Hello everybody, and welcome to the long awaited chapter forty-four of the Winds of Change! It's been a while, and I apologize for that. I've been forced to do some rethinking and some revaluation about later chapters, and as such have spent a lot of time planning. A HUGE thanks to ThePariagonPariah for giving me some much needed help, please go check out his OC Fanfiction, 'Hyuuga's Black Eye' is a phenomenal piece of work, with interesting and diverse characters. So, you should all probably go say thanks to him for helping me improve the WoC plot so drastically. Just sayin'... but, today's chapter is the long awaited Hinata vs Hyouden fight! This is very centred around Team Eight (which is my favourite team) so it was a blast to write. This is also the first time I've incorporated flashbacks in the middle of fight scenes like they do all of the time in the anime/manga, so I apologize if the flow is a little disjointed. That being said, I hope you enjoy it, some people have messaged me saying they're anxiously awaiting the next chapter, and I hope it doesn't disappoint! So, without further ado, I bring you chapter 44, of the Winds of Change.
PS: Would anybody be interested in doing any fanart for WoC? I would most likely make it the story's profile picture, and I would really, really appreciate it, and give you a shout-out. Thanks in advance!
Chapter 44:
The day was warm.
Not warm enough to warrant stripping off into one's skivvies and leaping into a swimming pool, free to frolic about and play and submerge yourself in the cool water. But, warm enough that you felt soft and comfortable.
Hinata, however, did not feel so. She was entrapped within her white bed-sheets, as they twisted around her body in an attempt to ensnare her. Her face, covered by a thin sheen of sweat, shone brightly, in part due to the ray of light beaming down from the sun, creeping in through the crack of her curtains and in part due to the artificial light of a lamp, placed on her bedside table.
The room was a cream colour, the odd flavour of mahogany brown set upon the furniture. The floorboards were wooden and polished, glinting against the rays of the light bulb in the sky, with the occasional scuff where young feet had roamed.
Hinata, with a wide, uproarious yawn, rolled over to the side, finding solace in the other soft, fluffy pillow on her king-sized bed. So large was it, in fact, that coming into the room by sliding open the shōji, it would most likely be the first, and perhaps only thing, you would see.
It was a four corner post canopy bed, the canopy a thick ivory colour against the brown ceiling. The long thick pieces of fabric that wrapped around the bedposts gave it an almost ethereal feel. And little Hinata was tucked deep within the bounds of the ghostly bed.
The shoji silently slid open, revealing a dark form against the creeping light that slowly entered the room. Long hair, dark and shadowy, fell down her back. She was dressed in an elegant kimono, dary grey in colour, the sash, tinted dark blue, emblazoned with the Hyūga clan symbol. She gracefully made her way across the floor, her footsteps silent, as she regarded the sleeping form in her vision with lavender eyes.
The woman paused next to the bed, taking one long moment to take in the short, messy hair of the Hyūga heiress, and her quiet breaths as she tried to bury herself even deeper within the mass of covers.
She reached her hand out, her fingertips brushing against the soft skin of the girl's pale face. "Hinata." She called, her voice cool and light. "It's time to wake up."
When the girl did not reply, a small smile crept onto the woman's face, and she gently caressed her cheek once more. "Hinata." She repeated. "It's time to wake up. Come on now." She pressed.
Hinata did stir this time, but only briefly, rubbing her sleepy-dust filled eyes, and letting out a harsh whisper of. "Go away, I'm sleepy..."
At this, the woman's smile faded slightly. "You should not speak to others like that, Hinata." She gripped onto the covers that constricted the girl, eyebrows furrowing in annoyance "And now, I shall need to discipline you."
With an almighty tug, the Hyūga heiress woke properly with a start, as she was spun around in circles, the world a blur. The warmth of the covers soon left her body, as she found herself on her stomach, face pressed deeply into the mattress, the air of the room now being the only embrace she felt upon her skin.
The woman held the covers in her hand, her smile having returned full force. "Are you awake now, my dear?"
Hinata let out a soft groan, raising her head and giving the person in front of her a soft smile, despite feeling a bit dizzy. "Yes mother." She spoke softly, as she rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the bright light that came with morning.
"Good. And, what have we learned about being rude to others?"
At this, Hinata blinked, the thought lost on her sleepy mind. When was she rude? She racked her small brain for any recollection of an event, but found none.
"U-um." She said after a few moments, brows twisted in confusing. "T-that it's not nice?"
Her mother didn't reply for a while, looking at her daughter deeply. Finally, she chuckled. Her voice was light and friendly, fit to hear on a summer's morning. "Good girl."
She reached over, and lightly patted the girl on the head affectionately. Hinata grinned. "Thank you mother."
"Now, we've got things to do today." The woman sat on the edge of the bed, sending her gaze to look out of the window into the clear blue sky. Hinata crawled over to her side, leaning into her as she too looked out of the window with lavender eyes. "Do you remember what we have to do?"
The Hyūga Heiress bit her lip, and shook her head no. She could barely remember the last few minutes of conversation, if she was honest. Her mother gave her a small frown, which caused the girl's awkward expression to wilt into one of sadness. The woman, however, gently gave her a pat on the back.
"Remember Hinata, an heiress must always remember what lays ahead. We couldn't have you being caught off guard, could we?"
Hinata roughly shook her head, her short hair following her every movement. The woman smiled. "Good. So, think again. As heiress, what do you have to do today?"
The young girl scrunched her face up in concentration as she tried to recall what she need to do on that sunny morning. Well, she needed to go and see how her flower garden was holding up. She'd been toiling away at that for weeks! The seeds she had planted still hadn't grown into anything other that sweet little buds, green and small. But, Hinata knew for a fact, these were magic seeds! Yes, she had heard some of the other clan members talking about them, and then one was kind enough to give her some! They'll grow really, really quickly, especially if you sing to them, which she had been doing every single day since she planted them! Not to mention she watered them, and made sure they got enough sun to stay warm as well! Hm, what else did she need to do...? Oh, yes, she also needed to check on the fish! She was the very, very important fish feeder of the Hyūga Compound! Her father had told her once over dinner that it was one of the most important jobs in the entire Hyūga Estate, and if she wished, she could take over the duties (with a little bit of help from some of the older members with the funny symbols on their heads. The servants. Hinata didn't really like the word, though).
"Um... I need to w-water and sing to the plants, and feed the f-fish...?"
"Yes, Hinata, you do need to do that. However, you also must remember, we're having a banquet later tonight."
Oh yes, the banquet! Loads of her academy classmates would be coming, but only because they were the heirs. She didn't mind them, though. They were all nice enough, most of the time. Although, Ino was very loud, and Choji ate a lot. Shikamaru didn't want to do anything ever, and Shino... he was just quiet. Although, Kiba, she recalled, wouldn't be coming. She couldn't remember why, though...
"Are you listening?" Her mother questioned, her smile turning into a frown. "You must always listen when people speak to you, Hinata." She scolded gently.
"Sorry M-mother."
"Now, you remember how you have to act?" She ignored the apology.
"I m-must act p-prim and proper."
"Good girl. We have some very important guests coming tonight, including the leader of the Uchiha Clan and his family. Do you remember young Itachi and Sasuke?"
She nodded. Yes, she did remember Sasuke. He was her classmate in the academy, and got really good grades. All the girls liked him, but she didn't really see why.
After all, he wasn't anything like Naruto...
