Underlined italics are Team Eight's wordless communication

BOLD italics are Hinata's visions

TW: sexual assault and mentions of torture methods.

Disclaimer: Author Does NOT in anyway own the series Naruto or any of its other name rights. Happy Reading!

They were sitting blankly on their beds now that they were safe and able to process the situation.

Kurenai slowly explained what had happened: Since Kiba left the hospital, it took two weeks for Kurenai to return from her mission. No one had seen or heard from them, but they were not reported missing, no one else even noticed they were gone. Not even their graduating class.

After Akamaru found them, starving and dehydrated, it took her and Kakashi an additional week and a half of nonstop searching just to find them. Once they pinpointed their location, they got Tsunade and infiltrated ROOT before Danzo knew what was happening.

Three and a half weeks. They were missing for three and a half weeks, and no one noticed except Kurenai. That should have hurt them, torn them up inside, but Team Eight simply nodded and accepted it.

She noticed of course, but didn't comment. She only expressed her gratitude for Kakashi, her joy at seeing they were still alive. They didn't say anything.

When the nurse came in and tried to hook them to an IV, it shocked everyone when Kiba jumped up to scream profanities at her. Hinata's Byakugan activated with a terrified shriek and Shino was sobbing so hard he was throwing up. When she left, they settled back into a blank stare again, completely unresponsive to everyone, even Kurenai. It was like they retreated to their own little worlds.

Hinata covered her ears and hummed, Shino started to count and Kiba was pacing the room.

"What do you mean he isn't going to jail?" Tsunade seethed, "His agents were forcing my shinobi to fight to the death, UNDERAGE shinobi I might add!"

"These ninja are from prominent families, none of which have listed them as missing, ergo, they were given to Danzo for training." HMoira seemed unimpressed with Tsunade's rage.

"Danzo has no jurisdiction to train anyone and has not received permission to do so."

"Clans do not require permission from the Hokage to hire tutors. They can call on anyone they see fit."

Kohaku stepped in, "Try as you might, Lady Tsunade, Danzo has done nothing wrong. He was given ROOT by permission from the third Hokage. Due to prior agreements made, you are unable to disband it. There is nothing anyone can do."

The blond huffed and sat back in her seat, tapping her nails along the desk in thought. She needed a way to keep Danzo from Team Eight, But with Sasuke on the run and the incredible lack of shinobi, there weren't many options.

"If that's the case, I'm issuing Danzo a house arrest order until the investigation is over. Team Eight is still hospitalized and we are going to get to the bottom of all of this. If he steps even one foot in their direction, he will be tried for defying the order of the Hokage."

The two elders began to argue, until she slammed her fist on the desk, "This is nonnegotiable! Three of my Genin are out of commission when we're already struggling with the lack of ninja in our borders and it is Danzo's fault. Unless you two want to take their places on the roster, I suggest you accept it!" They said nothing, which prompted a victorious smirk on Tsunade's face.

She dismissed the two elders before her with a wave of her hand, and watched as they slinked out of her office. Once they were gone, she pulled out her sake and took a swig straight from the bottle. She leaned back in her chair and covered her eyes with her hand as she thought long and hard about how to save three children from a terrible man.

"We're in a safe place." Ibiki softly said. He glanced at Kurenai who sat in the corner, taking notes, and nodded. He leaned in and looked at the child in front of him carefully. "You know me. My name is Ibiki. Of course, I know who you are, but we're not here to talk about that. I just want to know what happened so that I can help you. Okay?"

The child nodded, to which he gave a grim smile. "Good. I want you to tell me what they told you."

It was like listening to an automated recording. "You are not your own person, you have no name. You are a member of the ROOT. There are no emotions, no past and no future. There is only the mission."

"What did they do to you?"

"They made me stronger, for the best of Konoha."

Ibiki was finding himself worried, "How did they make you stronger?"

"Wait!" The Imposter held her hand up, pleading for mercy, but that's not what stopped Hinata.

"Big sis, please don't do this. Don't kill me, please!" Her eyes flashed white again.

"Seven-Seven-One," She could nearly hear the boy threatening her, "Eliminate the enemy."

Hinata couldn't move. She swore to never raise a hand against her baby sister, and she looks. Just. Like. Her!

But it wasn't her, right?

The Imposter jumped forward, yelling a cry of attack. Instinct kicked in and Hinata shoved the kunai forward, falling on her back from the weight. Blood poured from the wound onto her face and into her mouth. White eyes stared blankly from above and Hinata froze again.

She distantly heard screaming and it took a moment to realize that it was her own. She threw the body back, scrambling back until she hit the wall. She threw up, wiping her face free of blood only to smear it all over which added to her panic. She started to claw at her face and screamed again.

TW: TORTURE

Kiba coughed out the water in his lungs the moment they removed the washcloth from his face. He was choking down the bile that threatened to rise as well and fought against the restraints holding him down. Blank masks started him down and waited until he caught his breath before tipping him back and getting a new cloth.

"Stop!" He begged, "Please, no more!

The water was cold against his skin and he could feel himself thrash and struggle. His screams were cut off by him gagging. He tried to turn away, only for the water to follow.

They were going to drown him!

His lungs burned as he held his breath, his head threatening to pop from all the veins bulging in his forehead. His body was slowly setting aflame, his heart beating out of his chest and panic gripping every part of his person. His hands were probably bleeding from how tight he was clenching his fists and gripping the chair.

