TimeShifter: I told you I was no one-trick pony. I'm not bringing up so many questions this arc, eh? Hehe, no worries there. I should be answering most or your inquiries rather quickly.
samueltm2: I hope I continue to surprise and amaze.
Chapter 17:
Status Quo
Kiba and Lee were on guard duty again. The reasoning was simple. Sayumi hadn't cleared them for active duty outside of Konoha. She claimed the neurotoxin chakra wasn't completely out of their system, and she wanted to continue to observe their progress. They weren't even cleared for anything more than what they considered light exercise.
Irate, Kiba snorted. "I don't care how good a medic she is!" Besides guard duty, they had nearly daily medical check ups. "She just wants to deal with us so she can make out with that Yoshi or whatever his name is guy!"
Lee gave his canine-like companion a knowing grin before speaking in his boisterous tone. "You just miss Sasame."
"What?! I do not!" Kiba's face was red, but it was hard to tell if it was from anger or embarrassment. Akamaru yipped happily behind them. "Ah, not you too, Akamaru…" He whined.
Lee laughed. "Not to worry my youthful friend, the flames of spring roar loudly in you! Let the world know your undying love in a loud bellow to the heavens!" He was pointing to the sky in an overzealous display of drama.
Kiba slinked as far down into his seat as passersby stared at the strange boy in green spandex. Some chuckled merrily at the antics involving the poor Inuzuka. After the short distraction, most went about their merry way not really concerned with what the shinobi were talking about. To the civilians, it was probably some weird ritual anyway.
When the coast was relatively clear, he decided to try to sidestep to another subject. "Anyway, that foreign shinobi never showed up yesterday. What do you think happened to…err…him?" He couldn't tell by the name what gender to expect from the delegate.
Lee nodded in agreement. "I, too, am curious about what happened to our cloud visitor." He looked around before leaning in conspiratorially. "It is good that neither Neji nor Hinata are here. I do not doubt Neji would attack a shinobi from Kumo without hesitation or restraint."
Kiba growled. "Like I'd forgive him if he did!" He remembered the story about a cloud nin kidnapping Hinata then being killed by Hiashi. He knew the details the same as every one of his peers, and how Hizashi was made a sacrifice for the family. "I can hold back, but, if that jerk went after Hinata, Kyuubi couldn't keep me away!"
They had no idea what delayed Hitohana, but they knew Tsunade was in one of her moods because of it. Every hour, on the hour, an ANBU squad appeared at the gate for a report before quickly vanishing. He was already a day late, and the most prestigious person in the village had to attend a special ceremony later in the day. She also had a speech to make the next day, so the Kumo shinobi better pray he doesn't interrupt either special occasion.
Kurenai stared at the young girl before her that she'd gotten to know over the past week. She was told her name was Kagennotsuki Hyuuga Rikka, but the Hyuuga part was a secret for the time being. The girl was pale, abnormally so. If it weren't for her ashen blue eyes, she would have passed for albino. She was also told she was the first to see the girl in direct sunlight, even Naruto and the others only saw her under the shade of trees or dark cave.
Her hair was only washed once she was taken into Konoha. It was a matted mess and dull when her captors saw it. It was also the same color as the gel she resided in, but Kurenai saw it for what it was. It shone silver, like strands of mirror in the noon-day sun. Her hair was also long, tied in a ponytail to prevent it from dragging the ground. Her hair hardly contrasted her skin, but it made her stand out nonetheless.
She also took note of the oddly intricate birth mark; for she was assured it was no tattoo or Fuuin. In a once empty patch of skin, a detailed seal in the shape of a candle flame seemed to flicker under her right eye. She was told it was a blood-type to protect her over-sensitive skin from sunlight.
To Kurenai, the strangest part of Rikka was her choice in clothing. While it adequately covered her, it was tight and loose in odd places and revealed her midriff and shoulders. She had thought the old woman in a young girl's body would want to cover up the seals forcibly placed on her body.
Rikka's top had a loose turtle neck which covered her mouth. Kurenai was told the girl preferred not to move her mouth as she spoke. The loose neck was connected to a loose collar which tightened around the shoulder to reveal the seals before puffing out into loose short sleeves. With exception to the area immediately around the seal on her belly, the rest of the fabric was loose and billowy around her. The fabric was dark orange, almost brown, and likely Naruto's influence.
The fabric looked to be one piece, but Kurenai couldn't tell for sure. She had her mission from Tsunade, and she was willing to fulfill it as long as the girl was no threat to the village. As she studied the girl, she noticed she was being studied in turn. In fact, the young-looking Kagennotsuki was staring at her swollen belly. "Do you have something to ask, Rikka?"
The pale-skinned girl shook her head. "No, I just never got to see okaa-sama when she was pregnant with Saiga-kun." The first time she met her brother was, in fact, years after he was born. "I can…kind of sense him. With this chakra suppression, I can't make anything out but a vague semblance."