She blushed bright red. Her mother either didn't notice, or ignored it, and continued to speak. "We also have the heirs of the Yamanaka, Akimichi, Nara and Aburame clans coming along with their respective families. And you will be on your best behaviour. Are we clear?"
Hinata nodded, the blush on her cheeks letting up into a slight pink tinge.
Before her mother could say anything more, someone cleared their throat.
"Lady Hyouden?" The man bowed deeply. "I apologize for interrupting your discussion with Lady Hinata-"
"Then why do so?" Hyouden snapped, looking the Hyūga Branch Member up and down. Hinata lightly tugged at her sleeve. Her reflection softened. "I apologize. It is fine. Why did you interrupt?"
The branch family member shuffled awkwardly. "Lord Hiashi requested Lady Hinata and yourself, Lady Hyouden, to attend breakfast with him. I understand that today is-"
"Ah, of course. Little Neji's birthday." Hyouden stated, the smile not reaching her lavender eyes.
Hinata could've sworn her mother muttered something under her breath, but she couldn't catch what it was. She could catch, however, the dark glint in her eye.
"Very well, allow Hinata to get ready, and tell 'Lord' Hiashi he has to wait till then.
The Hyūga Branch Member's face drained of all colour, and he nodded. "O-of course." He bowed again. "Lady Hyouden, Lady Hinata." And, with a horrified swallow, he left the door frame, going to meet his doom.
Hyouden turned to Hinata, fixing her with a large smile. "Shall I help you get ready?"
Hinata beamed. "Y-yes!" She stood up, the young girl prancing over towards her dresser to grab her clothes for the day.
She missed the ferocious snarl on her mother's face.
She had known it for a while now.
It was always in the back of her mind. Even after the first hour, the first day, the first week, it had sat comfortably in her head, rearing every once in a while to whisper in her ear. Whether she knew deep down, or whether it was simply childlike hope, Hinata had known her mother was alive.
The signs were there, although certainly not visible. On the day of her death, her father had not mourned. At the funeral, he did not cry. He did not change the stony, and perhaps even frustrated expression that was held on his features. He had simply locked himself in his study, and did not come out for as long as the sun sat in the sky. She had snuck out that night, desperate to find and hold onto some form of parental warmth. She found none, of course, and had been admonished as soon as she had been found, cast back to bed.
His face had been stern, and his voice had been harsh. But there was no flicker of sadness in his eyes. Not like the servants, who had silently shuffled around most of the day, their heads low, refusing to speak to even one another as a service to Lady Hyouden. They held sadness, even a little flicker, behind their white eyes. But her father? No, there was nothing.
She had dwelled on it for the better part of a month, until she had, foolishly, outright asked him if he mourned mother. She had noticed her slip-up as soon as his eyes had locked with hers. She had never gone to bed more battered and bruised than before.
But there was still that flicker, that small glimpse into her father's psyche that spoke volumes.
I'm not telling you something.
For that year, she had tried relentlessly to find out what he wasn't telling her. She did things she had never dreamed of, sneaking out at night, breaking into her father's study, raiding his drawers. She had become quite good at it, actually. It was a nice experience, without anybody being able to spot you, one she only ever had within the confines of her room, or in the shower.
But the reason she did all of it, was because she was just a young girl that missed her mother. One of the only people to outwardly ever show her love was gone.
She never did find anything.
But, as the wind whipped past her face, the feeling of blood soaked through her shoulder, and the cold eyes of the woman in front of her, she realized that she had been wrong.
Her mother had died that night.
That was not her mother.
Hyouden regarded the girl in front of her with calculating eyes. She looked her up and down once, as the leaves rustled, the last dregs of sunlight giving way to the cold light of the moon. Underfoot, she pushed slightly, the crack of a finger echoing within the confines of the leafy net.
Shizune let out a low whimper, unable to move even her fingertips. She could feel the cold sting of her chakra being blocked, but the pain of her finger snapping overpowered that. Her brown eyes were shut tightly, but she could feel the expression on Hinata's face.
She was scared.
"Shizune-sensei..." Her voice was soft, but yet held something more. Shizune forced her brown eyes open, for just a moment. And she saw, within her vision, the face of a determined young girl.
With the smallest of smiles, as blood seeped through her lips, her eyes snapped shut once more, and she knew darkness.
"And here we are again."
Hyouden's voice held an air of calm befitting someone of noble stature, her posture straight, hands clasped behind her back. She regarded the girl in front of her, her daughter, with unimpressed eyes. "You seem to make a habit of showing up when you're not wanted. You did that a lot when you were a girl, as well."
Hinata swallowed, lavender eyes narrowing, fists clenching. "You wouldn't know."
Hyouden's lips turned upwards, pushing down with her foot onto the frail form of Shizune. The woman groaned lightly. "Let go!" Hinata exclaimed, taking a step forward.
"You think you can beat me, girl?" The older Hyūga asked with an air of superiority. "I defeated you last time at that town. You could do nothing against me. And this time you don't have anybody to back you up."
Hinata scowled. She was right. Kiba was incapacitated by Garou, that was for sure. She risked a small look back. He was slumped in unconsciousness, his father clutching his collar as if he was nothing more than an animal. His leg, bone tearing through skin, still leaked blood that now formed a crimson pool at his feet. Shizune was out, unconscious, it seemed. But, there was still Shino-
It was only the slight rush of air that allowed her body to react, even if her mind was unfocused. Hinata twisted her body to the side, eyes widening as Hyouden's palm just narrowly sailed past her. She regained her footing, blowing out a sharp gust of air as the piece of wood dug deeper into her shoulder, blood spurting slightly onto the bark of the tree.
"Rule one: never take your eye off of your opponent." Hyouden's small smirk was gone, replaced by an impassive frown. Her eyes, however, were filled with cold fury. "I thought I taught you better."
Hinata slipped into her taijutsu stance, a feeling of something unknown swarming around her body, coiling in her gut. Rage. She felt rage. "You never taught me anything." She spat with a venom she didn't know she had within her.
Hyouden seemed somewhat impressed by this, quirking a brow in almost amusement. "Such venom. If only you put that much ferocity into your attacks." The eyebrow was soon lowered, and the ruthless gaze of a mother looking down on her child returned. "Then maybe you'd be ten times the kunoichi you think you are. Did you even notice you deactivated your Byakugan?"
Hinata froze momentarily. She hadn't. How did she not notice that?
"Weakness courses through your veins. I am ashamed to call you my daughter-"
"That's because I'm not your daughter." Hinata snapped, Byakugan pulsing to life. "And you're not my mother. She died four years ago, giving birth to my baby sister. Whatever you are, you are not her! I know my mother, and she would never be this callous and this cruel to anyone. You can say that you're my mother, and that 'you taught me better', and anything else you want. But you will never be my mother. Because now, you're an opponent. And a Hyūga never backs down from an adversary, no matter how unworthy."
Hyouden laughed. She could not stop herself, her chuckle echoing and bouncing off the tree and throughout the surrounding area. When she finally stopped, her eyes held far more malice than they did originally. She flexed her fingers, before speaking. "That is what you say? You will be dead soon, and you invoke a name which means nothing to me? Your little branch servants aren't going to come and save your life, girl. Nobody is going to save you. Not your little dog, practically begging to be taken like an animal, not your team leader, a foolish medic who has learned nothing of how to fight, and certainly not your Aburame companion, who now lies motionless with a gash so deep in his chest he will die within the hour. You're all alone, trapped, and afraid inside. You can put on a brave face, girl, but the fear in your eyes is apparent, more so than you would think."
