Hinata of the White Lotus

Visitors

Journeying through the Land of Fire was mostly peaceful.

Despite its name, the country was generally just forests and farmlands, with few cities interlaced throughout. It was also large. Of course it was, as one of the five great nations, the total landmass was the size of multiple smaller countries put together.

That was a lot of territory and the protection of said territory was in the hands of Konoha and her Shinobi. That meant for Hinata and her team, they would essentially be traveling through what was their home turf. The odds of running into other Shinobi from a different nation were slim… but certainly not impossible. Anyone could hire a Shinobi if they had the coin for it, and just because they were in the Land of Fire didn't mean they had to hire Konoha Shinobi.

However, even in the off-chance they did run into a foreign force, that didn't necessarily mean they would come to blows. So long as their objectives didn't come into conflict, they shouldn't either.

In the end, these thoughts and worries were probably just that; They were all in her mind. Not some impending reality she had to live in constant fear of. Yet Hinata was afraid of them all the same. That and about a million other things.

This mission was her responsibility. She absolutely had to make sure things went as well as they could. Fortunately for her, the first day had mostly gone without a hitch.

After setting out from the village, her team had immediately taken to the trees surrounding Konoha, not staying on the civilian path but instead jumping from branch to branch to cut through the forest. This increased time two-fold, allowing them to move quicker than if they had stuck to the ground and also not having to follow a path that would drag them out of their way.

If anything, they had made better time than Hinata expected when they finally decided to settle into a small city just before dusk. The city was called Higaoka, a casino resort popular among the elites of the Land of Fire. Not a place that Hinata would ever care to visit for herself, but they were only stopping the night.

Getting a hotel had been easy, as they only required cheap accommodations. Something that the normal cliente usually avoided, preferring instead to leave such rooms for the servants and traveling merchants just stopping to rest their weary feet.

Now Hinata sat in the hotel room with her temporary squad, all four of them surrounding the scroll written by her previous reincarnation.

"The heck is this scroll anyway?" Kiba asked the most difficult possible question. Sitting on his lap was an already dozing Aakamaru, the ninken tired after their long journey and the brutal pace Hinata had set them on.

"This is…" Hinata mumbled, struggling to find an innocuous answer. The true origins of the scroll wasn't something she could just give out freely. It had been written by one of her numerous previous incarnations, but such knowledge was forbidden to anyone outside of her clan. "It's an old document from one of my Hyuga ancestors." Hinata lied by technically telling the truth. "There are many such scrolls in the Hyuga compound."

"It is true that the Hyuga are one of Konoha's oldest clans." Shino said, adjusting his glasses and inspecting the apparent age of the scroll. "Their legacy traces back nearly a millennium, supposedly as far back as the Sage of the Six Paths himself. It is no surprise they would have information on a relic like the Sword of Kusanagi."

"You believe in all those old legends?" Naruto chuckled at Shino, finding something about his words just now funny. "I always thought you were more of a logical guy." That was what he said, and Hinata didn't have the heart to tell him that the son of that very legend was once upon a time his former life.

"The sword of Kusanagi is very real." Shino snapped back in monotone, yet he somehow still managed to convey his agitation. "The fact Kurenai-sensei is dying from its poison is proof of that. And it's why we are on this mission." Every word he said was right. But Hinata didn't want them to fight over such petty things now.

"Anyways, let's focus on the information we have." Hinata unrolled the scroll, skimming for the proper passages. "It's important we all know the details." She had already given her team the basics, but the time to fill in any blanks was now.

"What kinda flower even grows in a volcano?" Naruto asked. Of everyone on the team, he had the least information. This was through no fault of his own, she just hadn't had the time to explain as much to him yet.

"The Moonfire Flower." Hinata answered, pointing at an illustration drawn by her previous life. "It only blooms under the light of a full moon and only inside a single volcano. It used to be considered the final ingredient necessary to create an elixir of immortality."

"Wait, are we gonna make Kurenai-sensei immortal?" Kiba interjected, suddenly leaning forward in obvious excitement.

"...I don't believe so." Hinata replied, having to stifle a giggle. "According to this scroll, the Moonfire Flower has a special property that causes your chakra to burn hot, vaporizing any ailments. Even poison from mythic-grade weapons."

