Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath ❯ The Evil of Hiashi Hyuga ( Chapter 15 )

Chapter 15 Summary: As the day progresses, Neji and Hinata learn the disturbing truth of how far Hiashi Hyuga's anger and hatred towards them and their friends will reach. And no one in Konoha is prepared for the coming storm of Sakura's return.

 

Naruto vs. Sasuke The Aftermath

 

Chapter 15: “The Evil of Hiashi Hyuga”

 

As Lady Tsunade and Neji wait for the Hyuga prisoner to be brought before them in the interrogation room at ANBU Headquarters, a myriad of thoughts race through Neji's head. Why did members of his branch of the family attack Naruto? It made no sense. The Hyuga side branch bears no animosity towards Naruto. Neji had only recently learned that the side branch are some of the few people in all of Konoha who actually respected the Yondaimes wishes that Naruto be viewed with honor as the jailer of the Kyuubi demon. But they were forbidden to ever help or support the young boy growing up, per command of Hiashi Hyuga and the main branch of the family. Hiashi Hyuga, Neji was positive he is the one responsible for this attack, but he needed to hear it from his clansmen and find out the reason why. Just then the Hyuga prisoner arrived flanked by two ANBU guards. He carried the usual Hyuga arrogant gait to his walk and his head was held high as befitting a Hyuga clan member. However, once he caught sight of the glare Neji was directing towards him, his head dropped down in shame and he quietly sat down in front of the Hokage and Neji. Tsuande ordered the guards out of the room and once they left, she turned her attention back to the shackled Hyuga prisoner and looking at a file said with authority.

 

“Alright prisoner #1472-H, you and your co-conspirators are charged with arson and the attempted murder of a Leaf village Shinobi. You and the other defendants have already confessed your guilt in these crimes, and I am ready to pass judgment. The penalty for your atrocious acts is that you and your cohorts are to be executed forth with. However, per Neji-Sama's request, I have delayed passing this sentence to learn the reasons behind your crime. If you divulge why you committed these criminal acts, and I find there are extenuating circumstances to your crimes. I am willing to commute your sentence to prison time rather than the death penalty. As of right now, you and your co-defendants have refused to reveal your motives behind these crimes. This is your last opportunity to tell the truth. Why did you and your brethren attempt to kill Naruto Uzamaki?”

 

The Hyuga prisoner sat silently in his chair staring at the floor, before an enraged Neji leapt up from his chair and slammed his fist onto the table and shouted.

 

“Answer the Hokage's question Sulu, I command it! And look at me when I'm speaking to you! You're a Hyuga damn it, show some pride in yourself and quit staring at the floor like an idiot!”

 

Sulu looked up towards Neji and his lips quivered as he stammered out a response.

 

“Pl, please forgive me Neji-Senpai. You don't know what you ask of me. If I tell you the truth of why we committed these crimes, it could mean the death of several branch family members, including yourself.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Neji asks, the anger still evident in his voice.

 

“I, I, cannot answer Neji-Senpai.”

 

Neji walks over to Sulu and strikes him across his face before saying with disgust.

 

“You dare refuse a direct command from your clan leader! I don't care what orders you are under from the main branch. I want to know why you and the others tried to kill my comrade and the aibo (love) of Lady Hinata! And I want to know now, damn the consequences to myself!”

 

Sulu sat in the chair looking at Neji for a moment and shook his head no, before he dropped his head in shame and guilt. Neji was about to strike him again, when Tsunade caught his arm and sternly said.

 

“Enough, this is getting us nowhere. Neji, please sit back down. Now, Sulu is it? I give you my word as Hokage; any information you divulge today will only be known by the people in this room. Please, both my office and Neji-Sama here only wish to help you and your clansmen. But we have to know the truth about why you did this?”

 

Sulu looked up to the Hokage and then over to Neji who nodded his head in approval before he sighed heavily and said.

 

“Very well Hokage Tsunade, Neji-Senpai. I shall reveal everything to you both, but what I tell you must never leave this room. If it does, I'll deny I ever said it. Do you agree?”

 

Both Tsunade and Neji nodded their heads in assurance and Sulu began to tell his tale.

 

Early yesterday afternoon, Hiashi-Sama returned to the compound enraged. For over an hour he violently ranted in the courtyard about traitorous Hyuga's and one-eyed and red-eyed Jounin's and then about demons and demon loving whore Hokage's.”

