A strange new life. [Naruto]

[okashihime]

Telling Ino my secrets was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I included in that list facing the lab, suffering a spot of torture, and all the loneliness living in this world. I was exhausted but also happy. I don't think she fully believed in my story, but I was glad she didn't think I was crazy and that she hadn't decided she didn't want to talk with me anymore.

At least I didn't need to worry about her pulling away. She'd been very touchy the whole evening.

I walked the blonde toward her house. It wasn't that far from the restaurant-slash-bar-slash-hideout I took her to. She'd been quiet like she was mulling something over. I left her to her thoughts. I had a lot on my mind as well.

We stopped in front of her house. Ino looked at the closed store, then at me. She nodded, like she had just decided something.

"There's one thing I still don't understand, Hinata-chan." Her voice was low. There was a hint of secrecy in it, mischief.

I looked around; no one was near, but I could feel the chakra bundles from a few houses down the street and Ino's parents inside her home. Was this the best place to talk secrets?

"Why did you kiss me?"

The question hit me like an exploding kunai. I had been expecting something related to the story I told and the grim future ahead of us, not… this.

I floundered a bit, mouth opening and closing. I didn't know what to say. Could I tell her it was because she was a fictional character in that other world and I always liked her the best? That would just make things worse. I already didn't know if I liked Ino or was just obsessed with her in some demented idol worship taken to eleven. What should I do?

Ino didn't seem to be waiting for a response. She stepped closer, pecked me on the lips. It lasted a fraction of a second.

It felt like an explosion had detonated inside my brain. My whole body shuddered, and my toes tingled. I felt like I had just baked the best cupcake ever, exploded up an entire mountain.

Then, she turned around and ran toward her house. She stopped there, turned toward me.

"It feels better without all that blood," she said, stuck her tongue at me, then disappeared inside the house.

I stood there, frozen, brain OS having suffered a critical failure and trying its best to reboot.

Five minutes later, the door banged open, and Ino peeked outside. "Go home, Hinata!" She ordered before the door closed again.

Like the good ninja I was, I obeyed, though I might have taken a few detours, including hitting a wall, getting stuck on a rooftop, and nearly falling off it. You know, typical ninja stuff.

It must've been the whole brain OS freeze thing. The navigation app wasn't working properly.

A few other near misses later, I was in front of my apartment. Karin opened the door before I reached it. The new normal. I schooled my face. My ears weren't burning, and I wasn't sporting a silly grin. No, sir, not at all.

I was a mask of unfeelingness. No emoting from me. I was a bad-ass cold killer. Not an easily flustered teen.

Karin stepped out of the way. Her face was calm, indifferent. Had something happened? I crossed into the apartment. She closed the door behind me. I hadn't taken more than two steps when hands grabbed me from behind. Arms crossing over my shoulder and around my neck, pinning me in place.

Then her ticklish breath on my already burning ears.

"Who was it?" She asked, sultry and sexy. "That pretty boy Sasuke? Or my blonde disaster of a cousin Naruto?"

I squeaked, tried to move away, but her grip was strong. Her hands around my neck didn't let me go.

"You can't escape me," she said, gripping me tighter. "Fess up!"

I tried to pry her hands open to no avail.

"Wait, it wasn't that Kakashi was it?!"

Ultimately, I couldn't escape and had no choice but to admit my sins.

---

"So, you went on a date with this Ino?" Karin asked.

We were on the bed, a blanket fort around us. I managed to get a bath and get out of my ninja outfit and into comfortable clothes. Karin had guarded the door like a hawk. Now, she had that impish grin, like she had caught me with the hand in the explosive's tag crate.

"Not a date," I scowled. "Ino went with me to meet my ex-family, and we had dinner afterward."

"So you went on a date with this Ino," Karin repeated. I scowled harder.

She teased me a bit more before the conversation turned serious.

"How did the meeting with the," she made quotation marks, something she picked up from me, I think, "ex-family go?"

"It was a mess," I admitted. "I hate politics."

I recounted the events, including the fights with Hanabi and Neji, the almost disaster with Hiashi, and Mom's intervention.

"I still don't know what's up with Hizashi, though."

Karin tilted her head. "Why is that?"

"Neji is his son, not Hiashi's. He should have been mad at me for almost killing him, but the two times I met him, he was a decent enough guy. It makes no sense."

