Chapter 20: Secret Mission: Tea Country

Hogake building, Briefing Room: 6:00 am

"It will take five days to reach the Tea Country on foot…there is a short cut, here." Shino circled the place in pencil on the map. Sasuke nodded, sticking a blue pin in the area Shino had marked.

"Then…if we use that road we should get in there about three. Right, Shino-san?" Sakura asked.

"Yes." Sakura nodded. The Briefing Room seemed unusually busy today. Of course missions were almost always in abundance, but almost all of the Konoha 11 was gone, except for lazy Kakashi-sensei and Kurenai-sensei's team. She had seen some of the jonin lolly-gagging around the village, but other than that it seemed peaceful.

At least…everything would be peaceful…I can't do anything for her. I just have to trust in Tsunade-sama and Neji-san. I know they'll help Hinata in any way they can. But, this is least I can do for her. We're just going for information and coming back.

"Sasuke-kun? Have you seen Naruto? He was supposed to be here an hour ago!" Saukra stomped her feet. Damn him!

Naruto hasn't been the same since Hinata returned to the Compound…I just hope he doesn't do anything reckless. Naruto, I know you're hurting, but think of Hinata!

"He's here." Shino's monotone announced. When Naruto came through the door, all Sakura's feelings of worry and anxiety vanished.

She could see it…that determined smile.

"Sasuke, Sakura-chan, Shino…I'm ready!"

--

Konoha Gates, 6:07 am

"I want you just do intelligence. Get information about Michimoe Hiroshi and Hyuga Hiroshi. Be back before the week is up, understand?" Tsunade and the three young shinobi stood outside the Konoha gates.

She had informed them about her meeting with Hiashi yesterday. It pained her see Naruto in such a state.

I can tell just by looking at him that he's breaking inside. He's always cared about her I smallest of ways. Even when she had so many other rich, handsome men to choose from she chose you, Naruto.

"What about Hinata, Neji and Hanabi-chan, Tsunade-sama? When we leave no one will be there for them!" Sakura expressed.

"I'll be here. As long as I'm here I'll do what I can to help them. Kurenai and Kakashi are also still in the village. Heh, and we all know how protective she is towards Hinata." Tsunade winked at Shino. He nodded.

"Naruto, I need you to keep a level head on your shoulders, ok? I know…how hard this is for you, but bear with it ok?" Naruto nodded.

"Sasuke, keep him in check and report back if you find anything. You'll meet with Wasabi Jirocho, and stay at his place until you're finished. He'll also help you anyway he can. I've already told him what you guys are looking for."

They set off at a steady pace. First walking on the path and then taking to the trees. Rays of sunlight shown through the patches of leaves as the sun rose higher in the sky. They had set out at around 6:30…which meant they would arrive at the first check point around 8 am. Naruto glanced at Shino.

Although it wasn't hot right now…he knew it would get torrid in the afternoon. Naruto eyed him up and down…and then the others.

Sasuke had a black long-sleeve fishnet under his white tank decorated with the Uchiha crest on the back with baggy blue ninja pants. He also had a large, but light weight belt that held various tools and items.

Sakura had on her usual attire, her red sleeve-less zip shirt, white skirt and grey shorts.

Naruto observed himself…he had on his usual black and orange jumpsuit, but he knew later on in the day he would have to shed the jacket.

Shino…Shino was covered from top to bottom. A large forest green jacket and large black shirt under it…long black pants. His face was also hidden, revealing nothing but his black glasses.

Geez…he's got less taste than Sasuke-teme does…isn't he gonna end up getting hot in all those clothes?

"What are you thinking about, dobe?" Sasuke looked at Naruto with an "I-know-you're-thinking-something-stupid" expression. Naruto smirked.

"Ne…Sasuke-teme…have you ever seen Shino without all those clothes before?" Sasuke gave Naruto an incredulous look.

"Are you gay dobe?"

"Sasuke-teme…" Sasuke smirked.

--

Hyuga Outside Garden, 12:13 pm

Hanabi lay on her sister's lap sleeping peacefully. Hinata ran her fingers through her little sister's brown hair distracted by her own thoughts of yesterday.

"When Takuya recovers from the hospital you will be married as soon as possible. Wear this necklace." Hinata softly took the jewelry admiring it. It was really beautiful…the pendent was a dolphin with a pure blue topaz inside it. Hiroshi also presented her with blue topaz earrings.

"These used to be your mothers. She loved Topaz. I can see they suit you well as they are your birth stone." Hiroshi retrieved the necklace from Hinata and walked behind her. Lifting the necklace over her head and letting the pendent fall between her cleavages.

Hinata shivered from his touch.

Why couldn't it be Naruto…who put this on me?

"You look magnificent Hinata. You surely will be a bride to kill for."

"Oh…Naruto!" Small tears found their way to the surface and down to the green grass. Hinata just couldn't keep ignoring the pain in her chest that grew every day. She wanted him. She wanted Naruto and no one else. She longed for his touch, his kisses and his caresses. She wanted all of him.

