Inari woke up early and found his usual spot on the roof. He had cried all night after confronting the foolish Ninja who thought they could oppose Gatō. How could they not realize they were going to die? They clung to delusions of hopes and dreams. It was a cruel joke.
"Father…"
"Your tears will not bring him back or cause his soul to rest." Inari turned around in shock. It was the harsh looking Konoha shinobi.
"What would you know? What have you lost?" The young child screamed at the foolish ninja.
Sasuke walked past him and stared out to sea. "Everything. I've lost everything."
Inari couldn't respond and the young man continued. "I actually envy you. Your mother and grandfather still live. They will still live. I watched that man murder my mother and father. That man slaughtered my entire clan. That man killed everyone I cared for. He tortured me. I am broken, Inari."
"Then what do you live for?"
Sasuke cast the nervous child a glance out of the corner of his eye. "Vengeance. My life is dedicated to the path of the Avenger. Your father wanted you to live without fear. Inari, you are failing him. Become strong. Avenge him and every person Gatō has caused to suffer."
"Why don't you cry?" Inari tried to look at the ninja but it was if he was shrouded somehow.
Sasuke walked to the edge of the roof. "I ran out of tears years ago." The ninja disappeared into the dawn and Inari was alone with the words of the Uchiha.
Naruto grumbled as the familiar sensation of one of his clones dispelling. He slipped out of his sleeping bag. The sun had just crested the horizon and Hinata and Kiba were still asleep. Kiba was on the far side of the tent with Akamaru curled up at his feet. Hinata was finally sleeping peacefully. Naruto had woken up several times during the night to help her through a particularly difficult nightmare. He gently brushed one of the strands of hair that framed her face out of the way. Gingerly, Naruto stepped over her and exited the tent. Yuji-sensei greeted Naruto quietly.
"Did you sleep, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto nodded at his teacher. "I didn't sleep all through the entire night. I woke up a few times either when I remembered… when I remembered slashing that one man's throat or when Hinata-chan had a rough spell."
"One of her foes did not die easily. If I had not put an arrow through his skull it would have taken him six hours to die."
The image of the bandit bleeding from a kunai wound in his gut staring blankly at his bloody hands flashed in Naruto's mind. It was hard enough to recall seeing the horrific wound. Hinata-chan had caused it with a powerful kunai throw.
"I'll be there for her." Naruto said definitively.
Wantanabe nodded. "Good, but don't forget about Kiba-kun. He may be affected as deeply as Hinata-chan, but will not show it outwardly."
Naruto stared resolutely into his teacher's eyes. "They are my teammates. I will be there for them."
"Remember that they will be there for you as well." Yuji looked over the Caravan's camp. "Naruto-kun, I need you to make three squads of Kage Bunshin and make a quick patrol of the area. Takumi-san wishes to move out in two hours."
"Yes sir." Naruto's reply was simple and he immediately complied. The clones dispelled an hour later and reported that the surrounding area was clear. They saw no signs of any bandits and the roads were clear.
Kiba and Hinata joined Naruto and the team's Jonin instructor after they packed. The Genin looked to Wantanabe for guidance. The former Hunter-nin called upon his experience as a father and smiled.
"I am proud of all of you. You were truly a Ninja Team. Each of you supported and communicated with each other even in the heat of battle. None of you lost sight of the objective or the strategy you worked out as a team. Just as importantly, all of you were flexible enough to respond to the ebb and flow of combat."
Yuji turned his attention to Kiba. "Kiba-kun, you had the most dangerous assignment of the entire team. The initial contact with the enemy is always the period of greatest risk. Our clients reported that you did not engage our enemies rashly. That was my greatest worry about you."
The Inuzuka beamed at the words as Akamaru howled in joy. The Jonin laughed a bit and addressed Hinata next. "Hinata-chan, you played a vital role in the success of the battle. Without your Byakugan, the bandits would have possessed the crucial advantage of surprise. This shifted the initiative to us. You likely saved all our lives. I was also impressed by your skills in the fight. Hinata, you handled your opponents efficiently and kept the Squad appraised of the situation."
Naruto took Hinata's hand. "You were amazing." Naruto whispered.
"Now, Naruto-kun…" Wantanabe-sensei crossed his arms. "While the majority of your Shadow Clones did not take part in direct combat, they provided an additional line of defense for our clients. The presence of the clones granted us a greater amount of tactical flexibility. In combat you were highly efficient and kept your wits. Your use of the Body Replacement was nearly flawless and you acted quickly but did not rush into combat."
"Thank you, Yuji-sensei." Naruto felt a wonderful contentment at the praise. His grip on Hinata's hand never wavered.
"You are welcome. Takumi-san will want to move out soon. I want Team Four prepared to leave at a moment's notice, dismissed."
