days… but it's worth it." He carefully touched his sword and looked as if he was going to start using it REAL SOON.

Jūgo sensed the blood lust in his friend and looking at Kakashi, shrugged. "I think you better tell us where the trouble is coming from and point us in its direction. I don't think he's going to be able reign his instinct in for too long."

Kakashi bluntly told them who their target was."The Hunter-nin are rebelling. We need to take them out…" He saw Suigetsu and Jūgo flash hideous, murderous snarly smiles, but feeling bored began to take out his book. He was only three chapters away from ending it and it was really getting … interesting.

Suigetsu laughed hard and deep. Jūgo merely pinched his arm to make sure this was not a dream. "You want us…" Suigetsu said, pointing a finger between him and his carrot-top comrade. ".. To kill the men responsible for killing and imprisoning many of the people we knew and who HATED this country?"

"Yes." Kakashi said. He spoke so care free and didn't even bother to stop reading.

"Well, you heard the man Suigetsu. We better get tracking." It had been a long time for him since he had a good reason to fight and this was just perfect. Payback at the bastards who had caused him and many others pains in the ass for years were finally in for some pay back.

Suigetsu still looked lovingly at his Kubikiribōchō before putting it on his back and with Jūgo left quickly.

I thought if he was going to continue to touch it, it would drop off its handle. Thought Kakashi, before putting the book back safely in his pocket and disappearing.

Mei-Sama saw amongst the light a dark shadow growing. Several fireflies started to dart around and then realising what was happening, created a swirl of vapor and dissaperated. She reappeared at the other side of the room and then using her special abilities, thrust from her mouth molten lava, aiming at the direction the shadow came from. She saw the masked man as he screamed in agony, burning and dissolving into the hot fiery liquid which engulfed him. Cooling the air around her quickly by releasing a cool jest of water from her left hand, she examined the body of the dead man. The remains of his clothing and mask revealed he was indeed a Hunter-nin. They could later investigate who it was.

Mei-Sama then left for her office where she began briefing the guards. She told them of what had happened, how the Hunter-nin were now rebelling against Kirigakure, that she had been attacked at her home and that somehow Ao was involved. This unsettled the guards and as her ANBU members arrived, they brought news from scouts that Konoha ANBU had already passed the crossroads and were on their way. Another firefly flew passed her and with it its warning.

"They have entered the building. We must fight here and make sure no-one takes a fight out onto the streets. I know you can protect our people … let's stop this before it gets out of hand. If you can prevent their deaths, do not feel forced to kill them. These men maybe relatives or former colleagues… I leave that to your discretion. BUT DO NOT LET THEM ATTACK THE VILLAGE. Understood?"

Everyone agreed and appreciated her understanding. They would fight for Kirigakure … and for her.

"Then let's proceed. We will form from our numbers squads of four, making 10 squads in total. Ensure that you protect each other and I promise by the end of this, there will be no more situations like this whilst I am in charge. Look out for any fireflies as they will warn you if the enemy is near."

The squads were then quickly designated and everyone proceeded to search the building. Very quickly sounds of screaming and yelling were heard. One guard thought the enemy was cause of making another suffer so, but it was only when Squad 2 walked towards the noise and spotted a firefly resting on the wall along the corridor, that they saw the limbless body of a Hunter-nin, slowly bleeding to death whilst a white-haired male watched. He turned the guards, his sword resting by his side and waved.

"Greetings, comrades. Don't mind him…"

"PLEASE don't finish that joke." Begged Jūgo but cringed after he stopped talking as it merely encouraged the purple-eyed man.

"… He's 'armless." Suigetsu finished and saw Jūgo start to twitch. "Ooo, looks like I hit a nerve."

"Stop pissing me off, damn you!" The voice became deeper as his skin grew darker.

"Okay," Suigetsu raised an arm, the other securely holding his sword. "I'll behave better. Now, let's go and get another one before we run out."

The two former Akatsuki members ran off together down the corridor, leaving the Squad 2 members trying to help save the Hunter-nins life and trying to slow down the bleeding.

"At this rate he will die. He needs urgent medical attention. We must get him a Medical-nin, now."

"Saizō?" Questioned the Hunter-nin.

"Yes, *Mizuiro-Sensei. It's me. We are going to get you help."

"Keep … away … from … Medical-nin…" Mizuiro gasped out desperately, his eyes bloodshot but serious.

"Why, Sensei?" Saizō knew his Sensei was trying to tell him something very important.

"They… Ao… danger…" Mizuiro's glazed over and his expression slightly relaxed before he died. The guard helped close his eyes and then quickly looking at his teammates knew they had to tell the Mizukage immediately what they heard.

