A/N: As always sorry for the delay.
Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto owns Naruto, not me.
The Lost Heiress
A young woman was sitting by the park watching her child play. The child had bright blonde hair and sky blue eyes that reminded her of her husband. Sometimes she missed him, sometimes she cursed him but she wished her child had a chance to meet him.
"Momma!" The child called the woman running towards her with a bright smile. The woman smiled back, got up from the bench and bent down with open arms.
The child ran towards his mother merrily but stopped midway in confusion. He looked down to finds sword pierced through his little heart. The woman screamed in horror. The sword was pulled back by a one-eyed man wrapped in bandages.
Kushina woke up sweating and breathing hard. She checked the clock to find it was very early in the morning. She wasted no time in getting off her bed, out of her room and to Naruto's room next door. She took in a few deep breaths before opening Naruto's door instantly waking up Tsubasa.
"Oh hey Naruto-kun! Sleep well?" Tsubasa's mother greeted him, he just nodded. Tsubasa had given up on getting her to call him by the name Root gave him. In the end it was just a name.
"Is there a problem?" Tsubasa asked.
"No... Nothing at all, you can go back to sleep."
"I had sufficient sleep," Tsubasa said, "I will freshen up now."
Kushina nodded before leaving his room. Deciding she wouldn't be able to sleep any more she freshened up before going to the kitchen and was joined by Tsubasa.
"What will you have for breakfast?" Kushina asked.
"Anything will do," Tsubasa said and took a seat at the dining table.
"Well I'm making some scrambled eggs and chocolate milk shake if that's okay?" Tsubasa nodded.
And so they had some scrambled eggs and chocolate shake in silence which in Kushina's opinion was very awkward.
"Tsunade-obaachan will arrive today," Kushina said, "She'd be your grandaunt from Mito-baachan's side. Though you might not want to call her that, or baachan or anything that may imply she's old. She's quite hot headed but she's nice once you get to know her." If Tsubasa was listening to Kushina he gave no indication.
"I've been wondering what made you decide to kill Danzo?"
"You could tell her, but she might freak out and cut our connection," Kyuubi whispered from confines of Tsubasa's mind.
"Masaru-sensei made some good points," Tsubasa replied, 'You give yourself far too much credit.'
"Whatever."
"Okay..." Kushina nodded, "So you know where he is?"
"He left for the raids," Tsubasa replied.
"Already?" Kushina asked, "He was suppose to tell me about the other Uzumakis and the guys who prevented Uzushio from contacting Konoha. And now that I think about it I've no clue about how we're related. Do you?"
Tsubasa shook his head, "Only that we are of the same clan."
"So have you met your friends?" Tsubasa gave Kushina a blank look, "I mean... you know comrades?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Why should I?"
"Well... you might need to contact them," Kushina offered weakly.
"Should I ever need to do so I know their address as they know mine."
Kushina sighed. Tsubasa got up having finished his breakfast and washed his dishes.
"Well then how about we go shopping?" Kushina suggested, "You could really use some new clothes, I mean you might want to get rid of your old uniform, it scares people."
"I will receive my uniform today."
"Yes, but you can't go around in a uniform 24/7."
"Why not?"
"Well it's weird."
"It is a normalcy among the Shinobi of Konoha. Yondaime-sama was known to never be seen without his uniform even at home or casual meetings."
"You're right, even your father wore his uniform 24/7," Kushina sighed, Tsubasa nodded and made to leave, "You can call him Tou-san. He would want that." Tsubasa nodded before taking his leave.
"Taking sides even in death," Kushina sighed.
Tsubasa returned holding a package in hand and went upstairs.
"At least that didn't take long," Kushina sighed again.
En Route to Root Base near Tanzaku Gai
About a hundred falcons zipped through the sky at hypersonic speeds unseen by the populace sleeping as the dawn had yet to crack. Each bird was carrying three ninjas on their back. The cast was lead by a light green falcon with Masaru, Tenzo and Hyuuga Hizashi, Hiashi's twin, on its back.
Casts of similar sizes had been sent to other bases except Uzushiogakure as the former hidden village was a disputed territory claimed by Fire, Lightning, Water and Wave.
Masaru's cast didn't take long to reach the base... or whatever was left of it.
"Are you certain that's the place?" Tenzo asked.
"Yes," Masaru replied with a frown.
"It is in ruins."
"I can see that!"
"Let us search the perimeter," Hizashi suggested, his Byakugan already active.
And so the team searched the ruins and found nothing.
"It seems they decided to abandon base and flee," Tenzo concluded, "I am sure other teams must have met similar results."
"If that's the case why take the kids along?" Masaru pointed out.
"Hmm... I suggest we check with other teams," Tenzo replied, "I will message other teams then we will decide the next course of action." Masaru and Hizashi nodded though Hizashi seemed distracted.