Hiashi was thankful for his working relationship with Jiraiya of the Sanin. The Hyūga Clan Head had met the legendary Toad Sage several months after the Clan had declared Naruto a Clan Ward. Hiashi and Hiromi had been attending the wedding of a civilian ally of the Hyūga. After returning from one of the many social functions that preceded a high society wedding, they had discovered the bear of a man waiting for them. Hiashi immediately recognized Jiraiya. The next hour and a half passed with Jiraiya asking for any and all information of his godson. Hiashi filled him in on every detail he was aware of. Hiromi spoke of how Naruto was a kind hearted and energetic child. The legendary shinobi and author smiled as he slumped into the chair and revealed he had been on his way to Konoha to see 'Minato and Kushina's hyperactive brat.' After another hour, Jiraiya was satisfied that the son of his prized student was in good hands. He demanded that the Hyūga send him yearly updates on the 'brat's' progress or immediate word if something major happened.
Jiraiya had repaid the promise by teaching Hiashi a great deal of Sealing Arts.
The Clan Head rarely used the more advanced seals the Sanin had taught him. Today was one of those rare days. Hiashi had sealed his office and as a further precaution had posted several of his most trusted Main Branch Guards at the door.
I would prefer to have Neji, Naruto and Kō keeping watch. Hiashi sighed and turned his attention to his allies.
"Thank you all for arriving on such short notice. I have called you here because the division wracking our Clan; our family."
The assembled Councilors and powerful members of the Hyūga nodded. Minoru and Akihito was the pro-Hiashi bloc on the Council. Hizashi represented the Branch Family. Hisako, Katsuro and Seiji represented various power blocks within the Clan that had no representation on the Council.
"I fear we are moving towards conflict with Takeshi and his faction. The Main Branch is the most heavily divided. My friends, I ask that you stand with me in the coming days. We must remain united. Minoru-sama and Hizashi-sama, you are the voice of the Branch Family. What is the mood of our brothers?"
Minoru stared through the Clan Head. "A majority stands with you as Clan Head, Hiashi-sama. We of the Branch are grateful for the efforts you have made to heal the divisions between the different branches. Unfortunately, there is a small but active bloc that opposes our efforts. They believe the changes are coming too fast. My primary concern, Hiashi-sama, is not with the dissidents. It is with those who are undecided."
"I concur with Minoru-sama, Hiashi-sama. There is significant strife in this portion of the Branch. I will not mince words; it is a significant number of Branch members. Many simply wish to avoid conflict and will likely not pick sides. However, the remainder is trying to decide which side to follow." Hizashi's eyes never left his brother's. The younger twin had constant contact with the day-to-day lives of the Branch Family and was widely accepted as the 'Head' of the Branch family.
Seiji nodded. "We must show them that our bloc offers them the most immediate benefit while maintaining long term stability."
"Hiashi-sama, I have a suggestion." Hisako spoke. Hiashi smiled at his friend and granted him permission to speak. "We can begin to ease the marriage restrictions."
"How would you suggest we ease the restrictions?" Hiashi asked.
Hisako gathered his thoughts. "For one, I would end the archaic requirement that any branch marriage requires a Council member to sign the betrothal contract. This act would be the simplest to implement would not directly impact the power of the Council."
"This would help cement the Branch's loyalty to our bloc." Seiji nodded approvingly.
Katsuro spoke for the first time. "I will work to secure support amongst my fellows. Speaking of betrothal contracts, I have heard rumblings from Takeshi's dissidents."
Instinctively, Hiashi knew he was not going to like what Katsuro had to say. "What are these 'rumblings'?"
"Several of Takeshi's allies that wish to avoid further deterioration of the harmony of the Clan have suggested betrothing Hinata-sama to Chunnin Yuudai 'for the good of the clan'.
The air became thick with Hiashi's killing intent and rage. "My daughter is not a concession to be bargained for."
"The transparency of the dissident's ploy is insulting." Minoru sneered.
Hizashi knew his brother was a single word from storming into Takeshi's section of the Compound and killing him. Truthfully, Hizashi would have no issue with such an action. However, the necessity of preventing open conflict among the Hyūga took precedence. "Gentlemen, we are Hyūga! We are masters of our emotions, not mastered by them!"
The killing intent melted away and Hiashi took several calming breaths. "My brother is correct. We must approach this as Hyūga. I thank you for your time and I apologize that his meeting must be cut short.
Katsuro, Seiji, Minoru and Hisako bowed as they left. Hizashi remained seated across from his brother. "How are we going to proceed, brother?"
"I do not believe it is necessary to change our course. The majority of the clan is behind us, my brother. Our foes sought to force me into a foolish action by revealing their aspirations regarding my daughter. They partially succeeded. The dissidents knew any actions of that nature would enrage me and they have indeed enraged me."
"Do not let your rage control you, Hiashi." Hizashi warned his brother.
"I will not. I thank you for helping me to ground my emotions." The elder twin took a deep breath. "We shall continue the current path. Minoru will likely put forth his motion at the next Council meeting. It will pass. Yoshinori's, and by association; Takeshi's, opposition will alienate them from the Branch. The dissidents will dig their own graves."