When his kicking slowed, his body relaxed and ready to accept his fate, he was shoved forward and the cloth was removed again. Kiba threw up and coughed, greedily sucking in air as long as they let him.

He was too weak to fight them off when they unbound his wrists from the arms of the chair, and instead tied them behind his back. One strong pull, and his shoulder would pop out of place, his elbows would probably break as well.

He was shoved back and tied into place once again. He pleaded, cried and begged but his voice fell on deaf ears. They placed another cloth over his face.

TW: SEXUAL ASSAULT

Shino couldn't see past the bag on his head. He tried to calm his breathing and focus on what he could perceive. He could smell his breath from inside the bag, the sweat from his nerves. The ropes on his wrists were tight and rough against his skin.

Shino waited with bated breath for the torture to begin. When nothing happened he wiggled in his seat and tried his best to see out of the bag. He could barely see the shadow of the torturer standing in front of him, staring him down. He wondered what was going through their head. What were they waiting for?

A hand on his thigh halted all thoughts and his breath was stolen from his lungs. It trailed up, slowly, though roughly. Shino tried to squirm away and escape the foreign touch but it persisted.

Suddenly, their lips were on his skin, biting and licking the junction between shoulder and neck. That's when Shino started to try to fight back.

"Stop it." He whimpered, "This isn't right. Stop it!"

The assaulter didn't say anything. They moved faster, rougher, leaving bruises and scratches on his skin. Hands roamed all over and under his shirt before the other moved to his pants.

Shino started to thrash and scream for help but none came. He could feel his member hardening and cursed his body for betraying him. The handjob was gentle and teasing. This person knew what they were doing when they ran their finger over his tip, collecting the precum in their fingers and using it as lubrication.

He jerked in his seat when the assaulter grabbed his own dick and started to rub it against Shino's, jerking them both off in his fist at the same time. He grunted and moaned in his ear. Shino couldn't make out exactly what was being said over his own screams.

He cried the entire time, sobbing and begging that he be let go, that the person stop. He couldn't help his body move on its own, chasing the pleasure that was quickly approaching until he was wound up so tight he was practically thrusting into the hand himself.

When he finally came, he stopped crying and sat, nearly catatonic. He flinched when something warm, wet and sticky landed on his exposed body and his assaulter sighed in what he perceived was relief. He was left there, sitting tied up in his chair and completely empty. What just happened?

Kurenai leaned over the rail on the hospital rooftop, smoking her cigarette. She could feel the anguish with every breath she took, thinking about the horrible things that happened to her children.

While she knew this wasn't her fault, she couldn't help but blame herself. She should have been there to protect them, to better prepare them. There was more she could have talked to them about to prepare for something like this, but she didn't see the need until they were a little older, going on much more dangerous missions where the possibility would arise.

Now they were fighting to keep their sanity, and they were losing. She didn't know what else she could do to help them and was beginning to feel hopeless herself.

She dropped her head and bit back the sob that was threatening to escape. She felt like a failure. She failed her students, her children, and now they were hurting like never before. They were raped, tortured and tormented without anyone even knowing! She left them alone for just a moment and suddenly they were gone with no one any the wiser.

She let the tears fall, burying her face in her hands and sinking to her knees. Her body shook with the effort of keeping her cries quiet. It was no use, because she heard herself whimpering and sobbing. She pulled at her hair, she gnashed her teeth and howled her misery. Her face sunk into the stone floor and she punched it with all of her strength to ease the burden of emotion, to punish herself for what she did to them.

Even when she fought in the war, when she watched her comrades die before her eyes, when Anko was hospitalized from Orochimaru's attack, when she herself was broken and bedridden, she never cried. She never felt so many emotions that she was bound to the floor from the weight. Kurenai was strong, she was a kunoichi. But this… this was too much. This was hell.

A hand on her shoulder surprised her enough for her to look up. Kakashi was sitting on his knees, his hand providing comfort and offering more. His eyes were wet with his own tears, though none had shed, and his face twisted enough that she could make out a look of sympathy, of equal hurt.

She couldn't help jumping into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder and wailing her guilt. She failed them, she killed them, she was to blame, and how could she have done this to them? She was a piss poor sensei who didn't protect them enough and they were HER children. They were ONLY CHILDREN!

He didn't say anything, as he didn't have the words to comfort her. Of course, he knew the feeling of failing his team. He knew what it felt like to have someone's life in his hands and still fail to protect them. He knew exactly what Kurenai was going through and sadly, he wasn't much help in telling her how he handled it. He buried himself in missions, he pushed the feelings deep down and then pretended that everything was alright until he was able to take a full breath without trying so damn hard.

He knew that wasn't what she needed, and so he only did what felt right: He pulled her into his lap and held her as tightly as he could. He gently rocked himself back and forth as he tangled his hands in her curls and rested his masked face on the top of her head. She smelled like cinnamon and apples.

Weeks passed at a slow but sure pace. Team Eight were still undergoing therapy in the hospital with Ibiki and Inoichi. It was a gruesome process, and there were times when both men had to take a break from the sessions themselves so that they didn't lose their composure in front of them.

