Just something that I thought up while in the vortex called Youtube.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™
(Line Break)
Hinata kept pushing herself harder as she followed behind her team. It was bad enough that she had the use of her left arm, but now she was suffering from the blood loss. Every part of her pushed more chakra to follow, but she kept falling behind them. Her eyes burned from using her Byakugan for so long, but luckily that Akamaru caught the scent and allowed her to rest her eyes. The more she pushed the harder she knew she was going to fall once she finally gave out. Without any sort of warning, she felt her head get a bit lighter and her own hearing seemed to fade. She stopped on one of the branches in the tall trees and staggered a bit to keep her balance. She held her arm tight as another wave of pain shot through her, but what bothered her was that her vision was getting worse. Hinata finally let her dizziness take over as she fell down to a knee and took in a ragged breath. Hinata cursed herself for being so weak; she should be able to carry on like any other ninja, but she had always been the weakest of her peers.
"C-Come on," she said to herself as she tried to get to her feet. "I-I have t-to help…" she was practically out of breath by the time she stood back up. Hinata let her eyesight refocus and continued on her journey. She was too far behind to actually be able to catch up in her condition. She did not want to burden them with needing to come back to look for her. Hinata stopped at another branch and leaned against the trunk. The options were to give up or push on, but each one was just as foolish. Her team may not need her in strength, but her eyes. Hinata used her good arm and reached into her pouch and pulled out three soldier pills. She quickly popped them into her mouth and with a new found chakra, continued on again. They could only last for so long, but she could make it back before she needed more.
"Hinata," Kiba smiled when he saw the girl catch up. "I'm glad nothing happened to you; I was about five more seconds away from going back for you."
"Th-Thank you, K-Kiba-kun," she said with a light smile and held her arm a bit tighter to stop the bleeding. He frowned a bit. "I-I'm f-fine," she forced a smile since she knew he was growing concerned for her arm. "C-Come on, I-I bet Akamaru i-is worried about you." Hinata jumped on ahead, and didn't bother to look back to see if he was following. She didn't want him to be worried about her when they had other things to take care of.
Like Naruto.
Her blonde haired hero had run into a chase when what was left of Team 7 had caught sight and sound of their beloved teammate. Without another second of hesitation, the two had taken off. Hinata was quick to follow with her Byakugan and Kiba got the okay from Shino to go on ahead with her. Hinata was able to guide the two in following the group, but she had an issue when it came to another female shinobi that traveled with the Uchiha; Hinata just knew that she was much better at tracking and not being tracked. She was able to following the darkest of the four man group. She could see that he was trying to keep his chakra signature low, but there was no way that even a Kage could be able to hide chakra so dark.
Hinata had gotten them as far as she could and then some more. Kiba had noticed that she was getting slower and it looked that she was about ready to cry tears of blood from so much use. He swooped in with Akamaru and caught the scent of sea water; it was a lucky break since they were in the middle of the forest and there was no way that the ocean did not belong to the swordsman of the group. Hinata let her eyes only rest for the moment, but was quick to keep the dark male in her sites. That was about when she suffered a bad blow from a red headed girl and the dark male that stopped to push them back. Naruto and Sakura had forced them back on the run, but not without their own injuries. Hinata had taken a hard blow to the arm.
She smiled when she began to catch up with them but kept her distance back. There was something about the two that made Hinata keep away from them. She wanted to help Naruto, but the tension between him and his teammate almost was enough to choke Hinata to death. She activated her Byakugan again and spoke in the strongest voice she could must at the moment. "Th-They are slowing d-down."
It seemed that the two heard her. "Good." Sakura smiled to Naruto, "I'm ready to drag him back home and knock some sense into the rest of his little group."
"You just leave Sasuke-teme to me." Naruto smiled and gave his thumbs up. Sakura only smirked and rolled her eyes. Naruto glanced back and saw Hinata still following the group with her eyes. "Thanks Hinata. You can count on me not to let all your work go to waste." Hinata blushed lightly and tried to say something back, but she was too nervous and too out of breath. He seemed to be used to her silence and looked no ahead. "Once we get him back, I'll take everyone out for ramen."
"How about we all go to a hot spring?" Kiba said with a smile and Akamaru barked. "You can pay for that instead Naruto." The blonde only laughed a bit and the four went on like they were not about to face the most wanted man in all the elemental nations. Hinata took in deep breaths and reached into her back pouch for more soldier pills; she knew she was going to need more to even get through the fight. It was like this was what all her training was for; to get everyone out of this alive was her only concern. She looked to her other four teammates (counting the dog she had known since she was little) and smiled at the thought of them all walking away with the traitor in hand. Hinata began to push on ahead as she saw that they seemed to stop; she quickly stopped and the others stopped behind her. "What's up Hinata?"
"They…They h-have stopped r-running," she looked back at them. "I-I think th-they are ready f-for a battle."
"Good," Naruto smiled and held up his fist, "Time I knock some sense into that Teme!" He ran on ahead before the others could stop him. Hinata began to panic and once again acted as brash as Naruto by following the boy into battle. She was almost as stupid as him. Hinata felt her throat tighten as she felt the dark chakra practically force her to hunch over. Hinata was shocked when she came face to face with the source of the chakra. She was caught looking into his deep and dull orange eyes. He was staring back at her, but not with the glare she expected, but with something she thought very odd. He was looking at her like she was some sort of masterpiece; his eyes traveled up and down her body, but not in the way that an opponent would size up an enemy, but as the way that a man would look at a…attractive woman. Hinata felt her face heat up red when he looked right into her eyes. Hinata was only brought back when Sakura landed at her side and Akamaru began to growl at the group.
"Glad to see that you all came to die." Suigestu smirked as he put his sword on his shoulder to hold it up. "Never thought I'd get to kill someone so famous."
"We'll see about that," Naruto smirked and got in an offensive position. The others followed suit.
Sasuke looked them all over. He knew them all by name, first and last, and even knew them from personal memories of his child hood and pre-teen life. He was annoyed by Konoha and its shinobi; they always got in his way. He let his eyes linger on the two females of the group. He may never admit to it, but Sasuke was not much of a man that fought woman; they were rather pathetic and not worth an ounce of chakra. He knew that Karin would take care of them and would allow him to rid of the blonde haired pest. "I do not want to be followed anymore."
"Dead?" Suigestu asked with a bit of hope.
"I do not care."
"Perfect." It did not take long for Suigestu and Karin to jump into the fight. Hinata was not surprised that Sakura was quick to go after Karin; a very deadly cat fight was about to unfold. Kiba was targeted by Suigestu, and Hinata was glad that he had Akamaru to aid him. Hinata was smarter than her peers thought of her. When she saw Naruto go for Sasuke; she knew who was left for her. Hinata looked back over and saw that the male has yet to move. Hinata activated her Byakugan and watched his chakra surge through him violently. Hinata knew that if she could hit the right points, she could keep herself safe from the chakra. She took in a deep breath and with a quick step; she was before the male and struck him right by the collar bone. It was hard enough to send him back, and she followed him down to the ground.
Hinata was surprised and tense when he had yet to do anything. Hinata used her chakra again and moved so that she landed on the next branch. She watched as he continued to fall. Hinata looked back up and saw the others fighting. Something did not feel right, and she was glad she caught it before it broke her legs. She jumped away as the male was now on her branch and looked to have darkened in skin tone. He was closer to the trunk than her; they both noticed and he punched the branch, breaking it. Hinata jumped up and grabbed onto another branch and pulled herself up with her only good arm. She was half way up until he pulled her the rest of the way. Hinata tried to kick him and be released, but his skin seemed to be thicker at the moment. She cried out when he grabbed her injured arm and crushed it a bit more. "I want you to stop fighting me." Hinata looked at him with wide eyes at the calmness of his voice. "I don't want to hurt you more than you already are."
"I-I have t-to!" Hinata got her useable arm out of his grasp and punched him in the jaw. It wasn't really her fighting style, but she needed brute strength to fight him. It was not her preferred fight, but she was not able to choose her battles. Hinata backed away from them as she held onto her now broken forearm; her vision was getting blurry again and her stance was sloppy. He was quick to notice her stumbling and tried to reach out for her, but she stepped away from them. There were a few more soldier pills that she had, but she did not want to let go of her arm because of the pain. He tried again to take her, but she took another step back. This time, she stumbled a bit to the left and fell. Hinata brought the last of her chakra and grabbed on to another branch. Her bad arm left to dangle and pain shot through her nerves. Hinata bit back the need to cry in pain. She tried to pull herself up so that she could at least lie on the branch, but there was no strength left in her body and no way to reach her pills. She was about to let herself black out so that her fall would not be so bad. Hinata felt her heart beat try to pump more blood into her body and any chakra she had to keep her alive, but there was nothing left for her. With the final sounds of her friends fighting, she allowed herself to black out.
Her grip loosened its hold.
(Line Break)
Hinata groaned as she felt the grass beneath her hands, but the pain she expected never came. Hinata let her eyes slowly open up to the low lights of the setting sun. Hinata wondered where she was. Hinata allowed her good arm to move and moved to grab her other arm, which had put up into a sling and wrapped up tight. Now, she knew something had to be wrong since she had never done that. She was about to get to her feet and run until she tried to stand and was just sent back to the ground. She winced when she was left to land on her bad arm and she rolled to lie on her back. Hinata took in raspy breaths as to try and ease her pain, but nothing worked.