"Anything bothering you?" Masaru asked Hizashi.
"I am just concerned. Hiashi-sama had high hopes we would find his daughter," Hizashi sighed.
"I wouldn't lose hope yet, it's possible Hinata didn't go with them," Masaru said.
"I hope you are right," Hizashi sighed again.
Konoha-West Gate
Even five days after Danzo's revolt the forest area was a mess. The forest area outside had taken major damage with many trees uprooted or burnt, the ground had been gouged and there were puddles all over the place. But Tsunade had expected much worse as she walked down the road to the West Gate which was surprisingly in good shape. The former medic was closely followed by a young raven haired woman holding a pig wearing pearl necklace and red shirt.
At the gate they found Kushina waiting for them with a boy in Jounin uniform.
"Hey Kushina!" Tsunade greeted.
"Tsunade!" Kushina greeted, "And you must be Shizune-chan. You've grown up since the last time we met."
"Hai Kushina-sama!" Tsunade's apprentice replied shyly.
"Just call me Kushina," Kushina said.
"Okay!"
"So you're the kid?" Tsunade asked Tsubasa who just nodded in reply, "Has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like Minato when he was your age?" Tsubasa nodded again, "You've even got his uniform habit," And again, "Not much for words are you?"
"He's not used to social interactions," Kushina answered.
"Of course... Have you shifted in yet?"
"Just the day before yesterday."
"Well I hope you guys don't mind us crashing in."
"I hope you don't," The women shared a laugh walking towards the Senju compound with Tsubasa following closely behind.
On their way back, Tsunade made it a point to avoid crowded places and people in general. But some people were just hard to avoid.
"TSUNADE-CHAN!" Jiraiya called out, steaming with excitement.
"Great just the guy I needed," The Slug Princess cursed as the Toad Sage reached them.
"Well Tsunade-chan isn't this a pleasant surprise," Jiraiya greeted with pride.
"Cut with the chummy act will you?" Tsunade said, the vein on her forehead throbbing angrily.
"But I've missed you so much! Come on give me a hug!" Jiraiya approached with open arms, but was greeted with a strong punch on his face, "So mean..." Jiraiya rubbed his cheek.
"Serves you right!"
"And why exactly are you here?" Kushina asked.
"Well I was curious about a few things like what rank did the kid land in, nice job by the way," Jiraiya praised Tsubasa who just nodded, "And then I've got some news that might interest you ladies."
"Like what?" Kushina asked irritated by Jiraiya's antics.
"Word just arrived from the raid parties, the bases were empty. That leaves only one place where the Root could be hiding."
"Uzushiogakure." Jiraiya nodded.
"Honestly, even now it's the perfect place to stage a defence. The surrounding sea is just outright hostile and the landmass has become mountainous. And I have no doubt they have the falcons guarding the skies."
"It's still a guess," Kushina said.
"A strong one. There's been no reply from the base so sensei is assuming a hostile intent."
"But why would Root create a base over there in the first place?" Shizune asked.
"No doubt to make sure no one else gets their hands on our imaginary hidden vaults," Kushina replied with a scowl, "It's always for one thing or the other." Jiraiya placed a hand on her shoulder gently.
"I didn't mean to upset you, I just thought you should know," Jiraiya apologized.
Just then a petite cloaked figure tried to reach for Tsubasa who caught her hand. The others got alert and drew their kunai but Tsubasa raised his hand.
"She means no harm," Tsubasa said.
"Well who is she?" Kushina asked, 'Where did she come from?' Others seemed to share the same thought.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare anyone," the girl spoke removing her hood revealing her midnight blue hair and pupil-less lavender eyes, "I am Hyuuga Hinata, nice to meet you," Hinata introduced herself with a smile.
T&I Department- two hours later
"Nice place you've got here," Hinata complimented.
"Hinata-chan we have verified your DNA and checked all the seals on you, you can return home right after answering a few questions," Inoichi said.
"You just read my mind," Hinata said.
"Yes, but I want to hear from you," Inoichi insisted.
"I am feeling tired right now, can we do this some other time?" Hinata requested.
"It will not take long," Inoichi asserted but Hinata yawned.
"I am sorry," Hinata rubbed her eyes.
"It's okay, we can do this later. Your parents have been informed, they will arrive soon enough. You can get some restat the lounge if you like," Inoichi offered. Hinata nodded before leaving the room. Outside she found Tsubasa waiting in the lounge with Kushina.
"Were you waiting for me sempai?" Hinata asked.
"No, all former Root agents are required to visit at least once a week for counselling," Tsubasa informed.
"Well that sucks," Hinata plopped down to the sofa next to Tsubasa, "By the way it was very nice of you to drop me off at T&I the first thing you see me."