Bit by bit they were coming back, their old personalities shining through when things were quiet. Kurenai could see the light returning to their eyes as the days passed and soon they were able to hold a proper conversation. They still found it difficult to truly believe that they were safe and with their sensei, but the longer they were in her presence, the more secure they felt.

It wasn't long before their families found out where they were. Someone must have seen them or Danzo could have sent word. It didn't matter anymore. They were demanding their children back, and it took Tsunade talking about an investigation against their clans for them to back off in the meantime. She didn't have much time left to find some way to protect them, and she can only drag this out for so long.

She wanted them in ANBU as soon as possible, to get them out of their clan homes and into a safer program so they could hone their abilities in a secure environment. However, she would need to get the permission first, or risk a war from three prominent clans while they were already in the middle of a shortage. There was no way in hell those cruel clans would ever willingly let them go without damaging them beyond repair. If they couldn't have them, then no one could.

Hinata stared at the ceiling as the nurses rushed in. Her heart rate was skyrocketing, but her body wouldn't move, couldn't react. Kurenai watched from the corner, her eyes carefully following their every movement in case she needed to jump in. Hinata felt safer then, and she was able to relax once more.

When they all left, Hinata turned to her surrogate mother, "I had a vision."

Kurenai was by her side immediately. Shino and Kiba both sat up, having been awake the moment they felt her chakra spike. They quietly waited until she gathered her thoughts and courage to speak.

When she was finished, Kurenai looked like she wanted to throw up, while the boys looked thoughtful. This was certainly a turn of events, and while they had a feeling something like this would happen, they didn't realize it would be so brutal, so soon. Sadly, this was set in stone. There was nothing they could do to change any of it.

"I'll get Tsunade. Certainly, we can do something to turn the tides in our favor." Kurenai rushed out of the room, promising that she would return.

Kiba and Shino crawled into bed with their teammate, allowing her the opportunity to stare into their eyes and memorize every single detail of their faces. She traced her hands over their scars, their lips. She was burning their images into her mind and heart. She was scared, and so were they, but they all had hope.

It took Tsunade all of ten minutes to show up to their room. Her eyes were red with unshed tears and hands shaking with rage. "Start at the beginning, Hinata."

It took another two weeks for Team Eight to be discharged from the hospital, though they had paperwork that demanded a return for reevaluation. One by one, each child was gathered by their parents and taken to their personal hell. It wouldn't be long until they returned, though the reasons were far more depressing than expected.

The first thing Shino packed were the insects from under his bed. He found himself holding his breath when he reached in, but let it out in relief when he pulled them out and saw them. His colonies were still alive. Their numbers had even grown, and he could see plump, healthy eggs ready to hatch at any moment.

This wasn't supposed to be the case. They were supposed to starve, perhaps eat each other or go into hibernation to conserve energy and rations. Has someone been feeding them?

He investigated further, seeing that his locked drawer of food had been accessed. He looked in and was surprised to see brand new bags of food and supplement powders, all of which were brands he hadn't bothered to try yet. He read the books and saw that someone had been scribbling inside of them, copying his note taking style in their progression.

The writing was neat, almost flowery, regarding other growing methods and foods that would benefit his colonies greatly. There were ideas and theories he hadn't thought of, and suggestions that gave him even greater insight on how to properly take care of his insects. He could see there was a lot of thought, time and care into writing these, as well as care in the raising process while he was gone.

Of course, this wasn't his father. Shibi would have taken them all and either raised them his own way, or simply killed them off. He was ruthless and arrogant, deeming everything he didn't agree with as unworthy and not worth the time. He wouldn't have helped Shino.

Suddenly, his ears picked up the sound of walking. He patiently waited for them to come up to his door. The knocking echoed in his room and chest and for the first time ever, Shino was looking forward to seeing his father.

This was it. Everything that Hinata had told him was coming to pass. He wasn't sure if he was scared or relieved. This was an opportunity to become more than what his clan could ever offer him. He was going to be in a great amount of pain as everything was going to be stripped away from him, but it was worth it. He was going to be free, he was going to be his own person, he was going to do great things and live the life he always wanted.

He stood from his bed and walked to the door, behind it was his mother. He took note of her body language: Instead of her usual stiffness, she was sagging, as if burdened by a great weight. She looked paler than normal and her hair was thin and dull. If he was being honest, Shino would say that his mother looked terrible, and not the usual put-together self she usually was.

Was she sick? Did something happen to her health while he was gone? Nothing plausible came to mind when he thought about it, but he also didn't think too hard. His life was about to change, and he wasn't going to waste time thinking about someone who didn't care.

Shino, with his head held high, strode past his mother and went down the stairs. He could hear her shuffling behind him, fast enough to keep up, but slowly, as if she were reluctant.

It was a funny thought; to think someone could make out to be more reluctant than he was about his own doom.

He entered the dojo of their estate, facing his father and the rest of his clan who came by. No doubt they were all taking pleasure in this, they were satisfied to see him suffer for rejecting them and their ways. He didn't care. They were all the same faces and the same people, a mindless hive stuck in their ways. He was going to be free. He was going to be on his own. He wasn't going to be a drone any longer.

There was a moment of silence as they all stared at each other. No one spoke, and he was sure that they were all holding their breath, waiting for him to beg for forgiveness and reconsider. He would not be giving them the pleasure of being right.

