Hello all Storm here with a new chapter. Here we'll be seeing just what the Hyūga Elders are planning to do, seeing how far they're willing to go to stop anyone from messing with their traditions. Though we'll also see not everything will be going as they intended. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Within his study, Hiashi sat with a contemplative look on his face, aware that he should also be sleeping in the middle of the night. Yet the Hyūga Clan Head has recently found that he's had trouble finding sleep, in fact he's had trouble focusing on anything.
The only thing he did seem able to focus on was the last conversation he had with Hinata, frowning at just remembering it. Any other time he would've been proud that for once Hinata was standing up for herself, being assertive and refusing to bend to another's whims. He only wished it hadn't ended in her leaving the way she did.
'And now Hanabi…' Hiashi thought, frowning as his mind turned to his younger daughter and what he learned when she returned to the compound.
*Flashback*
"You wished to see me, Tou-sama." Hanabi asked, sitting before her father.
"Yes. Your instructors tell me you have been rather…lax in your training recently. Why?" Questioned Hiashi, wanting to know why she hasn't been training as much as she usually does.
"I have been training! Just…outside of the compound, with…Konoka Sarutobi and her friends. They…invited me to spend time with them." Replied Hanabi, having still continued to train while with Konoka, Moegi and Udon.
"I see." Hiashi stated, not giving any outward reaction, making the female Hyūga shift slightly.
"…Nee-san returned from a mission, we ran into them and her teammates earlier. She…offered to teach me, showing me how to perform the Vacuum Palm. We…also sparred…she beat me." Hanabi revealed, which now got Hiashi's attention.
"She did? How?" Said Hiashi narrowing his eyes, wanting to know how Hinata could've beaten Hanabi.
"She didn't hesitate." Stated Hanabi, surprising Hiashi at her words.
"What do you mean?" Hiashi asked, wondering what she meant by that.
"When he first sparred to decide who would be Clan Heiress, Nee-san hesitated to strike me because she didn't want to hurt me. So she held back from striking, letting me win. This time she didn't, she did her best and was better than me because she wanted me to know she was strong and kind." Hanabi replied, only surprising the Hyūga Clan Head further.
"She also told me she's learned the Eight Trigrams Thirty-Two Palms, Grid Palm and working on learning the Mountain Crusher Technique. As well as wishing to improve them by implementing her Elemental Affinities into the Jūken. She offered to help teach me them too." Hanabi added, with Hiashi having trouble imagining Hinata capable of all that.
Yet part of him did feel pride, to know how far she's improved and seeking to improve the Jūken to make it her own.
"I…see… So she is…alright?" Questioned Hiashi.
"She is, Nee-san seems even happy, being close with her teammates along with Konoka and her friends, and they all care for her as well." Hanabi replied, having seen how much Hinata's grown and opened up around her team and the Konoka Ninja Squad.
"…Very well. That is all Hanabi." Hiashi said dismissing her, knowing he had even more to think about now.
*End Flashback*
It was a bitter pill for Hiashi to swallow that in just a matter of weeks since becoming a Genin, Hinata's grown stronger than she ever did under his tutelage. Even more so that it seems Hanabi's already improved after just one training session with her. Beginning to learn the Vacuum Palm and soon more of their Clan Techniques.
Leaving Hiashi to accept that perhaps the problem wasn't Hinata's kindness holding her back, it was the Hyūga Clan that held back her potential. That he was holding her back, only caring for her value to the clan rather than acting as a father should and encourage her strength. But instead only criticized what he viewed as weaknesses.
'Perhaps…perhaps I could see her, and hope it's not too late to fix my mistakes.' Hiashi thought, only to sigh and shake his head, believing that now Hinata would want nothing to do with him or the Hyūga Clan anymore.
But he supposed he could at least take solace that she still cared for Hanabi and would continue to support her.
Though before he could think on it any further, Hiashi suddenly stood up looking around his study with narrowed eyes. Getting the feeling that he's no longer alone and was being watched.
"I might not have seen combat in many years, do not think for a moment…it will be so easy!" Hiashi said, quickly jumping back and activating his Byakugan just as a masked assailant lunged down from the shadows on the ceiling at him.
