Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A day in the life ❯ Crime & Punishment ( Chapter 6 )

A DAY IN THE LIFE c6

 

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!!!!

 

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…It's working! They fell for it again!

 

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Chapter 6: Crime and Punishment

 

Ishizu wrapped her Hitate around her neck, brushing a strand of hair out of the way. She felt like looking her very best today, for some…odd…reason. She giggled to herself, thinking of the past 2 weeks.

After Assatsu had broken into the Hyuga Main House and stopped the activation of her cursed seal, they had shared an intimate night together. They had almost gone further than legally allowed, but Assatsu had stopped before it got that far. He seemed very upset, and mumbled something about it being too dangerous. She had askedd what he meant, but he merely shook his head.

She and Assatsu had been meeting in secret for the past few weeks, as often as possible. They had kept their relationship confidential, for her sake more than his. If it was known around town that she was in a relationship with the so-called “demon”, her reputation would sink even lower. And while she really wouldn't have cared all that much, it could prove to have potentially fatal results for her. And that was something she definetly didn't want.

Ishizu strolled down the stairs happily, smiling for all the world to see. She gave her mother a big hug as she pranced into the kitchen, quickly becoming quiet and respectful as she saw her father sitting at the table.

“Hyuga-sama.” She said, bowing to her father. She gracefully slid into her seat, keeping her head bowed and awaiting her bowl.

Hanabi served breakfast, and Ishizu tried not to show how quickly she was eating. She had a date scheduled, and she wanted to be on time. But she found something disturbing; Neji was smiling, eating his breakfast quite slowly. Well, not as much smiling as grinning. His eyes were fixated on his bowl.

Ishizu finished, standing up and bowing. “Thank you.” She said, placing her eating utensils in the sink and heading for the door.

“You're out of danger after today, you know.” Came Neji's voice from the table. Ishizu stopped, swallowing the saliva that built quickly in her throat.

“W…Um, w-what do you mean, Hyuga-sama?”

Neji closed his eyes, still grinning. “I mean that your false reputation is going to be wiped out today. The Main House has announced that they will be disciplining the one bringing shame to the Hyuga name, thus teaching them not to interfere with Hyuga business.”

Ishizu sighed with relief, holding her hand to her chest. For a moment she thought that he had meant her, but if he said `Hyuga business' then it couldn't be a Hyuga. She felt sorry for Qill, though. She was worried at just how far the Main House would go to protect their reputation, and the Uchiha wouldn't be happy.

She nodded her head. “That is good to know, Hyuga-sama.”

He glanced up at her. “You seem to have gained some courage over the past few weeks, ever since your little incident. It wouldn''t have anything to do with that strange sash sewed into your headband, would it?”

Ishizu flinched involuntarily. Swallowing hard, she rapidly shook her head. “U-umm, I…I-I, uh…” she stuttered. “Um, y-yes…probably…th-this was a g-gift from K-Kikyinn-chan.”

Neji sniffed. “I'm sure.” He said. “Well, make sure Kikyinn is there at the interrogation block today, when the Main House shows Assatsu Gaara how displeased they are.”

Ishizu's heart nearly stopped.

 

* * *

 

“Assatsu-chan! Assatsu-chan!” yelled Ishizu as she dashed down the street towards their meeting place. She needed to speak with him now. She needed to get him out of town, away from the Main House, as far away as possible. The Main House could be brutal, and Assatsu's father would most likely raise little or no protest if his son was killed. The two hated each other with a passion.

She whipped around a corner, nearly skidding into a wall. She halted herself, suddenly realizing just how out of breath she was. She took in several deep breaths of air, readying herself. Then, keeping her resolve high, she took off down the street again, determined to keep Assatsu from any harm.

There was a high-pitched scream from above her. She jerked her head up to see what new problem had invaded her life.

A small girl was pitching towards the street, a dog clutched frantically to her chest. She shrieked as she fell towards the cold dirt. Ishizu gritted her teeth, sliding to a stop and dashing towards the girl.