Karin shrugged. "Maybe he's just a decent guy."

I thought back on what I knew. Hizashi had died early on in the story, a sacrifice to save the village and his brother. What Karin said made some sense. I just had a hard time trusting it.

"I'll start teaching you seals tomorrow," I said to change the topic. I was tired from all the heavy talk all day long.

Karin smiled. "Okay."

We talked more about her day and how she was settling in the village.

"It's strange," she confessed. "When people learn I'm a Uzumaki, I get strange glances, half full of fondness. Other times, it's like they expect me to start behaving like I'm crazy."

I giggled. Well, that made sense.

"What's it?"

"Remember who else shares the same name?"

"Naruto?" She asked.

"He used to prank the whole village all the time. Once, he even painted graffiti on the Kage's monuments up in the mountains."

Karin let out an adorable gasp. "He didn't!"

"He did!"

I learned that Karin had made fast friends with Sakura. She often left to hang out with the pink kunoichi and visit Rock Lee at the hospital. I pretended I didn't see the pink dusting on her cheeks talking about both.

Oh, dear Karin. I wish you the best of luck.

I waited until Karin had stopped daydreaming to ask her another question. "Say, I'll meet with Ino and another friend tomorrow evening. Do you want to come with? We could also invite Sakura-chan and make it a girl's night."

Karin's eyes got wider the more I spoke. She nodded, her head bobbing up and down very fast.

"Yes! I'll invite Sakura-chan."

"I don't know yet where, but meet me here for lunch tomorrow? I'll have decided by then."

Not long after, tired from the whole stressful day, I slept. Karin grabbing, kicking, and pulling my hair didn't bother me much this time.

---

I woke up early, as usual. Disentangled myself from Karin, took care of my morning ablutions. The sun hadn't risen yet, which was fine. I prepared my supplies for the day, left Hanabi's unused gift in the drawer. I might still have the chance to give it to her.

A half-hour of light cooking and meal preparation later, I was ready. I left Karin's food on the kitchen table and packaged breakfast for Naruto. Then I walked into my bedroom again.

Karin was still asleep, torturing my pillow.

My hands flashed. Out popped a clone. I looked at Teacher-chan; she looked back at me. Grinned.

I cleared my throat. "Karin, wake up."

The redhead rolled on the bed, pulled the pillow over her head.

"If you don't, I won't teach you anything." I said loudly.

Karin groaned, sat up, still bleary-eyed. She looked at me, then at the clone by my side. Her eyes widened.

My clone, Teacher-chan, made a few hand seals. She created with mokuton a wood ruler on the palm of her hand. Once it was finished she grasped it, slapped the palm of her other hand with it.

I didn't need to look at my clone's face to know she was grinning wide. I was, too.

"Bad girls that don't wake up for class get punished," Teacher-chan said, using our husky sexy voice. She slapped the ruler on the palm of her hand again.

Karin whimpered. Her eyes were frantic. She looked at me.

"Please, Hinata-chan," she pleaded.

I turned on my heels, walked to the door. I stopped there before leaving, looked over my shoulder.

"Have fun learning," I said sweetly, then walked away.

"Hinata-chan, don't leave me alone with her," Karin pleaded again.

Karin's distress was music to my ears. That would teach the little devil the consequences of teasing me. Now, it was time to take care of my business. Deliver Naruto's breakfast, then meet with Ino for morning training.

A goofy grin spread on my face. I couldn't help it. Best Girl Ino kissed me!

 

[okashihime]

I waited for Ino outside her family shop.

She wasn't late today. She stepped out, her hand on her neck, holding the black stone I used for the weight seals. She looked at me, rolled her eyes. Stuck her tongue at me.

I grinned wider.

She approached, and her eyes turned from playful to sad.

"Let's train, Hinata-chan," she said.

The teenage silliness fled me faster than rowdy children when the mom looked at the broom.

"We gotta get strong," she said in barely more than a whisper.

I nodded. Ino was right. Now wasn't the time. There was still so much to do. Fooling around would come later after I survived.

"Let's," I said, then offered my hand.

Ino's face blossomed into a fantastic smile. "Let's," she said, taking my hand.

A few hours later, we were in the winding-down part of the training, which meant a massage. I pretended I didn't hear Ino's noises. Paying attention to those only inflamed the teenage silliness in me.