His eyes widened though when he looked the figure, but couldn't see anything behind his mask nor where his Tenketsu were through his outfit. With Hiashi managing to avoid his strike, but still felt the figure graze his arm as he landed on the ground.
'How could they have gotten into the compound without alerting any of the guards?!' Hiashi wondered, knowing at least someone should've seen this masked intruder, even if they couldn't see their face or Tenketsu.
Being reminded too much of how Kumo's Head Ninja was capable of sneaking into the compound and nearly kidnapped Hinata. Momentarily wondering if they were making another attempt, only this time coming after him after failing to get the Byakugan from Hizashi's body.
"Guards! Quick, there's an intruder!" Hiashi called out for the guards, only to hear nothing outside his study nor his call, wondering if the intruder had sealed the room so no one could hear or sense what's happening inside.
"I don't know who you are, but you'll meet the same fate as the last intruder. Palm Bottom!" Hiashi said, lunging forward delivering a strike to the intruders chest, using enough force and Chakra to cause internal damage.
Only for the intruder to vanish in a puff of smoke, being replaced by a book shelf which burst from the Palm Bottom. While the intruder reappeared to the side, rushing Hiashi with a tanto ready to thrust through his neck.
The Hyūga Clan Head quickly deflected the blow, striking the assailants wrist hearing it snap as he did so, only for the intruder to not even flinch at their broken wrist. With them then grabbing Hiashi's wrist as he went to deliver another palm strike to their chest.
Before Hiashi slammed his foot into their chest sending them skidding across the study, crashing into the wall. Frowning as the intruder got back up and grabbed his broken wrist, snapping it back into place.
'They either have a high pain tolerance or they don't feel anything. Both of which aren't good for either of us.' Hiashi thought, knowing anyone that can take such pain or not feel it won't go down easily, but it also means they won't notice injuries that'll be fatal or leave them unable to move.
"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!" Hiashi said, thrust his hand releasing a blast of compressed air at the assailant, forcing them to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
Which is what Hiashi was hoping for as he slammed his palm into the ground.
"Eight Trigrams Grid Palm!" Said Hiashi while forming grid seals across the study's floor, the intruder moving to avoid being touched by them, only to grunt when the grid managed to touch him feeling pain paralyzing his body.
"You're within my range of division." Hiashi stated, rushing forward to finish the intruder, even if he couldn't see their Tenketsu he still knew where to strike to incapacitate and kill.
But before he could strike the intruder, they were able to force their body to move through the pain and grabbed Hiashi's wrist. Grabbing his other arm when he still tried striking.
"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!" Hiashi said releasing a burst of compressed air, still able to do that with the assailant unable to dodge the point-blank attack.
With him being sent crashing into the wall, the force also knocking his mask off allowing Hiashi to see who it was. Only to frown when he saw they were wearing a second mask, revealing only their hair and their mouth, while having built-in glasses over his eyes.
"Who are you?! Why have you attacked me?!" Hiashi demanded, only for the intruder to merely get up and lunge at him again.
Avoiding the strike, Hiashi felt the intruders fingers brush across his face before he struck his arm knocking it away. Quickly striking his shoulder causing his arm to go numb, before Hiashi grit his teeth as the assailant slashed him across the chest with a kunai. Though he was able to move back to avoid it being anything beyond a flesh wound.
Only for the assailant to then throw himself at the Hyūga Clan Head, confusing Hiashi slightly at why he'd do something so reckless, but wouldn't ignore the opportunity.
"You're within my range of division! Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms! Two Palms!" Hiashi said, striking the intruder twice once he was close enough.
"Four Palms!"
"Eight Palms!"
"Sixteen Palms!"
"Thirty-Two Palms!"
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Said Hiashi, ending the attack with a final strike to the intruders chest, sending them crashing back against the wall before falling to the ground unmoving.
The last strike having ruptured their heart
Letting out a breath when he saw the intruder was dead, Hiashi scowled as he headed for the door to find out just how someone was able to sneaking into the compound and getting far enough to his study.
'Clearly we are in need of more competent guar-' Hiashi thought, only to gasp when he felt something wrong as he could feel his energy suddenly leave him.
Looking at himself, Hiashi's eyes widened when he saw his skin turning purple, right in the spots where the intruder touched him. Watching as it began spreading over the rest of his body, coughing up blood at realizing what's happening.