Kurenai smirked. "So, you're interested in new life?" When the girl nodded, the jonin continued. "I think you'll learn a lot about that here. Konoha values the next generation more than anything else. I think that's why Hokage-sama wants you to attend our shinobi academy, beyond earning trust of course."
Rikka nodded. "Of course…" She understood better than anybody. She was there when Tsunade told her that she was to attend and what reasons there were. She knew she was to attend the opening ceremony in a few hours time and be punctual to classes the next day. She also knew one other addendum to her stay in Konoha. "You're supposed to be my caregiver, right?"
Kurenai smirked. "What else did you expect?" She was amused when her young ward twitched. "Naruto has important duties, and his…special condition precludes him from taking care of you. You'll have plenty of opportunities to observe him and the people around him. I was, after all, Hinata's jonin sensei."
Rikka nodded. The logic was not lost to her. She rolled her shoulders at an annoying itch before giving her acquiescence. "The terms are acceptable to me; though, I have little real choice. However, I won't call you okaa-san."
Kurenai actually laughed to the pale girl's admittance. "Oh, I wasn't expecting you to. However, you will be going by Yuuhi Rikka at the academy." To the annoyed ashen blue eyes, she continued with a smirk and lecturing tone. "The Kagennotsuki are recognized by the Hyuuga as rivals, and they won't recognize you as their offspring without the Byakugan, at least those accursed elders."
Rikka sighed in defeat. She wasn't losing her name or legacy. She was simply going by an alias for the time being. "It's already been explained to me. If you are my guardian, it is safer for me to go by your family name. I'd call you Kurenai-chan, but that would be rude considering my status."
Kurenai nodded, mildly amused. She already knew, after all, she was much younger than the apparent young girl before her. It still baffled her, but she remembered the facts they'd gathered on Orochimaru before his death. "You don't have to stand on formalities, just Kurenai will do." She liked it better that way.
Rikka nodded before looking around. They were in Konoha's downtown shopping district. She was certain she already had all the necessary school supplies, so she was curious what they were doing there. They were outside a restaurant, and she smelled a mixture of smells, all wonderful to her nose. Then she saw a sight she had hoped to never see again.
Mitarashi Anko was marching down the street with her murderous grin plastered on her face. When she saw Kurenai, she waved while picking up her pace. Though she didn't look to physically make an exertion, she was certainly moving faster. Rikka scowled as the two women greeted each other.
"So, they gave the brat to you, huh?" Anko looked at the pale-skinned girl with amusement. "You gotta be careful with her. She even broke Ibiki, and I've never heard of anything like that." She actually giggled at the memory, which was curiousness in and of itself.
Kurenai shook her head. "She's not nearly that bad. Once you get past the gruff exterior, she's an observant and curious girl." She leaned in as to whisper knowing full well her ashen blue eyes observed everything. "She's never experienced life, and we get the chance to introduce her to it."
Anko clapped her hands together and rubbed them with a malicious gleam to her eyes. "Oh, it makes me want to request a job at the academy." Her following chortle could have frozen molten lava. "She'd experience life right quick!"
Kurenai rolled her eyes. "Please Anko; you'd scare the girl if she wasn't our combined ages." She added quietly to herself. "…or older." She was somewhat amused by the incensed reaction from her senior in a junior body.
After a mirthful laugh, Anko quickly grew serious. "Let's get to lunch and discuss the itinerary. We have to keep that brat punctual, and I've been put in charge of observing her unless my duties require otherwise."
They went into the restaurant to discuss both Rikka's itinerary and her actions over the past few days. She wasn't in any trouble; they were just formalities. The pale girl remained silent as Kurenai related the past few days' experiences. After all, Tsunade hadn't handed the girl over until the Fuuin had settled in and the pregnant jonin's safety assured.
Much to Anko's chagrin, Rikka hadn't misbehaved once since being released. She had asked a lot of questions, many involving Naruto and the village's view of him. More surprising, she asked questions in preparation for the academy. She wasn't anxious in any sense of the word. She was more curious, much as she was about the unborn life growing in Kurenai's womb.
Rikka went to see her ailing mother at least once every other day, but she only stood and stared at the dying woman for a few minutes before leaving. She always mumbled something about an essence slipping away or giving her farewell, but Yumiko still managed to hold on.
She'd only been to see her brothers once, and they disappointed her. Their conversation was anything if not confrontational. They accused her of not loving mother or them; she called them fools whom she wondered why she loved. They told her she had the power to release them; she reminded them of the chakra suppression seals' task. After a heated argument where she remained calmest, she turned her back on them and left.
Perhaps the most interesting and memorable meeting was the one with Iruka, Konohamaru, and Kakashi.
Iruka stood staring at the girl before him, disbelieving the incredible tale he'd just been told. His new student was an unexpected addition. Her real name was Kagennotsuki Hyuuga Rikka, but he was to recognize her as Yuuhi Rikka. She had a kekkie genkai that made her psychic, even with chakra suppression.
He was also entrusted with her other secret, her age. She was older and wiser than anybody in the room. She had also been heavily influenced by Naruto in his last mission.
