Sleepless Demon: Sorry for not updating for such a long time. Unfortunately, I can't remember all the details of which I had written the story, so I will have to reread my own work. Haven't read/watched any of the Boruto stuff either, so lack of knowledge of any contradictory stuff. This is my story however and we will continue with this long since delayed story of Forest Teen. Peace out
It has been nearly a month since the demands were sent to the Hokage for the exchange for Naruto. A small collection of people stands at one end of a bridge, the winds blowing pass and shifting the trees on both sides of the canyon. The river at the very bottom flows swiftly, a normal thing during this time of the year. The figures stand at one end of the bridge, waiting patiently and observing carefully at the other end of the bridge.
Kakashi stands at the front, reading from his book. His nerves are high, even if it seems that he's reading, he isn't as he's scanned the same page thrice already and can't remember the words. He remembers this place all too well, one of the saddest points of his life as he glances at their side of the bridge. 'Obito…' he says to himself, remembering destroying the bridge and how much this place has changed since then.
Hinata paces, her anxiety rising higher than normal, it's taking everything in her power not to press her index finger against her mouth. She activates her Byakugan every few minutes, trying to push her boundaries to search for the Stone Shinobi that are due to meet them. She catches herself as her right index finger reached for her bottom lip and she shakes her head, trying not to worry any further.
"Relax, Hinata." Kakashi calls out, still looking at his book. "Lady Tsunade has confirmed that all agreements have been met and we've arrived early. They should arrive soon enough."
Hinata glances at him, nodding as she paces again, feeling nauseous from all the worry. She's been worried sick the entire time he's been gone and all she wants is to see him smile again.
Kiba and Akamaru stand near the edge of the bridge, sniffing the air and happy that the winds are in their favour. "We've got company. Plus, Naruto." He calls out, gaining attention as the ninja stand at attention, readying for the worse and hoping for the best.
Hinata activates her Byakugan once more and her heart skips a beat as she sees Naruto walking with a collection of Stone Shinobi escorting him. Confusion does hit when she sees them wheeling another person in restraints and bindings wearing the Stone Shinobi getup. She's just glad Naruto isn't in that person's predicament.
Several minutes pass before they reach the bridge, scanning the area themselves as one of them steps forward, "Drink!" one of them calls out.
Kakashi puts the book away and calls back, "Gamble!" he replies to them. He finds it unusual but effective to ensure it's the right call that the two leaders agreed upon.
The Stone Shinobi nod and begin to make their way halfway to the bridge whilst Kakashi's team does the same, meeting each other face to face. Silence builds at the two looks at each other, almost suspicious, but a healthy level if any could agree upon. Hinata is trying to hold back tears of joy as she sees Naruto standing less than twenty feet from her. He looks at her and gives a small, warm smile.
"Kakashi of the Sharingan. Never thought I'll be standing in front of you and live to tell the tale." The leading Stone Shinobi says with a nervous smile.
Kakashi smiles, "Yes, well I haven't dealt with Stone Shinobi for a while, so I don't believe I recognise you off the bat." Kakashi tells him with a nervous chuckle.
"It's alright, just gained Chunin last winter. I'd be surprised if I'm that famous." The man says with a nervous chuckle.
"Understandable." Kakashi says with a smile and a little confusion. "I'm surprised they sent you to lead the negociations." Kakashi comments, looking at the others that accompanied him.
"I'm the least to worry about." The man chuckles nervously.
Kakashi nods, reaching back and pulls out a sealed scroll and shows it. "The last of the payments for our peace treaty." Kakashi tells them, gaining a nod from the Stone Chunin.
"And the return of your Jinchuuriki." The Chunin says, motioning Naruto to step forward whilst one of the other Stone Shinobi steps forward and reaches for the scroll in Kakashi's hand.
Kakashi gives it and smiles at Naruto who smiles sadly at him. "Sorry for all the trouble." Naruto tells him.
"It's alright. Lady Tsunade has left most of the dent of payment solely on you." Kakashi says, glancing at the Stone Shinobi with a raised eyebrow as they wheel the restrained person in the Stone Shinobi uniform. "And this is?"