"Wait a second, if this flower is so awesome…" Naruto mumbled, scratching his chin and squinting his eyes. "Then why isn't everyone after it?"

"It is very likely most people only believe it to be a myth." Shino was the one that answered. "If the conditions for it to bloom are as rigorous as this scroll would lead us to believe, then it would be almost impossible to find. How many people wander into an active volcano under the light of a full moon? Even those that do, how many of them would recognize this flower and its value?" He concluded.

"I heard from Hokage-sama that others have looked for it in the past." Hinata continued where Shino left off. Although she didn't mention one of those people happened to be Orochimaru, the one responsible for them needing the flower at all. "It's very likely this scroll is one of the only records of the flower that exist." She had to imagine if there were other records then it would be just as Naruto said and there would be an effort to mass produce the flower for its effects.

"Hey… isn't this kinda bad then?" Kiba asked, covering his mouth as he spoke now. "Like, we're the only people in the world that know this thing is real. We could get tortured for that kinda valuable information, you know?"

"Then just do not talk about it." Shino said pragmatically.

However, Hinata did have to admit that Kiba had a point. They couldn't risk anyone else knowing what their true objective was. And they absolutely shouldn't pick more of the flower than what they absolutely needed. If they didn't have any proof of the flower then there was plausible deniability. She worded these very thoughts and received a chorus of agreements.

"Next is determining our exact destination." Hinata pulled out a map she had brought with her and overlaid it with the small drawing of an island and the nearby shoreline that had been sketched in the scroll. "Going by the shape of the island and the coast, I think it should be right here." Hinata pointed to a spot on the map. "Toyama Island. The nearest port looks to be Koto City." Her finger then slid over the map to indicate their current location.

"Hmm… you said we had a week to reach there?" Shino asked, earning a nod. "If that is the case, then we are already making excellent time." He pointed to the Leaf village and made note of the distance they had already crossed. "If we maintain the pace we set today, then getting there in even five days would be enough."

"Can't account for things that might slow us down though." Kiba pointed out, to which Hinata only agreed all too much. The idea of even a slight setback felt like it was going to send her into a panic attack.

"So basically hurry up and wait, is what we're saying?" Naruto asked, giving a noncommittal shrug. "Sounds good to me. If we reach the port early then we can just take the time to do some training in the meantime."

"As well as gather any necessary information about the volcano from the locals." Shino added. Having everyone pitch into the conversation helped ease Hinata's burden and she was glad they were all contributing their own suggestions. She had been so nervous that as the leader she would be expected to plan out every little detail, but she should have known that was never the expectation.

It was good to be with her team and Naruto, someone from her graduating class. It meant she could just be herself… not that she was even entirely sure who that was anymore. In the first place, she was never someone that could talk so comfortably in the same room as Naruto. She used to get tongue-tied just looking at him, forget having a real back and forth.

"There is one other thing we need to think about." Hinata said, putting the map away and turning to a different part of the scroll. "The remedy has to be made immediately after plucking the flower or it will lose its effects. So we will need to bring all the ingredients to the island." She pointed at a list of herbs that had to be added to draw out the effects of the flower.

"It looks like something that should be available in town." Shino noted, scanning the list for himself. "It may be prudent to get what we can while here."

"I agree." Hinata nodded. "I'm thinking of going out to get them now." She looked up at the clock. It was still early enough in the day that the shop she needed should be open, but it was probably cutting it close. She would need to leave pretty soon.

"Naruto, why don't you go with her." Kiba suddenly suggested. "Pick us up some snacks and cola while you're at it. We still gotta celebrate Hinata's promotion." As if to show the decision was already made, Kiba stood up and flopped down on the closest bed, cradling the still sleepy Akamaru as he did.

"Ehhh…" Naruto scratched his head, looking unsure about the whole thing. "I don't really know anything about plants, y'know. I'm not gonna be much help if I go with her."

"You can leave that part to Hinata." Shino said as he no doubt realized what it was Kiba was really suggesting. "You are only going with her to help her carry the bags and ensure she doesn't get harassed by any patrons that had a little too much to drink. Besides, you already know Hinata's skill at making healing medicine. She gave you some during the exam."

