TimeShifter: You know; I had that image too with the Rikka/Ibiki interrogation (who was really being interrogated?). Kanaeru and Madara aren't revealing their secrets just yet. I'm glad you enjoyed the sweat shop and club shenanigans. I think one of your confusing questions is answered this chapter. If not, remind me I'm not being as transparent as I should be when I actually am wanting to be, neh? As for Kakashi, he was mad that he wasn't recalled from his mission to help rescue Hinata and, later, Naruto.
samueltm2, and kyuubilord: I try to keep things interesting.
Chapter 13:
A Princess of Demons
To the uninitiated, the sight of two men of vastly different ages occupying a single room might not seem unusual. It could be an elderly grandfather with his grandson. However, the ashen red-eyed elder was actually the ashen green-eyed youth's brother. They were separated by nearly fifty years, but they had the same mother.
In frustration, Saiga finally spoke. "Ah! When is okaa-sama gonna break us free, so we can ransack this oppressive village!" He was humiliated enough as it was. That Anko woman turned out to be far more skilled as an interrogator than either imagined. Worse, she got them to spill the beans on how they acquired a cloud hitai-ate.
Basuto was annoyed enough that an angry tick practically kept one eye closed. "Would you shut up your incessant whining?!" He was in no mood to put up with his younger brother. He was concerned about their mother; though, it couldn't be said he cared about her current husband's condition. He was more concerned about what they revealed in the interrogation.
The room fell silent, and they couldn't help but think of their failings. They were so distracted by the oddly dressed kunoichi that entered the room to interrogate them that they never noticed her deranged expression. When they thought back on it, they probably should have expected the snakes she summoned. They should have expected kunai held to…irreplaceable regions.
They spilled everything in a matter of moments. In their shame and humiliation, they gave up what they knew. For the first time in their lives, they were scared of a female who wasn't their mother. For the first time in their lives, they felt like their minds were open to anybody who wasn't their perpetually young sister…who happened to be the middle child.
Watching them through a security monitor, Anko had to roll her eyes. Ibiki stood next to her, thumbing through her report. The 'failed blending experiments', as the Hyuuga who only possessed their fathers' traits called themselves, were arguing again. Unlike a certain, stubborn sister, the brothers seemed unrepentant.
Ibiki was genuinely stunned by the information. Their stories, in a sense, rewrote a lot of Konoha's history. There was no record of a Hyuuga ever going rogue, even among the humiliated branch members. Like Hizashi, most remained prideful. When she betrayed the village a hundred years ago, she was believed dead…killed in Madara's betrayal…a hero.
He sighed. Maybe 'hero' was the wrong word even then. She didn't really fight; rather she was supposedly among the masses caught off guard when he led the bijuu to attack. Those souls were never honored by name on the memorial, too numerous to ever count. Her only honorable husband was left a widower with two children in the field and one still being raised.
Ibiki highlighted points on interest in Anko's report. He was surprised to find out Yumiko actually had a total of four husbands and six children. He wondered if the Hyuuga might have some information on a branch being married off to a Hayate. Besides, the name Ahito was also of keen interest. He was sure he heard that name before.
He prepared his final report. He'd have to hand it into Tsunade along with his recommendations. Basuto was old, likely into his sixties. He couldn't confirm if he'd used the kinjutsu to take a younger body. Saiga was still young, but he was spoiled and arrogant. They both had an unwavering loyalty to their mother and cursed Naruto for what he did with his final attack.
They seemed opposite their perpetually young sister. She was much more docile, likely due to her living conditions. He didn't know if he should attribute that to her ability to read minds or childlike tendencies she cultivated from 'host' bodies her mother forced upon her. Also unlike her brothers, she had a keen interest in observing, especially Naruto, to see where she should place her faith.
It was strange to think, but Ibiki couldn't call them traitors. Anko, he almost found it strange, agreed. She might have hated Orochimaru, but there was no evidence the siblings were ever given a chance to learn anything but biased opinions. Yumiko did a good job picking husbands who weren't only powerful but agreed with her.
Yamamichi Takenaga, Kagennotsuki Masato, and Kumorigachi Daikichi each held a kekkei genkai beneficial to Yumiko and her plan. She thought to blend them with the Byakugan, but she found uses with failures notwithstanding. Ibiki had his doubts of course, but he suspected each man either grew disinterested in their country or ruler or wished so seek out greater power.
Really, it didn't make any sense to him. Even as he bounced ideas back and forth with Anko, they could find nothing to substantiate suspicions or go beyond what they had. At a standstill, they wrote their recommendations. They were simple and reasonable. At the very least, the three should have tracking and power sealing Fuuin tattooed onto them. Absent Yumiko's oppressive influence, they might be retrained and properly educated.
The professional interrogators had to agree. Based on the interrogations, Rikka seemed to be the least set in her ways. Nevertheless, they agreed even she could be potentially subjected to the worst case scenario. At the worst, they should be held in the best prison they had available or put to good use. As much as they hated to admit it, they couldn't ignore the 'good use' a mind reader would give them.
