TimeShifter: All good things to those who wait and all that jargon. One thing, Daikichi wasn't a 'failed' experiment; he's her, err...current husband. As for which story arc I'm currently on, I'm saying first (School Daze basically not counting for the tallied total because it's a separate story).

Nef: I like constructive criticism, and sometimes negative I like more. However, there are a few slight flaws to the argument. One, she's not overpowered. In a spar between Kanaeru and Gai or Kakashi, the guys are likely to come out the winner; she's just really efficient. Two, there are examples in even Naruto where a character will seemingly randomly and without provocation attack an endearing or otherwise character and then turn out to be an important story character. Three, I don't share the idea that either Lee or especially Gai are great, beloved characters. Deep down somewhere Lee might be (might being the operative word), and a little bit of beat down on them makes my day (especially to break up a 'youthful' speech). Thank you, and I'll keep that in mind (Gayt, Star, et cetera)...if I hadn't been already...

Chapter 6:
Will Never Fulfilled

Tsume suddenly jerked her head when she felt something. Her concentration lapsed, and Kankuro scored and easy hit on her. He managed to ease up at the last moment, so it only amounted to a stern slap across her face. He was concerned when she didn't move for a good few seconds. He was about to ask her if she was okay when she turned to face east.

He looked in the same direction with obvious confusion plastered on his face. Mori and Hishu consequently stopped their training to observe their sensei and teammate. They quickly calculated the position of the sun to know she wasn't looking towards Suna, so it was unlikely that Gaara, thus their home village, was in any danger. They sighed with the likely conclusion.

Tsume turned to Kankuro with worry and concern written all across her face. He was taken aback for a second. "Naruto-san is in trouble!" She was confused when her sensei actually looked somewhat relieved. She tried to make an angry face, but it came off as a pitiful pout. "He really is!"

The puppet user stifled a chuckle as best he could. He managed to be adequately reminded of his sister, thus scared, when her eyes narrowed and face became dangerous. "Oh, sorry, sorry… It's just that every time Naruto's been in 'trouble' he's managed to pull out of it somehow." He paused for a moment. "Besides, wasn't in 'Naruto-sama' some hours ago?"

Tsume blushed crimson. She stuttered indiscernible words before she stopped to take a deep breath. She managed to direct a proper glare to her sensei, and he was already grinning widely. She sensed he was having fun, and it didn't help her mood any. "Kankuro-sensei, that's neither here nor there!"

Hishu gawked at his female teammate. He couldn't make sense of her outburst. She was mad because Kankuro was teasing her about her crush on a boy she only just recently met. He was always teaming up with his sister, Temari, to do that…before she ever met the blond genin. "Man, what's got her goat?"

Mori shrugged slightly as he walked towards their sensei and teammate. As he went through the motions of packing his two-armed Karasu, he noticed his other teammate following him. When he received a confused look and an icy glower, he raised a brow and translated the last thing the perturbed kunoichi said. "As stated Kankuro-sensei, this may not be the time or place. Shouldn't we inform Hokage-sama?"

Hishu was upset that his male compatriot decided to put a jab at his intelligence while addressing their sensei. A slight tinge of pink graced his cheeks as he tried to cover up his embarrassment, and the quip. "Y-Yeah…" He quickly chided himself at the stutter. "…we did promise, right?"

Kankuro looked at his genin and shook his head. They knew how to be persistent. He scratched his chin to think for a moment. If they barged into Tsunade's office every time Tsume sensed something, she might start to think they are just crying wolf. It was the first time, so he decided to delve into the problem first. "Well, can you tell what type of 'trouble' it is?"

Tsume nodded her head vigorously. She wanted to help as soon as possible. "His chakra flow's all weird, so I think he's under a genjutsu." A collective sigh from her sensei and teammates told her they weren't buying what she sensed as enough reason. Her expression darkened, and the force behind her words increased. "I wasn't worried at first! He's been under it for a few minutes now, and most of his team's moved away!"

Kankuro blinked, but Mori and Hishu kept their incredulous expressions. They were about to say something when their sensei spoke up with a very serious tone. "Can you tell who's moving away and their condition?" He watched her tilt her head to one side to think. "This is important, just concentrate."

After a moment to think, she finally nodded. "I can't really tell who. I can recognize them as his team, though. Most of them are out of range now, but they seemed fine…" She turned east again. "Wait, I can sense somebody I couldn't before…" She tilted her head to one side again. "That's strange…" She noticed the questioning looks and continued. "They must be somewhere blocking chakra 'cause I can't sense more than…thirty meters from Naruto."

Kankuro nodded when he noticed the perplexed tone she took when stating the distance. He decided they may as well tell Tsunade. "Okay, we'll see about talking to Hokage-sama. At the very least, we can keep her apprised of the situation." He knelt down to unfurl a scroll and sealed his four-armed Karasu. Completing that task, he nodded to his genin, and they followed after him when he took off.

Tsunade rapped her fingers on her desk. "Timing's just perfect; isn't it?" It was a rhetorical question, and the other two occupying her room knew it. She looked at Shizune and Isaribi in turn. She decided to start with her assistant. "Shizune, how's the medical team doing?"

The medical jonin nodded. "Well as you can imagine, they're growing quite anxious…especially Sakura. They want to go into the field, and I've reminded them we might not even be necessary." She paused for a moment to think but signaled her completion.