'P-poison…' Thought Hiashi, seeing why the intruder didn't seem to really be attacking him and threw himself at him, he must've had some poison coating his body and clothes.
Realizing that he came here already knowing he was dead and simply intended to take him down as well.
'D-d-d-da-da-damn…i-i-i-it…H-Hi-Hinata…H-H-Ha-Hanabi…' Hiashi thought as he collapsed to the floor, breathing his last as he went still.
After a few moments, the study door opened with the Hyūga Elders entering followed by another elderly man.
At first glance one would only think he was a frail, old man, who had to walk with a cane. He had black, shaggy hair, and his right eye was bandaged and an x-shaped scar on his chin. He wore a white kimono shirt, with a black robe over the top of it covering from his feet, to just over his right shoulder, with the robe concealing his right arm which was wrapped in bandages.
But those that knew him, knew he was anything but frail. Recognizing him as Danzō Shimura, a member of Konoha's Council, a rival to the Sandaime Hokage and known as The Darkness of Shinobi. Having gained such a title for his many unsanctioned actions and suspected, but unproven, acts of undermining Konoha personnel.
Though Danzō would claim everything he's done is for the good of Konoha, many more would claim it was solely for his own benefit.
"You have done well in seeking my assistance. Hiashi had already proven himself too soft letting his eldest near the weapon, now losing control of his youngest. It wouldn't be long before his incompetence could have threatened the villages stability." Danzō said to the Head Elder, impressed at his willingness to sacrifice his remaining son.
"Spare me your words Danzō, everything I do is for the sake of the Hyūga Clan. I have already sacrificed one son; I would do the same again to my other if it meant ensuring my clan's future and protect the sanctity of our traditions." Said the Head Elder, knowing there were no lines he wouldn't cross if it was for the good of the Hyūga Clan.
He sacrificed Hizashi to keep the Byakugan out of Kumo's hands, now he's sacrificed Hiashi to protect their future.
"Of course. So long as you don't forget the other sacrifices you made for my assistance." Danzō said, narrowing his eye, having not given his help for free.
"I haven't forgotten anything. As agreed, you will have the knowledge of the Caged Bird Seal and Neji will join The Foundation while we grant you a select number of Clan Jutsu to have him learn." The Head Elder replied with a frown, not liking handing over such secrets, but for the good of the clan he would.
As for Neji, all the Elders were in agreement that while he was a prodigy worthy of the Hyūga Clan, the progress and talent he's displayed were also a threat to their traditions. Since if one Branch Member was growing strong enough to surpass even most Main Family Members, who's to say others couldn't do the same.
It might be a blow to lose such a prodigy, but it needed to be done to ensure no one else believed they could change the status quo and traditions. The Elders would've even gotten rid of Neji sooner, but Hiashi had been protecting him, keeping them from doing anything to his nephew. Which had been another sign of weakness as far as they were concerned. But now that's no longer a factor and Neji will at least continue serving the village.
"I'm pleased to hear it." Stated Danzō, pleased at the chance to have a Hyūga in the Foundation.
The secrets of the Caged Bird Seal would ensure he also was able to control Neji, as well as apply it to all of his subordinates to further ensuring their loyalty. While the Clan Techniques they were allowing him to take to train Neji, these being the Palm Rotation, Sixty-Four Palms and Air Palm.
Though annoyed at only getting three, Danzō knew not to try pushing the issue. Knowing he'll have his chance in the future.
'Even with Kotoamatsukami ensuring they keep their word; it'd be foolish to push too far and risk being discovered.' Danzō thought, having used Kotoamatsukami to ensure the Hyūga Elders keep their end of the deal.
"If that is all, then I believe our business is concluded." The Head Elder said as a Branch Member brought forth the scroll containing the techniques, which Danzō took and slipped into his robe.
"It is. The boy will be brought to me in a matter of moments, while the other business will be finished momentarily." Said Danzō while some of his ROOT Anbu came to collect Torune's body.
A regrettable loss given his abilities, but Danzō was sure he could still find a use for his body and the insects residing within.