Wantanabe was pleased to see that his students did not relax when they saw the gates of Jōetsu. Team Four maintained on guard even inside the city. The Genin remembered that the Land of Honey was a client state of the Land of Lightning. Hinata made a mental note to ask her father about a masking genjutsu. She flashed a reassuring smile at Naruto when he cast a concerned glance in her direction. Naruto returned the smile and was visibly less tense. The shinobi team continued to escort the caravan to the massive warehouse complex that was the heart of Takumi's business world.
The merchant approached Team Four. "Konoha shinobi, I must say I am more than impressed with your performance. When will you return to the Land of Fire?"
"Takumi-san, we will be leaving tomorrow morning." Yuji stated simply.
The merchant tapped his chin with his index finger. "If you would kindly stop by my office sometime before you leave, I will have a personal letter of commendation for your Kage."
"That is very kind, Takumi-san. Is there any other service you require?"
"No, no. Your young ninja performed exceptionally. Have a pleasant evening!" The Konoha Shinobi bowed. "Oh ho! If you need a place to say, go to Hotel Oroshi. If you say you are staying on the Yoshida account, you will not have to pay."
Yuji nodded again. "You are very generous, Takumi-san."
The Konoha ninja made their way to the hotel after receiving directions from the client. There were no problems checking in. Yuji got a separate room for Hinata, but made sure it was connected to theirs. After the team was settled for the night, Yuji called them into the men's hotel room.
"We will depart tomorrow morning. I want an update on everyone's supply situation. Also, if any of you are injured, even slightly, I want to know now."
Naruto crossed his arms. "I am down to four kunai, but have plenty of shuriken. I got a scratch in the fight, but it's healed up already."
"I did not use any of my shuriken and I only used one kunai… to… to kill that man." Hinata was breathing heavily and shaking. Naruto threw his arm around her shoulder and tried to help her calm down.
Kiba rubbed Akamaru's head. "I, uh, only used two kunai."
The children started to drift off. "Alright, I will be back in a little bit with supplies. Get some food I'm; sure they'll put it on Takumi-san's tab. But don't go overboard."
A silence descended on the room after the Jonin left. Naruto was thankful that Hinata seemed to have calmed down some. Kiba was the first to speak. "Do we'll ever get used to killing?"
"I hope not." Naruto gulped. "I don't ever want to be that dead inside."
Sakura had come to appreciate the natural beauty of the land surrounding Tazuna-san's home. The choice to continue on with the mission was truly the right one. Wave needed their help. There was no way Sakura could allow that Gatō to continue strangle the life from an entire country.
"The only thing standing in our way is one of the most dangerous S-rank Missing Nins in the world and his powerful accomplice." Sakura said with nervous and forced humor.
She had to admit that she had developed more faith in their ability to survive. The arrival of the Hyūga Jonin Kō was a godsend. Sakura remembered how much Hinata's Jūken had hurt back in the Academy. If the 'Gentle' Fist style was that painful in a restrained spar; Sakura couldn't imagine the damage it would do in real combat! In addition to Kō, they would have Kakashi-sensei back to full strength. Kakashi-sensei had defeated Zabuza by himself. Zabuza would be hard pressed to survive an assault by two Jonin.
CHA! That bandaged and eyebrowless loser doesn't stand a chance!
Team Seven could take the fake Hunter-nin while the Jonin handled the former Swordsmen. The fraud of an ANBU would be hard pressed to handle Sasuke's taijutsu and ninjutsu skills, Shino's insect techniques and Sakura's own Genjutsu.
Hm… Maybe I should cast a genjutsu around the workers? Zabuza and the Hunter-nin will probably be able to dispel them, but it will cost them valuable time and chakra. After fighting through two Konoha Jonin, Sasuke's ninjutsu and having Shino's bugs eat their chakra; they can't afford to combat my genjutsu.
HELL YEAH! BRILLIANT PLAN!
The kunoichi nodded at her plan. She would tell her commanders the details as soon as she got inside. Kakashi was beginning to show signs of recovery and Kō was far more accessible than Sakura believed a Hyūga could ever be. The Jonin would be able to help fine tune Sakura's plan and offer suggestions on how to better incorporate Shino and Sasuke into the strategy.
That is, if Sasuke hasn't trained himself into the ground. Sakura sighed as she readjusted her hitai-ate. Sasuke was her inspiration and she cared deeply for him. That admiration did not make her blind to his faults. After graduating, and especially after the terrifying battle against Zabuza, Sakura had taken a hard look at her life. Her feelings for Sasuke remained the same. However, she was worried for him. Sasuke had taken several huge risks in the fight against the Missing Nin. She knew exactly why he had done it: the Sharingan. It was true that they had saved Kakashi with plan, but it had been almost too great a risk getting that close to Zabuza.
