I'M TORN…I am completely torn. My readers have divided into team Itachi and Team Sasuke. Lol. I think that's the consequence of writing an ItaHinaSasu fanfic. Oh…and I enjoyed the reviews guys! I love it.
Tamani: Thanks for the correction for the last chap! I already changed it. Oh…and I agree with you. I have a feeling that Kishi is foreshadowing something about Hinata. I mean…what the hell…she's the only one that always on side view. And hey, she was Kishi's fav. Character after all. I guess he's going to give her some extra spot light for the last movie. (Do you think they will show Kakashi's face before they end Naruto? I hope so.)
Twins White Cat: You are actually right about Hinata's Byakugan. She can see things like an x-ray vision or something…at least that's what I read in Narutopedia. I also believe that aside from chakra, she could see non living things like walls or stone, only it was like watching a black and white or the negative of a film—unlike living things which she can see in color depending on the chakra. Naruto for example is orange. (Like one of the episodes in the anime where she saw Naruto and Sasuke smiling when they were kilometers away)…thank you for asking!
KIbachow: I agree. The Uchiha brothers are both hot…If I'm on Hina's place, I honestly doesn't know who to pick. Lol
RyoPyoturtle: I love you too. *wink
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
-o-o-o-
Chapter Twenty One
Hinata eyed the back of the Uchiha who was on the lead as they tree hopped. The sun was high above their heads and Hinata wondered if it was already noon. They have been traveling for hours now, for they have started very early. They are on their way to another hideout which was two days time away from their last one—or at least, that's what they told her.
"Hey Hinata…you looked…occupied." Kisame matched her pace, wanting to share a few conversations as they travelled. The ex-mist Shinobi was quite a talker, and Hinata learned how to humor him as the time goes by. It was not really a problem on her part, for she was a good listener and Kisame was actually one of her favored person in the Akatsuki. They quite developed some sort of camaraderie after spending months together in training. To be honest, there are times that she forgets he's a criminal…and genuinely treats him like an older brother.
But right now, she really doesn't want to talk or engage herself in a chat
As she absent mindedly listened to Kisame's words—for the shark man was relaying some of his thoughts about Deidara's 'art craziness', Hinata's own thoughts drifted back to her last night's discovery. A discovery that left her puzzled and to be honest—scared. The whole night she pondered upon it, disregarding sleep as her thoughts were filled with questions and theories.
Someone from Konoha was sending Itachi messages—and she suspected that they were sent to him in secret. The messenger hawk was carrying the Konoha insignia around its neck—which only means that whoever sends the message possessed a high rank political position in the leaf.
Usually, these hawks came directly from the Kage. They are used to send official reports, missions, and important files too dangerous to be sent by using land travel. But sometimes, council members used them too. These birds are trained to fly at their highest limits—so that they cannot be easily detected and tampered. They only swoop down or land when they see the subject of their delivery or the place where they were ordered to go.
But why was an Akatsuki, and an ex-Konohan Shinobi at that, was receiving these messages? It just doesn't make sense.
Unless Itachi Uchiha was a—
"Aw." Kisame groaned. "You're not listening!"
Hinata blinked. When she lolled her head to the side, she saw that Kisame looks like he was going to sulk. He was looking at her with narrowed eyes and pouty lips. Giggling a little, Hinata can't help but be amused at the man's antics. Sometimes, he just acts like a kid and she wondered how he could contain all those hatred inside him when he was naturally…easygoing.
"Kisame-Niisan." She gave him a weary smile. "Gomensai…I'm just thinking about something…Ano…It's about food. I'm hungry."
"Oh….Now that you're talking about it." The shark-man rubbed his belly. "I'm hungry too."
As if hearing their newly realized problem, Itachi stopped and waited for them until they caught up to him with a few leaps. "There's a small town not far from here. It's just outside of this forest. We can stop and replenish our supplies there for the next hideout."
"A town!" The tall shark man grinned. "I miss towns."