"You want me to put her in the same class as my other students?" He watched his superior bob her head in affirmative. He was still in disbelief. "With all due respect Kurenai-san, don't you think it's a little much? It'll put a strain on her to be put as a peer to my students, and they'll think she's just being arrogant because of some superiority complex."
Kurenai smirked. "That's certainly a possibility; one we've considered. However, it is necessary to undo the brainwashing she's been subjected to. She has a strong hatred for Konoha, and it was only partially shaken when she realized Naruto wasn't as despised as her kaa-san made it out to seem."
Iruka nodded. "I can understand that, but…" He looked at her and her odd assortment of clothes. When he heard he was to prepare his curriculum for an additional and unexpected student, he didn't know what to think. In Konoha's history, only a handful of instances had a student join who wasn't already well prepared for.
With a sigh, he decided arguing was pointless. Tsunade had already made her decision, and his, as the saying went, was not to reason why but to do or die. He decided to bring up another question. "Why invite Kakashi and Konohamaru?"
Kurenai shrugged. "That's easy enough to answer." She stood wobbly and practically waddled to the door. When he rose and attempted to open the portal instead, she insisted she was fine and perfectly capable herself. As she opened the door to reveal Kakashi with his face stuck in a little green book and Konohamaru leaning forward enough to stumble in, she answered. "You three were among the first to accept our blond pariah."
Rikka scowled at the choice of words, but she couldn't very well deny them. Konoha had made Naruto an outsider. She carefully observed the two men and single boy. She easily caught their active thoughts. Iruka was ashamed to think he once hated the boy, but he thought liking him was easy enough. Kakashi was ashamed he couldn't do more for him. Konohamaru made her blink. Apparently he was a subordinate and rival to the hyperactive ninja.
Kakashi was the first to speak up. "So, this is the brat Naruto found in Housekiyama?" He flipped to the next page as he nonchalantly continued. "If he didn't vouch for you, I wouldn't let you near our youth even if Hokage-sama ordered me to." Of course, he'd already observed her and reaffirmed Naruto's ability to judge a person's heart.
Konohamaru folded his arms over his chest and closed his eyes definitely. "I don't see what Boss sees in you." He opened one eye to observe her. "He said you were powerful and had some crazy jutsu. You don't look so tough." He didn't know the details, but he expected more from Naruto's description.
She rose and walked over to him, and he backed up nervously. She thought she heard a girl's name pass through his mind, but she paid it no attention. She wasn't interested in such trivial, to her, matters. She wanted to know more about what Konohamaru knew about Naruto, so she impressed onto his mind the blonde's image. After a moment, she was satisfied.
She walked to Kurenai's side and stood for a moment. "Naruto's taught you a lot, and you think he made your sensei a better man." She observed Kakashi's visible eye widen slightly and only for an instant. She looked pointedly at him. "Yes, I can read your mind." It was a half-truth. With the chakra suppression seal, she could only read active or surface thoughts.
Kakashi smiled a knowing smile under his mask. "Oh, I already know that. I was just remembering something." He paused to flip a page of his book. "I heard you had Naruto and Hinata alone in a genjutsu. I was just wondering what went on in there…" Iruka looked scandalized as his face spun to visually chide the ranking shinobi in the room. Konohamaru looked up for a moment before giggling like a perverted schoolboy.
Kurenai's eyes went wide and instinctively reached for a kunai she knew wasn't there. Rikka flushed slightly and turned an angry glower to the silver-haired man of renown. "I can assure you that nothing so detestable as what is in your little book occurred." She was offended by the very thought.
It was what he was really thinking that caught her attention, however. He was truly concerned for the blond genin. In effect, he had really asked if any harm had befallen his protégé. Her answer was in the negative; one he prepared for her. Despite his slovenly demeanor, she recognized him as a capable leader.
The rest of the meeting was used to discuss Rikka's new student status as well as share declassified experiences with Naruto. Kakashi was the only one who couldn't share all his experiences as several were classified beyond Iruka and Konohamaru's clearance level, let alone Rikka's.
"When we left, Rikka was quite pleased with what she heard. It was a good experience for her, and I think it worked to strengthen her faith in the village." Kurenai was confident the little excursion was well worth it.
Anko scoffed. "What faith?" She shot a sidelong glance to the girl in question as she stuffed her face with another dango. "She hated the village when she came here, and she only has respect and faith for one person.
Kurenai sighed. "Well, that's true." She paused to watch the pale-skinned girl as she ate. She was still a bit sloppy with utensils, but she was a fast learner. "She did help heal the shinobi her tou-san injured."
It was Rikka's turn to scoff. "I didn't help any. I just told them that otou-san used a deplorable skill as he was dying." She looked carefully at Anko, unsure how the information would be reported. "As he died, he couldn't overcome his jealousy over the power they had for being so young. He hated that the Kagennotsuki lose more than they gain as they age."
For Anko, it was food for thought. She wasn't sure how she would report it to Tsunade, but she had a feeling the information was already known. She decided along with Kurenai to discuss itinerary details for the rest remainder of their lunch, and a bit afterward.
