J3F\\\ Journey of the Three Failures
Chapter Three
Thanks for reviewing! A few notes:
-All the captured jounin and council members are alive, just in prisons.
-Gaara is alive (and still ... confused).
-Tsunade and Shizune … um … this crossed my mind, but I hoped no one would ask about it … We'll just say that it's rumored the last they were seen, they were somewhere really far away (like way west of Suna or something) and it's assumed they have no idea what's going on.
-I am NOT taking suggestions for pairings. I might put in bits of romance, but nothing major right now. I tend to stick to basic pairings, or whatever fits in the story.
-And finally, I'm not caught up with the manga. Call me a loser, but all I am caught up to is the English anime. I like the anime more, and don't like reading while I watch stuff, okay! All I've watched of part two is some of the earlier episodes in it.
Disclaimer: Believe it or not, I STILL don't own Naruto!
Journey of the Three Failures
Three: Winds of Change
Hinata ヒナタ
Neji-nii-san.
I froze – and a moment later found myself flat on my back.
Someone gasped. "Hinata-san! Are you alright?! I am so sorry!" Two people helped me to sit up. "Hinata, are you okay? Wha… Hey, Hinata!"
"Huh…?" I shook my head, staring forward blankly. "Sorry, I sort of zoned out," I murmured, somehow actually forgetting to stutter. My mind was focused somewhere else. The ominous feeling that had hit me was not unlike the gut-wrenching jolt I'd felt when Hanabi had broken a leg tree climbing two years ago; at the same time, this was something greater, stronger, far worse … and I was certain it did not concern my sister.
"Zoned out in the middle of a spar?" Naruto asked. "Hey … Hello?! Anybody home? No, seriously, snap out of it!" I started as I noticed a hand waving in front of my face.
"S-sorry," I said, blushing as I faced him. He sighed.
"Sheesh, Hinata-chan, you scared me for a second there. Anyways, you all right?"
I realized my nose hurt; putting a hand below it, I felt a small trickle of blood. Lee and I had been engaged in a light sparring match. Still recovering, I had only just begun very lightly training with the others. Lee was currently repeatedly apologizing, begging for forgiveness, promising to do six hundred squat jumps…
"I'm fine, Lee-kun, r-really…" I said, embarrassed, "It's not broken or a-anything…"
"Okay, but let's take a break now," Naruto said.
I looked nervously at him. Should I tell them? "A-actually … I think we should m-move on. We've been in one p-place too long…"
"You may be right," Lee agreed, "But you are injured. First let us take a short break, Hinata-san."
I was about to protest when I felt a wetness dripping from my chin; the bleeding was a bit worse than I'd thought. "Okay," I said. And then we need to move. Something isn't right…
Neji ネジ
"Excellent speech, Orochimaru-sama." Byakugan active, I was walking at a leisurely pace at the Godaime's right, Kabuto his left. Sasuke, Shino, Ino, and Tenten trailed to complete our formation. Of course he didn't require our protection, but I had been the one to propose we escort him from his speech nonetheless, for the image of willing loyalty and support it would give other villagers.
The sannin's meeting with Hi no Kuni's daimyo had gone well; though his takeover hostile, the feudal lord knew he could not afford losing the power and protection Konoha provided, and even admitted that the village had been growing alarmingly soft; he was also aware of how dangerous the snake sannin could be, and how readily he might do something drastic to the villagers for the sake of power. Thus, when all was said and done, Orochimaru had been officially accepted as Hokage.
As we passed villagers who were returning to their homes, several stopped their conversations to cast wary looks our way. I paid them no mind; I couldn't care less about how I looked in the eyes of those too foolish to accept the reality of Orochimaru-sama's rule.
"Thank you, Neji-kun," he said with a grin. Turning his head to glance over his shoulder, he added, "And what did you think of my inauguration address, Sasuke-kun?"
"Hn…" the Uchiha responded, not meeting his gaze.
Eyes narrowing, I slowed to fall into step beside him. "Is there a problem, Uchiha?"
He frowned, looking at me from the corner of his eye. "If it weren't for him," he whispered, "Naruto would still be here. Sandaime-sama would have protected him."
"Maybe so, but the Sandaime is dead. So is Uzumaki. There is nothing we can do to change that now; your unruly conduct will solve no problems."
He turned his head to glare, and I shot a look back. In a moment he broke his gaze away with a scowl, training sad and angered eyes on the ground. My gaze remained on him as I raised my nose in displeasure. Pathetic…
I gasped and raced forward. Ten yards ahead of the Hokage, I turned to face him, grabbed a kunai, drew the arm back behind me … and swatted an incoming kunai into the sky. Three exploding tags went off harmlessly above.
I put a hand on Kabuto's shoulder as he tried to rush past. "Please allow me, my lord," I said to Orochimaru, scowling as I watched the culprits flee.
The man smirked. "Friends of yours?"
I met his eyes. "No."
"Kukuku… Deal with them as you please…"
I nodded. "Shino! Tenten!" I barked, and took off in pursuit.
This way… I thought, keeping watch on them with the Byakugan as the three of us raced over rooftops. Idiots. They think they can escape…
We were gaining rapidly; once we were close, I directed the others in hand signals. Tenten left our formation, while Shino released a swarm of kikaichuu. The four were in view, running down an alley.
Now!
The assailants halted as a dozen shuriken thudded into the ground ahead of them. At the same moment I dropped from the roof to the street directly between Inuzuka and Akimichi, driving palms into their chests as they turned to face me; Kiba hit one wall, and Chouji the other. Haruno was throwing a punch; her anger changed to fear as I swatted her forearm aside with a palm full of chakra, and I swiftly sealed four tenketsu on her body.
Then, as the three fell, I froze.
"Hard to keep an eye on shadows in a dark alley, isn't it?" Nara remarked with a small smirk.
"It is," I admitted nonchalantly as Tenten held a kunai to his neck.
His eyes widened a fraction. "Mendoukuse…" he groaned, releasing me. A hand chop to the back of the neck promptly sent him to his hands and knees.
The other Failures were getting up. "Stand down," I growled as Shino and Tenten appeared beside me, "You're completely surrounded by kikaichuu."
They gasped, shuddered, grumbled, and swore respectively upon noticing the parasitic insects that now blanketed the walls around them. I crossed my arms as I deactivated my kekkei genkai. "Hands on your heads. Now." They complied hesitantly to the stern order, all displaying their idiocy through looks of defiance.
"When will you learn?" I hissed, "Did you truly believe you could attempt to assassinate the Hokage and get away with it? Whether you like him or not, he is Hokage now. I ought to arrest you…"
"Well, if it isn't the Geniuses turned traitors," Inuzuka spat through bared, sharp teeth, "Turn against the village for a little extra power and freedom, and suddenly you're top of the world, huh?"
"And why are you wearing those hitai-ate?" I said, ignoring him. "You should have received your new headbands yesterday morning. That makes two offenses, Failures."
"Ignoring me, are you?" he shot back, "Orochimaru's little personal guard is too good for us – that what you're saying, traitors?!"
"Kiba…" Shikamaru warned in an undertone.
I looked down at the dog-nin. "'Traitors?' Get with the program. In case you haven't noticed yet, a new age in Konoha has begun. As far as I'm concerned, we are government officers, and you happen to be a rebel gang – of traitors."
"Like heck!" he barked, spitting at my feet.
"Insolent little –!" I drew back a foot, but Tenten and Shino were on me in a flash, shoving me back. "Neji…" Tenten whispered, while the Aburame looked away and shook his head. I sighed. "Impudent fools … we're trying to help you. Had Yakushi-san come after you, he would have killed you without a second thought. I had hoped to let you off with a warning, but clearly such a merciful punishment could well spell the deaths of you. So instead I'm placing you under ar–,"
"Where…" Shino whispered. "Neji!" he gasped, "Your Byaku–!"
A grey blur shot out of the window beside us with a wild yell. It slammed into Tenten, driving her into me, me into Shino, and Shino – smack into the wall.
"Good boy!" A smoke grenade was flung to the ground, bursting into a thick, dark mist.