Hinata frowned and then suddenly looked aghast. Kisame saw her expression and he gave her a smile. "We are not going to attack a town Hinata. Don't worry…Akatsuki won't show you out yet." He patted the girl's head. "We doesn't always destroy places every time we passed by them you know. If we do that, Shinobi could track us down easily. We have money too. We can afford to buy."
"Oh…R-Right." Hinata released a weary breath. For a second, she thought she's going to be forced into something that she doesn't want."
That would have been…Troublesome.
Weirdly, thinking about Shikamaru's favorite word made her feel a little better. Hinata pushed her long hair away from her face. The wind was strong and they were going to the opposite direction where it was blowing, thus, it continued to push her hair back into her face.
Troublesome.
"But of course, we could always wait for travelers and threaten them until they give us money and food." Kisame added, a sly smile on his lips.
(f) Hinata's hands turned cold as she watched Itachi read the small parchment that he got from the messenger hawk. He read it fast. Giving the hawk a small pat on the head, he let it flew back into the dark sky as he crumpled the paper with his hand and dropped it to the ground.
Then burned it with his Amaterasu.
Observing everything while her heart was pounding like a hammer on wood, Hinata furrowed her brows as Itachi started to leave the small clearing. Maybe he was going back into the house now? For a moment, the Hyuga was tempted to deactivate her Byakugan and pretend that she was asleep just like everyone would expect her to.
But when she saw Itachi take a different turn, she figured that she could stalk him a little longer.
He walked deeper into the forest and stopped when he reached a small spring—the very spring where he brought her a few months ago when she was badly wounded by Kakuzu's harsh training. Raising an eyebrow, Hinata wondered what Uchiha Itachi was up to.
Then she saw the Akatsuki removed his cloak and dropped it on the grass…then his netted shirt followed—revealing a well toned upper torso. He was not the typical bulky man like most of the Akatsuki members…and he was smaller in size compared to Kisame and Kakuzu.
But the guy's body was fit to perfection—all muscles in the right places.
Hinata's cheeks heated and her left hand rose up to give herself a forehead smack when she realized that she just crossed the line. If she continued using her Byakugan on Itachi, she was not stalking him anymore…she would be peeping.
He was obviously in for a night swim.
Hinata deactivated her Byakugan, collapsed back onto the bed, and pulled the covers up until it covered her face all the while feeling foolish. Sometimes, she forgets that these people were even human to do things like a normal person would do.
And sometimes…not everything is what it looks like to at first glance. (f)
-o-
Tsunade leaned back on her chair, eyes on the two Anbu kneeling in front of her desk. She both summoned them, wanting to give a few instructions for an A-class that mission that she ordered them to do. She personally handpicked these two, believing that they are qualified and dependable enough to do what she asks.
It's a peace mission to Kirikagure—the land of the bloody mist—and it needed to be done perfectly. After all, Konoha's peace depends on this one and one wrong decision made by both sides could result into failure and utter chaos.
That's why they have to be very, very careful.
"Protect this task with your life." She told them, voice serious and eyes sharp. "I did not place you in Anbu for nothing. If there's any hindrance on the way…take it down." Tsunade knew that she sounded like an evil old hag but she doesn't care. This is a peace mission and whoever wants to hinder or mess with it is surely an enemy. "Bring this to Kiri safely." She placed a simple brown scroll on the desk. It has the Konoha's insignia marked on it. "But I want both of you to make sure that before giving this to the Mizukage, know her terms and clarify everything about the said pact. Mei Terumi is wise and cunning…and though I say she's honorable, we can never be sure."
"Hai. Hokage-sama." Both Anbu answered in unison.
"And on your way to Kiri. You're going to pass by a small town under the leadership of a daimyo. I will give you a map for that, since there are a lot of small towns outside the Shinobi villages. "Tsunade pulled out a file and placed it beside the scroll. "Give this to the Daimyo. No need to know what's inside that."
"Hai."
"You may now leave." The Kage waved her hand. "And I want you two to be careful. You hear?"
Just as the two Anbu disappeared from the Hokage's view, she heard a soft knock on the door. Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance. She honestly preferred to face people whom she has summoned personally, not with those that just requested to see her.