The trick of hiding a large number of Shino's chakra draining insects in the shadow of Sasuke's Fūma Shuriken was brilliant however.
Sakura was brought out of her retrospective by the twang of a bowstring. The Konoha ninja peered around the corner and saw Tsunami's young son practicing with a crossbow.
"You are good with that, Inari-kun." Sakura greeted the young boy.
Inari cranked the firing mechanism back into place before turning to look at Sakura. His response was a dismissive grunt. The pink haired kunoichi giggled at the sound.
"I see you've been talking to Sasuke-kun."
Inari shouldered the weapon and fired. It was a very good shot. "He told me that I was not living the life tou-san would have wanted. Kaiza wanted me to be brave and stand up to Gatō. So, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to be Wave's Avenger."
Sakura's shoulders slumped. Vengeance. It was her greatest fear for her Sasuke-kun. She worried constantly that his obsession would drive him further away from those that cared about him. Sakura believed in Sasuke's quest to defeat Itachi. The Uchiha Clan deserved justice for the massacre. Sakura was fearful; however, that Sasuke's singular focus on his status as the Avenger would turn him into the very monster he swore to destroy.
"It's ok to want justice, but vengeance can become an obsession. The need for vengeance can consume you."
Inari walked towards Sakura and glared. "Your boyfriend lives for vengeance."
"I know, but I'm trying to show him there are so many other things to live for." Inari noticed the sad look in the girl's eyes even as she blushed at the thought of being Sasuke's girlfriend.
"What's the difference?" Inari sat on the ground and started yanking up tufts of grass.
Sakura sat next to the child. "Between vengeance and justice?" The boy barely nodded. "Well, I believe that justice is a goal to be achieved. Justice is about protecting the lives of those you care about, honoring the memory of the lost or preventing further tragedy. When you achieve justice, you can move on and build a new life. Vengeance… Vengeance becomes a way of life. Even if you destroy the target of your vengeance; I doubt you'll be satisfied. How will you know that your goal has been accomplished? How can you stop seeing enemies behind every corner or action?"
"I never thought of it like that. Thank you, Sakura."
The girl smiled as she stood up. "I'm sure you'll realize your own path soon, Inari-kun. Don't forget, we're here to help you get your justice. Team Seven, Kakashi-sensei and Kō-sensei will protect your grandfather and he'll finish that bridge!"
"Thanks Sakura." Inari repeated as he stopped pulling at the grass.
"You're welcome, Inari-kun."
Inari watched her leave. These ninja have changed my life.
Naruto heard the knock on the door first. He nudged Hinata, who was lightly dozing next to him. She nodded and activated her Dojutsu.
"It's Yuji-sensei." The blond shinobi whispered a 'thank you' and then gave the signal to Kiba. The Inuzuka opened the door without exposing himself or Akamaru. Wantanabe entered the room and smiled at his team's caution.
"Excellent work all of you. No one is exposed to the doors or windows." He looked at the plates of food littered around the room. The boys laughed nervously at their Jonin teacher's raised eyebrow.
"We were hungry and had to get something for Akamaru too!" Kiba declared.
The Jonin laughed. "Did you order something for me?"
Naruto nodded. "It's on the warming tray."
"You made them bring a warming tray?" Yuji smiled as he worked his way over to the food. "Ah, good choice."
The Genin allowed their commander to eat. "The beef was good. Now, we'll be leaving in the morning. I spoke with Takumi-san and he warned us that there is the possibility of storms coming off the mountains. I want us to make our best speed back to Konoha."
"Wantanabe-sensei; who has first watch?" Kiba asked.
"This area is mostly secure. Naruto-kun can use Shadow Clones to keep an eye out. Make sure the doors and windows are locked and secure. If you get up during the night, just check the room before returning to bed."
Naruto nodded and made three clones. The Uzumaki handed the Clones several sheets of paper. One went outside and watched one entrance to the hall. Another took up watch at the stairwell. The final clone took up a position in the door connected the hotel rooms.
"Naruto-kun, why did you give the Clones sheets of paper?" Hinata leaned forward and tried see if there was anything special about the paper.
Kiba snickered at the effect Hinata's attention was having on the Clones. Naruto was oblivious to his Clone's distracted state. "It's just regular paper. The Clones are going to practice some chakra control while we're asleep. Gotta be productive."
"We are leaving at dawn. Get plenty of rest." Wantanabe ordered.
Team Four was making excellent time returning to Konoha. They had left shortly after dawn. Yuji had wanted to leave exactly at sunrise, but a representative of Takumi-san had stopped by to thank them and warn them about the possibility of storms rolling in from the mountains.
"Wantanabe-sensei, I think it's going to storm soon." Kiba spoke from the front of the procession.
The Jonin instructor nodded and leapt to the top of a nearby tree. After a second, he returned. "You are right, Kiba-kun. The storm is coming off the northern mountains. It will break in three hours. I want us to reach Kubisaki Pass before we are overtaken by the storm."