Coughing, I picked myself up from the ground. The smoke cleared, and the bunch of losers was nowhere to be seen. "They got away…"
Shino helped Tenten to her feet before examining one of his kikai. "Not dead … asleep. Clever … potent enough to affect insects, but not humans, thus permitting them to escape…" He waved an arm and they stirred, woken by his chakra. He recalled the beetles into his jacket sleeves. "Do we head after them?" he asked simply.
I shook my head. "Godaime-sama told me to deal with them however I wished; we gave them a beating and a warning. For now, that will suffice." I took to the rooftops, and they followed.
"Neji," Tenten said, "Do you think Kiba … could be right? I mean, Orochimaru's strong, I know. But still, to practically jump to loyally serve him … is it right to just give up on … on Konoha?"
I sighed wearily. "Tenten, we are still protecting our village. It just so happens that the only way we can protect it is to back down. Fighting back would only mean suffering, and death – which is why it is essential we do not fight back. No other option is available to us. Someday they'll thank us for protecting them from themselves … just not today."
Naruto ナルト
"So, are we getting close?" I asked, grabbing a tree branch and swinging off it to another. We'd been traveling around the Land of Fire the last few weeks, but had never left the country.
"Hai! According to the map we should reach the town in at most five minutes!" Lee was studying a map in his hands – and, bafflingly, tree jumping at the same time. He used only his feet, didn't appear to be looking, and still managed to maintain his balance and a pace I was barely keeping up with. "Hinata-san, you should put on your sunglasses now … huh?"
I looked to see Hinata beginning to fall behind; her face was flushed, and her breathing appeared labored with effort. "Hinata, you don't look so good!" I called, "Do you need a break?" Just give a straightforward answer…
"I'm f-f-fine, really, it's n-nothing–!"
Her foot met a branch … and slipped off.
"Hinata!" The branch I next reached was demolished by the chakra I released to launch myself back to the one she'd fallen from. My feet adhered to it and I swung upside down. I reached out, grazing her fingers – and despair clenched my heart as my outstretched hand just missed her own.
"NO!" I cried, changing plans and racing down a tree trunk. I'm not going to make it…! But I had to make it!
She was meters from the earth when a green blur scooped her out of the air.
I jumped to the ground beside Lee. Hinata was in his arms, eyes shut and face drawn tight with pain. "What's happening?" I whispered.
Lee gently laid two fingers on her neck. "She has fainted. Her pulse is weak … and rapid," he said, frowning with concern.
"That's right," I remembered, collapsing to a sitting position as though knocked down by the crushing wave of guilt that attacked me. "She's still injured from the chuunin exams… Shino was right. This is my fault, isn't it?"
"Naruto-kun," Lee said firmly, "do not think that way. That day, Hinata-san fought with everything she had to stand up for her nindo, just as we would. But what is important now is that we get to the town. It must have a healer." He lied her down to remove his leg weights. "Please take these," he said, handing them to me.
The instant he released them in my arms, I was pulled to the ground. Wait. What the heck?!
Lee picked up Hinata and vanished with speed. I gawked. "You've got to be kidding me," I grunted, face red as I lifted the weights. Four steps later I gave up and dropped them; they buried themselves a half foot into the ground. I stared blankly into the holes.
"This is gonna take a while…"
After fifteen minutes of dragging the weights I finally abandoned them. Lee could come back for them later, but for now I couldn't bear it; I was going crazy worrying about Hinata. A persisting sense of dread was clawing at my gut. No, I scolded myself for even thinking it, She will be alright! She has to!
I sprinted into the small town, barely managing to restrain myself to a believable civilian speed as I bolted down the streets. My head swiveled frantically, searching for the healer's place. Frustrated, I darted into a dango shop.
I skidded to a halt at the counter, and the old man behind it eyed me suspiciously, no doubt suspecting a troublemaker. "Hey, hey!" I gasped, "Do you know where the town healer lives?"
"You don't look injured," he pointed out.
"No, I'm looking for my friends! Please, do you know where?!"
"Hm … that depends. Might you happen to be a paying customer?"
"Sure, old man, I am!"
His smirk vanished with annoyance, but he gave me directions nonetheless.
"Thanks a billion, Jii-san!" I said, gratefully shaking his hand in both of mine before taking off.
"Oi–!"
"I'll buy something later, promise!"
Lee リー
"Enter!"
I stopped pacing and slid the door open. Hinata was on a bed, her face no longer bearing a look of pain as she slept peacefully. I was struck for not the first time how utterly adorable the younger ninja looked. Whatever the family issues, how Neji could hate – and harm – such a sweet and kind young flower is beyond me… I shook my head. "How is she?" I asked the auburn-haired woman beside her.
"Your friend should be fine," she answered, "For the most part, her pulse has stabilized. She's no longer in danger at the moment."
I sighed softly. Thank goodness… "Arigatou gozaimasu, Haruka-san," I said.
"How-ever…" she began, eyes turning stern, "It might be helpful if I knew more about her condition. Care to share?"
This is not good. She is suspicious… It would mean trouble if we were discovered to be shinobi. Meanwhile, I did not know how much she had already deduced on Hinata's condition, but I had to act fast. "Well … heart problems run in Hikari-chan's family…"
"I see," Haruka said, and inside I did a victory dance – all too soon. "I also find your friend's eye color … interesting."
"She is blind," I said automatically.
"Hm..." she murmured, nodding. Her hard eyes never once left me. Oh, no; she does not believe me...
Haruka was just opening her mouth when Naruto burst into the room. "Tai-kun, Hikari-chan, you in here?!"
I forced myself not to grimace; at least he'd remembered to use the right names, but with Naruto here I couldn't help but feel the situation was soon to stoop from bad to worse. Of course, I showed no outward sign of my apprehension as I smiled and happily greeted him. "Ah, Kagemaru-kun! This is Haruka-san. She may have saved Hikari-chan's life!"
To say the very least, I was surprised when Naruto transformed from a loud, boisterous, silly knucklehead into a sincerely humble and polite young man. Power seemed to roll off him in waves; he exuded an aura so great that I felt I would see it should I look hard enough. His fiercely blue eyes, usually playful, held within him both warmth and the utmost seriousness. He could not have been more imposing if he were ten feet tall.
Is that … Naruto-kun? I found myself wondering, almost awed.
He walked up to Haruka; though not in his path, I stepped back as he passed. Then, stopping before the healer, Naruto sank to his knees and lowered his head. His voice was soft but clear, his words born of honest gratitude.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Haruka-sama." He paused a long moment before sniffling quietly. "Thank you … Thank you so much…"
There was no doubting that he meant every single word.
The healer was dumbstruck, as if she'd been bowed to by a… By a Kage. Indeed, maybe she felt as though she had, and couldn't understand quite why she felt so. "…I … It was nothing, really," she said slowly.
I observed the exchange silently. Naruto-kun … you continue to surprise me…
In several moments a small murmur broke the silence. "Hikari-chan is awake," I said.
Naruto lifted his head and rose to his feet. A sleeve immediately went to his face; I glimpsed for only the shortest moment the sparkling droplets of water trailing down his cheeks before they were hurriedly wiped away. He turned toward the bed.
"Hikari-chan, how do you feel?" he asked softly.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly. "N-Kagemaru-kun…" she whispered.
I noticed Haruka walking quietly to the door. "I'll just step out a minute," she said, exiting and sliding the door shut.
I was wondering why when before my eyes, Naruto transformed once again, showing yet another side of himself entirely new to me. As his gentle hand tenderly grasped her own, her cheeks were tinted a light pink. Their eyes locked meaningfully for a long moment; this Naruto's eyes contained boundless sorrow, but also compassion, care, and … something else…
Naruto… I thought, blushing slightly myself as a theory crossed my mind. Just watching the two, touching hands, looking at each other like this… Could it be…?
"Hinata … I thought I'd lost you…"
I think it is!! How beautiful! I thought, fighting the urge to get emotional.
"You must hate me," he said, his gaze drifting to the floor.
"Wh-why would I hate you, Naruto-kun?"
"I know this is my fault. You don't have to pretend it's not."
"Don't say that, Naruto!" she said, quiet but firm, "It's my fault for pushing myself and not telling–!"
