Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto or any of its respective characters. This fanfiction is for entertainment purposes only. (Mostly my amusement.) However, if I DID own Naruto, it would be called "Neji and Hinata: Byakugan Babies Galore!" That has a nice ring to it...
Author's Note:Well, this was by far the trickiest chapter I've ever written. I actually wrote three different versions of it, before settling on this one. It still isn't quite what I intended, but there is only so much I can do. I think I got the most important points covered, but as far as it being a great chapter... it leaves a lot to be desired. Oh, well. I'll let you all be the judge of that. You've waited long enough for this paltry update. Hmmm. Not much action in here, just a lot of plot. Oh, and when the dissatisfied reviews come in, do try to be kind. ::sigh:: I sure hope I have a better time with the next chapter. Anyhow, here it is...
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Possession - Chapter Twelve
Hyuuga Neji glared at the six Branch House guards crowded around him. "What are your orders, Hyuuga-san?" One of them asked, impatiently.
Neji pushed past the men. "Why are you asking me?" He hissed. The Branch guards trailed behind him, unwilling to give up.
"You are your father's son," was the reply.
Neji stopped, turning to face the armed men. "What is that supposed to mean?"
These damned Branch members were getting on his nerves. They had brains. They could give their own orders. Why would they want to listen to him anyway?
One of the guards stiffened. "It means that it is time you took your rightful place, Hyuuga-san."
Neji stalked to within an inch of the man face. "The only place I have, is at Hinata-sama's side," he answered. The man backed away a bit, holding out his arms to keep the distance.
"All the more reason, Hyuuga-san. It is no secret that Lady Hyuuga favors you."
Neji turned his head, glaring into the distance. Hinata-sama's favor? He grunted. Not anymore. Not yet, at least.
The guard continued. "Which is precisely why you were chosen," he said.
Neji's eyes snapped back to the older Hyuuga, his scowl deep and offensive. "Chosen for what?"
"As Branch leader, Hyuuga-san. What else?"
Neji's eyes widened, driven by the sheer stupidity of those words. Branch leader? His chest heaved, as his blood pressure increased. These men didn't know what they were talking about. He couldn't be Branch leader. He didn't want to be Branch leader!
"No," the prodigy rejected the offer. The Branch guard sighed.
"You can not refuse us, Hyuuga-san."
"I can do whatever I damn well please!" Neji spat back at him.
"It has already been decided."
Neji fumed. "By whom? Nobody asked me!" All he wanted to do was find Hinata-sama! She was his only priority!
"By unanimous vote," the guard answered, sternly. He and the others stood firm, waiting for the young shinobi's next explosion. It never came.
Neji's eyes narrowed. "You and I both know that the council makes those decisions," he stated, quietly.
"And the council can no longer be trusted, Hyuuga-san." The man smirked. "It is Fate. Accept it."
Neji's fists trembled at his sides. "I've had enough of Fate," he hissed.
"Too bad you were born a Hyuuga, then." All the guards chuckled. "Because Fate hasn't had enough of you."
He growled and sneered. This wasn't fair. None of this was fair. He didn't have time to lead the Branch House. They didn't need him to find the elders, anyway. He had to find Hinata-sama! Why didn't they understand?
He stood, wading through a sea of thoughts, before finally asking: "How many council members had you apprehended before I even arrived back at the compound?"
The guard pinched his chin in contemplation. "Hmmm," he pondered. "I believe we captured three, Hyuuga-san." He met Neji's stare, suddenly realizing where the conversation was headed. "Yes, but– "
"And your men would have caught those other two, even without my help," Neji interrupted. "Even if they had used the cursed jutsu. Am I right?"
The Branch guard frowned. "Hai, Hyuuga-san. They would have gotten to them, eventually."
"Then, what do you need me for? You were all doing a swell job of it on your own."
The guard folded his arms across his chest. "That is not the point, Hyuuga-san." Neji rolled his eyes. "We need one man– one man to rally behind. One man with honor, integrity and fortitude." Neji's eyes wandered to the ground. "A man like you, Hyuuga Neji."
"You don't even know me," Neji whispered. His head was bowed, and his fists clenched tightly, while his whole body quaked with guilt. If they only knew. They'd string him up right here. And he would let them.