"Forgive me, then." Hinata spoke coldly. "I will not lie. I am scared-"
"Foolish girl, never admit your weakness-"
"-But I'm going to defeat you, mother. You will not get to Naruto."
Her resolve was steeled, eyes burning with passion as she stared down her mother, taijutsu stance formed and ready to spring.
"Clever girl. You figured out who we wanted when we first met, right?" Hyouden also slipped into her taijutsu stance. "But you don't know why, do you? The blonde demon never told you his secret?"
Secret? Hinata's brows furrowed in confusion. Naruto wouldn't keep secrets, he had nothing to hide... did he? And demon? What did that mean?
"You don't?" Hyouden huffed in superiority. "Very well, I will not spoil the surprise. He'll be dead soon enough."
Hinata let out a low growl, as her mind raced through what was happening. She was standing up to her mother! She was facing her down, outwardly anyway, confident. No, it wasn't just outwardly, it was inwardly as well. "I'm not scared of you mother. Because I'm not scared of protecting my precious people."
"The difference between you and I, girl, is in our eyes. Your eyes are blinded by the beautiful lie. My eyes are opened by the painful truth."
"Are you ladies gonna be at this long?" Garou inquired, his toothy grin sharp and deadly. "'Cause we sorta have to wrap this up, don't we?"
"The brat can wait." Hyouden snapped. "I'm eliminating her first. Then we can leave."
"Hehe, understood." His grin grew wider, brown eyes shining in the moonlight. "It'll give me more time to bond with my son, ain't that right Kiba?" He gripped Kiba's neck harshly, dark bruises forming on his tanned skin.
Hinata sucked in a breath between her teeth, before slamming her eyes shut. This was it. This is where she would fight.
With a yelp of pain, she ripped out the piece of wood from her shoulder.
"Shh." Hyouden spoke softly, gently wrapping the bandage around her daughters head. "Every things going to be all right."
Hinata, with tearful eyes, took in her mother's warm smile, and kind eyes. She swallowed, wiping at her puffy eyes as her lip quivered.
"What are you doing?"
Hyouden's smile quickly morphed into a scowl. She stood up stiffly, turning around and greeting her husband with a glare befitting of excrement on ones shoe. "Tending to our daughters wounds." She snapped.
Hiashi''s gaze was impassive, turning his head slightly to take in the form of the shaking girl. He turned back to Hyouden, mouth quirking downwards. "And what wounds would those be?"
"She's got a deep cut on her forehead. That's all. It's a minor thing"
Hiashi scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, eyes swirling with annoyance. "Do you expect to be there every single time she gets a cut or bruise, Hyouden? She's growing up to be a kunoichi, not some noblewoman to be doted upon like a fair maiden."
"That's rich coming from a man who has other men wash his hair, Hiashi."
"My bathing habits are none of your concern. Remember your place."
"Remember yours."
Hyouden's cold, unforgiving tone matched Hiashi's in terms of strength, and the two stared each other down like only two Hyuga's could. Finally, The Hyūga Clan Leader spoke.
"How did she receive this injuries."
"By training with one of the branch members. She struck her a little too hard, and sent her tumbling into a stone pillar." Hyouden turned slightly and smiled at her little girl. Hinata sent a small smile back.
"I see." Hiashi's voice earned both their attention. "And where is she now?"
"I-I'm here my lord."
The girl's voice was meek, her dark hair flowing down her back. She looked no older than thirteen, a sharp face, rounded button nose. Her eyes were filled with fear, as Hiashi stared at her with nothing but ruthless aggression.
"Is it true what you did to my daughter?"
She nodded. "Y-yes my lord. I-I didn't mean to..."
Hiashi sniffed in annoyance. "I'm sure you didn't. However, the standard protocol for injuring a member of the main family." He paused, flexing his shoulders. "Is death."
The girl's face considerably paled, as did Hinata's. "Father, no..."
"Hiashi." Hyouden sternly addressed him, crossing her arms over her rather sizable chest. "Enough. The girl has apologized to myself and Hinata, and that is as far as it goes. She's learned her lesson, and won't do it again, right?" The Hyūga Woman turned to the girl, who nodded so quickly her head looked like it was going to drop off. "Problem solved."
Hiashi turned towards her, practically frothing at the mouth. "You will learn your lesson! I am the leader of this clan, and you are nothing more than a woman treated as my second by chance. Nothing more, nothing less. And you will certainly never undermine me again! You will learn to respect me, as your husband, and your leader!"
Hyouden's stare never wavered under his harsh barrage, if anything, it only grew more staunt.
Hiashi took in a deep breath, regaining his lost composure, before turning back to the now shaking Branch Member. He took a few moments, bringing a hand to his face and scratching his chin. "What is your name, girl?" He spoke formally.
The girl bowed down so deeply her head was almost touching the wooden floor. "Kiyumi, my lord."
"Kiyumi...? Hinata." He rounded on his daughter, causing her to jolt in fright. "Is this the one you speak of highly? Your friend?"
Hinata nodded. "Y-yes father. S-she's nice, and p-plays with me a lot."
"Hm." Hiashi turned his attention towards the dark brown walls of the training room, before he nodded slightly to himself.
He began to make his exit, heading towards the door from which he came through. "Very well. Since Hinata is fond of you, I will give you a chance to clear up your mistake. However." He paused at the door frame, inclining his head backwards and giving each of the girls in the room a fierce, and scary stare. "I only give out second chances once. Do not forget this, any of you."
"Yes my lord, I thank you for your mercy." Kiyumi was down on her hands and knees, bowing.
Hiashi walked out without another word.
Hyouden sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Now then, how about, Kiyumi, to make up for your mistake, you will help Hinata bathe, and look after her for the rest of the day. Is that understood?"
"Yes my lady, thank you kindly for your generosity."
"Good. Now, Hinata." She turned and smiled at her daughter, whose eyes had stopped shedding tears, and whose bottom lip remained still. "I have to go and see your uncle. Kiyumi will look after you for the rest of the day."
Hyouden began walking off, and was almost completely out of the room, before Hinata said. "Say he-hello to Uncle Hizashi for me."
The Hyūga Clan Leader's Wife turned to look at her daughter, who was now smiling and quietly talking to a now much less pale Kiyumi, who was checking her bandage.
"Yes... Hizashi..." She muttered to herself, before slipping out, sliding the door shut behind her.
Why that memory had flashed before her eyes, she did not know. But, it had helped blot out the searing pain that had slithered through her body just moments before, now replaced with a deep throb.
"Foolish girl, do you want to die?" Hyouden spat, getting ready to charge forward. "Whatever pathetic memory floated through your mind, I can assure you, will be your last!"
Hyouden's charge was prematurely stopped, however, as a barrage of kunai sailed towards her from Hinata's hands. The Elder Hyūga deflected with with pinpoint strikes, sending them clattering to the ground.
But the distraction was done.
Reaching into her jacket pocket, Hinata pulled out a jar-like shape, wrapped in a black cloth. Unwrapping it, she quickly threw it to the ground. The jar shattered into thousands of glass pieces, revealing a mass of insects that quickly flew upward and began to scatter.
Hyouden's face didn't give away anything as she leapt backwards, avoiding the Kikaichū as they sped after her. She ducked and weaved her way around them, careful to avoid their powerful chakra-sucking bites.