 

Sulu paused a moment as both he and Neji felt extreme killing intent emanate from Tsunade who's cocked eyebrow twitched repeatedly upon hearing that last sentence before she ordered Sulu to continue.

 

“Um, as I was saying, Hiashi-Sama was in a violent fit of rage about several people. After a while, he ordered Kato, Chow Yung, Yusuke, Toshiro, Ichigo and myself to appear before him in the main chamber. When we arrived, he ordered us to track down where the demon child lived and set fire to him and his home. We initially refused Neji-Senpai you must believe that. However, he was angered at our refusal and activated the Caged-Bird Seal on us for our defiance. Upon releasing us he tasked us to do as he commanded. Again we refused, and said we bear no grudge against the Kyuubi container and would rather die than kill the person who brought life back to Lady Hinata. Hiashi then shouted that he would test that conviction.”

 

“Just a moment Sulu. I show no record of an Ichigo being arrested along with you and the others. Did he escape capture by the ANBU?” Tsunade asked. After a brief pause, Sulu solemnly replied.

 

“No Hokage-Sama. Ichigo didn't escape. As I was about to say, when Hiashi-Sama said he would test our conviction at refusing his request. He activated the Caged Bird Seal once again on Ichigo. The rest of us had to watch in horror as Ichigo writhed in agony for several minutes before he moved no more.”

 

“Ich, Ichigo is dead!” Exclaimed Neji in a choked voice.

 

“Yes Neji-Senpai, and there was nothing we could do to stop it.” Sulu said with sorrow.

 

After a couple minutes of silence, Tsunade spoke and said.

 

“I'm very sorry for your family's loss, do you feel up to continuing?”

 

“Hai Hokage-Sama, I will continue.” Sulu answered, as he once again began to tell his story.

 

“After we watched Hiashi-Sama kill Ichigo, he turned back to us an asked if we had changed our minds about following his commands. We again refused and resigned ourselves to our fate that we would die on that day. However, Hiashi signaled another main branch member who left the room. A minute later several main branch members returned escorting our wives and children. Hiashi then said this would be our last opportunity to comply with his orders, unless we wanted another demonstration with our family's After witnessing what he had done to Ichigo, we knew we had no choice but to submit to his demands. The rest you already know.”

 

It was now Neji's turn to silently unleash a massive amount of killing intent from his body within the room. After a moment it began to subside and he asked.

 

“Why Sulu? Why would you not tell us this from the start?”

 

“Because Neji-Senpai, Hiashi-Sama made it quite clear that if any of this information were to be told, our family's would pay the price for our treachery.” Sulu replied.

 

“Hokage Tsunade, surely this testimony must be enough reduce their sentence for the crimes they committed to prison time rather than the death penalty?” Neji pleads.

 

“I suppose Neji, if Sulu and the others are willing to testify before the council and repeat what he has told us here today to them, then yes their sentence would be commuted to prison confinement.”

 

“No!” Sulu shouted before adding.

 

“You cannot do that! The others and I will never testify in public what you have learned here today. Don't you understand, the lives of our family's are at stake. And if Hiashi-Sama found out I told you this, I fear he would kill you as well Neji Senpai. Please, we resigned ourselves the moment we committed these crimes that we would submit to our fate even if it meant our death.”

 

“Then there is nothing I can do Neji if they refuse to give testimony. I now understand and even sympathize with their reasons of why and how they were forced to commit these acts. But in the end, it all boils down to the fact that they attempted to kill Naruto, and nothing can change that.”

 

“No we did not.” Sulu said.

 

Both Neji and Tsunade turned back to Sulu and looked at him before Neji said.

 

“What do you mean Sulu?”

 

“I mean Neji-Senpai, we did not try to kill Naruto. When we arrived at his home, we made sure he was not there. We then gathered all of his personal belongings and made sure the apartment building was evacuated before we set fire to it. We then waited for the ANBU to arrive and take us into custody. Neji-Senpai, I have a request to make. If you would, please return Naruto's belongings to him and please ask him and Lady Hinata to forgive us for what we have done. Please let them know that it was not something we ever wished to do.”

 

After hearing this, Neji suddenly came upon a brilliant idea and turned to the Hokage and asked.