Tsunade took in a deep breath. She was expecting just such news. Sakura was probably chomping at the bit to do something, and she was probably also further worried to learn Yamato wasn't assigned to the team. She still wasn't willing to explain who Kanaeru was and why she was more than enough insurance. Those thoughts aside, she turned to Isaribi. "You're sure on this?"

The bandaged girl nodded. "Yes, I'm absolutely certain, Hokage-sama." She watched the commanding shinobi rub her eyes as she fought the urge to pull out some sake for a binge. "What do you think they want?"

Tsunade practically threw her arms in the air. "They want to talk, but the message seems to indicate they just want us to stay out of collecting the head of one of our missing nin." She let out an infuriated. "You throw in the timing and who sent the communication, and you have a very bold party."

Shizune decided to take advantage of the short pause when her old friend started rubbing her temples. "If I might, Tsunade-sama?" She waited for the nod of approval. "If they're sending messengers, isn't it a good thing?" She couldn't help but feel a little bit of hope.

Tsunade ruefully shook her head. "I wish. If I know this guy like I know I do, he's only sending messengers as a formality." She sighed. "No, it's big, and I have a feeling it may involve Akatsuki if Isaribi's information is right." Her head hung, and her bangs cast a shadow over her face.

Shizune's head also hung as she thought over the words. She knew the situation, but she didn't want to recognize it as dire as it seemed to be. She was about to speak up when Isaribi interrupted her. "On that note, I do have some good news." She carefully fought a forming smile as she pulled out a scroll and handed it to Tsunade.

She looked at it for a moment and quickly eyed the bandaged girl. "This better be good." Isaribi let the smile she fought take over her face, and that action caused Tsunade to raise a brow as she unfurled the scroll. Her expression was one of surprise as her eyes widened with ever line. "Is this for real?!"

Isaribi happily bobbed her head. "I can vouch for every word." She paused for a moment as she put her finger to her chin. "Though, maybe I should say Jiraiya-sama could vouch for every word." She sheepishly smiled. "He was the one to confirm the information. I'm just acting as a go-between for you and her ladyship."

Tsunade practically rolled her eyes after getting over a short depression being reminded of him. "You'd think he'd make the rest of his notes and reports a little easier to decipher." She sighed. "No, we wouldn't want our enemies finding the cipher and using the information against us…" She looked up to meet eyes with Isaribi again. "Any word on…"

There was a knock at her door, and all three turned to look. Tsunade raised a brow; she wasn't expecting anybody. She decided it might be urgent. "Yes, what is it?" She was surprised to see Kankuro standing behind her chunin guards. Her surprise turned to worry when she remembered Tsume's jirijutsu abilities, but she tried to remain hopeful that it was something else. She waved him in and noticed he was trailed by his genin. Shizune and Isaribi stepped to either side to allow them center audience to Konoha's leader.

When Tsunade indicated he should speak, Kankuro wondered what exactly he should say. "'Yeah, Naruto might have been captured.' That's a wonderful way to start a conversation." After a moment of thought, he hoped he had the right tact in approach. "Tsume sensed that, well…" He paused wondering if she'd even believe him. "…Naruto may be in trouble."

A loud boom introduces Tsunade's forehead to her desk. "What's with these three rules of trouble?!" Shizune and Isaribi wore expressions of concern. Kankuro and his genin just blinked and stared at her as she regained her composure and proceeded to massage her forehead. "Timing, timing, timing, what is it now?"

The sand nin explained the situation as best they could. Kankuro had Tsume explained what she sensed. Between the creative talents of Mori and Hishu, Tsunade was able to adequately understand who might have moved away. The most likely candidate for staying behind had a most interesting description, one in many.

"So…you can't sense the rest of the team, right?" Tsunade received a nod from Tsume. She leaned back and scratched her chin to think. As she thought, she mumbled out loud. "They're east, and Tsume can only sense Naruto because of that blood ritual. These kidnappers are also hiding out somewhere with chakra-restricting materials or minerals…" She shook her head before turning to address those in the room.

Kanaeru watched as Kiba finally opened his eyes. When Akamaru nuzzled him and she was satisfied he was awake, she turned to call over her shoulder. "Hey pup, he's waking up." Her grin widened into a broad smirk when she felt the small trickle of killer intent.

Neji practically sulked as he walked to where Kiba was resting. He almost felt like a vein was ready to pop out of his forehead, and he sent Kanaeru an icy glower. "I told you not to call me that." He released a guttural sigh. "Anyway, how are you feeling?"

Kiba shrugged. "Could be better." He paused for a moment to look between Kanaeru and Neji. "Hey, is 'pup' supposed to be his nickname?" He could tell from Neji's reaction to the emphasis he was right, but he was confused. He shook his head and decided to leave well-enough alone. He petted Akamaru as he looked around. "Hey Shino, you ready for round two?"

When he didn't hear a response, he started looking around. He knew Shino was one of the few who could fool his senses, so he might have let it go. If his teammate were on guard duty or preventative patrol though, he would still smell something nearby. He looked at Neji when he found Naruto missing, too. "Hey, where're Shino and Naruto at?"

Neji was about to say something when Kanaeru interrupted. "Oh, Shino's working on Plan B." If not for the usual restraint Neji showed, he might have slapped his forehead. Kanaeru, on the other hand, looked perfectly serious; though, Kiba sensed something off.

