A/N: Sorry for not updating quickly as much. Hitting a writer's block, plus been busy with work. Here is the next chapter. Thanks for tuning in

CHAPTER 8

In the middle of the night, Kina was abruptly woken from footsteps and guards yelling, guard's ringing bells, alarming her. Kina rose from her bed quickly grabbing her sheer robe, putting it on and slipping on her sandals. She could hear her father's muffled voice.

"Check on Kina!"

"Hai!"

There were heavy footsteps at her door, someone knocked loudly and then slid the door open quickly. It was Ko.

"Kina-sama."

She approached him, wrapping her arms around her chest. She looked at him with doe eyes. "What is going on?"

"We must remain here for safety!"

She stuttered in confusion. "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"

"They found her! They found Hinata-sama."

The Heiress softly let out a gasp. My sister? Kina pushed through Ko, who was blocking the doorway. She could hear him calling out to her as she ran down the hall towards the main stairwell – Ko followed right behind her. She made her way through some guards to her father who was carrying baby Hinata in his arms. Her father was speaking to one of his guards asking him to bring over the Hyuga medic. Kina called out to her father, he made eye contact with her for a split second before turning his attention to his guards, making orders to them. Her mother, hysterically crying and asking if Hinata has been hurt. Kina made her way to her mother to comfort her, trying to calm her down.

"Mom, what happened?"

Her mother couldn't form a full sentence as she was hyperventilating too much. One of her mother's handmaids had made it to the house and had stepped in to bring her mother away to calm down in her room. The head household medic arrived shortly to take away Hinata to check up on her vitals. Mira tapped the Heiress' shoulder softly.

"My Lady, let us recuperate in your room."

Kina's father stepped in. "No, she stays here for this matter."

Mira bowed not to disrespect the head Hyuga and took a step back to give the family some space. Her father placed a hand on her small shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.

"It is time that you learn how to handle matters like this. You will shadow me in this event."

Kina gulped. Not knowing if she was prepared for this as she had not taken her duties seriously until recently. He slightly shook her out of her thoughts.

"Kina. I need confirmation that you are ready for this."

She hesitantly nodded.

"Do not speak of this with anyone. Do not say a word during this meeting. You will do as I say. Your duty is to only shadow me. Do I make this clear?"

Confused, she agreed with a nod. His eyes softened and he suddenly hugged her. Kina's eyes widened, being cut off guard. He softly spoke. "I am glad you are safe, my daughter."

She slowly hugged him back after hearing him say those words. Her father has always been tough on her and Hinata, so it was nice to see him be gentle with her for once. Although it is hard to understand her father's strictness and coldness sometimes. She always knew deep down he cared for them deeply. She guessed it had to do with maintaining the Hyuga Clan and the duties to run it. It was a stress and duty she may never understand until she takes up the mantle when it is time.

Kina was brushing her hair at her vanity. She couldn't get what was said in the meeting wrapped around her head. She heard creaking from her balcony, alarming her. She quickly grabbed her kunai and slowly made her way to the sliding door. It slowly started to open, she lifted the kunai high ready to strike until she saw the gray-haired man slip into her room, sliding the balcony door quietly.

Her eyes rose with shock. "Kakashi?"

He made a shush motion with his finger, pressed against his lips and whispered. "There is a lot of guards out right now…"

'Well, yeah… You shouldn't be here! Now is not the time. They'll sense your chakra soon. What are you even doing here?"

"I…I just wanted to check up on you."

Her heart skipped a beat. He's actually admitting this?

He cleared his throat, a little embarrassed. "Anyways, I just came to tell you that I can't meet you at noon today at the memorial stone. I wanted to tell you in person."

She sighed. "Because of you having to leave soon, right?"

"Yeah… They are having all ANBU members stand by on missions in case… You know things get worse."

She looked down at the floor in sadness. "I can't believe something like this is happening right now."

He didn't respond.

Kina looked back up at him again. "We are meeting with Kumogakure in a few days to discuss what has happened… I am afraid of what's to come."

Kakashi took a step towards her and placed a hand on her arm in comfort. Her eyes began to water. Kakashi started. "I–" but stuttered with his words. "I uh. I am sure things will be okay, Kina."

"I appreciate your kindness and comfort… But I do not think things will be okay. My father killed their Head Ninja that tried to kidnap my baby sister. This could break us into another War."

He sighed in agreement. "I should get going soon… I overstayed my welcome." He slowly made his way towards the sliding door. Just about to open it before Kina spoke.

"Hey, Kakashi. Why did you want to meet today at the memorial stone for?"

He contemplated telling her the truth right then and there, but just something inside himself told him it was not the right time, especially with everything she was going through right now. He didn't want to make the situation worse. Maybe all of it was just an excuse to prolong on his end.

"I just wanted to see you since it has been awhile." He gave a white lie.

She smiled softly. "It has been. Will I see you soon?"

Before he left, Kakashi stated "perhaps when things calm down I will see you soon."