 

“Lady Tsunade, is the sentence for arson the death penalty?”

 

“No Neji its not. The sentence for arson is imprisonment, the length of which to be determined by the Hokage.”

 

“Then without using Sulu's testimony, could we not say that the ANBU deduced that since the perpetrators of this arson made it a point to break into the targeted victim's home to retrieve his personal affects. That in doing so they would discover that the victim was not home, so there was not intent to kill. Then this is nothing more than arson rather than attempted murder. Could you not simply pass judgment on arson alone?” Neji inquirers.

 

“Yes Neji, I believe we could do that. I'll need to speak to Ibiki and we may need to alter a few reports, but I believe it could be done. But you do realize that Sulu and the others will have to be imprisoned for a significant amount of time for this to work.”

 

“I understand Hokage-Sama, but at least they and their family's will live, provided we make it a point that none of the perpetrators ever spoke or gave testimony and that all of this was deduced by the ANBU. I believe this will satiate Hiashi from seeking retribution against them or their family's.”

 

“Agreed.” Tsuande replied to the Hyuga prodigy.

 

Sulu looked up and thanked both Neji and the Hokage several times before he said with a chill in his voice to Neji.

 

“Neji-Senpai, I must warn you of this. Hiashi-Sama is insane, and the hatred he now holds for you and Lady Hinata is staggering. Please be careful Neji-Senpai, in the state of mind he is in, there is no telling what he might do? Please warn Lady Hinata and the both of you be on your guard.”

 

“Thank you for telling me Sulu, I'll take care of everything. I'll also let your family know that you and the others are alive and well.” Neji answered.

 

“Thank you Neji-Senpai.” Sulu said as he was escorted out the room leaving Neji and Tsunade to ponder what they have learned. After a moment Tsunade turned and asked Neji.

 

“Neji, why does Sulu refer to you as Senpai? When exactly did you become the new clan leader of the Hyuga's?”

 

“What I have to tell you must remain a secret if I am to live Lady Tsunade. Several months ago in a covert meeting of the elders of the Hyuga side branch, I was chosen to be the unofficial leader of the side branch. In over two hundred years Hokage-Sama, the side branch has never defied the main branch in such a manner. If Hiashi and the other main branch members learn of this election, it will mean a clan civil war which we are not prepared for, yet!” Neji coolly replies.

 

“What do you mean yet?” Tsuande asks.

 

“A Hyuga clan civil war is approaching Lady Tsunade. The only thing preventing it is the Caged Bird Seal that the main branch employs to keep us under their heel. However, I can assure that once we have found a way to remove that cursed seal. The war for ultimate clan leadership will begin. And it will only end with a complete side branch victory, or the death of the side branch.” Neji coldly says

 

Tsunade could tell by the look in Neji's eyes and the tone of his voice, that he meant every word he said. Tsunade assured Neji that what he had told her, she would share with no one. As they exited ANBU Headquarters and went their separate ways, Tsunade could help but feel a sense of trepidation, as she feared that the civil war Neji described would soon be coming. And when it did, the streets of Konoha would run red with the blood of Hyuga's and innocents alike. The very thought of this made Tsunade shiver as she made her way to the hospital and she silently wondered why she ever agreed to become Hokage in the first place?

 

“This is much too troublesome, how did I let myself get talked into doing this on my day off?” Shikamaru complained, as he was walking towards the Hyuga compound with Chouji, Ino, and Hinata.

 

“You're doing this because Hinata is our friend, you lazy good for nothing jerk!” Ino shouted to her reluctant teammate, as she smacked the back of his head.

 

“Ino, be nice. Shikamaru, Chouji, I want to thank you again for helping me move my things today. It's very kind of you to do.” Hinata said to her male comrades.

 

“Hey it's no problem Hinata. You were nice enough to buy us lunch today, so it's the least we can do.” Chouji replied.

 

“Yeah, I guess, it's still troublesome.” Shikamaru mumbled earning a glare from Ino.

 

As the four of them rounded the corner to the street where the Hyuga compound was located, they could see Lady Kurenai had already arrived with a horse drawn wagon to help facilitate the move. As they approached, the Genjutsu Mistress spotted them and leapt down from the wagon before saying.

