Chapter Twenty Six

"How the hell did you manage to break that?" Ao whined as he looked at the antique vase that had been on the small table in front of the games room. "I bought that for the Mizukage upon her coronation and now it's been cleaved in to."

"Do you know how bloody hard it is to cleave brittle china in two with shattering the two halves? You've no fucking appreciation!" Suigetsu said, extremely pissed at the old man's words. "Who the hell does this cry baby think he is anyway?" He then stormed off to his room to get out of the man's way before he cut him in two as well.

Manage… Marriage. Break… late. Late for Marriage? The Mizukage was just going past the games room when she heard the yelling and decided to check out things whilst she was there. She saw Suigetsu come out the room and Ao seeing her, smiled and walked towards her.

"Mizukage, I have a proposal for you…"

Proposal… for me! Her eyes filled with panic but Ao ignoring the reaction to his words carried on.

"… will you help an old man in granting his wish and give life have some worth again."

Old… Wish …fish? life… wife? Old fish wife? OLD FISH WIFE?

The Mizukage smiled and closed her eyes. "Shut up or I'll kill you." She then walked away before he could say anything and went into the dining room to meet with the others.

Ao looked dumbstruck. What the hell just happened? I didn't even say anything bad! He sighed and followed her steps towards the dining room. He'd have to make his request there.

Everyone was deep in conversation as Ao entered the room. The pleasant atmosphere and chatter died when he sat in his chair next to the right of the Mizukage.

"My apologies for misunderstanding you earlier Ao." She said, though unusually she wasn't smiling and seemed solemn. "I believe you wanted to make a request. Please go ahead."

Yamato had obviously warned the group in advance but maybe it was for the best. It would be more likely for the fight to happen if its taken seriously and in order for his plan to work, he needs for their attention to be taken away and this is a great way to do it.

"Mizukage-Sama, no apologies needed. I am sorry I upset you. With your permission, I would like to challenge Lady Hinata to a sparring match. No serious injury or killing involved – it would merely an opportunity to learn on how to use the Byakugan. I have never had the opportunity to learn from another and it's a good opportunity."

The Mizukage looked puzzled. This is different to the type of fight Yamato told me Ao wanted to have with her… he seems to be hiding something. He apologised too quickly to me then and his attitude feels underhand …I need to see what he is planning.

"Mei-Sama, I accept." Hinata said, smiling brightly.

"We are in a difficult situation … even a sparring match may spread rumours of Leaf and Water Ninja fighting. I think in the future we can do this … but not now."

Ao ground his teeth in frustration. Hinata repeated her acceptance, making Ao feel angry.

"It is fine, Mei-Sama. It's more like a training session. We can make it private so no-one need know except us."

"There's a lot at risk here … think of the treaty and your loved ones…" Mei said and Hinata nodded.

I have no choice… Ao thought and taking the knife in front of him he quickly aimed it at Hinata's forehead and threw it. Pakkun leapt from her lap into the air to catch it but was shocked when he didn't see the knife for him to catch in his mouth. For a moment there was silence before Kiba whooped and everyone started to clap, Mei and Chōjūrō 's faces jointly changing from fear to a relaxed smile. Hinata caught Pakkun in her right arm whilst between the fore and middle fingers of her left hand was the knife she caught.

"Damn you!" Ao screamed at her and the clapping stopped. "You think you are so fucking perfect, don't you?" Hinata seemed stunned, using the emptiness within her to not be angry.

"No," She replied. "I hate myself for wanting what you want too." Hinata then stared at him and their eyes shared not hatred but a focus that meant death. "You have insulted my family, my friends, my home … you deserve to die. I am happy you have suffered so much and so wish I could free you from the pain." An unnatural smile came across her lips and she bit her bottom one. "I have to live with knowing I feel exactly the same way you do… you already have your revenge."

"Hyuuga," He said it with a chilling laugh. Both Kiba and Shino leapt at him - not to attack him but to keep him in place in case he charged at her. "Be a big girl and stop hiding behind your words … your friends…" He gestured to the two men by his side. "Meet me and then come at me with all you have."

"Mei-Sama," Hinata said. "I think we both want this. But I do not want the treaty over it. What would you suggest?"

The Mizukage thought hard for a moment and then an idea came to her … but perhaps not a good one as it could cause Hinata later problems.

"As it stands, this is an international issue. If it were a domestic one, things would be different…" She trailed the sentence off to leave everyone to their own conclusions.

"Are you saying she becomes a Kiri-nin?" Jūgo asked. Mei-Sama shrugged her shoulders as he nodded.