She jumped off the nearby wall, leaping up into the air. But at that moment, the dog leapt free of the girls arms and directly into Ishizu's path. Ishizu grabbed the dog with her free hand, stretching her arms towards the plummeting girl.

They all jerked to a sudden stop. The girl panted fearfully, feeling to make sure she wasn't dead. The dog wriggled free of Ishizu's arms, leaping towards its master. Ishizu looked at the three of them, floating in midair, nothing underneath or near them. She activated the power of her Byakuugan. What kind of ninjutsu was this?

A thin wave of sand covered her body, running through her hair and between her fingers. She laughed in spite of herself; it tickled. She then grinned to herself, deactivating Byakuugan and relaxing. The girl stared at her, clearly thinking she was insane.

The three floated to the ground gently, and Ishizu watched as the sand flowed out from under them and towards the young man that walked towards them leisurely. He grinned, looking at Ishizu.

“Why is it I always seem to have to save you, you silly girl?” he asked with a smirk. “Can't you take care of yourself yet?”

She gave him a little pout. “But if I took care of myself, I wouldn't get to see you as much! You wouldn't show up out of nowhere to save me anymore!”

He chuckled, pulling her to him with his sand. “Well, we can't have that, can we?” he asked, smiling.

“Thank you again, Mr. Gaara!” said the girl, clutching the dog close to her. The couple glanced over, suddenly recognizing the girl that was at the river that day. “Obis, right?” asked Ishizu. “How's Jiabi?”

“He's fine, thanks to you and Mr. Gaara!” the girl cheered. “Thank you so much!”

The door to the house slammed open, revealing an older woman. She stared at Assatsu and Ishizu for a few seconds, eyes bulging and lips twitching. Then she grabbed the girls arm. “Get inside, girl!” the woman screamed. “And you!” She pointed a long finger at Assatsu, “get away from my child! You and your demoness whore go somewhere else!”

Ishizu cringed under the accusation, burying her face in Assatsu'd shirt. Assatsu just glared at the woman, he gave him a fearful look and waved at the child who was desperatly trying to explain. The woman hesitated, then ran into the house, pulling the girl and her dog behind her.

Assatsu pulled the sand that had been involuntarily leaking out back into his container. He shook his head and cursed. “Now I've done it.” He growled, “I've got you in more trouble than before.”

Ishizu's eyes shot open. She suddenly remembered the reason she had been running. “Assatsu-chan!” she cried, grabbing the front of his shirt violently. He stared down at her, a confused look on his face.

“Assatsu-chan! You need to leave! Now!” Ishizu almost shouted, wringing the front of his shirt into a tight wad. “The Main House has accused you of being a blot on the Hyuga pride, and are planning your punishment! You could be killed!”

Assatsu looked calmly at the quivering girl in front of him. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently pushing her back.

“Don't worry about it.” He told her plainly. “I haven't done anything that they can legally execute me for. Besides, this is better. Now I can make sure that your name is cleared, and that you are restored to honor with the Hyuga clan.” He removed his hands from her shoulders and started walking in the direction of the Main House. Ishizu followed frantically, holding his sleeve and begging him not to go.

“I already said, don't worry, Ishizu.” Assatsu reiterated. “I'll go in, take whatever foolish discipline they decide to give and clear your name. This will all be over by tomorrow.” He walked up to the Main House gate, holding her in a dark alleyway with his sand. She struggled at first, before realizing that he could get in serious trouble if she was anywhere near him. Once the sand melted from her body and followed its owner, Ishizu sat down in the shade of the alleyway and waited.

 

* * *

 

Ishizu woke from a deep sleep with a drop of rain on her nose. She jerked her head up, looking around wildly. The lights in the Main House were all out, with a few guards still positioned around the gate to defend it.

She bolted upright, taking off towards the interrogation block in the middle of town. It was only called the interrogation block to prevent it from sounding like what it really was: A torture block. 3 posts of wood were stuck into the ground, thick chains hanging off each one. The chains had steel clasps at the end, and were adjustable to accomadate any victim. People could be held there for an indefinite period of time for either questioning or torture, without respite.