"Yes sir!" The Genin responded. Akamaru barked in agreement.
"Yuji-sensei, isn't Kubisaki Pass where the former Land of Necks was located?" Naruto asked.
Wantanabe smiled. "Indeed. The Fire Daimyo's armies laid siege to the nation and destroyed it during the Second Shinobi World War. It was a great victory of the Land of Fire and secured the Western Front of the Conventional War."
"I've also heard the region is haunted and the dead do not rest easily in their graves!" Kiba filled his voice with exaggerated emotion.
Hinata shook her head. "Those stories are likely embellishments of the nationalist resistance in the area."
"While I am glad you are familiar with the history and local superstitions of the Land of Fire, there is a storm threatening to overtake us. Move out!" Wantanabe ordered.
The knowledge of the storm forced the shinobi team to move with a sense of urgency. Team Four reached Kubisaki Pass without any major incidents. As they moved through the pass, a dense fog rolled in.
"Where did this fog come from?" Naruto groaned as he tried to pierce the gloom.
"Probably rolled off the mountains." Kiba responded casually. Akamaru jumped from his perch on Kiba's head and began sniffing.
There is something off about this fog. It came from the east which is lower elevation. Fog is supposed to pool in low lying areas. Yuji mused uneasily.
At that moment, the bleeding edge of the storm broke. Thunder rolled in the distance.
"Wantanabe-sensei, I see a castle in the distance! We could take shelter there." Hinata spoke up.
"We head for the castle, but keep your guard up." Yuji was struck by something he couldn't quite place.
Kiba, Hinata and Yuji all raised their hoods to keep their heads dry. The outfit Naruto wore, as luck would have it, completely lacked a hood. "I knew there was a reason I put this thing in the closet! I haven't worn this since the tracking exam at the academy! The lack of orange is bad luck, I tell you!"
The blond groaned as he pulled the black pocketed vest over his head. At least the castle would be dry and Team Four could wait out the storm in peace.
Kakashi was thankful to be up and moving around again. The Copy-ninja could have gotten up a day ago, but would have required crutches. Kō's arrival had been a godsend in multiple ways. His students received nearly a week of chakra control exercises instead of a few days. Kakashi was excited to see how Sakura's exceptional control would improve after being exposed to Hyūga chakra control exercises. The exercises would help Sasuke and Shino as well. The Jonin Instructor arrived at the kitchen table to a generous breakfast. The client's daughter, Tsunami, brought a cup of tea.
"Thank you, Tsunami-san. I don't think I've seen such generous portions since my last bodyguard mission." Kakashi appeared to be smiling with his visible eye.
"You are welcome. You've barely eaten in a week and need a good meal. I also need to thank you for your students. They have been protecting Dad and his workers while not practicing to fight that horrible Zabuza. More than even that, they've given me back my son. I don't know what they've said to him, but Inari is almost acting like he did before Gatō murdered Kaiza."
That struck Kakashi. He was proud of his students. "Konoha believes in the Will of Fire. Love is the key to peace."
"I like that philosophy. Regardless of what happens Konoha will help spread peace to Wave."
Kakashi could only nod. Unknown to either adult, they were being watched.
"Shino, come here!" Sakura whispered. The Aburame cautiously approached. "I think Kakashi-sensei is going to take his mask off."
"You are aware that if Sasuke were present that he would say this is a frivolous diversion. " Shino whispered back.
"Well, what do you think?" Sakura tried to get a look when she heard Kakashi say itadakimasu.
Shino adjusted his ever present sunglasses. "What do I believe? I believe this is a valuable opportunity to learn more about our sensei. We are not spying, but instead practicing valuable observational skills."
"Well said, Shino." Sakura tried not to laugh.
"What the heck are you to whispering about?" Inari said in a soft voice as he snuck up to the window.
"We're trying to see what Kakashi-sensei looks like without the mask." Sakura grinned as she and her teammate turned to the young boy.
"Oh, cool." The three turned back to the window and groaned. Kakashi had already finished the meal and had his mask back on. Tsunami was looking at the Jonin with uncontained awe.
"I believe we have been foiled." Shino deadpanned.
Team Four approached the castle as the storm grew in ferocity. Naruto raised his hand to knock on the doors when the doors opened on their own. The solid oak doors opened far too silently for their considerable weight and size.
"This isn't suspicious at all." Kiba scoffed.
"Hello, I am Jonin Wantanabe Yuji of Konoha. My Genin and I are seeking shelter from the storm. May we speak with the Castellan?" Silence was the only reply.
"Wantanabe-sensei, what should we do?" Hinata asked
"Hinata-chan, activate your Byakugan." The Jonin ordered. Hinata formed a hand seal and activated her Dojutsu. Her gasp did not go unnoticed.
"There is a chakra network running through the entire castle! I see what looks like a heart in the main keep!" Hinata couldn't believe what she was seeing with her Byakugan.