Tsunade leaned against the door frame of the hospital room as Sasame tended to Kiba. He came to reception earlier complaining of returning symptoms. His complexion was pale and movements sluggish. The young medical kunoichi had warned him, along with Lee and Akamaru, that the neurotoxin like chakra wasn't completely rid from their systems.
In fact, Tsunade remembered very clearly how Sasame went over the treatment procedure with the best toxicologists available. As she had duties to attend to as Hokage, that left Shizune, Sakura, and Sayumi. It was entirely possible the entire treatment would take more than a month, and Sasame had a mission to attend to with Isaribi.
Kiba, of course, complained that he wasn't back up to full capacity. He wanted another mission, as if coming so close to death to rescue his teammate wasn't enough. Worse, he hated being relegated to less strenuous activities than he regularly enjoyed. As much as he grumbled and complained, he enjoyed Sasame's presence and listened well enough.
Tsunade looked up when she heard shuffling. Sayumi and a nurse were helping, practically dragging, Lee down the corridor. She resisted the urge to firmly plant her face in her palm and shake her head. If she recalled correctly, wasn't it Sasame who warned them, specifically, to avoid extraneous activities for at least the next few days? They just had to go out clubbing after being nearly fatally poisoned…
Kanaeru hated wasting time, but she gave Sasame and Isaribi more than enough time to prepare themselves anyway. She had another pressing engagement, and she stood smirking at the entrance to the Hyuuga estate. The branch on guard duty at the main entrance gave her incredulous looks as they tried to figure out what she was doing.
She turned to look somewhere, and they followed her gaze. She flashed a playful grin and thumbs-up to a massively armored man before she was engulfed in a reddish glow. Alarmed, the guards turned their attention back to her a moment too late. It was for naught as she easily sailed over their reach and into the compound.
They turned to race after the red-headed kunoichi before their attention was painfully redirected towards the armored hulk they saw a moment earlier. They felt as if the air was torn from their lungs, and they shuddered a breath as they fell to their knees.
Without pretense, Gayt walked between them, serenely. "Do forgive Kanaeru-sama's brash behavior. She tends to act without thinking when she has things on her mind." The guards didn't know how, but they felt he was looking at them apologetically. "Do not fear for your health. You simply were unprepared for my presence."
He didn't elaborate, but the guards felt the truth in his words. As they recovered, they shakily stood. They didn't know if they should attack the armored man or not. He was clearly a stronger warrior, but he wasn't behaving…too aggressively. In fact, he wasn't even reacting as they took their stances, albeit as shakily as they stood.
Inside the main house, Kanaeru was a woman on a mission. Well, at least she was on a set path. She had a bounce to her step as she practically skipped down the hallway with a huge grin plastered on her face. She had questions she wanted answered, but she felt more entertained than annoyed.
She found her quarry walking down the hallway towards her with his arms crossed. He looked haughty as he sighed, and she came to a stop directly in front of him. With a roll of his eyes, Hiashi spoke. "I'd ask why you're here, but I'm more curious about your impudence as to…march past my guards. They are there for a reason."
Kanaeru couldn't help it as she replied in a sing-song voice. "I know a se-cret!" She barely restrained a giggle at the expression on his face, but she remained stoutly silent. She was one of few to easily withstand the scrutinizing gaze of the Byakugan, and she enjoyed every moment it agonized the Hyuuga head.
He loosed a guttural growl. He knew the young sumitsuki had a knack for finding unwanted secrets, but he had no idea what she was thinking barging in as she was. "What, pray tell, was so important as to ignore proper protocol and come straight to me?" He wasn't very happy, and his less than cordial tone spoke volumes. He rarely spoke so improperly.
Her smile never faded. "Hinata has Yakedo." His expression was priceless, like a deer caught in headlights. She continued, unabashed. "If I'm sensing things properly, I'd say her sister… Hanabi, was it? …has it do. Oh, it's unrefined, and neither knows how to use it, but I certainly don't think every Hyuuga is capable of drawing elemental chakra out to such a degree."
He swallowed, the secret out. Well, at least the clan elders didn't know…yet. He knew he could trust her not to tell, but the walls had eyes. He turned and, without a word, beckoned her to follow. They weren't far from his personal study, and it was a place much more private for such conversations.
Once they were inside and the door closed, Hiashi turned to her with a heavy sigh. "What is discussed here must never leave this room." Her serious expression and nod gave him the confidence to continue. "It is a…lost art among the Hyuuga. It is rare and desired, and I'm afraid the clan elders would marry Hinata and Hanabi off just as they did Tsuchiko-chan."
Kanaeru nodded. Even if she hadn't seen him in seventeen years, she remembered his desire to avoid both the branch seal and arranged marriages for his future children. "I didn't realize it until I witnessed the battle between Hinata and Yumiko, but Yakedo is genetic. I can see why the elders would want to arrange a marriage, keep the blood pure."
Hiashi nodded. He didn't want to open old wounds as his discussion with Kurenai had. He decided to ignore the more detailed analysis. He wanted to know exactly what the young sumitsuki saw in the fight between his beloved daughter and…Yumiko. "Please, relate the battle to me."
Kanaeru smirked widely. "First, Yumiko also had Yakedo." She loved goading expressions out of the stoic man. "As for whom she is, you can ask Hokage-sama." Her grin grew so wide her eyes closed in mirth.
