So, quick authors note. The reason it's as long as it is, is due to the fact that originally, a chapter was missed out. As such, I have been forced to join together two chapters into one. So, chapter nine is essentially meant to be two chapters seperate, but it's now two. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 9
"…this bitch was easy. Rather pathetic even for a Genin."
Sakura's eyes fluttered open. She tried to move but was met with a searing pain in her leg. She was in somewhere dark and it seemed to be moving. As she tried squirming, she realised she had little room. The pinkette was jolted slightly as the cracking of a branch was heard. She furrowed her eyes in confusion. Where was she? She remembered walking through the woods, and then-
Sakura tried to release a strangled cry but it was cut off by something in her mouth, the sound coming out muffled. She was gagged. And in a sack.
"She is a woman." A low, sophisticated voice replied.
Behind her, she could feel someone tense. "What's that meant to mean!?" A loud female voice boomed. The man with the sophisticated voice laughed heartily.
"My dear, you know what it means."
The killing intent was suffocating, but it was quickly turned down. "Quiet, the both of you. You can both kill each other when we complete our mission and get back to base."
Sakura shivered. She recognized the voice. It was the one who whispered in her ear, that same spine tingling, skin crawling voice. She fought back the tears. She wasn't about to cry, not now. Shinobi had to be calm and collected.
The hopping through what Sakura assumed were trees ended, she could feel the rush of cool air that flowed into her prison. Eventually, after what seemed like forever, the man holding Sakura stopped.
"Release the Genjutsu," The sophisticated man said to one of his companions. A sound of glass breaking was heard. Before Sakura could even blink, she and another prison were roughly thrown on the floor. She tumbled out of the sack, with a loud thud. Jolt of pain shot through her leg and she let out a muffled scream. Three figures loomed over her.
One was a girl with red hair and piercing brown eyes. Her features were sharp; defined. Her clothes were too dark to pick out, but her face was easy to see as she loomed over Sakura, a sadistic grin gracing her lips. "This is what we wanted?" The woman scoffed, kicking Sakura in the ribs. She fought back the tears, but it was to no avail, her vision blurred and tears soon ran down her cheeks.
"Leave her be." The sophisticated voice called out and Sakura turned towards him. His hair ran down his neck, a light platinum blonde. His features were soft and yet held a certain arrogance that rivalled Sasuke's. His eyes were forest green, filled with amusement and greed.
"We want her alive. Kan, Reiko, let's get her inside."
Sakura glanced at the voice she recognized, and shuddered when she saw his blindfold that seemed to suck her in.
Reiko, however, placed her foot on Sakura's leg and pushed down. A cry of intense pain escaped from the pinkette's lips that not even the binds could hold.
Sakura felt the hand hit her face, blood flying from her mouth and onto the wet grass. She was hoisted up, her eyes drooping again.
"That one was weaker than the other two and they were on the same team? God Joukei, those brats sure kicked your ass. You got beaten down by an orange jumpsuit wearing ninja, a mongrel and his dog, a freaky bug guy, a shy bitch, and that last Uchiha? The Uchiha, I can understand; the others, psh!"
Wait what!? Sakura's eyes widened in realisation. Naruto, Sasuke, Kiba, Shino, Hinata! They could be injured, or worse because of her. She didn't even try to fight back the tears this time. What was the point? Her friends could be dead and it was all because she wasn't strong enough. She would never be good enough. Always the liability. As she gazed up at the sky, her eyes widened.
In front of the group was a rather large wooden door, which seemed to lead into a compound, and with what she could see, a rather large dome in the middle. It wasn't overly big, from where Sakura was from it would most probably take 5 minutes to run through the compound, but it was still fairly big. How was it being concealed though? It would take a master of-
Her thoughts were cut off as something smacked her in the back of the head, knocking her out. Reiko smirked. She was going to have fun with this one.
Gurei looked at his scroll intently. "So, you push this amount of chakra in the hand, and then pulse through that vein…"
The grey haired boy tapped his chin deep in thought. He was currently sat down in the 'creature pen' as Raion had dubbed it, on guard duty. However, that didn't mean he couldn't study while he was there.
Gurei hummed before his eyes widened in realisation. He smirked to himself, before placing the scroll down next to him and sighed happily. That was the end of the work his was set by Itachi, now what to do?
Gurei scanned the room. Utsuro sat in the corner, her undivided attention on a book that Kura had found for her while snooping through the town. She said she 'acquired' it. Yeah, of course she did. But the white haired girl was thoroughly enjoying the work of literature; every couple of minutes pausing to ponder something before getting back to her reading.
Fenris was a different story. He sat in his cage, dressed in a dark grey trench coat with the ends pure white. Just like those markings. Gurei had to admit, they fascinated him. They were so bizarre, like roots of a tree. Yet pulsing with chakra. He was desperate to take a look at them, just see what they really were-
"Gurei, is there something you need?"
Fenris' voice snapped the grey haired medic out of his trance,and he smiled slightly. "No thank you Fenris," he replied. "I was just spacing out."
Fenris' brow furrowed. "You want to take a look at my markings?"
Gurei nodded dumbly. Fenris smiled. "You could, if you would like."
Well, that was easy. The grey haired nin smiled, before nodding. "Are sure this is a good time?"
Fenris threw his head back and laughed. "I am sitting here staring at a wall. It is fine."
Gurei nodded, grabbing his medical supplies, and walked forward into the holding cell. It was nicer now, as Kataki and Raion had moved some of the rubble, giving the two former slaves of Orochimaru a place to sleep. Placing his supplies down on the floor, grabbing a stool from the corner of the cell and moving it forward, Gurei wondered idly what the others were doing.
His answer was a loud crash. Gurei and Fenris looked up. "I presume Raion has pissed off Kura."
Gurei nodded. Kami, did they want to be found!?
Fenris quickly recovered from the loud bang and slid his trench coat off, revealing his wiry form and those intricate designs. Gurei eyed the curiously. They were captivating. Pure genius. The artist who crafted these was very talented.
"There not art." Fenris snapped suddenly, noticing Gurei's captivated expression. Gurei muttered an apology, and sat down on the stool. Taking out a magnifying glass, he ran the lens over the markings. They were like bones, sharp and dangerous, mysterious and captivating.
"Would you mind if I touched them?"
Fenris didn't respond at first, but eventually nodded apprehensively.