He decided to accept the answer and nodded. "Okay, what's our Plan B? We may as well be on the same page if we're going with the backup." Akamaru barked in agreement.

Again, Neji was about to say something, but Kanaeru beat him to the quick. "Bikochu." There was complete silence for several moments. Kiba was dumbfounded, and Neji was annoyed. She decided it was about time to continue when nearly a minute passed. "Shino explained he tamed a bikochu, and it just so happens to have Naruto's scent. We're tacking him."

Kiba nodded remembering the bikochu; though, he was still staggered. He shook his head to clear the cobwebs before daring another question. "Why, exactly, are we tracking Naruto?"

Neji finally got a word in edgewise. "I noticed early on that they seemed to be after Naruto. The bandits purposely left an opening for him to slip through; though, we aren't sure why." He paused for a moment. "Shino used a distraction to slip through the same opening and keep an eye on Naruto."

Leaves rustled, and the three looked over to see Tenten approach. She looked at Gayt who was leaning against a tree with Star on his shoulder and shook her head. He was a complete mystery, and she couldn't really sense his presence. "Neji was explaining his theory. If he's right, Housekiyama's in more trouble than we thought."

Akamaru moaned and yipped when Kiba's mood darkened. "Neji, there's somethin' I've been meaning to talk to you about, about Naruto." He eyed Kanaeru, Tenten, and Gayt. "Alone, if you don't mind."

Neji sighed. He didn't have time for a private discussion. They needed to gather their forces and meet up with Shino. He met Kiba's eyes. "If you're thinking what I think you are, then either you think Konoha's going to be threatened or Naruto will be used as a bargaining chip."

Kiba didn't like the idea of leaving his thoughts unsaid, but he did agree with the unspoken need for haste. Nodding, he stood and mounted Akamaru. "Okay, let's get going!"

Neji nodded his agreement. "Tenten, you know the plan. Meet us at the rendezvous point with your team. If things go well, both our missions will end successfully." He watched her nod and disappear into the foliage. He turned to his team. "Let's head out.

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he warily watched the unfamiliar woman saunter over to him and Hinata. Though he realized she was an imaged induced by the genjutsu, he instinctively protected her by standing and outstretching an arm. "What do you want?"

She stopped just outside a comfortable distance. "You can call me Yumiko, dear." She wore a sultry grin as if trying to seduce him. "Well, are you enjoying yourself on your date with Hinata-hime?"

"Hinata-hime?" He rolled the honorific around in his head for a moment. She was supposed to be heir to the Hyuuga clan, and that kind of made her a princess. He dismissed it for two reasons. It didn't sound as cute as Hina-chan, and it was too easy. "What do you want you old bat?" Unlike with Tsunade, he was aiming to attack her pride and ego.

She fluttered her lashes playfully. "You suspect me? I'm only here to make sure my honored guest is enjoying himself." She paused for a second. The illusions of the genjutsu flickered for a second as they passed into their abode carved into the mountain side. The minerals for the region were great for that, but they made such situations a little difficult.

Naruto barely noticed the flicker, but he tried to take advantage of it. He raised his hands in the familiar seal. "Kai!" When he opened his eyes, the world was the same. He sneered at the triumphant look his likely captor wore. "What are you smirking about?!"

She shook her head. "Oh, nothing. This could go much easier if you just submitted." She paused. "I could offer you so much more than Konoha ever could, and you could get revenge for all the hardships those ignorant fools suffered upon you." Her smirk widened. "I could even give you Hinata-hime, and you could dance with her over Konoha's ashes."

He felt his anger boiling to the surface. "I don't want revenge! I'm gonna become Hokage! Then I'll show them! They'll respect me, and then everybody's gonna look at me!" He glared at her, daring her to defy his dream.

She sighed. "Poor child. They've deluded you with their ignorance. They threw away your greatness, so you've done the same." She pouted. "You hold within you the greatest power the shinobi world has ever feared, yet your squander it so." Her face twisted. "You should throw away such spoiled trash and burn it to ashes!"

He crossed his arms and turned his nose up at her. "You really are crazy, you old bat." He tried not to lose confidence when she didn't so much as bat an eye at his harassment as he continued. "I have real friends in Konoha, and I'm not about to betray them. Teuchi-jiisan, Ayame-neechan, Iruka-niichan, Tsunade-baachan, Shizune-niichan…" Realizing his list was going to get long, he decided to cut it short. "…and everybody else lives in the village. I can't abandon them!"

Yumiko narrowed her eyes. She hadn't expected him to be so adamant about defending that wretched village. "I was told a lot about you…" She paused for a moment to ensure his attention was rapt. "…Naruto-kun."

His breath nearly whistled through his teeth in his surprise. "How-How did you know?" He felt himself inch closer to the illusionary Hinata.

She was smirking again. "I know all about you. They fear the power within you, so they threw it away. I want that power. It can destroy the Hyuuga, Konoha, and wipe the stench of shinobi from the lands." She laughed. "I didn't think I'd be able to enact my revenge until much later, but my partner died unexpectedly."

He narrowed his eyes and took a fighting stance. "Who's this partner of yours, and what does he have to do with helping you destroy Konoha?!" He wanted out of the illusion, so he could fight her face-to-face and knock those loose screws back into place.

She practically reared her head back as she chortled. Her voice was full of mirth as she regained enough composure to speak. "He's only somebody Konoha rejected because his ambitions were too big. If only they made him Hokage, the village could have been great. The strongest and best would be immortal, and trash would be eliminated."