"Oh yeah!" Naruto nodded, his face lighting up in sudden recollection. "Man, that stuff was really awesome. I healed up in no time!" That appeared to convince him, Naruto jumping to his feet and starting to head towards the door. "Let's go then, Hinata." He failed to notice that she hadn't moved at all.

In fact, she had gone stock still. She couldn't see her own face, but she was willing to bet if she looked in the mirror that it was beet red. Of course, like Shino she also knew what it was Kiba had really been doing. Her crush on Naruto was obvious to everyone, after all. Well, everyone except the person in question.

"Go on, Hinata." Shino nudged her to get moving. Naruto hadn't realized she was still in the same spot yet, but he would if she remained there much longer.

"B-But…" Hinata stuttered. It wasn't that she didn't want to go out as just the two of them. It was just- "Kurenai-sensei is-"

"For now, outside of our hands." Shino cut her off. "We cannot travel any farther today. Instead of just sitting here holding yourself responsible, go out and have some fun. Kurenai-sensei would also desire it." She had forgotten how pushy their stoic teammate could be when he wanted to be.

"O-okay." Hinata agreed, not seeing any way out of it. What Shino said was absolutely right. Kurenai-sensei was in a hospital in Konoha, likely in terrible pain as they talked. But even if Hinata was in front of their destination right now she couldn't do anything for another week. Was it really so wrong of her to want to spend time with her crush in what little down time they had?

"Hinata?" Naruto finally noticed she wasn't ready yet, having put on his sandals and now waiting for her at the entrance.

"I'm coming." She took quick breathes, trying to cool down her burning face. Then she stood up, not daring to face him while slipping her own sandals on. The two of them set out, leaving Kiba and Shino in the hotel room to relax.

"Where to first?" Naruto asked, completely oblivious to her embarrassment.

"Right…" Hinata was so distracted trying to keep her beating heart under control she wasn't focused at all on where they were walking. "Let's go get the ingredients for the elixir first. That shop might close soon." She wondered why it was so different now? She had been talking to him just fine up until Kiba's suggestion. Wasn't it just because she was being conscious of it? In that case, she just had to try and not think about it.

A task easier said than done as the two of them walked side-by-side through the bustling streets of Higaoka City. It was completely unlike the atmosphere of Konoha. Here, everything was alight in bright colors and flashing lights. The fashion of the people around them was much more flamboyant and the drunken ruckus filled every establishment. It was the perfect place to just let yourself get carried away by the mood.

"Thanks again for picking me to tag along on the mission." Naruto said as they walked, seemingly just to make conversation.

"Ah, no." Hinata shook her head. In the end she couldn't go with the mood, after all. It wouldn't have been like her too anyways. "Thank you for agreeing to come. It uhh… I'm glad to have you with us." She reached up a hand, twirling one of her bangs. Her eyes were cast on the ground, looking no higher than their feet.

"Is your team always like that?" Naruto suddenly asked, his tone unreadable.

"…Like what?" Hinata asked, not understanding the question. Despite herself, she forced her eyes upwards and just barely managed to steal a glance at his face. To her surprise, he wasn't looking at her either, but instead staring somewhere blankly ahead.

"I don't mean in a bad way…" Naruto hastily explained himself. "Just more like… it's really different from how Sakura-chan, Sasuke and I are when together… you know." He paused, seemingly unsure how to explain himself further than that.

It was enough for Hinata. She knew about their dynamic during the days at the academy and to say it was complicated would be selling it short. Yet it could also be easily summarized as your basic love-triangle. Naruto pined for Sakura who in turn only had eyes for Sasuke.

She couldn't imagine what she would do if she was the captain of such a team. Something she now had to think about as a Chunin. Thinking about it in this case made her heart hurt, knowing that the boy she liked was already so deeply infatuated with someone else.

Even though she and Naruto had grown closer recently, she had no doubt that she couldn't replace Sakura in his heart. Even more-so since they were on a team together. Not like this temporary arrangement.

But… wasn't that why she had to use this chance now of all times? Sakura wasn't here to steal his attention. It was just her and him. If she didn't try to make use of this situation then she would surely regret it.