"Shino." His father's voice echoed through the room as he approached from the back of the crowd, "You stand before us today, weak and defective. We have tried for many years to correct your behaviors, to cleanse your mind of the ridiculous notion of humanity and bonds, and yet you stand before us, a failure. You have one last chance to come to reason, to return to ROOT and become the Aburame you were meant to be. Will you see reason, or will you continue this destructive path?"

"No." His answer was instant, almost cutting his father off before he could properly finish. There was a collective intake of breath, not quite a gasp, but something he could identify as shock or disbelief.

Shino continued, "I am aware of the Aburame ways. However, I do not abide by those backward beliefs. I refuse to sell myself to a corrupt system like ROOT. I refuse to dash all traces of who I have molded myself to be, and choose instead to be a shinobi of the Leaf on my own terms. If you see that as something impossible, then so be it. I do not care what you say or think of me any longer."

There was a moment of silence, and in that moment was a small childish hope that they would see his bravery and listen. His inner child, the one who grew up seeking their approval, their love, was praying with all his little might that they would understand and accept him for who he was. He wished that they would come to see he was right and fulfill their duty as a family to love him, no matter what path he chose in life.

Sadly, he knew deep down that would never happen and he was correct when Shibi threw a tattered piece of cloth at his feet in disgust. Shino looked and held back a sob when he realized that it was the one he had gotten from the Fire Temple. Of course it would have been destroyed and he prepared himself for it, but it still hurt him, and brought upon him anger and hatred.

"If that is what you wish, then so be it." His father scoffed, "You will be stripped of your title and name as an Aburame. Pack your things and find a new hovel to take refuge in. When this is over, you will leave this place and never return."

He left the room and everyone followed, shuffling by and keeping their eyes trained forward. Shino could feel the coldness of the room, even as they were all gone. He fell to his knees and let out a breath, looking at his blanket in anguish.

What he didn't see was his mother lingering by the door. She hesitated for a moment, staring at him from her spot, but never speaking. She waited another moment before she followed everyone out, stealing one last glance at her son cradling the blanket to his chest.

How long had she been kneeling?

Hinata had chanced a glance around the room and saw that she was still alone, despite having been on time to arrive at the Elders' insistence. She didn't even have time to change out of the clothes provided by the hospital before she was nearly dragged into the meeting hall and sat at the end where all eyes would be on her.

Why did they have her come here first thing if they were going to be late? She could have at least had time to get rid of the hospital smell, to be able to scrub her skin raw of the memories that plagued her every moment. She could still feel hands all over her body, touching, groping, cutting, and burning. She could feel the small scars in her throat that left her soft, high voice sounding huskier and harsher.

She felt like a stranger in her own body, like she was watching everything from the outside, unable to recognize who she was looking at. Who was she now that she was free? Was she still Hinata, or someone else entirely?

Murmuring interrupted her train of thought, and she was suddenly aware of people sitting before her in their own seats. She recognized them, but no names came to mind. Why couldn't she remember their names? She noticed that they all had clones following them and sitting in their exact spots as well. Wait. Were they clones? Everything was moving in doubles, it was all fuzzy and muffled. Was this moment real? Was anything real?

She couldn't find it in her to panic. What good would it do? These strangers were enemies, and she couldn't allow them to see her in any kind of weakness now that she was back. She needed to stay the course and pretend everything was fine. If she could get through this, she would be fine.

She stared at her shaking hands until someone cleared their throat. She looked up at someone; her father? His frown lines were deeper than she remembered, and his shoulders were drawn tightly, as if he was forcing the perfect posture she always thought came naturally to him. Did something happen while she was gone? Or was she only now noticing how old he was becoming?

"You have returned." He mused.

Hinata didn't respond, she knew that he only wanted to hear his own voice as he went on and on about how she's a disappointment to him. Projecting much? She stared him down, choosing instead to study the lines on his face and block out whatever drivel he decided to repeat.

"You were instructed to go study under Danzo, and yet here you are to darken our doorway again with your insolence. Now, there is an investigation being held at our expense. Does it amuse you to see your clan undergo such shame? Do you find joy in tarnishing our good name with your failures and disobedience? If you were not my daughter I would have thought you dull and would simply put you out of your misery."

She said nothing still, angering Hiashi who noticed she lacked her usual fear or remorse. They continued to stare at one another until one of the elders had enough, "Speak, child! Your leader is addressing you!"

Hinata's gaze flicked over to the old man for a moment, assessing him before she turned her attention back to her father, "I did as you instructed. It's out of my control what the Hokage decides outside of these walls."

He spoke as if she had said nothing at all, "Due to the shameful disrespect and disregard of your clan, we will have you fight for your life. If you win, you will be sent to the Land of Stone to marry, but you will remain unmarked. Should you lose, you will be branded and cast out from our walls."

Hinata said nothing, staring past her father and the elders. The numbness came back. She wanted nothing more than to be with her team, but she knew she would have to wait until she was free.

She nodded.

"Change into proper clothes and meet us in the dojo. You have ten minutes." He stood and practically glided out of the room, the elders following after him with a sneer in her direction. That would be plenty of time.

She calmly walked down the halls, ignoring the stares of everyone around her, their hateful whispers spewing from their curdled expressions. It didn't matter to her. Soon she was going to be free, soon she would leave this place behind and start anew. She was so close, so close.