Gurei placed his little finger against the marking. It seemed to fluctuate slightly, before getting used to Gurei's chakra and settling down. It was cold, rough, and bony.
The grey haired nin decided to try some medical Ninjutsu on it to test what would happen. As soon as he did, he was flung backwards by Fenris.
The white haired nin let out an aggravated snarl leaping to the opposite side of the cell like a feral animal. He growled at Gurei menacingly. "You should have asked!"
Gurei's hands were shaking from the shock. The killing intent radiated off of him, like buckets of cold water. The curse seal on his shoulder fluctuated, spreading down his shoulder, before it stopped. Fenris took a calming breath, his stance shifting into one of remorse. The curse seal returned into its normal state.
"I'm so-sorry" Gurei said after a few moments of silence. Fenris staring at the ground and the boy's mouth agape.
Fenris looked up. "No, I am the one that should be sorry."
The white haired nin collapsed against the wall, slumping down. Gurei sighed, standing up. He was mildly annoyed and yet more hurt than anything.
"Want to explain why you attacked me?" Gurei crossed his arms, a hurt look gracing his features.
Fenris sighed sadly. "Any source of chakra stings."
Gurei's features softened slightly. "So, does that mean-"
Fenris nodded. "Yes, I can't use any Ninjutsu, Genjutsu or Medical Ninjutsu."
Gurei ran a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I should have asked."
Fenris didn't reply, just kept his gaze firmly on the ground. "I think it is time for you to sleep. Your guard duty has ended."
Gurei nodded, quickly gathering up his medical supplies and bolting out the room. Casting one long look in the white haired boys direction, he climbed up the cold stairs.
Fenris put his head in his hands, before slamming his fist into the ground, his face seething.
"That won't do anything you know." Utsuro's high-pitched voice told him. He grunted loudly, walking over to his small sleeping bag and slipping into it.
Utsuro laughed. "Go pout. I have something I need to do."
Fenris didn't respond.
Utsuro waited before quickly making some hand signs. Fenris cringed before he slipped into unconsciousness.
The white haired girl smiled before getting up from her seat, walking over to the centre of the room and sat down with her legs crossed and eyes closed.
When she opened them again, she was in the dark. Blackness as far as the eye could, or in this case couldn't, see.
"Utsuro. That is a fitting name."
Utsuro smiled slightly, robotically cocking her head to the side.
There was silence, before Utsuro felt something embrace her. It was icy, deathly.
"Your friends are none the wiser?"
Utsuro nodded.
A deep laugh erupted, shaking the very foundation of Utsuro's mind. "Good girl," The voice purred in her ear.
Utsuro giggled. "Shall I kill them?"
"No…" The voice hissed. "We will not. They will provide us safe haven until I have need of you. Do not visit me again until we have made any discoveries. Unless you have already?"
The white haired girl shook her head numbly. "No matter. You are still my slave."
Utsuro felt something slap her across the face. "You are nothing without me girl. I am your salvation through your destruction."
Utsuro felt something pierce her gut. She looked down and saw thousands of white butterflies escape from her chest. Soon, they engulfed her form and the whole world went white.
Utsuro awoke to find Raion staring at her, his face filled with annoyance.
"I was meditating." She answered his unasked question. She leapt up, smiling sweetly and walked back over to her stool, ready to read another chapter of her book.
Raion could have sworn he saw a red claw mark on the side of her pale cheek.
The night air was fresh and earthy, not corrupted with the burning smog filled sensation that most villages had. Then again, Kura's village wasn't like most. She pulled the cloak closer to her. God it was cold.
The shadow nin was currently sliding through the alleyways and the rooftops flanked by Kataki. He was silent, his eyes hoping, praying for a fight.
"A bit antsy, aren't we?" Kura inquired teasingly. Kataki grunted. Kura let out a small chuckle.
As they leapt over another rooftop, Kura noticed that nobody was around. It was deathly silent, too silent. She stopped running, Kataki stopping by her side.
"Anything wrong?"
She nodded. "It's too quiet."
They both jumped into an alleyway. The red head leaned back against the wall, tense. Kura did the same, although she was far more relaxed.
Kura took this time to smirk seductively. "You know, we're in an alley. Alone, at night."
Kataki snorted. "You're the one that wanted to stop."
"Well, that is true." She glided forward, placing her hand on his shoulder. "You promised me back at the waterfall."
Kataki frowned. "Kura…"
"Please…" she pouted. He rolled his eyes.
"Just one kiss." He said. She beamed and nodded.
"Just one," She echoed him. They both leant forward slightly, Kataki's warm breath dancing across her face. She could almost feel his rough lips touching hers…
Her face went into a wall. She withdrew quickly, looking around. He was gone.
"Tease," She called out and a laugh emanated from a place she couldn't pinpoint. "I'm getting my kiss, if it's the last thing I do!" With that, she sped off into the night.
It neared 1 AM before anything exciting happened. The duo had patrolled around the entire village at least three times and it was time for Raion and Gurei to head out. Kura however, relished the thought.
"You'll have nowhere to run now." She called gleefully. Kataki was purposely keeping ahead of her, every once in a while looking back to see her right on top of him, before he sped up.
He laughed quietly to himself. This girl would never quit. Maybe one day he would give into her advances. One day.
"I have training to do when I get back Kura." He told her, slowing down a bit. She soon caught up and rolled her eyes.
"You always have training to do. Can't you just take one day off?"
Kataki shook his head. "No. Especially not here." His eyes darkened slightly. Kura gave a soft smile, wrapping her arm around his shoulder as they walked.
"Listen. Tali wasn't your fault. We should all take the blame together. I was the one who didn't even do anything!" she sighed. "I mean, he was just so handsome. He took me by surprise!"
Kataki shook his head, smiling slightly. Kura smiled.
"See, I am useful. Of course, there is another thing I could do to help you feel better…" she trailed off as she ran her hand down his shirt.
"Hel-hello?"
They both froze. The large rooftop they were on, they hadn't been paying attention. A small boy, no older than seven, looked at them with large curious green eyes. He was scruffy, his rags torn almost to bits. He was shivering under the air's cold embrace, thick with dirt and mud.
Kataki and Kura shared a look, before she turned around and smiled sweetly. "Hello there."
The boy seemed to tense before he somewhat relaxed. Kura took a small step forward, reaching into her pocket. "Are you hungry?" She questioned.