Hiashi released a sigh. "I'll do that." He knew, without a shadow of doubt, that only Hyuuga, pure blooded at that, manifested Yakedo. After the formation of villages, its use declined to the point that the last master died ages ago and the art of controlling it was considered lost. It was strange to think that a traitor to Konoha was a Hyuuga…
Kanaeru coughed into her fist to regain his attention before beginning her tale. It wasn't very long. The battle, after all, was very short. Yumiko lost practically the moment Hinata entered, overpowered by the fresh combatant. It wasn't until she got to the real interesting part she got to giggle at his slack-jawed expression.
"What did you say?" Hiashi was, for lack of a better phrase, befuddled. He didn't know the details behind Yakedo. Tsuchiko was married to him because she had it. Without the clan elders realizing it, they managed to have two children with the genetic abnormality. As such, he couldn't be sure where the blame should fall for what he was just told.
"I said…" Kanaeru drawled. "…Hinata's chakra indicated an internal argument, like a split personality." She was puzzled at his guilt-ridden expression but continued nonetheless. "You have heard of the idea of ego, superego, and id, correct?"
Hiashi nodded, unsure where the conversation was going. "Yes, of course…" He noticed her expectant expression. With a sharp intake of breath, he continued. "The form we commonly express is ego, a balance between the other two. While superego sees the world in black and white and strives to do what is right, the id only wants to pleasure itself."
Kanaeru nodded. "Right, but I sensed something…interesting. Oh I'm no psychic, but I can say I sensed something close to 'thoughts' between struggling chakra. It was as if Hinata's ego shut down, and her id and superego were arguing over killing Yumiko." She stopped to think for a moment. "Prolly thought about doing something to the poor, unconscious Naru-chan, too..."
Hiashi turned red in the face and flustered. "You insinuate too much, Uzumaki-san!" With a shuddering breath, he reeled in his anger. He knew his counterpart was only trying to get a rise out of him. She was much like her sister in that way. His expression returned stoic, only betrayed by a brow tick. "Can you be certain this happened?"
Kanaeru was obviously pleased with herself, but she shook her head seriously. "No, not without more evidence." With a sigh, she scrunched her face as she racked her mind for the right question. When nothing good came, she asked the obvious. "Has this happened before, using Yakedo that is?"
Hiashi had to narrow his eyes. He hadn't heard anything. Of course, he wasn't on the best of terms with Hinata's sensei. If it had happened on a mission, even Neji or the Hokage could be sworn to silence by the mistress of genjutsu. "I'm afraid I don't know." He paused in consideration. "I suppose you could ask Kurenai, Yuuhi Kurenai."
Kanaeru had to scrunch her face in thought again. "Kurenai… Kurenai…" She paused, closed her eyes, and sighed in frustration. "Nope, never heard of her." Oh sure it had been seventeen years, but she remembered Kakashi and others easily enough. She even remembered the right buttons to press with the dear head of the Hyuuga clan.
The smallest crease of a smirk appeared on Hiashi's lips. "Oh really? I could have sworn you met her." He noted her look of curiosity. "She was… How did you put it again?" He paused to enjoy a little payback. "Ah, yes. …'a shy li'l' thing.'" He almost chuckled at her quizzical look. "She was a temporary guardian then jonin sensei for Hinata. She is a master of genjutsu."
Kanaeru shrugged. "I usually remem-ber…" She paused as a flash of realization pass through her eyes. "Wait, you're saying that shy girl nee introduced me to was Kurenai?" She remembered the 'pep talk' telling a fresh chunin Kurenai to either toughen up or quite being a ninja before she was killed.
"Oh, revenge is sweet." Hiashi resisted smirking. "Tsuchiko-chan told me what happened after that. Apparently, she called you an 'arrogant brat'. She was a genjutsu artist even then, an excellent actress." He was confused by her reaction.
Kanaeru giggled and tilted her head down. "I think I'll like this Kurenai." She stood before noticing something. "Hmm, is that Hinata?" She paused and concentrated. "Yep, it looks like she's leaving."
Hiashi nodded. "Yes, she has a mission." He too paused to pay attention to her chakra. "It seems she got bored of waiting for me and left without saying farewell for the mission." He turned his attention back to his guest. "What are you going to do?"
With a simple gesture, Kanaeru swept her hair over her shoulder and turned to face her host. "First, I need to see this Kurenai. I need more information." She looked to the ceiling. "I have a mission, too. By tou's orders, we must ensure the security of our heir. I'm taking escorts and going on a tour of Fire."
Hiashi nodded. "I can understand that. Family is…very important." He had to shudder a sigh at that thought. "Is there anything else you need? It seems you've accomplished your usual tasks, gathered information and teased."
With a wide grin, Kanaeru practically laughed as she answered. "Nah, my work here is done!" She turned and walked to the door. As she was about to slide it open, she looked over her shoulder. "By the way, I hear some trade deals you brokered might be breaking down in Wind. From what my sources tell me, they may have suddenly happened upon some more favorable trade deals in Earth."