 

“You're right on time Hinata and you brought help too. That's good, I'm sure you want to get this done as quickly as I do.”

 

When the small group of Shinobi approached the main gate to the compound, they were escorted inside to the courtyard and ordered to wait until Hiashi-Sama arrived to oversee everything. Hinata grew nervous upon hearing this, as she had hoped to avoid having to see her father. Kurenai was also apprehensive and wondered why Hiashi wished to supervise something as mundane as this. She felt the Hyuga clan leader must be up to something and knew she had better be on guard not only for her sake but everyone else's as well. After several minutes, the doors leading from the courtyard to the main chamber opened up and several Hyuga clan members both main and side branch began filing out into the courtyard. A few minutes after this, Hiashi Hyuga exited the main chamber and swaggered over to where Kurenai and the others were waiting. When he arrived, he looked upon the entire group with disdain before turning to Kurenai and saying with contempt.

 

“So, you are my former daughter's new guardian. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, you always did have a soft spot for that failure. In fact, I believe you've helped contribute to her weakness and inability to ever be a strong and skilled Shinobi for this village.”

 

Hinata showed no visible sign that her father's harsh words of her abilities had affected the Hyuga heir in anyway. However, Kurenai knew that the girl was deeply hurt by what her father had just said. Trying to control the rising anger within her, Kurenai instructed Hinata to bid farewell to the Hyuga clan members she wished to, as she would not be returning to the compound after this day. As Kurenai and Hiashi watched the young girl walk off, the Genjutsu Mistress turned her attention back to Hiashi and said with confidence.

 

“Your former daughter as you put it is neither weak nor a failure as a Shinobi. In fact of her kunoichi classmates, she is the strongest and most capable by far. Her Shinobi skills have increased dramatically over the past few months. So much so Hiashi-Sama, I fully expect her to pass the Chunin exams this year. And if she continues to improve at the rate she has been, I believe she will become the youngest kunoichi Jounin this village has ever produced.”

 

Hiashi merely scoffed at this notion before saying with derision.

 

“Forgive me if I don't give credence to your assessment of Hinata's abilities. I fear you are blinded to her true skills by your emotions you have for the girl.”

 

“We shall see then won't we Hiashi-Sama.” Kurenai replied, before she noticed Hiashi's eyes shift for a moment to the side. Looking over towards that direction she viewed a clan member shake his head before he gripped it as if he were in pain. Turning back to Hiashi, she saw he had his Byakugan activated directed at that same clansmen. She looked over again and saw the man suddenly take off in a sprint while charging chakra into his hand. Kurenai then looked to see where he was running to and saw it was towards Hinata. The Hyuga heir was blissfully unaware of the attacking clansman as her back was turned to him. As Kurenai was about to leap to intercept the clansmen, two hands suddenly gripped her shoulders preventing her from moving. All she could do was look on in terror as the clansmen rapidly approached Hinata from behind and Kurenai yelled.

 

“Hinata behind you!”

 

Hinata heard the shout of her Sensei and turned around only see one of the side branch members of her clan about to strike her with his chakra filled hand. Hinata had no time to even defend herself and closed her eyes in expectation of what was about to happen. When suddenly an orange blur appeared in front of her and a voice rang out for all to hear of.

 

“Rasengan!”

 

Ino, Chouji, and Shikamaru froze where they were, as they had been running towards Hinata when they heard and saw Naruto suddenly appear in front of Hinata and drive a ball of chakra directly into the Hyuga clansman's chest. Hinata opened her eyes to see the clansman begin to spin rapidly before he was sent flying backwards across the courtyard crashing into a wall of the main house, before slumping down unconscious.

 

“Nar, Naru-Kun!” Hinata exclaimed.

 

“Stay behind me Hinata-Chan!” Naruto shouted as he charged up two more Rasengan, one in each hand and glared at all the Hyuga clan members within the courtyard, silently daring anyone of them to try that again.

 

Kurenai exhaled in a sense of relief at Naruto's intervention, before she tore herself away from Hiashi Hyuga's grasp and whipped a kunai out a second later and held it to the Hyuga leaders throat and angrily said.

 

“The Hokage warned me of your treachery Hiashi, but I never thought you would stoop so low as to order an attack on your own daughter!”