She glanced towards Hinata, and her lavender eyes widened slightly.
A few of the Kikaichū had, instead of chasing her down, flocked to Hinata's open wound. They were surrounding it, glowing a light green, their buzzes becoming one harmonious cry. The Hyūga Heiress was watching her mother, brows furrowed into a frown, wincing every once in a while.
"Foolish insects." Hyouden stated, landing on her feet and standing her ground. She waited until they were almost upon her, circling her form, and waiting for the right chance to strike. Just as the first insect's tiny little feet touched her robe, she bellowed out. "Rotation!"
She twisted around rapidly, a blue dome of chakra forming around herself and pushing outwards. The Kikaichū buzzed in what one could only assume was horror as they were struck down in the dozens.
Before she had fully stopped spinning, her feet had left the ground, leaping high into the air. White eyes like a hawk, she soon came crashing downwards Hinata, whose eyes widened in realization.
She jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding a Jyuuken strike to the neck as Hyouden's palm connected and cracked the wood she was just standing on. The Kikaichū around her shoulder soon dispersed, revealing a now closed wound, marred only by a light pink scar. Hyouden didn't wait to ask questions, she merely charged forth.
The two Hyūga women engaged in what could only be described as a dance. Their speed with their hands was unmatched, the two blocking and countering each and every strike they traded with one another, turning it into an infinite reversal match.
Hinata ducked a blow aimed at her head, striking out with one of her own towards her mother's chest. Hyouden leaned to the side, quickly grasping at Hinata's outstretched hand. Caught in a web, The Hyūga Heiress let out a high pitched cry as Hyouden's palm smashed into her stomach, simultaneously cutting off four chakra points. A glob of blood exploded out of Hinata's mouth as she began to fly backwards.
Using her momentum, she did manage to roll back onto her feet, wiping the blood that spilled down the corner of her lip. It was the only moment she had before her mother was back on her tail, Hinata the cornered dog, and Hyouden the hungry lion.
Team Eight's Kunoichi grimaced as she continued to back away from the palm thrusts the far more experienced woman was sending her way. She was being trapped into a corner.
And she couldn't allow that to happen.
Letting out a yelp as Hyouden's hand grazed her cheek, cutting off yet another chakra point, Hinata cast her mind back to Master Jiraiya's lessons.
Jiraiya grinned at the two teenagers in front of him, brown eyes shining with amusement. He shuffled slightly, trying to get comfortable on the log he was currently sat upon in Tsunade's vast garden.
"All right!" He clapped his hands together. "We're going to get started on training!"
One of the two teens growled, crossing his arms over his chest. "You said that two hours ago Pervy-Sage!" Naruto exclaimed, violent thoughts flashing over his cerulean eyes. "But instead, you were looking at girls again!"
Jiraiya had the decency to rub the back of his neck, letting out a bellowing laugh as the wind blew his hair backwards. "Well, what can I say? I've never been to this towns hot springs before, haha!"
Naruto growled once more.
Jiraiya stopped laughing after a few moments, sending the blonde in front of him a sheepish grin. "And we are going to get started on training, you know! There aren't any pretty girls here. Unless you would disagree, Naruto?"
That perverted old fuck.
Naruto bit his lip, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh... um..."
The girl standing next to him, one Hyūga Hinata, turned her head towards her crush, lavender eyes widened slightly, a red blush creeping up her neck and onto her cheeks. Naruto noticed this, and his tanned skin was soon tinted with a pink blush of his own. "W-well... uh..."
"Yes?" Jiraiya inquired, leaning forward slightly, a grin plastered on his face. "Do tell my young apprentice."
The blonde narrowed his eyes, and opened his mouth to let loose with a barrage of insults that would make even Shino blush in embarrassment. But, he barely, just barely, managed to stop himself.
"N-Naruto doesn't need to answer that, i-if he do-doesn't want to." Hinata squeaked quietly.
Jiraiya gave the Hyūga Heiress, whose face was now promptly staring a hole into the ground below, a small frown. It soon morphed back into a grin, however. and he turned his attention back to Naruto.
"Nah, you don't have to answer, if you really don't want to, Naruto."
Naruto clenched his fists. What the hell was the Pervy Sage's game? Trying to make him upset Hinata somehow? That bastard...
"I don't want to answer." He stated.
Hinata felt her heart sink.
Jiraiya merely shrugged, his mouth turning into an impassive line. "Fair enough. Right!" He leapt up, clapping his hands together once more. "Enough about who is pretty and who isn't, we've got training to do!"
Going through some hand signs, the Toad Sage yelled. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
With a poof of smoke, an almost identical version of Jiraiya appeared next to the real one, and they both grinned. "All right, Naruto, you go off with my clone here, and he'll explain what you have to do. Hinata, you can follow me."
"Hey!" Naruto shouted in annoyance, hands clenching with rage. "How come you send me off with a clone, and you send Hinata off with the real you!?"
Hinata flinched at his tone, wringing her hands together awkwardly as she frowned sadly. A part of her knew that, deep down, he hadn't meant it like that. He didn't think she didn't deserve the training that Master Jiraiya was offering, did he? She knew she had screwed up with Naruto before Tenten had challenged Lady Tsunade to a fight, but did she really anger him that badly? Or was she really just not worth one of the Legendary Sannin's time?
Jiraiya's mouth quirked into a frown, eyes hardening slightly. "Well Naruto, perhaps I see she's stronger than you are! I only train the strong ones, you know? Maybe that's why I saddled you with a clone!"
He winked lightly at Hinata, and the girl let out a small giggle, blushing slightly at the praise. Naruto began yelling obscenities, some which Hinata had heard from Kiba, and some that she hadn't. And, if she was honest, quite a few she didn't want to know the meaning of. The blonde was soon dragged away by Jiraiya's shadow clone, who shouted insults just as rapidly as the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki.
With one final grin in his apprentices direction, Jiraiya began moving away, with Hinata following close behind.
However, his grin slipped as soon as he was sure Hinata could not see his face, replacing it with a pensive frown. Something had obviously happened between the two teens, perhaps even unknowingly. They sat farther apart, barely looked at one another, and when they did, they didn't meet each other's eyes. It was odd, and also a setback. The Uchiha brat would be highly annoyed at this development.
But now was not the time to think about romance drama. No, he had to train these two into great shinobi! Well, as good as he could within a week, anyway. But, he did have an idea on where to start with her...
As the reflections of memory flashed through her mind, Hinata let a small smile grace her lips. Yes, that just might work. As she ducked under another one of Hyouden's strikes, she pulled back her palm.
Hyouden sighed to herself. She truly was weak, perhaps even weaker than she thought possible. How pathetic. Her attacks were predictable, her movements easy to read. She would be done playing with her food soon, she realized, as she went to swipe the hand away, readying a palm strike straight to the heart of her daughter. She had tested her potential, and found it warranting, completely unworthy of her time. This would be over soon.
What she wasn't expecting was Hinata's palm to curl into a fist. Her eyes widened momentarily, before she let out a gasp of air as her daughter's hand crashed into her gut. "That wasn't Jyuuken!"
Taken off balance, with the air knocked out of her lungs briefly, Hyouden couldn't block the high-kick that followed afterwards, catching her on the top of her head with a jolting snap. Hinata wasn't done yet, however, flipping onto her hands and bending over in such a way that her feet were level with Hyouden's chest. She brought them back towards her, and with a loudness she didn't know she possessed, she exclaimed. "Toad Style: Springing Lily!"