With information passed, she slipped into the hallway to depart. Behind her and still in the study, Hiashi shook his head. "Really, to think she'd willingly release that kind of information." He paused to think for a moment. "It would be a good opportunity to show Hanabi some important negotiations. When was Kankuro's team returning to Suna again?"
Hinata finished her preparations and loaded her pack on her back. It was a long mission, at least a few days to get to Demons. It would take longer getting back to Konoha because she'd be escorting a daimyo with no shinobi training. As she rushed out of her room, she reminded herself to give a quick farewell to her father, Hanabi, and/or Neji…if she saw them.
She frowned and looked down at the thought. She missed saying goodbye to Naruto…again. She was too busy with mission preparation; she knew he'd understand. She just wished she could have said something before he left. She wasn't even going to see him for at least a full month! Actually, she had no idea how long his senjutsu training would take.
After quickly checking the hallways and training areas, she grew disheartened. The door to her father's study was closed, so he probably had important business. Hanabi, as she was informed by a branch member, was out training, and Neji was called out, likely by Tsunade. She didn't press for details for either of them. With her attempt to say goodbye out of the way, she stepped out onto the courtyard where she saw a rather interesting sight, almost comical.
She approached the two branch members warily leering at the armored behemoth, Gayt. He was, of course, accompanied by the strange fleck of light known simply as Star. As she stepped between the two parties, she politely bowed to the mass of armor. "Good morning Gayt-san, are you well?"
Seeing their heiress quite comfortable, the branch members visibly calmed. Gayt politely bowed his head, and the blue light fleck danced energetically. Star seemed happy to see the shy girl again. "Well met Hinata-sama. I am well, thank you. Are you leaving on a mission?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes, though I can't tell you details." She appreciated his acknowledging nod and politely returned it before turning her attention to her labeled family members. "Good morning, I hope you are well." She gave them a bright smile, alleviating further tension.
It was a rare instance Hinata felt right. Even if the elders wouldn't acknowledge it, the branch members could see it. She had a certain knack for persuading parties. They had completely forgotten their stress over Kanaeru and Gayt's…unseemly entrance. In fact, they felt willing to trust them simply because their future mistress so freely entered discourse.
With formalities out of the way, she left the Hyuuga estate. Though she politely asked them, the branch members were perfectly willing to deliver her farewells to her closest family members. They also found it hard to suppress twitches at the edges of their lips threatening full-blown grins.
If she was the heiress, all was right with the world in their books.
Tsunade was a busy Hokage. She had to oversee Sasame's treatments. She was mostly curious as a medic nin, but she also had a responsibility to her shinobi. She received reports from Sakura, Sayumi, and Yoshi on Chouji, Suichi, Daikichi, and Yumiko. Most recently, she was thumbing through a report delivered by an ANBU written by Ibiki.
As she walked through the hallway containing rooms for Yumiko and Daikichi, she had to suppress a sigh at a familiar chakra approaching her. She couldn't believe she was already getting used to it. "What is it, Kanaeru? I'm busy." How many times in the one day had she talked to the same red headed kunoichi?
Kanaeru giggled. "I've got a simple request this time. I want to see Kurenai." She was really curious about Yakedo, and Hinata had already left the village. If it was impossible to hear it from the source, her sensei should be enough.
Tsunade raised a brow. The foreign shinobi sure had a long list of people to bug…err…visit. With her busy plate, she decided to just answer. "She'll be done with her maternity checkup soon. You should be able to meet her on her way out."
Kanaeru nodded her head in appreciation. "Thanks!" She turned and sped away. She was going to find out what event triggered Hinata's Yakedo no matter what! Besides, it might be fun to tease the 'shy' pregnant woman.
Tsunade watched the red head until she was out of sight before sighing and returning to her reading. Ibiki's report brought up some interesting items. Yumiko plans stemmed from a desire to seek revenge for infractions enacted against her before and during the founding of Konoha. She blamed the Hyuuga for her unrequited love, never even asking if her crush loved the woman he married.
Tsunade had to sigh. It was ironic to think she was married to a man who genuinely loved her and mourned her supposed death at Madara's betrayal. Without ever realizing it, she allowed a Fuuin to be placed on her third, legitimate child. She still didn't have enough information on that particular item. Worse, she told her 'blending failure' children that Konoha and especially the Hyuuga were against love and happiness.
Her head hung forward as she disseminated the information appropriately. They all pointed to an obvious conclusion. Basuto, Rikka, and Saiga were probably beyond salvation. They were brought up in an environment where training and strength were important. They were brought up believing they had failed their mother in some way. In perhaps the greatest irony, she deprived her 'beloved' children of what she, herself sought.
The contradictions in Yumiko's life almost made her rip her hair out. She hated her true husband because she didn't want to recognize his love and blamed the Hyuuga for separating her from a puppy crush. She trained her children on the belief that shinobi are embodiments of hatred while ignoring the needs of her children.
Tsunade really couldn't ignore the worst of the infractions. She forced at least Basuto and Rikka into new bodies with a kinjutsu. When Basuto was old enough to withstand it, she gave him an older body because Yamamichi become stronger with age. When Rikka was too old or (once) fatally injured, she gave her a younger body to ensure the psychic abilities and absolute genjutsu control were maintained.