They had to make sure Kurenai was available for the opening ceremony and first day of classes. They had to ensure Rikka had all her supplies prepared and was ready for the skills' demonstration. They had a long few hours ahead of them before Tsunade made her speech to all the prospective students and happy parents.
Worse, there was a Hyuuga among the latest batch of students. Though branch, it was important to nip any troubles in the bud. Tsunade and Kurenai were going to have to talk to that particular student's parents to ensure secrecy and a promise of no retaliation. The Hyuuga didn't get along to well with the Kagennotsuki, even if Suna was an ally.
That evening, Tsunade was present at Konoha Academy to welcome students. She emphasized her pride in them and in the village. She told them how they were the next generation to inherit the will of fire which has been present since the founding of their fair village.
She carefully and proudly announced visitors and parents from powerful clans before going over the roster of teachers. She showed no sign of her agitation towards a certain foreign shinobi who was over due by over a day and a half. She was completely concentrated on the task at hand, much to Shizune's relief.
Once her speech concluded, the students lined up with their primary teachers for the skill demonstration. It was a tradition to accurately place students in classes where they would excel, but it was also a tradition most students enjoyed the opportunity to show off. The exceptions were clans like the Aburame and Nara. The exemplifications were clans like the Hyuuga who enjoyed showing their superiority.
It was no small wonder that everybody was suitably impressed with Rikka, who was a bit of an unknown as well as a late entry. Though she had nothing to showcase in taijutsu or ninjutsu, her chakra control, genjutsu, and knowledge were exemplar. Though some wondered at her extraordinary use of genjutsu, it was easily attributed to her being a Yuuhi.
With classes and final enrollment decided, the ceremony was called to an end. The already suspicious Hyuuga parents approached Tsunade in outrage over a likely enemy among their midst. A carefully crafted lie was already in place.
It was explained to the Hyuuga that Rikka was a distant relative to Kurenai, and her name was indeed Yuuhi. She was left orphaned in a recent attack by a criminal organization and had come into Kurenai's care. She seemed to have a kekkei genkai similar to a clan in Suna, the Kagennotsuki, but there was no evidence she was related to them.
When asked about the tracking and chakra suppression seals, another carefully concocted lie was ready. It was a half-truth. The criminal organization has been known to purposely leave survivors to infiltrate shinobi villages for their nefarious deeds. The Fuuin were merely a precautionary measure; they had nothing to fear.
Rikka watched the Hyuuga leave and was thoroughly impressed with Tsunade's ability to weasel her way out of an obvious confrontation. She wasn't just a leader on paper. She had her own charisma and leadership qualities that were hard to deny. She was later informed that Hiashi already knew her secret and had agreed to seek no retribution. He had also agreed not to tell anybody in his clan who didn't already know. The list was limited to three.
Rikka was oddly grateful for the knowledge. She realized Hiashi, as leader of the Hyuuga, could easily make life impossible for her. She also had no desire to be involved in a fight she had no chance of winning. With the chakra suppression seal, she couldn't beat one Hyuuga let along an entire clan.
As the sun was rising, students were getting ready for their first day of school. Parents were fussing over how proud they were and how they'd stay proud no matter what. Alone in her private quarters, Tsunade was staring into the mirror with a look of outright rage. The foreign shinobi was two days late. She had no idea what could possibly hold him up like that, and she already had several ANBU squads out looking for him just in case.
She had a morning ceremony at the academy to attend, and she wasn't about to miss it. In her three-odd years as Hokage, it was her favorite of duties. She got to see the fresh and aspiring faces of the next generation. They were the ones the will of fire burned brightest in. They also reminded her of her dear, late brother. She would protect them no matter the cost.
As she put on her robes of state, she heard urgent knocking at the door. Heaving a sigh, she strode to the door as she straightened her clothing dutifully. Her expression became grave when she saw Bull standing a bit disheveled at the threshold to her sanctuary. "Report." There was no time for pleasantries.
"Sir, early this morning Yumiko was pronounced dead." He paused to evaluate her much annoyed expression. "However, she did not die as we expected." He paused to steel himself for her reaction. "Her throat was slit...by a katana."
She grabbed him by the front of his shirt. "What?! Who could slip past security?" She nearly bit her lip at the question. She already knew the answer, and it was no small handful. "Do you have any leads?"
Bull shook his head. "Sir, we do not know who it was. Our suspect list is only decreased by jonin who are outside the village. It is possible an ANBU or Hyuuga with a grudge carried out the assassination.
Tsunade set him down and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "How did this happen?" She eyed him dangerously. "I had my best guards just in case, even after Suichi-san left with Daikichi."
He took a deep breath before continuing. He knew riling his superior wasn't good for his health, but he like all ANBU commanders was loyal to a fault. "Forgive me sir, the reports I've received are hazy at best. From what I've been able to piece together, the culprit either circumvented or destroyed security jutsu and camera. The culprit also incapacitated any guards who were an immediate threat. Besides Yumiko, there were no casualties."