He lunged at her. He didn't like where she was going. "Who determines who is trash?! The man she's describing is so familiar, and he fills me with rage!" He was actually tempted to call Kyuubi to help, but he knew it rarely worked under an illusion. Instead, he concentrated on connecting with something solid.

He did, and, much to his surprise, he smelled blood. When he opened reexamined his target, his eyes widened in surprise to find Hinata's gut impaled by his clawed hands. His breathing became ragged, and he withdrew his hand only to catch her as she collapsed. "When did Hinata…?"

His thoughts were interrupted when Yumiko's chortle erupted around them. He looked around frantically for the source. He knew it was an illusion, but it felt too real. Her voice was proud as she spoke. "If you're not with me, then I'll break you. Let's see how long you resist Musouka or me."

"Yumiko!" Naruto was mad. He was furious, but he didn't understand something. His hand was transformed like he was tapping into a lot of Kyuubi's chakra, but he couldn't feel the red life energy. He heard Hinata cough and examined her wound. He closed his eyes and kept telling himself one thing over and over. "It's not real."

Yumiko refocused her attention to Daikichi. "Masato-sanban's genjutsu is working, so how were the others able to escape?" She was still readjusting to the connection, but she knew where they were. She recognized the room as another 'guest' room, much like the one Hinata was in.

He sighed. "I don't know for sure, but it appeared to me that the kunoichi was a Fuuin master, possibly even rivaling you." He recognized her displeased expression. "Yumiko-okamisama, these nuisances may prove more of a hindrance than we thought."

She hated it, but she agreed with him. She gingerly petted his cheeks and lovingly looked into his eyes. "Daikichi-danachan, keep an eye on Naruto-goban. I'll give my Saiga-kun and Basuto-kun their jobs. My Rikka-chan and I will be working together."

He snickered. "So, I'll be Daikichi-yonban soon enough." She gave him a pout, and he kissed her nose. "Don't worry; I can't be jealous. I'll keep an eye on my replacement. You just make sure he can deliver what you want."

She smirked, turned, and started sauntering away. "First, I have to collect from Hinata-hime. Before that, though…" She stopped and faced him again. She confidently crossed her arms over her chest. "…we've got to deal with some ants."

Daikichi nodded and disappeared into the room they placed Naruto in. Yumiko continued down the hall until she entered the open space Rikka was being kept. Saiga and Basuto were awaiting her. She turned to them. "Is Masato-sanban ready?"

Basuto lowered his head and sighed. He hated delivering bad news to his mother. "It seems Masato is suffering from chakra poisoning. Using Musouka may have been too much so soon after receiving Raikishu."

She nodded. Though unhappy, she understood. The elaborate setup allowed them to easily capture Hinata. Basuto and Saiga went far to the west of Konoha, and Basuto sent Saiga off. She was there to receive him and send him off immediately after he had his arms around Hinata. Masato then received them back at camp. Rikka coordinated it all by giving Yumiko's eyes to Saiga, and she never even left home.

Yumiko turned her attention to the curtained tube containing Rikka. "Oh Rikka-chan, I know you already feel your otou-sama's mind and chakra slipping away. Don't worry my Rikka-chan; okaa-sama will never let your body be burdened with chakra poisoning." She turned Basuto. "You're sure you can't do anything?"

He shook his head. "No, he refuses a new body." He watched his mother pout; her disappointed look was obvious. "Though he agrees with your ambitions, he says he sees no reason to skirt his responsibilities by throwing them off onto somebody else."

They heard Rikka's body quiver from within her tank, and their expressions became distanced. After a moment, they looked at one another and nodded. Yumiko sat and directed her sons to do the same. "Rikka-chan, I need to conference please." Yumiko, Basuto, and Saiga were still for a moment before their eyes rolled back into their heads and eyelids lolled.

Yumiko looked at her sons and husband when they appeared with her in the shifting scenery. She smiled serenely as she addressed them. "It seems our ants recover quickly and are eager for more punishment." She paused. "In fact like ants leaving a trail, they've brought more friends to play."

The shifting scenery changed to show nine figures quickly moving through the forest. "With the exception of these two…" She indicated Kanaeru and Gayt. "…my Rikka-chan can provide a detailed analysis." She paused. "Hmm, it seems we already have a pest waiting outside. We'll let him team up with his friends and deal with them all together."

She looked up when Masato appeared in the shifting scenery. She rushed over to him. "Masato-sanban, how are you feeling? My Basuto-kun said you were feeling the effects of your chakra poisoning."

The old man looked to be in his seventies. He had a bad hunch to his back and he walked with a knotted cane. He wore thick glasses and a formal ocean blue yakuta. His thick hair was white from pigment loss, but his eyes were a stunning sapphire blue. "I won't be using Musouka again, but I can at least handle that team's muscle." He smiled broadly.

To either side of Masato, still images of Lee and Kiba appeared. "We'll leave them to you then, Masato-sanban." Yumiko turned to Basuto. To either side of him, Shino and Ino appeared. "My Basuto-kun, you should handle these two. Take the remaining bandits to dispose of this trash."

He simply nodded, and she turned to Saiga. To either side of him appeared Neji and Tenten. "My Saiga-kun, these two work well together. You'll have to be careful, but you already know what the Hyuuga is capable of." She smiled to see him nod vigorously and enthusiastically.