Her feet shot forward like a spring, smashing into the chest of the Akatsuki member, cutting off a few chakra points and sending her flying backwards. She crashed into the bark of the tree, rolling slightly as her robe was torn asunder, face scraping against the wooden surface.
Hinata used the momentum of her kick to land back on her feet, smiling softly. Master Jiraiya's lessons in his form of Taijutsu seemed to be paying off. It had taken her the entire week to learn that particular move, but it was far from perfect. As Hyouden rose from her downed position, letting out a cough as she brought a hand to her chest, Hinata's smile turned into a frown. She was nowhere near proficient enough to cause enough damage to even remotely incapacitate her mother. Had Master Jiraiya done it, her mother would most likely have a hole in her chest. But all she most likely had was a bruise and a slight winding.
Hinata slipped back into her Jyuuken stance, eyes shining with hope. It wasn't much, but it was a start. And she was one step closer to winning this fight.
"You think you have hope now?" Hyouden's voice rang in her ears. "Just because you pulled out a little skill from your small bag of tricks? How pathetic. And you can't even beat me with your own clans style, so you've adopted the style of an old pervert? Ha, how unsurprising. A true kunoichi would master the abilities she's been given, but instead you rely on tricks from a toad. Your eyes have blinded you, girl! Look at my eyes, and you will see power!"
Hinata, despite her reluctance, did as she was told. Her lavender eyes, Byakugan still pulsing, widened in alarm.
Throughout their entire battle, there had been one difference between mother and daughter.
Hyouden had not once activated her Byakugan.
Shino bleary snapped open his brown orbs, wincing as a sharp pain cut through his skull. He gingerly rubbed the affected area, before he re-opened his eyes, and took in his surroundings.
He had recalled he was out scouting, checking the area for anymore of those wood clones, when...
Damn it! He clenched his fists, visions of an attack from behind, the welts he felt forming on his back, and the blood pouring from the-
He looked downwards, heart pounding with fear. He soon sighed, however, as he took in the sight of his Kikaichū, glowing green, buzzing around the wound and moving into it. Their collective buzzing was calming, and he filtered in some of their words.
He'd been out for about fifteen minutes or so, perhaps longer. The wound on his stomach was serious, but the Akatsuki had not taken into account his specialized Kikaichū. That was certainly working in his favour now. If he waited about ten more minutes, the wound would be sealed up, at least temporarily. One good knock or slash and the wound would come back worse than ever, but it was something.
His Kikaichū informed him, much to Shino's horror, that Hinata had been forced to use the jar of specialized insects that he had given her, only to be used in the most dangerous situations.
The Akatsuki had found her.
Silently, he simmered as his insects healed the wound. Hinata was only going to have to wait a little bit longer, and then, he'd show the Akatsuki never to mess with an Aburame.
She was outmatched.
It was obvious. No matter how much guts or determination she had, no matter how cleverly she tried to fight, no matter how strong her strikes were, it wasn't going to be enough.
Hyouden was a monster in regards to Taijutsu. It had quickly become apparent that she had merely been testing the Hyūga Heiress, and had come off wanting. And all of this, without the Byakugan!
But the testing was over. Hyouden's blows were too much to keep up with. She struck with the speed of lightning and the force of a typhoon. For every shot Hinata would get off, her mother would get off three more. She seemed to be a master of her craft, expertly dodging and leaping, attacking all points in the body with ruthless efficiency.
Hinata was flung backwards by a particularly strong strike to the chest, sending her crashing into a nearby branch. She landed on her knees, panting heavily, her entire body aching. She looked up, Byakugan strained, as Hyouden advanced on her again. A one on one Jyuuken fight wasn't working, nor would it ever, most likely. Being caught by surprise once was enough for Hyouden, and it was unlikely using the Toad Style: Springing Lily again would help at all. Instead, it looked like she would have to resort to other tactics.
As Hyouden rushed forward, palm outstretched to strike her down, Hinata pushed chakra into her feet and leapt upwards. The older Hyūga's hand cracked the bark straight down the middle, but there was no connection to the original target. Looking up. The Akatsuki Member watched as Hinata speedily wrapped her legs around the branch she was holding onto, before turning her body in such a way that she was just above her mother. Pulling both palms back, she shoved them forward with bone snapping intensity. "Toad Style: Double Tree Palm!"
Hyouden, however, would not fall for anymore of Hinata's tricks. She deflected both palms with her own hands, leaving the Hyūga Heiress' neck more vulnerable. Grasping at it, Hyouden roughly slammed her daughter into the ground, blood exploding out of Hinata's mouth as she landed awkwardly on her shoulder with a crunch. Still gripping her neck, The Akatsuki yelled. "Weakling!" before throwing her opponent a few feet away. Hinata landed with a thud, barely able to right herself as Hyouden exclaimed with roar of rage. "Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"
Compressed air shot out of Hyouden's hands, smashing into Hinata, knocking the wind out of her, and sending her flying in the opposite direction. She skidded roughly on her already injured shoulder, pieces of wood cutting and tearing at her skin as she came to a stop against a nearby tree with a booming thud.
Ambling to her feet, Hinata couldn't even bare to look at the torn up and broken part of her arm, instead focusing on her plan through the pain. The metallic smell and taste of her blood filled filled her nostrils and tainted her tongue, but she shook it off. She needed to defend her teammates, whatever the cost. She needed to protect Naruto.
"Hey, Hyouden!" Garou called, still clutching the throat of the unconscious Inuzuka. "This one's goin' to bleed out soon! Are you done yet!?"
"Don't rush me!" She snapped angrily, fixing her steel eyes onto her partner. "Just focus on playing with your mutt, and leave me to deal with my daughter."
Garou grinned toothily, nodding towards Hyouden, before turning his attention back towards his son. "Ya hear that, boy? We're gonna be spendin' some more time together!" He began to laugh uproariously.
Hinata gritted her teeth in both pain and irritation. Her shoulder was almost unrecognizable, a mass of splinters and wood sticking out of exposed and bloody flesh, blood slowly trickling out of the wound and onto the bark with slick drips. She would need to move fast, and gain some cover.
She darted towards the row of leaves and branches. Getting lost in them would give her enough time to recover and consider her options, she hoped. And if not... she didn't want to think about it.
"Don't think you can run!"
Hinata felt a sharp stab of pain and let out an agonized cry as a kunai embedded itself in her leg mid-leap, causing her to crash roughly into the bushes, scraping and cutting her face. Biting her lip to keep from crying, The Hyūga Heiress fled into the masses of leaves and branches, Hyouden chasing her down with every moment.
Hinata breathed heavily against a branch, having pressed her body tightly against it, heart hammering in her chest. The cut on her leg stung, the air of the night invading and attacking the injury, as red liquid seeped from it. With each ragged breath, she tore out another splinter, resisting the urge to yell out as her mangled flesh screamed with pain.
Her Byakugan scouted around her in a wide arc, scanning the area for even the slightest hint of movement. It found none.
From what Hinata could tell, her mother was seemingly refusing to use her Byakugan. Perhaps she didn't deem her worthy enough to use it on? The thought was both an insult and a blessing, she supposed. Sucking in another sharp breath, The Hyūga Heiress pulled out a sharp piece of wood fragment from her shoulder, a spurt of blood flying from the wound and splattering onto the bark of another branch.
