Chapter 12: Changing Tides
"we will bring our men to the left flank. Right here where we believe the enemy will attack." Tsunade instructed as she looked around the room. Here in this room were the five kages of the ninja world.
"And what about the medics lady Tsuande? Will they have their guards? What if the enemy tries to go after them?" The mizukage asked
Tsunade sighed wearily.
"Unfortunately we don't have the manpower to try and cover the medics. They understand the risk just like everyone else on the battlefield. However, I think it's best to have the medics scattered. Two tents on each flank and a giant tent in the rear. No medical ninja should ever be on the front lines for the most part."
The raikage opened his mouth to say something but a sudden shaking of the building stopped him.
Immediately, everyone was on guard, Ready to attack—everyone except Lady Tsuande. She sat back in her seat and smiled.
"and so… it begins."
"My lords and ladies! Sasuke Uchiha was seen headed this way." anbu alerted them.
"then why make him wait? Let's go!" The Raikage ordered his guard.
Lord onoki followed after him.
Thirty minutes later, the raikage and lord onoki came crashing back in. The raikage's arm was bleeding profusely.
Tsunade was quick to heal the man, but she could do nothing for his now missing arm.
"He's coming." One of the guards alerted.
In the blink of an eye, all of their flags were cut and there he stood. Sasuke Uchiha.
Life had done a number on him. She could see it. He looked like he hadn't eaten well or slept at all.
Of course, who could after they killed their brother and were now working for the worst person in the world?
Before anyone could say anything, a guard clashed swords with Sasuke, of course, it was worthless, and Sasuke only pushed him farther away.
He then jumped from the ceiling and right in front of Tsunade. She didn't even blink as Sasuke struck his blade toward her. However, the blade never made it her way.
Blocking Sasuke's sword stood Itachi Uchiha. Of course, he was wearing full Anbu gear that hid his face. Itachi grabbed Sasuke's wrist hard and pulled him close.
"Hello, little brother. You and I have much to talk about."
….
Sasuke stared at his brother in shock.
"it's impossible. This has to be some reanimated jutsu. You're not real." Sasuke accused. He then looked around and realized that were on top of a mountain range.
"I assure you Sasuke. This is real. I am real. I didn't die although I was supposed to."
"I don't believe you! I killed you!"
"suit yourself." Itachi smiled. "I guess I have to show you."
….
Sasuke lay on the ground out of breath and staring at his brother who stood over him.
"Itachi… …I don't get it. Why?How?"
"I don't know myself, little brother. All I know is that God was looking out for me that day. Listen Sasuke we don't have much time. There are things I have to tell you and I need your help. Kohona needs your help. And if that doesn't move you then do it for Naruto. He's going to need you more than ever. Just hear me out."
….
Meanwhile, The five kages sneered at the masked man named Tobi.
"This whole thing could be avoided if you just hand over the tailed beast." He ordered.
"how about no…" onoki deadpanned.
"very well, then we will be moving on with this war."
And then he was gone.
"It's a good thing we already hid the boys." The mizukage sighed.
"yes, but we still have much to do," Gaara spoke.
….
"lady Hinata! Allow me to carry those!" gamatatsu shouted as he hopped up and down.
Hinata smiled and obliged the toad, as she gave him the boxes.
"Hinata! We have more !" kiba shouted.
"coming! Gamatatsu can you take those to station A?"
"of course lady Hinata! I'll be back!"
With that said the little toad disappeared.
Just as Hinata turned back to help, Sakura appeared.
"Hinata!"
"ah! Sakura chan! Hello." Hinata greeted.
For the past week, Team 8 and Team 10 had been placed on shipment duty. Moving supplies from one area to the next. When she wasn't with her team, Hinata was with Sakura improving her medical jutsu and helping her at the hospital. Although, she hadn't seen her husband in weeks. Kisame and Konan would check on her all the time but Hinata missed Itachi.
"Hinata Lady Tsunade wishes to see us," Sakura informed her.
"R-really? o-ok. You guys I have to go see Lady Tsunade!"
"Lucky!" Kiba shouted.
Hinata couldn't help but laugh.
….
"Hinata how have you been? You've seemed very tired lately"
"I've been having trouble sleeping. Just jittery because the war is so close. We only have two weeks left." Hinata admitted.
"if it helps… I'm scared too." Sakura whispered. "I mean… we've never fought in a war before. Maybe we can ask some of the veterans what it was like."
"hmm, we could but I don't want to trigger any bad memories."
"you know that makes sense. I didn't think about it like that." Sakura said as they came upon Lady Tsunade's tent.
Two Anbu stood guard, one opening the tent for both of them to go in. As they entered the tent, Lady Tsunade was hard at work while Shizune stood by her side and another anbu stood on the other. Shizune however, was wearing her full jounin gear.
"Hinata, Sakura thank you for coming. I have been talking with Shizune and based on both of your medical experiences, you two are going to help Shizune lead the logistical support and medical division. You both have two days to pack and you both will be leaving the village to help her prepare. When needed you may be transferred to another division is that understood?"
"yes, mam!"
"very well, Sakura you may go. Hinata I need to speak with you."
As soon as Sakura was gone, lady Tsunade continued.
"Hinata First off I want to give you my condolences regarding Lady Koharu. She had a soft spot for you, I hope you know. Did you know she left everything to you?"
"yes mam, she left some things to lord Homura but everything else is my name."
"yes, I see. You may want to start thinking about what you want to do with the assets in your name. Now besides that, are you feeling alright? This is a new challenge for you Hinata. Being a medical ninja means putting your emotions aside and doing what's best for your patient."
" um… I'm very nervous but I do understand the health of my patient comes first."
"war is a serious matter Hinata and it can be scary but I have lived through it. You're a strong girl. You will make it through."
"thank you, my lady."
…..
Two days later
Hanabi frowned as she held her sister's hands. Unbeknownst to her family, Hanabi noticed the differences in her sister. She was eating more, and sleeping a lot although she seemed more tired. She also noticed her sister sneaking out at odd hours of the night, but whenever she tried to follow Hinata would disappear.
So why did she have to leave now? The war wouldn't start until two weeks. Wasn't it a bit extreme for her to leave so soon?
Hinata squeezed her hands and said "Don't worry about me Hanabi, everything will be ok. "
"but…your not ok…" Hanabi whispered. "I know something is wrong."
Hinata smiled at her.
"nothings wrong per se but I'll explain it to you when I return. Stay strong Hanabi."
"be careful, lady Hinata." Neji cautioned.
"make us proud Hinata." Her father ordered.
"I will."
With that said, Hinata turned and headed for the gates.