*Mizuiro means 'light blue'.

1,000's of miles away, Naruto walked around his desk for the 4,000000th time and then sat down, his fingers drumming loudly on the desk. He sent out his best men and women to Kirigakure and yet all he wanted to do was go with them. Hinata was now in danger because of him and all he could do was wait while his Sensei fought by her side … alone. Unchaperoned.

This series of events made him feel sick, her family would chop off his head and remove his organs if they heard there was now a war brewing where she was staying… its possible cause being the murderer of her aunt. He groaned and Kamara, his friend and co-sharer of his body, the 9-tailed fox spirit, yelled at him through his mind.

"When are you going to stop pretending that you don't love her?" He asked. "She remained loyal to you, sacrificing anything she has for you and even though you could have returned her feelings, ones you share… you didn't. If you want her, now is the time to at least try. She needs you."

"I do love her," Naruto replied, smiling. "But it is too late. I was going to fight Kakashi when I heard about what happened between them last year. She's different now. I know she'll always love me... but not the way she once did, with all of her heart."

"So, you are just going to let her die? And perhaps even your Sensei too? You heartless bastard." Smirked the fox. "I thought you'd at least have the guts to put on a brave face and fight for her. Does it matter who she ends up with?"

"No. No it doesn't." Answered Naruto. "I just can't face seeing them together or even him."

"Brat," Kamara added. "You're feeling jealous. Did you ever wonder how Hinata felt with you around Sakura? Not only have you in the past worshiped that team mate of yours, even now you pander to her every whim … and she's married to Sasuke. When she announced she was pregnant, Kami! You were so over-the-top people thought it was yours!" Naruto felt stung by the words… because they were true.

"Kamara, do you think I should go?"

Sun then butted in, a monkey spirit who around the time of the last war became incorporated with them. "YES NARUTO! WE ALL BLOODY DO - NOW GO!"

"Alright," commented Naruto and using the legendary speed techniques he learnt during the last few years which his father had created, he sped towards the Land of Water.

Kiba and Shino walked alongside Nina who was riding Akamaru. Chōjūrō was watching them from behind and to make sure no-one crept up upon them on their way to the crossroads. The boat trip had been speedy, in particular as the sailors wanted to be back and docked before the rain fell. They were making good progress and felt they had even shaved more than a couple of days off the journey by Nina's suggested route.

"If we continue at this pace, we'll be at the crossroads by 11:00am."

They all proceeded to talk amongst themselves when a group of flies flew past Chōjūrō and towards Shino.

"The fighting has begun in Kirigakure but no-one has been killed accept for 2 Hunter-nins. They told me that 3 Hunter-nins are on their way to our location … they'll be here in 5 minutes."

Nina dismounted Kiba and as they all quickly prepared themselves, a kunai shot past them through the distance. Chōjūrō spun to where it was coming from and Kiba sniffed the air, his sword aimed and ready for action.

"They are from Kiri, have strong chakra and are less them 3 minutes away." He then motioned to Akamaru and the dog quickly pounced to his side and they began their jitsu. They seemed to be clones but were a hybrid of each other – human but with distinctive canine features. They were on all fours and while Kiba muttered, Akamaru growled.

Shino summoned a group of ants around them and poisonous wasps started to join the flies and surround them. Nina smiled at the men.

"You three are very sexy like this."

Not letting the compliment rush to their heads, they remained focused on the approaching enemy. Calmly, Nina began a special jitsu of her own. She created a poisonous gas from her mouth and aimed it towards the enemy. Three loud thuds were heard in the background and she quickly adjusted the air to a safe toxicity level.

**"I didn't get all three of them." She said. "Only one. The three thuds, one of them sounded right but the other two … the sound was hollow, like wood falling."

"Substitution jitsu." Chōjūrō murmured. He prepared himself ready to fight and quickly he spotted a Hunter-nin approaching them. The bluenette saw the Hunter-nin prepare more kunai to aim at that but Chōjūrō quickly intercepted him, slashing at him with his sword and after a few moments, defeating him.

The others waited for the 3rd enemy to come and it was then Akamaru sniffed the air and barked.

"More are coming. Six more. Same smell as before but each in a different direction." They formed a small circle and when Chōjūrō had finished, they found themselves all under attack.

"We must stop them before the rain comes… it will drain our chakra. It would put us at a disadvantage." Nina informed them.

"We'll end this quickly Nina-Sama… I have a lot of things I want to show you when we get to Konoha." Shino said.

Nina's cheeks flushed and as the new wave of enemies came, she said: "And I you Shino."