Well…except for a few exempted people whom she's fond of, because usually, an unexpected visit only means one thing—problems.
And problems she hate.
"What?" She asked, her voice a little harsh-sounding.
"Lady Tsunade…" It's one of the Shinobi guards outside her office. "It's the Hyuga Heiress…Lady Hanabi."
-o-o-o-
"Y-you want me to take the cloak off?" Hinata asked, looking at her own Akatsuki cloak. She was a little hesitant because inside of it, she wore nothing but a black sleeveless shirt topped with a large netted one—which was quite a little revealing for her taste. She was used on wearing loose clothes with long sleeves. Also, Konan only gave her two changes of clothes. One was the shirt and pants that she's wearing now; the other was a black long sleeved turtle neck shirt and black loose shorts.
Unfortunately, the black turtle neck shirt was destroyed after her little sparring session with Kakuzu a few months ago.
If only she has no issues with sleeveless shirts…
"We can't go inside the town wearing Akatsuki cloaks." Itachi told her.
"Yeah Hinata-chan...You need to disguise yourself…This is a faraway place from Konoha and a Hyuga like you would surely rouse suspicions." Kisame added. "You go with Itachi and replenish our supplies. I'll stay here in the forest to watch for anything fishy." Pausing a little, Kisame's eyes widened as he realized his own words. "Fishy…haha. You got that? I said fishy."
"But…my eyes, everyone would know that I'm a Hyuga because of my white eyes." She reasoned.
Itachi answered her question by holding her elbow and pulled her to him. He then pulled something out from his pocket. It was a white cloth. Turning her gently so that her back was to him, he raised her hair up and began to wrap half of her head, covering her eyes.
When his hand touched the nape of her neck, Hinata unconsciously shuddered.
"You can see even with covered eyes if your Byakugan is activated." Itachi told her as he continued to wrap the bandage around her head. "Pretend that you're blind."
"Oh." Hinata focused her chakra on her eyes and activated her Byakugan. When Itachi was finished with her, he untied his hair and removed his own cloak to reveal that he was wearing a black high collared shirt and simple loose pants. He also untied the forehead protector from his forehead, giving it to Kisame. Then, he picked up a katana from one of their packs and slung it onto his back. Turning to her, he tugged at the large cloak she was wearing. "Take it off."
The town was small but it was filled with people. When they entered the town gates, Itachi took her arm and guided her—giving the impression that she really was blind. But of course she can see everything. Her Byakugan could see kilometers away in a perfect circle around her and even through walls and stones. She could even see Kisame sitting above a tree branch, waiting for them in the forest.
As they passed by the townsmen, she noticed that all eyes were on them. Young girls and women were giggling and gawking at them—or to be exact—at Itachi. It continued that way until they were in the middle of the town where the crowd was at its thickest.
If only they knew who they really are…A genius mass murderer and a missing Hyuga heiress.
"Itachi-san…I see a small market place just behind that corner." She said softly, too much aware that one of his arms has crept around her waist. She knew it was just a play…a friendly gesture for a poor blind girl—but still—she can't help but feel a little timid. "W-we can get food there."
"Hn."
When they reached the said marketplace, Hinata felt Itachi's arm loosened around her waist. They stopped at some kind of food booth and he made her sit on one of the chairs inside. The booth was half empty and she was glad that it was.
The smell of homemade foods made her mouth water. It has been a long time since she ate proper food. All they gave her back at the hideout where food pills, gruel, and fruits they could find in the forest. Meat is a rare treat.
She wondered if Itachi felt that way too.
"Stay here. I'll be the one to look for the other supplies." He told her. "You can eat while you wait for me. Buy us food too." He gestured at the small girl who looks like she was a waitress. She hurriedly scurried to where they are and gave them a little bow. "You're going to be in charge of our food supply."
"H-hai." Hinata blinked— for this side of Uchiha Itachi she still hasn't seen. Usually, the man was cool and his aura like liquid ice. But this time, if one would look closely like she does, he's like a normal person. Not a Shinobi…not an Akatsuki…
Just a regular person.