Kanaeru and Gayt appeared around Daikichi as Yumiko turned to him. "You get to finish your fight. I'll let those two slip the furthest past our defenses, and I'll handle your aniki and the big boy." He solemnly nodded.

The sortie orders delivered, she looked up. "My Rikka-chan, you'll have to coordinate our defensive. Do try to…persuade them to their targets. We don't want to confuse our own capabilities." She smiled warmly at the warm response from her daughter.

They still had time, so she decided to address a few issues. "We must keep them away from Hinata-hime and Naruto-goban. We don't want to risk hurting either if they join in on the fight. Therefore, my Rikka-chan will converse with them." She smiled mischievously. "Of course, my Rikka-chan knows my plans for Naruto-goban."

Daikichi nodded before speaking up. "I take it you still want me to watch his room?" She nodded. "Very well, I'll collect my weapon and return to my guard position. Might I use whatever means necessary to defeat my assigned quarry?"

Yumiko's expression contorted into a wicked grin. "Oh, I expect that from everybody, in fact. Rip them apart. Tear them to shreds. Whatever it takes, make sure they can't return to Konoha to warn the rest of the ants. We'll have plenty of time to attain Naruto-goban's power."

Daikichi scratched his chin as one problem presented itself in his mind. "What about Akatsuki? Our dearly departed friend told us about them, and they also want Naruto's power."

She chortled and looked up. "If they want to lay a finger on Naruto-goban, they'll have to get through us first. We are immortal, and we'll soon have everything we need to take down even the most powerful shinobi."

He nodded, satisfied. "Very well, I'll prepare myself." He bowed and faded from the shifting scenery.

Yumiko turned to Masato, Basuto, and Saiga. "You three make preparations. The ants'll be here soon." They bowed and also faded from the shifting scenery. She stood still for a moment before addressing her daughter. "I'm sorry my Rikka-chan, but your otou-sama will be gone soon."

She felt warmth embrace her body as if she were being hugged. "Oh my Rikka-chan, okaa-sama will take good care of you. I'll never let your body suffer from that chakra poisoning. Your onii and otouto will take care of you, too. We'll find the best bodies for you."

Shino placed his hands in his pockets as he walked up to his comrades-in-arms. He politely nodded to them before turning his attention to Neji. "They've been inside since you left to regroup. I haven't let my bikochu stray too far, but the rest of my colony has confirmed Naruto to be still inside."

Neji nodded, glad for the explanation. He wasn't a hundred percent sure what to expect when they returned. He was more surprised to find they were able to get close to the carved hole in the mountain without anybody noticing. Before, they seemed like skilled ninja leading a group of lackluster bandits. He cautiously activated his Byakugan and took a look around.

Kiba sniffed the air as the team leader kept his eyes out. "I don't smell anybody around." Akamaru whined and yipped. "Akamaru doesn't smell anything, either. It can't be this easy; can it?"

Kanaeru shook her head. "No, they're expecting us. I can only imagine they want to get us separated." She smirked. "It works in our favor too, though. If we are separated, their only numbers advantage lies in bandits." She turned to Neji. "Don't you agree?"

Neji returned his eyes to normal. "Indeed." He paused. "We have to proceed carefully. Though they are being careful, they have us surrounded and are slowly closing in." He turned to Kiba and Lee. "I want you to handle the bandits. You should be able to make quick work of them and return to us. We'll use that distraction to proceed into their headquarters and mount the rescue." He gave them a hard look. "No unnecessary risks, we don't know what we'll run into."

Lee nodded and held his fist up. "No need to worry, Neji. We will ensure your missions success by holding off the hindrances. We will also conserve strength, so we might help you when the need arises."

Kiba rubbed his eyes, and Akamaru whimpered as he covered his ears with his paws. "Yeah, what he said. We'll hold 'em off. You guys just be sure to get Hinata out of there, and keep Naruto from beating them too much. I want my share." He sent a knowing look to Shino who nodded in agreement.

Ino decided to pipe in. "What about the rest of us? What, exactly, is out plan?" She was used to Shikamaru and his overly detailed plans. She found herself hoping Neji planned everything out similarly.

He sighed and shook his head. "I'm not exactly sure what to expect. We didn't learn much about the enemies last time, and they managed to surprise us a number of times. I want Tenten and Suichi to stick with me. Ino, you stick with Chouji and Shino. Kanaeru, Gayt, and Star will make the final team. If anybody sees an opening, make a break for it."

They all nodded in agreement. After discussing some of the finer details, they jumped from their hiding place and made a beeline for the cave entrance. They broke into pre-described team formations with Kiba, Akamaru, and Lee hanging furthest back. Halfway through the camp and to the hollowed out entrance, the bandits made themselves known.

Three teams kept moving forward as a battle erupted between the 'muscle' team and the bandits. Basuto and Masato smirked from their hiding place within a concealed hut. "Yumiko-chan's plan is working flawlessly. Rikka-chan didn't even need to make any suggestions for my targets to team up. With the exception of fatty and Daikichi's brother, everything is going according to plan." They were pleased.

While the first team was engaged, Neji and the rest easily slipped into the house's entrance. They were halted when two people sped past them and stopped in front of them. They were both elderly men. The one in the yakuta smirked before rushing past them and outside.