 

“I have no idea what you are talking about Kurenai, and I defy you to prove otherwise. I cannot control the actions of a few rogue branch members. And as you are well aware, Hinata is no longer my daughter.” Hiashi replied with an evil smirk on his face.

 

Kurenai unable to control her anger any longer applied pressure to the kunai at Hiashi's throat and drew some blood before saying with vengeance.

 

“I warn you Hiashi Hyuga, from this day forth if any clan member main or side I don't care attacks Hinata in the future. I will see you dead before that day is through!”

 

“You overestimate your abilities you red-eyed bitch if you think you can kill me all by yourself!” Hinata angrily growled towards the female Jounin.

 

“Who says she'll be all by herself!” Naruto said as he walked up to stand next to Kurenai with Hinata standing behind him and their friends standing behind her. Now it was Kurenai's turn to smirk as she saw the Hyuga leader visibly squirm under the intense pressure of the killing intent being directed towards him by Naruto and herself. After a moment, she withdrew the kunai from Hiashi's throat and said with authority.

 

“You've been warned Hiashi Hyuga, I suggest you remember it.”

 

Hiashi was furious and glared at Kurenai as he wiped the trickle of blood from his neck. Looking at the blood on his hand, he began to take a step forward as if to physically confront her, before he paused as he heard a distinctive crackling sound and looked over to see Naruto slowly charging up another Rasengan. Infuriated even more, Hiashi turned towards the boy and spat with malice.

 

“Why are you here you monster?”

 

“I'm here Hyuga to help my hime (princess) move her things to her new home and to make sure nothing happens to her.” Naruto coolly answers.

 

“She is no longer a hime, I cast her out of this clan! Now she is nothing more than peasant trash just like you!” Hiashi cruelly remarks.

 

“Hinata may no longer be a hime to you Hyuga, but she'll always be my hime.” Naruto replied with a smile on his face, as Hinata turned beet red and her heart melted at Naruto's sweet words of affection.

 

Both Kurenai and Ino nearly swooned as well from hearing Naruto's words and both of them silently thought that Hinata had done well for herself finding someone as special as Naruto. Hiashi also saw his daughter's reaction and in a voice filled with bile and disgust said.

 

“I want you all out of here now! You have five minutes to collect Hinata's things and leave! If you are still here after five minutes, I shall have my guards throw you out!”

 

“Five minutes, that's unreasonable Hiashi, we need a little more - - - Five minutes is fine!” Kurenai began to protest before Naruto interrupted her and agreed to the five-minute time limit. Naruto then made a series of hand signs and shouted.

 

“Kage Bushin No Jutsu!” (Shadow Clone Technique)

 

In a flash of smoke and light, the entire Hyuga courtyard was suddenly filled with 500 Naruto Shadow Clones. A second later Naruto yelled.

 

“Charge!”

 

Then, like a huge Naruto freight train all the clones charged forth into the main house and up to Hinata's room. They then began grabbing and hauling every single item in that room, and quickly exiting began loading said items onto the wagon. Every single person who watched this looked on in shock as in every direction several orange blurs went by carrying something. Kurenai and the rest of Naruto's friends looked at the young Shinobi in awe as he stood there in the center of the courtyard with a grin and Hinata hanging on his arm smiling as she gazed upon his face. Even Hiashi Hyuga was stunned at what he was witnessing as the amount of chakra it was taking to maintain all of these clones was staggering. After four minutes, the entire wagon was filled with all of Hinata's furniture and things, when Naruto looked to his watch and said to the Hyuga leader with a hint of sarcasm.

 

“Well, were all done and with a minute to spare. Thank you so much for granting us enough time to do this. I guess we'll be going now.”

 

Hiashi was furious that this demon child had bested him and he said to the young Shinobi.

 

“Instead of helping here you brat, shouldn't you be out looking for a place to live?”

 

Everyone but Naruto was confused at this statement, but he did not want to let his friends or Hinata know what had happened the day before and he said.

 

“Don't worry about me Hyuga, I'm fine. But I do have a message to give you from Kakashi Sensei. He says he looks forward to having a conversation with you when he gets back.”

 

Hiashi Hyuga's entire body stiffened after hearing that. There were only a few Shinobi in the entire village that Hiashi genuinely feared to face in battle. Kakashi was most definitely on that list after what had happened in the Hokage's office. In an attempt to hide his fear, he shouted to the departing Shinobi.

