The Longer Road: Chapter Two.
Tuesday April 11th. Training ground eight 0800 hours.
Kurenai watched her genin team carefully, and suppresses a sigh, at seeing Kiba giving Shino a scowl. And the Aburame heir stoically ignoring the irritated Inuzuka.
Meanwhile, Hinata stood over ten feet away from her potential teammates, with her arms crossed. And she didn't look happy.
And Kurenai was a little hurt by how unhappy Hinata looked.
The red-eyed Jounin then sighed.
'I guess I should get things started then.' Kurenai thought to herself.
"Ahem." Kurenai coughed to get her team's attention.
"As you all know...Today's exercise is your final obstacle, to determine if your truly ready to become Genin. And my test is a simple one…After a giving me a ten minute head start, you will track me until noon . If you meet my expectations, Team Eight will pass. Fail and you'll all be sent back to the academy." Kurenai explained.
And both Kiba and Hinata grimaced at the idea of going back to the academy. Shino however remained calm.
'I can't afford to go back to the academy.' Both Hinata and Kiba thought to themselves.
"What we're only supposed to follow you around… That doesn't sound like much of a test Kurenai-sensei." Kiba said with a scowl still present on his face, and Kurenai frowned at her Inuzuka student. But ignored his brash behavior.
"Are we allowed to engage you in battle at any point?" Shino asked calmly.
"If you feel it's necessary. However, combat isn't the primary focus of this test, so I recommend against it." Kurenai replied.
Kiba grinned, "Now that's more like it; I can prove that I'm the best one for Hinata-chan and show her that I'm the one who deserves her love!" Kiba declared loudly, having focused on the wrong part of what Kurenai had just said.
"Idiot.' Hinata and Kurenai fumed mentally. Shino on the other hand had a more well thought out opinion of over eagerness to fight, and his declaration that he would make Hinata his.
'Not if I get to her first mutt boy, and with the idiocy you've showed just now; you've only made my task easier.' Shino thought crossly.
However, despite his anger Shino didn't show it and was cool and calm as ever.
"So are there any more questions?" All the Kurenai got was silence this time." No… Then the test begins… Now!" Kurenai declared and then Shunshined away.
"So what do we do now?" Kiba asked.
Hinata sighed.
"Kurenai may have ordered us to give her a head start, but she didn't prohibit us from starting to track her right after the test started… Byakugan!" The blue haired girl ended her sentence in a shout.
Hinata's vision expanded, the veins near her temples bulged, and the pupils of her eyes became more distinct.
"I concur with your assessment Hinata-san," Shino agreed, as he sent out his Kikaichu.
Kiba shrugged, as he and Akamaru kept their ears and noses sharp for any scents or sounds.
.
Team eight waited the ten minutes, as ordered by their sensei and tried to keep track of her at the same time with little success. Since their sensei always seemed to stay outside the range of their senses.
"Akamaru did you get anything, I can't seem to hear or smell her anywhere." Kiba asked.
"Arf… Arf." Akamaru barked excitedly from a top Kiba's head.
"Great job boy…Let go bag us a jounin!" Kiba yelled and with that, the brash Inuzuka dashed off straight ahead with Akamaru in close pursuit.
"WAIT KIBA… SHE'S BAITING YOU. WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER AND WORK AS A TEAM!" Hinata yelled, as she tried to get the attention of her wayward Inuzuka teammate, but plea went ignored.
Hinata then turned to face Shino, who had remained silent.
"Shino you know this test is about teamwork right?" Hinata asked,
Shino nodded, "I am aware and I'm willing to work with you Hinata-chan to achieve a common goal." Shino agreed," Why you ask, because logically we'll have a better chance of tracking down our sensei as a team rather than individually." The Aburame elaborated.
Hinata sighed in relief and nodded, "Ok, first we'll need to find Kiba."
Shino frowned, "You misunderstood me Hinata-san. I am willing to partner with you, not Kiba." Shino clarified.
Hinata got an annoyed look on her face, "But you just said you understood that this test was about teamwork, and for us to succeed as a team we need Kiba…"Hinata said, annoyed. Then a look of understanding dawned on Hinata and her annoyance turned to anger. "Is this really about your stupid rivalry with Kiba for my love, Shino are you really willing to let a stupid rivalry crush our chances at becoming genin, despite knowing better than Kiba that my heart already belongs to someone else?" Hinata responded angrily with a raised voice; not noticing the hurt look Shino gave in her anger.
Shino nodded, feeling a little hurt." Indeed...I am aware of your infatuation with the Uzumaki, but I believe that one day you will come to see that Uzumaki-san is not right for you and I imagine Kiba is of like mind." Shino said without emotion, as one of his Kikaichu came back to him and then without another word Shino dashed off to the left and disappeared into the forest.-
"Wait Shino…SHINO!" Hinata yelled in frustration; while hoping that Naruto was faring better with his team than she was with hers, but she couldn't be distracted she had to find her teammates if they wanted to pass. So Hinata rushed out of the clearing, as she tracked both of her potential teammates, and sensei with her Byakugan as she went. But she couldn't help but let her mind drift back to the first time she had met Naruto and how he didn't give up in the face of overwhelming odds.-
'Naruto- kun never gave up so I won't either.' Hinata thought to herself, as she ran in the direction Kiba went.
4 years ago. A few days before the academy starts.