He nodded slowly. She pulled out a small energy bar, unwrapped it for the boy and gave it to him. He devoured it like a wild animal, although Kura supposed he hadn't eaten for days, maybe even weeks. He was scrawny and way too scraggy.
"Are you here to make the bed men go away?" He asked as he gulped down the last of his bar.
This intrigued Kataki and kneeled down next to Kura. "Exp- I mean, could you please explain?" He tried to use a level voice. The boy looked apprehensive.
"Sometimes," He began, his eyes brimming with tears. "The bad men come and they take us away. Sometimes they take the grownups, but most of the time they steal my friends." The tears flowed down his cheeks. "Th-they won't stop! They just keep coming and coming every night and stealing us."
"Where do they take them?" Kura asked putting her hand in his shoulder.
He shuddered slightly. "Over there," He whispered, pointing over the town.
Kataki frowned. "The graveyard?"
The boy nodded.
"They say it's cursed," The red head said to his companion as she gave him a questioning look. "That dark spirits walk amongst there and prey on any who dare enter."
The boy nodded shakily. "Bu-but the-they keep coming ou-out-"
Kura pulled him into a hug, and whispered into the top of his head. "It'll be okay, we'll get rid of the bad men."
Kataki shot her a scathing look. 'Kura…'
'What?' She mouthed back to him. 'We need to help him. This may have a connection to Tali.'
Kataki frowned deeply, but nodded. "Very well, we'll stop the bad men."
The boy broke from Kura's embrace, wiping away the tears and smiled at Kataki. "Thank you, mister!"
The read head gave a small, uneasy smile back.
The boy seemed to open his mouth to say something, but his eyes became glazed. He collapsed into Kura's arms, unconscious.
"We'll check it out tomorrow," Itachi leapt down onto the roof, his dark hair flowing in the wind. He had put a sleeping Genjutsu on the boy Kura reckoned, Kataki nodded. Kura gently lay the boy down, taking her cloak off and wrapping it around the boy as a blanket.
"Ready to go?" Kataki asked. She nodded, sending one long look back in the boy's direction before she ran forward.
Itachi nodded and began to leap across the rooftops, Kura following him. Kataki, however, stayed in place. He ran his eyes over the sleeping boys form with his sharp shallow breaths. The red head reached into his jacket pocket, picked up a small bag of coins and tossed it to the boy. It landed just by his head.
Kataki smiled ever so slightly, before speeding off into the night after his companions.
When the boy awoke the next morning, he was shocked to find enough money to rent a room and buy some food. Secretly, he thanked the tall woman and the scary man. They were going to scare the bad men away. As the boy climbed down the ladder that reached the alleyway below, he couldn't stop grinning ear to ear.
Sakura woke to an intense throbbing in her head. She groaned as she rolled over, right off of a makeshift bed. She crashed to the floor below with a thud.
She felt slender arms wrap around her midsection and help her up. She was lifted onto the bed and felt a cold soft hand touch her forehead. The fuzziness subsided and Sakura was greeted by the sympathetic smile of a blonde girl she didn't recognize. "How are you feeling?" She asked.
Sakura groaned. "I'll take that as not to well." The blonde girl stated. She reached down on the floor and picked up a clay cup.
"Have a drink," She said, pushing the cup into Sakura's mouth. She hadn't even realised her throat was burning. She drunk it down greedily, finishing it in a matter of seconds. Sakura felt some of her energy return and she sat up carefully, propping herself upwards with her elbow. Once the blonde girl was content with Sakura's ability to stand up by herself, she quickly walked away back to her own bed and sat down.
"I'm Tali, what's your name?" The blonde girl asked after a few seconds, taking a sip of her own glass of water.
"Sa-Sakura," She answered. Tali smiled.
"That's a pretty name. It matches your hair."
Sakura subconsciously ran her hand through her hair while Tali did the same with her own.
"So, where are you from?" Tali once again asked. Sakura went to reply, but quickly thought better of it. She didn't even know this girl, she could be a spy!
"I'm from the Rain village," Was her response.
Tali frowned slightly. "I can see your leaf headband. It's lying by your bed."
Sakura looked over her bed, and did indeed see her leaf headband lying there, dirty.
Tali, however, took it in stride and laughed. "No offense taken," She said. "I would most probably do the same if I was in your shoes."
Although Sakura wanted to ask where this girl was from, she thought better of it. After all, she wouldn't tell her where she was from, so why would she tell her?
"Do you want something to eat?" Tali asked, tucking a piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. Sakura had to admire he slender frame, the way that she seemed to glow even at a time such as this.
"Yes, thank you."
Tali smiled once again and reached down, picking up a piece of bread and tossing it into Sakura's waiting hand. The pinkette eyed it hungrily before shoving it all in her mouth. She had gone without food for too long to care about any manners. Not that Tali seemed to mind, as she gleefully laughed.
"Well, at any rate, we're not getting out anytime soon." The mood in the room soon dissipated into one of despair, but Tali just kept on smiling.
Sakura, while in her despair, actually looked around the room. There were no windows, only cobblestone walls thick with moss. Water dripped from the ceiling creating a small puddle of water on the ground. Tali eyed it curiously.
"Wanna' see something cool?" she inquired.
Sakura shrugged, hugging her knees to her chest.
Tali closed her eyes and lifted her hand upwards slowly.
The puddle rose ever so slowly, eventually forming a small tower of water. Sakura was amazed, her mouth agape. She had seen nature manipulation before, but never to this extent. No hand signs were involved and she managed to move a puddle of water into a tower without breaking a sweat. This girl was no civilian.
The tower itself seemed to expand, gaining greater mass until it filled almost the centre of the room. There was no sound except the swirling of the cyclone as it expanded. Eventually it split apart and took the shape of two men, each wearing samurai armour. They withdrew a sword each and engaged in a silent sword battle. Sakura watched captivated as they seemed to dance around the room seamlessly.
Tali, from behind them, watched Sakura happily. She was glad to make her cellmate slightly happy, if only for a little while.
However, the sound of footsteps soon reached the ears of the two girls and Tali grimaced, before lowering her hand again. The samurais melted into a puddle of water and merged together, leaving only that same small puddle that had been there before.
The door was thrust open, revealing the same man that Sakura remembered when she was being taken to wherever she was now. His name was Kan, she recalled with a grimace.