"Hyuuga-san," the man said, snapping Neji out of his thoughts. "Despite what you may think, the Branch House has always looked toward you. Not because you are Hizashi's son, or because you are the Hyuuga prodigy." He looked kindly at the boy. "But, because you are a man of principle, worthy of respect." Neji raised his head to meet the other man's gaze. "This decision was coming regardless of the council's wishes. We had already spoken with Hiashi-sama." He paused. "The Leader agreed."
What? Neji's eyes widened. Why would he agree to this? And when? Hiashi-sama hated him.
"I do not understand," he said.
"What is there not to understand?" The guard smiled, confidently. "The proclamation has already been drawn and signed." A chill wind swept through the compound, freezing Neji in place until all he could hear was his pounding heart. He didn't want to hear the guard's next words. He didn't want to face the reality of taking his father's place. "You are Branch leader, Hyuuga-san," said the man. "The only thing left is for you to accept it."
Neji swallowed the lump in his throat. How could this be happening? Never had he imagined himself in this position. Branch leader. Hyuuga-sama's closest advisor. His breath hitched. This was decided before Hiashi-sama's death. But why? Hiashi-sama did not need another advisor, least of all him.
The breath shot out of his lungs, as realization dawned. Of course! He was meant to be Hinata-sama's advisor. Hiashi-sama must have been preparing for a worst-case scenario. He knew the council was corrupt, and that the new Leader would need a strong right hand.
Neji threw his head back, clenching and unclenching his hands, as the ethereal light of the waning moon washed away his protests. Who was he to argue when Hiashi-sama had already decided? He chuckled, already knowing the answer to that question. He was nothing, just a lowly Branch member who's life belonged to the Leader. He sighed. It was Fate.
"Fine," the newly acknowledged Branch leader spat. "I will fulfill my obligation. But, as soon as I receive word on Hinata-sama, I'm leaving. Do you understand?"
"Hai," the guard nodded.
Hinata-sama. He hoped she was safe, for it would be a while yet before he saw her again. He scowled. A while yet before he could grovel properly. It seemed he wasn't going to be able to avoid this.
"Now then," the guard said, as he and the others fell into an orderly formation. "What are your orders, Hyuuga-san?"
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Hinata panted lightly, hand lightly resting upon the heavy wooden doors. Her palm soaked in the feel of the moist wood, saturated by the humid air; just as her ears soaked in the hushed whispers of the traitorous twins.
She raked her nails lightly across the surface, balling her dainty hand into a tight fist. Just a little longer. Just a little more information. Then, she could slit their throats and hang them over the gates of the Hyuuga compound. Like swine. Like any other heap of dead meat.
Her delicate lips curved upward. What lovely decorations they would make, as their blood dripped, washing the ground in glorious crimson. They would be a spectacle unseen in generations. And every time someone walked beneath their corpses, they would be reminded of what happened to Hyuuga, who betray the Leaf.
The whispers stopped.
Hinata held her breath as she heard the footsteps of two others approaching. The new Leader of the Hyuuga pressed her ear against the door, listening closely.
"Honorable elder sister," Tomomori's sickly sweet voice sounded from the dojo. She heard a shuffling of feet and cloth. "We are most relieved to greet you," A pause. "And Hanabi-sama, as well."
Hinata's face fell, and her chest tightened beneath the black of her ninja suit. Hanabi was one of them?
That was enough. She pulled her ear away from the door, as tears welled in her eyes. She promised herself that she would not cry. Her lips pressed together, and her whole body quaked with the prospect of Hanabi's corpse dangling from the gate. Hinata had known that her sister was vain and unpredictable, but this...
"Save your flattery," the weary voice of an old woman hissed. Hinata scowled, holding back her tears, as her memory formed the image of the Main House elder. The withered ex-kunoichi she saw so often in her father's company. The one who had become his chief advisor after her uncle's death. "We have little time to waste," the hag spoke again. "Our allies will not wait forever."
Allies? Hinata's arm dropped to her side. The Cloud. Of course. If they could not bring Konoha to its knees, and seize control of the Clan, they would go to Kumogakure. They would give the Byakugan to Konoha's enemies.
She took a deep breath, heart pounding. Hanabi... How could she?
"Then, let us make haste," Tomomori said. Hinata heard another shuffling of cloth. "Hurry up, Tomoyuki! Why are you still just standing there? You should have redressed by now!"
"I– I can not..." The other twin's voice caught in a sob.
"What do you mean, you 'can not'? Just put the damn robe on!"