In one of Konoha's many forest clearings a little girl of about eight years old, with short, dark blue hair and pale lavender eyes sat sadly on the ground. Her name was Hyuga Hinata.
"I lost to Hanabi-chan again." Hinata whispered sadly to herself, with a forlorn expression on her face.
Hinata knew that her parents never got angry or disappointed with her for her failures. But she still wanted to be alone, so she ran away from her home and soon found herself out here in the woods. It was a beautiful and peaceful place in her opinion, with trees all around her. It was a perfect safe haven where she could clear her mind and think. Think about what she was doing wrong and maybe find a way to better herself.
' I know it is a weakness that I had hate hurting people (especially my family) and it causing me to hold back in fights…But how do I fix that weakness without changing who I am?' Hinata thought to herself.
Snap
Hearing the crunching of leaves behind her, startled Hinata and she turned her head to see three boys and they didn't have good intentions, if the cruel smirks on their faces were anything to go by.
Had she been so distracted that she didn't notice them following her?
"Hey, boy's look at what we have here." The leader of the group crowned, "It's a Hyuga...And a weak and pathetic one at that." The lead bully said with a laugh after seeing the fear in the girl's eyes, "You ran into my friend and knocked him to the ground due to your carelessness girl...So what do you have to say for yourself?" The leader said with a smirk on his face.
Hinata was mortified at what she had done and while she knew that no answer would satisfy the boy she wanted to at least apologize.
"I'm sorry." Hinata whispered.
"Not good enough!" The leader yelled, as he grabbed Hinata by her hair causing her to cry out in pain and her eyes to tear up. The boy cocked his fist back.
"Yeah, boss show those bastard Hyuga's they aren't so great." Lackey number one.
The lead bully smirked as he was about to throw his punch and the girl closed her eyes to prepare for the hit.
.
"HEY, YOU BASTARDS LEAVE HER ALONE!" A voice called out.
Hinata and the three bullies looked to see a young blond boy; with blue eyes and three whisker-like marks on both cheeks standing across the way.-
'Naruto-kun you stood up for me without being ordered to or even knowing who I was and then you showed me where my strength was.' Hinata thought to herself as she raced through the forest. Hinata remembering that day well; unfortunately not long after her meeting with Naruto-kun Ko had come and chased her new friend away, and Hinata remembered vividly how her confrontation with her father went down after she had come home.
Four years ago, a few hour after Hinata met Naruto.
Hinata sat in the living room as her father and mother stood in front of her while Ko was standing off to the side.
"And you will not associate with that boy Hinata and that is final!" Hiashi said with authority, after scolding his eldest daughter for leaving the clan grounds alone and without permission.
Hinata was heartbroken at hearing the news at first and she felt some of her old weakness coming back and was about to give in to her father's demand. But she crushed that urge down violently with the memory that she would not allow others to be hurt due to her weaknesses and insecurities ever again.
"No father, I will not abandon my first friend… I will not turn my back on the one person who not only inspired me to stand up for others, but also helped give me the strength to stand up from myself as well." Hinata shook her head," I would never be able to forgive myself if I did that." Hinata said with equal finality, as she looked up at her father with defiance in her eyes.
All the while trying to stay brave in the face of the cold glare her father was now giving her upon hearing her answer. But her father's cold look soon melted into a small smile. A smile, Hinata dared to think was a smile of fatherly pride.-
Meanwhile, Hanako who had remained silent was about to come to her daughter's defense, but her husband's cold expression changed into a smile of pride.
"I am proud of you Hinata-chan for standing up for yourself and if this boy was able to awaken your fighting spirit then I see no reason why you shouldn't be allowed to continue seeing him." Hiashi said as he turned to Ko with a serious expression on his face, "Ko make sure everyone within the Hyuga clan knows that Hinata-chan is allowed to see the Uzumaki boy anytime she wants and that Hanabi-chan is allowed to as well if she wants too...You are dismissed."
"Hai Hiashi-sama." Ko said not really happy with the news as he walked out of the room.
Hinata smiled," So I can continue to see Naruto- kun Tou sama."
"Yes, you may Hinata-chan. "Hiashi said and all of sudden he was hugged by his little daughter.
"Thank you Tou-san…I love you." Little Hinata said as tears came down her eyes.
"Your welcome and I love you to always remember that." Hiashi said as he hugged his daughter and Hinata just nodded as Hanako joined the family hug.
After a few minutes Hanako spoke up, "Hinata-chan why don't you go and play with Hanabi- chan…I'm sure she misses you."
Hinata smiled, "Ok, bye Tou-sama, Kaa-sama... I love you." The little girl said as she releases her parents and happily ran out of the room.
Hinata then when to track down her little sister, since father is allowing Hanabi-chan to see Naruto-kun as well I might as well introduce them to each other tomorrow...' Hinata thought to herself as she checked the dojo... she wasn't there, Hinata then checked the kitchen, nope not there either.
"I guess she's in her room." Hinata said to herself, so that's where she decided to head next.
.
Hinata knocked on the door to her sister's room, "Hanabi- imouto- chan are you there?" Hinata asked. Hinata then heard some scuffling.
"Be right there Onee- sama." Called out Hanabi's little voice and soon the door was flung open and Hinata was greeted with the wide smiling face of her little sister.
"ONEE-SAMA!" The little girl cried out as she jumped into her older sisters arms.
"Hi, Hanabi- Imouto how are you doing?" Hinata said with a gentle smile.