Kan ran a hand through his blonde hair and sniffed the air, eventually recoiling. "It stinks of slave," He announced, throwing two pieces of bread each at both Sakura and Tali. "Women. Disgusting." He muttered, before leaving, slamming the door with a thud.
Sakura sniffed, before burying her eyes in her arm.
Tali looked at her empathetically. 'I will escape this place, with Sakura,' She promised herself. 'If it's the last thing I do!'
The air had a certain chill, the sky a grey hue. A storm was on its way if the darkening clouds were any indication. The wind was almost non-existent, only revealing itself once in a while, even then it was only a light breeze.
Walking along in the Hyūga district of Konoha were two young teenagers. One was a pale beauty, while the other wore orange. It was Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga. They had just come back from Kurenai's, gathering some spare clothes after Naruto 'kidnapped' her so she wouldn't have to walk around in a hospital gown. The sheer thought of it sent a shiver down Hinata's spine.
"So Hinata, this is where you live?" The blonde questioned. She nodded. Naruto frowned slightly. There hadn't been much if any conversation between the two after the incident at the hospital. If he was honest he didn't really want to take her back to her house. Not to her father.
Naruto didn't really know much about family but he was sure that fathers weren't supposed treat their daughters like that. Hinata, ever observant, noticed the small frown that marred the blondes face and tentatively asked, "Na-Naruto, are you okay?"
Naruto gave a bright smile. His usual mask. "Yup! Just thinking about how we're going to save Sakura!"
Hinata, being the quiet girl she was, looked around to see if anybody had heard his outburst. If any of her clansman saw her with Naruto, well…
"Soooo, this is where you live?" He snapped her out of her thoughts.
Hinata nodded. "You as-asked that already."
Naruto smacked his forehead. "Sorry!" He exclaimed, "I'm not used to talking to people. I only ever really talk to Sasuke and Sakura. Even then, that usually ends with me being punched or… yeah, I'm usually punched."
Hinata nodded again. "It's okay Na-Naruto. I'm not used to talking with people outside of my clan, apart from my team."
"Oh, how come?"
The Hyūga shrugged. "My f-father doesn't really let me interact with anyone."
Naruto's face turned into a scowl. What did he say now? "Uh," he tried desperately to think of something to say to such a pretty gi- Wait, what?
"Nar-Naruto, can I ask you a question?" The heiress asked. He nodded. "Do yo-you- Did you have any family?"
The question seemed to jar the blonde slightly, his shoulders sagging. "Not really," He muttered, "None that I can remember. The only family I have is my team and Iruka-sensei. And I'll get my Sakura back, believe it!"
Hinata giggled, glad to see he was still in good spirits after her question.
Soon, the white walls of the Hyūga compound came into view. The duo walking together had not taken notice, too immersed in their conversation. "Do you have any other family besides your bas-father?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes," She said softly, "My little sister, Hanabi. She's four now." She smiled softly, although it didn't reach her eyes. "She's… very special to my father."
Naruto growled. That stupid bastard! Treating one daughter better than the other was downright disgusting. Naruto suppressed the urge to tear the Hyūga compound to bits and was instead focused on the sheer sophistication of the building. It screamed honour and manners with its perfectly tarnished white walls. That was just the outside!
"Wow…" The blonde trailed off as he looked through the big iron gates. The inside was ten times better than the outside. From what Naruto could see, there were multiple smaller houses surrounding a huge house, all pristine and white. It still oozed pure sophistication, which Naruto didn't even think was possible.
"Hinata, your house is so big!" he exclaimed. She giggled.
"Th-thank you," She walked over to the big iron gate, before turning to Naruto. "Naru-Naruto, could you tu-turn around please?" She asked. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion.
"A seal needs to be broken and only a Hyūga can do it."
Naruto nodded and did as the pale girl requested. There was a loud click and Hinata told him he could turn around. He did so to see the huge iron gate was now open. The pale Hyūga blushed scarlet, her gaze meeting the ground. "Th-thank you for ever-everything Naruto," She whispered quietly. He beamed at her.
"No problem Hinata! See ya tomorrow." He called out waving. She shyly waved back and proceeded to walk inside when a small figure blocked her path. Naruto blinked. It was a younger version of Hinata, albeit with slightly shorter hair and smaller eyes, and smaller b- anyway, they looked almost identical.
"Hinata," The young girl bowed. Hinata smiled.
"Hanabi," She also bowed respectfully. The young girl smiled back at her sister before turning her attention towards the blonde staring at them wide eyed.
"Who's that?" The tone of her voice was not one befitting of a Hyūga, sounding stubborn and obnoxious. Well, obnoxious was a Hyūga trait, but this sounded as Naruto had- still did. The blonde in questioned beamed.
"I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm gonna be Hokage!" He yelled out. The petite girl looked at him, before she burst out laughing, clutching her sides in pain. There was another thing to add to the weird list of things that had gone on today; a Hyūga laughing. Most didn't think that was possible.
"Yo-you," She gasped, wiping away the tears, "Think you're going to be Hokage!" She laughed louder. "But-but, you're wearing orange!"
Naruto narrowed his eyebrows. "Hey! Orange is the best colour in the world!" He retorted. Hanabi snorted.
"Yeah right! Orange is the worst colour, only for idiots like you! Hinata, how do you know him?" She questioned her sister. She went to answer but blushed. What could she say? They weren't exactly friend-
"She's my friend."
Hinata almost fainted, but refrained, although her cheeks couldn't possibly turn any redder if she tried.
"And I'm not an idiot!" The blonde snarled. Hanabi smirked confidently.
"No, you're just an buttocks."
Naruto blinked. "I'm a what?"
"A buttocks. A pathetic annoying buttocks!" Hanabi yelled getting annoyed.
Naruto cocked his eyebrow upwards. "What does that even mean?"
Hanabi's eye twitched. "You know? Tush, rump… butt." She whispered the last part like it was a sin to speak it.
Naruto broke into a wide grin. "You mean Imma a, Imma a… AHAHAHA!" Now it was the blonde's turn to laugh, falling on the ground clutching his side in side splitting agony.
"Yes, you're a buttocks!" She snarled. Hinata had her head in her hands.
Naruto leapt up and wiped away the tears. "You mean I'm an ass? You Hyūga's use weird ass words."