She closed her eyes and sighed. It was some consolation at least. She'd have to tell Yumiko's now confirmed orphaned children. She wasn't sure how they'd take it, but she wasn't about to inform them until after Rikka's first day of classes. It bought her some time at least.
"Sir..." Bull started nervously and continued when Tsunade motioned him on. "I must also inform you that Basuto was found hung in his cell this morning." Her rage was palpable, and he answered her unasked question. "No guards saw what happened, and that's three ANBU squads, sir."
She was seething. "How is this possible?! I ANBU posted to prevent anything like this because we might have gleamed some more information off them. Now we have nothing but Yumiko's youngest, and he's all but useless. In fact, he might only be useful for his kekkei genkai!" Then she paused. "We do still have Saiga, right?"
Bull was glad he had no more bad news to deliver. "Sir, Saiga was confirmed in his cell immediately after we discovered Basuto's corpse." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts on his superior's next, unasked question. He knew better than to keep her waiting. "It doesn't appear that Basuto killed himself; though, evidence indicates that he did. We are working on what we know and trying to discover what we can."
Tsunade bobbed her head in acknowledgement as she considered everything. "Very well, you're dismissed. I have a ceremony to attend to, and I don't intend to be late. Oh..." She interrupted before he left. "Make sure to hold our Kumo guest in my office when he arrives." With a bow, the ANBU commander disappeared in a plume of smoke.
Minutes later, she was at the academy grounds. As she surveyed the area, she was surprised to be approached by Rikka accompanied by Kurenai. They were certainly early for the first day of instruction, but that was to be expected considering the jonin's record. She was more surprised to hear the first question out of the pale-skinned girl's mouth.
"Okaa-sama is dead." As Tsunade blinked in surprise, Rikka continued. "I felt her essence slip away the same as when otou-san died." She paused as she considered what she felt and ignored the jumble of questions permeating the esteemed leader's mind. "She didn't die from her self-inflicted ailment."
Tsunade sighed. She wasn't expecting to deal with the situation as early as it was. "Listen, I had ANBU assigned to protect Yumiko. Whoever assassinated her was skilled enough to slip past security and leave all ANBU alive. There's a chance this assassin is after you, Saiga, and Basuto as well. I need you to report any suspicious activity to Kurenai or an ANBU as soon as possible."
Rikka blinked lazily at the superior shinobi. "Should I report you lying to me? Basuto-oniisama is also dead." She paused to look around and leaned in. "I do have something odd to report. I thought I felt Saiga-kun's presence sometime this morning."
With a snap of her fingers, Tsunade ordered Bull to appear. She quickly whispered something in his ear; though, it didn't prevent either Kurenai or Rikka from hearing. Their short conversation was to confirm that Saiga, the real one, was in his cell earlier in the morning. He was, and tracking seals confirmed it.
It was an odd conundrum. The tracking seals would have alerted ANBU to any deviations from the norm, including removal of the arms the seals were placed on. Tsunade decided to play it safe and increase security. They had no idea who killed Yumiko and Basuto or how Rikka felt Saiga's presence as she was getting read for school.
Besides, the academy yard was starting to fill up, so they couldn't talk freely about such highly classified secrets. Rikka got to her assigned spot among the students, and Kurenai mingled among the parents. Tsunade gave her speech to officially open the new school year. A round of applause greeted the students to their first, memorable day of school. They had just begun their trek towards a ninja's life.
It was while the newly minted academy students were enjoying their lunch that a long overdue guest arrived with his excuse. Kiba whistled at the odd ensemble. His extra sharp senses easily made out the caravan plus one before Lee, but both were efficient ninja. They were standing at the village's portal before the large force could even be perceived by civilian senses.
They were promptly surrounded by a legion of ANBU, no matter how unnecessary. A large force meant it was necessary to show preparedness. Absent from the ANBU were two commanders who were seen near their leader often over the past few weeks, Bull and Eagle.
Other commanders made themselves known with their decorated masks. Dog and Cat stood near the front with the squadrons under their command. Hawk and Tiger held up the rear. Elephant and Bat were carefully poised at the flanks. The commanders recognized the garrison of 'regular' guards as those of Demons' court.
A single man broke formation and approached. The ANBU tensed as they noticed his hitai-ate, cloud symbol proudly proclaimed. He removed his bokken from his side and held it ceremonially. He knelt in a placating manner and set his weapon on the ground before him. As he held out his arms in surrender, he was pinned by one of Cat's squads. He offered no resistance or complaint.
Cat approached and spoke in a sterile voice. "Are you Hitohana, representative to Raikage-sama of Kumo?" She accepted his affirmative nod and continued. "Hokage-sama has been expecting you. She cannot meet with you at this moment, but she has been informed of your arrival. If you will accompany us, you will be debriefed on your tardiness and searched for weapons."
Hitohana had no reason to complain. It was his own fault for not finding some way to contact Konoha about his delay. He also had no idea he'd run across a Hyuuga. Sure, he knew little of her identity besides being from the main house. She hadn't spoken to him the entire two days it took to travel from Fire's border to Konoha, at a civilian's pace of course.