Could the three ever recover from such trauma? According to the reports, Rikka seemed like the most likely candidate. After spending so much time with Naruto, she grew to accept and respect him. She wanted to observe him and the village her mother taught her to loath.
Saiga was arrogant and spoiled. Though he still had his original body, he was old enough to be set in most of his ways. He also hated Naruto, and he saw women other than his mother as little more than toys. He saw his mother's word as law, and he'd already stated his desire to raze Konoha.
Basuto never got to experience a real childhood. As soon as his chakra pathways were developed enough, he was transferred into an older body. Whatever he did learn, he was set to. As she was unwilling to stoop to murder to perform the kinjutsu and give him a chance at a regular life, he was probably the least likely of the three to ever recover.
With a final sigh, Tsunade bit her thumb and applied a bloody fingerprint to the signature line. Her word was absolute with that, nobody could override her decision. With a snap of her fingers, an ANBU dissolved from the shadows, already bowing. She handed him the paper, and he was gone.
She turned her attention to Yumiko's room. The woman was older than Konoha, and she was finally at her death knell. Tsunade turned on her heels to exit the hospital. She wasn't about to loose Yumiko's children into Konoha without administering her own test. She had plans of her own. In passing or failing, they would serve Konoha. She only had one real concern, unsure if he was still capable of watching from the shadows.
Kanaeru nodded and thanked the nurse when she pointed down the hall. In a few quick strides, she was standing in front of a confused Kurenai. "Hello you shy li'l' thing! I see you took my advice." She appraised the pregnant woman before her. "Though, I must say you took it a little far." She was all grins.
Involuntarily, Kurenai felt her brow twitch. She had only heard that phrase once in her life, and it was from an arrogant little red head a long time ago. "I'm sorry; I don't have time right now. I have some important business."
Kanaeru stepped aside as she nearly brushed past her. She quickly fell into step beside the genjutsu mistress. "I must admit; you grew up! I mean; that outfit is nothing like what you would have wore when we first met. You were always in baggy clothes, not something I'd expect from a genjutsu artist trying to take advantage of her prey."
If there was one thing Kurenai was, it was observant. Even if her reputation preceded her, it seemed the 'arrogant' red head picked up on the fact that she was an actress even when they first met. "I have no desire to share my trade secrets with you." She raised a brow and gazed at her seeming companion for her reaction.
Kanaeru giggled and skipped ahead to open the door. "Oh, I have no interest in your trade secrets." She closed the door as her counterpart exited the hospital. "I'd be more interested in the man you bagged, but that's not why I'm here." Mirth was obvious in her voice as she continued to skip alongside the genjutsu mistress.
Kurenai glared at the woman. "He's dead." She was blunt and to the point, but she wasn't completely cold. There was no way the woman could know what happened to Asuma. She sighed and turned to see the amusement drained from the motionless red head. She opened her mouth to apologize for being so cold.
"I didn't know." Kanaeru beat her to the punch. She looked directly at the other kunoichi's swollen belly. "At the very least, I should congratulate you on the wonderful life you now carry."
Kurenai felt a smile tug at her lips. Maybe she could grow to like this arrogant brat. She turned to start walking again but politely beckoned the red head to follow. "His name's Asuma, in case you're wondering." She watched as her face scrunched in thought. "If you met him, he was rather rebellious."
Kanaeru shook her head. "No, I'm pretty sure I didn't meet him." She chuckled nervously. "Then again, I'm not good with names unless the person makes an impression on me…good or bad." She paused to look to the genjutsu mistress. "I do have a question about one of your previous genin."
Kurenai eyed the woman suspiciously. She was foreign and asking about Konoha's shinobi. Then again if memory served, wasn't she the younger sister to the Fourth's lover and confidant? Nevertheless, she answered warily. "What's on your mind?"
Waving her hand in a placating manner, Kanaeru quickly answered. "It's nothing so severe! It's about Hinata-chan. I recently saw her in a fight, and she used an exceedingly rare jutsu." She didn't miss the hardened expression her walking partner took.
Kurenai steeled herself. She was not going to endanger one of her students. She didn't know what, exactly, Hinata was capable of with that technique, but she was worried of word getting back to Hiashi. She hadn't forgiven him yet, and she doubted she ever would. "If you wanted to talk about Asuma, I might be willing to prolong this conversation."
Kanaeru sighed. She really didn't want to battle over it. "Listen, the jutsu she used is something Hiashi was trying to hide from the Hyuuga elders in order to protect Hinata, if it helps any." The stunned expression was enough confirmation she read the subtle changes in the genjutsu mistress' system correctly. "I'm only looking out for her, especially after seeing her use it."
Kurenai narrowed her eyes. The red head almost seemed to capture her thoughts, almost. "Even if I thought I could trust you, maybe Hyuuga spies are watching and listening to us. Maybe talking to me will ensure any trust Hiashi might have in either of us is broken."
With a wide grin, Kanaeru held up two fingers and peeled them away with each point. "One, there are no Hyuuga watching us. Two, even if any were, they'd probably be branch more interested in protecting the only nice main who also happens to hold the title of heiress."