Plus, he'd soon have Neji as a replacement member, having already sent some more of his agents to find and collect the boy. With a Main Family Member sent along with them to subdue him with the Caged Bird Seal and help fake his death. Not wanting anyone to try searching for him when he mysteriously disappears.
While the other business was currently happening in another part of the compound, as more ROOT Anbu went to Hanabi's room. Being joined by some Hyūga guards and another Main Family Member on standby. Given it'd also be suspicious for just her father and cousin to be attacked, but the Clan Heiress being left alone. It was a chance neither Danzō nor the Elders wanted to risk taking, so they'd stage an attack on Hanabi as well.
With it helping that the sense of gratitude and loss will help the Elders in molding Hanabi into their own image, while using the recent "attacks" as an excuse to keep her confined to the compound. Removing any outside influence that'll stray her from the "proper path" as the Hyūga Clan Heiress and their eventual Clan Head, especially once Hinata and the Kyūbi Jinchūriki were dealt with as well. Ensuring the full and thorough erasure of the taint that was inflicted onto the Hyūga Clan's legacy and their traditions.
Once they reached Hanabi's room, the ROOT agents burst inside, needing to make it look believable that they were here to attack. But the moment they were inside, they found the completely empty with no sign of Hanabi anywhere.
*With Natsu*
'Need move! Need to get somewhere safe!' Natsu thought as she jumped across the rooftops, moving as fast as she could while holding Hanabi close to her chest.
Knowing she needed to get her somewhere safe before anyone realized what happened and came after them. Not doubting that by now Hiashi was likely dead or would be soon, meaning it won't be long before they come after Hanabi next.
Part of her still couldn't believe this was happening, if she hadn't heard it all then Natsu wouldn't believe it. Remembering what she overheard between Kō and the Hyūga Elder, what they planned on doing.
*Flashback*
'Hanabi-sama seems to be in much better spirits.' Natsu thought, smiling lightly at the good mood Hanabi was in when she came home.
Not that anyone would be able to tell from looking at her, the young girl keeping her usual stoic look after returning. But Natsu knew Hanabi well enough to know what she's really feeling, and the moment she saw her charge the greenette saw a glimpse of the happy, little girl she used to be.
Natsu was aware of Hanabi's growing friendship with the Hokage's granddaughter and her friends, much to her joy that she was making friends. But she felt that something else must've happened today to make Hanabi no longer look as if she's bearing the weight of the entire clan on her shoulders. Whatever it was, Natsu was simply happy that Hanabi was happy.
Though the maid was pulled from her thoughts, freezing when she heard voices along with hearing Hanabi's name. Looking to see that she was right outside the council chambers, making her nervous that the Elders were holding a meeting, knowing how risky it'd be if she was caught eavesdropping. But if it concerned Hanabi, then Natsu was willing to risk it as she moved closer to the door to better hear it was being said. Only for her eyes to widen in shock, horror and disbelief the more she heard.
Soon hearing Kō's voice as well, informing the Elders of how he saw Hanabi interacting not just with her new friends, but Hinata and her teammates. Which initially concerned Natsu of Hanabi being around the Jinchūriki, only to focus on the much more worrying details.
Hearing the way the Elders were talking about Hinata's training, how she's changing her fighting style, changing the traditional Jūken to better suit her. Even offering to teach Hanabi more advanced techniques. Along with how it seems Hinata beat Hanabi in a spar, something that actually made Hanabi happy. Though Natsu couldn't even feel happy that it seems Hanabi and Hinata were fixing their bond the more she listened. Hearing the Elders weren't happy at all with how Hinata was "tainting the Hyūga Legacy", that she was "corrupting" Hanabi with her ideas.
Natsu quickly covered her mouth to stay silent when she heard they weren't going to tell Hiashi anything, that they were instead going to "deal with this ourselves". Much to Natsu's fear of what they could mean by that.
"Kō, we are sending to meet with Danzō. Tell him the Hyūga Clan requires his…services in ensuring our traditions remain intact."
"And what of Hiashi-sama, Honorable Council?"
"My son…has proven himself too soft, too weak. I'm afraid for the sake of the Hyūga Clan, we cannot afford to continue having such a Clan Head."
'Oh…Kami…' Natsu thought, not believing what she just heard.