"I'm ok, but I was worried about you... You left so suddenly after our match and you looked so sad." Hanabi said in worry.
Hinata hugged her little sister close, "Don't worry about me I'm fine now... I met a boy that helped me when I needed it most, I was wondering if you'd like to meet him tomorrow Hanabi-chan."
"Sure I would love to meet him Onee- sama. "Hanabi replied; before a look of confusion overtook her features," How did this boy help you Onee- sama." Hanabi asked curiously.
"He helped me overcome my fear." Was all Hinata said and Hanabi smiled at hearing that.
Hinata smiled at the thought as she raced off to catch up to Kiba. The Hyuga girl thought it best to link up with her brash teammate first as she believed Shino was level headed enough to not act rashly.
With Kiba and Akamaru.
Kiba and Akamaru came to a stop on one of the trees to better hone in on their sensei's scent, "We're closing in on her boy…I can smell her now."
Suddenly Kiba danger senses sparked, and his instincts proved to be true when Akamaru let out a bark of warning. An instant later, Kiba along with Akamaru jumped to the next tree; narrowly avoiding being ensnared by the tree they had just been standing on a moment ago. Kiba and Akamaru performed a turning somersault, so they could come face to face with their attacker and they watched in awe as their sensei Kurenai emerged from the tree somehow.
"Good reaction time and senses, Kiba and Akamaru. But let see how good you are in taijutsu." The red eyed woman baited. -
Kiba smirked, "You asked for it sensei, come on Akamaru … Jujin Bushin no Jutsu… Shikyaku no Jutsu!"
"Arf. Arf." Came Akamaru barked in agreement as the ninken turned into a clone of his master.
Kiba and Akamaru then both settled into a four-legged stance, like that of an animal. The next moment they dashed at high speeds towards their sensei.
However Kurenai was not alarmed," You should think before you act Kiba- kun, your recklessness is putting you and your companions in great danger as is Shino's unwillingness to work with you." The red- eyed woman said calmly as she watched Kiba and Akamaru come at her in a straight forward attack.
Kiba's claw swiped at her with his left and Akamaru with his right. But Kurenai using her superior speed effortlessly avoided both strikes. The woman spring boarded off several trees in a blur and landed on the ground just as Kiba and Akamaru landed on the branch she had just been on.
"You're too slow Kiba-kun. If you want to catch me you will have to be faster than that." Kurenai said with a mocking smile.
"I'll show you sensei. Let's go Akamaru... Gatsuga." Kiba shouted in anger.
Kiba leaped and became as a spinning vortex with Akamaru following suit and they both sped towards their target. But Kurenai again effortlessly avoided their attacks and blurred away using her speed as she disappeared and reappeared behind both Kiba and Akamaru ready to knock them unconscious, but Kurenai sensed Hinata coming in from behind and dodged to the right side as a palm blazing filled with chakra sailed past her. Kiba and Akamaru came out of their spin and landed facing their sensei. And Hinata with a two gracefully steps landed next to Akamaru after her attack failed.
"Kiba we need to retreat; open combat is not what this test is about!" Hinata shouted to her teammate as she kept her Byakugan eyes trained on Kurenai, she could also see that Shino was nearby; thus within earshot. Hinata had been tracking his movements as she raced to aid Kiba and she was relieved when she saw him head this way after Kiba started his fight with their sensei. Hinata was about to say more, but Kiba interrupted her.
"What! Hinata-chan you can't be serious, we can take her out together." Kiba said incredulously. And Hinata and Kurenai nearly face palmed at that. Before anything else was said a swarm of insects surged forward out of the brush from the left side and engulfed Kurenai. At this Hinata's head dropped knowing the most likely outcome.
Shino walked calmly out of the foliage and stopped as he stood next to his teammates, "It was a clever move how you deceived my Kikaichu by using a clone as a decoy and then masking yourself with that genjutsu, but you underestimated me. Why? Because I put a tracking Kikaichu on both of my teammates so I knew where you were as soon as you attacked Kiba and rushed here with all haste." Shino stated calmly; like he was talked about the weather.
Unfortunately only Hinata noticed that Shino's eyes were glazed over with her Byakugan, a sign he was under a genjutsu. She also saw that Kurenai was directly behind him and sadly she wasn't even given enough time to call out a warning before Kurenai struck.
"And you underestimated me Shino kun." And that was all Shino heard before he felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck and then his world went black. Shino fell to the ground unceremoniously with Kurenai standing where he had been; her hand in a chopping position. Kiba was wide-eyed with shock; he hadn't even seen her move.
Kurenai sighed in disappointed, "This test is over, please pick up your teammate and meet me at the training ground." With that said Kurenai Shunshined away.
"WHAT! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS TEST IS OVER? WE BARELY EVEN STARTED!" An enraged Kiba yelled.
Hinata sighed as she went over to Shino and picked him up, "It doesn't matter anymore the test is over. So we better get back to the training ground as Kurenai-sensei instructed." A sad and frustrated Hinata replied. Hinata was also angry at her teammates for being so difficult, but she was angry at herself the most for refusing to take on leadership and making team eight work.
.
"What hit me?" Shino asked as he was just coming to.
The bug user slowly sat up after some time and aside from a headache he felt ok. Shino saw that he was back in the training ground that they had started in and that Kiba and Hinata were sitting beside him and Akamaru sat on Inuzuka's head as usual. Kurenai was standing in front of them and she did not look happy.