"You are very lucky Hyuga," Hinata craned her neck and looked to the female voice of the red headed woman. She was sitting with her back against the tree and putting away a medical kit. Hinata put two and two together and figured out she was the medical specialist and had been the one to put her arm up in a sling. Hinata sat up and moved so that she could lean back against the tree. She looked down at her feet and saw they were tied and sealed; she gulped lightly when she figured out that she may be a hostage now. There was nothing worse than being the hostage; not only did she fail, but now she was the ace in the whole for her peers to fail. "I was about this close to putting you in a burlap sack and throwing you in the river." She fixed her glasses and glared at Hinata with red eyes. "You're nothing but dead weight."
"S-Sorry," Hinata said and looked back at her. "Let m-me go, a-and I w-will leave."
"Nice try," she smirked. "But I rather deal with a pathetic you than an angry Uchiha." Hinata moved so that her legs were tucked by her side and looked up into the trees. They blocked out the sky and only allowed even less than the little light allowed. She hoped that all her peers got away and that they were okay. "The others should be back soon, so I recommend that you keep that mouth of yours shut." Hinata nodded and like as if they had been cued on, the three males came back. Hinata could smell the water and saw the wet hair. She quickly looked to her lap when the taller and darker of the males came over to her and seemed to examining her arm. "Aw, Sasuke-kun," the girl pouted, "I thought you were going to bathe with me tonight."
"Karin," he shot her a glare, but it barley affected her as Hinata thought it should. She only glanced up at the male and he took a seat beside her. She let her hair fall over her shoulders so that the others could look at her. "Juugo," she felt the male beside her shift a bit. "You'll be the one in charge of lugging the Hyuga around. You wanted to keep her, you take care of her."
"Sasuke-kun," Hinata was surprised to hear a bit of concern in Karin's voice. She cleared her throat and sat back casually, "If we leave her completely in Juugo's care, the Hyuga will die before she can be worth anything."
"She's isn't worth anything to begin with." That one stung. The Uchiha stood and the others followed. Hinata covered her mouth to hold back a squeak when she was lifted up bridal style by Juugo. "If anything, her eyes could be of use."
"I bet she has a little more use than that." Suigestu said with a smirk and looked over the girl. "I can think of a few things." Hinata felt her face light up in flames and covered her face with her free hand. Suigestu laughed a bit. "I like her; I hope she lives long enough for some fun."
"Suigestu," Juugo said darkly. "Stop." It seemed that everyone felt the sudden tension. Hinata almost felt a bit safer from the others with him; he would keep all of them away, even the Uchiha. Hinata could almost feel the chakra running through him. Hinata slowly activated her Byakugan, but she saw another spike from Sasuke. She looked over and saw all the chakra in his eyes. He was trying to use Sharigan, and by the way his face was turned, he was trying to use it on her. It was too bad for him that Hinata could not see it, but only his chakra. "Please, before you anger him more." Hinata looked back to Juugo and with a few blinks, the chakra left her eyes. He looked so sincere; she wondered why he was so nice, yet so threatening.
"I know what good you will be Hyuga." Sasuke said as he walked over to her. She looked at him, but then quickly looked away. "You will lure the dobe to me so I can finally rid of him-"
"N-No," she said as she seemed to tremble a bit more. "H-He will not come f-for me, n-nor will he be allowed to."
"I think I know that idiot a little more than you do Hyuga." He smirked and walked off. "Come on, we have to find the Akatsuki."
Juugo stood there as the other three walked on and Hinata looked to Juugo. "Do not fret Hinata-chan," Hinata felt her face heat up. "I will not let Sasuke-sama harm you."
"Th-Thank you…J-Juugo-s-san." She did not like her current situation, but all she had left was the hope that Juugo could keep her promise and the Naruto would ignore her once again. But this time, it would not hurt her so bad.
(Line Break)
Neji slammed his fists on Tsunade's desk and glared at her. "How dare you allow that blonde haired moron to lead the heiress to the Hyuga clan out on a mission after the Uchiha-teme?" Tsunade felt her eye twitch as the Hyuga man continued to scold her and even curse at her. He was suddenly calmed down when he was pulled away by his teammates and was able to yell at the blonde he was speaking of. "You." Neji pointed accusingly, only making Naruto feel worse. "This is your fault. You had to be the hero. You just had to go after the Uchiha. A real leader would not abandon the original mission you were sent on for something that selfish. Now," he took in a deep breath to keep from yelling. "My cousin is out there, probably injured or worse." Neji pulled out of TenTen and Lee's grip. He just glared at Naruto. "I am here protector, but my orders are to stay here and help. Get her back." He left the room and they all cringed when the door slammed. TenTen and Lee just looked at them all.
"I'm really sorry about him," TenTen said as she put her hands up and bowed to them.
"Yes, Neji is usual much more relaxed and cool-headed." Lee gave a smile, but everyone knew he was forcing it.
"Don't worry about it," Naruto said as he looked to them and smiled. "He's right. I was supposed to be a leader, but I let my own feelings get in the way." The three looked at him with slight shock. "I will get Hinata back. No matter what." TenTen and Lee smiled. They gave him a good luck and went on their ways. Naruto took in a deep breath and then turned to Tsunade. "I guess you know why I'm here then Granny Tsunade."
"I do." She sat up in her seat and pushed some papers aside. "I want to see your little plan about this."
"Right." Naruto searched his back pouch and pulled out a scroll. He laughed nervously, "Sakura-chan helped me a bit on it." Tsunade only smiled a bit as she put on a pair of glasses and read over the detailed report of what had happened and what Naruto was going to do about it. She was usually a quick reader, but Naruto deserved to suffer a little for what he did. Tsunade knew the rookie nine a little bit better than they thought and she knew that the Hinata was out there she was greatly injured. She was so devoted to the idiot blonde that Tsunade feared she might just be dead. If it had been Sasuke they were after, she knew that he would go for the Hyuga last. The Uchiha brat was well-known for ignoring anyone that wasn't his rival Naruto or his brother Itachi. Tsunade's own student Sakura would have fought with the other medical expert, who Tsunade knew was another female after the Uchiha's attention. The more she read the more she feared. Hinata had looked to be left with the largest male of the group; the male that was rumored to have the energy of someone who had the curse seal. Only he was ten times worse. Tsunade sighed and put down the scroll. "You're not going to let me go, are you?"
"Does it really matter what I say?" Tsunade looked back up at him with a light smile. Naruto couldn't help but smile back. "I'll say no, and you will sneak out. I say yes, and you will leave this very minute." She sat back and took off her glasses. "I just want to warn you about something Naruto." She looked at him with seriousness. "If…If you find her dead, I want you to alert me so I can send out Blacks Ops, and I will also need the status on her eyes."
Naruto seemed a bit stiff. "Dead? Hinata is not dead. She's out there waiting for us to come and get her!"
"Naruto!" Tsunade stood up. She was not going to be yelled at again. He flinched back a bit. "You are going to listen to your Hokage. Do as I say. I hope she is alive Naruto, I really do. But what you did was idiotic and will get someone killed. I just hope that you learn before that happens." She turned away from him. "Your team will have Sakura, Shino, and Shikamaru. I know they are the ones that will keep a calm head. Shikamaru will be leading and you will follow his order."
"Yes."
"When you find her, she will need medical aid. Sakura will care to her and you three will protect until Hinata can be moved. She will be moved by either Shikamaru or Shino." Tsunade handed him his scrolls back and led him out of the room. "Whatever happens, you will not pursue the Uchiha."
"But-" Naruto was cut off as she pushed him out.
"I don't care if the Uchiha is right next to Hinata; do not go after him."
Naruto sighed as Tsunade closed the door and he was left outside. He turned away and began to walk away from the office. Don't worry Hinata-chan. I'm going to be your hero this time.
(Line Break)
Hinata listened as they all walked away from her. She let out a deep breath. "I-I need to get o-out," she whispered.
Hinata had been carried around from village to village with the group. They went off to get some business done; she was to be housed in this small cave to wait it out the matter of two days. Hinata rather have been left for dead. Once she knew that they were far enough away, she began to reach into her back pouch and the pulled out a dulled kunai and a paper tag. She then set the kunai and tag down and began to write in blood on the tag. She was able to replenish her chakra naturally and now had enough to spare. She placed the blade of the kunai between her teeth and bit down and she wrapped the tag around the handle and then grabbed it again. Her hurt arm was becoming a draw-back but at least that it was healing. She took the kunai in her hand and smiled brightly as she summoned her chakra to the blade and was no able to cut at her rope on her legs. She activated her Byakugan.
Hinata had to give the Uchiha credit and the tag that he made. With a simple push of chakra that any Hyuga could perform from their ankles, it would cause the tag to explode. She saw that the tag had certain sweet-spots that would make it easier to release from. She used the kunai to push each spot that the actual blade to cut through the rope. She quickly pulled apart with the final jab. She tossed the kunai away and got up and started running. With her Byakugan active, she could see sets of travelers moving away from the village that the team went to. She had no plan for what she was going to do, but it was better than being with them. She slowed down a bit and hid behind a tree as a traveler had come back to relieve himself. Hinata took a few deep breaths and decided it would be best to follow the group to the next village and find out where she was. Hinata pulled off her head band and stuffed it into her back pouch, but as she was about to follow a hand grabbed her bad arm and shoved her to the ground.