"Extra payment, as an extra offering of easy terms for your Hokage. One of our…patients with your Jinchuuriki's condition. Information has been placed in the backpack." He tells Kakashi, patting the backpack that hangs on the handle of the restrained figure.
"Oh. I thought that our only delivery was for Naruto." Kakashi says with a slightly concerned voice.
"It was, but our leader didn't want to make a second trip when one would be enough for two packages." he says with a small chuckle.
Kakashi nods, glancing at the bound person and seeing their white eyes. 'Same as Naruto…but…odd…' Kakashi says, seeing the person's eyes who stare at him, sensing intelligence behind it. "Well, perhaps one day, we'll see each other again, with both of us leaving peacefully." Kakashi says with a chuckle.
One of the Leaf Ninja walks forward cautiously and searches the backpacks on the wheeled device, ensuring it's not rigged whilst the Stone does the same with the scroll. Both are cautious but confirm there's no trickery as they move away with their supplies.
"Indeed. Until next time." The Stone Shinobi say before backing away slowly with the others until they're out of throwing distance to vanish.
Kakashi sighs with relief, turning and stopping with a small chuckle as Hinata clings to Naruto, weeping into his chest and lightly hitting his arms. Her voice is muffled, but everyone could tell she was worried and telling Naruto off for making her worry. "I'm sorry..." Naruto says, a small smile. "Feels like I haven't seen you for six years." Feeling Hinata crying, nodding in agreement a small giggle of amusement from Naruto's comment.
"Weak…" a voice says, Kakashi glancing back and seeing it came from the prisoner.
"So, they speak? Interesting." Kakashi says, recalling little to no dialogue with the adults suffering from Naruto's condition. "Right, let's move!" Kakashi orders, knowing tension will be high from the Leaf village if they don't arrive on schedule.
Naruto nods, holding Hinata and the two begin walking, her sliding off and wiping her tears away with the edge of her sleeve. The others soon begin moving as well, wheeling their 'guest' to the Leaf village.
Xxxxx
Kakashi's team made it back to the Leaf village in good time, many people relieved that it went smoothly. Tsunade had the guest transferred to a secure facility for study and research to be conducted. The facility also holds the slowly healing former Ikari alpha and the two children who are granted limited supervision to leave and play outside. Two rooms have been set for emergencies for either Naruto or Ili are required to be held during their change.
Naruto sits in said room, having a few tests done to ensure that he's in top condition. Naruto glances around, sniffing the air and sighs in a bit of sadness. The room's walls are reinforced with steel lining which he assumes are lined with seals. The bedding is designed to completely stop movement with its bindings which he knows will hurt him in the long run, but his destructive nature makes it a necessity. He looks over, smiling at Hinata who sits on a chair they brought in for her to wait until Shizune and two other medical teams are done with their exams.
"Is this going to be much longer? I haven't been home for…" Naruto begins, but trails off, realising he's not been home for ages and likely has been ruined by Ili during that time.
"Not much longer, Naruto." Shizune tells him, checking his eyes. "Lady Tsunade would like to see you tomorrow." She informs him.
"I just got back from being a prisoner. Can't I rest for a bit?" Naruto asks, looking annoyed.
"I know, but she has some news for you. She's letting you rest for today after we make sure you're healthy."
Naruto sighs, nodding as they continue to examine him. After several moment, Naruto occasionally glancing at Hinata who smile at him, he can tell she's been stressed the entire time. "All finished. You seem as healthy as always." Shizune informs him with a small smile and concern.
Naruto nods, smiling as he climbs off the examination bed and reaches out for Hinata. She immediately takes it and he lifts her off the chair, keeping an arm around her as the two go to leave the room. "I missed you." Hinata whispers, resting her head on his shoulder as they open the door.
"Remember, Naruto. Should the time come, you're to return to this facility to contain you should the seals be faltering." Shizune tells him, gaining a backhanded wave of acknowledgement.