"I was thinking Yakiniku Q," I said after one particularly distracting sound from Ino.

"Humm?" Her voice sounded sleepy as if she wasn't all there.

"For a meeting later," I added. "I also invited Karin, and Karin will invite Sakura-chan."

"Oh," Ino deflated a bit.

"You don't like it?"

From her position, she shook her head, nodded. "It's fine," she said, but I could hear the unhappiness.

"What is it?" I coaxed gently.

Ino sighed. "My team," she said after a moment. "We go there after every mission."

I nodded; that made sense. I had thought about that restaurant because it was well known and the food was supposed to be good. But it wasn't anywhere new to Ino.

"Maybe the same place as yesterday?" I asked.

Ino perked up. She propped herself on her elbows and looked at me. Grinned. "I liked it there; let's do it."

I nodded, sent a bit more chakra through the threads. Ino flopped down on the fabric again. More distracting noises ensued.

---

Before meeting with the Hokage, I dropped by the apartment to inform Karin about the plans for later that day. She seemed happy to see me. Hugged me tightly. Hid behind me when Teacher-chan walked from inside the bedroom.

"Will you ask Sakura out?" I asked, double entendre unintentional.

She nodded, biting her lip. "Yes!"

Oh my, good luck, dear Karin.

I patted her head. She flinched a bit at the touch, looking at me like I had something in my hand and was about to hit her. I hope Teacher-chan hadn't traumatized her that much.

I turned to my clone. I was feeling guilty now. "Be nice," I scolded her.

Teacher-chan gave me that one-eyebrow-raised kind of look. I kept eye contact just for a moment before I looked away. Damn it.

"Now," Teacher-chan husked once I took a few steps away. The wood ruler hit the palm of her hand with a meaty twak. "Ready to get back to your studies?"

"Eep!" I heard Karin squeak. "Yes, sensei!" Her voice was terrified. She ran inside the apartment again.

I shook my head. I don't think I'd be using clones to teach Karin anymore.

…

Eh, whatever. How bad could it be?

---

Karin ran inside the apartment, away from the demon in the shape of Hinata. She hated the clones. Hated them so much.

She sat at the table, reviewing the numerous theory sheets.

Teacher-chan paced behind, like a hound, sniffing for any distraction.

Karin gritted her teeth. It was unforgivable. The war was on. Hinata would rue the day. Oh, how she would!

A meaty twak of the ruler hitting the clone's hand sounded behind.

Karin eep'd again.

"What happens to bad girls who don't pay attention to their studying?" The demon clone whispered.

Karin stopped thinking about any future retribution plans and focused on the papers again. But retribution would come. As sure as the sky was blue.

---

Once again, the person at the desk was the Uchiha guy, who kept giving me the stinky eye. I waved, didn't wait for him before I ran up the stairs and towards Shisui's office. I wanted to enter the intelligence department but shook my head. Not now.

I knocked at the door, entered when called.

"Good afternoon, Hokage-sama," I said, polite.

"Hello, Hinata-san," Shisui looked from a pile of papers to me. He sighed, pushed the papers away, waved in the vague direction of the chair in front of him.

I sat. Without him saying anything, I popped out pastries and tea. Poured for him and me.

Shisui sipped the hot tea, nibbled a cupcake. It might have been my impression, but I thought I heard a sigh, like the ones Ino often let out when eating. It wouldn't be, would it?

"The Hyuga clan have stopped pushing for actions against you for trying to kill the clan heir," Shisui said, then sipped more of his tea. "They also haven't said anything more about you being a clone, but I don't believe the trouble there has ended."

I took a slice of cake. Nibbled. "Thank you," I said after a while.

Shisui waved his hand, dismissing the formality.

Before he could talk about whatever he wanted to talk about, I took the initiative. Ino was right. She hadn't said it to my face, but I could read between the lines. She was trying to take charge, make me do things when I was just letting things pass me by. It was time I stopped being passive.

"Send me to look for Tsunade," I said.

Shisui, who was about to take another sip of his tea, stopped, put the cup down, looked at me.

"I could," he said. He retook his cup and sipped the beverage. "But will you listen to a proposal of mine?"

I nodded. Ate more.

"Do you know where Tsunade is or where she went?"

I shook my head.

"Do you know the surrounding lands and customs?"

I shrugged.