"That's not the point!" he said, shutting his eyes in shame. "You're precious – very precious to me, Hinata … But I did this to you. If you suffer heart problems the rest of your life, I'll be to blame. How can I ever forgive myself?!" His eyes moistened, and finally spilled over.
"N-Naruto-kun…" Hinata carefully sat up before clasping her other hand over his. "Please … d-don't cry for m-me. I'll be fine…"
I knew how she felt. By nature, Naruto's courage and spirit could invigorate those around him. This was true for Hinata and me especially; as fellow "failures," it was all the more moving to see someone like Naruto – someone who fought to be strong and to be recognized, and could succeed on sheer immense confidence, determination, and willpower alone. The blond didn't realize now how painful it was for us to watch the faltering of his ever-present strength, to see him in such a terribly shaken, self-doubting state.
"Hinata-chan…" Naruto said.
"I'll recover, Naruto-kun. The doctors who examined me back in the village said I would in time … so please don't worry."
"So … so you're saying you'll be okay?"
"Hai."
Naruto sighed in relief before managing a grin; I saw his free hand move to gently stroke hers. "That's good," he said softly as their eyes, a mere twelve inches apart, locked again.
"Can I come in–?" Haruka slid the door open; her mouth formed a small "o" as she observed the scene. A shocked moment later, Naruto and Hinata, both blushing, withdrew their interlaced hands as if burned. They turned away from each other.
"Am I interrupting something?" Haruka asked, a grin spreading across her face. The two responded … amusingly.
"Wha–! Why do you say it like that?! No, you're not interrupt– I mean, what is there to interrupt – To suggest–! Nothing's going on to interrupt, so – yeah – hahahahahaa…"
"NO! I m-m-mean, n-no, of c-course n-n-not, n-nothing…"
Between Naruto's waving arms, Hinata's beet red face, and the unintelligible mess their sputtered denials tumbled out in, the scene was almost stupidly comical.
"Re-lax!" Haruka said once she got her laughter under control, "I was kidding."
"…Oh," said the two embarrassed teens in unison. They sweatdropped.
The healer giggled. "I can understand two good friends having an emotional reunion. Anyhow, back to the matter at hand – Kagemaru-san, would you mind telling me how Hikari-chan was injured?"
My eyes widened as I realized I had not filled them in on the story.
Naruto hesitated briefly and replied, "Er… we had a run-in with this rogue ninja a while back, and…"
He trailed off as Haruka smirked, a playful glint showing in her eyes. "Really…" Her face hardened. "So you're telling me three children are traveling together, even though one of them apparently suffers hereditary heart problems and was further injured by a rogue ninja – or is it one or the other, and we're having trouble remembering which?" She waved her arm. "And despite being blind, her eyes managed to follow my hand."
"…"
"…"
"Pretty much," Naruto said, and I elbowed him sharply.
Busted… I thought, frowning. Then Haruka surprised us.
"Why the looks?" she said, taking a seat, "You look like a dog caught sleeping on the sofa. Sheesh, I'm not about to go tattling to the authorities."
"Y-you're not?" Hinata asked.
"Ninja or not, you're obviously not any ordinary brats. And to put it bluntly, you don't quite come off as the psychotic rogue type. I don't know what your stories are, but what can I say? I like you."
"Wow, well … thanks! You're cool!" Naruto exclaimed, smiling. He reached an arm back to rub his neck in one of his familiar gestures.
"Don't mention it. But what are you doing traveling around with that crazy crisis going on in the Leaf? Hi no Kuni's not so safe anymore…"
"Crisis?!" we gasped. Well, I gasped. Naruto shouted and Hinata squeaked.
Haruka blinked. "You mean you don't know?"
"About wha–?"
Someone rapped sharply on the front door. "Taxes!" a harsh voice called.
Haruka grimaced. "Oh, no…"
My companions and I exchanged looks. "Haruka-san, what is wrong?" I asked, concerned.
She shut her eyes, teeth clenched – not in anger, I realized, but fear. "It's them…" Whoever was outside continued pounding on the door, quickly growing impatient. "Open up already!" Haruka stood wordlessly and walked into the front room, sliding the door shut behind her.
I looked to Naruto. "Something is not right," I whispered. He nodded. "Hikari, you stay here." That he used the fake name indicated he was uneasy as well, as though he feared someone would hear the hushed whisper.
I slid the door open a crack and peeked through cautiously. "…paid a few days ago!" Haruka was saying to someone outside. I shifted a bit so I could see him, and stifled a gasp. His headband was adorned by an eighth note.
Sound ninja?!
"The tax went up again," he responded gruffly.
Haruka stubbornly crossed her arms in a huff. "Well, would you mind telling me where all my tax money is going?" she asked with well-concealed anger.
The Oto-nin frowned. "Actually, I would. Look, just pay up, lady."
"Well, I can't! All these taxes have sucked me dry!"
"How about that necklace, then?"
Her hand flew to cradle the trinket protectively. "It belonged to my mother."
"And I'm very sorry to hear that. Hand it over."
"No!"
He scowled. "You know what? I've just about had it with dealing with all you stupid civilians!" His hand flashed out to grab her shoulder, and I saw her recoil in pain. The shinobi drew back a fist.
Not on my watch!! I thought, shooting from my hiding place to drive a fist into his chest. He crashed into the wall of a house across the street. "T…Tai?" Haruka gasped behind me, shocked. The shinobi looked at me, bewildered and dazed. "Who … who in the…?"
"Do you not know better than to strike civilians – and women, at that? I," I paused, and with great agony left out my introduction, "will NOT allow such conduct!!"
"Oi! Captain!" As the man slumped forward, unconscious, a second ninja came running down the street from another house. "You little runt!" he growled, charging with a kunai drawn.
I dashed toward him. "SENPUU!" I yelled, solidly sweeping a kick at his shins. As he went flying past me, his momentum brought his face straight into Naruto's striking fist. He flew past me once more. "Hope he's got a good dentist…" Naruto muttered, rubbing his knuckles as he looked ponderingly at the foreign shinobi. "Hey, are you okay?" He asked Haruka.
The woman was ghostly pale. "O-oh dear … you shouldn't have done that…" She sprang to her feet and ripped off a necklace. "Hurry! Steal something from them!" she said as she rushed inside to toss it under a loose floorboard.
"What? Why?"
"So that you weren't helping me, you were looting them!"
I understood and raced to snatch the leader's shuriken holster and kunai pouch. Naruto did the same and then rifled through a bag the younger Oto-ninja had, taking some supplies. His eyes widened a fraction, and then with a grin he held out a pair of scrolls. "Score! ...What?" he asked as I shot him a look. "They're Sound, might as well…" he said, and I sighed.
As I re-entered Haruka's house and went into the side room, a small paper bag was thrust into my arms.
"Medicine for Hikari-chan," the healer clarified.
I nodded. "Thank you," I said, and we quickly loaded the additional supplies into my backpack. Especially because anyone else may have turned us in for a reward straight away…
"Hey," Naruto asked, "what are you doing?" I zipped the bag shut and turned to see Haruka stir half a spoonful of powder into a glass of water.
"It'll put me to sleep for ten minutes," she explained. "You guys broke in through the back window, knocked us all unconscious, and then stole their supplies and my necklace." She winked.
"Smart," Naruto said as he helped Hinata up. She put an arm around his shoulders for support.
"Thank you again for everything," I said. Taking a few ryo notes from my pocket, I placed them on the counter. "For your taxes. It is the least we can do."
Haruka smiled. "Safe travels," she said, tipping her glass as if in a toast before downing the water. She set the glass down on the counter – and promptly collapsed. I caught her, carrying her to the front room and gently lying her down by the door. Returning to the side room, I hurriedly put on my backpack.
"Ready?" I asked the others.
Hinata nodded. "Let's go," Naruto said. I opened the window that we "broke in through" and jumped out. They followed, and we took off; a minute after leaving the town, we were moving through forests at high speed.
We would have liked to stay to hear about the crisis that was apparently devastating the Leaf, to learn then of the conspiracy that had overtaken our home; or to ask why on earth Sound ninja were collecting taxes in Fire Country towns. Though I did not know it at the moment, Hinata was wondering how it was possible that Haruka had utilized a basic medical ninjutsu to help her, and contemplating the theory that the sensation had merely been the imagination of her half-conscious mind.