There was another short pause. "But... Hanabi-sama..." Tomoyuki whispered.
Hinata yearned to see Hanabi's face, but the chakra of her Byakugan would reveal her presence. She had to wait just a little longer. She only needed to hear Hanabi's words, then she would make her decision.
Gods! Please let Hanabi say the right thing. She grasped the cloth covering her chest.
"Why are you covered in my father's blood?" The younger Hyuuga inquired.
"W-Well, I– I..."
"He was with the Leader when Hinata cut him down," Tomomori lied for his brother. "The bloodspray– he could not avoid it."
"I see," Hanabi said.
Something in her sister's voice made Hinata step back from the door. She knew that tone. Skepticism. Doubt. The tightness in her chest receded a bit, as she felt her heartbeat slowing. Hanabi did not believe them!
Hinata released her hold on her garment. Thank the Gods! She might not have to kill her sister, after all! She sighed in relief. But, she needed to be certain. She bit down on her lower lip, eyes narrowing. A test– one final chance for Hyuuga Hanabi to prove her allegiance to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.
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Hanabi trained her wide white eyes on the elder twins. Tomomori was anxious, eager to leave, as he wrestled the clean robe out of his brother's hands, while trying to peel the soiled one away from his shoulders. Tomoyuki was manic, trembling from the slightest breeze. His clothes were saturated in wide splatter marks, concentrated mostly toward the front of his garments. His hands shook uncontrollably, and from time to time, he brought them to his face– a look of shock and disgust plastered onto his features. Then, he would glance at her, before shifting his eyes away, just as quickly.
She kept her expression neutral. He certainly did not behave like an innocent bystander. And what of the old woman? She looked toward the hag. She was also nervous. But that could be due to the hunt. They had managed to avoid all of the patrols on the way, but witnessed several elders being taken into custody. Hanabi's eyes followed her as she crept back toward the doors, peering outside. It was consistent with her story, but Hinata? Hanabi refused to believe her neechan was an animal.
The elder had then reminded her of the genjutsu that Hinata had bested her with, to which she replied that her mother's death was a weakness which had been exploited, like many others during their bout. True, it was cruel, and yes it hurt; however, their match had no restrictions. The young kunoichi frowned. Hinata was a shinobi– and she proved it, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Hanabi gazed down at her feet. She thought she was a ninja. She thought she knew what it meant to be a ninja, but...
A sharp splintering replaced the muffled sounds of cloth and footsteps. The elders and Hanabi all turned toward the locked doors leading into the hall. The wooden structures crumbled under the force of the shimmering blue chakra emanating from the other side.
Hanabi paled, choking on her own breath, as Hinata swept the rubble away with her foot, stepping over the threshold. The old woman rushed back to her, grasping her shoulders and pulling her toward the door leading outside. Tomomori stepped in front of them all, pushing his brother as far back as possible.
Hinata's glare immediately fell to Tomoyuki, still wearing his bloodied garment. She did not speak.
"So, you have finally come," Tomomori acknowledged her. He unsheathed his sword, stepping slowly toward the middle of the dojo. Hinata did not answer him, only gripped the Leader's sword with both hands, stalking to her right. Her eyes never once moved away from the shivering Tomoyuki. Tomomori frowned. "Eyes on me, Heiress!"
She continued to ignore him.
Hanabi felt the intensity of her sister's pointed glare. She was out for blood. His blood. Hanabi also stared at the elder, who looked as though he might collapse at any second. When her focus returned to Hinata, she found the kunoichi boring into her with shining silver eyes.
Her heart stopped. As they shared the moment, Hanabi saw and felt the sadness within her sister; the pain and regret, the rage and frustration. It was all laid bare for her to see. In that one instant, Hinata told her more than any mere words could express. She was sorry. Sorry for hurting her during their match, sorry for this whole situation. But mostly– she was sorry that she did not save their father's life.
The younger Hyuuga closed her eyes, stilling the awful tremors threatening to erupt from her body. Otousan was dead. He was really dead. Before, when the elder spoke of it, she had hoped that somehow it was a mistake– or a lie. But having seen the sorrow present in Hinata's moonlight eyes, she knew then that it was the truth. Hyuuga Hiashi was dead.
She opened her eyes again, blinking back the moisture. There was no time for tears. Not now. Not while her father's killers still roamed free.