The stoic facade was still there and the aura of placidness, It's just that without his cloak and the forehead protector—which marks him as an Akatsuki—he was different.
"What would you like to eat? We serve the best curry and beef stew." The young girl stated and her eyes were on Itachi. Hinata knew that she was smitten. She can tell…she knew that look.
"Serve her what she want." The Uchiha pulled out a money pouch from his pocket and handed some coins to the girl. "She's blind so I ask of you to take care of her for me until I get back."
"H-hai." The girl was blushing as she nodded her pretty little head. "I'll take care of her for y-you sir."
"Arigatou."
When Itachi left, Hinata followed him with her Byakugan. She saw him stopped on a shop, which looks like a textile and a clothing store. Was he planning on buying new clothes?
"Are you blind miss?"
Hinata focused her attention to the girl. "Hai."
"Oh…" The young girl nodded her head understandingly. "What a pity you can't see your companion's face…ano…is he your husband?"
"A friend."
"Oh." The girl suddenly lightened up and her face became friendlier. Hinata wondered if she looked like that when someone mentioned anything about Naruto in the past. She's just a little more reserved…she guess. "Uhm…so you want some beef stew? It's divine I tell you miss."
Hinata let out a small smile. "That would be nice…Arigatou…Oh, can you pack some food for me too? I'm going to take them with me after I eat. We are travelers…"
"Sure miss….I could add some fresh bread and cheese if you want, and a few others. Your friend gave more than enough money."
-o-o-o-
Hyuga Hanabi seated herself comfortably when the Hokage gestured for her to do so. She knew her presence was unwanted—for the Kage was giving off vibes of annoyance. She was not affected though, because everyone was used to the great sannin's 'gruff' personality and it was not a new thing.
Tsunade scrutinized the young Hyuga who was now the newly proclaimed heir. Personally, she prefers the older sister compared to this one. This young Hyuga may be stronger and skilled naturally compared to Hinata, but Tsunade doesn't like the way the young girl carries herself with too much fair and confidence.
The girl knew that she's high ranking now and she's not afraid to flaunt it.
Hinata on the other hand was more gentle and humble…and the confidence that she lacks has been developed too much in the personality of Hyuga Hanabi. Grimacing mentally, Tsunade wondered how many arguments would rise up between her and this kid when she becomes her clan's head.
"Congratulations to the new heiress." Tsunade said, not really meaning it.
"Arigatou, Lady Tsunade." Hanabi responded, clicking her nails on the wooden arm chair. "I came to see you to discuss something about my sister."
Straight to the point. Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What about her?"
"It's been a year since Konoha gave up on her." Hanabi watched as the Kage's eyes narrowed. "And even though we all know the reason why she joined Akatsuki, we cannot deny the fact that she's still a threat now since she is considered as one of them."
"I put her name on the bingo book but that doesn't mean I'm not going to accept her back when she returns."
"I know…but the Hyuga clan…my clan…won't accept her back, Tsunade-sama…and its better that she doesn't come back at all."
-o-
Hinata smiled inwardly as she savored the soup with relish. It's been too long since she was given this kind of luxury and it just made her happy. She knew it was just a little thing, but when you stayed for almost a year inside caves and old houses in the middle of the forest, things like delicious food could lighten you up.
Besides…this town reminds her of Konoha.
Feeling a sudden pang of homesickness, Hinata sighed and leaned back on the chair. On her lap was a large brown bag filled with food. The young girl earlier helped her filled it with soup, bread, and other preferred edibles that could last for a few days. It should be enough until they reach the next hideout…she guessed. Kisame's appetite was quite unpredictable.
Hinata deactivated her Byakugan, feeling a little tired. Itachi would come back anytime soon and she figured she could rest her eyes for a bit while she waited. Nibbling on a few cakes, she began to run a few things inside her head.
Konoha's messenger hawk.
Uchiha Itachi.
Akatsuki.