Hanabi's other eye twitched. "The Hyūga are the best clan in the world! Better than some orange wearing buttocks!"
Naruto laughed again at his newly discovered word. "At least I don't wear a dress."
Hanabi raised her eyebrow. "Well, I should hope not ya freak."
Naruto shook his head, smirking. "No, what I meant was at least if I had a clan I wouldn't make the boys wear dresses!" He burst out laughing again. A vein in Hanabi's forehead began to pulsate angrily.
"You- it's formal attire!"
"Dress."
"Formal attire!"
"Dress."
"Formal attire!"
"Dress."
"Formal attire!"
"Lady Hanabi," A cool voiced called from a tree. Everyone turned to see on one of the branches, none other than Neji Hyūga. Although his expression was stoic, his tone revealed annoyance. "I would refrain from killing Naruto." He dropped down from his perch and bowed to Hinata. She smiled politely and nodded.
Neji turned and scowled at Naruto. "It is bad for your health to upset the main family, Naruto. Especially where Lord Hiashi is concerned. Leave."
Hanabi stuck her tongue out and Naruto sneered at her, before waving Neji off. "I was going. See ya later Hinata, Neji, bitch."
"What did you just call me!? You-"Hanabi was dragged by the shoulders into the compound by Neji kicking and screaming. Hinata smiled in Naruto's direction and he smiled back just as eagerly.
"Goodnight, Naruto."
"Goodnight Hinata. Stay safe." He turned around and walked away without another word.
Hinata stood there for a few moments. Did he just tell her to stay safe? Maybe, but Neji was calling her. After sending one last longing look in the blonde's direction, she headed into the place that she should think of as home. She didn't.
For a second, Naruto's thoughts once again crossed into if Hinata would be safe. He still wasn't sure why he cared so much. She wasn't on her team. Yet, he felt really happy. Maybe he was suffering from Sakura withdrawal. At the back of his mind, a small part of him realised that it was a little bit deeper than that. With a loud rumble of his stomach, Naruto put those thoughts to rest, instead changing them into something much more pressing. Ramen.
Hinata calmly walked with her cousin and sister, who had calmed down significantly after a scolding from Neji. Her face was calm. Well, on the outside she remained calm. On the inside, she was a nervous wreck. Neji would have to tell her father that she was with Naruto, which would send him into a rage. She really didn't want to feel the brunt of that.
Hanabi shot a nervous glance in her direction. She too knew the crush that her sister developed on the blonde boy and father would never approve.
Neji was slightly bemused at Hanabi's argument with the blonde boy. Although, the most pressing matter on his mind was most certainly the verbal abuse that Hinata would get. Hiashi was cold. Not cruel, but cold. Neji however saw him as a tool. A tool to be used to get stronger.
He shot a glance towards his cousin and she smiled softly. They were slowly becoming friends. He sent one in return. Eventually after traveling through the compound and into the main house, they reached a large door.
"Enter!" A voice called through the door after Neji had knocked. The male Hyūga pushed open the door, bowing to the seated Hiashi. The two sisters did the same.
Hiashi kept his face in an even frown, his eyes showing his distaste. "Where have you been Hinata? You were supposed to be here an hour ago."
The coldness shook Hinata, but she replied. "So-sorry father, I got distracted-"
"Neji," The clan leader barked. "Where was she?"
Neji took a sharp intake of breath, shot a pitying glance in Hinata's direction, before replying. "She was with… Naruto Uzumaki, Lord Hiashi," he bowed. The clan leader's face changed into a thick scowl.
"Is this true, Hinata?" He spat. She cringed, but nodded.
"Father," Hanabi interrupted, causing Hiashi to send her a disapproving look. "If I may speak?"
Hiashi nodded. "Uzumaki was walking her home, that was all. I met her at the gate and we talked-"
"He was disrespectful of a clan-"
"I provoked him father." While the Hyūga was only four years of age, she held a voice of command and authority that rivalled her fathers. Hinata and Neji were surprised to see her arguing with the head of their clan, even if she was his daughter. However, Hiashi seemed to let her get away with it.
"Hanabi, your opinion is noted." He said sternly before fixing the eldest sister with a steely glare, "Hinata, you are supposed to go on a mission with him, yes?"
"Ye-yes father."
"You will not be any longer."
Hinata froze. No, she had to! But…
Her face held her utter despair and she looked down at the ground, tears threating to spill onto her pale cheeks. "Yes fath-"
"Father, why not let Neji come with her?" Hanabi suggested. Neji froze, shooting the young girl a disapproving look. Tenten would kill him if-
"No. Hinata shall stay here." Hiashi announced after a moment. Hanabi shook her head roughly.
"It would make sense to send Neji with her. He, as a branch member has a right to protect my sister from any 'advances'. It will allow for some more training outside the compound, which they both desperately need."
Neji scowled while Hinata wiped the tears from her eyes and shot an incredulous look at her little sister. Hiashi scowled even deeper but his eyes he held certain praise for his younger daughter.
"Very well. Hinata, when are you leaving?"
"To-tomorrow father. A-at noon, by the front gate."
"Good. Neji, you will accompany her. Make it clear to Uzumaki that he shall not be making any romantic advances on my daughter. Any disagreement will result badly for the both of you."
Neji bowed, although he continued scowling. "Thank you, Lord Hiashi."
"Is that all father? I wish to go to bed." Hanabi announced walking towards the door. Hiashi waved his hand of her direction and she slipped out, but not before winking at her older sister.
"You are dismissed. Hinata, tomorrow we shall meet for training at 8."
The two Genin bowed to Hiashi and quickly scampered out the room. As soon as they entered the hallway, Neji had turned to face her with a disgruntled look. "Lady Hinata, I shall meet you at the front gate. Have a pleasant night." His tone was bitter and she cringed slightly as he stomped off.
She did smile softly at what her sister had done for her. She would need to thank her when she was not busy.
Hinata, however, was slightly glad that Neji was coming along for the trip. At least she wouldn't be able to embarrass herself. She hoped.
Shikamaru trudged through the woods to his family's compound, his face a mixture of aggravation and confusion. "Stupid women," He muttered under his breath as he kicked an innocent pine cone.
Ino had parted ways with the lazy Genin by a simple glare which he returned full force. He sighed as he remembered the look on her face. Pure hatred. Okay, hatred was a strong word, but to some effect she hated him.