 

“I don't want to see any of you around here ever again! If I do, you shall regret it!”

 

After hearing this declaration from the Hyuga clan leader, Naruto sitting in the back of the wagon as it slowly pulled away with his arm around Hinata flipped Hiashi the “Bird” as did all 500 clones. Hinata's face turned crimson in color again and she gripped Naruto a little tighter while the rest of the people in the wagon erupted in laughter. Hiashi stood at the main entrance his entire body shaking in absolute rage, before he slammed the doors and stormed off.

 

It was early in the afternoon when Tsunade slammed shut the medical book she was reading in frustration and rose from her seat in the hospital library. She had spent the last two hours researching a way to heal Rock Lee from his injuries. Unfortunately, she had yet to find anything that would help increase Lee's chances for survival from the surgery she would have to perform. As Tsunade walked out of the library to find Shizune, she knew she would have to endure more pressure from Lee and Maito Gai to attempt the risky medical procedure. But Tsunade was resolute in her decision. She would not risk the young Shinobi's life on a procedure that had less than a 50 percent chance of survival for the patient. She knew both Lee and Gai were disappointed in her refusal to perform the surgery per their wishes. And while Tsunade was a devout gambler, she would not gamble with Lee's life no matter how much they begged. When Tsunade reached the main desk, she saw Shizune speaking to one of the Jounin assigned to the Sakura retrieval mission. As he left, Tsunade walked over to her assistant and asked.

 

“Any news yet Shizune?”

 

“I'm sorry Hokage-Sama but no. A few more of the search teams have returned since this morning, but none of them found any signs of the girl. We still have over half the teams out on the extended pattern of the search, but they are all due to return at various times throughout the day.” Shizune dejectedly replied.

 

“So, basically the odds of success are decreasing with the return of every team.” Tsunade laments.

 

“I'm afraid so Lady Tsuande.” Shizune quietly says.

 

“Well all we can do is wait. Have there been any injuries to anyone of the search teams that have returned?” Tsunade asks.

 

“A few cuts and scrapes, but nothing too serious. In fact, the most current pressing injury appears to be a tooth on Kiba Inuzuka that needs to be reattached. I was just going over to take care of that when you arrived.” Shizune remarked.

 

“I guess that's some good news, I certainly don't feel like having to deal with any major medical crisis today. Let's go get the Inuzuka boy taken care of and then we'll head back to the office.” Tsunade states, as she and Shizune walk to the examination room Kiba is in.

 

When they arrive, they spy Kiba sitting on the examination table holding his hand to his cheek, while Akamaru sits in his lap and his teammate and friend Shino Aburame silently standing in the corner of the room watching him. Kiba looks up and groaning in pain says to the two medical specialists.

 

“It's about time, I've been in agony the last hour waiting for someone to take care of me!”

 

“Shut it mutt-boy or I'll tell Shizune to wait another hour if you continue to complain!” Tsunade sternly says to him as she lifts Akamaru off of his lap and the dog happily snuggles into her chest while Tsunade pets him. After a moment, Shizune looks up from the file she is reading and says.

 

“Kiba, I'm not seeing anything in Kurenai's mission report about you getting hurt. How did this happen?”

 

Kiba grew nervous after hearing Shizune's question. He did not want to reveal that he received his injury from a right cross delivered by his Sensei the night before, or the reasons behind it. Struggling to come up with a plausible explanation, he heard Shino speak up and say.

 

“He did not get injured on the mission Shizune-Sama, but rather from a sparring match during training last night right before the mission.”

 

“Well Kiba you must have taken one heck of a shot for this tooth to become dislodged.” Shizune replied as she shined a light into his mouth.

 

“Yes it was Shizune-Sama. I guess I don't know my own strength?” Shino answered, figuring if he was going to lie to cover for their escapades, he might as well make himself look good in front of the Hokage in the process. This earned a small growl and glare from Kiba towards his teammate.