Kurenai gave her a hard look. How could she be so certain they weren't being followed? After being informed that she was tailed while Hinata was dumped off on her, she wasn't sure what to think of the Hyuuga. Their spies were topnotch to get past her senses, yet the red head standing in front of her was absolutely confident none were near enough.
As if sensing her thoughts once again, Kanaeru spoke up. "If you don't want to talk about it here, we can go somewhere more private. We can even set up multiple levels of genjutsu where it's less suspicious and talk at leisure." She paused and sighed. "It's really important, Kurenai, and it may be for the girl's best interests."
"Do I have your assurance you won't tell Hiashi anything?" When she received a nod, she decided to acquiesce. "Fine, I have somewhere I want to be. I'll tell you about the other incidents there. I don't want eavesdroppers, and I certainly don't want Hiashi knowing."
The two walked on making idle conversation. Kanaeru had noticed, however. Kurenai created a subtle genjutsu while they were talking to ensure nothing too important leaked out. It confirmed one thing. She was protective, maybe overprotective, of Hinata's interests. Oh, things were getting interesting.
After entering the Hokage tower, Tsunade was flanked by Ibiki and Anko. They were expecting their leader after the ANBU delivered the blood-signed paper. They also remained silent as they descended a hidden flight of stairs to the ANBU interrogation and temporary detainment area.
Tsunade looked into the room they stopped at to see Rikka and a platoon of ANBU. The leader wore an eagle mask. She turned to Ibiki. "How did the other two take it?"
Ibiki sighed gutturally. "It could have gone better, but they have tracking and chakra-suppression seals tattooed to their bodies as ordered."
Anko snorted. "Resisted? They nearly bit the ANBU escorting them!" She laughed maniacally at the memory. "If it weren't for the restraints, they might have done just that."
Ibiki shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Anyway, this one's being more cooperative. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement. She's only complained about one thing."
Tsunade looked at him curiously. "What's that?"
Anko giggled. "You'll see. Just watch, it's getting to the interesting part."
With a shrug, Tsunade turned her attention to the goings on within the cell. While the ANBU subordinates surrounded Rikka and Eagle in a standard triangle for the ceremony, Rikka fidgeted and played with her clothes to try to make them comfortable. That was strange because she seemed to only be wearing undergarments.
"Why do I have to wear clothes, anyway? They're stifling and uncomfortable…" Rikka whined as she tried to reach a particularly nasty itch hiding at the small of her neck. It didn't help that the spot also happened to be covered by a sport's style training bra.
Eagle felt like sighing. How many times did she have to explain it? "I don't know how you were raised, but it's only proper to wear clothes." She was applying the temporary makeup where the Fuuin spread across the room within the triangle were carefully laid. "Besides, I need you to hold still to finish this."
Rikka pouted, but she complied. Her muscles tensed and relaxed almost spastically. She really did seem ill at ease being covered. How did she ever survive the interrogation with Ibiki? As the final touches were being made to the final tracking seal, she spoke up. "Hey, could you see about adding another Fuuin?"
Eagle really did sigh. "If she can't sit still for one suppression and two tracking seals, how does she expect to survive another? It better be simple, or I'm refusing." It wasn't dangerous. The seals she was applying could be combined with any number of other types of Fuuin. "What is it and why?"
Rikka almost mumbled under her breath. "Her thoughts don't have to be that rude." She still wasn't moving her mouth as she talked, but she found it bothered ANBU less than Ibiki…or anybody else for that matter. "My skin is real sensitive to sunlight. Is there a Fuuin to, well, protect me?"
Eagle looked over her shoulder for assistance. The seal requested was a blood-type, and, with how developed her chakra system was, only one could ever be applied to her. When she received a nod from her leader, she turned back. She was cleared. "It's a blood-type, so it'll be a lot more painful than the chakra-types I've applied so far."
Rikka nodded. "Yeah, I requested it, so I can't exactly back down." Though her mother was an expert on kinjutsu and Fuuin, she was never skilled at it. "Besides, I can't go outside if it pains me too much." She remembered the main reason she was in the chakra-enhancing tube all the time. It wasn't just to help her psychic abilities. She was ultra-sensitive to sunlight because of a genetic anomaly when attempting to combine Eiki.
Eagle leaned close to the perpetually young girl…who would finally have the chance to age properly. "Prepare yourself. I'm about to complete the final tracking seal." The seals were all strategically placed. The chakra-suppression seal was placed over her navel while the tracking seals were on either shoulder.
Rikka nodded then gritted her teeth as the Fuuin lifted themselves off the floor and adhered themselves to her skin. She didn't know how permanent the tattoos would be, but she was certain they weren't coming off any time soon. When the short ceremony was over, she lurched forward, barely containing what was left of the contents of her stomach.
If charka-types were as painful as she experience, she was sure blood-types would knock her unconscious. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she righted herself again to prepare for the final ceremony. Eagle knelt in front of her and started preparing makeup on Rikka's face. The rest of the ANBU started drawing Fuuin on the floor, this time for a blood-type.
Tsunade shook her head. It was going to be a long night.
Hinata arrived in Demons without incident. She was more surprised by her reception. She was under the impression the people weren't fond of shinobi, but they took an instant liking to her. One look at her hitai-ate and she was an instant celebrity.