She couldn't see Kali hanging off her back without activating the Nichiren Byakugan. Yet she knew she was there, silently cheering her on. Telling her to be brave and take the plunge. Kiba and Shino had created this moment for her, to not make use of it would be betraying the opportunity they gave her. These things combined gave her the strength to force her voice to work.

"Do you… uh, still like Sakura-san?" Hinata wanted to kick herself the moment the words left her mouth. Why did she open with that of all things? She finally found her courage to broach the topic, but panicked in which way to properly start it.

Even Naruto blinked in surprise, slightly recoiling from the question. Now she had done it. She had no idea what thoughts he was going to take from such an invasive question, but she doubted it could be good. Despite that, he surprised her when he leaned close as if to whisper a secret.

"Can I tell you something I've never told anyone?" He asked. Hinata felt her mouth go dry and she had to keep from licking her lips. Just what could he want to tell her that he had never told anyone before? Part of her didn't want to know. Yet she couldn't resist the temptation and nodded anyway.

"Thing is," Naruto chuckled as if embarrassed. "It was never really about Sakura-chan. I mean, don't get me wrong, I think she's amazing and smart and talented. But I don't know… seeing her go after Sasuke just made me feel jealous. It felt like just one more way I was losing to that jerk." The moment he finished and he leaned away from her, as if to pretend he never said anything at all.

"Then…" Hinata mumbled, realization dawning on her. "You're saying you've never actually had a crush on her?" She knew it was wrong, but putting that thought into words caused her heart to soar.

"I don't know if I would say that." Naruto shrugged, the answer causing Hinata's heart to once again sink, making it feel like it was inside a pinball machine. "All that romance kinda stuff is too complicated for me, you know?" He laughed, but Hinata couldn't bring herself to share in it.

She knew now what Naruto was really saying. Sasuke was perhaps the closest thing to a friend he ever had. And that friendship had been more like a one-sided rivalry than a real bond. So it made sense that he would base the idea of his crush off the only connection he had. If only because having things like friends and crushes were his way of just trying to be normal.

"I never knew." Hinata admitted. All this time spent watching him and she never figured out something that seemed so obvious in hindsight. She supposed that was because it was impossible for her to be objective when it came to her own feelings for him.

"Eh, don't worry about it." Naruto reached over, knocking her shoulder lightly as if to tell her it was alright. "I only really felt like talking about it with you because I saw how well you three got along as a team. Made me realize that maybe I should try to do things a little different too." In a way just like him, he was already looking forward. He told her this secret not because he regret the past, but because he wanted to do better.

"You're incredible, Naruto-kun." Hinata mumbled, unable to contain her awe. She was reminded again why it was she fell for him. Because he did so naturally what she always wanted. To think so positively in spite of everything that came before.

"Me?" Naruto asked with a laugh. "You're the one that got promoted to Chunin. You're crazy strong too." He flashed her a huge grin and once again she found she had to avert her eyes, the blush from earlier returning full force. She was only grateful for the colorful lights of the city against the orange sky for masking her burning face.

She didn't have the words to correct him. And before she could find them they arrived at the shop she was looking for. Hinata went inside by herself, Naruto standing guard out front. It didn't take her long to get everything she needed, the shop mostly deserted and there was no line to wait for payment.

"Sorry for the wait." Hinata apologized anyway as she stepped back outside. Never mind she had only been in the shop for less than five minutes.

"You get everything you need then?" Naruto asked, to which she nodded. The only thing left was to get the Moonfire Flower itself. Then, following the instructions in the scroll she should be able to synthesize the elixir. "Right then, now to get stuff for your party." Naruto pointed across the street to a local supermarket.

"Ah, we don't need to do that." Hinata quickly shook her head and waved her arms in front of herself. "Kiba-kun was just messing around." She insisted.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto asked her with a laugh and a dismissive shake of the head. "Loosen up and let us do something for you, alright? You, more than anyone, need to have some fun right now." He started walking, not even turning around to see if she was going to follow him into the store.

Not willing to stand out in the streets by herself, Hinata had little choice but to follow after him. It felt like everyone kept telling her the same thing. Kiba, Shino, and now Naruto. They were all just trying to make her forget about Kurenai-sensei and her failure for the time being. And she knew they were right to. Even still, the idea of having a party celebrating her… it was embarrassing to even consider. There was no stopping it now though, Naruto already having the idea in his head.