The hag squeezed her small shoulders, gaining her attention. "We will go now, Hanabi-sama," she whispered. It took all of her self-control not to swat the bitch in the face. "Tomoyuki," the old woman called to her accomplice. "Come with us. Your brother will handle her." She grabbed his wrist, pulling him toward the door. "We will only be in the way."
Hanabi bit back a scowl. She had to play along. Hinata had given her a chance. She could easily have assumed her guilt, yet she did not; just as Hanabi herself had not believed her to be a murderer. They did not always get along. In fact, they had been rivals from the moment she was born. But they were family, and neither would abandon the other.
"Main council," Tomomori spoke to the hag. "Get my brother out of here. If anything happens to him... I'll have your head," he threatened.
The old woman gasped. "How dare you!" She raised her bony fist. "Insolent Branch House wretch!"
"Elder," Hanabi placed a hand on her arm, lowering it. "Just ignore him. Let's go," she said.
The hag glared at Tomomori's back. "You are right, Hanabi-sama." She clutched onto Tomoyuki's wrist, dragging him through the doors. "Hurry up, you useless piece of refuse," she hissed.
Hanabi was right behind them, but she paused, lingering a while in the doorframe.
Hinata was fixed on the one man left in the dojo with her. Her stance was secure, and she looked relived. She probably did not want her little sister to witness the coming bloodshed. Hanabi's brows furrowed. Hinata would win. She had to win. Because Hanabi could not stomach losing both her father and her sister on the same unfortunate night.
"Hanabi-sama!" The hag called from the training field. "We have no time to waste!"
Indeed. Hanabi finally allowed the scowl to creep onto her too pale face. That Main council bitch had better enjoy every second she had left.
The young kunoichi turned away from her sister then, rushing to join the two people– No. The two traitors, who probably would not survive to see the next sunrise.
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"So, Heiress," Tomomori circled to his right, sword drawn back. "Will you use it?" Hinata's eyes twitched. "You know what I'm talking about," he licked his lips. "The cursed jutsu?" Her frown only deepened. "You know, Hiashi didn't use it. Probably thought he could beat us without it. The fool."
Her gaze shifted to the slight drag of his left leg, then to the strained position of his right arm. She inhaled a tight breath. Jyuuken side-effects.
"I see you've noticed my limp." Tomomori smirked. "Hiashi's Gentle Fist was exquisite, I'll give him that much."
Yes. Her father was a master– and still he died. Gods help her. He was twice her size, with twenty more years experience.
"What did you do to him?" Hinata demanded, determined to contain her fear. "He should never have fallen to the likes of you!" She hissed. "You, who does not even posses the Byakugan."
"I thought you knew, Heiress." He grinned wildly. "We poisoned his sake."
Hinata gasped. Her mind reeled with the memory of sniffing for any such substance. How had it slipped by her? Her heart started racing again, and her breath came in shallow gasps. She knew the look, feel and scent of every poisonous herb, leaf, root or other floral essence easily obtainable in the Leaf Village. She'd studied so hard, so diligently! Tears glossed over her pearly eyes, and a thin stream rolled down her pale cheek.
She gave it to him, told him to drink himself into oblivion. And he did...
"Poor child," Tomomori cooed. "Come here and let me hold you in my arms."
Hinata snapped. "Shut up, traitor! I don't want to hear another word from you!" She wiped the liquid from her face, as a spasm tore through her chest. Why? Why did she let him drink?
"As if you could stop me," he mocked. Tomomori licked his lips, smirking at her. "So, Heiress, shall we get started?"
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The old man's face showed no emotion as his hands flew through the seals of the cursed jutsu. The Branch guards fell to their knees, writhing in agony, while Neji watched from the rooftop. This one was unlike the other two he'd helped to capture. He was strong, patient and serene– and he was going to kill them. The Branch leader scowled. Just what he would expect from an ex-ANBU. How else could he activate four Caged Bird Seals at once?
Neji frowned, reaching into his pouch. The shuriken flew through the air, striking the purple elder's hands and severing several fingers. He smirked. The old man didn't look so serene now.
Neji leapt from the rooftop, as the four guards slowly gathered their wits. The elder screamed his pain into the dark night, as two Branch servants pounced, holding his arms behind his back, while a young woman bound his wrists together.
Another one down. He sneered at the old man as he was led away, screaming obscenities unbecoming of his position.
"You there," Neji called, stopping one of the guards. "How many do we have in custody?"