Why would anyone in the leaf contact an Akatsuki? Not to mention that it was the very same person who exterminated the most powerful clan there in just one night? … The very same person who put a jutsu inside his own brother and forced her into joining the organization?
Is there a traitor back in Konoha? Sending valuable information that could be used against the village?
No…Hinata shook her head mentally. If it's a traitor, the bird should not have the leaf symbol on it. Leaf symbols are just used for nins that were still pledge to the village. It's only for loyal Shinobi and mostly used in giving mission orders.
Hinata chewed her lip.
"No! Please no!"
A scream of plea and fear pulled Hinata out from her thoughts. Activating her Byakugan, she saw that there was a group of men huddled around a girl—the very same girl that helped her with the food. She was pulling something back from the man who was smiling evilly.
"Oh…you're feisty."
"Please…It's the money from the food. It's for my family…please don't take them."
The man who looks like he's in charge, exchanged glances with his other companions. "D'you hear that fellas? Her family needs money." He suddenly pushed the girl into the counter, trapping her there using his body. "Let's make a deal…I will let you have the money…if you give me what I want."
The men snickered and people inside the booth began to walked out fearfully, not wanting to be tangled with the mess that was about to come. Hinata guessed that this occurrence was not a rare one in this town. It looks like locals feared these guys.
"It's just a simple job…which would be a pleasure to you too if you put your mind into it." The man jeered, running his stubby looking fingers on the girl's neck.
The young girl whimpered.
"Leave her alone." Hinata called out before she could stop herself.
The man stopped antagonizing the young girl and focused his attention at her. "And who's this?" There are seven of them, she mentally counted…all bulky and evil-looking. In the past, she might have feared them by their looks alone—but after spending a year with the most dangerous rebels the Shinobi world has ever known—Hinata did not even flinched.
The only problem was, she was trying to keep a low profile.
The man shoved the young girl away from him and covered the distance between them with heavy stomps. "Oh…" He touched the bandage on her eyes and Hinata swatted his hand away—garnering a few snickers from the group. "A brave blind girl eh?"
"Please return the money back to the girl." She calmly said. "It doesn't belong to you."
"What if I don't, what can you do?" The man taunted, eyeing her netted shirt. "You've got a nice little body for a blind girl though…such large b—"
The man's hand shot forward in a grabbing motion, intending to reach for Hinata's chest. She back stepped, wanting to avoid the vile touch. She could break his wrist if she wants to—but her mind was telling her it's a bad idea. If they were recognized…she knew Itachi and Kisame won't hesitate to burn down this small town.
She doesn't want that.
Taking another step backwards, she froze when she felt someone standing behind her. Her Byakugan was too focused on what's happening on her front that she failed to be on guard for her back. The man's intention of grabbing for her chest was enough to distract her like a stupid moth on fire.
Though a second later, she identified who the man behind her was—His powerful reddish black chakra was enough for her to recognize him.
The man suddenly yelped in pain as Itachi grabbed his hand before he could touch her, twisting it on the process. The crisp sound of breaking bones filled her ears as the said man cried in agony. His other companions watched in shock but regained their senses after he was released—writhing in pain and mouth full of curses. They stood frozen though, for their eyes were staring straight into bright, red ones.
The men fell into the ground in an unconscious heap—making Hinata wonder if they were dead. She hoped not. No matter who it was, death was still foul and Hinata doesn't really like the idea of killing. No…she would never like it as long as she lived.
The young girl who was watching everything in a corner whimpered and her shoulders were shaking from terror. With a quick glance from the sharingan user, she too fell unconscious and slumped on the ground next to the men who tried to abuse her.
Hinata would have helped the girl… if not for the forehead protector that was sticking out from one the men's pocket. Shinobi…these bullies are Shinobi?
Without a word, Itachi took the Hyuga's hand on his own—pulling her with him.
-o-o-o-
This chapter is like a bridge for a bigger scene I have in mind…but I still would love it if you could take time to review. (Puppy eyes*)
Shout outs to: galaxy, fiavixen2196, Sabie0521, and Doddlehead
-crazygurl12