As the two of them entered the supermarket, Naruto grabbed a basket and made his way over to the snack aisle. Hinata continued to follow behind him, stopping as a small display table caught her eye. It wasn't anything special, just scrunchy hairbands that appeared to be on sale.

Positioned on the table was a small mirror, Hinata catching sight of her own reflection. In the time since she met Kali, Hinata had started growing her own hair out. Her previous life had long hair styled in the pony-tail of a shrine maiden. It wasn't like she thought growing her hair out would make her more like Kali or anything, but she still felt the impulse to do it anyway. That was only a little over a month ago now, however.

Hinata's hair was longer, certainly, but it wasn't exactly the length to put in a ponytail yet. At least, she didn't think so. Even so, while using the mirror Hinata bunched up the hair in the back of her head and turned to see how it looked. It wasn't long, but it was still a small ponytail. Letting her hair fall back down, Hinata looked at the hairbands. There were all kinds of colors, but her gaze lingered on an orange one.

Just looking at it reminded her of Naruto.

"Hinata?" As if thinking his name had summoned him, Naruto was suddenly right next to her. She gave a startled yelp, covering her mouth to keep it from echoing throughout the store. "Haha, sorry about that." Naruto appeared genuine in his apology, but he couldn't help his own chuckle either. "Anyways, I grabbed the snacks." He patted the basket which was already full of all manner of cookies and chips. "Why don't you grab a couple soft drinks you think your team will like and we can check out?" He offered.

"Right." Hinata quickly made her way to the drinks, leaving the hairbands behind and trying to put the thought from her mind. Together with Naruto they picked out a couple big bottles and then headed to the cashier together. At the register, Hinata tried to pay but Naruto refused, insisting it was for her party so it would be ridiculous to make her pay. His frog wallet didn't seem to be lacking in funds for the moment, so in the end she gave up and let him pay.

"Ah, I think I forgot something." Naruto realized as the two of them took the snacks over the counter to put them in bags. "Can you bag the stuff while I go get it?" He asked. She nodded, watching as he ran off back to the snack aisle. Shrugging it off, she did as he asked and just managed to finish getting the last item in a bag when he walked back up to her.

"Shall we head back then?" Hinata asked, starting to lift the bags from the counter.

"Yeah." Naruto nodded, stepping closer to her and placing his hand overtop hers.

"N-Naruto-kun!" Hinata felt her stutter return, unable to contain herself. Yet to her relief and simultaneous disappointment, it had simply been to take the bags from her.

"Shino said it was my job to hold the bags, remember?" He tried to sound scolding, but the mirth in his voice undersold the effect. "Anyways, you can hold onto this for me instead." With his free hand he held out to her an enclosed fist. It took her a couple seconds to realize he was holding something for her to take.

She held out her hand and he dropped the item into it. She looked down at it and blinked in confusion. Then she looked at him. The back down at the item resting in her open palm.

It was the orange hairband she had been looking at earlier.

"You looked like you wanted it." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, smiling at her awkwardly. "I know it's just something super cheap and all, but think of it as your promotion present. Or you know… if you don't like it then I can always get you something else-"

Hinata quickly shook her head.

"Thank you, Naruto-kun." She smiled at him. With tears building in the corner of her eyes and a slight blush, she gave him what was perhaps the happiest smile she had ever made in her whole life. "I'll cherish it." She pulled the band from its plastic packaging, pulling her hair back into a short ponytail and putting the band on.

"Y-yeah. Don't mention it, y'know." Naruto said, having suddenly turned to the entrance so she couldn't see his face. She didn't have a chance to question him as he started walking, but she also didn't really care to anyway. She was just that happy with the gift.

The two of them made their way back to the hotel, reaching just as the sun set below the horizon, the sky turning from orange to a light purple. As they opened the door to the room there were two loud pops.

Hinata immediately dropped into her Jyuken stance. Only to feel ridiculous a second later as confetti flew across the room and covered her head and shoulders.