"Genin team eight… failed." Kurenai said emotionlessly.
"What! WHY?" Kiba stood up enraged and yelled.
"Kiba. Sit. Down. Now!" Kurenai didn't even raise her voice, but the effect was the same from her glare alone. Kiba chuckled nervously as he sat back down; his previous hot bloodedness dying a fiery death.
Kurenai sighed, "You failed because one, you did not act as a team. Two neither you nor Shino heeded Hinata's advice; specifically when she suggested for you to retreat… As a team and finally Kiba you disregarded that this exercise was meant to test your recon skills, not your fighting skills…Combat was meant to be a last resort." Kurenai said with her arms folded as she looked over at Hinata," As for you Hinata I can see you already know what you did wrong." Kurenai said with a sigh and Hinata merely nodded her head in shame.
Kiba looked up from where he sat, "But you said we could engage you in combat."
Kurenai sighed, "Yes I did Kiba, but I only added that part in because I wasn't going to completely exclude the possibility of combat being necessary. However, after you all attacked me so recklessly I decided that none of you were ready to be genin." Kurenai stated simply.
"But that not fair!" Was Kiba's response again as he was about to stand up again.
Shino remained silent.
This time it was Hinata that spoke," Kiba life's not fair… You knew this was a tracking team, you and Shino both did. Yet you both acted like idiots in not working together with each other or with me...Yet I was the one truly at fault for this team's failure since I saw the problem and chose to ignore until it was too late." Said Hinata in an angry tone; not even sparing her teammates a glance.
Shino didn't show any outward reaction and Kiba looked defiant. It was only Akamaru that looked ashamed, if his lowered head and whimpers were anything to go by.
"That was a bit harsh Hinata." Hinata almost flinched at hearing the tone in Kurenai's voice, but if the red-eyed woman noticed she chose to ignore it as she continued speaking, "But you are correct… You should have at least tried to talk Kiba and Shino into working together before the last second…You had enough time for that much, I would have understood if you had not succeeded. "Kurenai said in disappointment before her voice turned somber, "I'm sad this team didn't make it, I had been looking forward to teaching all of you." Kurenai was about to speak again, but she was interrupted when Shino spoke out.
"Wait sempai." Shino said, not using sensei seeing as the red-eyed woman was no longer their sensei.
"Yes, Shino?" Kurenai asked.
"I would like to know how you avoided my Kikaichu? The reason being is I know for a fact that they connected with you. I even felt your chakra being drained and I would like to make sure I can prevent something similar from happening in the future."
Kurenai nodded, "I hit you with a genjutsu to fool you into thinking that I had been caught when in reality you missed. I then used the body replacement technique before your Kikaichu reached me in order to get behind you… Remember Shino kun while your Kikaichu are immune to genjutsu you should know that the Aburame themselves are not immune. You just have a higher resistance since your hives can warn you if a genjutsu is present and help you dispel them."
Shino just nodded as there was nothing really for him to say to that.
"If there's nothing else?" Kurenai asked as she glanced at each of her former students. The Inuzuka much to his frustration forced himself to remain silent as he felt Hinata's glare trained on him. "Then I wish you good fortune on your next attempt… As for you Hinata I will need you to come with me to the Hokage's tower…I'm sure you know why." Kurenai said solemnly.
Hinata nodded as she walked up to her former sensei, Kurenai who put her hand on the girl's shoulder. A moment later they both vanished.
After that both Kiba and Shino stood up, "Why couldn't Kurenai-sensei have taken us as well and why did she have to fail us?" A grumpy Kiba asked.
Shino sighed at Kiba's obliviousness, "Kiba I can't help but feel almost glad that this team didn't work out, why you ask; my reasoning is simple…You and I would never have gotten along due to our rivalry as well as the fact in time she will eventually reciprocate my feels."
"As if asshole… She's in love with me and I'll show her I'm the better man for her." Kiba said through gritted teeth.
Shino didn't reply and just turned his back and walked away,
"Where the hell do you think you're going man…we're not done yet!" Kiba yelled out in irritation.
Shino stopped, "Hmm… And how would we finish this Kiba?"
Kiba grinned," By fighting it out of course. Right here… Right now. "
Shino remained silently for a moment.
"To show who the better man is? The Aburame asked.
"Right."
"Then I'll have to pass, I have duties to attend to at home and I suggest that you head home as well Kiba." And with that said Shino continued to walk away without saying another word.
Kiba paled at the mention of going home. He had just been a major part of his own team's failure, not that he would ever admit it. His mom was going to kill him.
"I'm dead meat aren't I Akamaru." At this Akamaru covered his face with both paws and whined.
The Hokage's office 1430 hours.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was smoked his pipe as he listened to his jounin give their reports on how their teams had failed. He happened to glance in Kurenai's direction; which caused him to think about the girl that was in the waiting room. When Kurenai said she had brought Hinata with her Hiruzen knew it had to do with the rising tension within the Hyuga clan. The Sandaime was broken from his thoughts when he saw Kakashi appear and surprisingly on time.
"Let me guess Team seven failed." The Sandaime stated rather than asked.
"I had no choice Hokage- sama, considering how poorly they performed." Kakashi replied sadly. The Sandaime nodded and motioned for the one-eyed jounin to explain further. Kakashi sighed as he went on to explain the details of the test and his assessment of each of his genin.