Shisui nodded, like he had expected it all along. "I know you don't have many reasons to trust us," he said.

I scowled, opened my mouth, but a shake from Shisui's head stopped me.

"No one gave you a reason to," he said, looking toward the window and the bustling life outside. "That you love this place is evident enough, but I think," he placed his cup back on the table, both hands palms down, "the alienation was intentional."

I tilted my head. What was this now?

"I've been thinking about this since yesterday. What report was Hiashi talking about?" The Hokage said, and the question sounded like it was rhetorical. "I couldn't find any, or anyone in the intelligence division that is aware of such a report."

That left me feeling like someone just gut-punched me.

"And then, there were all the other things."

I blinked. Maybe a bit too fast.

"I'm not blind, Hinata-san. I know how others treated you. It mainly stems from the council not trusting you. That bled towards the jonins and, ultimately, to everyone else."

I took a deep breath; this was starting to sound like a trap all of a sudden. "And what do you want from me?"

Shisui blinked. I scowled. I might have put too much hostility on my voice. Shit.

"Right, we got sidetracked, I apologize."

I shook my head. Best not to delay this any longer. "No, please. What do you want from me?"

Shisui stared at me for a long while.

I spoke more. "I'm not blind either. Ever since I returned, everyone is treating me," I waved erratically, "I dunno, like they are scared I'll run away or something."

Shisui chuckled.

"What?"

He shook his head. "It was Nara Shikaku's recommendation."

"For what?" I asked, bristling.

The Hokage sighed. "Shikaku thinks, and Inoichi agrees, that you know a lot more than you're telling us."

It was like a stone dropped on top of me. If Shisui noticed, he didn't say anything; he kept talking in his calm voice. Thankfully, his eyes were still black.

"He also thinks that someone," Shisui stopped, tilting his head. "He thinks Danzo's been manipulating things from behind the scenes to alienate you, to push you away from Konoha. He already tried to kidnap you more than a few times."

I blinked. The question blurted out before I could stop myself. "A few?" I mean, I remembered one attempt, when I was still five. Kakashi-sensei saved me. There were more?

Shisui nodded. "We have no proof they were his agents, but in and up to a couple of years after you've been found, there had been frequent attempts. So much so that for a time, there was always an ANBU agent stationed near your house."

"Are they there still?" I didn't like the idea of ANBU spying on me all the time.

Shisui shook his head. "Not for a few years."

"And you won't ask what is this thing I know?" I asked, face still a scowl.

"I could," Shisui said, then shrugged. "But I won't. If you wanted to cause us harm, you'd never have ousted Danzo."

 

[okashihime]

Shisui got to his feet, bowed deeply at the waist.

"I never thanked you for ousting Danzo. You probably saved my life."

My scowl deepened. They were manipulating me, weren't they? Trying to guilt-trip me.

I thought about coming clean, telling him everything. There were things I could say that wouldn't be too damning. I opened my mouth.

…

In the end, I shrugged. They wouldn't believe me. I wasn't sure if I would believe myself. No, that was just the lie I held on to feel better. I was, after all, a very selfish person. I didn't want to risk it; I didn't want to talk about it. Not now, of all things.

A goofy grin might have slipped onto my face. I shook my head.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, forcing a lightness into my voice.

Shisui chuckled. "Oh, right. The S-Rank mission passphrase. I forgot."

I scratched my cheek. Kinda wanted to fan-girl a bit. Even if this was all so sus, Shisui was cool as heck.

"But we got sidetracked again." He sat down, took a slice of cake, ate it. This time, I heard the content sigh. He cast a glance at his mountain of paperwork and blinked, tired. "What do you think about leading a squad of genin?"

I tilted my head. "How?"

"I'll send other shinobi to investigate Tsunade's locations or at least clues about her whereabouts."

I opened my mouth, but he raised his hand. I stopped.

"Meanwhile, you lead a team of genin to complete simple missions around the village. That will help in many ways." He looked at one piece of paper. "We need more shinobi to complete low-rank missions. Ever since the attack, we've been overworking our jonins. I'd like to change that. Appointing you as a squad leader won't solve the problem, but it will help."

I nodded.

"It isn't only you if you're curious. Other Chunin are also being assigned teams. Your classmate Shikamaru included."

I nodded again, grinned, imagining lazy Shikamaru leading a squad.