Ishizu dashed into the village square, and felt her chest tighten around her ribs. Assatsu stood in front of the middle block, flanked by Hyuga guards. His container was removed from his back and placed inside a large crate, which was closed and had several powerful seals placed upon it. He then knelt down in front of the wooden block, allowing a steel clamp to be locked around his neck. He extended his arms, and more clamps were locked around his wrists, keeping his arms suspended in midair. He bowed his head, his jaw set and his body stiff.

The head of the Main House, Haskori Hyuga, stepped up to a platform just outside the interrogation block. Settling into a chair, she turned her baleful glare from Assatsu to Ishizu. She smiled in a sickly sweet way, beckoning Ishizu to sit beside her. “Here she is,” Haskori announced loudly to the crowd that was quickly gathering to watch the spectacle, “the wronged party herself.”

Ishizu walked slowly over to Haskori's side, gritting her teeth the entire way. Upon reaching Haskori, she fell upon her knees in the customary bow, lowering her head to the level of Haskori's feet. Haskori grinned, nodding. “Good, child. Come now, take your seat beside me. You have been hurt just as much by this monster as I have.”

Ishizu sat down, feeling her entire body turn cold. Assatsu had done something to Haskori? That actually was a legal reason for execution, depending on what he had done! Ishizu looked towards Haskori.

“W-what has he done t-to you, most honorable Hyuga-s-sama?” Ishizu asked, shivering at what the answer might be.

Haskori stared straight ahead, not bothering to look at her. “He assaulted me in the middle of Hyuga business, demanding I stop what I was doing. When I refused, he attempted to strike me.”

Ishizu's spine stiffened, recognizing this as being the activation of her cursed seal. Assatsu had assaulted the leader of the Main House to save her life. Her stomach ached, and she suddenly felt very sick. She stared straight forward as Haskori continued to speak.

“I have decreed his punishment to be a severe beating. If he lives, so much the better. If he doesn't…” she trailed off, leaving Ishizu's heart dangling by a thread. Ishizu shuddered.

“Of course…” Haskori mused. “If you, the wronged, felt that his punishment was not severe enough…you could ask for a lengthened sentence.”

Ishizu shook her head violently. “This…should suffice, H-Hyuga-sama.”

Haskori shrugged, smirking as the rain began to come down harder.

A little girl ran out of the crowd, a small dog held in her arms. “No!” she called, looking helplessly at Assatsu. “He isn't bad! He saved me! He only did those things to save h-gk!” The girls words were suddenly cut off as a small amount of sand rose from the dirt and flew into her open mouth. She gasped, hacking and coughing desperatly as she tried to continue her speech. Assatsu shook his head, growling, “I despise liars. Even young ones.”

There were angry mutters from the crowd. The girls mother ran forward, throwing a rock at Assatsu. It struck his forehead, splitting the skin and spilling blood on the ground. The sand flew from the girls mouth, seeping into the large sealed crate. “You demon!” the woman called. “Picking on a poor girl who's trying to defend your worthless hide!” Angry cries rose from the crowd, cursing him and hurling insults. Haskori raised her hand, shaking her head. “I'm afraid you will have to settle your disputes with young Gaara later.” She said, “He currently has an appoinment with the Main House.” The crowd grumbled it's approval, but Ishizu winced again. Then came the order.

“Begin.”

One of the Main House guards slammed their knee into Assatsu's stomach, causing him to double over and cough violently. The second guard smashed their palm into his unprotected chin, snapping his head back violently and slamming his teeth together. He winced in pain, but kept his mouth closed to avoid giving Haskori any more pleasure then would already be getting.

The blows continued, as fast and numerous as the rain that continued to fall. After a few moments, a call of “demon!” rose from the crowd, along with more hurled insults and curses. A few stones flew from the crowd, striking several points on Assatsu's body, cutting the already bruised and broken flesh. A cry of approval rose from the crowd. He kept his head lowered, his bleeding lips and cracked nose facing away from his tormentors.