The remaining elder snapped his fingers, and the bandits that were outside surrounded them. Neji narrowed his eyes. "Is he somehow controlling the bandits?" He looked over his shoulder. "Did they want the other old man fighting Kiba and Lee? Including Akamaru, he's outnumbered three-to-one." He felt like something was fishy.

He made gestures to tell Ino to use her family techniques to confuse the bandits and let them slip by. She nodded and followed orders. She formed her hands into a box shape with one hand upside right and the other upside down. She concentrated on the strongest looking bandit. "Ninpo: Shinranshin no Jutsu!" The big guy went stiff for a moment before he started attacking his own allies.

With that distraction, they were able to slip past. Neji thought they all made it until he took a moment to check. Shino and Ino were missing. He looked back to see that the old man somehow managed to keep them tied up, and they were engaged with him and the bandits. Neji did not like the situation, but he knew he had to continue. Even with the bandits, two teams, though sent out for two different missions, gave him the tactical advantage.

Before they could move any further, a familiar figure stepped out before them. He callously waved a cloud hitai-ate in front of him. "I won't let you take imouto-chan away from me." He snickered before he tossed the hitai-ate away and violently jerked his head to spit on it. "I'll tell you a secret, though. I'm no cloud nin!"

He ruthlessly lunged in to attack Neji while tossing ice kunai at Tenten. They both easily dodged, but he pressed the attack. Neji frantically signaled Kanaeru to take the rest of the team and continue. The Hyouton user managed to back them down another hallway, and Kanaeru decided to take charge. She knew there were three more enemies, but only two felt remotely like combatants.

They couldn't even take a step forward before a woman stepped out. She stared down Kanaeru. "I'm afraid your fight isn't with me. You can take your armored hulk and finish the fight you started with my danna-chan." She folded her arms and waited for them to continue.

Kanaeru looked over her shoulder to Suichi. "I think she's the leader here, so you two better be careful." She noticed his worried expression and knew it was directed at her. "Don't worry; I can handle myself. You two be careful, bye-bye!" She took off with Gayt right behind her.

Suichi looked at the woman and drew his daishou. "You look familiar…" He paused for a moment. He could hear Chouji tense as his leather creaked, and he slowly circled around the eerily familiar woman. "Have we met?"

She smirked as she took a loose juuken stance. Chouji knew from her eyes, but he still found it hard to believe they were facing a Hyuuga branch member. He was molding his chakra, and he could feel her doing the same. Then, she rushed Suichi fully intent on delivering painful blows with her chakra-infused hands.

Naruto was in tears as he watched the scene before him. "This isn't real!" He repeated the mantra to himself over and over again, but the images playing out were too painful. He was angry at Yumiko; he felt like he hated her. She was torturing him. He watched, from a first-person vantage point, as he slew his friends one-by-one.

He stood atop the ashes of Konoha's famous ninja academy. Iruka was crawling towards him, begging him to stop. There was nothing he could do as the tears streamed down his face. He heard his own guttural growl, but he wanted to scream and make the illusion end. A Rasengan formed in his hands, and he felt his legs move in a slow gait towards his helpless sensei.

Watching from a nearby rooftop, Rikka stood in flowing white robes. She stood next to a human-sized, blood-red fox. The fox sneered at the destruction. "If you're trying to break kit, you're going about it wrong. I might have tried this years ago if I thought it would work, so I could get my own revenge."

The girl shook her head but kept her ashen blue eyes on the scene before her. The fox turned to her then back to Naruto. "Yes, he is strong. He credits that man you just made him kill as one of the first to acknowledge him." The girl smiled gently. "Humph, I doubt it. Kit wants to be Hokage and protect Konoha." He warily watched as the girl seemed to float off the roof and towards Naruto.

Naruto noticed her and turned to her. He was surprised to find his body not move in to kill her. It had disobeyed him every time up until that moment, and he wondered why she was so special that it listened to him now. She tilted her head to one side, and he blinked in confusion. "What do you mean why do I resist? I don't want to kill my friends!" The tears freely streamed down his face. He was beyond distressed.

The girl looked over her shoulder, and Hinata was walking towards them. She looked at Naruto, and he gave her a confused look. "What do you mean by that? Of course I know she's only an illusion!" He blinked. "She's going to speak for you?" He was about to say something when the girl placed her hand on Hinata's shoulder.

Hinata parted her lips a few times and tried a few sounds as if testing her voice. "Ah, it's interesting to have a voice, even if it's not my own." Rikka and Hinata smiled broadly. "Naruto-kun, Yumiko-okaasama will treat you well, and she doesn't fear what's inside of you. Why do you resist?" They pouted to soften him.

Naruto was worried at first, hearing about the Kyuubi, but he quickly calmed. He looked at the snow white girl and decided to speak to her. After all, she was the one speaking through the illusory Hinata. "I'm here to rescue Hina-chan, and we're returning together to Konoha!'

Naruto found it interesting to watch Hinata and Rikka; though, he had no name yet for the latter. Whatever action Rikka took, Hinata mirrored, and the snow white girl was only about eight years old. They tilted their heads to one side. "Do you like 'Hina-chan'?"

It was an innocent question with direct consequences. Naruto's cheeks lit up bright red. He stammered a response. "Well-I-you see…" He stopped, closed his eyes, and held his breath. Once he counted to ten, he opened his eyes and looked to the pale girl again. "I…don't know. I've never been 'liked' like that before…and it made me feel real happy…"

Across the street on a nearby rooftop, a human sized fox looked to his right. "Oh, so that girl brought you here too. What's she thinking?" He turned his attention back to Naruto and Rikka. "He really is dense, but he's never been given a chance. Even his tenant looked down on him."