She threw on her regular training attire before gathering her sealing scrolls and taking everything she knew they would not miss. She took clothes they would donate, small mementos they would trash, pictures they would burn, and her mother's chest, which they would store away to gather dust. She threw them in a backpack and had it sitting by her door, ready for pickup when she left.

She took one last look around the room, a blank expression as she studied the dull beige coloring and simple furniture. She always hated this room.

Once she entered the dojo, she was mildly surprised to see her sister standing before her. Hanabi looked absolutely regal with her head high and shoulder squared. She was everything her father wanted, and Hinata couldn't help being both proud and disappointed about it. She would never have to suffer that way Hinata did.

Past the faux confidence, Hinata could see the small amount of panic in her sister's eyes. Was she scared to face her? She was never scared before, especially not when she had the kunai in her hands, her brown eyes blazing and-

-Hinata had to bite back her killing intent and calm herself before she got too angry. This really was Hanabi. She needed to make sure she remembered that. She couldn't hurt her. She couldn't kill her. This one wasn't meant to die.

Hanabi wasn't sure what happened. One moment she had word Hinata returned, and the next, she was told to fight her and make sure she lost. As much as she wanted to refuse, she couldn't go against her father or the council. She mentally prepared herself and promised that she wouldn't go all out, that she wouldn't hurt her big sister too badly.

However, the look Hinata gave her was downright unsettling and she had to resist every urge to run away and hide under the covers. This was a new look from her sister, one that set her on edge. She met her stare unflinchingly, and whoever she was now was cold and hollow. She could have sworn she felt a flare of the most intense killing intent she had ever faced, even if it only lasted a second.

As she settled into her stance, she noted that Hinata was sloppy and loose. Did she always stand like that? She didn't have time to ponder it any longer, because she was being pushed back before her father could finish the word, "Begin."

Kiba sat in his room, idly petting Akamaru as he waited for his mother to return. There was no dread, no anger or sadness. He couldn't feel much of anything if he was being honest. Mentally, he was still back in ROOT. He could still feel the coldness of the cell, the rough stone on his fingertips and sticky wetness of his blood on the soles of his feet. His brain blocked out the noise of dogs and movement downstairs, focusing only on his heartbeat in his ears.

He didn't realize that his mother had even come up to his room until Akamaru started to shiver under his hands; that's when he looked up and noticed what was going on. He didn't catch what she was saying at first, but as he reconnected with his body once more, he could finally understand her.

"-Listening to me? Kiba!"

Tsume almost flinched when his eyes slid to hers. It wasn't how he usually looked at her, panicked or irritated. He didn't snap to attention or make any indication that he was listening. Everything was slow, too slow to be normal. His eyes slid around idly, as if he were putting effort into moving them. What really set her off was how hollow they were. There was nothing but a cold, vast emptiness that she had never in her life seen before; he just stared right through her.

He slowly sat up and swung his legs over his bed. He was stiff and uncomfortable looking, and his movements were abrupt. It was almost as if he struggled to stay still. His body just couldn't relax. That was normal, but this… this was different. He looked like a stranger in his own skin, like he was going to rip it off at any moment and explode.

Tsume stopped her yelling for a moment to look closer. What the hell happened to him?

Another set of steps appeared behind her, and she didn't have to turn around to know it was Hana. She resisted the urge to sigh, almost irritated since she told her to stay downstairs. Tsume couldn't fault her for getting curious, though; she did stop yelling all of a sudden to observe her son.

"Well, Look who's back." Hana snarked from behind, "I knew it was only a matter of time before you returned. The real world hit you pretty hard, didn't it? You think you're hot shit, but you're just as pathetic as ever."

Amakaru flinched at the sound of her voice, but Kiba didn't respond, staring through them both as if he was trying to understand what they were saying. Hana didn't even notice as she continued to mock and berate him. Tsume noticed, though, and his lack of response was upsetting. She wasn't sure if she was worried or upset and the more lost he looked, the angrier she got.

"Kiba!" She snapped, interrupting Hana's sentence. Akamaru flinched again, and her son's eyes slid over to her in response. She could barely make out the flash of recognition, "Don't you have anything to say?"

"What?" His voice was quiet and eerily calm. It didn't deter her anger, in fact it only fueled it.

"What do you mean, 'what'?" She raged, "You've been gone for months, and you don't even have the decency to look even a little remorseful for leaving us behind? For abandoning me?! Where the fuck did you go?"

Hana stayed behind her mother, smirking at the scene. She was relieved that he had been found and returned, as she had been going crazy waiting around for him to show up. Her mother refused to tell her anything about what happened while she was gone, why he left or when.

She offered to search for him, to let everyone know that they were looking for their missing member, but Tsume refused. Her mother said that he would return on his own, that he would be back.

Hana often found her staring out of the window, biting her nails and waiting by the door. It reminded her of when their father left, which left a bitter taste in Hana's mouth. Why would she waste her time waiting around for Kiba? Why did he get to have her attention even when he was gone? She found herself hating him more and more and vowed to make him pay whenever he got back.

"You ungrateful son of a bastard." Hana sneered, "You're a coward just like your father."

Kiba's eyes flicked over to her but there was still nothing behind them, "Shut up, Hana." He said it so calmly, as if he were bored and tired of speaking to her already. She hadn't expected it, and it made her angry.