Hiruzen frowned. 'Well, team seven was a disaster...I wonder if they would've passed if the team had been as it was meant to be?' The Sandaime thought to himself.
Kurenai taking the silence as her cue to begin her report, "I unfortunately have to say that team eight has also failed… Simply put Kiba and Shino refused to work together." Kurenai sighed, "Not only that but they failed to follow the mission objective I had set for them and sadly Hinata ignored the problem until it was too late."
Hiruzen gritted his teeth, "Asuma kun you have better give me good news and say that team ten passed."
Asuma grimaced and shook his head, "Sorry dad..." At this, the Sandaime scowled and cut his son off mid-sentence.
"I am not in the mood for your usual informal attitude Asuma; tread carefully." The Sandaime stated as he added a bit of killing intent to get his point across, an act that made everyone in the room nervous.
"R...Right, Sorry Hokage-sama." Hiruzen waved it off indicating that all was forgiven,
so Asuma began his report, "I'm sorry to say but team ten did not pass either Hokage sama."
"Explain." The Sandaime ordered as he stared at his son.
Asuma rubbed the back of his head as he got put on the hot seat, "Team ten has very good teamwork as expected due to their families being so close." Asuma began positively," However none of them have the right mentality or the drive to become shinobi yet."
The Sandaime sighed in frustration and his words came out in a deadly whisper, "So do you mean to tell me that not one team passed this term… Is that what you're all telling me?"
A long pause followed where everyone in the room started to sweat nervously as the Sandaime scrutinized them all with a hard look in his eyes. After allowing his subordinates to sweat for a little while longer the elderly leader continued to speak.
"Asuma are you certain that team ten can't be salvaged? Perhaps Ino could whip the boys into shape."
Asuma sighed, he really needed a smoke right now, "That may be possible since Shikamaru does listen to Ino to avoid making things "troublesome" for himself and Chouji would quickly fall in line, but at the same time I don't think that would be a good way to go."
"Why is that Asuma?" The Sandaime asked.
Asuma frowned, "The reason is Ino's…persuasiveness would not give Shikamaru or Chouji what they need to maximize their training; seeing as Shikamaru's laziness and Choji's lack of confidence would still hamper their efforts…As for Ino she has her own problems that need to be addressed and I'm just man for the job." Asuma elaborated.
The Sandaime sighed, "In other words, you're lazy and don't want to give them the hard training they need…Is that right Asuma?"
Asuma rubbed the back of his head nervously and had the decency to be embarrassed since his father's accusation was indeed true.
The Sandaime sighed again, "Asuma I could order you to take on team ten; regardless of the result of your test…The same goes for you Kurenai…" Both Kurenai and Asuma stiffened at hearing this, "But I won't do that since I have another plan in mind and this mess will help me put it into action."
"What do you have in mind Hokage- sama? Kakashi asked in interest.
The Sandaime nodded, "I aim to repeal the demilitarization act and replace it with the wartime standards act, so the academy will once again be the military institution it was meant to be. However, the academy standards are only half the problem…The other problem is the current system is a hit or miss thing that doesn't allow the students to make mistakes…" It's a good thing I saw this possibility coming so I could have a plan ready to be set into motion." The Sandaime said.
"But Hokage- sama you can't be serious; they're only children." Kurenai nearly shouted.
The Hokage remained silent, so it was Kakashi who decided to answer the red-eyed woman's protest in his place.
Kakashi shook his head, "No they're not Kurenai… Not really. They stopped being children as soon as they enter the academy." Here Kakashi sighed, "When a genin team passes the test given to them by their jounin sensei the jounin in command rarely if ever teach them jutsu...why is that?" Kakashi continued as he answered his own question, "It's because as things stand now the genin coming out of the academy don't have the maturity to handle advanced training... Babysitters would be a better term to describe the job of jounin Instructors." Kakashi finished.
There were a bunch of protests at Kakashi's last statement, but Asuma and Kurenai stayed silent. For Kurenai's part, she agreed with Kakashi to a point, but another part of her felt it was wrong forcing children so young to grow up so fast.
"SILENCE." bellowed the Hokage and the room went dead silent; which the Sandaime took as his cue to render his judgment. "Ahem." The Sandaime coughed on his pipe, "So by executive order, as is my right as Hokage the academy will shift to the wartime standards as of the next academic year… After the students finish the academy they will go through an additional eight-month, advanced training program during which they will be given the rank of acting genin. If they make the cut they will be given a full promotion to genin upon completing the course… In order to test this new system the genin and cadets who failed this year will be offered the chance to participate in said eight-month program. Whoever accepts will report to the academy in one week's time and sign up; before being sorted into their new teams," Here the Hokage paused and took out a sheet of paper from his desk and handed it to Kakashi.
"Hmm… There is some impressive talent here …I can see why you'd allow the Mist refugees an opportunity to participate in this advanced program Hokage- sama." Kakashi stated."
The Sandaime nodded "They've earned it since they've all scored very high marks and have displayed excellent camaraderie, so I will be giving them the option to sign up for the advanced program and when they pass it'll make up for the disaster that was this year. The Sandaime sighed, "So before I dismiss you all do any of you have any questions or concerns? "Seeing no one speak up the Sandaime nodded again, "Then you are all dismissed." The Sandaime declared.
"Hai Hokage-sama!" Everyone chorused with a bow and then they began to all file out of the office, all save for Kurenai.
Hiruzen smiled and said, "What can I do for you Kurenai."