Yuji wasted no time. "We're leaving. As soon as we get to Konoha, I'm going to suggest the Hokage place an Interdiction on this region."
Naruto reached the doors first and struggled to open them. "They aren't budging! Kiba, give me a hand!"
Kiba shouted an affirmative and the two boys pulled at the doors with all their might. Hinata kept her Byakugan active. "That won't work! Whatever this 'castle' is, that is no longer a door! It's perfectly fused!"
"Hinata-chan, can you see any exits?" Yuji asked as he notched an arrow.
"No, Wantanabe-sensei. All I can see is the chakra network. This place isn't a castle. We're in a living creature!" Hinata spoke in fearful awe.
"Wonderful! We've been eaten!" Naruto groaned while Akamaru whined.
"Don't lose focus! We're heading for the Keep and taking out the heart." Yuji shouted
"I SHALL CONSUME YOU." An inhuman voice echoed throughout the castle.
"The hell you will!" Kiba growled. A thick tongue-like appendage erupted from the door and walls. Yuji pinned it to the walls with a flurry of well placed arrows. In response, many more erupted from the walls. Naruto summoned a dozen Kage Bunshin, who cut into the flailing appendages. Hinata tore several apart with a Kaiten. Akamaru was dodging and slashing at those that approached him.
Wantanabe realized that the being masquerading as the castle was forcing the Genin team apart. A thick poisonous cloud eliminated Naruto's clones. The floor became flesh and swallowed Naruto whole.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata screamed and ran to where Naruto had been standing moments before. She struck the floor that had moments ago been a quivering mass of flesh with a powerful Jūken strike. The entire room howled in pain.
"Get to the keep! If we destroy the heart, Naruto'll be fine!" Kiba shouted as Akamaru punched through a whipping tongue.
Yuji put an arrow through two thrashing tongues. "Kiba is correct!"
Kiba and Akamaru rushed towards the stairs with blind determination to defeat the false castle and save their friend. The brash Inuzuka only had a chance to utter a single 'shit' before a snapping jaw erupted from a door.
"Donton: Ishi Hayama!" Wantanabe roared and a massive stone arrow punched clear through mouth and the wall behind it.
Kiba nodded in thanks and tried once again to push to the stairs. The Jonin heard a wet tearing noise behind him and dove out of the way. A massive spray of acid erupted from the now fleshy wall. Wantanabe managed to dodge the majority of the torrent, but not all of it. He ripped off his jacket and flak jacket. The acid was eating through both. Fortunately, only a small amount had hit his skin. Wantanabe roared in pain as a large acid burn appeared on his left side.
"Sensei!" Kiba shouted as he dodged another tongue.
"You know the objective, Genin Inuzuka!" Yuji commanded. The Jonin deftly cut a fleshy tentacle in to pieces.
Hinata cried out as an enormous mouth swallowed her. "Hinata!" Kiba roared. He charged the stairs, more determined than ever to destroy this hateful place. He was so focused on reaching the keep that he failed to notice a suit of armor swinging a naginata. Fortunately for Kiba, he was hit with the flat of blade and only knocked out.
Wantanabe, for his part, stayed on his feet and advanced on his unconscious student. The position of the burn prevented Yuji from effectively using his bow. He could still use kunai and shuriken to great effect. Akamaru was guarding his fallen partner fiercely.
"Akamaru, keep the tentacles off us. I'll deal with the armored puppets." The Jonin began flashing through his hand seals as four suits of armor marched down the stairs.
Naruto-kun and Hinata-chan, stay safe and remember the objective.
Hinata was spit from the mouth and impacted against a bedside table. As she rose to her feet, she temporarily deactivated her Byakugan. A chakra flare had overwhelmed her vision. Instinctively and unnecessarily, Hinata blinked several times. Hinata rose to her feet and noticed that her kunai holster had been torn away.
"At least my skin wasn't broken." She whispered. Hinata was about to reactivate her bloodline limit when a figure appeared in the doorway. The Hyūga heiress did not trust her standard vision and activated her Byakugan. The figure disappeared from her enhanced vision. "What is this?"
Hinata returned to her normal vision and the figure returned. The man nodded slightly at Hinata and continued down the hallway. "I haven't been attacked by the creature again."
Hinata ran from the room and looked down the hall. The armored mystery turned and entered another room. Hinata felt a subconscious call to follow the apparition and fearing a genjutsu attempted to dispel the feeling.
Nothing happened. This is not natural! Hinata's rational mind did not want to head in the direction of the mystery individual. Unfortunately, there was no alternative path.
Naruto-kun, I hope you are alright! She thought as she took off down the hall. The door separating the hallway from the stairwell shut moments before Hinata could enter. One of the vicious tentacles erupted from the wall and Hinata narrowly dodged the assault. Hinata's Byakugan was active and she instantly transitioned her roll into a Jūken stance. She found she could only stare at the shimmering chakra barrier holding the creature's flailing appendages at bay. The rippling beauty of the barrier was undeniably out of place in the hellish false castle.