The guard bowed before answering. "We've just received word of one Main and three Branch elders captured, along with another purple Branch elder." He wiped the sweat from his brow. "With the three we caught before, the two you helped to apprehend earlier, and this one here..." He scowled at the old man. "That makes a total of eleven in custody, Hyuuga-san."
"Hai," a second guard confirmed. "And the corpse of one purple Branch elder along with his personal Branch guard, have also been found."
Neji exhaled, slowly. "So, one Main elder killed by Hinata-sama, and one Branch elder also dead. That leaves seven council members all together," he folded his arms across his chest. "Two Main and five Branch." He closed his eyes. "I wonder where they're hiding..."
"Branch leader," the second guard interrupted his thoughts.
"What," Neji hissed. He would never get used to that title.
The man took a deep breath before continuing. "The girl who found the other bodies," he hesitated, "also saw Hinata-sama headed toward the dojo."
Neji sucked in a tight breath. "I'm going," he shoved his way past the two. Hinata-sama. He had a lead, and he wasn't about to waste anymore time.
"What about the one's we haven't caught yet, Hyuuga-san?"
He stopped in his tracks, bristling inside and out. They just wouldn't leave him alone. He sighed. But, he did have a duty to fulfill.
Neji turned back, his face calm. "You," he pointed toward one of them. "Take three men and comb the garden." His eyes shifted toward the other. "I want you and your squad to double back to the Branch House." He pierced through them with his sharp, silvery glare. "They are desperate, probably preparing for their final stand. Remember who they are– and be on your guard."
"Hai, Hyuuga-san. And, what will you be doing throughout all of this?"
The Hyuuga prodigy drank in the sight of the waning moon. "As I told you before. I am going to find Hinata-sama. So, from now until this is settled..." His gaze returned to the men. "You're on your own."
"We understand." They bowed, then ran off to relay his orders.
"Hn," Neji snorted. That had better be good enough for the Branch House, because the next person to ask what his orders were, was going to get a broken nose.
He sped down the walkway surrounding the Main House. She was on her way toward the dojo, leaving a trail of bodies in her wake. He grimaced. He had hoped it wouldn't come to this; all this senseless death. If it got out of hand, there could be riots, or worse. He knew she was angry and frustrated. Who wouldn't be in this situation? But, she could not allow her quest for vengeance to overshadow her responsibilities as Leader. She needed him, so that she could concentrate on repairing the Clan, while he took care of her enemies.
He turned down a narrow alleyway. She had better be alright. He sped forward, straining his tired legs. He had to find her. He had to protect her. He activated his Byakugan, scanning ahead for her chakra. For all his posturing about vengeance and responsibility, if anything happened to Hinata-sama, it would be him cutting down his own Clan– and he couldn't promise that he'd keep the slaughter centered on the ones who deserved it.
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"What are you waiting for, Heiress?" Tomomori was poised to strike.
"Hyuuga-sama ," Hinata corrected, ignoring the pain in her chest. "Or did you think to steal my father's title along with his life?"
He laughed. "I see you are not so stupid as I once presumed." He brought his sword to the front, grasping the hilt with both hands. "Yes, that was the plan. After the fall, the Hyuuga were to rule Konoha as we were meant to." He smiled. "Under my brother's leadership."
She felt her chest tightening again, and her limbs tingling. "And just how was he to accomplish that?"
"Why, behind the icon of your sister, of course." Hinata's eyes twitched. "Hanabi is strong in Gentle Fist, as the Clan expects. But she is weak of will, easily controlled." He stepped forward. "The perfect puppet."
"And what of me?" Hinata pressed for more. She had to keep stalling him. Her hands began to tremble. It had only been two months since her bout with Neji during the Chuunin Exam. He heart was still too weak. She needed rest, but would have no such luxury. The best she could hope for was a few minutes of pointless jabbering. Hopefully, enough time to catch her breath.
Tomomori licked his lips, looking her up and down. "You were to be my beautiful, obedient wife." Hinata shivered. "It is not too late, koishii. I promise to be a generous lover." He smirked, and she scowled. "I bet you've never even been kissed," he taunted, inching forward. "Don't worry. I'll teach you everything you need to know." His smirk deepened. "Just lie on your back and spread your legs..."
Hinata lowered her sword, straining against the spasms. Her lips parted as she sucked the moist air into her lungs. She glared at him in astonishment. Was he serious?