Ao grinned crazily, just as Suigetsu entered the room and seeing the commotion, raised an eyebrow. Sitting next to Jugo, he asked what was going on.

"Ao tried to Hinata just now ad it seems they both want a piece of each other."

"Holy shit, you could have ran to have gotten me! Damn, I nearly missed out. So, what's the decision then. You both going to have it out with each other.

Just as Hinata had said "Yes", Chōjūrō said "No. at the same time. They looked at each other, the same concerned look on each other's faces.

"When the tests come back, though I do actually believe Ao-Sama," Chōjūrō said. "If it proves we are cousins, I will fight him, Hinata."

"But you can't…" Hinata said, astounded and scared. "Your mother's chakra is within him. If he dies, so will your mother."

Ao couldn't talk, move or act. His mind tried to absorb the thing that had just happened. Not my son… a small voice within him cried and he shook at the presence of it. Shino and Kiba watched him closely, anticipating if he was going to move, attack or simply sit and shake there in his chair.

"I accept." Ao said smiling. I will make you pay for every moment you made me relive your pathetic memories in my head and for every scream you made me utter, you'll hear from your son.

"I admit, it won't be the same as killing that Hyuuga whore there but your death will still sweet Chōjūrō."

Chōjūrō smiled, his sharp teeth showing and folding his arms against his chest proudly. "Words are so boring. Let's quickly discuss where and when we do this and meet again then. Mei-Sama?"

Mei looked like her heart had been extracted and she felt pale and sick. Her eyes lost their shine but as any good leader would do, she stayed strong and nodded. "We will arrange a match this Friday, in the tournament tower near the main town." It meant she could keep them under a close eye and keep her military on red alert. Something felt still a little sinister about this situation. She needed time to find out its source.

Ao nodded, his face at peace. He closed his eyes and let the sobbing sounds of the female entity within him calm him as if listening to the sound of rain. I promise you Hanabi, the girl will join your son too. Her blood and eyes will be mine… just as yours were mine too.

The Mizukage fingered the scroll, twirling it in her hands like a baton as she waited again for the younger people to come into her office. When she asked Chōjūrō and Hinata if they wanted the results given to them in private, they said no. The past had been kept hidden from them for too long and why not share news with those closest to you?

Everyone came in, including Yamato, Suigetsu, Jūgo and Pakkun. They are all came and sat in front of Mei's desk. She instead of sitting behind the desk, she sat on top of it . She looked down at the scroll before handing it to the two family members with blue hair.

"You are cousins." She said with a semi-smile. If they were not cousins, Chōjūrō would not have to fight as he would have no claim to wish for vengeance.

Hinata took her cousins hand and squeezed it in hers. The room was quiet as everyone was thinking the same way.

"Damn it!" Yelled Suigetsu, sliding back his chair as he stood up and pointed a finger at the two blues in front of Mei.. "How can you guys put up with Ao's shit? "Why don't you all say 'Fuck you' and just go and be a family?" Jūgo grinned at the outburst from his psychopathic friend.

"Suigetsu…" He said slightly proud of the guy for once and as Suigetsu sat down, Joleen smiled. She then asked Mei a question.

"Mei-Sama, I would like your permission to revive my sister and if she wishes to stay here, I'd like to pick her guards with your guidance, is that okay?" She looked at Yamato and winked at him as he nodded. "I don't think she'd be happy in Konoha and to be honest, she been in Kirigakure for so long now she must think of it as home. She better with people who know her ways."

"Me!" Yelled Suigetsu and Jūgo, before glaring at each other. Mei smile grew at the scene and she said "Both of you would be good candidates, though Jugo, you are not a member of this village, you can do as you wish."

"I'll do it." They both answered in unison and began to fight. Suigetsu taking out his sword and trying to cut off Jūgo's limbs one by one but promptly being punched through the wall of the Mizukage's Office.

"Whoops!" Said Jūgo, blushing. Mei smiled and said it was okay and not to worry about it. Suigetsu then entered into the room through the hole in the wall and the two laughed at what had happened.

"Ao-Sama, you did well."

"We both wanted revenge on this tragedy that's become Kirigakure." Ao added to the man in front of him. They were standing beside the hospital where they had arranged to meet.

"Will everything be ready?" He asked.

"Yes, Kiri-Sama."

"When they captured my Kirra…" He spoke angrily. "… They really had no idea what trouble they have created for themselves. If only the Hokage hadn't appeared I could have crept up on them undetected…"

"We'll get her back for you. As long as we stick to the plan and our timing isn't off… we will save this village from disaster."