Whatever her mother was doing, with or without the Byakugan, she was doing it stealthily. Either she was out of her range, or she was continually moving within her blind spot. The latter was far more dangerous than the former.
Bracing herself for any kind of attack, Hinata wearily reached into her pocket, pulling out a bandage. She thanked herself thoroughly for remembering to pack these, and thanked herself even more for applying her medicinal creams into it. This would, hopefully, speed up the healing process a lot faster, or at least stunt her body's steady decline.
Time was not on her side, however. The Hyūga leapt to the side, her ears being the only indication of something flying towards her. The kunai thudded roughly into a nearby tree, bark shuddering on impact. Twisting around, Hinata ducked straight down as another projectile almost impaled itself in her skull. Wincing in pain as her leg let out a sharp cry of protest, she strained her Byakugan further, but there was still no sign of Hyouden.
Things were going from bad to worse. She was obviously fast, easily seeming to find her blind-spot and target it effectively with projectiles. Her shoulder was still injured, making hand to hand combat useless, especially against someone so competent at taijutsu. And, not to mention the gash on her thigh, rendering advanced leg movements needed to use Toad Style useless.
She was a sitting duck, as it were. And Hyouden was the hunter.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
Hyouden's voice jolted her out her thoughts, and she let out a cry of horror as she was lifted up off the ground, being violently chucked backwards, along with an array of foliage and branches. The jutsu ended in seconds, Hinata's injured shoulder glancing off a thick branch, twisting her body around. With a tremendous crash, the Hyūga skidded across the bark, rolling to a halt within some bushes.
The beats of her raging heart thundered in her ears, as she pushed herself off the ground, muscles aching in protest. Hinata gripped at her shoulder, Byakugan eyes blazing, refusing to back down, even as her body shook uncontrollably. This battle may have been looking grim, but it wasn't over yet!
Hyouden did not want to mince words, dashing forward, palm pulled backwards. Hinata was not nearly quick enough to dodge this, taking the brunt of the attack full force. Blood exploded from her mouth, as her mother's jyuuken strike brushed one of her lungs, shutting off one of the chakra points.
Hyouden grinned in triumph, the air having shot out of her daughters lungs within a moment of her attack. However, her own lavender eyes widened as Hinata, with her good hand, gripped her forearm tightly.
Hinata swung herself around, blood dribbling down her chin, as she swung her foot to the side. The sharp kick caught Hyouden in the back of the head, causing the elder Hyūga to stumble forward in surprise. Not wasting any time, the genin went straight for her mother's leg, looking to render it useless.
But Hyouden had other plans, leaping up slightly, Hinata's palm sailing underneath her. She then brought her foot crashing down viciously, The Hyūga Heiress screaming in pain as her mother drove her hand hard onto the bark, shattering the bone. She tried to scramble back to her feet, but it was useless, Hyouden kicking her own foot out behind her, catching Hinata square in the face. She rolled backwards, blood spilling out of what was now a broken nose that spewed red liquid.
But still, she refused to back down, righting herself, despite her body's attempts to get her to lay down. That would not happen, she would not go back on her word.
Hyouden turned around to face her daughter, who was now a bloody mess. Her shoulder looked as though it was only being held together by leaves and shards of wood. She wobbled on her one good leg, the other leaking blood at an alarming rate from the cut on the thigh. Her nose was obviously broken, blood pumping out of it was if it were a tap, the bridge bruised a deep purple, much like her now disfigured hand.
This would be over soon.
"Your weakness was just what I'd expect from a Hyūga." She spat, slipping into her taijutsu stance for a final time. "You all reek of arrogance, and now you'll be punished for it, girl!"
Hinata stood her ground, her breathing becoming more hoarse by the moment.
"I've had enough fun toying with you!"
With a cry of rage, Hyouden twisted around, before bringing her palm and smashing it straight into the Hyūga girl's forehead, cutting off all the tenketsu to the brain with one powerful strike. This fight was over.
Hinata disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
The Hyūga Heiress had to admit, this wasn't her best handiwork.
She examined the bandages on her shoulder and leg quickly, her pulsating lavender eyes looking at every inch of the wilderness that was the giant oak tree. They weren't very thorough, but they would do for their purpose. For now, anyway. Letting out a sigh of relief, the girl's lips upturned slightly as a soothing sensation migrated through her injured areas, giving her a chance to regroup.
Hyouden obviously hadn't done her homework on her daughter, it seemed. Otherwise she would've known that she had trained under Kurenai-sensei, the Genjutsu Mistress of the Leaf, one of the most renowned Genjutsu users in the known world. And anybody training under her was bound to pick up one or two Genjutsu, that was for sure. And they had come into full effect in this fight, allowing her to lay one genjutsu over another mid-roll as she was sent into the bush.
With her wounds properly taken care of, Hinata did a couple of quick stretches. Everything seemed to be in working order. But too much strenuous activity, and the distraction would be for naught. Now, to start part two of the master plan.
Freeing Kiba was the next priority. He was injured, the wound potential fatal if she didn't act quickly, and who knew what his sadistic father was doing too him! Nodding her head, she headed off as fast as her injured leg would let her.
Kiba could remember his father's smell.
It was always different than the other Inuzuka in the compound. They always smelt of wet dog, or shit, or even urine from time to time. His sister smelt of antiseptic and the hospital, while his mother smelt of sake and an odd perfume.
But his father?
He smelt of meat. Raw, uncooked meat. And blood. Lots and lots of blood.
His brown eyes snapped open, taking in a gasp of air as his sight adjusted to the blurriness. Finally, it was gone.
Shizune lay prone on the ground, unconscious and unmoving, her black hair covered in shards of wood. The signs of battle where apparent. Cracks in the bark, parts of the floor torn apart.
Blood.
He sniffed, and his body froze, ice flooding into his veins.
That was Hinata's blood.
And his own.
Looking down, the Inuzuka stopped himself from gagging. Barely.
His bone, fleshy strands sticking to it, protruded from his leg, blood pouring from the open wound. From the angle it was sticking out from, Kiba realized, through the pain, that it was most certainly broken, snapped at such an angle he would have trouble walking on it for a long while. He grimaced.
A fist collided with the boy's head, sending him snapping forward, forehead smashing against the floor with a thud. Splinters impaled into Kiba's skull, blood dripping down his enraged face as he let out a guttural snarl. He tried to force his head back up, but a heavy boot brought it straight back down with crushing intensity.
Garou grinned with his sharpened teeth, brown eyes shining with glee as his son squirmed beneath his boot, clawing at the ground with his hands. How pathetic, and worthy of a dog such as himself.
"How weak." He stated with a chuckle, applying more pressure to the Inuzuka's head. Kiba winced under the sheer force his father, blinking heavily as blood dripped into his eyes. "Yer dog didn't put up much of a fight, either."
Kiba's shriek of rage made the older man laugh, as the boy trapped beneath his feet struggled viciously to escape, reaching towards the downed form of Akamaru, cream coloured fur stained red. "Fuck you!" The boy snapped. "When I get up I'm going to rip your fucking head off!"
Garou laughed, lifting his foot off of Kiba, to the Inuzuka Teen's surprise. "Come on then, do just that. If Hyouden gets to play 'ome games with her daughter, then why shouldn't I with ma son?"