Hinata shook slightly. She felt a combination of fear and anxiety. She was standing next to a miniaturized Kyuubi no Kitsune, and she was watching…herself talk to her crush not too far away. "A-Ah, y-you-you're th-the Kyu-Kyu-Kyu…"

He sighed. "Yeah, I'm Kyuubi. It's a long story, but I'm not going to hurt you." He scoffed. "As if I even could…" He regarded the girl for a moment. "You surprise me. You're afraid of me, but you don't show a bit of hesitation showing your support for kit when you find out about me. Why?"

Her face darkened and she looked down. She defensively fidgeted with her fingers. "Na-Naruto-kun's Naruto-kun. Y-You don't c-control him." She wanted to stop stuttering, but she found her emotions difficult to fight.

Kyuubi sighed. "Humph, I might have just a short while ago." He turned a mischievous grin her direction. "I really hate that village, and I'm not as cornered as I once was." He almost laughed as her face turned blue in panic. "If I did that, I'd cease to exist. Frankly, I'm more interested in living."

"A-Ah…" Hinata paused. She didn't know if she should be scared of Kyuubi or not, but she didn't want to run either. For whatever reason, the girl with skin as white as snow brought her here to watch. She didn't see the carnage from before, but she was worried about Naruto standing atop so many bodies. "I-Is Naruto-kun all right?"

Kyuubi imitated a shrug. "I don't know what your captors want, but they don't really seem to want to physically hurt him. Either mentally or spiritually, they may be trying to break him." He looked her in the eyes, and she nearly cowered in fear from the immense feeling of dread he seemed to give off as an aura. "Watch child, and see his resolve."

Hinata turned to face and watch Naruto, Rikka, and her illusory self. She closed her eyes to try to block off the fear she felt from Kyuubi. He calmly stood beside her and watched, with a bit of a snarl, what was unfolding.

Rikka and the façade of Hinata slightly rolled their heads before resting their chin on a forefinger. "You liked the feeling of somebody 'liking' you in an unfamiliar way? Doesn't that mean you also 'like' Hinata in that way?" Hinata was speaking, but Naruto knew it was for Rikka. As she paused, his face became redder as they leaned towards him. "…or are you just…lonely?"

Naruto blinked as his natural color returned. Her tone of voice…it was familiar. "A-Are you lonely, too?" He couldn't shake the feeling, and it only amplified as she, thus Hinata, recoiled.

A familiar stutter flourished upon Hinata's lips as Rikka's calm was disrupted. "L-Lonely? Wh-What do you mean by that?" They vehemently shook their heads. "No, okaa-sama and otou-san love me." A single tear rolled down each of their cheeks. "Even if otou-san leaves, okaa-sama will be with me forever." They suddenly smiled. "…you'll be with me forever."

Naruto and the real Hinata across the street were taken aback by her comment. Hinata grew flustered and was about to cry out when Kyuubi chuckled. She looked at him with wet eyes as he spoke. "I see, now. I thought I smelled a snake in the grass." He paused. "Yumiko, hmm?"

She frantically returned her gaze to her crush to hear him state a very obvious question. His eyes were closed, head tilted, and shoulders slumped in a dumbfounded expression. His lips were curled as a single word announced his confusion. "Huh?"

Rikka removed her hand from the faux Hinata, but the latter still imitated the former as they clapped their hands together happily and tilted their heads to one side. "Our dear okaa-sama says you get to be my otou-sama!"

Naruto nearly planted his face in the…bodies surrounding him as he tried to figure out if the girl was joking or not. Across the street, Hinata fell to her knees, and her breathing was shallow. Kyuubi narrowed his eyes as he watched Rikka. "Yumiko is an expert with Fuuin, so it's not hard to suspect what skill she might have in kinjutsu."

Hinata looked worriedly at him. He shook his head and turned around. "I felt something pulsing deep within kit's soul. I'll look for that. That pale-skinned brat wants to talk to you and Naruto anyway. I don't want to be a fifth wheel." He faded as she watched him walk towards and unknown destination.

The scenery faded and became an empty blackness. Naruto was looking at Rikka, but all illusions were gone. Standing not far away, Hinata was looking at a mirror image of Rikka. She could see her crush, but she could tell he couldn't see her. She blinked as she noticed he was talking, but she couldn't hear him.

She heard a voice in her head and looked straight at Rikka. Her lips weren't moving, but she knew the voice belonged to her. It was a sweet, gentle voice. "My name is Kagennotsuki Hyuuga Rikka. My power is Eiki." She studied Hinata's reaction as she tensed and instinctively molded chakra to her eyes. "Ah, I see the Hyuuga still teach their youths about our clans."

Hinata narrowed her eyes to appear dangerous. She knew Kagennotsuki were mute, but most had clear visual senses. She was slightly taken aback when Rikka didn't respond even slightly. "What do you want with us?"

Rikka opened her arms wide. "I only want what okaa-sama wants. She knows the Byakugan is limited, and she knows the Hyuuga believe the Sharingan evolved from it. She believes the Sharingan may be a blended kekkei genkai, so she's seeking to strengthen the Byakugan. So far, she's failed to find a good blend."