 

Tsunade cocked an eyebrow in disbelief of this statement, as the Aburame clan was not known for either their hand-to-hand combat skills or physical strength like the Inuzuka clan was. She knew the two of them were hiding something, but at the moment she didn't really care, as there were more pressing issues on her mind. She watched with a sense of pride as Shizune expertly reattached the tooth using an interlocking chakra jutsu to hold it in place. Shizune then applied a tissue regenerative chakra jutsu to mend the gums around the tooth and seal it permanently. With a few days rest and no strenuous exertion on the mended tooth, Kiba would be good as new. After finishing up with Kiba, Shizune and Tsunade walked back out to the main desk, when they saw Ochio the man in charge of the Konoha Lottery walk through the hospital entrance and approach them carrying an envelope and saying.

 

“Greetings Hokage Tsunade, I've been looking for you this morning. I have some wonderful news. You hit the Pick 3 Lotto yesterday here are your winnings $10,000 Ryo's, congratulations.” Both Tsunade and Shizune stared at the money contained in the envelope and then looked at one another wide-eyed and in shock before Tsunade shouted out to the medical staff.

 

“Get the ICU ready for incoming trauma patients, and get every available Emergency Medical Nin to the hospital at once!”

 

One of the doctors already there questioned Tsunade about the number and the nature of the injuries of the incoming trauma victims, to which Tsunade replied.

 

“I don't know? Be prepared for anything!”

 

Lady Tsunade then leaned against the main desk and closed her eyes while muttering to herself. She had earned the nickname “Legendary Sucker” over the years for her inability to win at gambling no matter how hard she tried. Even worse, when she did win it always foreshadowed something terrible was about to happen in her life. Tsunade silently hoped that for once her good fortune wouldn't lead to misfortune later on. But the sinking feeling in stomach told her this would not be the case. A small bark interrupted her thoughts as she opened her eyes to see Kiba with Akamaru and Shino walk towards the hospital doors to leave. When suddenly the doors flew open and a sweat soaked Kakashi was standing at the enterance panting while carrying a large bundle in his arms. In a dry raspy voice, Kakashi managed to choke out and gasp.

 

“It's Sakura Lady Tsunade, she's badly hurt.”

 

“Bring her this way now Kakashi, Shizune help him!” Tsunade shouted as she rushed into the ICU ward followed by a staggering Kakashi being steadied by Shizune as the walked. Both Kiba and Shino were taken aback by what they had just seen. Even though Sakura was completely wrapped up in a long coat. There was still a significant amount of blood on the floor where Kakashi had just been standing, and then leaving a trail towards the ICU. After a moment Kiba said.

 

“Oh man I couldn't tell, but judging by the amount of blood Sakura's in real bad shape. I wondered what happened to her?”

 

“We could find out if you really want to know.” Shino replied.

 

“How?” Kiba questioned.

 

“With this little guy right here.” Shino answered as he brought his hand up towards Kiba's face to show him the insect on it. Kiba looked at the bug and then said.

 

“Is that what I think it is?”

 

“Yes, it's the same insect I used during the written part of the Chunin exam. We can leave it here and it will gather information and relay it back to me when I call for it.” Shino remarked.

 

Kiba thought about this a moment before a slight grin spread across his face and looking back at his teammate he said.

 

“Ok, let's do it!”

 

Shino then mentally sent instructions to the bug, which then flew off his hand and into the ICU ward. The two young Shinobi then exited the hospital, with Shino telling Kiba that he'll recall the bug tomorrow morning during their planned training session with their classmates. Kiba laughed and thought this will be a to impress everyone of their Shinobi skills, especially the kunoichi's.

 

Meanwhile, Naruto dropped to the ground outside of Kurenai and Hinata's new apartment exhausted. He had used his Shadow clones to move everything of Hinata's into her new home. However the strain of maintaining the clones for such an extended period of time wore down even his immense chakra reserves. Hinata for her part had remained silent throughout the move, which made Naruto feel uneasy. He thought that maybe he went too far with his goodbye gesture to Hiashi and that Hinata was upset with him because of it. Standing up, he nervously walked over to Hinata and said.

 

“Hin, Hinata-Chan, you've been awfully quiet. Are you mad at me or something?”

 

Hinata turned and saw the forlorn look on Naruto's face and her eyes softened as she took his hand into hers and replied.

 

“I'm not mad at you Naru-Kun. I've just been thinking about a lot of things. Why would you think I was upset with you?”

 

“Um, well I thought maybe you were mad at me about what happened between me and your father earlier.” Naruto sheepishly answered while rubbing the back of his head with his hand.