Naruto walks down the cold corridor, glancing to hisleft, seeing a door hang slightly open and spots a familiar face. Naruto, still keeping hold of Hinata walks over and has his hand grently push the door open. Naruto looks at the still healing former leader of the Ikari tribe. He appears to be sleeping as are two of the children Naruto remembers encountering. The children have turned what appears to be one of their beds into a nest. Blankets, pillows and other materials, which Naruto can guess was their clothing forming a ring on the bed and the two sleeping soundly, curled up. Hinata sees this and smile a little, looking over and still feeling worry at the still healing Wildling.
"Masaaki?" Naruto calls, gaining a twitch from the Wildling who opens his eyes wide, his eyes dart around in confusion and quickly settle on Naruto. Hinata looks confused, glancing from Naruto to Masaski. "That's your name, right? Masaaski Ikari?"
The Wildling twitches slightly, blinking as he gives a forced nod, tears running from his eyes. Neither Naruto nor Hinata could tell if it was tears from pain or happiness on hearing someone call his name for the first time in what could've been decades.
Narutoreleases Hinata, looking at her with a small bit of determination. Hinata nods, understanding as she watches Naruto walk over to Masaaki and Naruto placing his left hand on the edge of the bed. Naruto stares at him, trying to find the right words to say but looks down.
"I'm...I'm sorry for what happened...I fought Jackie...I failed to kill him for...for what he did to you…what he is going to do. Your tribe may have been violent, but they respected you...you who tried to defend a tailed beast and look after your tribe. I..." Naruto says, remembering what Strife told him. "You came all this way for family and forced here by him...by Jackie. I'm sorry for what happened" Naruto says, looking up at the former Alpha, at Masaaki.
Masaaki stares at him, still having tears in his eyes and he slowly raises his left arm weakly. Naruto walks over, hesitantly and clasps it. The two stare at each other for what felt like hours to Hinata, but Naruto nods.
"Jackie will pay. I am going to get payback for both of us. I know you know more about my condition...your people...heal, rest, get better. Learn more words if you can. I'll be back to see you soon, Masaaki." Naruto tells him, patting the back of Masaaki's left hand before turning to leave and walks over to Hinata.
"N-Naruto...what was that a-about?" she asks, nervous of what his response could be.
Naruto looks at her, flashes of what Strife showed him, making him feel sick, feel rage...afraid. "Just...Jackie, the guy that attacked me and the tribe is going to pay for it."
Hinata looks confused, "Jackie?"
Naruto pauses for a second, eyes widdening as he realises he hadn't brought this up to anyone since he didn't share with the Stone Shinobi out of Jiraiya's teachings of sharing limited information. "Tsunade's going to kill me." Naruto mutters as he wraps his arm around Hinata and leaves the room and begins to tell her what happened when he left the Yamato's lodge.
Xxxxx
Naruto sits at the table, looking confused as he kneels before the table which has a few dishes on it for each of the main Hyuga branch. Naruto was put into a traditional kimono at the behest of Hanabi from their father. Naruto glances at Hinata who sits next to him, looking at the food nervously and sips tea. "What's the occasion?" Naruto questions, looking towards Hiashi who kneels at the foot of the table.
Hiashi glances at Naruto, resisting the urge to sigh since he knows Naruto is likely out of the loop since his capture. "We are celebrating the new peace treaty upon the newly re-recognised Earth Nation, as well as a new arrangement that we did to strengthen bonds from nation to nation..." Hiashi says with some measure of displeasure. "One of the clans of the Earth Nation shall come and unite with one of our main branches as well as one of our branch members going to another clan within the Earth Nation."
Naruto nods, looking down and trying to eat politely, remembering the few times Hinata taught him to eat as to not anger her father. A few of the Hyuga tries to be pleasant, though they are varied in their opinion of Naruto. Hiashi looks at the two, knowing Hinata's mood was down and perhaps clinically depressed. He sees Naruto and knows of his background which he is accepting of, though he does wish Naruto had some more manners and behaviour to social norms.