"You really think that I'd let you get away?" Hinata rolled onto her back to see that Uchiha standing over her with his katana out. "The only reason I haven't killed you is because I can get the idiot here." Hinata felt fear hold her heart tight, but her instincts allowed her to react better. She kicked her leg up and was able to knock the katana out of his hands. Hinata rolled back and got to her feet and avoided a katana that sliced into the ground. She backed away from him. "Alright," he smirked, "I need you alive, but I don't need all of you." Hinata gulped and went back to her idea of running again. She knew she wouldn't get far, but all she needed was the advantage.
She found it when she nearly fell into a river. Hinata steadied herself, but once she looked over her shoulder and could just sense the Uchiha. She walked onto the water and took off running in hopes it lead her to a bigger body of water. Hinata could almost smell the lake water, but she skidded to a stop when the Uchiha blocked her way. She did not know why, but she began to take off her sandals.
"You are pathetic," he smirked as he just watched her throw her sandals back onto the land. He almost thought this as a childish game, but the ending would be in one of her eyes coming out of her head. It was almost laughable that he was a bit amused and intrigued about her actions. She was silent the whole way but only silent to him. He had seen her talking to the other three and even shared a giggle with Juugo.
"I-I know," she pulled him from his thoughts with her surprising answer. "B-But that j-just means I-I have nothing t-to lose." With a sudden movement, Sasuke found something off. She ran past him and when he tried to grab her, he could not move his feet. He looked down to find that she frozen the water under him and left him immovable.
He would admit it; he was impressed.
Hinata smiled as she finally came to the lake and turned around and looked to see if he was able to follow. If she could avoid a fight than she would, if not, then it was all the more to be sure she was ahead. Hinata looked at her arm and glared at it. She was going to deal with it right now. Hinata summoned the healing chakra to her arm and began to force the bone to mend. She winced and cringed, but was satisfied when she pulled her arm out of the sling. She took in a few deep breaths; she wasn't a master at healing, but it was enough that she could live through the pain. Hinata looked back and could feel the ice being broken apart; she looked around and saw the lake led to another river. But she couldn't follow the water for too long, since she'll just be sent to the ocean. Hinata looked back into the forest and had no idea where she was; even her Byakugan could not pick up on any person other than the Uchiha. She watched as the Uchiha worked his way out; she only had so much time to plan. She wished she was more like Naruto; he would be on the offensive. Hinata really only had one options; stick to the water. She took off running down the lake and to the river it ran out too. She would have to hit a village sooner or later.
She kept her Byakugan active as to watch the Uchiha. Once he had freed himself, she took off a bit faster. There was no way that she was going to be a hostage.
"Got cha'!" Hinata yelped as something picked her up put them over their shoulder. She saw that the person had merged out of the water. It was Suigestu. "Nice try Hinata." Hinata tried to hit him, but with one hand on her bottom, she grew red and froze. "Uchiha told us you'd try to run; I was pissed to be on watch duty for you, but you made it rather interesting."
"W-Where is J-Juugo-san?" Hinata knew that if she had any chance of not being hurt, he would be it.
"Sorry," she could hear the amusement in his voice. "Juugo is out on the actual mission. No one can save you know." Hinata felt fear pool in her gut and she was about ready to throw up in fear. "But…I'll put in a good word for you. How about that?"
"I-I'm going t-to die…" Hinata said softly as tears began to pool and she actually started to cry. She felt the man go stiff as he walked onto the land and he moved her. Hinata continued to sniff and sob. Suigestu began to panic. He hated when people cried, especially girls. He never held compassion for the enemy, but he had known her for a while and she was kind of okay to deal with. She was much better than Karin anyway. So, now that she was crying, he had no idea what to do. He would just tell her to suck it up; she was a ninja for kami's sake. But he knew it would make her cry more. He could try to comfort her, but even he knew she was going to be close to death.
"H-Hey," he grabbed her shoulders and forced a smile. "I bet that he won't hurt you that bad. I mean…you can go without one eye, right?" As he feared, that did not make her feel any better. She began to cry more and used her hands to cover her eyes. Suigestu groaned and looked around for some kind of clue of what to do. He finally found the only thing that had experience with woman. "Uchiha, what the fuck do I do?" Hinata jumped from the sound of his name and hid behind Suigestu; maybe someone would save her.
"Don't even try Hyuga," Sasuke glared at her. "Only a fool would run."
"W-Who wouldn't r-run f-from y-you?" Hinata asked a bit louder than she would have usually and hid a bit more behind Suigestu.
Sasuke went a bit stiff from that. That…That was a little personal and it kind of hurt him. He got joy out of being feared by all these villagers and shinobi. He had gained a name for himself. There was something about it that filled him with pride and blew up his ego. And she just deflated all of it. He had people beg for mercy and curse at him before he ended their lives. But they always yelled that they hated the group trained by Orochimaru, the demon of Konohagakure, the last Uchiha. But this…she was talking directly to him. Who wouldn't run away from you? And she meant him only; if he had not been there, she might have stayed with the other three. She had insulted him, Sasuke Uchiha. There was also the fact that some girl feared and hated him. He had women, and even a few men throw themselves at his feet. Everywhere he went he was like some kind of sex god. But, now, he was just Sasuke Uchiha, the traitor to his own village. He scoffed, "Keep your mouth shut Hyuga." No, he was not going to let her get to him like his teammates had.
"Come on Uchiha," Suigestu put up his hands. "It's not like she was ever going to get away." Hinata peeked up a bit and watched the Uchiha's expression while she wiped away the last of her tears. "I'll take her back, rid of her weapons, and then tie her up better since her arm is healed."
"Whatever," Sasuke said as he turned and walked back to the cave. "If she tries it again, I'll just kill her."
"You hear that Hinata," he turned around and smiled at her. "You earned another day to live."
"H-Hooray?"
(Line Break)
~Three Days Into The Mission~
"Do you even know where you're going?" Naruto asked with a groan as he walked behind the group. It had been Naruto's worst nightmare, he had to save Hinata, but he was faced with another conflict. A traveler had told them she was seen with Sasuke's group. Naruto promised not to face the Uchiha, but now the table's had turned. He had to stop the whole mission and then explain why he was doing it. Shikamaru almost laughed at him; Naruto Uzamaki never followed orders. Shino said he would deal with Tsunade later and they went on with looking for Hinata. Naruto had to remind himself that they were going to save Hinata, and that was it.
"The merchant said he saw the group headed this way," Shikamaru answered with a yawn. The sun was just starting to rise and the group was in need of sleep. "We are going to get to the next city and rest for a few hours. Then we'll pick up the trail again." The group and rid themselves of anything that tied them back to their village. Shikamaru had changed into a different vest that was very basic unlike the jonin vest and all their headbands have been left in the village. He looked ahead to Shino. "How much farther?"
"Just a few more kilometers." He answered and then the rest of the walk was spent in silence.
Naruto was quick to run up to the village once he saw it. At least he was smart enough to get a room before he went to explore like a five year old would. Sakura rolled her eyes when she found another one room, two beds, and Naruto had already taken one. She sighed, "I guess I'm due to sleep on the floor." She sweat dropped when Shino and Shikamaru dropped onto the free beds without even offering her. She was lady, was she not? Sakura just sighed again and pulled out a sleeping bag and lied down. "Don't cause too much ruckus Naruto."
"I promise." Naruto smiled as he set down his stuff and then walked out of the room. There was nothing more exciting than exploring and there was almost the possibility that Sasuke may be here. And that meant that Hinata had to be close by. He stopped on the stairs that led to the lobby; he felt his knuckles go white with anger as he clenched his fists tighter. It ate at him every day that Hinata was with the Uchiha, most likely scared out of her mind and it was his fault. It was bad enough with his inner hate, but he got it from everyone else too. He was even summoned to the Hyuga Manor and forced to sit before Hiashi and be scolded once more. He continued down the steps and out into the fresh morning air. He needed some time alone to figure out a plan. Shikamaru may have been the leader, but nothing was going to hold him back. He held his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky that began to light up to a bright blue.
He kept making laps around and through the village until it began to fill up with people. He continued to walk on like no one was there, but he was stopped when he saw bright red. He stopped everything that he was thinking about and followed that patch of red. It was the Karin girl, the medical shinobi on Sasuke's team. This would lead him straight to Hinata…and right to Sasuke too. Naruto shook his head and focused as he followed the girl through the crowd. He should have gone back to tell the others, but if he could let them rest and at least be sure that Hinata was okay, then he would go back and tell them. He just had to know that he didn't hurt her too much. Hinata had to be okay. He followed quietly behind her, but she knew that he was there. She did not call him out though; Naruto didn't know why.
Karin had led him into the forest and then two a patch in the forest that was void of trees. She glanced back at him, but Naruto stayed back since he was sure that she was leading him for a reason. He watched as she walked up to the tied up Hyuga.
"Okay Hinata…" Karin smiled a bit when the girl looked at her. Karin loved to be around the girl; her signature was one that she would always remember. The girl was so pure and innocent, and even gave off the softest of glows that made Karin feel good. She would sit next to the girl since her body would warm up from the hope that Hinata gave off; the hope that she was going to get to go home alive. "I was able to get you something to eat." She sat down in front of the blue haired shinobi and Hinata tried to sit up a bit more. Karin and Hinata got used to this routine; Sasuke refused to untie her and Karin offered to feed her, since she wasn't going to let those other two fuck with her. Hinata smiled lightly and opened her mouth to be fed. "So," Karin glanced back to the blonde, "you think your village is still looking for you?"