His grin was blood boiling, and Kiba struggled to his feet, agony lancing through his leg. He fought through it, and, with determination, leapt forward.
Garou merely chuckled, backhanding the genin before he had even come close. Kiba's body smashed into the floor, rolling before he used his claws to dig into the bark, halting his movement. Wiping the blood away from his mouth, he went to stand once more, but found he couldn't. Collapsing back on the ground, Kiba howled in pain, the bone now protruding even more so than before, a fresh coat of blood now painting the bark. Garou slowly sauntered over, watching as his son growled at him with the intensity to rival a wolf.
Garou enjoyed the taste of wolf.
"When I was your age." The Akatsuki began, eyes sharp. "I would've killed me by now. But you sit there, complainin'' 'bout your injured leg, while your doggy is defeated, and ya friends are dyin'."
"Shut up! When I get up, I'm going to-"
Kiba's ear-splitting scream rattled even the branches as they shook wildly. Garou twisted his foot slightly, the bone twisting in a different angle, the Inuzuka's cries funding the generous donation the Akatsuki member was giving out.
"Interestin'." He murmured. "So, if I twist it this way...?"
Kiba howled loudly. Garou's sadistic smile refused to leave his rugged face, brown mane blowing in the wind. "Well then, Hyouden says I should 'ever play with ma food for too long." He growled. "Been nice knowin' ya welp."
"Aburame Art: Insect Cyclone Jutsu!"
Garou cursed, leaping back as a swarm of Kikaichū burst from the foliage, speeding towards the man as they buzzed loudly. Following them, Shino leapt next to Kiba, bending down almost immediately to check out the injured leg.
Kiba knew it was bad when Shino actually flinched backwards.
"I do not have many Medical Kikaichū left." He announced, placing his palm flat above the wound. More of his insects, glowing green, crawled out from his sleeve and flew down onto the affected area. "Even if I did, they're not strong enough nor good enough to heal a wound as complicated as this." He grimaced, turning his head slightly to witness Garou dodging and weaving his way around his Kikaichū. "I'm going to have to fight him." He turned to face the agape Kiba.
"You can't!" The Inuzuka hissed, fire in his eyes. "This is my fight-"
"Don't be naive, Kiba." Shino snapped back at him, pulling up his sunglasses to reveal stony brown eyes. "This isn't about family pride or your malicious intent directed towards your father. Why, you ask? This is about survival, something we're not going to stand a margin of doing unless you cooperate with me. Arguing at this is point futile, with your leg broken in such a manner. Do not fight me on this, and stay on the ground and out of the way."
Kiba blinked at him with wide eyes. "Okay." He spoke quietly. "But be car-"
A fist exploded through Shino, Garou's grin brimming with malice. Kiba's pupils shrank in fear, as his father withdrew his hand, eyes shining with victory.
Shino's body into Kikaichū, Garou and Kiba's eyes widening in disbelief. "What, that fucker!" The former Inuzuka exclaimed, as the Kikaichū swarmed him. He swore and punched, trying to fight the chakra-draining insects off as they buzzed, ready for attack to defend their master's friend.
Kiba yet out a yell of surprise as he felt someone's hand grab his posterior. Shino's head soon followed his hand out of the ground, as he picked up the brown haired ninja bridal style, before leaping backwards with a backflip. Landing gracefully, The Aburame Heir placed down Kiba as gently as he could, before running forward slightly. He twisted around, hands weaving through signs. "Earth Style: Earth Wall Jutsu!"
Slamming his palm into the wooden surface below his feet, a medium sized wall erected to block Kiba from any danger.
With his fist clenching, Shino used his other hand to move his sunglasses back over his angered brown eyes. Palming a kunai in his hand, he turned around and charged.
The Aburame were by no means the best Taijutsu users in Konoha. In fact, they were arguably one of the worst, perhaps next to the Nara. However, the Kikaichū were proving to be a great distraction right now, and Shino was not about to let that go to waste.
He slashed at Garou's neck, hoping to slit the bastards throat open and watch him bleed out. This proved not to be the case, the Inuzuka blocking with his forearm as he continued to wade off the insects. Shino went to sweep the legs out from under the man, but he blocked this with superior muscle mass, rearing his own fist back and taking a swipe at the Aburame. The genin managed to block with his own forearm, but with considerably more effort as he felt a bruise forming.
The two ninja went back and forth like this, Shino occasionally getting glancing blows with his fist or kunai, while all of Garou's blows continued to weaken him down.
Ducking under another powerful punch, The Aburame swung for the fences. Garou grabbed the oncoming attack, hefting Shino up into the air and over his head. The genin skidded across the bark for a moment, before he righted himself, darting straight back into the fray.
But Garou, after a sweeping blow, stunned and knocked back the Kikaichū, giving him the advantage. Swiping away The Aburame's punch, he returned with one of his own, catching his opponent in the gut. The air knocked out of his lungs, Shino only just managed to block a powerful strike to the top of his head, arms shaking under the pressure of the blow. With his arms tied up, the genin could do nothing as Garou's foot slammed once more into his ribcage, sending him sprawling backwards with a horrendous crunch. The Aburame winced in pain, and was unable to get to his feet as The Inuzuka kicked him hard once more in the ribs, a sickening crack alerting all present that at least one of them was broken. Spluttering up some blood, Shino managed to roll backwards, avoiding a punch that would've cracked his skull had it connected.
Recalling his Kikaichū to his body, The Aburame breathed heavily, a bead of sweat dripping down his brow as it furrowed. Two of his ribs were cracked, his Kikaichū could tell. While he could request the medical insects, Kiba needed them more than he did. If he was thankful for anything, as Garou cracked his knuckles insidiously, it's that Kiba had done as he said.
That was for the best.
He would've never forgiven himself if something would've happened to his teammates.
And, despite the situation, he smiled.
Facing down an S Ranked Missing Ninja, the toughest opponent he'd ever face, and he was most likely going to die. And yet, he smiled.
Why, you ask? Perhaps it was madness. Perhaps it was a coping mechanism. Or, perhaps he had just done what needed to be done.
Garou advanced on him quickly, hand gripping around his throat as he was hefted into the air, the demonic grin still plastered on his face. Shino did not move, nor reply, as his neck was squeezed tightly.
Instead, he found his mind wandering back to a few hours before all of this started.
"Oi, Shino!"
The Aburame suppressed the urge to sigh as he examined the ladybird on his fingertip delicately. He was leaving in a few hours, for what would most likely be a few weeks long trip. As such, he had much to do to prepare for this. He had already communed with his Kikaichū hive, telling them to make preparations and to store as much chakra as possible for the coming weeks. He had informed his clansmen that he would not be attending any meetings for a while, and to tell his mother as such. They had been less than enthusiastic about the idea, but that mattered not. It was only logical that one such as himself, formerly being the same class as Sakura Haruno, would go on an attempt to rescue her. While her fangirlish tendencies did tend to be overbearing, he respected her intellect enough to let it slide most of the time. Bearing no ill will towards her, he had gladly accepted the mission to save her. And even if he hated her entire being, he still would've taken the mission. Leaving a comrade alone in the field to die is unacceptable by any circumstances, and he was not about to let that happen to Sakura.
Now, however, he was trying to interact with the ladybird colony that had just been set up near his compound. And the negotiations were going fairly well, in fact, until the loud booming voice of one Tsume Inuzuka scared them all away.