Had we been able to stay, we would have learned then of the death of Sandaime-sama and the rise of a tyrant; of the recent death of Haruka's husband at the hands of Sound shinobi tasked with neutralizing the threat of former Leaf ninja who had moved from the main village; and that Haruka herself knew a handful of simple medical ninja techniques, which she kept secret for fear of being found out, considered a ninja, and made to share her late husband's fate – which happened to be the source of her initial distrust toward us.
But for now, all of this was to remain, tormentingly, up to our imaginations. What we did know with all certainty was that we had to get away from there, and we had to do it fast.
Neji ネジ
"I-impossible…" the young, black-haired chuunin croaked. He looked up at me with an awed fear in his eyes. "How? How are you so st-strong…?"
"You haven't even begun to see the full extent of the power Orochimaru-sama has granted me. Even so, my strength pales infinitely in comparison to his own, a mere insignificant pebble at the foot of a great mountain. Do you not understand? At any moment, he could kill us all as he originally desired, but he has mercifully decided to rule us instead. I assure you – if you do not join, you will die."
He cringed; the remaining defiance in his eyes faltered, beginning to be overcome by fear. "But…" he began hesitantly, "But Konoha–,"
"Is dead. I am sorry to say that this is simple reality." Ever simple, cold, and unforgiving… "So … what is your choice?"
He looked away. "I don't understand … Wh-why? You were rookie of your year … the best new genin, a perfect ninja, the prodigy everyone was talking about. I thought you, of all people, were one of us…"
"I still am serving the village. As a shinobi of the village, I'm trying to protect you. So … will you serve your comrades as well?" Or keep fighting to get yourself and possibly others killed?
He sighed in defeat and slowly got to his knees. "I give in…"
I smirked. "Wise man. Now take off that emblem of treason and run your kunai through it."
He reluctantly removed his hitai-ate. He gazed at it a long moment before, grimacing with self-resentment, he slashed through the leaf mark.
"Multiple times," I added, and he gave a look of such great disbelief that you would think I were requesting he stab himself. I raised an eyebrow – after all, what did a mere insignia matter?! "Do it with pride," I spat, quickly growing impatient.
He trembled with tortured dismay. Then, grinding his teeth, he ran his knife in a furious blur across the symbol five times more.
"I … I p-pledge –,"
"Louder," the order came out in a furious growl. He's sounding like Hinata…
"I pledge undying loyalty and allegiance to Godaime-sama," he said firmly, pale with fear. Judging from his reaction, my eyes must have changed again. I really had to work on that…
He handed over the ruined headband, and I stowed it away in the bag I'd been carrying all day; it clattered against other defaced hitai-ate. "And your friends…?" I asked, eyeing the two unconscious chuunin he'd ambushed me with. He calmed a bit, and I knew my eyes had returned to normal.
"I'm the one who talked them into it in the first place … They'll report to the tower to take the oath in the morning…"
"Very good," I said with a slight nod of approval. "Wear your new headband with pride." I activated my Byakugan and flickered away.
My penetrating gaze scanned buildings as I raced through the streets. There, I thought as I sighted six nervous-looking older genin – all wearing Konoha headbands – huddled around a table. They were probably another few of the unsure ones, holding onto their headbands and wavering on the decision of whether or not to turn them in, as had been requested by the Hokage a week ago. Unsurprisingly, only a small fraction of the village's ninja had complied since that request – so here I was now, tasked with gathering more support for the sannin.
Masking my presence, I halted before the door. A good scare may be helpful… However, I had just drawn in a leg to kick the door in when a hawk's cry pierced the silence of the village.
I looked up. A summons... I guess it is getting late. I'll take care of them tomorrow…
I headed for the Hokage tower.
Kabuto sat beside Orochimaru at the desk, in a spot not long ago frequently occupied by Umino Iruka. When I entered, the silver-haired man was examining the back of a slashed headband's metal plate – for a shinobi identification number, I knew. He rifled through a stack of papers, moved his finger down a page until he found the match, and checked off the ninja with a pen before discarding the forehead protector into a small pile on the floor.
"Orochimaru-sama," I greeted the Godaime with a nod as I approached. Turning to Kabuto, I dumped the contents of the bag I'd been carrying over my shoulder; dozens of mutilated Leaf headbands clattered onto the desk. The former spy gaped, muttering more in surprise than complaint, "Just when I thought I was almost done…"
"Excellent work," Orochimaru mused with a grin, "And here you are, completely unscathed…"
I bowed, and was about to turn to leave when Kabuto's hand rested on my shoulder. He lowered his head in sympathy, gazing at me over the rims of his glasses. "Hard day?" he asked with the slightest smirk.
"Not in the least, Yakushi-san. Why do you ask?"
"Amazing. Staying out the longest and collecting more than twice what the four others did combined… You sure take the overthrowing of your home village well – and killing what's left of it, too…"
Orochimaru chuckled. "You fear for his psychological health? I told you, Kabuto, our dear Neji-kun is a very special child… I'm not surprised to find he possesses natural talents for this…"
"I am happy to be of service to you, milord." My tone was controlled and respectful, but not at all greatly humble.
"They all gave in willingly, I presume…?"
"Of course, Godaime-sama."
"And the ones you couldn't break – did you kill them?"
I shook my head. "I did not," I answered bitterly, recalling fierce encounter with (unsuccessful ambush by) the Failures a few hours ago.
"It wasn't a reproach," he said with a grin. "You may deal with them in whatever way you wish."
"Yes, sir."
"Very well, then … you are dismissed."
Hanabi ハナビ
I kicked a pebble lazily as I continued to walk; it danced and skittered further down the walkway that ran along the buildings lining the courtyard. With Chichi-ue and Nee-chan gone, and everything that was going on in the village, I hardly left my room anymore, except for meals and other necessities. It didn't feel safe anymore; the rest of the Hyuuga had taken to glowering at me as I passed, and though I refused to show it, I couldn't help the unnerved sense of danger that pounded inside whenever I was out on the grounds. Whenever I was around them my breath became tight with nervousness, and I dreaded that they might attack me at the smallest provocation.
Still, confining myself to my room for so much of each day was maddening, not to mention physically unhealthy. For this reason I made an effort to finish dinner (which I did alone and in a far corner of the room, glancing about in unease as looks and harsh-sounding whispers were cast my way) quickly, so I could stroll the grounds in peace while most of the clan was still eating.
I felt very much alone. I hope wherever she is, Nee-chan isn't alone…
Entertaining the idea that by some microscopic chance my sister had indeed happened to run into some friends, I kicked the stone again – and a few moments later it returned to me. I looked up and scowled as I met the eyes of the last person I wanted to see.
"Hello, Hanabi," Neji said coolly.
An alarm went off in my head at the lack of the honorific. Nonetheless, I remained calm and gave a simple "Hello" before continuing to walk with my eyes trained past him.
"I haven't seen you around lately," he went on as I walked by him. I grunted, shrugging my shoulders in response. I was determined to avoid whatever confrontation he was surely intent on luring me into.
"I'm curious…" he began, and I could just barely hear his bare feet on the smooth wood as he turned around to face me. "Is it true that Hinata defeated you – or was that merely another strand among the lies that were woven into your clever little story?"
I stopped. "…Yes it's true."
I felt that were it not so wildly beyond his nature, he would be roaring with cold laughter. "How?"
"No Juuken, no tricks, nothing. Just one simple fist to the gut."
"Incredible. You must really be pathetic…"
"Maybe." I turned my head to look at him out of the corner of my eye. "Or perhaps Hinata-nee-chan was merely too strong. I think…" I said, continuing to walk, "she's stronger than we know."
And stronger than she knows.
I heard my cousin snort as I continued on my way. "Please. You know she's out there lying dead somewhere right now–."
With greater speed than I would have thought I was capable of, I closed the distance between us. He deflected the palm strike with his forearm. "Touchy, aren't we?" he remarked with a raised eyebrow.
"Take that back."
"No," he said with a smirk.
"I said take it back!"
My forehead was flicked sharply, and I jumped back with a yelp.
Neji expressionlessly held my glare of pure, unadulterated rage for a moment, and then tucked an arm behind his back. A malevolently playful smirk tugged at his lips as he beckoned with his left hand.