Hinata swallowed another mouth full. "I-I hope n-not." She smiled lightly with a sad look in her eyes. "B-But I kn-know N-Naruto-kun," she blushed a bit. "H-He would n-not stop u-until h-he found m-me." Naruto felt his cheeks go a little red at her praise.
Karin nodded and watched as she chewed on her food. "You know Sasuke would kill him before he even got to you."
"I-I know N-Naruto-k-kun c-can beat him." She smiled hopefully and looked up at the sky. "A-And he will too." She smiled at Karin, who only smirked and shook her head. Hinata took another bite and then shook her head to signal she was full. "Th-Thank you."
"It was nothing," she said as she stood up and tossed down on a kunai in front of her. She turned away and walked in the direction of Naruto. They both made eye contact. "Get her out moron." Naruto nodded and once she was far enough away, Naruto ran out to Hinata. He smiled when he saw her eyes brighten at the sight of him.
This is what it's like to be someone's hero.
"You really think I'd let that teme treat you like a prisoner?" He smiled and got down on one knee and used Karin's kunai to cut the ropes around her knees, feet, and then the ones that bound her hands behind her back. He was startled when she threw her arms around his neck and held onto him. "You okay?"
"I-I know you would c-come." She spoke so sweetly and he could feel her tears on his neck. He slowly hugged her back, but then knew what had to be done. He put one arms under her knees and lifted her up. He smiled when she let out a startled squeak. She looked at him with wide eyes and a blush; he couldn't help but blush back. If he was indeed the hero, she made a very nice damsel in distress. Naruto looked around and then took off into the forest; he needed to get back to the others, and fast. Hinata, suddenly feeling a huge weight on her shoulders, she activated her Byakugan. Naruto stopped when he felt her tense. "U-Uchiha…."
"What do you think you're doing?" Naruto looked up and saw Sasuke standing on a tree branch in the tree before him and Hinata.
Naruto glared at him. "You bastard, how could you hold Hinata as one of your prisoners?"
"The pathetic Hyuga should have fought better. Not to mention you were the one to leave her behind, baka." Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest and watched the two. He had never thought that Hyuga would get so comfy to being carried. He knew that Juugo was dotting on her and it was sickening to watch.
It also sickened him that Naruto was so keen to take her in his arms.
He remembered watching the girl faint just at the thought of standing next to him. Now, here she was, in his arms and with her arms around his neck. They looked so damn comfy. Sasuke was still dumbfounded at the fact that Hinata was even able to stand the idiot. He had known her far longer than the Uzamaki; only the blonde was too big of an idiot to see how pathetic she was. Sasuke could honestly admit to just one thing: She was rather pretty.
"And I came back for her!" Naruto smirked. "Unlike you, I'm the true Casanova." Hinata blushed pink; she wanted so badly to agree with her dashing hero. It only made Sasuke sneer at them more. "So how about we fight like real men." He put Hinata on her feet and stood before her. "I am going to save the girl and take the villain back to his damn country!" Hinata felt a smile pull at her lips as she bent her head down from being seen by the Uchiha. She knew that he hated when she spoke highly about Naruto to the others. This was almost her dream come true and she was about to have her own glorious ending.
"Fine then baka," Sasuke smirked and pulled out the katana from its sheath. "The faster I kill you, the faster I can kill my brother."
"I'm going to win, believe it!"
(Line Break)
Sakura woke with a start as she felt someone step down onto the room's floor. She looked over and watched with wide eyes as Karin walked through the room and went for Shikamaru's bed. "Bitch!" Sakura quickly lunged at her, but Karin side stepped. Sakura landed on the floor and faced her again. Shino was at his feet and Karin felt the bugs surround her feet and legs. Shikamaru woke up slower and lifted his head up to see the red head. "You really think that you could just come in here? I'll kill you!"
"Your blonde friend," Karin spoke and just ignored Sakura. She was talking straight to Shikamaru. "He's in the forest getting Hinata. You better help him before Sasuke can kill them both."
"Shit…" Shikamaru got up and rushed out the window. Shino looked between the two girls.
"I meant it when I said hurry." Karin looked back at him. She looked back to Sakura once Shino let her go and left Sakura. Karin frowned deeper at her. "You want some advice?"
"Not from you."
"You'll get it anyway." Karin said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I find Sasuke very attractive, and I am about this close to sleeping with him." She watched as Sakura looked to be panicked about the whole idea and there was nothing more that scared her then knowing Sasuke may be with someone else. "But I would never date him. Not now anyway…I recommend that you leave him to do as he pleases."
"I'm going to bring Sasuke back home-"
"And what?" Karin said with scrutiny. "Have him hate you even more for ruining his one chance at getting his revenge and then watching him walk out on you all over again?" Sakura took a step back and the anger left her face. "He told me about how you confessed your love for him, more than once I might add." Sakura blushed at how childish she had acted. "He told me to use it against you."
"No-"
"Think about it," Karin cut her off. "He wants Naruto dead. He wants to kill his own brother. And he is using the Hyuga as bait for Naruto." She turned away and began to walk back to the window. "Go and help him and Hinata. I need to go and gain an alibi." She was about to jump but stopped as she little laugh through. "You…you should see the way that he looks at her. I've never seen him so confused about his own feelings."
Sakura was left there to let the words bounce around her head and then ran out in hopes that she could help.
(Line Break)
Hinata was being carried away by Juugo, who refused to let her down or even look back at the fight. She tried so hard to get out of his arms, but he was so much stronger than her. The only good thing that he wasn't at the fight; he would have slaughtered everyone. Hinata kept using her Byakugan flow through her eyes and watched all the chakra being used up and she smiled when she Sakura Haruno's chakra signature join the fight. The medic could at least heal the wound on Shino's shoulder that was oozing with chakra. Hinata was so close to being free, but she couldn't thank Karin like she wanted to; she was not going to get her in trouble. Juugo finally came to a stop at a small and beat up home in the forest; he kicked open the door and set her on an old and dusty bed. Hinata wondered who the place belonged to.
"You stay here Hinata," Juugo said as he picked up the door and fixed it with him on the outside. Hinata tried to call for him, but he was gone. She should have run back, but what use would she be to the fight? She would only make things worse. Hinata didn't know why Sasuke still wanted her on hand, he was getting his fight, but that wasn't enough for him…oh no, he had to win every little thing. Hinata got up and looked around for weapons that she could have on hand. Her gentle fist was better than it used to be, but it would not be enough for this. The Uchiha could fight long and close range. She only had close. Hinata tore the place apart in hopes that she would find something worth to fight with. She began to panic and sob when it looked that she was again rendered useless. She sobbed as she thought back to her friends fighting for her, and she was stuck here too afraid to try and help. She went back to the door and heaved the door back to the floor with a loud crash. She let the dust settle and walked out. She looked around for anyone watching her, but they were all still at the fight.
Hinata began to walk away from the house; she felt her heart beat faster as it turned into a run and the next thing she knew she was in a dead sprint back towards the fight. She had to help them, even if it was just to heal them, it was better than being helpless. She just had to do one thing before she could go to healing though.
The Uchiha never saw it coming.
Naruto almost had to keep from laughing when he saw his greatest rival be tackled to the ground by the so called Damsel in distress. He was sure no one believed thad had just happened since they were all so quiet. Naruto was quick to pull Hinata off of the male and keep her back at a safe distance as the male got back to his feet. Naruto was glad he didn't laugh since the Uchiha looked to be angry. Sasuke glared at the two as he wiped the blood from his lip. "I've had about enough of this." He clutched his katana tighter and they listened to the chirps of electricity; Naruto gulped, but when he reached to grab Hinata, she was gone. He looked over and watched as Karin held Hinata back. "Wrong move."
Naruto gapped as the katana plunged into his shoulder and he felt the shock go through his body. He heard Sakura's cry, Shino's erratic buzzing, and Shikamaru's heart thudding faster in his chest, but he only listened to a cry from Hinata. He looked over as he was forced to the ground. He watched her cry and sob just for him. The pain stopped and he was okay with ignoring the male. His eyes were only on her.
"P-Please don't k-kill him U-Uchiha-s-san! I-I love him!" She continued to cry and plea with him. She wasn't going to be the death of him. "I-I'll do a-anything!"
Sasuke watched his blonde haired rival, and his blue eyes were locked on the girl. Killing him would be easy, but taking her away would hurt him more than anything. Sasuke pulled the katana out and watched as the male just lied there with wide eyes. He almost looked dead, but he could hear his wretched heart beating. He looked back to Hinata and watched her cry and plea to him; it was nice to hear her. She needed him, since he was the only thing that could keep Naruto alive. He was the one trying to kill him. "Fine then Hyuga," Sasuke got up and walked over to his group while sheathing the katana. He watched as Sakura rush to Naruto's side, but Shino and Shikamaru kept their eyes on his. "Leave," he grabbed Hinata from Karin's oddly tight grip and put his hand around her throat. He smirked when he heard her choke, "Or I kill the Hyuga in the idiots place."
"D-Don't," she choked out and tried to reach out to them. "I-It's o-okay…" she felt his grip get tighter and her hands shot up to his and tried to pry him off. She was getting dizzy and her chest began to hurt. Shikamaru didn't need a second thought; he picked up Naruto and took his leave, with Sakura rushing behind. Shino…he wasn't ready to leave her. Hinata watched as he almost looked ready to fight again. "T-Tell K-Kiba-k-kun," she tried with all her might, "I-I'm o-okay!" She was trying so hard to get some air in, but it was useless.