Hinata deactivated her Byakugan. The figure was standing where the barrier had been. Hinata had no idea what the man was. She could not see him with her Byakugan, which was impossible. The impossibility pointed to the rear of the room. Hinata saw the masses of bookshelves. There was no instinctive draw to the books. However, a small desk in the very rear of the room called to her. Hinata opened the first scroll she found.
"The final testament of Kubisaki Gosa…"
Neji smirked as Lee gestured wildly and recounted their C-rank mission. It wasn't the long term C-rank Naruto or Hinata-sama had received, but the mission had taken Neji beyond the walls of Konoha. When Neji was beyond the walls, he could pretend that he wasn't branded. Neji could forget the chains that bound him to the Main House.
One day, the Seal will be gone. It will be the nameless shame of the unified Hyūga Clan.
"Neji-san! I must commend your actions during our mission! It was inspiring to see the skill of a genius tempered by the flames of hard work!" Lee flashed a thumbs-up at his teammate and friend.
"Thank you Lee." Neji nodded politely. The Hyūga genius considered his eccentric teammate a friend, but could only stand him in short bursts. Team Guy continued through the streets of Konoha. It was Lee's turn to choose the post mission restaurant. Neji just hoped they weren't going for curry. He sighed at the thought of suffering through all that spicy food. Suddenly, Neji saw something that made the thought of Lee's favorite food downright appealing.
"Ah, Neji-san! It is good to see that you have returned from a successful mission." Neji carefully hid his emotions as Hyūga Yuudai approached.
"Good afternoon, Yuudai-sama. It is good to be back in Konoha." Tenten and Lee fought off a frown. They had spent enough time around Neji to recognize when their comrade's tone was forced.
Yuudai either did not realize the false politeness or ignored it. "Indeed. Neji-san, has Hinata-sama returned from her mission?"
"No. Hinata-sama and Uzumaki-san have not returned from their C-rank mission." Neji's eyes hardened for a fraction of a second.
"Unfortunate. I must admit that I am… uneasy about entrusting Hinata-sama's safety with one such as Uzumaki." The Hyūga Chunnin confessed.
"Your unease is misplaced, Yuudai-sama. Hinata-sama is an exceptional kunoichi and Naruto-san had dedicated himself fully to protecting Hinata-sama." Neji's tone did not change, but his choice of words made his opinion abundantly clear.
"I believe that your familiarity with the Clan's Ward has a negative effect on your objectivity." The older Hyūga adopted an icy tone.
"I must respectfully disagree, Yuudai-sama. My familiarity with Naruto-san has convinced me that there would be no length Naruto-san would not travel to protect Hinata-sama. I dare say, Hinata-sama had a bond of trust with Naruto-san that no one could equal." Lee smiled at Neji's defense of his cousin and friend's l relationship. The smile disappeared when Lee noticed a twitch in Yuudai's hand. Yuudai appeared to be on the verge of forming a hand seal.
"Tenten, do you recall our B-rank border patrol mission from last year?" The green clad youth asked loudly.
"Huh? Oh, you mean the one where we fought the Jōmae Ninja?" Tenten wondered why Lee would bring up that mission so suddenly.
"Yes, that was a most youthful mission. I will never cease to be amazed at how you interrupted the Jōmae Chunnin's jutsu by pinning his hand to a tree with a kunai. That throw must have been from twenty yards away through a raging battle."
"I never miss." Tenten said proudly. What are you getting at Lee?
"That is true! Your accuracy and power are simply amazing. I wonder what would happen if the throw had been only a few feet away instead of yards. I dare say that your target would likely never be able to use hand seals again. I sometimes envy you. I must be exceedingly close to disrupt hand seals; usually within arm's reach." Lee rambled on.
Yuudai grunted. "Thank you for your time, Neji-san." The main branch Hyūga turned and stormed off.
Neji watched Yuudai make his way through the crowd. "Thank you Lee."
"You are my comrade, Neji. I believe I have changed my mind. I am no longer in the mood for curry. I have the sudden urge for barbeque." Lee put his hand on Neji's shoulder.
"What just happened? Guys! You can't keep me out of the loop like this!" Tenten jogged off after her teammates.
Perhaps, I can bear a few more speeches on the 'Power of Youth'. Neji grinned.
Naruto was down to three Shadow Clones. The 'Castle' was seemingly throwing everything it had at the Konoha Genin. Every time Naruto tried to replenish his Shadow Clones, the Castle would attack with dozens of tentacles or a giant snapping jaw.
Can it sense the Fox? I've never heard of anything with the ability to do that.
A Clone cut a tentacle that was striking from the ceiling. "We're almost to the top of the stairs!"
Naruto only response was to stab at a writhing tongue with one of his kunai. The stairwell howled in pain and the walls became flesh.
"Acid!" The clone further down the stairs shouted before dispelling. Naruto and the two surviving Shadow Clones poured every bit of energy they had left into running up the stairs. The lead Clone made it through the door right before it ceased to exist.