"Come."
Growling at the insult in his actions, all thoughts of avoiding confrontation were forgotten as I raced toward him.
He shifted to dodge my first palm strike, and again to avoid the second. At the third strike he swatted my forearm aside, and my other hand shot in. He was too fast: the one hand he was using flashed in in a fist, stinging my cheek.
The force spun me on heel; I landed on my front, facing away from him.
"Do you understand now? You are not superior. All of you are weak at heart because you cheat your strength from mere control over a curse seal…"
"Take it b-back…" I whispered, getting to my knees. "Nee-chan is alive… Take it back!!" My Byakugan activated as I launched myself at him. He stepped back quickly, and my palm met only air. I struck out as fast as I could in a blind rage, and he dodged and blocked easily, still wearing his wicked smirk. At one of my attacks he caught my wrist carelessly; with the captured hand I was able to grab his own arm as I quickly lunged forward with another strike. Got you–!
A heel sharply thrust itself into my belly, cleanly reversing my dash and knocking the wind out of me. My feet slid back a yard before I fell to my knees, curling over in pain.
"Did you forget I have feet?" he taunted as I coughed weakly.
"Sh-shut up…" I hissed, shakily forcing myself to my feet. "Nee-chan is alive, you'll see! She'll return someday, and when she does she'll be stronger than you!"
"Why can't you simply face reality? There's no way she will survive, and she was simply never destined to surpass me. If Hinata by some chance is not dead already, she is still ultimately doomed to fail."
"That's not true!" I cried, running at him.
Neji blurred with speed, and though my eyes kept up with him, my body could not. With a cry of "Wake up!" a palm connected with my sternum.
The fact that should have been obvious struck twice as hard as the blow: he had been toying with me before. My mouth fell open as I was sent flying to land several yards away.
It was at that point, I think, that we both realized the remarkable likeness the moment bore to a scene from weeks ago.
"Like older sister, like younger." Neji sighed. "I would not advise following in Hinata's footsteps, Hanabi. She is dead for a reason. Do not carry on her ways." Shaking his head in disdain, he turned and left.
A full minute later I rolled onto my side, stifling a gasp of pain. Wincing, I slowly got up … and grinned. You're wrong there, dear Nii-san. You're wrong. Wherever she is, Nee-chan is alive.
Naruto ナルト
The clone in front of me burst at a heavy strike. Drawing back a fist, I lunged through the smokescreen it had created, ducking under the arm that had destroyed the doppelganger. My opponent neatly dodged the punch and grabbed my arm; whirling, he flipped me over himself in a throwing move, preparing to slam my back against the ground.
As I passed above him, the hand of the arm he held stuck out two fingers. My other arm reached to it, swiftly completing a cross hand seal with two more fingers.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
The shadow clone appeared facing away, and in position to catch my ankles in the air to halt the throw. As I grabbed the opponent's arm with my free hand, the clone pulled me forward, and the enemy was pulled off his feet. Arcing my back backward as the clone crouched down and pulled me, I bent my knees; then, still in the clone's hold, I snapped my body forward with all my strength. I released my foe to hurl him at a tree.
He flipped expertly so that his feet met the trunk, and backflipped gracefully to the ground. The moment his feet met the snow-powdered earth, he whirled to face me, a kunai knife locking with my own with a sharp metallic clang.
A new clone, created in the split-second before the knives had met, held his replicated blade to the opponent's neck from behind.
"How was that?" I panted with a determined grin.
"Not bad," he said with a smirk of his own, barely winded. "You are getting faster."
I dispelled the clones, and Lee and I broke out of the knife lock. I slipped the blunted kunai back into my sleeve. "You almost had me beat plenty of times too, Bushy Brow."
"True, but each time you managed to improvise a timely and effective counterattack. Your taijutsu's improvement has truly been spectacular!!"
Saying my taijutsu had improved, I admit, wasn't saying much; I had never utilized any particular style, but in our three or so weeks together I had honed my usage of shadow clones so that they could effectively assist in my wild, freestyle approach.
"Congratulations, Naruto-kun," Hinata said with a small smile as she approached, as this marked my first victory over Lee in a spar.
"Do you need a break?" Lee asked me, since our four minute match had been particularly intense.
"No way!" I exclaimed, patting my chest with a fist. "I could keep at this pace for hours, believe it! Let's go on while I'm warmed up!"
The older genin smiled blindingly. "That is the spirit! How very youthful of you, Naruto-kun – it is great to hear you sounding like your old self again!" he said, flashing a thumbs-up before moving off to the side. Hinata and I faced off, she in her Gentle Fist stance and I with my knees bent, fingers already crossed in the seal.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Hai!"
"Alright – let's go!" I charged, immediately creating two shadow clones on either side of me. Already forming a plan, I substituted unnoticeably with the replication on my left, switching places with it…
Hinata went through three quick hand seals. Why does that look so familiar…? She raced toward me, and still nothing had happened. Then, when we were a stride each apart, more than a dozen copies sprang from her.
I jumped back with a startled cry, creating ten more clones on instinct. "Bunshin!" I realized as the clones stormed my shadow clones, launching pretend attacks to throw us off. "Find the real one!" I ordered.
"This one's fake!"
"She's an illusion, too!"
"This one, too!"
"I know! Which one is leaving footprints in the snow?!"
"Good idea!"
"What the…?"
"Hold up!"
"None of them are real?!"
"Then where is she?"
Amid the chaos, a kage bunshin running past me a few yards away suddenly swept out its arm, without even looking. The blunt tip of a kunai bounced off my chest.
My jaw dropped. "What the – why…?!"
The traitor shadow clone was enveloped in a puff of smoke, and Hinata was left standing in its place. Her bloodline faded.
"Aw, I get it," I said as I dispelled the doppelgangers, "While we ran around confused, you used the transformation technique to disguise yourself as a shadow clone … that was really smart, Hinata-chan!"
Her cheeks reddened slightly, and she poked her fingers together. "Th-thank you, Naruto-kun," she mumbled with a smile.
Lee chuckled as he walked up. "It looks like you still cannot outsmart Hinata-san, huh Naruto?" he jeered good-naturedly. "In such a situation, it would have been wise to dispel your clones, or replace with your replications to keep the enemy guessing which was the real you; if you stand in one place giving orders, it becomes rather obvious. Using more clones than you can count at a glance can clearly have its disadvantages!"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," I said as I retrieved Hinata's dulled practice kunai and handed it to her. "Just wait," I said, "Next time I'll win!"
She blushed again with a slight smile. "W-we'll see."
The sparring rotation we concluded our daily training with, the pointers and compliments, the lighthearted, competitive joking and jeering, was all routine by now. We weren't sure how much we could improve without a teacher, but so far we were doing pretty well considering.
I was about to move aside for Lee and Hinata, but the taijutsu specialist glanced at the sky and shook his head. "It is beginning to get dark. Let us call it a day!" He held Hinata and me around the shoulders before enthusiastically exclaiming, "We have progressed far today, my youthful friends! Can you feel it?! THIS is the springtime of YOUTH!!"
"Yeah, Bushy Brow, we feel it…"
"Excellent! Let us work THREE times as hard TOMORROW!!"
"Yeah, yea– eh?!"
"And why are we walking back to camp when we could be putting in some sprinting?!" He released us and was gone in a flash, almost immediately appearing in our light camp twenty yards away and waving.
"Is he for real?" I asked, sweatdropping.
Hinata shrugged. "Wait! We can't lose to him, r-right?"
As she took off sprinting as well, I mentally smacked myself. "Why didn't I think of that first?" I whined and followed as fast as I could.
I shuddered as a chilled breeze drifted in. I unwound a long scarf a few rounds from my neck, securing it instead around my bare forehead. "Man … I miss my hitai-ate," I grumbled. A few weeks ago I had worn it every waking hour with pride, but of course, being missing-nin, the three of us couldn't represent Konoha by wearing our hitai-ate. At the same time, I especially was appalled by the idea of slashing Iruka-sensei's headband – or any Leaf mark, for that matter – as was unofficial custom. Yes, I would much rather not wear the headband at all than scar it with the mark of rogue ninja. So, rather than symbolically breaking all ties to Konoha, we had simply stored our hitai-ate away in the bottom of Lee's backpack, leaving them unmarked with the promise that we remained loyal and would someday return.