"Hokage-sama. I would like to request permission to adopt Hinata on the grounds that she's in danger if she stays with her clan seeing as the discord between the branch and the main family is rising by the day." Kurenai says with a bow.
"I see" The Sandaime tapped the speaker phone and said to his secretary, "Please send Hinata-chan in."
Hinata soon walked in with an annoyed and sad look in her pupil-less pale lavender eyes. She had grown her hair out and it stopped at near her mid-back; her bangs were short with two longer strands of hair framing her face. She was wearing a white kimono, with a lavender sash keeping the top closed. To complete her outfit she wore black sandals and had her shinobi gear.
Hiruzen knew what could happen to the girl and her little sister if they stayed with the Hyuga; he knew as well what Naruto's reaction would be if he allowed it to happen, and as Hokage he would not allow his surrogate grandson to be hurt that badly. The fact that he failed his genin exam was enough.
Hiruzen nodded, "I will approve your request to adopt young Hinata here and I have a feeling that Hiashi will agree to it."
Kurenai smiled, "Thank you Hokage-sama."
At this point Hinata cut in, "Is there anything we can do for my little sister?" Hinata asked in a worried tone.
If there was one thing she regretted about her situation it was that she was being forced to abandon Hanabi.
"I will see what I can do… How does that sound." The grandfatherly Hokage said with a smile still in place.
Hiruzen had a soft spot for the kind Hyuga girl that was in front of him and her little sister as well. He could even say he saw them as his granddaughters; seeing as they saved his grandson figure from loneliness.
Kurenai added," If the worst happens I would be more than willing to take Hanabi in as well."
Hinata smiled and her fears for her sister lessening somewhat.
"Hokage-sama." Iruka interjected. "I would like to ask permission to adopt Naruto, with this latest setback I feel like the boy will need guidance that having a true family bond can give."
Hiruzen's smile widened and said "permission granted…We will sign the documents tomorrow morning."
Kurenai smiled as well. In her opinion, it was about time that someone was allowed to take the boy in.
Hiruzen smiled as he spoke once again," Hinata you're free to go, I suggest you go and find Naruto. He will need a friend to cheer him up right now." Hinata nodded with a small smile on her face as that's just what she had planned.
"Hai Hokage-sama." Hinata said with a bow.
"Now Hinata-chan, feel free to call me Jiji like Naruto-kun does. The same goes for Hanabi-chan as well. I consider you both as my granddaughters; just as I view Naruto-kun as my grandson. And as for your sister, I have a feeling that things will turn out alright for her as well." Hiruzen said with a comforting smile on his face
Hinata smiled again at the Hokage's reassuring words, "Thank you... Hokage Ji Sama." Hinata replied with a look of relief and with Hinata bow again and rushed out of the room.
"Kurenai…I will of course have to inform Hiashi and Hanako-chan so a meeting will be scheduled for tomorrow morning…I will be asking them to bring Hanabi to insure her safety" Hiruzen explained after Hinata left.
"Does Hinata have to be there?" Kurenai asked; though she knew Hinata would want to be at the meeting for the sake of her family
"I don't think she would want to be left out seeing as her little sister will be there and I know Hinata will want to be present to support her…Especially if Hiashi takes the course of action I think he will." Kurenai nodded at that. "I will be sending an ANBU agent to inform the Hyuga of the meeting…We will also be using the time to finalize the two adoptions, so Iruka please bring Naruto and your fiancé." At this, both Kurenai and Iruka nodded, "So if that is everything." Iruka and Kurenai remained silent. "Then you are both dismissed for the day." The Sandaime said.
Hai Hokage sama." Iruka and Kurenai chorused and after that they both disappeared in a puff of smoke and Sakura petals respectively.
.
Hiruzen was now left alone in office as he smoked his pipe, "Please make yourself known ANBU Falcon." The Sandaime ordered as he pulled out a Bingo Book from his desk.
A moment later, an ANBU woman with long black hair and a falcon mask on her face appeared via ice Shunshin and knelt before her Kage in time to see him toss the book on the table.
"That is a Bingo Book that has been patched with an update which was specifically requested by Kiri; despite the new edition only being a few months away... Please look at page 245." Hiruzen said with a sigh and Falcon sighed as well...She already knew what she was going to find and it actually made her feel relieved, it was hard work pretending you were dead after all.
Falcon turned to page 245 and read the entry.
Name Yuki Hanae.
Age: 31
Date of birth April 16th 41, Hidden Village Era.
Hair: black and long, eyes: brown
Relations: Husband, Satoru deceased. Date of Birth. September 18th, 36 HVE ( Hidden Village Era). Date of Death 68 HVE. Age 32, occupation shinobi, rank jounin
Son, Yuki Haku deceased. Date of Birth January 9, 61 HVE (Hidden Village Era) Date of Death Age 68 HVE. Age 7, occupation N/A, rank N/A
Yuki clan deceased.
Shinobi Rank, N/A
Release wind, water bloodline ice release.
Classification: Sensor, Medic, Hunter-nin.
Specialties: Taijutsu, kenjutsu/weapons, ninjutsu/medic jutsu, sensor.