Hinata blinked. "Is that all she wants?" She remembered her conversation with Yumiko some hours ago. She seemed determined to destroy Konoha, but doing so would mean eliminating some kekkei genkai to experiment with.

Rikka smirked. "You noticed. She's done with Konoha. There's nothing worthy left there. We don't need Konoha anymore, and Naruto-kun will help us." Her smirk widened. "You'll help us, too; though, you at least might not do so willingly."

Hinata grew angrier with every passing word. She didn't want Konoha destroyed. She didn't wish harm upon the Hyuuga. Least of all, she didn't want Naruto's dream tarnished. She dropped into her juuken stance for her own techniques. She tried to mold her chakra, but nothing happened. She stared, wide eyed, at her opponent.

Rikka giggled. "Oh Hinata-hime, nothing's going to happen here. I control everything here with Eiki." She took a few steps towards Hinata and placed her hands on her outstretched one. "Isn't it enough to know that Naruto-kun cares for you? It's even possible okaa-sama will let you experience bliss before your body is given up to her."

Hinata couldn't help it. She gasped. Rikka giggled again. "What are you so surprised about? I'm pretty sure Kyuubi noticed, and I do recall him giving you a hint." She pouted at the confused expression her playmate wore. "Oh, he did say it so haphazardly. I supposed it was too difficult to understand."

She turned away and practically skipped to her mirror image 'talking' with Naruto. It was strange to hear her when she never moved her mouth. She turned to look over her shoulder and continued talking. "It's incomplete. It lets us live forever, but it doesn't transfer anything from the original owner. I suppose it's better to say okaa-sama's technique steals life force rather than the body."

Hinata mumbled incomprehensibly as she put together what Rikka said. The girl only smiled playfully as she sat and leaned against an invisible wall separating them from Naruto…who seemed to be alone. She shook her head. "You can't mean…"

Rikka smiled as the secret was figured out. Even if Hinata didn't say it out loud, she heard it clear as day. "Yes, he is…was a dear friend of okaa-sama. I never really trusted him, but he helped us gain a foothold here at Housekiyama. He took the Fuuin and kinjutsu okaa-sama knew and adjusted it to his own purposes. Instead of being simply immortal, he could take all the jutsu and memories of the previous owner with him."

Hinata was speechless, but Rikka continued. "When okaa-sama loved Konoha, she was forsaken." The surprised expression on Hinata's face was the reaction Rikka was looking for. Though it sounded random, she elaborated. "Orochimaru-kun felt the same way. He loved the village which betrayed him. If they made him Hokage instead of Namikaze Minato, the village would have become stronger. Then, okaa-sama might have returned to loving Konoha."

Rikka laughed; though, her face never showed it. "She loved somebody you should be familiar with. Hyuuga Junpei was the first man she loved, but she was branded branch. She was, thus, forbidden to seek his favor. In the end, okaa-sama learned how tainted Konoha had become."

Hinata indeed recognized the name Hyuuga Junpei. In her mind, it was impossible. Though Rikka mentioned being immortal, she still couldn't believe it. Junpei was long dead. He was an aged warrior present at the founding of Konoha. Rikka wasn't done yet. "He even turned her down and married who it was 'proper' to marry when she told him." She was obviously sad. "Why can't the Hyuuga accept love?"

Kanaeru jumped out of the way as an arrow landed where she once stood. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked to the samurai who emerged. As Gayt reached out to draw a sword as if out of ether, she stopped him with a simple hand signal. "Well samurai-san, it seems you haven't had enough."

Daikichi smirked. "I've been waiting to finish this." He notched an arrow and carefully took aim. He watched as she merely raised her arm and bent it to protect her neck. "If you're not careful, I'll pierce your chest." He launched the arrow, and she was surrounded by her chains.

Hopefully, that answers a few more questions and raises a few eyebrows. Can you say 'cover my rear technique'? I completely forgot about Shino halfway through the fight in the previous chapter...

I hate retail work. Even with a week-long vacation, it manages to eat up most of your time. I don't even know if I'd consider it a vacation considering that work (80-hours) plus vacation (36-hours) added up to 116-hours for the previous two weeks ('vacation' was literally the end of one week and beginning of next). Next time you see an unfortunate retail junkie having a bad day, try to smile and treat him or her nicely.

As always, reviews are appreciated, and flames outright ignored.

Story Word Count: 8,002
Story Page Count: 17

Terms and Jutsu:

Raikishu - Lightning Horseman: a complicated and difficult ninjutsu, Raikishu requires at least three people to perform. These are the rider, sender, and reciever. It is a teleportation technique invented by Kumo to have one person at a scene ready to recieve multiple allies thereby forcing enemies to underestimate their forces. This technique was used to kidnap Hinata.

Ninpo: Shinranshin no Jutsu - Ninja Art: Mind Derangement Technique: a Yamanaka mind speciality technique, Shinranshin is a powerful technique causing its victims body to attack randomly as if berserk. Though the victim remains completely aware and often fights it, the victim is unable to stop his or her body from attacking allies.

Eiki - Phases of the Moon: a jirijutsu, Kagennotsuki clan members use techniques simulating psychic powers stemming from an extra nerve bundle disabling the vocal cords. The most powerful, like Masato and Rikka, are both blind and mute. In a genjutsu, they have free control of the events. However, they build up deadly 'chakra poisoning' as their bodies age. The optimal ages for Eiki is between the ages of eight and fifteen.