"You want to watch her die?" Sasuke asked with a smirk. Shino turned and walked away. Sasuke waited a bit longer and then let go of the Hyuga. He watched as she writhed on the ground and coughed loudly. She took in deep breath and lightly held her bruised neck. "You belong to me now Hyuga." He spoke still looking at her. He wanted to see the shock in her eyes. "I won't kill him as long as you stay in your place. You are going to help me kill my brother, and then face your own death without those pitiful tears." He was still waiting for her to break down and cry, but he didn't get that.
"Y-Yes…U-Uchiha-d-dono…" she spoke lightly as she only sat up a bit with her legs folded on the sides of her. Her fingers dug a bit into the dirt.
"You are pathetic." Sasuke couldn't stand it. Nothing about this made him happy. She didn't cry, but she wasn't acting any stronger either. He wanted a reaction out of her, he wanted to see something other than the girl that just rolled over and did as she was told. No emotion came from her and it sickened him. She showed emotion to Naruto, why not him?
Karin waited with her as the other two boys followed after Sasuke. She kneeled down beside Hinata and watched as the chakra around her seemed to grow colder and colder. "I'm sorry." Karin didn't know why she was apologizing to her; Karin wasn't at fault because the girl couldn't get away. She still felt bad for her though. Karin wanted her gone. Hinata would be safe back home and away from Sasuke would be best for Karin. Karin saw his change in chakra when he was around the girl. She could tell that something was different when he was focused on the Hyuga. She wished she could read his mind just to find out what it was.
"D-Don't be," Hinata finally looked over to her and forced a smile. "I-I am the pr-prisoner b-because I-I got caught." Hinata slowly got to her feet and stood beside Karin. Hinata wiped away her tears that had left her eyes puffy and red. "P-Please," she motioned lightly with her head, "l-lead the w-way."
(Line Break)
"You'll stay here." Sasuke said as he watched Hinata and his team walk into the cabin. "My brother should be coming after the dobe for the Kyuubi; you'll send the alert when you spot him." Sasuke summoned a hawk and allowed it to perch in the open window sill. The bird cocked its head a few times, but it knew its master wanted him to send a message when he was ready. "No one should be able to find you, but if they do. You kill them." He looked to her, but she was just looking out one of the other windows. "Hyuga."
"I-I understand U-Uchiha-d-dono," she responded back as she sent him a glance. Hinata couldn't even look at him for too long without fear eating her away. Hinata looked to the others of the group but they looked to be bored and waiting to leave. She looked back out the window and tried to figure out where she was; all she had to know was that she had to be close to Konoha.
"Try not to miss me too much Hinata." Suigestu said with a smirk as he winked at her. Hinata blushed and just nodded.
"Be well," Juugo said as he patted her head.
"Let's go." Sasuke said as he opened the door and looked back at the others. "We have other business to finish."
Karin stayed back a bit and smiled to Hinata. "Twenty kilometers away." She whispered to her and winked. Before Hinata could question her, Karin ran off after Sasuke and closed the door behind her. Hinata sighed and looked around her new home and began to clean up. She was sure that no one had lived here for over twenty years. She smiled when she found the old photos of a little family of three. Hinata opened up all the windows and the doors as she dusted the room and collected the sheets to clean. She had found a few cleaning supplies and after filling an old basket with the bed sheets she began to walk out in hopes that she would find a creek. Hinata always hated cleaning by hand, but it was either that or has the probability of waking up with bugs all over her. She sighed when she did find the creek and quickly kneeled down and began to wash.
"This is ridiculous…" she muttered to herself. "I-I am the heiress to the Hyuga clan…I should run away." Hinata felt mad that she was still stuck there, but she knew why she was so afraid to leave. If she was gone, Sasuke would come after her, and then there would be another Uchiha vs. Uzamaki fight and Hinata couldn't save him this time. Hinata glanced back and saw that the hawk from before had seated itself on a nearby branch. "Did Uchiha-dono send you to watch me too?" Hinata asked with a light smile as the bird cawed loudly and flapped its wings. She laughed a bit and just continued with her cleaning. When she began her walk back home, the bird flew on ahead.
"I guess you and I are both stuck here." Hinata said as she set the basket down and set up her own clothes line with some left over wire in the house. Once the clothes were hung, Hinata just went on a cleaning spree with all her might. She had to keep her mind off the fact that Sasuke, Itachi, or some other monster will come close to her village. Every time she felt paranoia sink in, she would do a quick scan of the area just to find nothing. Hinata could only assume that she would know Itachi was there when fear began to fill her gut and she was choked by chakra.
The bird cawed loudly at her as she scrubbed the floors. Hinata looked up at it and wiped her brow. "What is it Bird-san?" It cawed again, but this time it took off into the sky. Hinata only assumed she was meant to follow. She slowly got up and walked outside to see the bird circling the sky. Once it spotted her, it took off into the sky. Hinata had to run to keep up with the thing; she just hoped that it didn't lead her to a dead body. She sighed when the bird had landed before a dead doe. She sighed when she took a seat under a tree. Hinata didn't know why, but she just watched the bird pick at the animal. It was fairly disgusting, but it was either watching the bird eat, or back to her cleaning. Hinata pulled her knees to her chest and let her head fall back.
She lulled to sleep for as long as she pleased. She had nowhere to be and no one to see. What she wondered though was what was twenty kilometers away.
The bird had followed in her example of rest; also he was full from all the meat. The bird was more aware of his surroundings though, and was quick to fly away when he sensed someone coming his way. Hinata on the other hand stayed sleeping and was soon awakened by a small finger pocking at her cheek. She slowly opened her eyes to see a bright pair of pink eyes looking back at her. Hinata went wide eyed as a short Konoha genin was crouched before her and smiling at her. "Hi Lady! I'm Mimi!"
Hinata felt her heart beat quicken. She was very close to Konoha. That is what Karin was trying to tell her. Hinata smiled lightly and a blush came to her lips at the thought of being able to run back to her village.
"Hey moron!" Mimi and Hinata looked over to see a boy walk out from the bushes with a glare on his face. "Didn't I tell you not to run off? What if you were attacked?" Behind him another male walked out. Hinata got a good look at the group as they seemed to group together to talk about her. The Mimi girl was in a light blue dress that had no sleeves, stopped above the knee, and had a thick black belt around her waist to hold the beige pouch. She had dark hair that was held up in a high ponytail. She wore the standard blue sandals and her palms and forearms were bandaged up. Hinata smiled at the Konohagakure headband was tied around her forehead. The Mimi girl was on the short side for her, assumed, age. Hinata looked to the angrier looking boy. He had slicked back white hair and his headband was around his arm. He wore a plain black t-shirt and blue shorts. His calves were wrapped and he black sandals. What stood out were his red eyes. Then the third member of the team, the one Hinata could guess was the prodigy of the group. He had shaggy black hair that hid his eyes. He wore a long sleeved beige coat that came down under his bottom. The sleeves were long and hid his hands from her view. He also wore black pants and blue sandals. Hinata stopped from smiling at the headband that he kept around his neck. "And who the hell is that?" Hinata looked to the white haired boy.
"Don't yell at her jerk!" Mimi yelled back. "She was resting until you came along with that big mouth."
"More like you had to get close to a potential enemy." He scoffed and turned to Hinata with a glare. Hinata watched as he pulled out a kunai and held it up in a defensive position. "So start talking lady, before this kunai is in your head."
"Will you stop being so dramatic Kane?" Mimi rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "She is of no harm to us."
"She looks like Hyuga-sensei," the black haired boy said barely above a whisper.
Hinata smiled at the thought of her cousin; she was hoped that he was okay. But with the sudden thought that they recognized her, she felt her heart fill with dread. If they knew who she was, they would go back and tell everyone; they would all come back to get her and Sasuke-
"N-No…" Hinata paled to a sickly shade of white as she starred at the three children that could bring her comrades to their untimely deaths.
"What was that?" Kane asked as he gripped the kunai tighter.
"N-No…" Hinata thought as quickly as she could. "I-I am not an enemy." She got to her feet and forced a smile even though the three genin took a step back. "I-I am a jonin from Konoha, h-here to t-test th-the senseis!" She was smiling so hard that it hurt. The three looked at her with confusion. She began to spout out anything that made sense. "Y-Your s-sensei is to p-prepare f-for anything, e-even finding a-an unconscious sh-shinobi. I-I am s-sorry to say th-that you th-three have made t-too many mistakes a-and failed; and i-in turn, y-your sensei has f-failed."
"I told you to not run off idiot!" Kane yelled back at Mimi.
"What did we do wrong?" Mimi asked with the slight guilt building in her chest.
"I-I…" Hinata looked around. "I-I cannot say, i-it is y-your sensei's j-job to t-teach you a-about these things." She felt her palms get sweatier and she gulped a bit. "R-Report b-back to th-the village, b-be sure not t-to speak o-of this to y-your sensei. Th-They may s-still be g-getting evaluated a-and th-they cannot kn-know."
"I'll be sure not to fail my sensei this time" Mimi smiled brightly, "Come on Kane, Tai," she looked to the two.
"Shikamaru-sensei is so going to fail." Kane sighed as he walked behind the two. Hinata watched as they walked away with her Byakugan until she was sure they returned back safely. Once they were back on more secure territory she dropped her Byakugan and slumped back down to the ground with a deep breath.