Taijutsu styles, Baquazhang,( Eight Trigrams Palm,) Tai Chi Quan,( Grand Ultimate Fist) Xing Yi Quan,( Form/Intention Fist) and Ying Zhao Quan,(Eagle Claw Fist)
Taijutsu: A 4/5
Ninjutsu: A 4/5
Genjutsu: B( dispel only) 3/5
Intelligence: A 4/5
Strength: C 2/5
Speed: A 4/5
Stamina: C 2.5/5
Hand seals/ chakra control: S 5/5 total 28.5
Threat level: A rank.
Bio
Yuki Hanae born in the Wudang temple near Kirigakure, and lived there along with her clan until the temple was destroyed by rogue shinobi, with her being the only survivor. A month after the Wudang temple had been destroyed she joined the Kiri shinobi corps. She graduated at near the top of her class two years later at the age seventeen and was immediately drafted into the Kiri hunter-nin division, due to her medic and exceptional sensor skills. She fled immediately when the Kiri bloodline war started, and hide in one of the small villages of Kiri. She later joins the bloodline terrorists after her son and husband were killed by the Kiri Hunter team that was assigned to track her down found her.
She is extremely dangerous and skilled in multiple forms of taijutsu, weapons and is exceptionally gifted with the senbon; being precise enough to kill with them. She is an excellent medic as well as an expert in human anatomy and can target the vital areas of the body as well as easily hit pressure points; allowing her to take out her targets with the least amount of effort. She is an expert in ninjutsu and has a master level of chakra control.
Other notable abilities: Her speed. She is noted to be very fast; especially when using her Makyo Hyosho Jutsu. Due to her Wudang training, she has great skill in taijutsu, nintaijutsu and the chakra flow technique, preferring to use her ice abilities. She can also form weapons of ice and is a master of the Yuki Hidden Jutsu Makyo Hyosho, a skill that creates mirrors that surrounds the target(s), the jutsu allows the user to travel at a tremendous speeds from mirror to mirror.
For any jounin level operatives, approach with caution. For genin and chunin level operatives, it is ordered that you are to flee on sight.
Bounty 1 million Ryo dead, five million alive. Retracted (formerly) update bounty reinstated and doubled.
Status deceased, formerly, updated status Active.
Yuki Hanae is presumed to have defected to Konoha with the other bloodline users and later intelligence we have gathered indicated that she died on a mission for Konoha. Update new intelligence indicates that Yuki H Most likely she has joined Konoha ANBU at some point to hide her identity.
Falcon's eyes narrowed at the ending remark, "Their information is bang on... How in the world did they find this out?"
"Think Falcon was there ever a time that you absolutely had no choice but to use your ice release during a mission?" Hiruzen asked gently.
Falcon thought for a moment, "Yes Hokage sama, but I only use it as last resort to save my life or the life of a teammate aside from training as you have ordered." Falcon finally said.
"Then those safe guards may not have been enough I'm afraid, it stands to reason that any survivor would have spread such information; that or we either have a traitor or perhaps a spy on our hands." Hiruzen replied in a grim tone.
Falcon sighed, "What is to happen now Hokage- sama?"
Hiruzen smiled, "What do you wish to happen Falcon?"
Falcon thought it over for a moment and soon came to a decision, "I would like to resign from ANBU and possibly take on a genin team if you will allow it Hokage sama."
"I accept your resignation Falcon after you complete one final mission as an ANBU... It isn't anything grand, but all I want you to do is go to the Hyuga compound and inform Hiashi and Hanako-chan to come to my office in the morning and tell them to bring Hanabi-chan as well.
"I accept the mission you have given me Hokage sama." Falcon said with a bow before asking something that was on her mind," And what about Naruto-kun? Will you allow me to take on whatever genin team he will be assigned too?" Falcon asked.
The Sandaime thought it over for a few moments before speaking, "It's not a common practice for family to have relatives in their squads, but I will approve of you being his jounin commander regardless and once you feel he's ready I will inform him of his heritage.
"Thank you Hokage sama… May I and Iruka kun be there went you tell him?"
"Of course as is your right as his new parents." Hiruzen smiled.
Falcon nodded," So may I take my leave then Hokage sama?"
"Yes, you are dismissed Falcon." Hiruzen replied with a smile.
Falcon nodded and then disappeared in an Ice Shunshin. Now alone in his office, the Sandaime was left to think things over.
With Hinata
Hinata stood outside the Hokage's tower and quickly got to work on finding Naruto.
"Byakugan." The girl exclaimed, the veins on the near her eyes bulged and her vision expanded.
She saw Naruto was sitting on a swing in the park.
Hinata sighed in relief. Naruto was fine. She gathered her chakra to her feet and used it to jump up onto the roof of the nearest rooftop that was not too high. She then began hopping roof top to roof top at high speeds in an effort to get to Naruto.
With Naruto
The Hyuga compound.
Naruto was standing in front of the gate with a stubborn look on his face that stated he was not going to back down.
"I want to see Hinata-chan right now!" Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs.
The two guards, both were branch members remained unmoved and had no emotion their faces.
"Why should we let our heiress associate with trash like you?" One guard said.
Naruto gritted his teeth in anger at how the branch guard disrespected Hinata, "I'll tell you why, because if you don't let me in I'll climb over that gate and kick both of your asses. Dattebayo!" Naruto yelled.
The second guard gave a cold chuckle, "By all means feel free to try you foolish child."
Naruto having had enough was about to rush the gate; when he and the two branch guards heard a command voice that demanded attention.