"That will also placate the council. They'd resist—" he blinked like a thought just hit him. "They'd resist too much if I tried sending you away right now."

Oh, oh! "You think they want to keep me here for some reason?"

Shisui sighed. "I don't know, but that is what it feels like."

I considered what to do and what he said. Shisui gave me time to think. Right then and there, I decided big things for the future. Two years. That was my deadline, or in the worst-case scenario, one, to do things my way. If Fate-kun was still steering stuff from the back lines, I had about three before the real shit hit the proverbial fan.

I didn't want to risk anyone else's life just because I was being selfish. I didn't want to see Ino sad because Asuma died. I didn't want the many deaths the fourth shinobi war would bring.

Dead-man's switch.

The thought popped into my head. That was a good idea. I could hide my storybook away and what was needed to decipher it. If somehow I didn't survive the year, they'd have all the information.

If I survived and in two years I couldn't do anything, I'd come clean. If I died before that, they'd get my book. I could at least be selfish like that, right?

"Four months," I said.

Shisui tilted his head.

"I can wait four months." It was risky, but that also gave me time to finish my black flash jutsu, learn more things, help Ino get stronger, and prepare for hunting Danzo. "Then, with or without your blessing, I'll have to look for Tsunade."

Shisui nodded. "I understand. Thank you."

I sighed. Well, let's abuse, right?

"I want permission to learn an A-rank jutsu," I said.

"Which one?" Shisui asked.

"Mystic palm technique," I shrugged. "It might be useful."

There was a reason I wanted that one. I had my improved healing, but having a way to heal myself or others would help. After my last mission and all the trouble that followed, I don't think I wanted to be as vulnerable as I was. That technique wasn't the panacea I wanted, but it was a start.

Shisui nodded. "I'll see if Shizune can teach you."

That would be good. "Can I invite others to learn too?"

"Who do you have in mind?"

"I think," I said, slowing my words and thinking very fast, "every four-man cell should have a medic-nin."

"Tsunade of the Sannin said much the same."

"And I know a few kunoichi that might have enough chakra control to learn."

Shisui blinked. "Who?"

"Me, Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino. Uzumaki Karin, if you allow."

"I'll think it over," Shisui said, but he sounded distracted. "The curriculum would have to change," he muttered.

Better strike while the iron was still hot. "Can I see the manuals for the yellow flash jutsu?" I blurted out. Then I looked away, ashamed.

Shisui chuckled. "That might not be possible."

I deflated.

"The last person I knew was capable of performing that technique was Lord Third. He might have stored copies of the jutsu at his house, but it would be," he stopped, searching for words. "Inappropriate for me to request such a technique."

I sighed. Yeah, it made sense.

Shisui looked at the pastries on his desk, then the paper piles. He sighed, and I knew dismissal was imminent. "Don't forget what I told you about gathering allies."

I nodded, packed my stuff, left the Hokage to his mountains of paperwork. Gave the Uchiha guy at the desk the bird before walking out of the tower.

The conversation with Shisui gave me a lot to think about: new plans, new training opportunities, new jutsu, and new genin to boss around.

Thoughts churned inside my head until I returned to the apartment. The door banged open before I could open it, Karin running and hiding behind me.

Teacher-chan followed soon after. She rolled her eyes. Unpopped herself.

I waded through the deluge of information, then pushed most of it away. Her methods weren't the best; scaring Karin might be counterproductive, but I'd let my clone have her fun. If Karin complained, then I'd do something about it.

"Don't ever leave me alone with her again!" Karin pleaded, still hiding behind me and looking inside the apartment, like she was afraid the clone was still there.

Had my clone been that bad? Did she hit Karin? I looked over the clone's memories again.

My clone had never even considered hitting Karin, which was what I had been afraid of. A small hint of relief flooded me. I don't think I was that kind of person, but I could never be sure with the clones. No, Teacher-chan just mentally scarred Karin.

…

That might be worse than bodily harm.

I chuckled. If I was a bit nervous, I think I could be excused in this situation. I turned around, patted Karin's head. Then gave her a hug, for good measure. She leaned into the affection.

My mind inevitably drifted to the events of the day. I had a lot to think about. I had to update Ino on what Shisui told me, but not today. Tonight was girls' night out. No brooding over a depressing future.