"I was very clear on my instructions Hyuga." Hinata's eyes were wide as she felt a sharp blade against her neck. "If anyone was to find you, I wanted them dead."
"Th-They were o-only g-genin…" she tried to talk and pull her throat away from the knife. Sasuke smirked; she was trying to fight against him, and it was as entertaining as before. "I-I can't find your b-brother w-with the bl-blade at my throat U-Uchiha-dono." Hinata felt the blade move away and she let out a sigh.
"I do enjoy this side of you Hyuga," he sheathed his weapon and leaned against the tree. "I rather you try to act like you have a spine than trying to be a submissive servant."
"Y-You th-threatened to gouge out my e-eyes if I-I tried to run." Hinata was fairly confused at what he was saying. She was trying to stay on his good side, and he wanted her to try and get in trouble.
"I need those eyes to find my brother, so I can assure you they will be left without a scratch." He smirked darker as she looked up at him. "Any other part of you I cannot guarantee." She flushed and looked away from his with a new found fear in her eyes. Sasuke chuckled a bit and looked back down at her.
It wasn't that bad of a view. He glanced back to the sky and watched as it slowly became darker and darker. "Come on Hyuga, you need to get back." She looked back at him with confusion. "If I leave you to sleep out here you will surely get yourself killed." He turned away and began to walk back to the cabin and listened as she quickly tried to catch up with him.
"U-Uchiha-do-dono," Hinata spoke up as she was finally walking beside him. "W-Why did y-you come b-back here?"
"Karin was sure that you would go hungry out here alone." He said without looking at her, "I was the only one that could get here fast enough. If I sent one of them, I wouldn't get them back until morning." Hinata blushed lightly and he scoffed. "Don't be so flattered. Those three would do anything to get out of work."
"R-Right." Hinata nodded and walked on ahead to get into her new little home. She was a bit surprised at the bags that were on her table that were filled with food. "H-How m-much do I o-owe y-you for these?"
"Don't worry about it." Sasuke said as he found himself a seat and sat down. Hinata glanced back at him as she began to put the items away; it was odd to see him so relaxed. She went back to her business and tried to forget he was there. "You make a better house wife than you do a shinobi."
"Th-Thank you," she said lightly.
"That was not a compliment," he lightly opened his eyes and shot a glare at her.
Hinata just looked back at him and tried to smile at him. If she wanted to go against him, she had to get over her fear of him. "I-I thought it w-would hurt l-less if I m-made it a compliment." She then went back to her work and tried to calm her beating heart; she wanted to hide away from the sight of him.
Sasuke smirked and looked ahead at the bedroom she had cleaned up. Sasuke was a genius; even everyone that hated him would and did agree with a statement like that. He was sure that there was something about the Hyuga that made her a terrible shinobi, but yet she was a great one. She was able to get away from him and almost escape if Suigestu had not been there to grab her. She tackled to him the ground with some kind of strength that she hid well. Then, there was the other side of her that made his strongest member worry about her every fiber every second of the day, that made Karin feel some kind of sisterly connection. The Hyuga convinced him to allow his one rival to live a bit longer. She had a way with children that allowed them to trust her when she was nothing more than a stranger to them. Hinata Hyuga had a way with any person that made them…like her so much. Sasuke scoffed lightly at how she was so persuasive and yet had no idea how to use it.
"U-Uchiha-dono," she pulled him out of his train of thought. He only glanced at her. He sneered a bit at her light smile, "W-Would you l-like some k-kind of meal f-for your trip b-back?"
"Idiot," he got up. "The food isn't for me; it's to be sure that you don't starve." He looked back at her. She just stood there waiting for something to happen. It was rather annoying to see such an innocent look on her face; like the one his mother used to have when she asked him what he wanted for his bento. It was even worse when he heard children laughing and running around. "Remember that you have a mission to find my brother."
"Yes, U-Uchiha-dono." Hinata bowed as he left, but she suppressed a giggle when he looked to jump back when a bucket of water fell to the ground after he opened the door. She stopped her suppressed giggles when the Uchiha sent her a glare. "I-I thought you wanted e-entertaining…?" She shrunk back a bit.
Sasuke looked back to the bucket and then back at her. "Idiot." He stepped over the bucket and closed the door behind him. He didn't stop his stride when he felt his hawk perch on his shoulder. He smirked when he thought back to the little genin trick she tried to pull on him. She was rather quiet and he allowed himself to be distracted by his thoughts. The bird seemed to coo a bit as if he could read his master's thoughts. Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest. "I'll come by next week; don't let her out of your sight." The bird took off and Sasuke decided he needed to get back before the others noticed he was gone.
(Line Break)
It had been over two weeks since Mimi had discovered the girl and every day since then she had asked her sensei about survival. Kane had tried to get her to stop being so obvious about it, but Tai allowed her to as away. Mimi only wanted to be sure that she doesn't cause her sensei to fail again. Every day after her training she would walk about the village and other training areas in hopes that she could prove her sensei was the greatest of his generation.
Shikamaru was rather taken back by Mimi's sudden want to learn so many things. He would set up days to go to the library so he could just go through basic teachings. He was surprised that his fierier student, Kane, was okay with a day that involved no sparing or new jutsus. Or that Mimi was so okay with sitting around a stuffy library, learning about basic survival methods and what to do when encounter someone who cannot be categorized as an enemy or ally. Shikamaru was also able to use all their studying time to get his own research done on where the Akatsuki were. If he could find them, he would find Sasuke and in turn, find Hinata. He would question there sudden interest to learn at a later date, he had other issues to deal with.
Kane sighed as he sat in the library for the third time that week. He looked over to Mimi, who was reading with her face an inch away from the book, and to Tai, who looked to be reading. Kane sighed again as he just stared at the page that told him something about noticing hidden had gestures and body movement. His sensei decided to leave them to self-teach as he got other business done. "Can we just go do something worth my time?"
"This is worth our time jerk." Mimi looked up and glared at him. "I don't want to have Shikamaru-sensei fail again."
"I think the stupid sensei testing is over moron." Kane shot back with his own glare. He looked over to Tai, "Come on man, you have to agree with me about this." Tia only shrugged his shoulder as he turned the page of his book and continued to read. Kane huffed and looked back to Mimi. "This is still stupid." He closed his book and pushed it away. He sat back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest.
"How about we go ask someone?" Tai suggested quietly since he knew the two were going to start a fight in the library.
"Who do we ask without giving it away?" Mimi closed her book after folding the bottom corner. "Maybe the test is still going on and I don't want to get in trouble with Lady Tsunade."
"Let's go ask Naruto-baka," Kane smirked as he stood up and placed his hands on the table. "We know that he isn't a sensei." Mimi giggled and nodded. She put her book back and the other two followed suit. The three left the library and went in search of the blonde haired chunin that could usually be found in one place. "Of course," Kane rolled his eyes as they walked up to the ramen stand. "Naruto-baka!" He yelled as they stood behind the orange clad shinobi.
Naruto jumped a bit and looked back with noodles hanging from his mouth. Mimi giggled a bit and he quickly slurped up his noodles and smiled at them. "What's up Team 14? You guys come to join me for a delicious lunch?"
"We have a question for you Naruto-sensei," Mimi spoke up before Kane could. "Do you know if the senseis are still being tested?"
Naruto swallowed another mouthful of ramen and blinked at them. "What in the world are you talking about? I would have known about sensei testing. I would have been a part of it."
"What are you talking about?" Kane glared at him. "Some lady in the forest told us about the test and we have been training to be sure we don't fail Shikamaru-sensei again." He scoffed, "just because we're genin doesn't mean that your smarter than us baka." Naruto pouted at that but he let it go since he was above fighting with genin. "So is it over or not."
"I'm sorry Kane," Naruto shrugged and drank the last of his ramen. "There was no such test. Some jonin was probably just messing with you three-"
"She's the missing Hyuga, wasn't she?" Tai looked to the other two and Naruto dropped his bowl. Kane and Mimi stepped back from shattered bowl and Tai began to speak to Naruto, who was being scolded by the owners. "She had pale lavender eyes, blue hair, pale skin, a purple and white jacket, blue pants, and summer styled sandals." He rubbed his arm. "I overheard Shikamaru-sensei talking about a missing Hyuga. I snuck in and found her old academy files and figured out it was her."
"Why didn't you say anything sooner?" Kane said as he looked to him with shock. "You could have gotten us a higher ranked mission."
"I wanted to be sure the Hyuga they were looking for was her before I told anyone." He bowed to Naruto. "Sorry for not saying anything sooner."
"You three," Naruto stood up, "you'll come with me." Naruto paid for his ramen and bowl and led the three towards the Hokage tower.
"Are we in trouble?" Mimi asked as she had to lightly jog to keep up with the group.
"No, but I'm going to need some special permission to take you out on a mission to where you found Hinata." Naruto explained and without much thought, jumped up to the Hokage's window. Kane had to work his way up with a run. Mimi ran over to stairs and Tai just jumped up as Naruto did. "Lady Tsunade!" Naruto stood behind the woman. "I want to take Team 14 on a mission with me."
"They are not your team Naruto," she said simply as she continued with her work. She glanced up when Mimi came through the door and walked around her stacks of paper. Kane and Tai appeared and walked to their team member's side. She sighed, "Shouldn't you two be with your sensei?" Tsunade asked as she took off her glasses.