"Congratulations on the promotion!" Kiba shouted, completely covering Shino's own monotone proclamation. It would seem the party poppers were something he had prepared in advance, likely having picked them up before they even set out from the village.

"New hairstyle?" Shino asked as Hinata got over her surprise and began brushing the strands of confetti off her.

"Naruto-kun got the hairband for me." Hinata explained, walking further into the room now, taking one of the bags from Naruto and beginning to spread out the snacks.

"Heh…" Kiba looked at the two of them knowingly, scooting over to Naruto in particular and wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "Mister smooth over here pulling the moves, huh? Didn't know you had it in you to be honest." He said, not even trying to be subtle.

"No idea what you're talking about." Naruto ignored him completely, not even bothering to knock the arm from his shoulder as he set out the drinks and grabbed some paper cups to pour them. Meanwhile, Shino helped Hinata set the snacks, opening several of the bags and dividing them evenly about so everyone could grab what they wanted easily.

When everything was set up, Naruto passed out the paper cups filled with cola and everyone gathered around the assorted snacks. Even Akamaru had a little bowl filled with water and a plate of treats to enjoy.

"Will you do the honors?" Kiba asked, nodding to Hinata to say something. All eyes turned to her and for the first time she didn't feel embarrassed about it. Instead she just felt happy, the mission and why they were even out here in the back of her mind for the first time.

"Thank you, everyone." Hinata said, not quite a whisper but not loudly enough to be considered talking either. "This time I got promoted, but next time I'm sure you'll all be able to receive your promotions as well."

"Yeah, provided there ain't another invasion!" Naruto exclaimed, earning a chuckle from Kiba and even the rare snort of humor from Shino.

"Yes, let's hope so." Hinata agreed in good humor. "So then… uhh…" She paused, unsure what else to say. So she ended with a simple toast. "To becoming a Chunin." She held up her cup.

"Cheers!" Naruto, Kiba, and Shino lifted their own cups, gently dumping hers with theirs. Akamaru let out a bark to join them. Then they all dug in. Laughter and warm conversation filled the room and for a while it felt like they were all able to forget about everything that was troubling them.

Hinata lost track of time for how long they just talked. The conversations were numerous, switching from one topic to another at a moment's notice. At one point they were talking about their days at the academy, the next they were debating just exactly what it was under Kakashi's mask. The vivid descriptions of what Naruto came up with had Hinata laughing so hard her side's hurt.

All good things had to come to an end, however, and theirs did with a sudden knock on the door. Hinata glanced at the clock and realized it was almost midnight. Perhaps they had been too loud and someone had complained to the hotel staff?

"Should I get it?" Naruto asked, already beginning to stand up.

"No, I'll do it. Thank you though." Hinata shook her head before rising to her feet. She was the one that had checked them into the hotel and the stay was technically under her name. So while she would love to let someone else handle it, she felt it was better if she was the one that talked to the staff.

As she walked for the door the other three began talking amongst each other again, but this time in much more hushed voices. It would appear they had all realized the same thing as her. After talking to the staff, it would be time to pack everything up and turn in for the night. They had an early morning tomorrow if they were going to cover as much ground as she wanted them to.

It was nice while it lasted, but reality had to catch up with them eventually.

Hinata opened the door, already having her apology prepared. The words never left her mouth and all thoughts of the apology were gone a moment later.

It wasn't the staff standing at the door, but two figures in black cloaks decorated with eerie red clouds. Their heads were adorned with traditional farmers hats that completely concealed their faces. The only thing she could tell was that one was incredibly tall, and the other, while not short, looked small by comparison.

Back in the village they had left her alone after the shortest conversation.

This time was different.

As the shorter one tipped up his hat, giving her a look at his face.

And revealing a spinning Sharingan eye.

Chapter End

AN: I threw around some location names this time, none of them canon to the show.

Higaoka（火ヶ丘）City is just easily translated as Fire Hill City.

Port Koto（港東）meanwhile is literally translated as East Port.

Toyama（藤山）Island would be translated as Wisteria Mountain Island. My naming sense for this one is a bad pun, as the first character 藤 can also be read as Fuji, same name as the famous Japanese mountain (written 富士）which is the real-life inspiration for the mountain they're traveling to in the story.