Naruto turns his head, glancing at Hinata and smiles, reaching over and clasping the top of Hinata's hand. Hinata turns, smiling a little as she wriggles her hand to hold Naruto's hand as well. "I wasn't expecting dinner with the family." Naruto whispers, glancing at the others who drink their teas and having a few bites from their meals.
"...It slipped my mind until we reached my family estate." Hinata whispers, "I'm glad father had you j-join. I'm afraid we'll have s-separate beds." Hinata whispers, gaining a small nod from Naruto. Naruto just smiles, brushing his thumb over hers.
"I don't mind. I guess I got a lot of things to catch up on."
Hinata nods, blushing a little s she tries to play with his thumb, but he's too strong and fast for her to pin his under hers. "I'm g-glad you're b-back...Naruto." Hinata whispers, slowly leaning on him and rests her head on his shoulder, no longer caring who is watching.
Naruto smiles, resting his head on hers and stares at his food. He spent a month in the Earth Nation, having spent this time hearing what happened and the holding cell for Wildlings. Naruto continues to think of what happened, worrying about what could happen. Naruto's been playing over the scenarios that could happened, that happened before and how he can fight this Jackie Ikari. Naruto wishes he could've just punched Strife.
Naruto shakes his head a little, trying to remove the future thoughts and jut embrace the present. Naruto remains leaning on Hinata's head, already feeling tired and enjoying the scene of lavender coming from her scalp.
The other Hyuga that observed Naruto and Hinata felt a little unusual. The clan is rare to show affection in public events, though a few of the younger members couldn't help but smile as it seemed sweet, if somewhat a lack of modesty. The older ones question whether the arrangements for Naruto's release were reasonable, especially since the clan offered the most and this is their reward.
Xxxxx
Naruto sits by his bed, looking at the window, staring off into space, looking at the very narrow moon. He hates the moon, the Mangetsu Virus, 'The Last'. Naruto glances to his side, seeing Hinata taking her place next to him, smiling as she leans on him, enjoying his natural smell and seems to sigh with relief. Naruto smiles a little, knowing he would fight for her, kill anything that would attempt to harm her. "I'm sorry..."Naruto whispers, gaining a small nod from Hinata.
"I know..." Hinata replies, having heard him apologise for the hundredth time since they were in each other's arms.
Naruto sits there, kissing the side of her head and gaining a small smile from her. They stayed like that for several minutes before Hinata slid down and laid her head on his lap, breathing softly. Naruto looks down at her, staring at her now sleeping for. 'I don't want to leave her again.'
'My mate...' A low growl comes from within, making Naruto clench his teeth.
Naruto stares at her, all that he can think of is finding this cure that can stop him from being...that. Naruto's eyes flick across her features, feeling like he's memorising her features even though he's done so already. It's a pleasant for him to say the least, a small smile on his lips as he thinks of staying like this forever.
'Kill...' the growl whispers, making Naruto's teeth clench once more as flashes happen once more. He sees Hinata laying there and Jackie standing there, blood covering his hand.
'I won't let that happen.' Naruto says, feeling his heart rate increase and a hatred he's not felt since Sasuke angered him so.
'Weak...' the growl whispers once more. 'You're too weak...you will fail.'
'Shut up...' Naruto growls back, trying to remain focused on Hinata, trying to remain calm.
'You will fight and you will fail. I know you will and you know you will.' Wild Naruto growls, clawing at his mental state.
"Shut up!" Naruto barks, anger clear in his voice.
Hinata jolts from the sudden sound, opening her eyes and looking up at Naruto with her eyes squinting. Hinata looks at the window, seeing the sun beginning to rise, yawning a little as she seems confused. "N-Naruto, sorry. I-I didn't think I'd f-fall asleep." she says, glancing at him and seeing his usual blue eyes seem pale with hints of the white of his eyes being bloodshot. "D-Did you sleep at all, N-Naruto?" Hinata asks, feeling concerned and places her small hand on his larger hand.
Naruto blinks, looking at her and to the window, seeing the sun begin to glare through the trees. "I...I honestly can't remember." Naruto tells her, looking back at her with his tired eyes.