She knew enough about Danzō Shimura to know the kind of person he is, the reputation he had and how he "dealt" with problems involving Konoha. That the Elders were willing to work with someone like that, that they were planning to kill Hiashi and do who knows what to Hanabi and Hinata.
'Hanabi!' Natsu thought, quickly running from the council chambers to Hanabi's room.
The greenette wasn't sure when or how exactly they were going about their plan, but with what she heard Natsu knew Hanabi would be in danger. And the last thing she would let happen is letting anyone hurt her, not if she could do something about it.
*End Flashback*
Natsu hadn't wasted a moment in going to Hanabi's room, finding her already asleep making it so she needed to carefully pick her up. Knowing she didn't have time to wake Hanabi and explain what's going on, instead holding her close before escaping the compound.
'I need to get Hanabi-sama somewhere safe! But where?!' Natsu thought frantically, unsure where was even safe in the village with Danzō involved.
Before her mind turned to Hinata, knowing that Hanabi would be safe with her, but she just had no idea where Hinata was staying after leaving. It'd also mean Hanabi would be around the Jinchūriki, but right now Natsu would rather she's around that boy than anyone else.
'The Hokage! Hanabi-sama's friends with his granddaughter. If I can get to the Sarutobi Compound then I can tell the Hokage what's happened!' Natsu thought, relieved to have a destination in mind.
"H-h-hu-huh…wh-wh-what's…N-Natsu?" Hanabi said as her eyes slowly opened from the constant movement, blinking tiredly in confusion at seeing her maid carrying her.
"Hanabi-sama, please just trust me and don't panic. I promise I'll explain everything, but right now I need you to-" Natsu said, quickly while doing her best to smile reassuringly at the brunette.
Only to scream in agony as she felt her Caged Bird Seal activate, causing the maid to lose her footing sending her and Hanabi crashing to the ground. With Natsu doing what she could to shield Hanabi from getting hurt, barely even feeling the impact compared to the pain from the seal.
"Natsu!" Screamed Hanabi, now jolting awake from the fall and Natsu's scream, looking at her in shock and horror, having no idea what's happening.
"H-H-Ha-Hanabi-sama…th-th-th-the E-E-E-Elders a-a-a-are…pl-p-p-p-planning t-t-t-to-to h-h-hu-hurt y-yo-yo-you…H-H-H-Hi-Hi-Hinata-sama's i-i-i-in d-d-d-d-d-da-danger t-t-t-t-t-too…RUN!" Natsu said through gritted teeth, trying to focus through the pain before simply screaming at the end of what Hanabi needed to do.
Activating her Byakugan in the process, before Hanabi vanished in a puff of smoke before being replaced with a wooden crate. Not a moment later the ROOT Anbu, guards and the Main Family Member accompanying them arrived, surrounding Natsu. Who screamed in pain as the Main Family Member intensified the burning feeling from the seal.
"Where is the Hyūga Heiress?! What have you done with her?!" Demanded the Main Family Member, the greenette merely smiled through gritted teeth.
"Saved…her..." Natsu said before pulling open her kimono, revealing she lined it with Explosive Tags, having done so before grabbing Hanabi to escape.
As long as she was safe, Natsu was ready to give her life to make sure Hanabi got away.
The sight making their eyes widen, but before they could escape the tags detonated, engulfing Natsu, the ROOT Anbu, the guards and the Main Family Member in a large explosion.
*With Hanabi*
While a good distance away, Hanabi sat huddled against a building, her entire body shaking and her eyes wide open. Being able to hear and see the explosion Natsu caused, just knowing her maid did it with how far she got her away with a Substitution.
'N-N-N-Na-Natsu…' Hanabi thought, choking as she suppressed a sob, not doubting that she was dead, sacrificing herself so she could get away.
Quickly shaking her head while suppressing her pain and sadness, Hanabi got up to see where exactly she was, not knowing if all their pursuers were killed in the explosion. And she wasn't about to let Natsu's sacrifice be for nothing.
Only to flinch as she peaked around a corner, seeing dozens of Ninja running through the streets and across the rooftops. The explosion being large enough to send the entire village into a frenzy, everyone quickly mobilizing in case they were under attack.
Which did relieve Hanabi slightly since it meant whoever was after them couldn't chase her further, not without being seen grabbing the Hyūga Heiress.