"Who the fuck do you think you're talking to?" She pushed past her mother to stand over him, nearly foaming at the mouth. How dare he talk to her any way he wanted, as if she was below him?

Akamaru jumped from Kiba's lap and hid under the bed as his master stood to his full height. He was tall, reaching about her own height, even as young as was. He stared back unflinchingly and even lifted his chin to stare down at her. His voice was steady and even as he spoke, "I'm talking to an abusive, insecure bitch."

Hana had never felt this intimidated before. She had never felt fearful of her brother before this moment. His eyes were void of any emotion, but his voice was harsh and angry. Was it always that deep, or was she always speaking over him that she never noticed? Was he always this tall or did she hold herself in such high regard that she always saw him hunched over and sniveling?

She realized in that moment that she spent so much time trying to crush his confidence, to wear him down into nothing, that she didn't know what she would do if he had decided enough was enough. She never planned for him to one day stand tall and look her in the eye. She was suddenly so aware of how powerless and afraid she was; she realized that she was a coward.

And like any coward, she did what cowards do best: She struck him as hard as she could.

He remained silent, even as he felt his cheek sting at the sudden blow to his face. This was normal, she had hit him far worse before. However, he was different now. Weeks spent through the worst of what humanity had to offer hardened him and made him stronger, much stronger than Hana could ever be.

Kiba turned to face his mother, to see what she would do. When she didn't move, he looked back at his sister, who looked rather confused, and lunged.

All Shino felt was cold, just like the room he had been trapped in. He could still hear the distant sound of dripping, or was that something his mind had made up? Had his mind conjured the loud noises that left him shaking and restless? Or the people screaming outside of the room, begging for mercy and salvation?

He stared at his hands, wondering how many people he had killed, who they were and how they allowed themselves to be used that way. Did they have families? Were they orphans? What happened to them that they looked just like the people he cherished? Or was it a genjutsu?

How many innocent lives did he take?

He pushed that last thought away.

There was an eerie silence that surrounded him. His clan mates looked on in disgust and wonder. Some couldn't wait for him to leave, others were wondering if he would really go through with it, and the rest were simply curious.

It was strange having so many eyes on him at once, and for a moment he wanted to scream. He hated to be watched, he hated to be noticed. He hated his clan and everything they represented for him. He couldn't wait to be out of this hellhole.

He thought about what it would be like to kill them. He could easily give into the urges and strike. He wanted to ruin their every attempt to appear inhuman and remind them it was all for not. He would show them that their blood was red and their skin tore. They would scream just like humans do. They would feel terror and pain.

He could make them see the truth. He could make them live and feel like he did. He wanted them to know his pain.

"Shino." His name brought him from his thoughts. He looked up and met his father's gaze clumsily through the black lenses. "Are you ready?"

It took a moment to realize that he was talking to him, asking him something that he should understand. He didn't. His mind was still recovering from his inner voice screaming and begging for blood, for retribution.

He nodded anyway.

Without wasting any more time, Shibi performed the hand signs. Shino didn't have time to study them or even remember what they were, because when his father placed a glowing hand on his head, everything seemed to stop.

All at once, a burning surge of chakra engulfed his heat and traveled down his body. He held his screams in for as long as he could, but the moment he felt his hive dying, he couldn't hold back.

It was an interesting feeling, to have your body being burned from the inside out. He could feel it specifically in his chakra points and pathways, but his nerves made him think it was all over; in his muscles, tendons, bones, and blood.

But to feel such a big part of you individually dying, to hear the small screeches of death vibrating through his entire body, it was agonizing.

With blurry eyes, he watched as they all crawled to the surface of his skin. They clumped together, trying to escape, trying to live, before they fell to his feet, twitching and curling. He could only sob, helpless to do anything but watch as his insects, those that he named and grew and cultivated, died before him.

Was it worth it? Was his colony, those he swore to protect and raise, those who protected him in turn, worth the price of freedom? How could he allow something like this to happen? How could he allow them to just DIE?

After what seemed like an eternity, it was finally over. Shino fell to his knees in exhaustion and agony. He weakly crawled to the dead clumps of his insects as his vision shook and his arms wobbled. He finally reached them and carefully took as many as he could into his hands, burying his face on their bodies and grieving their loss.

He couldn't help let out a broken wail, letting the world around him know just how torn up, how broken he was over this. His body felt empty. He felt wrong. There was a coldness he had never known before that only seemed to grow the longer he cried. His turmoil was so great, he couldn't feel the pain in his body. He couldn't feel the scars beginning to form under his skin, the blood that ran out of his tunnels. He didn't realize that he was becoming scarred and disfigured; but even if he did, he wouldn't care.

Shibi's voice cut through the otherwise silent room, "You have three hours to recover and leave." He didn't bother with any more words. His form walked past and everyone went to follow.

Shino allowed himself more time to mourn. His cries started to slow, and his eyes began to clear. He looked over his insects and saw that they were indeed burned, so much that he couldn't tell them apart anymore. That thought alone nearly sent him into a spiral again.

A cold hand on his shoulder startled him.

His head shot up, and he was more surprised to see the face of his mother staring back at him. He had never seen her face before, not like this. His eyes roamed over her features, and he realized that they looked so much alike. He had her eyes, her full lips. They had the same beauty mark under their eyes that their glasses typically covered.