"Are you a-alright?" She asks, feeling more concerned and shuffles closer to him.
Naruto looks at Hinata's eyes, seeing the lavender eyes stare into him. Naruto gives a small smile. "Yeah...I was just fighting with myself...I don't want to be apart from you again. I'm going to fight on with you by my side and I'll stop this curse of mine from taking me from you."
Hinata is speechless for a few moments, a small smile breaking her silence as a tear runs down her cheek. She wraps her arms around his neck and squeezes him tightly, never wanting to let go. "I'll be by y-your side, N-Naruto and support y-you for the remainder of o-our lives." she whispers, pressing her eyes into his collar to try and wipe the tears away.
Narutosits there, a small smile as he slowly wraps his arms around her and they stay like that, squeezing her. Hinata lets go a little, whispering an 'Ow' which makes Naruto worried. "Are you okay?"
Hinata nods, a little embarressed as she wipes away what remains of her tears with the corner of her wrist. "Y-Yes. I s-slept in our dinning c-clothes and it's l-left me a little sore." she whispers, looking up at him with a small smile. "W-We best get changed so we c-can see L-Lady Tsunade." she tells him, gaining a nod as she gets up from the floor and hurries to the wardrobe.
Naruto nods, looking around and spotting his clothing and sighs, thinking of getting new clothes soon since most of his clothing is getting torn, stained with blood or worse.
Xxxxx
Tsunade sits at her desk, looking over the paperwork whilst Ili sits by her desk, trying to learn to read better as her aunt advised, though not going very well.
Within the room is an elderly man, sitting nervously in the corner with a few larger figures that appear to be guards. A large, broad man with black hair, stubbles and wearing a black official line of clothing with sunglasses. Another stands by him, being a dark skin colour, wearing a similar outfit to the larger man but wears a beanie and a van dyke beard. Across the room stand two more figures with similar outfit, though one looks more ill-fitted as the man's face. The ill-fitted man has short, unkept hair and an unusual amount of wart like bumps across his face as his dark eyes seem to scan the room carefully. The other figure appears to be the younger of the group waiting in Tsunade's office. Perhaps in his early twenties, short, kept hair that is pulled tightly into a small ponytail at the back of his scalp and stares at nothing with his brown eyes seemingly unfocused.
A knock comes from the door, making the ill-fitted back and the dark skinned man looking at the alert. A few moments later, Shizune opens the door with a small smile as she walks in with Naruto and Hinata following. "Lady Tsunade, it seems we didn't need to call for someone to bring Naruto." Shizune says with a happy voice.
Tsunade looks up and smiles. "Naruto! Perfect timing. Our guests were impatient and they bring news." she informs him, gaining a nod from Naruto, looking at the five people before turning back to her. "Rojin is one of the lead directors of the Moon Daughter Temple you and the Lightning ninja discovered awhile back. Rojin researched and he claims to have found perhaps the original location of the people that built the temple."
Naruto nods a little, feeling a familiar set of arms wrap around Naruto's right leg. "Hey Ili."
"Naruto." Ili smiles, nibbling the side of his leg.
Rojin coughs, gaining everyone's attention to see the elderly man show a little in nervousness as he slowly sits up from his chair. "Yes, quite exciting." he mutters as he walks over and unrolls a scroll to show the continent of the Shinobi world they're at, the Land of Fire at the centre as well as many other countries that stick out from the boarders of the 5 Great Nations. Rojin points to a small dot in the sea. "This is where the Temple is located and..." He begins, pulling out a pencil and puts an X on it before drawing a line that crosses past the Land of Water and continues past into the unmarked sea which is brushed over with heavy storms and marks a circle just around the edges of the map and the storms. "The Land of origins from the temple are beyond the Sea of Boundless Storms."
Hinata looks confused, glancing at the elderly man. "B-But no one has g-gone through the s-storms. It is s-so hostile that any attempts d-destroyed ships."
Tsunade nods in agreement, "Quite. Even the Land of Wave hasn't been able to conquer it. They're very secretive, but an operation like that would've been apparent."