But all she could do…was saying his name over and over again. Meaningless, she knew that but the heart ache and the sorrow that threatened to devourer her was held back whenever she would remember his face, his words.

"It…it would have been better if I had never loved! It would have been better…if I had never loved Naruto." Hinata wiped her hot tears with her tsukesage sleeve. Ever since the dinner party incident Hinata had been forced by her fathers and elders to wear "formal lady clothing".

She could no longer wear her regular ninja wear…she no longer could train. She had been confined inside the compound. A prisoner in her own home. She smiled at her younger sister; blissfully ignorant and not yet introduced to the horrors of their clan.

I…I don't want Hanabi involved in this. I have to protect her. I won't let anyone hurt her. I can't let her see…what's going on. I don't want her to hate father…I don't want her to hate our clan. Or Neji-niisan. I can't let her know what's really going on! I don't want her to ever hate anyone. I'm so sorry Hanabi…that I did this…I made everyone go against each other. I'm so sorry!

"Hinata-neesama…please don't cry…" Hinata was surprised to feel a small hand reach up and wipe off the tears streaking down her face. Hinata tried to smile for her. She tried to think of something funny to say, so Hanabi wouldn't see her pain.

"Ah…i-it's nothing! I w-was just thinking…about…a-a-about what to do today! It's so nice outside and…and it's not raining like it was earlier!" Hinata lifted Hanabi's head off her lap and stood twirling around the flower blooming garden.

"I-isn't it beautiful, Ha-chan? Oh look at these! Isn't the Baby's Breath growing wonderful this year? And look at the white carnations!" Hinata turned to Hanabi and giving her a winning smile. Hinata frowned when she saw Hanabi's back was turned.

"Ha-chan?" Hanabi picked a multiple flowers and walked over to Hinata. She couldn't quiet recognize the facial expression on her little sisters face. Was it amusement? Had her farce worked?

"This is borage. It means courage. A bluebell means humility. This one is a bay leaf it stands for strength, and finally this one, a forget-me-not it means true love. All these together make Hinata-neesama." Hanabi slid her free hand into her sisters. She looked deep in thought and troubled.

She dropped the borage to the ground.

"If one of them wasn't there…" She dropped the forget-me-not.

"Then it wouldn't be all of Hinata-neesama. You see? You wouldn't be Hinata-neesama. Hinata-neesama wouldn't exist. And if Hinata-neesama didn't exist then what would Hanabi do?" Hanabi held her sisters tearful gaze and felt her own coming on.

For the first time… in a long time Hinata smiled a genuine, warm smile. She picked up the flowers off the grass and held them to her chest.

"Let's go back inside, Hanabi. And I promise…I won't lose my own little garden."

--

Hyuga Compound, Outside Four season, 12: 45 pm

"Takuya is still in the infirmary and the wedding has been held off until further notice all because of Hinata's involuntary acceptance?" Kisuke, Hiroshi and Hiashi stood on the lavish screened porch. Watching the workers reconstruct the damage bestowed upon by the younger shinobi.

"You could say that if it weren't meant in such a harsh manner, Kisuke." Hiroshi commented. Hiashi sighed.

"The Branch House is still angry. They refuse to support Hinata's and Takuya's union. I need the Branches support to sustain the proposal. They refuse to accept Takuya as a candidate for Hinata now."

Hiashi shook his head. How was he going to mend this? The Branch now completely disapproved of the marriage. There was always the use of the Curse Mark, but that was unnecessary force that didn't need to be administered. This time it was a matter of personal belief. They were on her side. They cared about their lady, and they wanted her to be happy with the man of her choice. Just like Chihiro.

"Takuya should be out of the infirmary before this weekend. He's already recovered, but he's not taking any risks."

"Is he in good health?" Hiashi asked.

"He's fine, Hiashi-san. He still wants to go through with the marriage if you are willing to continue on." Kisuke answered.

"It's not a matter of whether I'm ready or willing. It's Hinata's will that needs bending not mine."

"True, but we can't afford to wait any longer, Hiashi-san." Hiroshi argued.

"The longer we wait the more the Branch House will compromise the uniting of our clans. They're being a burden to you." Kisuke said.

"What do you suggest?"

"The least painful road. We can't move unless they are dormant. House arrest would be sufficient." Hiroshi grinned.

"House arrest, Hiroshi? Are sure you want to take it that far? Is this really necessary?"

"As sure as my name is Michimoe Hiroshi, Hiashi-sama."

Hey everyone! I'm sorry if the chapter wasn't satisfying enough, lol. My brain was fried trying not to reveal to much to soon. Man have I have i been tired! my sister is sick and I've been watching my neice and everything...I could punch something! MWWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!

1. For those of you who have been emailing me about the story...I can not stress this enough. This is a fanfic! Fanfiction means that you can write your own story about the characters! It's not for my profit only for amuesment.

2. Next chapter is interesting...be sure to look for it!

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4. Thank you for all the reviews about how to make my story better and giving me advice. Please continue to review and I will keep going! Thank you all so much! Wow...I can't believe I already have 78!