"Go invite Sakura-chan," I said, still patting Karin's head and holding her in a hug. "I know where we're going."

It was selfish, yes. But I wanted to enjoy being alive, not just live.

 

[Galonious]

Yaaay more! NOM NOM NOM I'm eating this up.

 

[Yachii]

Just binged everything from start to finish today. Its been a blast, but I gotta pass out now.

 

[okashihime]

Just binged everything from start to finish today. Its been a blast, but I gotta pass out now.

Click to shrink...

Glad you enjoyed. <3

 

[okashihime]

I showered and slipped into the same white kimono I'd worn to the Uchiha dinner. I was going out with friends. I wanted to look nice, feel pretty.

Karin didn't take long to return. The redhead's grin was even sillier than mine. I shook my head. There was no need to ask if Sakura-chan accepted. Karin was braver than me. Inner Sakura was terrifying.

While she got ready, I inspected my supplies. Made sure the mango-flavored pastries were there. It wouldn't do to lure Secretary-chan away from the tower and not deliver on my promise.

Karin slipped out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. She left a few minutes later dressed in a beautiful black kimono — I didn't know where she got it from.

"You look pretty," I said.

Karin smiled. "You too."

She helped me apply makeup, and I helped her in turn. Then, ready, we left the apartment.

We walked toward Ino's house, with Karin still wide-eyed at anything and everything. I agreed with her. Even after living here for years, it still amazed me every time. I loved the village even if it didn't love me back.

Ino was waiting for us outside the shop. By some unspoken agreement, she was also dressed in a kimono. To no one's surprise, purple.

She was beautiful. I said as much.

Ino looked at me, my silly grin, rolled her eyes. Then, her gaze settled on the redhead.

"Karin?" she asked.

Karin nodded. Smiled. I caught the mischievous look and didn't have time to stop the disaster.

"So, you're the mistress?"

I face-palmed.

Ino blinked. "Mistress?"

Karin sauntered closer, gave Ino a once-over. "Hinata and I live together," Karin said with an innocent smile. "And sleep in the same bed." She looked at me, then at Ino, tilted her head. "Doesn't that make you the mistress?"

I turned around; power walked away.

Damn it, Karin. Why? Oh god, why? I hadn't taken more than two steps when I heard and felt Ino's yell.

"Hinata-chan!"

---

Ino stormed off, my flimsy explanations falling on deaf ears.

"Ino-chan, wait," I called out. She ignored me, kept walking.

Behind, Karin snickered. I shot her a baleful glare. She snickered harder. "Go chase her like a good puppy," Karin teased.

I wanted to argue, but instead, I ran a few steps until I was by Ino's side. I wasn't sure what to say or why she got this mad.

"Ino-chan," I started again, stopped.

Ino glanced my way, stuck her tongue at me. She was grinning. She interlocked her arm with mine and pulled me along toward Sakura's house.

Was she mad or not? I was so confused.

We collected Sakura, who was wearing a pink kimono.

I looked at Karin, her red ears hidden beneath the red hair, and thought about payback. Ino was still by my side, a strange look on her face, observing Sakura and Karin talking. I gave up on escalation. I'd let Karin win this one.

Karin offered her arm to Sakura. "Shall we go?"

Sakura looked at me, Ino, our locked arms. She took Karin's.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"I don't know," Karin said.

I looked at Ino. She just grinned. "It's a surprise."

Then we were off again, this time toward the tower. We made a strange sight: four girls, all around the same age, dressed in colorful kimonos, walking around the village. We attracted a fair amount of attention, but it wasn't the bad kind.

We crossed the residential area until we got closer to the Academy and the tower. Secretary-chan was already there, wearing a pretty green kimono, hair braided and over one shoulder.

She smiled warmly at our approach. I let go of Ino's arm, ran toward the prettiest Secretary of them all. Grabbed her in a tight hug. She hugged me back.

"Are those your friends, Hinata-chan?"

I nodded. Released Secretary-chan. "The redhead is Uzumaki Karin, and her date is Haruno Sakura." I couldn't resist adding a bit of teasing. Karin's face turned the exact shade of her hair. Sakura gaped, then quickly looked away, her cheeks pink.

I looked at Ino, "This is Yamanaka Ino." Secretary-chan nodded. "Guys, this is my friend—"

"Nice to meet you all," Secretary-chan said. She turned to me. "Where are we going, Hinata-chan?"