After weeks away, we all looked different now. As we'd all fled the village at short notice, the only clothes in our possession were what had been on our backs when we'd left, the week's worth from Lee had quickly gathered, and what little we'd bought from towns with money from his "short notice mission backpack."
Hinata wore the grayish-black Hyuuga training outfit, a dark blue, gi-like shirt over it reaching to her mid-thighs. On our now rare stops in towns she donned a pair of sunglasses to conceal her white eyes. I had on a simple light brown jacket over a dingy white sweater, and light grey, almost white long pants; two square shaped bandages, just large enough to hide my whisker marks, adorned my cheeks. Lee was dressed in faded black pants and a hideous green turtleneck sweater. All three of us had wrapped our sandals in strips of cloth, both to keep cold from entering through the open toes of the shoes and to make them unrecognizable as ninja sandals. Our clothes were neither fancy nor stylish, but they served their purpose – we appeared not to be shinobi, but simply three poor young travelers.
Lee's hair had, slowly but surely, lost both its shine and bowl cut form he had once so carefully maintained, now hanging messy and slightly longer. His neglected eyebrows – which had been groomed as meticulously as his hair when he was in the village – were now untidy, pointing in all directions. Hinata's hair had also lost its gloss, while my own blond hair, the others said, was messier than usual.
Currently we were huddled together by our campfire, a blanket draped across our shoulders as we ate. Another breeze rolled by as I was about to take a bite, and I dropped my fish at the resulting shudder. "Dang it!" I protested, picking up the stick it was speared on. "Why'd we have to come here again?"
Lee sighed. "Remember, we are missing-nin? Gai-sensei taught my team that when being pursued, one should do what is least expected. If the village sends trackers after us, the last place they will expect to find us is the remote northernmost edges of Hi no Kuni, especially with winter coming on. Most Leaf shinobi, unaccustomed to it, hate cold weather–,"
"Ya think?"
"– and the snow may help to cover our trail as well."
I grumbled a bit, but I suppose in truth I agreed. The days were mild, the nights a bit harsher but bearable, and putting up with it was worth the safety.
We had just finished eating when a chilly wind blasted against our backs, killing the dying fire instantly. "L-looks like it's starting to s-snow again," I said through chattering teeth. We were soon hurrying into the small cave we were camping in.
Neji ネジ
"My brothers and sisters," I began, bowing my head a moment, "I take it you all know why I called you here?"
Many of the dozens of Hyuuga assembled in the large, candle-lit room exchanged uncertain glances. Hyuuga Hitode, a man four years my senior, spoke. "With all due respect, we know exactly what you're thinking. We're just … not so sure about it."
"What reason do we have not to? All but one member of the main house has been imprisoned. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, the chance we've been waiting for; we must act now. What's wrong – scared to step out of line even in their absence? It would appear the main house has trained us well…"
"And how do you propose we go about breaking from their rule?" Hyuuga Haruna snapped, "Every powerful figure in the clan was captured at that false council meeting. Do you think we alone even know how to officially reform the clan? Besides, what good can come of refusing to serve the main family? They will surely be released at some point, and the minute they learn of it we will be punished severely. Why, if they even knew of this meeting, never mind the treacherous matter we're discussing, they would…"
Crossing my arms and shutting my eyes, I laughed softly. She trailed off, and an unnerved silence fell in the room. I bared my teeth in a grin as I continued to chuckle. "That's just it," I said as I opened my eyes. "The seal will not be a problem."
"What are you saying?" she asked as whispers of doubt arose.
"Orochimaru-sama is working on finding a way to remove my seal. Once he perfects it, he will remove all of your seals as well – so long as you swear loyalty to him as your Hokage. Then we can overpower the cowards with ease…"
"Neji!" the elderly Hiro barked, "You dare suggest that we betray Konoha?!"
I met his eyes squarely. "Yes."
His calloused fist thudded onto the floor in outrage. "That isn't an option! Have you no Hyuuga pride? We are the village's oldest and most honorable family! For generations our valor and strength has defended this place, through peacetime and crises!"
"Nothing good can come of fighting now," I said firmly. "You would prefer to die fighting, correct? Only a fool would wish for such. You tell me what's more important – dying a pointless death, or living to defend what remains of the village?"
The man looked away, gritting his teeth.
"The choice is simple. You want to serve the village? If we fight, we will die. If we die, we will be unable to protect the villagers – therefore becoming useless to the village, unable to carry out our duty."
"…Very well," he growled. "However, I do not approve of accepting Orochimaru's aid in our clan affairs. Doing so would be cowardly."
"Godaime-sama will neither fight our battle nor become involved in clan affairs. Don't you see? A new age will soon begin within Clan Hyuuga. He will merely spur it into motion, leveling the battlefield by relieving us of these wretched seals. Then … then, the fools will cower before us. We will create a new Hyuuga clan – a clan with no main house to oppress us."
"And I assume you intend to be our leader?"
"Of course," I answered with a smirk. "I will lead with members of the Branch council as advisors. Then, on my sixteenth birthday, I will officially assume the role of clan leader."
"Hold on one second!" Hyuuga Hitori said angrily, standing, "Who said you could be leader? You think becoming that tyrant's loyal little puppydog makes you king of the world?"
I frowned. "I would think it only natural that the strongest remaining member of the clan leads it."
The room's inhabitants stared incredulously at my insinuation for a long moment. Then Hitori howled with laughter. "You're kidding me! Maybe I ought to knock some sense into you! Sure you're gifted…" His face became serious. "But do you honestly think you're the strongest?"
Eyes closed, I stood, a sadistic smirk sliding across my face as I snickered softly once more.
"Is that a challenge?" I asked, opening my eyes. Hitori flinched, his breath catching as he took the full force of my gaze, and the entire room tensed. "Answer me, Hitori," I gently reminded the now pale-faced man.
"N-n-no, it's n-not – my ap-pologies, sir…"
I exposed my teeth with a grin. "For your sake … I am very glad to hear that." I sat down. Trembling, the large man collapsed back to the ground, looking more or less like a fearful whipped dog.
"Ch … child," Hiro gasped, awestruck as all the Hyuuga who had witnessed, "Your eyes… What is the meaning of–?"
"The meaning of it is irrelevant. I have power – something the Branch can wield a great deal of very soon. So, will you serve me, and swear allegiance to Godaime-sama?" The shaken clansmen exchanged looks.
I grinned as, first one by one, and then several each moment, they all bowed to me. "You have our support, Lord Neji," a number of voices chorused in a murmer.
"Good," I said, nodding. "Now… remove your hitai-ate."
The shinobi passed around kunai, slashing their Konoha headbands. When finished, they all took the oath together; even the civilian members of the clan, though not required, swore their allegiance. As the ritual was completed, the large majority who had brought their new headbands as I'd requested donned them.
"In the morning I will go inform the imprisoned Branch Hyuuga of our revolt, and persuade them to pledge loyalty as well. When they do, they will be released."
Fifteen-year-old Hiyuki spoke hesitantly. "But … what about Hiashi-sa– Hiashi?" At my look, she left off the honorific with painful difficulty. "If he decides to take the oath, he will be freed as well. And if he learns of this before we lose our curse seals…"
"If Hiashi gets in my way … I will kill him."
If anyone felt at the moment even the slightest doubt I was capable of doing this, they didn't show it.
"Now," I said, "Someone please teach our little rat a lesson."
I activated my Byakugan as Hanabi jumped in surprise twenty meters away. As a few Hyuuga raced from the room, her mouth formed a very foul word indeed.
Must be something she picked up from Inuzuka…
Hanabi ハナビ
My body was racked with stifled sobs as I dragged my feet up to the doorstep. I raised a heavy arm, a trembling hand, and knocked. A dog started barking inside the house; a moment later I heard nails scrabbling at the other side of the door.
Oh Kami … please … let him … answer … please…
However hard I tried, I was helpless in the struggle to keep my mind off of it.
There was blood. Blood. So much. On me. On my skin. And. And some of it. It. The blood. It wasn't even. Mine.