The wasps, flies and ants quickly attacked all six of the Hunter-nins simultaneously, greatly slowing them down. Kiba and Akamaru pounced with their 'Fang over Fang' technique and knocked out two of the enemy.

One Hunter-nin, seeing Nina smirked and rang at her, but not before Shino simply ran to him and punched him hard in the face, dislocating the man's jaw and proceeded to kick him to the ground. A large carnivorous insect then came crawling from the ground and dragged him under quickly, suffocating him. Nina was impressed and less creeped out than Shino had expected. It made him hope.

The 6th Hunter-nin ran for Kiba, seeming to float past the insects in a form of protective water bubble. Just as it seemed the Hunter-nin was going to strike at Kiba, a masked ANBU member stabbed the bubble with a Kunai, before grabbing the attacker and slitting his throat quickly. He smelt the air and smiled, then realising the ANBU member had long hair, tied into a pony tail. With a wolf-shaped mask.

"SS…" He whispered the name gently, caressing it with his tongue. A small laugh came from the mask and the woman removed it. She was stunningly beautiful. Her hair was sun kissed and she had a slight tan to her skin. Her eyes were hazel brown and her smile… truly a wolfish grin.

"It's nice to see you again, Inuzuka-Sama."

"And I you…"

"She's pretty." Shino commented and as Kiba and Akamaru changed back to normal, Kiba glared at is friend with a slight snarl. "I don't think we've ever seen you before, SS."

Pulling the mask to her hip, she beamed at the group. "My real name is Joleen. And originally, I was born in the Land of Sound… I was a test subject that Orochimaru planned to utilise for battle. Tenzō (Captain Yamato) helped me escape when I was just a baby and since then, Konoha and the ANBU have been my home and family."

"I'm glad you're here." Nina said, smiling at the very pretty girl. Joleen smiled at her before putting her mask back on.

"I must go now. The rest of the reinforcements are…"

Just as she was talking, an orange flash whizzed past them. Kiba sniffed the air and grinned.

"Naruto just passed us." They then saw the orange light come back and promptly stopping, indeed forming the image of their Hokage.

"Hey everyone. The main man sent me to say hi and make sure you are all okay."

"This is Hokage-Sama?" Questioned Nina, to which received a unified "Yes" to.

"I am the Mizukage's niece; it is a pleasure to meet you." She bowed and Naruto closed his eyes to put on a true Cheshire Cat grin. "SS, how is the mission going?" He asked, SS bowed slightly and promptly moved away, a small piece of paper floating to the ground.

"Naruto, you BAKA!" Yelled Kiba. "She saved my life and you just… just…" He was furious and it was only when Shino placed his hand on Kiba's shoulder that he lowered his head, trying to stop shaking in anger.

"Do your friends often talk to you like this?" Nina curiously enquired.

"My friends can be honest with me," Naruto responded. "And I hope that will include you. The Mizukage instructed me that you're going to Konoha. I'll go back with you."

When Kiba noticed the small piece of paper that had now floated towards his feet, Akamaru quickly picked it up gently beneath his teeth and lifted to Kiba's hand. He quickly opened it up and read it. 'I will see you soon, my Inuzuka-Sama. SS xxx'.

"Naruto, I have to get back to Kiri." Kiba said, slightly shocked that he was talking. "I… need to do something." He fingered the paper lightly between his fingers and quickly placed it in his coat pocket.

Naruto grinned. "I, for once, completely understand. I'll tell your mum and sister to keep things together for a while longer."

Kiba, forgetting he was angry at him, beamed at him and then turning to Shino. "Is this okay?"

Shino squeezed his shoulder. "Only if you promise to tell me how everything goes."

"Don't get me wrong Shino, but I love you like my brother. I hate cutting and running when you have things that must be done." Shino smiled and very uncharacteristically, winked at him.

"I'll cope, brother." Shino squeezed the man's shoulder once more and then let his hand drop to his side. Kiba then mounted Akamaru and ran off, heading back towards Kirigakure as quickly as they could and in the direction of Joleen.

** A/N - I am very confident that Nina-Sama could have taken out all three of the Hunter-nin with her technique… she just didn't want to seem like she was showing off in front of her newly found friends.

Hinata found the hospital unusually quiet and without her glasses felt slightly insecure. People along the street had been really good. She thought they'd look at her with disgust but instead, it was more like admiration. It made her realise how good a place Kirigakure was and how much she had enjoyed being here.

Moving through the hospital, she had gone to the main reception but no-one seemed to be there. She activated her Byakugan and noticed what looked like fading chakra trails running along the ground. The hospital had been attacked. She needed to see Ao immediately. This would certainly be a trap but meant she could hopefully gain useful information.