"Team 14 had stumbled upon and were fooled by the kidnapped Hinata Hyuga," Tai answered for his team. He was better at all the formalities that his team lacked since they were brash and blunt. It was the most that he ever talked. "We take it upon ourselves to at least lead a team to her location since we know the area she was in."
"What makes you think that she is still there?" Tsunade began to pay more attention since she was rather impressed with Team 14 at the moment.
"She was determined to have us leave and not speak us spotting her." Tai shifted on his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. "We can only presume that she is still near that area."
Tsunade leaned back in her seat and put down her pen. "Well then Naruto…" she turned and looked back at him. "You will tag along with Team 14 and their sensei to this location."
Naruto smiled and gave her the thumbs up, "You got it Lady Tsunade. I'm not going to let that Teme get the better of me this time." He said as he rolled his healed up shoulder that was scarred to forever remind him that he let the Uchiha get the better of him again.
"Awesome!" Mimi smiled brightly and punched the air. "New mission."
"Finally," Kane smirked, "something better than finding the stupid cat!"
Tai just remained silent and smiled a bit.
Tsunade shook her head and smiled, "I'll contact Shikamaru-san and you will take off as soon as Shikamaru can get some better fighting skills installed into these genin." Naruto sighed loudly and the team also groaned at the thought of very hard training. Tsunade didn't want to send out her genin against an S-class team and a compulsive chunin that was this enemy's rival. Moreover, her faith in this team was less than she wanted. She was practically going to throw the kids into a lions pit with little experience as it is; she just needed a little bit more training for them. Just to make herself feel better about what she was doing.
(Line Break)
Hinata hid behind a boulder as she tried to catch her breath and searched with her Byakugan. Hinata didn't know how crazy she had become, but she was actually smiling as her heart raced and her eyes burned with chakra. She tried to locate her captor, but she also had to keep on the lookout for the other Uchiha traitor. Hinata pushed her Byakugan to scan the area better. In a matter of about a month; Hinata would spot the Uchiha, run, and would soon be at the end of a blade with the victor smirking at her. She had never thought the day would come, but she and Sasuke Uchiha were actually playing a very dangerous game of cat and mouse. Hinata was always the mouse though and Sasuke was always a blood thirsty cat. Hinata never liked some games since she would end up with bruises, a few cuts, and once she had a few fingers broken. Hinata also had her moments, but the Uchiha wasn't as good as a sport as she was. He was a sore loser in all honesty.
Hinata crouched down and reached into her back pouch for a solider pill. She used this game as actually training so that she could run away from the Uchiha. He might not know it, but every loss that she went through the more she would learn from the Uchiha; she was getting closer and closer to beating him. Not that she ever would though; if the Uchiha would be a bad loser, than she would just let him win to keep from his pouting. She turned off her Byakugan when she could not find Itachi or Sasuke. She leaned back against the boulder and closed her eyes for the moment. She didn't even flinch when someone landed in front of her.
"This is the least bit from entertaining Hyuga." Sasuke said dully as he was crouched before her. He smirked when she refused to answer him since he knew why she stopped. She must have tired herself out and instead of playing the game to the end, she just gave up. He was about ready to force her back in when he noticed that her breathing softened and her heart beat lowered. He frowned. She had actually fallen asleep on him. He should break her hand for ignoring him like that; he didn't come all the way out here to watch her sleep. Though, nothing was keeping him there over than his own self will. He watched as she slept. Hinata had never looked more at peace. Whenever he arrived, she would be on edge all day, force smiles when she saw him, and then only seemed to find joy when he announced his leaving. He reached out and moved the hair out of her face since it was blocking a bit of her face.
Sasuke still questioned why he bothered to come so often just to hear that she had yet to spot his brother and play in this game. He could be finding his brother, taking down all of the Akatsuki, and even having his own fun with other women. But, he didn't. He took time out of his day to come and see the failure of a Hyuga and catch her. There was no benefit to him in anyway. It was like he was a child again.
A child with Hinata again.
He recalled back to his actually childhood to remember all the times that he had spent with the Hyuga girl since Itachi was always on a mission or training. The girl wasn't much fun to play with since she never enjoyed sparring or anything that he liked. It was always something to do with walking in the gardens, reading a book, or having tea and sweets. Whenever the Hyuga came over he was the one to hide from her just to avoid all the girly things she wanted to do. Only once had he ever actually liked the girl's company, at it was surprisingly when he was a genin.
Team 7 and Team 8 took a dual mission. Team 7 was to help escort a Lord back to his country and Team 8 would follow and then separate with the Lord's top guard since he had to deliver a certain item to another part of the country. Team 7 whined a bit about not getting that mission, but they were put back in their place when Team 8 proved why they were chosen to aid the guard. Sasuke, and even Naruto and Sakura, would never admit to it, but they had been bested by Team 8 when the Lord's carriage was attacked. Team 7 was thought to have the upper hand since they had already been on a mission like this before. Kurenai, without any explanation, disappeared. Kakashi followed her and the two teams thought they had been left alone. Team 8 reacted before Team 7. Hinata began to call out locations with her Byakugan blazing as she took her stance at the door to the carriage. Shino sent swarms of bugs in each direction while Kiba went head on against the only thug that made himself none. He was the biggest and the leader. Kiba was able to keep him back and away from the rest of the group, leaving them without a leader. Sasuke, not wanted to be bested, went for the closest location the Hyuga called and attacked two armed thugs. Sakura and Naruto went to another larger thug. Each member of Team 8 did, from an onlookers view, the least amount of physical work, while Team 7 looked to do all the fighting. But once the threat was eliminated, the two jonins came back with each thug tied and knocked out thanks to Team 7.
Team 8 had already planned for an ambush based on who they were with. Team 8 was the best at ambushes and avoiding them due to each member's impressive skills. The Hyuga spotted each threat and called out positions to her team members. Also, if anyone got past and close to the door, she could take them out with only a few hits to the body. The Aburame distracted each enemy with swarms of insects. Sometimes he could poison them if they got too hard to handle, or no other shinobi could get to them. The Inuzuka was powerful enough and had the stamina to keep leaders away from the rest of the group, and busy enough to not be able to call out other orders. Their dog also aided when their owner needed to recover. Team 7 would simply fall into place with their eagerness to fight. Kakashi was the first to thank Team 8 for their plan that turned a grueling battle, into one that lasted about thirty to forty minutes. The others members merely muttered thanks.
Team 8 then again proved their worth when their shy Hyuga kunoichi was the only one that could tend to minor wounds. When the group was on a break, she went to the aid of her own team members that were quick to take the help. Team 7 merely looked on and tried to ignore stinging wounds. Hinata caught one of the members looking to her, causing her to blush red and with all the courage she could muster, walked over and offered her aid to Team 7; more specifically, to Naruto. He was almost ready to deny the offer, but Hinata was smarter than everyone though. She came up with the excuse that she was at fault for their injuries; something about her not calling positions fast enough. Her helping would have been her repayment to them. Naruto, feelings better about his need, happily accepted the offer and had arms and hands bandaged up. Sakura was next since she had received pretty bad cuts to the face and neck.
The last was the stubborn Uchiha. He refused to even acknowledge that the Hyuga was even near him, but, once again, she proved to be smarter. The Uchiha was fairly surprised that she was able to walk up to him and held out the supplies. Hinata answered that she knew the Uchiha could have healed himself, only, he must have run out of the proper tools to do so. Hinata, being able to stroke his ego more, understood that the Uchiha was too busy with missions and intense trainings to get more and this mission was fairly sudden. The Uchiha only smirked and took the items from her with a small nod of appreciation. Hinata only bowed and walked back over to her group. Kakashi was the most impressed someone, especially a kunoichi, could offer the Uchiha help and the Uchiha would actually take it. She was good, very good, at being persuasive.
The mission was a success with Team 8 arriving a little later than planned due to another ambush. They were slightly beat up, but not as much as people would have thought. Ambushed genin teams always came back with broken bones, slash wounds, and the occasional passed out student. Team 8 came back with minor cuts, some bruised areas, and the Hyuga came home with a limp from a sprain.
Sasuke scoffed as he sat back on the ground, "Always the one that came back the worse." He could never understand why she was put in the most danger; wasn't it the job of the male members to protect the females? He and Naruto always had to when it came to Sakura, but this kunoichi was willing to put herself in such danger for her team. It was why she was a prisoner. She put her life on the line because Naruto seemed to be too important to her. Sasuke still was baffled at her affection for the blonde; he was a much better choice for the woman's affection. Sasuke would never admit to anyone, not even to himself, but he was starting to consider the Hyuga…enjoyable to be around. Sasuke usually was never a fan of the opposite sex –unless, of course, for relieving sexual tension- since they were emotional, weak, and annoying. The Hyuga was emotional and weak, but the annoying part was because of her stutter. He wasn't a fan of it. She looked to be trying to hide her emotions of weakness from him, like her fear, worry, sadness, and nervousness. Then she was rather weak, but he could tell she wasn't that bad of a fighter.
Sasuke stood up and was about ready to go back, but he looked back down at her. He usually left her where they stood at the end of the game, but this time, she was sleeping. He knew she would get into trouble since she practically ran to it when she had the chance. He crouched back down and nudged her shoulder. "Get up Hyuga."
Hinata slowly opened her eyes and looked to him. She blushed when she finally came to realize that she had fallen asleep on him. "O-oh…sorry U-Uchiha-dono." She got to her feet and stretched her sore limbs and joints.