She was surrounded by children on the streets. Adults laughed as they related tales of an orange and blue clad, blond ninja. Shops suddenly had special discounts. She had to admit; all-in-all, she knew who to blame for the wonderful influence.
Of course, she was only disappointed by one thing in the entire ruckus. She was delayed from meeting her charge. She tried to politely escape the ever growing crowds. She tried to ignore the incessant calls from more-than-happy-to-serve vendors. She even tried to ignore the urge to hear greatly exaggerated tales of the blond haired, blue eyed hero.
She had a mission to accomplish!
When she finally passed through the gates into the palace threshold, she was bent and panting. Who knew her crush's fans could be so zealous? With a happy sigh, she allowed herself to be escorted to where her charge awaited. There certainly was no point in making her wait any further.
As soon as Shion's guard confirmed Hinata's identity and that she was okay, they escorted her inside. She was impressed with the place and saw the temple-like features Naruto mentioned. She also saw the respect the guards had for shinobi of Konoha, his influence no doubt. She smiled at how much he grew on people.
The guards escorted her to the room that would be used for greetings and formalities. Shion was on the other end. She looked mildly disappointed, but she maintained her mask of indifference. She was somewhat gaudy to show her status, but, as soon as the guards closed the doors and were out of sight, she showed just how uncomfortable she was in the stately clothes.
"Ah, finally!" She relaxed under the heavy ornaments of state before inviting her hire to take a seat. As soon as she complied, the daimyo priestess carefully folded her robes back and also knelt comfortably. "I had requested Naruto or…the Hyuuga who led the last group. Not that I doubt your capabilities, but why aren't either of them here?"
Hinata politely nodded. "I'm sorry miko-sama, but they both have missions. Naruto was required to undertake additional training by Hokage-sama, and Neji-niisan is a jonin whose skills were allocated elsewhere previous to your request. I, Hyuuga Hinata, have come in their stead."
Shion cupped her chin in her hand and nodded as she accepted the information. She studied the obviously shy girl seated before her. Then she waved her hand dismissively. "There's no need to stand on formalities. You can just call me Shion. If you're as stuck up as that Hyuuga, you can call me Shion-sama, but I prefer just Shion."
Hinata looked somewhat horrified. Though her tone was playful, her charge had just called her cousin 'stuck up' and 'that Hyuuga', both insinuating an insulted. "Um, do you not like Neji-niisan?"
Shion smirked. "Nah, we get along well enough. I kind of turned it into a game. After Naruto broke me out of my shell, I wanted to egg him because of how cold and precise he was."
As she was talking, Hinata noticed a presence and a shadow. She looked to the side for intruders. Even if her charge hadn't noticed it, it was her duty to protect the daimyo priestess. However, she was surprised to see the silhouette belong to a child. She only caught a glimpse of the flowing silk kimono and fiery red hair before she disappeared behind a pillar.
Shion had taken notice of her escort's sudden diversion. She smiled brightly. "Oh, you don't need to worry about the child. You'll meet her soon enough." She giggled at the shy girl's confused expression. She was certain she would like her more than the stick in the mud Neji.
"Anyway…" She continued unabated. "The mission detail hasn't changed. You are to escort me and a small group to Konoha. Once there, you are to remain my escort for both safety and protocol. If during my time in Konoha you are required for a mission, you are to help me pick a suitable replacement."
Hinata nodded. She had read the mission detail, and nothing was out of the ordinary. It was common for a daimyo to be accompanied by a small contingent of his or her guard and/or servants. She was expecting a small, horse-drawn carriage as well. She wasn't informed of how long the stay would be, but she didn't expect the mission to encompass more than a month.
"That said…" Shion restarted after a short pause. "…I am looking forward to getting to know you." She rose to her feet, her escort shortly following. "I expect Hinata of the Hyuuga clan to be a most interesting escort. I hope to speak in depth with you on the road to Konoha. Answer me one thing before I dismiss you. How long should the journey to your home be?"
Hinata nodded politely as she calculated the distance and how much slower she'd be traveling. It was easier to avoid bandits when traveling at speeds only a trained shinobi could, so she had to account for possible encounters. "Traveling at your men's full speed and allowing for adequate rest, I estimate less than two weeks."
Shion let out a deep sigh. "It can't be helped; I suppose. I'm sorry your trek home will take much longer with us in tow." She held up a hand to interrupt the apology she felt was coming. "You are dismissed to prepare. I recommend you speak with the taichou of the guard. He'll show you to a room where you can prepare your pack and supplies."
Hinata bowed politely. "Thank you…" She paused to get used being informal. "…Shion. I think I'll take you up on that offer. I'll meet you at the gates or any designated spot when you are prepared."
After a few formalities, Hinata left to find the captain in charge of Shion's guards. Shion left to prepare herself and her servants in her room. It was going to be a long journey, and neither wished to be unprepared. There always seemed to be one more thing to accomplish.
After meeting with the guards and their captain, the shy Hyuuga heir was escorted to a room where she could prepare. The captain was nice enough, and he only had nice things to say about the leaf nin who visited previously. He also seemed young for a captain, but he explained it was because Shion's predictions never seemed to let a guard survive long, and he'd taken on the responsibilities of the captain killed during Naruto's mission.