"Open the gates and leave us…I wish to have a private conversation with Naruto-kun. Also see to it that this does not happen again." A seemingly cold voice that was full of authority called out. The two guards and Naruto looked to see one Hyuga Hiashi, father of Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Hanabi.
"Of course Hiashi- sama." Said the first guard as he quickly opened the gates.
As the gates opened, Hiashi slowly walked toward the blond boy as the two guards left and once they were out of sight the Hyuga patriarch's features softened.
"Hello, Naruto- kun… I see your reputation for being loud and causing trouble has yet to leave you…I could hear you from inside and that's saying something." Hiashi said with a smirk now on his face.
Naruto rubbed his head as he laughed nervously, "Hehehehe…Sorry I disturbed you Hiashi sama, but I really wanted to see Hinata-chan, is she here by chance?
Hiashi shook his head and amusement was clear in his eyes stating loudly that no harm was done.
" I'm sorry but Hinata-chan isn't here right now; however since it's a little after two a clock she should be just finishing up her genin team test." Hiashi sighed knowing the burden he was about put on the young man that was standing in front of him.
"OH… Ok, I hope she did better than my team…Anyways since Hinata chan isn't here right now can I see Hanabi imouto and say hi then?"
Hiashi sighed, "I'm afraid not since she is training with my wife right now, but you might be able to catch Hinata-chan; since she might still be at training ground eight."
"Ok, thanks a bunch Hiashi- sama and I'll see ya later." Naruto said and just as he was about to run off, but Hiashi's voice stopped him in his tracks and he turned to face the Hyuga patriarch again.
"Naruto I have a favor to ask of you." Seeing he had the boy's undivided attention the Hyuga clan head continued," Things are not going well within the Hyuga clan right now and I have come to a decision in regards to both my daughter's futures…A decision that will hurt them, but it is for their safety." Hiashi began.
"Huh…" Was Naruto's clueless reply, "What do you mean by that Hiashi sama? And did you tell Hanako-sama yet…You know how she hates being left out of the loop."
Hiashi chuckled as he cracked a small smile; he sure knew how she hated being left in the dark. "You will find out soon enough and as for my wife I haven't told her yet, but I intend to tell her tonight. "Hiashi assured the boy, as his face became serious again, "Things are soon going to become hard for my daughters Naruto kun," Hiashi said gravely," I would just like to request that you be there for them when me or Hanako-chan can't be." Hiashi asked as he bowed.
Naruto smiled widely, "Of course I'll be there for Hinata-chan and Hanabi imouto and I'm sure that my friend Falcon and Kurenai-sensei will be there for them to…maybe I can even rope Iruka-sensei into it as well."
Hiashi smiled a true smile; his concerns haven't been great abated, "Thank you Naruto kun you have eased my concerns greatly…"So young man I think you should run along if you want to catch Hinata-chan."
"You got it Hiashi- sama." Naruto said with the same smile on his face as he took off toward training ground eight.
Fifteen minutes later.
Naruto sat on a swing in the park. After he had checked training ground eight only to find out Hinata's team had left. So knowing that Hinata could easily find him if she needed him the blond boy decided to go to the park for a while.
Naruto just sat in thought as he watched other people enjoy the night day; giving him a wide birth the same as they usually did.
"I know they've lost a lot, but I can't help but wish they would at least give me a chance to prove myself." Naruto said to himself before he heard a family voice calling out to him.
"NARUTO- KUN!"
Naruto looked up and smiled when he saw the one person he wanted to see the most, "HINATA-CHAN?" The blonde shouted as he got up from his swing and waved to the blue haired girl. Hinata ran toward Naruto and plowed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and hugging him tightly. And Naruto responded quickly by putting his arms around her in a hug as well.
Author note: I don't own Naruto or any other series that I may take inspiration from, it belongs to Kishimoto or to their prospective creators
I'm sorry to those who like Shino and Kiba, but their actions in this chapter were needed so I could have team eight collapse. Really there wasn't any solid reason for team eight's failure without the presence of horrible OOCness, plot induced stupidity and the use of clichés. What made things harder was the fact that aside from a total failure I felt that Kurenai would be more lenient in her assessment of her team, especially since Hinata was a member. My goal was to have everyone on the team to share the blame for the failure. I hope that I showed that even Hinata had a part in team eights failure.
Update 1. Chapter one has a minor correction because the Naruto/Hinata first meeting plays out differently than I said in the previous chapter.
Update 2 I moved Naruto's first meeting with Hinata (in Naruto's pov) to chapter one and in chapter two it's in Hinata point of view.
Update 3: fixed a continuity error in the flashback with Hiashi and his part at end of this chapter…Also, chapter one has been changed since I moved Naruto and Hinata's first meeting to that chapter.
Update 4. The Demilitarization Act: My attempt to explain why the standard at the academy were so low during peace time and the fact that academy knowledge seemed to be more important that the practice. It will be explained in greater detail in a future chapter. Also It's not canon as far as I know.
Legend. 'Regular.' Thoughts.
"Regular. " Normal speech.
"Bold." Bijuu/Summons /Possessed individual or second personality.
Italics. Flashback
Character info.
Iruka age 31, skill rank, C-. Career rank, chunin.
Anbu falcon, age 33, skill rank A . Career rank, Elite jounin.
Hinata, age 12, rank. skill, C- rank. Career rank, Cadet
Naruto age 12, skill rank D, D with twenty-five clones, C- rank using fifty plus clones.
Mizuki, skill rank, C-. Career rank chunin.