It occurred to him as he walked back, that the duo had not said two words to each other since the argument. That would need to be rectified. The mission relied on good teamwork and with Chōji out of the mix, Team 10 would need all the help they could get. No sensei, no Chōji, just him and Ino. But they weren't even speaking.
Shikamaru shoved the thoughts about Ino to the back of his mind and focused on something slightly more pressing. This mission had a 75% chance of failing. They were facing Chūnin and Jōnin, most with unknown ability's. They had to rescue a hostage, a person they knew very well, and that would definitely cloud people's logic (Naruto's and Ino's, to be exact). To top it all off, they had no idea if they were even heading into the right area! It was by far the toughest mission the lazy Genin had yet, the pure prospect of doing all that work sent Shikamaru into a dizzy spell. The Nara compound came into view and he sighed happily at the thought of his bed. He then groaned when he realised he would need to get up before eleven.
"What are you groaning about, son?" A voice came from behind the boy. He didn't flinch, just merely tilted his head backwards. His father appeared behind him from the shadows. Shikaku smiled slightly as his son rubbed the back of his head. "Dad, can I go to bed? I'll talk with you tomorrow."
The older Nara smiled slightly, before his face turned serious. "I hear you're going on a mission."
The lazy Genin nodded, yawning and stretching. "Good," Shikaku announced, walking forward and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Then I can show you this new technique I've decided to teach you."
The groan from the young Nara could be heard across the forest.
Ino was irritable. Most knew this about her. When she was in a bad mood, she showed it with her fists and vocabulary. On the receiving end tonight was her father. She had come home to discover her bouquet she had been working on before meeting with Shikamaru had been ruined. Well, the lilies had been replaced with roses. When the blonde bombshell had discovered that it was in fact her father, she went and still was on a tangent. "It was an experiment!" She roared angrily. "I've been working on that for a week!"
Inochi Yamanaka watched his daughter curiously. He could tell something was obviously bothering her, much more than the fact he had tried to make the bouquet look better. The lilies just didn't work!
"Princess," He interrupted her. "What's really going on?"
Ino stopped her yelling and sighed, sitting down on her dining room chair. Her eyes were glassily and her mouth was curled into an annoyed snarl. "It's Shikamaru," Her loud shrill voice filled the house. "I asked him what he thought about me asking Sasuke for a date and he snapped at me. What a bastard!"
Inochi couldn't help but smirk and that only aggravated Ino further. "Stop smiling! This is serious!"
"Okay, okay sweetheart," Inochi chuckled holding his arms up in surrender. "Anything else?"
"Yes! I felt bad and then he said something like 'I've always liked you, and he never will!' And now I'm so confused." She muttered putting her head in her hands. Inochi sighed. Teenage girls. Taking a page from Shikamaru's book, a single thought crossed his mind. How troublesome.
"Look, maybe he was just having a bad day," Inochi tried to reassure her. However, it failed and she looked as lost as ever. "Maybe you should both talk it out and apologize-"
"No! He will apologize to me. I don't care what he said; when he apologizes to me we will talk. Until then, he's neither my friend nor teammate."
With those words, Ino stormed up the stairs and slammed her door. Inochi sighed. It seemed, even though the girl didn't know it yet, she had developed a crush on Shikamaru. He would have to talk to Shikaku about this. Fan freakin'tastic.
Akamaru looked up to gaze at his master. Kiba walked solemnly, not with the usual energy that an Inuzuka would possess. His thoughts were too clouded to think about bouncing around. His thoughts were on his teammate, Shino Aburame. The pain on his face…
Kiba shook his head roughly, trying to shake them from his mind. 'A shinobi must be an emotionless mask at all times.' He reiterated over and over in his head. Like he did that before.
"Poor, poor Shino," He muttered to Akamaru, reaching down to scratch the dog behind the ears. It had now turned dark, almost nothing visible to the naked eye. However with his enhanced vision, the Inuzuka remained unaffected. It was deathly quiet, only certain shinobi darting from the rooftops before the sound waves even reached your ears. Kiba checked his watch. It was 11.30. His mother was going to kill him. With a heavy sigh, Kiba trudged on with Akamaru by his side.
Needless to say, Kiba was in for a world of hurt as soon as he got in the door. Before he even had a chance to turn around, Kiba's mother was upon him. "And where have you been?" Tsume questioned, tapping her foot, her face twisted into a feral snarl.
"Out." Was his deadpan response, brushing past her and trying to head up the stairs. Tsume grasped at his arm, stopping him.
"Easy Pup, the Heat getting ya down?" She questioned teasingly. Kiba growled at her, and she growled right back.
"I'm not in the mood mom." He said trying to yank away. She didn't release him, only tightened her grip in response.
"What's wrong?" She yanked him down the stairs again before blocking them with her bulky frame.
"It's Shino's dad! He's-he's dead."
Tsume's face softened slightly. "I know," she replied. "We were teammates after all."
Kiba looked at her incredulously. "Really?" His curiosity piqued. A roaring laugh echoed from Tsume's chest, almost shaking the house.
"Pup, on my team was the biggest stuck up bastard, Hiashi Hyūga!" She waved her hand. "He doesn't keep in contact anyhow, thank God."
Akamaru let out a bark, reminding Kiba and Tsume of Shino and his father. She sighed, her face softening even more. "Listen Kiba," She put a hand on his shoulder, "I know you feel bad. But you've gotta be strong for your friend. How would he feel if he saw you down in the dumps? You need to brighten up before I whack you 'round the head." She followed up by doing just that. He rubbed his head and smiled.
"Come here pup." She wrapped him in a warm embrace. Kuromaru walked up to his master, and cocked his head to the side.
"Affection, between Inuzuka's, that doesn't involve tearing each other's faces off?" He laughed.
Kiba broke off from his mother and shot the talking dog a look. He just smirked, you know, as dogs do.
Tsume slapped Kiba on the back. "Now go to bed runt, you're cleaning up the kennels tomorrow!"
Kiba groaned.
Good lord, why was he here? The questioned plagued Sasuke Uchiha's mind as he sat on a stool, waiting for his pork ramen. He was currently sat at Ichiraku ramen shop, brooding. Ayame, the daughter of the owner of Ichiraku, looked at the brooding Uchiha slightly worried.