He rose when asked to and stood calmly as paper chakra suppression seals were adhered to his person. He was quiet as his bokken was carried out of his sight. As his Raikage, he was a traditionalist, though far less forgiving. Though he was a diplomat, he was still a shinobi visiting a village his people were once at war with.
As soon as Hitohana was secured, Hawk approached Cat. She took a moment to look around before nodding to her. With a single squad, Hawk marched through the garrison to Shion's carriage. She politely bowed to Hinata, still stationed on the roof. "Hinata-sama, I have been ordered to escort you and Demons-sama to Hokage-sama. Do you wish another ANBU squad assigned to this task?"
Hinata thought she recognized the voice but let it slide. After a moment of consideration, she worriedly looked in the direction Hitohana was being marched in. She was certain he couldn't simply break through the ANBU guard around him to wreak havoc upon Konoha, but she didn't trust him. "No Hawk-san, you're escort should be more than enough."
Hawk bowed before signing her own orders. In an instant, the commanders recognized their task to follow. Three remained station around the foreign shinobi. They were Cat, Dog, and Elephant. While Tiger and Bat took to the shadows with the vast majority of ANBU, Hawk remained in the open near Hinata.
Once Hitohana was adequately out of sight, Hinata and Mizukura hopped down from the top of the carriage and opened it to let Shion and Momiji out. Hawk politely greeted them; though, the red-headed child was frightened by the mask and hid herself behind the priestess daimyo's leg.
Kiba and Lee were ordered back to their stations, and they did so only somewhat grudgingly. The loud canine tamer greeted his friend and teammate as she walked through the gates, glad to see her safe and sound. She reciprocated his enthusiasm in her own quiet, shy demeanor.
Once beyond the threshold, Hawk started with some small talk. "It is good to see you well, Hinata-sama." Her tone was emotionless, and she just stared ahead. However, she was genuine.
Hinata nodded. "Thank you Hawk-san. It's good to be back." She smiled demurely. She was trying to place the voice. She knew it was familiar. She also felt the respect in the honorific was actually restrained, as if the ANBU wished to express praise and worth with it. She decided to ignore such fantasy.
"It was strange to see you the company of that...man." Though cool and collected, there was heated venom with regard to Hitohana. Hawk then seemed to analyze Shion and Momiji, who again ducked to hide herself away. "As your charges are unharmed, it is of no consequence. It doesn't seem he caused any trouble."
Hinata shook her head. "No, I don't suppose there was." It was true. Hitohana hadn't tried anything once he joined them. In fact, he was as diligent in ensuring Shion's safe passage as if he were paid to do so. He never once approached the carriage or camp, perhaps out of fear that his intentions would be misinterpreted. They'd find out later.
Kanaeru was alone in her tent studying Tsunade's gifts. She heard her tent flap open and sighed. Before she could say anything, the intruder spoke her mind. "You know I can help. Why don't you just ask me to?"
Kanaeru sighed as she turned over and sat up. She looked Isaribi up and down. "You know nothing of Fuuin." She pointed to the scroll she was studying. "This is a very complex seal, and even as a sumitsuki I'm having trouble deciphering it." She didn't want to tell the young, mutated girl that it was an incomplete seal Minato used on Naruto that was giving her so much trouble.
Isaribi looked at the seal her senior indicated for a long moment. "I admit; I am no seal master." She seemed to study the words on the heavy parchment. "I am, however, excellent at breaking ciphers. They only put me on the field as a spy because they felt my overall skill listing was of better use out here than in some decoding bunker."
"Tsunade left his in my confidence..." Kanaeru wondered if her flow of logic really made any sense. "She trusted me with all this. I can't break that trust."
Isaribi actually raised an eyebrow as if being looked down upon. "You don't think she'd be okay with you sharing it with me? She gave me Jiraiya's spy network. She didn't have to, even though he requested it. As Hokage, she could have refused the request on principle because I'm a foreign shinobi whom might have been compromised by Orochimaru, arguably Konoha's worst traitor."
Kanaeru grumbled something under her breath. "I hate to admit it, but you're right. I sense no ill intent from you, and there does seem to be some coded message here. Tsunade says these are the original notes for Naruto's seal, so I guess that's to be expected."
Isaribi felt her interest immediately peaked. "Wait, the famous Namikaze Minato himself wrote these?!" She felt excited as she considered the possibilities. While Jiraiya was an absolute genius at espionage and ciphers, Minato was elevated to the status of legend for his ability to invent techniques, his near feral instinct on the field of battle, and his Fuuin work.
Kanaeru nervously nodded, nearly overwhelmed by the girl's enthusiasm. When she nearly dove at the scroll to start studying it, the red-headed kunoichi wondered if she did the right thing. "Listen; be careful with those documents... They're more valuable to me than you know..."
"Huh?" At first, the senior shinobi thought Isaribi didn't understand which was absurd. "Parts of this look like a letter from a tou-san to his sochi..." Having never seen a color picture of Minato, she had no reason to suspect Naruto's lineage. Unlike others, she was not prejudiced against him to discount the possibility, but it seemed laid out to her on the parchment.