A palm strike, a kick, an elbow…then the call was made. “Stop.” Called Haskori. She turned to Ishizu. “Has the accused been punished to your satisfaction, dearest?” Haskori announced, adding an extra note of sweetness to that `dearest'. Ishizu gritted her teeth, closing her eyes tightly and nodding. Haskori nodded to the guards.

One of the guards reached for the chain around Assatsu's neck, while the other stood still and grinned. Once the chain was off, the guard suddenly smashed his elbow into the back of Assatsu's head, driving his nose into the wooden stump. Assatsu wheezed with sudden pain, his eyes rolling slightly back into his head and his nose cracking further. Ishizu gasped, looking to Haskori, who was conveniently distracted while talking with another Main House member. Ishizu leapt out of chair towards the guards, glaring and pulling her chakra into her fingers. But as she did, one of the guards reached into his back pocket and put a kunai above Assatsu's neck. He smirked, raising his arm high into the air.

CRACK! Went the man's arms as his elbow was caught by Neji's flying kick. The kunai spun in the air, plummeting towards Assatsu. Ishizu dove, catching the deadly projectile out of the air.

“Haskori-sama has said enough, Hrakki-sama. Are you directly disobeying her orders?” Neji accused, his face impassive.

The man glared at him, cradling his broken arm. His eyes narrowed, and Neji's face turned into a grimace of pain. Haskori turned her head towards the two. “Enough, Hrakki.” She said. “Let us return to the Main House. Leave the scum here to contemplate his mistakes.”

The members of the Main House left quickly, wanting to get out of the rain as soon as possible. Neji focused his Chakra, snapping the chains that still sat around Assatsu's wrists. Assatsu collapsed to the dirt, growling with pain and gasping for breath. Ishizu wrapped her arms around him, trying desperatly to shield him from the rain. Neji stepped up beside her, and the crowd started to move in towards the threesome.

“Hey…” came a voice from the crowd, “he still has no sand. He's helpless! Let's get rid of him!” There were shouts of approval, and several other men stepped out from the crowd towards Assatsu's crumpled body. Ishizu moved her body over Assatsu's, pointing her back towards the men and trying to ignore them. “Are you alright, Assatsu-chan?” she whispered into his ear. A groan was her only reply.

Then she saw her father. He was grinning ear to ear, and standing next to a large crate with his palm extended. The men who had spoken of killing Assatsu were standing still, shaking with fear and staring at Neji as he plunged his hand through the protective seals on the box.

The sand flowed from the broken wood like water from a tap, pouring over the ground to wrap soothingly around both Assatsu and Ishizu. It spun quickly, before wrapping itself into a large container that set itself upon Assatsu's back. All 4 men shook violently as Assatsu slowly, meticulously stood up to his full height. He turned about slowly, glaring at the men with an intense hatred in his eyes.

All the men screamed, taking off into the crowd. Assatsu leered, whipping his sand around the three ninjas in a protective dome and smashing outwards with the rest of his sand. He laughed out loud.

“Kill me, will you? Attack me? Insult me? I'll kill you a-*”

He paused, whipping his head around to look behind him. Ishizu held his bleeding arm against her chest, tears brimming in her eyes.

“Please don't.” she whispered. “The Jounin would kill you. I can't lose you.”

He stared at her. Then, shaking his head slowly, he grinned.

“Fine.” He whispered. “But only…for you…”

Those were his last words before he keeled over unconcious. Ishizu caught his limp body, staring at her father. Neji nodded, lifting Assatsu's senseless form and moving towards the Gaara manor. Ishizu followed.

And for the first time, father and daughter said a worlds worth of words without ever moving their lips.

 

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I love the ending of this one. I liked doing this mission in thr RPG, too. However, I'm running out of room to write here, so heart-jerking explanaitions will just have to wait until the next chapter. LOL.

 

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