Tears ran down her face, but she said nothing. She stared, drinking in his appearance for what could be the very last time. She ran her fingers through his hair and stifled a sob. She cupped his face and gave it an experimental squish and he found himself leaning into her touch.

Why now? Why was she showing her affection now? Why did she decide that she loved him now? Why didn't she save him? Why didn't she do something? All of his questions ran through his mind. By the looks of her tears, they seemed to have appeared on his face as well.

"I'm sorry." She hiccuped, "I'm so sorry."

She pulled him close, resting her forehead on his. Shino grabbed her hands and held them tighter, pressing them into his burning skin. He nudged himself closer, savoring this moment. He was going to burn it into his mind, commit it to memory with everything he had.

After a moment, she pulled back, her fingertips lingering on his skin as she stood and put her glasses back on. Without another word, she turned and left, her body shaking. Shino didn't need her words. He looked down at the small bag she placed in his lap, and he knew.

He loved her too.

Hanabi was on the floor, her eyes were watery. Hinata stood over her with a finger to her throat and the other on her heart. She didn't realize she wasn't blinking until the sting of her eyes brought her back to reality. Her hands hummed from the chakra under her skin, waiting to be released. She held herself back, taking in the frightened expression on her sister's face for just a moment longer.

Slowly, Hinata stood, deactivating her Byakugan, and forcing her chakra to retreat. She almost felt panic at having to let her enemy live, before she remembered that this wasn't another one of Danzo's minions. This was her sister.

Before she could contemplate any further, a loud booming voice echoed through the dojo. It was her father, "Hinata." His tone cut through the otherwise tense atmosphere. She looked back at him, her eyes were strong and sure.

Hiashi has never seen her look so confident before, then again, she never met his eyes to begin with. Her eyes were as empty and dead as the Hyuga eyes were always described; they were cold and promising. It sent a chill through him, one that made his hairs stand on end. This wasn't the gaze of a self-assured shinobi, this was the look of a killer.

The realization shook him, but nevertheless, he continued, "You have failed to meet our expectations, and for that, you are to be sealed."

She didn't cry as he had predicted, nor did she beg, yell or curse. She simply nodded with a carefully sculpted expression. However, his Hyuga eyes caught her shoulders dropping just a bit, a sign of her relief.

Of course, Hinata had seen this scene, time and time again. No matter what she did to change it, no matter what her possibilities were, it remained the same. She had watched this moment so many times that she had lost count, and for a moment, she wondered if she was still looking forward in time, safe and sound in a hospital bed.

"What?" Hanabi exclaimed. She picked herself up from the floor and faced her father, "But, she defeated me! She won! Why are you doing this?"

"Hinata has failed to fight using the Hyuga style." Her grandmother sneered, "It has also been known to us that she did the same during her battle with Neji during the Chunin Exams. A Hyuga who cannot perform the gentle fist is not worthy of becoming our leader."

Hanabi opened her mouth to protest, but a look from Hinata stopped her in her tracks. It was what could best be described as a 'Mothering Look', gentle but firm. It served its purpose, however, as Hanabi closed her mouth, fuming nonetheless. Hiashi took note of this and frowned. When did his daughters have time to grow this… close? He wasn't sure how he felt about it.

"Hanabi," Hinata's calm voice brought him out from his thoughts, "This was always to be the outcome. Father and the elders had decided on this long ago. I was never to be the clan head, no matter how often they waved it in my face. They were looking to use this battle between us as an excuse, but, seeing as I have won, they're scrambling for another. There will always be an excuse for them so seal me, isn't that right, Father?"

Hiashi was surprised she had seen through it all so easily. He had to admit, he was curious of her sudden change in behavior. Was this because of her time in ROOT, or was it something else. He couldn't tell. Her eyes were guarded, her stance stiff and her tone indifferent. She was everything a Hyuga should be. What happened?

"How dare you?" His mother spat, "You have no right to say such disrespectful things!"

Hinata held up her hand, "Before anything else, I am requesting to defect from the clan after my sealing.

There was a moment of silence before Hisashi barked out, "Excuse me?"

Hinata remained strong, "I am invoking my power as a main branch member to defect from the Hyuga. If not, then I will use every other option available, which in turn, will make the situation public and put you all under the watchful eye of the village."

"This is outrageous," Her grandfather huffed, "While you will be marked as a disgrace, you are still a pure-blooded Hyuga. You will be needed to preserve the bloodline."

Hinata was quick to fire back, "You cannot marry me until I am of age. That is the Daimyo's law."

Her grandfather waved her off, "It matters not. You are a child and the seal will always tie you to the Hyuga, no matter what kind of fantasy you wish to live. You may go, but you will return, one way or another."

Hinata didn't say anything, she only raised her chin higher and straightened her back. She wasn't afraid, she knew what was coming. She didn't feel fear, nor anger. She simply felt at peace.

"Hinata," Hanabi grabbed her hand, surprising herself and the elders in the room. She didn't care, her sister was her priority now. "This shouldn't be happening! You are the rightful heir! You're much stronger than I am and you've saved my life. I can't take the title from you, not anymore."

Hinata smiled and brushed Hanabi's strand out of her face. She took her time to study her sister's face, knowing that it would be possibly the last time she would be able to see her. She looked so much like their father: tanned skin, chestnut brown hair and his thinner lips. But she shared her mother's eyes and nose, just like Hinata.