Isaribi blinked. "I can't tell a hundred percent yet, but it looks like this part here's an apology to...Kushi-..." She paused as she tried to translate. "Is this Kushimura, Kushiozi, or..." She was interrupted.
"Kushina..." Kanaeru stated sadly. She knew Minato well enough to know he'd have left an apology, as unnecessary as it was. She didn't say anymore as she watched the young spy dive right back into her work.
"Oh, thanks for that! I'm beginning to understand this code." As Isaribi continued to read, a confused expression ran across her face. "Huh? Why did he even write this in code if he put all the important stuff in blood-seals anyway?" It was several, long minutes before she spoke again.
She suddenly got up and placed the parchment between and pointed to what she was about to read. It was upside right to Kanaeru, but she already knew what it said anyway. "This part's a message to you; I think. It says something about crafting the protection so that when the seals are joined the judgment will leave fate in the tenant's hands..."
"Wait, you said judgment?" Kanaeru waited for the affirmative nod before continuing. "Minato if you did what I think you did, you may have saved me a lot more headache than I thought..."
Throughout the rest of the night, she worked with Isaribi to decipher the coded message while she worked on the Fuuin. While Sasame slept, Gayt and Star kept watch. The arrangement worked out well enough. Some small talk took place, but only one other conversation really stood out to either.
"Who promised Naruto to Earth-sama's hime?" Isaribi was curious, and she didn't know if the answer would haunt her or not.
"Oh, no promise was made. We only promised Naruto would see his cute little hime." She chuckled. "Really, the promise was made for some political reasons that aren't so important any more, and I was worried that Naruto wouldn't have found anybody by the time I got to meet him."
Isaribi nodded. "I understand what you meant by a more interesting prospect." She paused to consider for a moment. "Is it safe to assume Whirlpool has closer diplomatic ties with Earth than Fire?"
Kanaeru shrugged. "Sure, I guess. Though, we are technically a neutral shinobi nation. Our alliances just protect us from unwanted invasion when wars break out."
Isaribi again nodded. "I see. Then a marriage alliance within the nobility of Earth is not nearly as profitable as a marriage alliance within the nobility of Fire."
Kanaeru giggled. "I wouldn't have thought you'd think it that far through." She nodded in consideration. "I can't deny that what you said is true, but I'm also much more interested in Naruto's happiness." She winked. "He'll be happy as Hokage with a wife in Konoha, the village he loves."
Fukusaku shook his head with a smile as he watched his latest charge. Uzumaki Naruto found new ways to surprise him. He was even exploring a bold, new idea in senjutsu. It looked like an insane amount of work, and it was more training than the sagely toad ever imagined giving. However, it seemed to be paying off with unimaginable dividends.
Naruto was far from mastering whatever his idea was, but he was certainly diligent in trying. It seemed unimaginable. It seemed beyond the realm of probable, but Jiraiya's 'destined child' seemed incapable of accepting 'no' for an answer. He kept pushing forward, and he was even using senjutsu as a surprising method for restraining Kyuubi and his unwanted chakra.
Over the past few days, the blonde's concentration had improved immeasurably. He was also complaining about Kyuubi less and less. It was hard if not impossible to tell if it was because he was getting better at suppressing the demon or simply heard less and less from the bijuu. Whatever the case, Jiraiya's hope continued to push through every day and overcome obstacles nobody thought to overcome.
Fukusaku had nothing less than praise for the young man. He wasn't infallible by any stretch of the imagination, nor was he invincible. He had no idea what limitations a merge-less senjutsu would have, but he knew the limitations with a merge intimately. "That tadpole Jiraiya died because of those limitations, but that Pein fellow is nothing short of a monster. He fashions himself a god of some sort."
He was drawn from his musings when an explosion sounded the end of Naruto's latest training session. He quickly approached the hyperactive blond and retrieved him to return to his house for the usual medical treatment before a scrumptious meal. He had no idea why his charge didn't seem to enjoy his wife's fine cooking. It had been weeks, and he still hadn't seen Naruto's infamous appetite.
Tenten was coming out of Tsunade's office as Hinata arrived with Shion and Momiji. Her ANBU escort had disappeared into the shadows the moment they entered the Hokage tower. The same could not be said of Hitohana, technically speaking.
The Kumo shinobi was surrounded by ANBU, but Bull and Eagle had taken over escort duty. He was no longer bound, but his bokken was still not at his side. In fact, it was nowhere in sight. It might have been in safe storage to lessen the possibility of attack on Tsunade.
She wasn't Hokage without reason. She was exceptionally skilled, but an unexpected attack was always the most dangerous. It was no wonder a small contingent of the most skilled ANBU were on hand to ensure the safety of their valued leader.