Sasuke shot her a glance and she meeped, her eyes fixed once again to the task of making the ramen. Sasuke rubbed his head and let out a sharp groan as he gingerly touched his forehead. Stupid lightning ninja.
His ramen was placed in front of him. With a grunt as thanks, he began to eat slowly.
'Why am I here?' The question resounded in Sasuke's head and he didn't know why. Maybe he wanted to see Naruto, or maybe the compound held too many memories.
A long noodle suddenly slipped from his chopsticks and Sasuke sighed, bending down to reach it. Then he realised it was on the floor and briskly rose. He was met with a pair of cerulean eyes and a blinding smile.
"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled plonking himself down on his preferred seat and shooting Sasuke a smile. He frowned back.
"Dobe."
"Teme."
They smirked at each other, before Teuchi appeared from the back of the shop and yelled. "Naruto! Your usual?"
Naruto smiled, banging his fist on the counter. "You bet it old man! Six bowls of your finest miso ramen on the double!"
Teuchi laughed at set to work while Ayame left to gather the supplies for Naruto's monstrous order. This left Naruto smiling brightly at Sasuke and his teammate frowning back. "So Sasuke," Naruto began slapping his teammate on the back, much to the Uchiha's chagrin. "What are ya doing here?"
Sasuke shrugged. "You're always going on about it, and I thought I would give it a go."
"And…?" Naruto, noticing the half empty bowl of pork ramen, invaded the Uchiha's personal space. Sasuke shoved him backwards, knocking the blonde off his chair.
"It was okay-"
"Okay!? Ichiraku ramen is the best ramen ever!" He yelled, leaping back up and shouting his usual catch line which none shall ever repeat. Teuchi placed his first bowl down on the counter laughing.
"Glad to see you agree, Naruto." The blonde beamed back before scoffing down the ramen with his chopsticks. Sasuke was appalled, but he could help the small smirk that graced his lips. Contrary to popular belief, he did like Naruto. As much as he was a knucklehead, annoying and a Dobe; he was his teammate. Kami, he was getting soft.
Sasuke shook those thoughts away, replacing his small smirk with his usual stoic mask.
He finished his bowl in silence, while Naruto slurped down three more. "Pig," Sasuke announced, earning a glare from Naruto which he hotly returned. He wiped the food on his sleeve and burped loudly. "How come you haven't left yet?"
Sasuke opened his mouth, and closed it. Why hadn't he left? His ramen was finished, he was full and he should head home. Instantly, flashes of Orochimaru, the battle in the forest, the battle before Gaara with the snake Sannin came to his mind. He shuddered unconsciously. He didn't want to go home, not tonight. What could he do?
"I can't go home," He said after a few moments. Naruto's brow rose as he downed the rest of his fifth bowl.
"Why not?"
Sasuke shrugged indifferently. "I don't want to."
Naruto didn't press, just smiled brightly, unnerving Sasuke. "Yo-you could stay at mine?"
Sasuke was about to shout no way in hell, but then… Well, it wasn't a bad idea. Kakashi was always going on about teamwork, and he should get to know his fr- Kami, he really was getting soft. Still, with a nod, he agreed. Naruto also nodded.
"Don't worry Sasuke! We'll get Sakura back, believe it!"
While Sasuke didn't know why Naruto had shouted that out at such a random time, he wasn't going to disagree. As annoying as he found the pink haired fan girl, she was his teammate.
"Yes we will."
As the sun rose above the horizon, signalling a new day, one man was already waiting patiently at the gate. Kakashi was lying lazily against the wall, Icha Icha in hand and enjoying the book he read over 20 times. It was about six AM and the world was still. Birds chirped softly, they themselves waking from their slumber. The day looked as if it was going to be nice and sunny. Kakashi was thankful for that.
He had been here since five reading. He was worried.
This was different than any other mission he had ever been on. This was his student. She was taken right under his nose.
He shook his head slightly. No, he couldn't do this to himself. Not again. He had already internally battled with himself multiple times over Obito. He wouldn't start with Sakura. She was alive.
"Sensei." A calm and collected voice called from a nearby tree. Kakashi titled his head upwards in greeting.
"Sasuke." The Uchiha leapt down from the tree gracefully, a large pack firmly held up by his back.
The raven haired boy went up to the wall Kakashi was leaning on and leant backwards casually. They stood there in silence, Kakashi engrossed in his pervy book and Sasuke tapping his foot impatiently.
"Is Naruto with you?" Kakashi asked after a few moments snapping his book shut.
Sasuke shrugged. "I saw him this morning. He said he was going to shower and come right here."
"When did you see him?"
"When I woke up. I stayed at his house last night."
Kakashi blinked. When Sasuke noticed his sensei staring at him wide eyed, his expression creased into a thick scowl. "It wasn't like that." He snapped, Kakashi shrugged.
"I wasn't implying anything."
Sasuke snorted, before they both went back into their comfortable silence. A few minutes after, Kakashi said. "You have nightmares, don't you, Sasuke." It was a statement, not a question. Sasuke froze.
How did he- No, it doesn't matter. "Doesn't everybody?"
Kakashi continued. "That's why you stayed at Naruto's house, wasn't it?"
Sasuke didn't reply but he closed his eyes and sighed.
Kakashi frowned under his mask. "It's okay, I won't push you. In fact, I would say you're doing better than ever."
Sasuke eyed him curiously. He didn't think he had been doing better. Sure, he had almost beaten that freak Gaara, but still. "How do you mean?"
Kakashi smiled. "Your interactions with your teammates."
Sasuke pondered this. He had been spending more time with Naruto lately and Sakura wasn't too bad…
"Sasuke, I'm happy for you. You have friends, teammates and you have me." He placed a hand on his students shoulder. At first, the copy nin thought Sasuke would shove him away with the way he looked at his hand with disdain. But instead, he smirked.
"Thanks." He muttered, shrugging Kakashi's hand off of his shoulder.
Kakashi smiled.
"Hey guys!" Naruto yelled as he waved to the others down the street.
"Come on dobe, we don't have all day!" Sasuke called back.
"Teme," Naruto muttered under his breath before walking causally over to Sasuke and Kakashi. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and smiled his foxy grin. "Sorry, I went to collect someone."
As if on cue, Hinata walked up with Neji in toe. She smiled politely. "Go-good morning Kakashi-sensei. Sasuke."