I grinned. "Surprise."

We set off again. It was like four kids accompanied by their bigger sister. Weird, but exciting all the same.

---

I led the group back toward the commercial district and into the out-of-the-way alley. Sakura looked around like she was starting to have doubts, while Karin was still too overwhelmed by walking arm-in-arm with Sakura.

We reach the inconspicuous-looking door. Under their curious stares, I knocked.

A few moments later, the door opened. It was a different kunoichi this time. She looked at me, then our group. She blinked a few times, surprised.

"A private room for five, please."

She opened her mouth, closed it, and then nodded. "Please, come in."

We followed her inside. We crossed the bar. There were even more jonins here than the last time. Our entrance caused an even greater reaction, but no one stopped us. We had crossed half the place toward the backroom when I recognized two chakra signatures. I stopped on my tracks.

The waitress kept going a bit longer before she realized I wasn't following.

"Is there a problem?"

I shook my head, leaned closer to Ino. "I've seen someone I need to talk with. Can you lead the girls inside?"

Ino looked around, trying to find who I was talking about, but then gave up and nodded, releasing my arm.

"I'll follow in a minute," I said and walked off.

I heard a question behind me, Karin's voice, I think, and then Ino's explanation. A bit later, I felt their chakra moving again. I crossed the open bar toward one of the booths. I knocked at the wall to gather the attention of the two inside.

The curtain was thrown open, and I stared into Yamato's big, expressive eyes.

He opened his mouth. I pushed in and hugged him. Inside, I heard Kakashi's chuckles.

"I'm so glad you're okay," I said, sniffling. I had seen him before, but at the time, he was wearing his ANBU mask. I couldn't behave like I knew him.

Yamato placed a hand on top of my head. "Thank you, Hinata-san."

I let go of him, waved at Kakashi-sensei.

"Mah, what's my cute chunin doing here? And dressed all pretty."

Yamato walked inside the booth. I followed and sat by Kakashi's side.

"It's girls night out," I said.

Both looked at me uncomprehendingly.

It was Yamato who spoke. "And you brought your friends here?" There was a hint of disbelief in his voice.

I nodded. "Yep."

Kakashi chuckled, then laughed. Yamato just shook his head.

I looked at both, tilted my head. "Why? What is this place?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it, Hinata-san."

I opened my mouth, sighed. It wasn't worth it. I looked at Yamato, who still looked chagrined.

"I'm sorry," I said.

"For?" Yamato looked confused.

"Sai," I started, shrugged. "The clues were all there. I just didn't put things together."

Kakashi and Yamato exchanged looks.

"What do you mean," Kakashi asked.

"It was how he behaved. I felt him sending his constructs at night, but I didn't even think to find it suspicious." I hung my head. "I should have, at the very least, told Yamato about it. Sai was acting strange, and I ignored it."

"The failure wasn't yours, Hinata-san," Yamato said. "You couldn't have known."

But that was the problem. I could, couldn't I? I knew Sai was a ROOT agent in the original story. This one was on me.

"How's Hayase?" I asked instead. "I didn't have time to visit him yet."

Yamato smiled. "He's sad that all the laboratory data was stolen."

"What?"

"You'd think the injury would be his biggest concern, but no, what really upset him was losing access to Orochimaru's code."

I chuckled. Then I laughed. Wiped the tears with the back of my hand.

"I'm glad you are okay, Hinata-san."

"Mah, she's my student. You think some two-bit villain could take her down?"

My ears burned at Kakashi's offhand self-compliment. He was so cool. But it wasn't the time to fangirl. I still had one more question to ask.

"What happened to the hideout at Waves?"

The easy banter between both jonins died faster than the will to train after gorging on pastries. They shared a glance.

I fidgeted.

"It took some time until we could arrange a team to check out the place," Yamato said, voice careful. "When they got there, the place was recently abandoned. There were signs of struggle."

I hung my head, defeated. "Did they…?" I couldn't finish the question.

Kakashi-sensei was the one who answered. "They found no labs or tubes."

I glanced up, nodded. If there was any clone there, it was alive and probably taken. Now I wanted to cry.

---

Spoiler: AN

Thank you for reading. Next chapter Monday.

 

[Petrox]

Sai wanted vengeance for getting NTRd