'Gotta move, now!' Hanabi thought while running as fast as she could, sticking to the shadow and trying to remain unseen, not wanting to take any chances.
*Later*
'The Sarutobi Compound!' Thought Hanabi when she saw she was close to the Sarutobi Compound, knowing she'll be able to hide in there if she can find Konoka.
Rather than walk in, Hanabi ran along the eastern wall of the compound looking around until she spotted a bush growing right beneath an incredibly large tree. Going over to it, the brunette saw the carving of a monkey paw at the very base of the tree, unnoticeable unless you knew it was there.
Knowing she had the right one, Hanabi crawled beneath the bush, finding the tree was growing over a tunnel in the ground, big enough for even an adult to barely squeeze through. Being more than big enough for Hanabi to fall down into it, landing in a tunnel.
The Hyūga Heiress knew the tunnel was one of the secret escape tunnels leading to the Sarutobi Compound, Konoka having shown her, Moegi and Udon it once. This way they'd always have a way to sneak in or out if they ever needed to.
Running down the tunnel, Hanabi activated her Byakugan to try and see where Konoka was. Hoping this tunnel would get her close to the Hokage's granddaughter, not wanting to risk anyone else finding her and taking her back to the Hyūga Compound.
'Come on, come on! Where is she, where is she?! Where…there!' Hanabi thought when she caught sight of Konoka's Chakra.
Following the tunnel to as close as she could get to it, Hanabi soon reached a ladder up to the surface, climbing up it to find a stone over the entrance. Grunting as she pushed it up, finding the tunnel came out beneath a wooden deck, right outside Konoka's home with how close her Chakra Signature was.
Pushing up on the deck, Hanabi was relieved to find it also opened up, keeping her from having to crawl out from underneath it. Climbing out as quietly as she could, Hanabi closed the passage again, looking at the house and saw Konoka's Chakra Signature.
Moving around it, Hanabi soon reached a window to Konoka's room, being able to hear the young Sarutobi as she quickly opened it and climbed in.
"What's going on out there? Sounds like everyone's running around like headless chickens." Konoka said, rubbing her eyes, having been woken up from everyone running around after the explosion.
Only for Konoka to freeze when she heard her window creaking open, making her slowly turn to see a figure climbing in through it!
Seeing Konoka open her mouth to scream at the sight of her, Hanabi lunged forward covering her mouth, not wanting her to alert anyone.
"It's me! Don't scream, please!" Hanabi whispered frantically, with Konoka calming down when she realized it was just Hanabi.
"Hanabi?! What're you doing here?! And why are you all dirty?! Do you know what's going on?!" Konoka questioned quietly, now concerned as she took in Hanabi's dirty and disheveled appearance, along with terrified expression on her face.
"I-I-I-I…" Hanabi said, trying to explain, only for the reality of everything that happened to truly start to hit her.
Her clan had tried hurting her, Natsu tried saving her but is now dead, now she snuck into the compound of her new friend and she had no idea what to think anymore!
"I-I-I don't know! M-m-m-m-my-my-my c-c-cl-c-c-c-cl-cl-clan…th-th-th-the-they're tr-tr-tr-trying t-to-to-to-to h-h-hu-hu-hurt m-m-m-m-m-me-me! N-N-Na-Natsu, m-m-m-m-my-my-my m-m-ma-m-m-ma-ma-maid, m-m-my-m-m-m-my-my-my-" Hanabi choked on a sob at remembering Natsu's dead, one of the few members of her family that genuinely cared about her, someone who was always there for her even when Hinata left, the closest thing she had to a mother.
"Sh-sh-sh-sh-she's dead! Sh-sh-she wa-wa-wa-wanted to s-s-s-save m-m-m-me-me a-a-a-and she's dead!" Hanabi cried as the tears fell freely from her eyes.
Konoka didn't hesitate before pulling Hanabi into a hug, feeling the Hyūga latch onto her as she cried into Konoka's shoulder.
"I…I'm…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry." Said Konoka, not sure what else she's supposed to say to that.
That Hanabi's clan apparently wanted to hurt her and someone she clearly cared about a lot tried getting her away, only to sacrifice her life so Hanabi could escape. Konoka really didn't know what she's supposed to do, but was doing anything she could to help.