The two stoic ninja nodded in her direction. Neji just scowled, obviously not wanting to be here at all. "When are we leaving?" He asked impatiently. Naruto scowled at him.
"When everybody gets here, duh!"
Neji rolled his eyes.
The group made small talk, well, the group being Naruto talked and Hinata nodded and blushed, while the others paid no mind, until Kiba, Akamaru (who was placed atop Kiba's head sound asleep) and Shino strolled along the path.
Kiba, having more sense than Naruto and trying not to wake everybody in the village up, waved.
"He-hello Kiba, Shino." Hinata said smiling softly at her teammates. Kiba grinned back at her, until he saw Neji.
"What's he doing here?" He questioned.
Neji's scowl deepened, even though many thought that impossible. "I was asked by Lord Hiashi to look after Lady Hinata."
Kiba snorted, "Yeah, like you tried to protect her in the Chunnin exams."
"Ki-Kiba, let's not bring that up-"Hinata tried to reason, but to her surprise Shino spoke up.
"It is illogical, to place one who hates her so much to look after her."
"I do not hate Lady Hinata. Even if I did, that is no business of yours, Aburame."
"Then I would recommend speaking and treating well my teammate, Hyūga."
Shino and Neji stared each other down stoically before Hinata blushed and they both stopped. Kiba grumbled under his breath and pulled her away from Neji. Shino, however, moved towards Kakashi and Sasuke.
"Kakashi-sensei, it is an honour to work with you, and I shall enjoy learning what I can from your teachings." He bowed, before adding. "And please forgive my earlier transgressions against Neji."
Kakashi shrugged, "It's okay."
Shino nodded and went over to join with Kiba and Hinata. Speaking of those two, Kiba was chatting, or rather arguing with Naruto about who beat who during the Chūnin exams preliminary's. "Your victory was a fluke!" Kiba argued. Naruto shook his head wildly.
"No, I beat you fair and square. Admit it, I'm the better ninja!" He stuck his tongue out, and Kiba went to stop him, when Shikamaru came up the path.
The lazy Genin yawned, a large pack on his back. He had his hands in his pockets as usual and sighed when he saw the state the team was in. Neji stood off to the side, looking angered and annoyed. Hinata fruitlessly trying to break up a war with words between Naruto and Kiba. Shino gaze switched between the two of them and from what Shikamaru could see from the body language of the Aburame, he was mildly amused. Sasuke and Kakashi seemed to be the only normal ones. That wasn't saying much. Shikamaru sighed. This was going to be a long, long trip. "What a drag." He said as he waved to all the people present.
Naruto slapped the lazy Genin on the back, smiling happily. "Come on Shikamaru! Liven up, we're going to find Sakura and kick some ass!" This earned a holler of agreement from Kiba and everybody rolled their eyes except for Shino.
Shikamaru groaned as his eyes almost drooped shut. He was forced awake three hours earlier than expected to practice a new Shadow Jutsu with his father. Three hours! The lazy Genin yawned loudly and put his arms behind his neck.
"Nobody else here yet?" He questioned.
"I am."
The lazy Genin turned to see Ino. He scowled slightly but nodded. "Ino," He muttered in greeting.
"Shikamaru. You look a little tired."
"I was training. You don't look so hot yourself."
Ino's scowl deepened. "I have been training also." She huffed crossing her arms.
The scowling contest continued until Neji intervened with a grunt.
"Stop acting like children. You're supposed to be ninja."
Both of the Genin snapped their heads around and scowled deeply at Neji but complied, walking over to opposite sides of the area. Shikamaru went to stand by Kakashi and Sasuke, while Ino went to stand with the others. An uneasy silence followed, before a loud booming voice interrupted the peace.
"Yosh! I see the most youthful ninja have turned out!"
Gai came crashing down to the floor, giving his signature thumbs up. He had not one, not two, but three packs on. One on his front and two on his back. He was quickly followed by a hobbling Lee, who copied his Sensei.
"Hello my most wonderful friends! I, Rock Lee, shall be accompanying you on this-"
"They already know, Lee." Tenten's voice cut in as she walked beside her teammates sighing. She scanned the group, checking to see how many of them were- wait what?
"Neji!" She called out astonished. The stoic Hyūga gave her an awkward half smile.
Lee's eyes became downcast as he gazed at the floor. It's not like he didn't want his teammate to be here, he was glad Neji had a change of heart, but still… He really wanted to spend time with Tenten, by himself.
"Neji, I'm so glad you decided to come!" Tenten walked over happily to her teammate, grinning ear to ear. Kakashi exchanged a look with Gai. This wasn't going to end well. Kakashi leant forward, ready to interrupt their talk before it-
"I was ordered her by Lord Hiashi to look after Lady Hinata," Neji responded, not meeting her eyes. Tenten froze in place and blinked. Her jaw clenched.
"You didn't come of your own free will…" She trailed off, her hands curling into fists.
Neji's eyes widened. She wouldn't-
His thought was answered as Tenten's fist met his jaw, jarring it backwards. He landed with a thud, too shocked to even think about retaliating. "You bastard!" She growled and looked as though she wanted to throw another punch. But she stopped suddenly, her eyes filling with tears. "I thought… I thought that maybe you would care…"
She turned away from him, a tear spilling down her cheek. "I guess I was wrong."
She walked away, not meeting anybody's gaze and calmly walked out of Konoha's gates.
Everyone shared uneasy looks, all shooting Neji somewhat sympathetic glances. The Hyūga wiped a bit of blood that dripped down his chin and stood up, his movements cold and robotic.
"Well then," Kakashi said rubbing his hands together, coughing awkwardly. "Shall we get a move on?"
"Of course."
In a puff of smoke, Kurenai appeared, with a large pack on her back. Kiba blinked. "Kurenai-sensei?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes Kiba. I'm coming with you. I hope that's okay Kakashi."
The Copy Nin shrugged. "The more the merrier."
Kurenai smiled before walking towards the gates. The others gathering up there packs and followed behind the female Sensei.
"Yosh, this most youthful mission begins!" Gai yelled, fist-pumping. Lee didn't do it with him; he was too down for that. Naruto beamed brightly, as he walked out of the gates he leapt upwards, his fist pumping.
"We're coming Sakura!" He yelled out to the world. Kakashi and Sasuke both smiled slightly. That was their number one knuckleheaded hyperactive ninja.