"Sasuke," he answered since it finally had begun to bother him. "Call me Sasuke, no more of this Uchiha-dono." He should be recognized for his higher standing then her. But when he heard 'Naruto-kun' this and 'Naruto-kun' that, he wanted to be called Sasuke. He did not want to be second to the blonde haired moron. He had to beat out the Uchiha, and since Hinata kept getting in the way of their fight, he was going to take the Hyuga instead.
Naruto was dumb, but not dumb enough to not get that the Hyuga girl had been pinning for his attention for years now.
And nothing would beat the Uzamaki more than known the Uchiha still got the girl in the end.
"A-Alright S-Sasuke-sama," she answered and began to walk back to her home. "H-Have a safe t-trip b-back." She was happy to have him leave, she just hope that she didn't sleep for too long while they were playing. Before she could stumble any further, she yelped in surprise when she was picked up by the Uchiha. She looked over to him and watched his emotionless face as he walked in the direction of her home with her in his arms. "S-Sasuke-s-sama?"
"You are in no condition to walk home." He glanced down at her, "You will probably just end up tripping and hitting your head on a visible tree root or something pathetic like that." Sasuke wasn't sure how to woo a girl, but he had the idea this wasn't it. She didn't seemed upset by his words, but maybe she was used to his insults by now. "Just," he sighed, "thank me for it later."
"Th-Thank you S-Sasuke-s-sama." Hinata forced a smile on hopes that he would just put her down. Maybe he would be annoyed with her and just drop her right there and be on his way. He didn't though, she had to endure him carrying her all the way there and he even set her on her bed. She was red faced and very uncomfortable with what had just happened. She sat back up and watched as the Uchiha went to her kitchen and came back out with a tomato; he looked to her and cocked a brow. Hinata just blushed more and looked at her lap, "T-Take it, a-and thank y-you a-again."
"Hn," he said and just walked out. He stopped before as he stood in the door way for a while. "Good night Hinata." He then walked out and bit into the tomato. A blush stained his cheeks.
"N-Night S-Sasuke," she said with a light smile. Her heart beat went a little faster.
(Line Break)
Hinata took in a deep breath as she broke through the surface of the water with a bright smile. It had been awhile since she actually got to go swimming, but it was nice to have some free time. Sasuke had yet to arrive since the last awkward encounter of him calling her by her first name. Something was going to change about the tension between them and she was sure that there was something about that she wasn't going to like. She moved her hair out of her face and slicked it back so that it was out of her way. She swam to the shore where her clothes were folded up and gave another scan of the area.
Still no sign of Itachi Uchiha or the Akatsuki; it was almost as if Sasuke left her here thinking she was helping. He probably wanted her out of the way too. Hinata sighed and quickly pulled herself out and wrapped herself in a towel. She wrung out her hair and grabbed her clothes so she could change back. While she did another scan to be sure that Sasuke wasn't going to try a sneak attack while she was dressing, she found another familiar chakra figure.
It looked like three small children.
"O-Oh no," Hinata said under her breath. She changed back into her clothes as fast as she could and tried to locate their exact location. She quietly crept to their location as she found out that they were going back to where they first found her. She slowly walked closer to their location and blushed red when she saw the bright and beautiful chakra that belonged to Naruto Uzamaki. She was about a good five meters away from the group and she deactivated her Byakugan to watch the group in a more physical form. She watched as the genin team that she had met before, Shikamaru, and Naruto. The little girl was being the most animated as she explained the whole meeting they had. She kept a close eye on the young prodigy and Shikamaru since –she hated to admit it- they were the only ones that would notice her and find her. Hinata climbed up the tree and covered her mouth when she was sure that she was eye to eye with Tai.
He lifted up his arm and looked to be pointing at her, but she couldn't tell since his sleeves covered his hands. "She's right there."
"N-No." Hinata quickly turned away and started running back to her small home. She heard them running after her and she pushed herself to run faster. She activated her Byakugan and located the group behind her but when she looked ahead; her eyes went wide at the chakra coming towards her. "M-My life…" Hinata whined as she suddenly turned another direction as to not lead one to the other. She tried to find to get one off her back; she knew Sasuke could tell when Naruto was near, so he should keep back. Hinata went back to the Uchiha's chakra signature, but he was still coming at her full force. Hinata groaned and made a quick back at the group. She went straight for Mimi; she was the only one that she could grab.
"H-Hey!" Mimi yelled as Hinata picked her up and put her over her shoulder. She watched as her group got smaller and smaller as the woman carried her away. "Whoa there!" Mimi looked back at Hinata as she carried her away. "Let me go! Let me go! Let me go!" Mimi began to kick and scream but Hinata was setting her down by a tree.
"K-Keep away f-from me," Hinata held her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. "I-I am dangerous, a-and you w-will get hurt."
"No!" Mimi yelled at her. "I have to bring you back to Konoha! Naruto-sensei trained us himself so that we could bring you back, even so we could fight against the Uchiha traitor." Hinata blushed as she thought about Naruto. Mimi caught on and smiled brightly. "You and Naruto-sensei are in love, right?!"
Her face burned bright red and she quickly shook her head. "N-No, N-Naruto-kun is j-just too good of a-a person th-that he wants t-to save m-me."
"And I will!" Hinata spun around and saw Naruto there with a bright smile. Shikamaru jumped down behind her and grabbed Mimi and then transported back to the side of him team. Team 14 was on the offensive. Hinata took a step back away from the group and Naruto only smiled. "You don't have to be afraid of me Hinata-chan; I'm the hero, remember?"
"Y-You need t-to leave," Hinata warned to all of them. "S-Sasuke-s-sama is headed this w-way." Hinata activated her Byakugan and watched as Sasuke seemed to be on the lookout for her at their usual spot. They usually set down a base of rules that Hinata followed better than he did. Sooner or later he would just go and find her. Hinata always tried to miss those meetings. Hinata kept her eyes on Sasuke but continued to speak. "P-Please j-just go. I-I'm o-okay and I-I'll be back soon…p-promise."
"I'm not going to let that teme take you away from us for his selfish reasons." Naruto said with a glare and determination in his eyes. Hinata blushed a bit but tried to keep her focus on Sasuke. "You belong in Konoha. Everyone wants you back-" Hinata suddenly left when she saw Sasuke up and went off to find her. "Hinata-chan!" Hinata ignored him and went to Sasuke in hopes she could lead him away.
Hinata knew that she couldn't sneak up on him, but she could get his attention. "S-Sasuke-s-sama!" Hinata jumped down before him and pulled out her kunai. He gazed in her direction lazily and smirked when he saw her serious and nervous expression. He was a bit suspicious when she kept glancing in another direction with her Byakugan active. "S-Spar w-with me."
"Now," he smirked as he pulled out his katana, "this will be entertaining."
"Y-You have to catch me f-first though," she forced a smile and then took off in another direction. She had to get him away from Naruto and Team 14; if they got hurt because of her, she could never live with herself. Hinata could feel him getting closer and closer, but she had to run faster and faster. She could lose him with a clone for a little while so that she could get Naruto to go back to Konoha.
"I got you."
Hinata blushed red as she felt him wrap an arm wrap around her waist. She was pulled into a small clearing in the forest and her back was right against his chest. "B-But I-I didn't get v-very far!" Hinata tried to pull out of his grip as she watched Naruto get closer and closer. She heard his deep chuckle as he held her a bit tighter.
"That's not fair Hinata," he leaned down and spoke right next to her ear. He smirked when he could feel the heat coming from her face. "You laid down the rules and it seems that I have followed them to the fullest extent." Sasuke sheathed his katana and used his other hand to move her face so that she had to look at him. "If you plan on cheating, that means I get to cheat as well." He listened to her stutter out some sort of excuse; he didn't want her to talk, he wanted action. And he could only think of one way to shut her up.
Hinata felt her heart stop for a good five seconds when another pair of lips closed on her own. Her eyes were wide but the Uchiha's were closed; almost as if he was enjoying the moment. Hinata didn't react and as soon as it came it was over. She stared up at the Uchiha, who had a dull look on his face and a slight blush on his cheeks from her staring.
"What?" Sasuke said dully as Hinata continued to stare at him with shock on confusion.
"Holy shit." Shikamaru blurted out as he stood before his genin team.
Hinata looked over, still in Sasuke's grip, and paled when she saw that Naruto had witnessed what just happened. She didn't know if she should be upset that he saw, or happy from the sudden rage that took over his features.
"Sasuke-teme."
"Naruto-baka."
(End)
Before you comment on how I have a bad ending. I can assure you that this will be continued in a part two with more Sasuhina, Naruhina, and a SasuHinaNaru that you all love and adore. I would like to apologies for my lack of updating. I've been busy with other things but I can assure you that I am back to writing more of my stories.
On another note, the story: In the Name of God will be deleted. I thought that I had a good idea for it, but I cannot come up with a good middle to the story that will tie the beginning and end nicely. I've decided it would be best to get rid of it and hope that at a later date it will be better planned for.
I have been coming up with a new Hinata centric story, but it will not be released until I update all existing stories that have been wrongly ignored.
Thank you for sticking with me and I can promise that all other ongoing stories will be updated fairly soon. I am on a writing binge.
Check out my deviantart XxAcumichixX someone had made me fanart LoveHinaSasu for my first Oneshotes story and her work in beautiful so go watch and fav her.
Ja Ne