"Shit! Sorry clone…" Naruto quickly executed a Body Replacement with the Clone that escaped the stairwell. The lights flickered and Naruto saw another stairwell. "The halls are getting narrower and there are more corners… I must be approaching the keep."
The sound of boots striking the stone floor filtered around the corner. Naruto contained his surprise well as four suits of armor carrying short swords marched around the corner.
Tight formation. Naruto thought as he attached an explosive tag to his last kunai. He leapt backwards as he through the kunai. The undead armor advanced; oblivious to the explosive tag. Naruto smiled for the first time since Team Four entered this nightmare. The explosion incapacitated each of the armored dead. Naruto didn't spare them a second look. He sprinted forward; determined to make as much progress as he could before the castle could recover.
"I hope everyone is alright…" Naruto thought out loud.
The lingering spirit of Kubisaki Gosa led Hinata towards the keep. Hinata was by no means comfortable following the ghost of a man who had waged war against her country. However, the Castle had yet to make any aggressive moves against her when Kubisaki was nearby. Eventually, Hinata reached a pristine room. There was a shrine housing a massive scroll.
"The Summoning Contract." Hinata whispered.
"MY PURPOSE REMAINS. YOU WILL NOT THREATEN MY PURPOSE!" The shrine was slowly subverted. Hinata watched as Kubisaki Gosa strained to fight back the summoned creature's influence. The room lengthened and the stone walls became organic. Hinata was forced to dodge several fleshy appendages that erupted from both the ceiling and the walls.
"Hinata-chan!" Hinata rolled away from thrashing tentacle. Her heart soared and a fresh wave of confidence flowed over her.
" Naruto-kun!" Naruto's relief at hearing Hinata's voice was evident even from the distance separating them.
Kubisaki's spirit flashed Hinata a glance that seemed to say; Keep moving! The Hyūga heiress nodded at Naruto and Kubisaki and took off running towards the contract.
Naruto threw a brace of shuriken at a tongue that had just exploded from the wall. I have to keep them away from Hinata-chan! He was in the process of drawing another handful of shuriken when the entire castle shook. The organic material withered in several places.
"Now's your chance, Hinata-chan!" Naruto roared.
Hinata pushed her exhaustion aside and finally arrived at the shrine. Hinata reached for the summoning contract. She managed to get a hand on the ancient scroll before a fanged maw grew from the wall. It snapped at Hinata and knocked the contract from her grip. The contract rolled open after impacting against the wall. Hinata grimaced as she grabbed her arm. One of the teeth had cut her. The spirit of Kubisaki Gosa stood over her.
Sign it. Release it. The basic thoughts of the ghost seemed to echo in the Hyūga's mind.
It's the only way. Hinata did not hesitate and quickly became the first signatory of the Chameleon Contract from outside the Kubisaki Clan. Hinata tensed when Kubisaki Gosa placed his hand on her shoulder. Her hands went through a series of hand seals on their own volition.
"Release!" Hinata cried out in a voice not her own. She used a massive amount of her own chakra and a foreign chakra that could only belong to Kubisaki Gosa.
Thank you. The lingering portion of the ancient Castellan whispered before fading into nothingness. Hinata swayed as the full strain of releasing such a massive summon and her possession hit her.
"Hinata!" Naruto managed to catch his teammate before she collapsed. A flash of light engulfed the two Konoha ninja. The light receded and Naruto blinked away the after effects. Naruto released a breath he didn't realize he was holding when the blond Genin saw Hinata was breathing normally.
"Yuji-sensei! Kiba! Akamaru!" Naruto called out. Akamaru barked and led the rest of Team Four to Naruto's location.
"Naruto! How badly are you hurt?" Wantanabe asked.
"Not too bad. Just some bruising. Hinata's unconscious! I think its chakra exhaustion!"
You are controlling your fear well, Naruto. "We have to get back to Konoha as soon as possible."
"Then we should leave right away! You're hurt, Kiba and Hinata are both unconscious!" Naruto started to pick up Hinata.
"No." Yuji held up his hand to halt Naruto's imminent outburst. "None of us are in any condition to move. Help me set up the tents. Kiba-kun is already stirring. We will move out soon, but not a moment before we are ready. Do you understand, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto nodded. "I understand sir."
I will do whatever it takes to bring everyone home. I swear it. Naruto promised as he looked into the night.
Author's Notes: Here we go! Chapter 14!
You guys are amazing. Seriously, I've never had a chapter with such a strong response. 25 Reviews for Chapter 13 alone and over 40 new reviews total! I also lost count of new favorites and alerts. Thank you all! My fragile sense of self worth has really been reinforced! :D Please keep up the response! It really helps me craft this story! Especially the constructive reviews!
Speaking of: To everyone I sent a Review Response to, I hope you received the messages and they explained and or addressed the issues you mentioned.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you again!