He really didn't mind the Inuzuka Matriarch at all. From the few times he had met her, she seemed loud, energetic, and had a rather loud bark. And while there was no doubt she could be highly threatening when she wanted to be, she had been nothing but polite, if informal, with him.
"Hey, Shino!" The woman greeted, purple lips spread out into a grin. "I wanted to talk to ya!"
"Hello Lady Tsume." He greeted her formally, bowing slightly. Just because his father had died, didn't mean he would let the famous political etiquette was famous for, slip. "How may I be of service?"
Tsume laughed, her mane of brown hair shaking as she clutched her rumbling chest. "Oh, just like your old man!" She slammed her hand roughly into the Aburame's back, almost sending him sprawling to the floor.
He resisted the urge to scowl at her for her comment about his father. That wouldn't go down well, he imagined. Instead, he gifted her with a raised brow.
Her sharp brown eyes glistening with some unknown emotion, she spoke once more. "Honestly kiddo, just call me Tsume. I haven't been a lady in years."
Shino nodded curtly, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "Of course, my apologies La- Tsume." He corrected himself. "What, may I ask, needs my attention? I would hate to be impotent, but I have an important mission starting in a few hours, and-"
"It's about your mission, actually." Tsume said. Shino's brows furrowed.
She had not boomed this to the heavens, nor laughed. Her voice was level, and the glint in her eye was gone, replaced by a business-like stare. Her change in demeanor was unsettling, especially to his insects, who buzzed with apprehension.
"Oh? If that is the case, then we can certainly parlay. What is it that you wish?"
"Kiba's coming on the mission with you, right?"
Shino may not have been a people person, but even he could see the agitation in Tsume's posture, the way her eyes darted from side to side, the way her lips formed a grim line.
The wind blew heavily on the trees in the forested area, the green leaves swaying back and forth with much enthusiasm, as the cloudless sky allowed the sun's rays to provide a calming warmth on the landscape. A multitude of insects buzzed and clicked, whether they soared through the open air, traversed the pointed grass, or burrowed in the deepest soil.
"Yes. Team Eight are joining other genin, chunnin and jonin in a rescue mission." He answered. "Is there a problem with that?"
"Uh... not really. Listen, I need you to do something for me, alright?"
Shino frowned. "That should be fine, but it will all depend on what you wish me to do. Are you alright? You seem to be in a very agitated state. Perhaps-"
"Listen kid, I don't have time for this shit!"
Shino took a slight step back, the leak of killing intent coming off the woman confusing him greatly. She sighed, rubbing at her eyes. "Sorry, I've got some shit going on right now. But, listen, can you protect Kiba?"
"Protect him? I do not believe Kiba needs any protection, Lady Tsume. While he is not the most intellectual of shinobi, he more than makes up for it with superior muscle mass and phenomenal teamwork with Akamaru, so you needn't worry-"
"Just answer the damn question."
"Yes, of course."
Tsume nodded to him. "You have my thanks. I'll hold your word to that, kid."
And, with that, she disappeared, leaving a slightly fearful, and highly confused Aburame to his thoughts.
It hadn't made sense at that point. Why did Kiba need protecting? It didn't make sense, he was more than capable of defending himself. His first guess would've been she was simply paranoid that something similar to the Lightning Ninja attack would occur, and Kiba would be injured.
He now realized that was not the case.
Tsume Inuzuka knew that Garou Inuzuka was going to be around. And, if he got out of this alive, he was going to find out why.
It looked like, however, that wasn't going to happen, as Garou's grin threatened to split his face open, as Shino began to thrash around, his eyes popping out of their sockets as he choked for breath.
So, this was it?
He had somewhat succeeded in his goal, then. Kiba was protected from harm. That was all that mattered.
And so, he welcomed death with open arms. Perhaps he would get to see his father again.
As luck would have it, however, that proved not to be the case. Although the proud, stoic Aburame would hate to admit he, he was saved by urine.
Akamaru had regained consciousness, and had leapt upwards, spraying piss into Garou's widened eyes. The Akatsuki cursed in horror, dropping Shino onto his posterior as he fiendishly rubbed his eyes. "YOU FUCKING MONGREL! I'LL RIP OUT YOUR FUCKING GENITALS AND STUFF THEM INTO YOUR FUCKING MOUTH YOU PIECE OF SHIT!"
"Water Style: Water Whip Jutsu!"
Hinata's soft voice caused Shino to snap his head to the side, and he sighed in relief. She was bandaged, but alive.
Out from the floor, a whip made entirely of water exploded upwards, lashing out at the blinded Akatsuki member. It smacked him square in the jaw, a glob of blood escaping his lips as he flew to the side, crashing and rolling along the splintered floor.
Hinata breathed heavily, clutching her chest, as she tried to regain her breath. Without any water around, that technique had taken a lot of chakra out of her. She was lucky that she had such phenomenal chakra control, and that Master Jiraiya was such a good teacher. But she couldn't do another Water Style Jutsu, it would be the death of her.
She watched as Akamaru ran towards the earth wall that protected his master from danger, dodging around it and leaping into the waiting arms of Kiba, who tugged the red pup to his chest.
"Shino!" Hinata cried out in alarm, dashing over to him as he fell on one knee.
"Apologies Hinata." He explained, wincing as he gingerly touched his rib. "My ribs are broken. I'm sorry I could not delay them longer, he was too strong."
"You did great Shino, better than me." She assured him. "I- Move!"
Hinata's shout alerted the Aburame just enough for him to dive backwards, Hyouden's attack splintering the bark and causing shards of wood to kick upwards. Hinata landed next to him, the two of them panting slightly.
Hyouden regarded the girl with cold, unforgiving eyes. "You pathetic girl." She sneered. "Leaving a petty illusion and running away like a coward! Just as expected from a Hyūga!"
Hinata clenched her fists. "You know nothing of being a Hyūga!"
"You dare raise your voice against your mother-"
"You're not my mother!"
Hyouden scowled at the frustrated girl, two sets of lavender eyes narrowing. "You are correct. I could never spawn such weak offspring as yourself, or your petulant little sister."
"Oi, you bitch!"
Garou stormed over, teeth bared in an animalistic snarl as he wiped at the cut that now tainted his rugged tanned face. "You're gonna pay for this, you here me!"
Shino adjusted his glasses. "No, she is not. Why, you ask? Because I am your opponent, not her, brute."
Garou went to open his mouth, but was unable to, as his eyes grew wide.
A barrage of kunai flew out from the undergrowth, slamming into Hyouden's arm and side. She hissed in pain, leaping backwards as she regained her footing, face contorted with rage.
"Dynamic Entry!"
Garou barely had time to blink, as a forceful kick from Gai sent him flying through the bushes and branches, tearing at his skin and breaking them down as he went. With a sparkling grin, Gai followed after him.
"You're blind in your left eye."
Out from the undergrowth, a pair of steely eyes, filled with malice, pulsated.
Neji Hyūga walked calmly into Hyouden's field of vision, his fingers twitching, mouth twisted into a vicious snarl.
"It's about time we meet again after all these years." He growled, Neji's body radiating killing intent at high volumes as he stared with ferocious eyes at the woman before him.
"Mother."
And there we go! Not much more to say, other than I'd love to hear your thoughts, whether you liked or disliked it. Constructive criticism is much welcomed! So, thank you for reading, I hope I see you for chapter forty-four, and have a great morning/afternoon/evening/night!