"It will be alright, Hanabi." She murmured, "I'll be okay."

Hanabi's eyes watered and her face screwed into a pout, "You don't know that for sure."

Hinata almost laughed, but settled for a grin instead, "No, but you'll be safe. That's all that matters to me. Don't show them weakness. Become strong, stand firm in your beliefs."

As Hinata started to let go, Hanabi gripped her hand tighter, "Np, please no." She whispered. She scrambled to keep her sister by her side until her maid approached and pulled her away. She ushered a struggling Hanabi out of the dojo and to her room. Hinata closed her eyes as she heard her sister's yells of anger and desperation.

She turned to her father and stared him down, "Let us begin."

Tsume stood back, watching her warring children. In her heart, she was torn.

She never gave Kiba a chance. She allowed so much to happen under her rod, but it was too late to stop any of it, and so she just gave up.

There were times when she truly felt sorry for him, because even though he didn't do anything to provoke his sister, she still hated him and did everything she could to remind him of that. All of Hana's hatred, her anger, her insecurities went to her little brother whenever she wanted it to. She knew that Tsume wasn't going to do anything to stop her.

The clan leader knew it wasn't Kiba's fault for Riku leaving. She was the one who chased him away and kicked him out. Unfortunately, Hana didn't see it that way. She blamed everything on Kiba, especially their father's disappearance.

It was an unspoken rule within the Inuzuka Clan that the women outranked the men. Tsume followed that 'law' as did her mother before her and her own mother did before. She put all of her time and attention on Hana, pouring in countless hours to train her daughter to be strong, stronger than any man she would have to face in her life.

Hana, being used to having everyone's love and affection, grew jealous of Kiba, who had his father's love. Riku gave her as much attention and care, never once favoring either child over the other. But Hana took it as Kiba being treated better, which she argued was extremely unfair. If she didn't get all of the love and affection, she was being 'abandoned' and 'mistreated'.

After her father left, she blamed Kiba solely. Her reason? He was 'daddy's favorite'. Soon, the taunting and teasing became malicious and physical. It wasn't long before Kiba was sporting bruises and cuts.

Tsume found herself ignoring it all because a small part of her blamed Kiba, too. After a while, she realized that it was her own fault but she was unable to completely accept that fact. Besides, it was too late to stop what had already been set in motion.

If she was being honest, she grew accustomed to this lifestyle and didn't know any other way to raise her son. She was used to him doing everything he could to win her over. She loved his attention and need for her. He was convenient, and she didn't want it any other way.

However, she didn't love him, not exactly. She hadn't held him since he turned two, hadn't hugged him or touched him other than to smack him around a little. She never had a proper conversation with him. She didn't know who her son was.

She found herself staring at him. He was screaming incoherently, releasing massive amounts of rage and killing intent. He managed to overpower Hana in that moment, and was sitting on top of her, pounding into her face and body. He was stronger than she gave him credit for, and with enough training, he would be strong enough to truly take her on.

That last thought snapped her out of her thoughts.

With a quickness she didn't know she possessed, Tsume moved close and slapped Kiba as hard as she could. Kiba screamed in pain, holding his left eye in pain as it bled heavily past his fingertips. In that moment of pain, he sat up and stumbled off of Hana, who quickly kicked him off and to the ground. She grabbed Kiba by the throat and threw him towards their mother, who caught him and slammed him against the wall.

Kiba weakly clawed at her hand as she repeatedly slammed her fist into his stomach, ignoring his cries of pain, his gasping for breath. Her blood was pounding too loudly in her ears to hear the sounds on his ribs breaking with every hit. He still glared at her with his one uninjured eye and Tsume could see every once of hate he held for her, she could still feel his killing intent directed at her and her daughter.

With a growl, she threw Kiba down the hall and stairs. In his weakened and broken state, Kiba wasn't able to save himself in time or properly shield himself during the fall. He grunted in pain as he fell down the stairs, his head hitting nearly every corner on his way down until he lay sprawled on the ground.

Hana was quick to follow, leaping from the top of the stairs and landing on his back with her heel. She made sure to drive all of her power into the kick, letting out a forceful shout upon impact.

All of Tsume's anger left her the instant she heard something crack; Instinct told her that it was something important.

She didn't have time to ponder it further, as Hana repeatedly kicked Kiba's head until he was bleeding out on the floor below her. She stopped finally, breathing hard and glaring down at him. Other than superficial bruises and scratches, she was alright, maybe a patch of hair was missing, but that's not what Tsume was worried about.

She ran down the stairs, pushing her daughter out of the way and checking if Kiba was alive. She waited with baited breath until she heard him weakly exhale and inhale in a broken, struggling rhythm. She sighed in relief.

"Hana, go get a healer."

Her daughter turned to her in shock, "What?" She screamed, "After what he did, you're going to heal him?"

Before she could complain further Tsume stood to her full height and shoved her daughter towards the door, "Do you want ANBU sniffing around here if he dies? They're already breathing down our necks and threatening us with an investigation! Go get a healer now!"

Hana stumbled back before turning on her heel and running as fast as she could. Tsume sighed and rubbed her temples. She glanced at her son for a moment before walking into the kitchen and grabbing a glass of sake.

While her back was turned, she failed to see Akamaru running out of the open front door and out of the compound entirely.