My stomach lurched sickeningly, but it had already been emptied.
The dog had stopped scratching at the door. My legs gave, and I leaned into the door for support. Sniffling, I choked back a wail of distress and pain as I pounded the wood feebly, whimpering with a sob at every knock. I struck weaker and weaker, until eventually my shaking hand rested against the door. My fragile form shuddered as I bawled quietly in despair.
"Okay, I'm up already, Akama–!"
I fell as the door opened, and the boy caught me against himself.
"H… Hanabi-chan?!" he gasped, shocked.
"Kiba-san…" I whispered, and fainted.
Hinata ヒナタ
Ninety-six…
I forced my arms to straighten.
Ninety-seven…
I bent and straightened them again, pushing myself up.
Ninety-eight…
Ninety-nine…
I was bending my arms when it struck like a sledgehammer. Needless to say, I collapsed.
Imouto-chan.
"Hanabi," I whispered, getting up. Something had happened to Hanabi. Could I be imagining it? I wasn't sure…
I found myself staring at nothing in particular as I gazed at the starlit night sky to the south. I could feel it; there was something dark, ominous, that I could sense just by looking in the direction of the village. I wondered for far from the first time just what was happening to my former home…
I shook my head. Whatever it might be, whether I was imagining things or not, I was much too far away to do anything about it now. Still trying to shake a sense of dread, I continued training.
I had been sneaking away from camp almost every night for a while now; this evening, I had left when the wind and snow let up. First I would spend an hour doing various exercises and practicing Juuken forms, after which I would spend an hour meditating.
Chakra is formed through a combination of the physical energy of the body and the spiritual energy from the mind. If I can work hard enough and focus on strengthening both, I should be able to build my chakra supply faster! Though I could often outmaneuver Naruto, and sometimes even Lee in spars, I knew for a fact that I was the weakest of the three of us. My lack of stamina in comparison to the two of them was at the point of embarrassing. I didn't want to disappoint them or go back on any of our promises – which was why I was glad to do the extra work to try to improve my weak points.
I sat down in front of a tall pine tree, locked my gloved hands in a seal, closed my eyes, and focused.
I did not once open my eyes until my internal clock told me an hour had passed. I stood and stretched for a minute before moving on to the third and shortest part of my nightly training. I formed a cross with two fingers of each hand and closed my eyes to brace myself.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu…!"
The sensation of being ripped in two still hit me hard. I wobbled as exactly one half of my chakra was unpleasantly wrenched away, and the doppelganger that popped into existence steadied me. Even with practice, how Naruto could form dozens of shadow clones with ease and do it in the heat of battle was beyond me.
When I caught my breath, I faced off with the shadow clone. "When I use the j-jutsu, do all you c-can to defend," I said, activating my Byakugan. One might find it strange that I stuttered while addressing my own shadow clone, but even if it was a copy of myself – and perhaps for that very reason – I felt strange giving it orders.
The clone nodded, settling into a stance, and I attacked first. As my opponent's speed and skill were virtually equivalent to my own, it took a while to find an opening. Even so, after a minute I hooked her ankle with my own as we were exchanging strikes. I pulled her off-balance, and she stumbled back.
There! I swiftly dropped into a new stance; my feet spaced apart and arms spread wide, left hand near the ground at my lead foot and right in the air behind me.
"Hakke Sanjuu Nishou!" I declared, dashing forward.
"Two palms!" I cried, jabbing two points. I can see it…!
"Four palms!" Just a bit, I can see the tenketsu!
"Eight palms!" I continued the barrage.
"Sixteen palms!" I moved in a blur, forcing the clone back.
"Thirty-two palms!" I gasped, moving faster. Can I do it? I had to try.
"Sixty-f–!!" the clone ground her teeth and swatted my arm aside before sending the heel of her palm into my chest. I reeled two steps and saw the kage bunshin stagger back and begin to fall, coughing while vanishing in smoke.
The kage bunshin's memories rushed to me, and I sat down to think. I see. There was no change in speed between thirty-two and sixty-four… The speed increase with each level of the move was crucial to keep the opponent at bay; if a steady attack rhythm was dragged out long enough, any foe could escape with enough effort. From what the clone had felt, I had, if anything, gotten slower after completing thirty two strikes.
To be unable to complete Hakke Rokujuu Yonshou… Is my stamina really so poor? I wondered, unconsciously placing a hand over my still pounding heart. No, I realized, It's hardly a stamina problem alone. Even at top condition I probably couldn't have done it. The main issue is that I simply haven't attained the level of speed required for the technique.
But how long would it take to overcome that?
I sighed. "It l-looks like I still have a long w-way to go…"
Neji ネジ
The two Oto chuunin stepped aside wordlessly as I approached, nodding in greeting. I opened the large door.
"Good morning, Orochimaru-sama. My apologies for arriving late."
"Hello, Neji-kun… And what might that be…?" he asked, eyeing the bag slung over my shoulder. I had a feeling that both he and Kabuto had an idea, but a touch of disbelief was visible even in the sannin's slitted eyes. I answered by dumping the bag; almost as many scarred hitai-ate as I'd collected yesterday tumbled onto the desk.
"Clan Hyuuga is ours," I declared, bowing my head.
"Wonderful," Orochimaru hissed, "What a pleasant surprise…"
Kabuto's mouth was hanging open as he stared at the pile of headbands. His gaze flew to me; his teeth clenched as his eyes widened ever so slightly as if in fearful suspicion. A sense of highly unnerved awe radiated from his face as he scrutinized my own. His eyes bored into mine, almost desperately hoping to find some well-hidden trace of remorse, pain, self-loathing that quite simply wasn't there.
It took him only a moment to realize he wasn't about to find anything. Slightly shaken, he took a deep breath and collected himself. "You're not like the others."
I bowed slightly at the waist. "If you are just now learning this, Yakushi-san, I'm afraid you have sorely underestimated me."
He shook his head with a smirk. "You're so different from them it's almost disturbing. Just what kind of a Leaf ninja were you?"
I grinned. "The kind that other Leaf ninja didn't like very much."
"Kukuku… Of course such weak fools failed to recognize your genius," Orochimaru said. "But I … I see you as an invaluable shinobi. You truly have provided the best aid I could ask for in transforming this village."
"Again, milord, I am happy to be of service."
He stood, his hand resting on my shoulder as he smiled. "You're doing quite well, Neji-kun. Take today off and rest."
I would have preferred to continue yesterday's assignment, but I recognized an order. "Very well, Godaime-sama. Thank you. However, there is something important I've been meaning to take care of in the village…"
"Hm…?"
"I'd like to conduct an investigation of sorts…"
The walk there was uneventful. As usual, I kept an eye out for troublemakers, graffitists, ambushes and the like. Conversations were as always hushed as I passed, most villagers glowering warily. However, I was mildly surprised to find that some shinobi and civilians alike began (though ever wary) to nod and give a polite, brief greeting. I would nod back slightly as I continued on my way.
I reached my destination, and observed the pile of wreckage: a single demolished building amidst others in fairly good condition. It had once stood a two story house; now a broken second floor rested far closer to the first than it was ever designed to, crumbled and charred remains of roof tiles lying messily over it. Much scorched debris was still strewn about the former building, though most of it had been cleared away.
I scanned the area, and quickly a wire of nine ornate lanterns nearby caught my eye. I flickered up to one of the buildings it was strung between for a closer look. The line drooped downward more than was normal, as though much weight had pulled down on it. A large gap between lanterns showed that one was curiously missing near the middle. On closer inspection I found the wire was of high quality, strong and durable, yet it had been stretched and very nearly snapped. This was more than the work of wind.
I looked around, and in a moment my eyes landed on the security camera of a shop further down the street. Smirking at my luck, I jumped to land lightly on the ground.
My knuckles rapped above the CLOSED sign adorning the door. I crossed my arms as I waited.
The door opened. "Sorry, we don't open for fifteen…" He gasped, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, uh, Officer Hyuuga-san, sir, g-good morning, is there a problem?"
I raised an eyebrow. "In fact, no. Should there be a problem…?"
"What? No, no, n-not from me!" he said, forcing a smile. "I'm completely loyal to New – !"