As she approached the ward, she saw some familiar chakra trials surrounding Ao's bed. She brought in front of her the large bunch of daffodils and walked in. She deactivated her Byakugan quickly and went to where Ao lay. He looked extremely tired and disorientated. Hinata placed the flowers on Ao's lap and he looked at them smiling.

"How do you know?" He asked quietly.

"Because my aunt told me a story about them that captured me. Do you remember it?"

"Partly." He said, still looking dreamily at the lion-headed flowers. "Tell me."

"A young man dreamt about being able to swim. He lived far inland as a shepherd but worked hard to learn all he could so one day he could sell his flock and when he reached the ocean, he could then stay there and swim to his heart's content. One day, a lion came and attacked his heard and fighting against it, won but was badly injured during the fight. His right leg was nearly severed and though his family managed to save his life, he lost the leg."

"Fearing his dream was lost, he became depressed and often in The Land of Grass he would play sad tunes whilst he watched his flock of sheep. The following spring, the man was still unhappy but suddenly, a beautiful warm colour leapt out at him from where he was sitting. He used a cane and hurried to where it was, to find a whole row of daffodils. He looked at the strong green stems and the large yellow flowers. The wind blew heavily and he saw the flowers bend with it quickly, but they didn't break. From that day onwards, he continued his dream and by the summer, he had not only trained himself well but he had sold his flock, walked all the way to the ocean and swam."

"Even in the most dire of situations, don't break. Bend." Ao muttered and Hinata nodded, smiling.

"You remember." She said. She placed her hair back behind each ear. So, Ao is regaining some of my aunt's memories. He seems very docile though… this is very unlike him or my aunt. He smiled into space for a moment before looking rather agitated.

"Hinata, you must go. Tell Chōjūrō I love him. Tell him I'm VERY sorry." This was VERY strange words. Chōjūrō explicitly told her a story of how Mei-Sama managed to say through a fake Ao when he apologised to Chōjūrō … I then he would never intentionally do. He's not himself. But he's not a fake? How is this being done?

She looked at the water beside his table and placing up towards her face, sniffed the contents. It smells slightly sweet…he's being drugged. She quickly put it back and nodding at Ao slowly, took his hand and patted it.

"Why don't we get you up so you can tell him yourself…"

"The patient will not be moved." A loud and too familiar voice boomed at her across the ward's main corridor.

"Doctor…?"

"Yes, Hinata-Sama?" Doctor Kirra said.

"It's good to see you." Hinata said, continuing to smile as she gently squeezed the middle aged man's hand and then let it go, putting her hands on her lap. Ao's warning had given her time. Already she had proportioned chakra into all the parts of her body. She may not be able to use the technique that Kirra had seen her use before but she had over the years developed new skills, including discovering her natural element.

"Likewise." Kirra said with a smirk. "How is the patient at the moment? I think he was expecting Chōjūrō-Sama to be here."

Hinata nodded. "Sadly, Chōjūrō has been called away. He asked me to come in his place."

"Well," Kirra said as her face tightened, she was mulling something over. "This is a happy substitute to have for this morning. Is he well?"

"Oh yes." Hinata made sure to seem not too overtly happy and so said it gently, matter-of-factly. "He's helping Kakashi-Sama make preparations for the village. Mei-Sama asked them to quickly assist in helping her and the public who urgently needed some help. Chōjūrō-Sama has been so kind: he saw my friends safely home earlier as far as the crossroads and by now he will be back as promised."

The white-eyed girl seemed to be telling the truth. Her chakra levels had not fluctuated once since she saw her … Kirra's ability was to be able to feel the vibrations given off from a person's chakra network. This made her a very skilled medic and an amazing lie detector. Hinata theoretically had not lied at all … she merely gave details she knew were fairly vague and could be backed up by events.

"I see," Kirra nodded and then proceeded to smile… but it was not a nice smile. "I guess that means you'll be staying with us… more or less alone… HYUUGA-Sama."

Hinata felt the threat and could not be bothered reacting to it. If Kirra wanted a fight she'd get one.

"Kirra felt a sudden wave of chakra aimed at her chest and ducked down with speed to avoid it. She only partly missed the blow and the impact made her go 'Ah!' in surprise. Blood come from her mouth when she coughed. Shit, she cracked a rib?

Hinata put back down the raised little finger that had caused such a blow. She could easily kill the traitor but that would achieve nothing accept cause a possible breakdown in the treaty. For the sake of peace, she must act very carefully…