Hinata was drawn from her musings as Shizune opened the door and cleared her throat to get their attention. When all eyes were on her, she spoke. "If you don't mind Hinata-sama, Tsunade-sama will see you and Hitohana-san at the same time. She'd like to hear what happened while you two traveled together. Then she'll dismiss you to speak in more detail about diplomacy with Hitohana-san."
Inwardly, Hinata shivered. She remembered the last time all Kumo wanted was 'diplomacy' because she still woke up with a cold sweat from time to time, especially around the anniversary. She was a loyal shinobi of the leaf, however, and quietly accepted her orders with a nod.
When Shion and Momiji tried to enter the room, Shizune stopped them. "I'm sorry, but Tsunade-sama said she'd talk with you as soon as she was done with Hitohana. You can get some rest and/or get a meal while you wait. I'm sure the long journey's been tough on you." She offered a gentle smile.
Shion wasn't offended, but she let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, that's fine." She was certain what she wanted to talk about wasn't nearly as important as what the foreign delegate wanted to discuss. "We'll wait here for now, but how do I find a place to eat if I don't know my way around?"
Shizune nodded in understanding. "Don't worry; there are ANBU around here." She thought for a moment. "I think Hawk's assigned to you. If you snap your fingers, she'll take you wherever you want." Once their daimyo guest was satisfied, she disappeared back into the Hokage's office. It was going to be a long day.
Once inside, Shizune seated herself next to Hinata. Unsurprisingly, the position was opposite Hitohana. Tsunade massaged her temples in a vain attempt to drive away her favorite migraine, even as she spoke. "Listen, I don't have time for pleasantries. You're over two days late, Hitohana. Your Raikage commended you for your punctuality."
He bowed his head politely. "I do apologize, Hokage-sama. Unfortunately, it seems good fortune that I was held up." He politely nodded in Hinata's direction. "The Hyuuga scion was attacked by former associates of mine. I'm ashamed to say they were once my very own students."
Tsunade tented her hands in front of her and leaned on them. She was going to give up on her migraine. It seemed an impossible task anyway. "This is not boding well for our negotiations…" Her voice was stern and promised retribution if harm had befallen her precious shinobi.
He failed to buckle under the threat. "By the time I arrived, the Hyuuga scion had already dealt with both Tsutsuji and Kinofuji, two of Kumo no Juunihana. I accepted them in Raikage-sama's name and have promised to pay the bounty in full for their live capture."
"Kumo no Juunihana?" Tsunade was reasonably impressed. "You're saying Hinata defeated two of that elite group?" His affirmative nod led her to continue. "I'm impressed, Hinata. You managed to take out two borderline A-rank criminals."
"P-Pardon me Hokage-sama, but I only kn-knocked the unconscious." She was glad to hear the praise, but she was nervous about accepting it unjustly. She didn't feel she did anything special.
Tsunade restrained a giggle. "That's enough, Hinata. If you hadn't done that, Shion's life would have been in danger." She didn't have the full story, so she didn't know that they were after Momiji instead. She was glad, however, to see the happy blush on the shy heiress' cheeks.
Hitohana's eyes were carefully rested on Hinata. "Excuse me Hyuuga scion, but you are called Hinata?" The startled look she gave confused him before she nodded. "I see. Then my former associates' crimes are worse than I had feared. Am I correct in believing that it was you our foolish former Raikage sent Tsutsuji's ototo to kidnap?" Another nod confirmed all he needed to know.
He rose from his chair before carefully kneeling to the ground then prostrating himself. "I owe you an apology no amount of begging could ever forgive. Though I was opposed to the plan, I did nothing to stop it. In fact, the fool who stole you away as you slept did more in your defense than these old bones dared."
He raised his head enough to see her confused expression. "I will not defend the fool. He fully stood behind our former Raikage's plan to kidnap the young and defenseless heiress. However, he recognized something his master didn't. If he triumphantly returned home with a helpless child, there would be civil war."
"Few opposed kidnapping a Hyuuga to acquire the Byakugan. Of our shinobi clans, the vast majority opposed kidnapping a child. The man who kidnapped you saw another option. He wanted to kidnap you as the Raikage said, but he brought another idea that was unanimously agreed to."
"Though our current Raikage-sama and a few clans disagreed with the plan altogether, the plan the fool came up with would prevent civil war…as long as he succeeded. At the time, Kumo was very unstable. Though the peace delegation was mostly a ruse to capture the Byakugan, we genuinely wanted peace, so we could stabilize our economy and civil order."
"In truth, to protect civil order and bring us the Byakugan, you were merely the bait to bring us the head of the Hyuuga clan, Hyuuga Hiashi."
I drew focus away from Hinata and Naruto at the beginning for a reason. I'm a cruel, cruel man. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the small taste of Rikka without her full abilities.
I still have my poll up as I would like as much input as possible before I close out my current arc.
As always, reviews are appreciated, and flames outright ignored.
Story Word Count: 8,011
Story Page Count: 17.5
Terms and Jutsu:
Kumo no Juunihana - Twelve Flowers of the Cloud: an elite group permited to learn unique kinjutsu, the Kumo no Juunihana are refered to by their titles instead of their names from the moment it is given.