She did find it strange he held no resentment, for Shion or Naruto. In fact, he was proud to serve as one of Shion's personal guard. He was prouder still to be respected enough to represent her guard as their captain. He held no remorse for his position or fear of his daimyo priestess' prophetic ability to protect herself through sacrifice.
However, she had to ignore all previous thoughts to get ready. As Hinata was preparing her pack to depart, she felt a presence slip into her room. Turning around, she recognized the small child she noticed earlier. She wondered what the little girl was doing, spying on the meeting between her and Shion. The girl blushed cutely and ducked behind the doorframe, quite shy.
She wasn't any older than three or four. She had vibrant red hair cut much like Shion's, except for unusual cowlicks which swept forward. They gave an uncanny likeness to horns. Her emerald green eyes shone with the inquisitive nature of a child her age. Even kneeling, Hinata would have to sit back and slouch to be eye level.
The small girl wore an oversized kimono she had to tightly grip to keep from overhanging her hands. Her tiny hands gripped the silky fabric in a fashion reminiscent of how Hinata remembered holding her own. The scene depicted along the fabric was exquisite. Maple leaves swirled around the fabric as if falling in an autumn sunset.
With a kind smile, Hinata gently sat on the floor and beckoned the child in. When there was no response, she tilted her head to one side. Surely, the Hyuuga heiress was less frightening with a warm expression and smaller stature. She tried again only to be disappointed when the small girl disappeared completely.
Not a moment later, Shion stepped into the open portal. Hinata could easily see the small girl futilely hiding behind a leg and peeking to ensure she couldn't be seen. She rose to greet her charge and politely bowed. Formalities out of the way, she smiled and asked the question on her mind. "Who's the little one?"
Shion smiled and gently turned to grasp the shoulders of the small girl. Shyly, she complied and stepped out as directed. As the small girl fidgeted, the daimyo answered her escort's question. "Her name is Momiji. She's who you're escorting to Konoha. I'm accompanying."
To say Hinata was surprised would be an understatement. She remembered her mission detail clearly. She was, admittedly, confused about escorting the revered priestess and daimyo of Demons, but she was also curious about the girl. Naruto hadn't stopped talking about the mission which quite literally saved the world for a whole week after he returned.
Haughtily, Shion continued her explanation with a finger raised in the air. "Though I am disappointed Hokage-sama sent you instead of Naruto or that…err…other Hyuuga, I cannot fault her reasons. Seriously, to think I had such important matters to discuss with them, too. I mean…" She paused as she noticed the shy girl had something to say. "Yes?"
"Um…" Hinata hesitated. She was certain 'that other Hyuuga' referred to her dear cousin. "I think you mean Neji-niisan. He led the mission." She didn't mention how rude it was to call him 'that Hyuuga' instead of by name. He might see it as a cold reminder that he was 'merely' branch.
Shion nodded. "Yes, I remember him well enough. He was certainly a good leader, but he was so cold to my danna-chan." She didn't notice her slip as she redirected attention to Momiji, who was growing more nervous by the second. "Anyway as I was saying, I had very important matters to discuss."
She raised a finger for each point she ticked off. "I mean, there're negotiations to arrange, details to plan, and poor little Momiji hasn't even met him yet!" She sounded like she was rattling off a checklist for an arranged marriage.
"Um…" Worriedly, Hinata looked to the small girl, who tried to shrink away into the daimyo priestess. "Is Momiji-chan's future husband in Fire? …Konoha?" She was not a fan of arranged marriages, and it was a constant fear being the heiress of an important and noble clan.
Shion raised a brow in confusion. "Perish the thought! She's going to meet her father!" She felt almost insulted, but she somewhat realized how her words might have been misinterpreted. Besides, she liked the shy girl.
Hinata blinked, feeling a bit flustered. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just…you sounded like…" She paused to collect herself. She brightened up and showed her prettiest smile, somewhat hoping to win something more than apprehensiveness from the young girl. "Who's the father?"
To her utmost confusion, Shion brightened up and blushed coyly. She fidgeted a bit in her priestess robes and twisted a bit at her waist. It was a strange reaction followed by stranger words. "Oh, Momiji-chan is Naruto and my child." Her eyes widened at once, and she tried to reach out before a loud thump resounded in the room.
Hinata's eyes went wide as her complexion went pale. In a seeming reversal, her mind went blank as blood rushed from her extremities. Her heart felt heavy and breathing ragged. She did as she was famous for. She fainted.
Well, I think the latest chapter of the Naruto manga fulfilled a lot of people's predictions (a thrown Rasenshuriken).
Anyway, I had the last scene written up some time ago. No, I really did! In fact, it was written before I even started on The Path We Walk. I have cyber cookies for anybody who can guess the next chapter's title, the importance of how I described Momiji, and/or just who Momiji-chan is.
As always, reviews are appreciated, and flames outright ignored.
Story Word Count: 8,131
Story Page Count: 18
Terms and Jutsu:
tou - realy informal way of refering to one's father.
miko - shrine maiden/priestess. I think Shion's supposed to be something similar to this, but I mainly refer to her as the daimyo priestess.