Rojin nods, smiling a little. "Yes, yes. I know of the deadly tales, but with a captain crazy enough to follow my guidance, we'll make it."
"What makes you say that?" Tsunade asks, looking up at him.
"The research I gave found a path through the ocean. The lands beyond the storms discovered it and sent many expeditions from it. The Temple was built by them and it's just a foothold of kami knows what beyond. I believe they even sent people to our lands either as expeditions...or prisoners they didn't want to deal with."
"Prisoners?" Tsunade questions, looking confused.
Rojin shrugs a little, "The translation isn't perfect, but some suggest that 'Those born under the Moon Daughter were to be thrown into the lands beyond their sight and will.' So I assume a clan or followers of the Daughter were thrown to the island or other lands and perhaps the built the temple or it was a warning."
Naruto's eyes stare at the map, flashes of strange buildings and people from his vision of Masaaki as a boy. Naruto sees the Ikari clan having originated from these lands. That supposedly immortal being he fought and Jackie Ikari was from these lands. "There are lands beyond that storm..." Naruto says, nodding and pointing at the circle. "Masaaki came from there."
Tsunade looks confused, "Masaaki?" She asks, gaining an annoyed nod from Naruto. He explains his knowledge and visions from his near death experience, gaining an interest from Rojin.
Tsunade looks shocked to say the least, sighing as she looks at the map. "So these lands might hold the lands of the Moon Daughter and information that might link or curing Naruto and Ili's affliction, perhaps many people's afflictions." Tsunade thinks, knowing she's one of the few best medical specialists in these lands. Even if the lands banish the afflicted, they hold more knowledge than anything she could learn in the remainder of her lifetime. Naruto was told of a means of curing the affliction from this Strife character. Tsunade knows she's bad at gambling, but she always wins when it comes to her life and especially that of Naruto.
"Well," Rojin begins, smiling evermore. "the historical research and another world to be discovered by us will be invaluable. Are you willing to fund our expedition?"
Tsunade looks at Naruto and Ili, having a small smile. "I'll help the funding and prepare teams to accompany you for the expedition." Tsunade tells him, turning to Naruto with a determined look. "Naruto, I know you just came back from...your month long negotiations. But we need this information and I doubt you'd refuse to go."
Naruto turns to Hinata, seeing her looking nervous and excited. "I'll do anything for a cure. I'm willing if Hinata is."
Hinata turns to him, a hint of hope seen in her eyes. "As l-long as I'm with you for it, N-Naruto." she says, gaining a nod from Naruto.
Rojin smiles nervously, "Fantastic...I just wish it wasn't by boat." Rojin says with a nervous smile. "I'll send word to my team to begin preperations." Rojin says, smiling and motions to the four guards in the room. "They will be accompanying me as well, my own guards. This is Tai." He points to the largest of the men. "Genji," he motions to the dark skinned fellow. "Nezumi." he points at the mist-fit man with warts. "And Gashi." he points to the younger one who still remains still. "Lively fellow when the situation calls for it, I assure you."
Naruto looks at each of them, nodding. "Cool. Let's go to this land." Naruto says, looking at Hinata who seems happy and excited of getting more answers and a possible cure for Naruto.
"Knowledge is power and power holds the cure for your condition. But, the journey is dangerous and I can almost guarantee that taking Hinata there will be the death of her. It's a dark place, horrible, unnatural." Strife's voice lingers in his mind.
'I will protect her...I can't leave her...I'll never leave her.' Naruto says, reaching for Hinata and takes her in a hug, surprising her as she hugs back.
Ili looks up, seeing Naruto's face and tilts her head. She can see worry in his eyes and looks down. She wraps her arms around Naruto and Hinata, wondering if that's what he needs.
Sleepless D; A long time since I wrote for it and I figured I'll leave it a short one. I hope this update pleases you all and please enjoy and review as it brings motivation. Anyway, I hopefully shall continue my stories and broken by hiatus since writing chapters for 5 stories now. Peace out.