"Certainly a lot easier than Jyuuken– or Hyuuga sword art," he glanced at her blade. "Just drop it. Hiashi didn't teach you much." He looked smugly down on her. "You'll never be able to master it. And with you weakness, you'll only continue to be a burden to the Clan." He chuckled. "Or what's left of it. I imagine the Houses are tearing themselves apart right now."
"Which is just what you wanted," she whispered. "But, Konoha has not fallen. And neither will the Clan."
"Not yet, maybe. But we'll be back." He smiled. "Come quietly, Hinata. I really don't want to mar that pretty face of yours." He took another step forward, and Hinata stepped back. "Even though the attack failed, I'm sure the Raikage will be content with ripping the secrets of the Byakugan out of those lovely eyes."
Her heart raced, thrusting inside her chest like the harsh beat of a drum. Her palms were slick, and her vision blurred, momentarily. She hissed. Why now? Now when she was so close to her revenge!
"Are you afraid?" Tomomori raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, koishii." He stalked closer. "When the're finished with you, you'll be all mine."
Time stood still, as the two glared at one another.
"What did you say?" Hyuuga Hinata's eyes widened to the point of strain. Her grip on the hilt of her sword tightened until her hand was numb. A wave of fury crested over her, and her limbs went taut with coiled energy.
Mine... She shuddered. She hated that word...
She raised her sword again, altering her stance as the Byakugan surged within her eyes. She stood with legs spread and knees bent. Her left hand was stretched out, palm facing upward, while the other held her sword high and back, the tip pointed toward the ceiling. Tomomori stopped his advance. An air of calm surrounded her like nothing she'd ever felt. He breathed deeply, sensing a change in the air.
"Would you care to repeat yourself?" She hissed through clenched teeth. Weak heart or not, she wouldn't hold back. If she died tonight, at least she would have the satisfaction of taking Hyuuga Tomomori with her.
He said nothing, only watched for an opening– a weakness. She refused to give him one. One step forward. Her eyes narrowed, as flashes of the last forty-eight hours bombarded her mind.
Neji. His mark on her shoulder. Naruto, so warm and comforting. Her father, looking down on her, as Hanabi informed her of the succession. Hokage-sama, confident and strong. Hanabi, so arrogant– and then so helpless, laying in a rain-soaked heap. Again, her father, lifeless, in a pool of his own warm blood...
No. She was not afraid, nor would she avoid this pain in her heart. It was all she had; a testament to her survival. As long as there was pain, she knew she was still alive. When the pain was gone, there would be nothing left to live for.
Hinata frowned. Hurt was the only feeling the Hyuuga understood, and she would hurt every day to keep the Clan strong. Just as her father did.
She advanced smoothly, despite her heart, clenching in irregular patterns. "Nothing to say?" She poured her focus into the wary eyes of her opponent. He circled back, unfamiliar with her stance– and her resolve. Hinata smiled, then she rushed toward him, striking with the Leaders' sword.
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Uzumaki Naruto ran through the village, leaping over the rubble of another demolished building. Konoha took quite a beating, and he was sure it would be a while before things were back up to speed.
The Hokage's plan was flawless, even the part the rookie nine had played. He frowned. He felt kind of bad about leaving them at the border, but he just couldn't stand to wait any longer. He had to know if Hinata was alright. Had she succeeded in her mission? Was she hurt, or in trouble? Kurenai told him not to worry, but she had not seen the Hyuuga Heiress last night– or how she would flinch whenever her cousin was mentioned.
His frown became a nasty sneer. He didn't trust Neji, and he sure as hell didn't trust that her father would keep her safe. This whole fiasco stemmed from the Hyuuga anyway, and he was not convinced that she was not in danger, no matter who's 'good hands' Kurenai said she was in.
The only way he would know for sure, was after he held her in his arms, and looked deep into her gorgeous white eyes. Naruto surged forward with renewed vigor. They'd only been together a month, but he cared an awful lot about her. Hyuuga Hinata was everything he'd ever wished for. Kind, gentle, sweet... and she really liked him.
Gods... He wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he wasn't there in time to help her.
Naruto leapt into the forest surrounding the Hyuuga compound. He wasn't far now. He would see her soon, and undoubtedly, he would see Neji as well. He growled. And when he did, the so called Hyuuga prodigy was going to get a lethal dose of Kyuubi-infused pain.
End Chapter Twelve