"Save it. Whatever you're up to doesn't concern me now. I would like to see your security tapes from exactly twenty-nine days ago."
"O-of course, sir," the middle-aged man stammered, "Please, come in."
I entered, and waited as he went through another door. Promptly he returned to the room, carrying three tapes. "Um … any specific time frame…?"
"Between two and three AM – when that house was paper-bombed." I pointed at it through the glass windows.
He selected one of the video tapes and popped it into the VCR of a little-used old television set on a stand in one corner. I walked up to him.
"Tell me," I asked as he fiddled with the buttons on the ancient looking device, "do you ever look over these tapes?"
"Not n'less something's been stolen."
I nodded as a black and white picture lit up the screen. He stood and stepped back, smearing dusty fingers on his apron. The time, 12:00 AM, was displayed in one corner of the screen. I quickly found in the image the back of a two story house not far away. Closer, and near the top of the screen, hung a barely sloped wire of ten lanterns.
"Would you like a cup of tea, Hyuuga-san?" the shop owner asked hesitantly as my focused gaze examined the scene.
"Please," I answered, kneeling to push the Fast Forward button. Several minutes passed as I waited, watching the video speed through the night. Few villagers crossed the screen, and occasionally a dog or bird passed by. Knowing better than to really drink it, I pretended to sip my tea patiently, eyes not leaving the television.
Then, when the corner read 2:16 AM, Lee's house exploded.
My finger punched the Play button. I saw two figures in the air, suddenly joined by fourteen more to form a chain – the head of which grasped a line of wire, knocking a lantern off of it in the process. The human chain swung forward (dragging the wire down with weight), and the people came rapidly into focus. Then they shot upward to vanish into the top edge of the screen, leaving the camera's range before undoubtedly soaring over the shop. The shadow clones still on screen vanished.
I rewound the tape a moment, played it, and then paused the instant the ones at the end of the chain were nearest.
And there they were. Eyes big and mouths frozen open in screams of terrified thrill were my former teammate and the blond idiot. As I'd suspected, Hanabi had lied – Hinata wasn't with them.
The shopkeeper, standing beside me, leaned in while squinting his eyes. "Well I'll be…" he gasped, "That's the filthy demon-child and his friend!"
I nodded, a wickedly grim smile spreading across my face at my discovery as I ejected the tape. "Yes, it is…" The man paled as he found a kunai's steel edge resting at his throat. "And you saw nothing. Correct?"
"Y-yes sir…" he whimpered, unblinking.
In the next moment I had crushed the tape in my hand and left the shop. I raced for the Hokage Tower.
So, they survived … and escaped…
Hinata ヒナタ
"I've got you, Bushy Brow!"
"No, you do not!"
Smat, thud–
"Agh–!"
POOF.
"What?!"
"Over here!"
Fwoosh.
"KONOHA SENPUU!!"
Thwack!
"Wah! Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
My head snapped up, eyes wide, in time to see Naruto's collision with a tree broken by a shadow clone.
I sprang to my feet and ran up to them. "Naruto-kun! Lee-kun! We need to get out of here!"
They halted as they were about to attack again, their fierce faces becoming questioning. "What? Why?" Naruto asked, surprised.
I placed a hand on either of their shoulders as my voice rose, shrill with urgency. "Something's wrong, just help me pack up camp! Hurry!" My heart was racing as I ran to kick snow over the ashes of our campfire. I frantically stuffed supplies into Lee's bag as the other two collapsed the tent.
We have to hurry! It was as strong as what I'd felt that night I was training a week ago; I was certain, something wasn't right.
"Hinata-san, what is going on?" Lee asked in concern as he forced the tent into the pack as well.
"Don't you feel it?! Something's coming toward us, fast! Something powerful! We have to get away from here now!" If we don't … we'll all die!
Thankfully they trusted me. We took to the low treetops, and Naruto created fifteen clones to scatter in groups of three and throw off our tail. Faster, we need to move faster! I thought in a panic as we shot through the trees together. Who- or whatever it was was getting closer, gaining rapidly with each passing second. The chilling chakra signature, for a brief second, seemed almost familiar, but I was certain I had never in my life encountered one with such a dark, murderous energy. And the one brimming with this immense, wicked power was surging nearer.
I activated my Byakugan and gasped, disbelieving. Ne–!
Something flashed past us in a blur, and I just barely saw a hand smash through the next branch we were poised to land on. With the speed we were moving, we tumbled unceremoniously to the ground. My feet hit the snow, and I fell forward to slide a few yards with a grunt. On my left Naruto tumbled uncontrolled a few times, while on my right Lee flipped in the air to land hard in a crouch, frowning as he eyed the newcomer in front of us.
Trembling at the ominous aura, I pushed myself to my feet to look at the shinobi. His face was an emotionless mask as he turned toward us, and my jaw dropped as I stared on in fear. My eyes had not been deceived – it was him.
The young man seemed to be taller than when I last seen him, and his muscled figure eerily lithe, almost but certainly not quite to be described as gaunt, in a way that both wrapped a deadly look about him and gave him a stunning yet indescribably fear-inspiring beauty. He wore a very dark grey, almost black chuunin vest. Underneath it was a black body suit, the arms of which were rolled up to the elbow, and the legs cut off by bandaging tape running from mid-shin to his black ninja boots. What I could see of his right arm was bandaged to his fingers. A very familiar clan insignia decorated his left shoulder, and an unfamiliar mark his right.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Hyuuga Hinata, Rock Lee, and Uzumaki Naruto…" I tensed as he snickered uncharacteristically, lowering his head as his shoulders shook with contained laughter.
He uncrossed his arms and raised his head, and with a vicious burst of dark chakra it all happened.
The whites of his eyes had turned black, and his once pale lavender irises were empty pools of milky white. His long brown hair suddenly darkened until jet black, even as his skin paled until unnaturally white. Two thick black stripes that terminated in points etched themselves into each cheek, and two more ran from below his jaw to his chin; a similar inky marking encircled his pale neck, and another his visible left wrist. Sharp onyx claws flexed in anticipation at his sides. Finally, a web of dark veins flared up around his icy eyes.
The markings on the young man's body stood out in cruelly stark contrast to his sickly skin. And standing there, among the cold white world around us, he was now even more breathtakingly, horribly beautiful.
But almost as shocking as the sight of this young man I had once known and the transformation he'd undergone before our eyes was the mark that adorned his hitai-ate. Unlike the eighth note of Otogakure, he wore a symbol comprised of two eighth notes joined by a horizontal beam.
"In the name of New Oto … I'm placing you under arrest!"
Two small black fangs were exposed by a malevolent smile as his eyes locked with mine.
I flinched, Neji-nii-san's shoulder connected with my chest, and I was thrown bodily into the trees.
ナルト / リー / ヒナタ \ ハナビ \ ネジ
End Chapter Three
Lee: The form of Neji's mysterious curse seal emerges!! While Naruto-kun and I have our hands tied with our own battles, the Hyuuga cousins face off! Hinata has improved, but has she improved as much as Neji has? Just watch out, Hinata-san – there is definitely something off about my former teammate! And what in the world is a quasihemidemisemiquaver?!
As three failures are pushed to their limits, new skills and jutsu clash, and dark and tragic secrets of the past and present alike are revealed! Next time in: Chapter Four: The Tracker Team!
Yeah… had to get that little preview thing out of my system.
I seriously couldn't think of a good title for this chapter... Progress, Training, Change, The New Age... nothing sounded right. But I guess chapter titles aren't really that crucial :)
To me, this chapter seemed a little boring and all over the place... And I know it focused more on Hinata's training, but we'll see how Naruto and Lee have improved in the next chap. What do you think of the description of Neji's curse seal transformation? And earlier, did I explain Neji's logic well?
Chapter one, 9,000 words. Chapter two, 11,000 words. Chapter three, 13,000 words. Anyone else see a pattern? Seriously, if the chapters are getting annoyingly long, let me know. I know a lot of times I don't like sitting down and reading ultra-long chapters. Chapter 4 is like, ginormous action-drama-angst-suspense-y super-chapter, so I might end up splitting it into two parts because it's so huge. Please tell me what you think!
Even this author's note was all over the place...
Ja ne!
:o)Hinata0321:o)