Staying there for a few moments, Konoka looked at Hanabi when her sobbing started getting quieter only to sigh at seeing the Hyūga cried herself to sleep.
"Konoka!"
'Crapbaskets!' Konoka thought, tensing at hearing someone call her name.
Knowing she couldn't let anyone know Hanabi is here, Konoka carefully lifted Hanabi up and carried her over to her bed. Setting her down and pulling the covers over so she wasn't seen, nodding when she saw no one would be able to tell at first glance Hanabi was there.
Moving quickly to her door, Konoka stepped outside and closed it, not wanting to risk anyone seeing inside before looking to see Asuma quickly walking up to her.
"Uncle Asuma? What's going on? Did something happen?" Konoka asked with Asuma looking her over, sighing in relief to see she's fine.
"Yeah…yeah, something did happen. The Hyūga Clan just put out a village-wide alert, it seems Kumo doesn't know when to quit. I don't know everything yet, but my best guess is they're using the upcoming Chūnin Exams to sneak some Ninja in to make another attempt for the Byakugan. They already set off some explosions in the village and near the Hyūga Compound. I guess they're trying to wipe out any evidence this time." Asuma explained, the entire village being on high alert as every available ninja has been dispatched to secure the village as well as locate and capture the intruders alive as to not cause a repeat of the last time Kumogakure made an attempt on the Byakugan.
The Hyūga Clan having already prepared a cover story in the event something went wrong. With it being easy to pin the blame on Kumo, after they already tried stealing the Byakugan once, no one would be too suspicious that they'd try again.
"O-o-o-oh-oh…I-I-I hope n-n-no-no one i-i-is h-h-hurt." Konoka said, smiling tensely, given she knew what really happened.
"Yeah, but don't worry. If there are more they won't be getting anywhere close to here, not with everyone on full alert." Asuma assured, noticing how tense his niece was, figuring she's just shaken since it's been a long time since the village was invaded.
"O-o-o-okay. Th-thanks Uncle Asuma, uh…so…goodnight and stay safe!" Konoka said before rushing back into her room, closing the door before he could see anything.
Letting out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, Konoka went over to her bed pulling the covers back to see Hanabi still asleep and crying softly. Sighing sadly at the sight, Konoka crawled back into bed, with Hanabi immediately latching onto her. Which the young Sarutobi didn't mind, softly rubbing her back.
'We've gotta find Moegi and Udon then we need to go tell Naruto-nii, Satsuki-nee and Hinata-nee. They need to know what really happened.' Konoka thought as she lied in bed, comforting the Hyūga Heiress, doubting she'll be getting anymore sleep tonight.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Hiashi lamenting over his failures regarding his daughters, wondering if it's possible to try and fix things with Hinata, but believes she wouldn't want to see him. Only for him to then be attacked by a masked intruder, who loses his mask during the fight revealing Torune Aburame. Not that Hiashi knows who he is, before finishing him off.
Only for Torune's Rinkaichū to soon finish Hiashi as well, with Danzō and the Hyūga Elders arriving as he learn of the deal they made. In exchange for Danzō's help, he'd get the secrets of the Caged Bird Seal, some Jūken Techniques and Neji in ROOT. With him having also used Kotoamatsukami ensuring the Elders kept their end of the deal.
We also see they planned to have Hanabi attacked, wanting to avoid suspicions of just her father and cousin being targeted. Only for Natsu to have escaped with her, having overheard the Elders plan and refused to let Hanabi be harmed. Unfortunately she's soon incapacitated by her seal being activated, but manages to use get Hanabi away with a Substitution before blowing up herself and their pursuers, which sends the entire village into high alert.
Finally we see Hanabi making her way to the Sarutobi Compound, reaching Konoka's room through some secret tunnels, telling her what really happened before breaking down as the events of the night really hit her. With Konoka doing what she can to comfort her until Hanabi cries herself to sleep.
Before Asuma arrives to check on Konoka, while telling her the cover story the Hyūga Clan gave to avoid anyone learning the truth. With Konoka what really happened as she comforts Hanabi, knowing they needed to tell Moegi and Udon, along with Naruto, Satsuki and Hinata so they know what's really happening. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.
Storm out