"It's the protocol," Tsubasa replied tersely, "Every Root agent that surrenders or is captured will be brought here unless the agent is injured in which case medical treatment will be provided first."
"I'm not mad or anything, it's just funny. You know friends usually hang out when they meet after a long time."
"You were gone for merely ten days."
"Aww, you were counting days!"
'Is she trying to make Naruto mad?' Kushina thought, 'Is that even possible?'
"Negative," Tsubasa replied unfazed by Hinata's insistence.
'Nope,' Kushina thought, "So how long have you known each other?"
"Well Tsubasa-sempai was the one who brought me to Root and since then we have done many missions together," Hinata replied.
"Wait, Naruto kidnapped you!"
"Sempai, why does your mother call you a fishcake?" Hinata asked flabbergasting Kushina.
"It is my birth name," Tsubasa replied.
"Oh! Well the way I see it Kumo kidnapped me, Tsubasa-sempai rescued me and dropped me off at the wrong place," Hinata answered, "Don't worry, I'm not mad about it and I won't tell anyone."
"That's a relief..." Kushina said awkwardly, 'Not to mention Inoichi already read your mind.'
"By the way sempai, aren't you curious about whether I completed my last mission?" Hinata asked.
"That does not matter any longer," Tsubasa replied just then Aoba entered.
"Hinata-san, your father is here," Aoba informed Hinata before ushering the Hyuuga head in.
Hinata stood up and greeted, "Good morning father, it is good to see you again."
"As it is to see you," Hiashi greeted back, "I am here to take you home."
"I will be taking my leave for now," Hinata said her goodbyes before leaving with her father.
'That man! He sees his daughter after years and this is how he greets her,' Kushina thought to herself.
Hyuuga Mansion
As Hiashi and Hinata walked towards the entrance, though they did not speak on their way, Hiashi couldn't help but notice some changes in his daughter and worry. In the past she would always walk behind him holding his hand tightly and stammered in her speech but now she walked forward and talked confidently. This should have been a good sign but he still felt uneasy.
'How much have you truly changed?' Hiashi wondered, 'And how much of it is for the best?'
"Hinata-chan!" a sickly pale woman with features much similar to Hinata rushed to her and embraced her.
"Kaa-san?" Hinata's arms remained stiff before she returned the hug.
"Hinamori-chan! You shouldn't be out of bed," Hiashi chastised.
"Nonsense! I am fine, especially now that my daughter has returned."
"Kaa-san, is that Hinata-oneechan?" a little girl with brown hair whispered to Hinamori tugging her kimono, Hinamori took the little girl in her arms as well while Hiashi looked on with a soft smile.
"Yes Hanabi-chan, she is your elder sister," Hinamori replied, "Hinata-chan meet Hanabi-chan. Hinata-chan?"
"She is sleeping," Hanabi said.
"Let's go in," Hiashi said taking Hinata in his arms while Hinamori took Hanabi, 'Perhaps I am worrying over nothing.'
Former Root Base near Otafuku Gai
All the raid parties had set up their tents at the ruins, while in one of the tents their strategists debated their next course of action in presence of Okami and Shikaku, who were also divided on the issue. One side wanted to raid the Uzushio base immediately and other wanted to wait for clearance from the Daimyo.
"God knows what's going on in that island and you want to sit back and wait?" Shisui asked.
"That is precisely the point, we have received no reply from the base. For all we know the base was evacuated like all the others," Itachi replied.
"So we wait here for something to happen?" Shisui retorted.
"I do not like it as much as you but Uzushio is a disputed territory and a no man's zone. Sending an army will provoke a conflict," Tenzo replied.
"How about we check the base without anyone knowing?" Masaru suggested.
"You plan on infiltrating a base guarded by hundreds if not a thousand, and being watched by spies from two hostile nations?" Okami asked sarcastically.
"Before all this I was moving in and out of Uzu on a huge ass bird without anyone knowing. I think I can manage the feat again," Masaru replied.
"Even so it is still a risky move," Itachi insisted.
"The way I see it, it doesn't matter if the base is hostile, neutral or friendly, if we don't do something the world will know about the base and that would be a disaster," Shikaku analysed the situation.
"For all we know world already knows," Kakashi added and the tent was stunned with silence.
"How fast can you move?" Shikaku asked Masaru.
"Just say the word," Masaru replied with a smirk.
"This would be an S-rank mission whose existence will not be acknowledged, and as the Anbu Commander I have the authority to give such missions. However, if you are caught-"
"I was never a part of Konoha."
"There will be war, so you better be careful boy," Okami warned.
"Roger that!"
"You will also be taking Hizashi-san with you," Shikaku added. Masaru nodded before taking off.