 

“But none of that was your fault Naru-Kun. I'm not mad about anything you did. I thought you were wonderful today. I can't think of anyone who would stand up to my father the way you did today. It, it makes me feel proud to be your girlfriend. Hinata said while blushing as she pulled Naruto to her and hugged him with all her might.

 

“I hate to break up this special moment between you two lovebirds, but this move has worn me out. So, I'm going to take off unless you need my help with anything else?” Shikamaru said.

 

“Help! Help with what? All you've done all afternoon is watch Naruto and his clones do all the work you lazy bum!” Ino screeched to her teammate.

 

“Yes, but watching them was very tiresome, I need to get some rest. I'll see you all tomorrow morning at the training field. Naruto, Hinata, you two take care. Chouji remember to come get me in the morning.” Shikamaru remarked as he began to slowly walk away.

 

“What! You can't even say goodbye to me!” Ino yelled at her departing teammate. Turning around to look at the fuming blonde kunoichi, Shikamaru replied with a smirk on his face.

 

“To say goodbye to you Ino would be much too troublesome. You'll just continue to talk and that's not only troublesome, but painful as well.”

 

Ino was ready to pounce on her teammate and beat the lazy Shinobi within an inch of his life for that remark. But Chouji was holding her back and doing his best to try and calm her down. He reminded Ino that she was needed at her family's flower shop later on, and the two of them bid farewell to Hinata and Naruto and walked off in the opposite direction of their teammate. Hinata reluctantly released her embrace on Naruto and told him she needed to help Kurenai upstairs. Naruto understood and kissed her before reminding Hinata that he would be back at 6:00pm to pick her up for their date that evening. He then dashed off towards Kakashi's apartment across town to get cleaned up for that date. As he was running, he hoped that Kakashi had returned from his mission, for if he had they could finally begin their training with pervy-sage tomorrow.

 

As Kakashi laid Sakura down on the examination table, he staggered off into the a corner of the room and looked on as a Medic Nin and a nurse began to unwrap Sakura from the coat she was in, while Tsunade and Shizune hurriedly washed their hands off to the side. After the final flap of the coat was lifted to reveal Sakura, the Medic Nin gasped in shock and the nurse shrieked before turning her head away from the gruesome sight before her. Upon hearing this, Tsunade moved quickly over to the table and saw Sakura first time and cried out in anguish.

 

“Oh my dear God no!”

 

Tsunade eyes began to well with tears immediately as she gazed upon Sakura. The lacerations on Sakura's face and body were so bloody and severe, if not for the young girl's pink hair, she would be unrecognizable to anyone who knew her. Tsunade and Shizune began charging chakra into their hands and then waving them up and down the girl's body began to scan her and determine the nature of Sakura's injuries. As the extent of Sakura's injuries became clear to the two medical specialists, Tsunade turned her head and with tears streaming down her face screamed at Kakashi.

 

“What the Hell happened? Who did this to her Kakashi?”

 

Kakashi began to speak only to find that nothing came out of his mouth, as for some reason he was unable to catch his breath. He then suddenly felt a sharp stabbing pain in his chest and his legs began to shake uncontrollably, as they were no longer able to keep him upright and he collapsed in the corner clutching his chest. He tried once more to speak, but all anyone heard was a sickly gurgling sound from him. Sweat was pouring out of his body soaking his clothes, and his vision began to grow very blurry and dark. Kakashi thought he vaguely heard Tsunade shouting something, but the pounding in his head made it impossible for him to understand. In a last desperate act and taking all of his remaining strength, Kakashi lifted his arm towards Tsunade as if reaching out to her before it dropped to his side and his world went black.

 

“Kakashi, Kakashi, speak to me!” Tsuande shouted as she watched him collapse in a heap on the floor. She then heard a raspy gurgle come from him and saw as he attempted to lift his arm towards her before it fell limp to the ground. Tsunade immediately ordered Shizune to go check on him while she and the doctor tended to Sakura. As Shizune approached Kakashi, his entire body began to violently spasm on the ground. It was then a couple more Medic Nins arrived and she ordered them to hold him down so she could examine him. After a moment, Shizune looked up and yelled to Tsunade.

 

“Lady Tsunade, I can't find any visible wounds on him, but his tongue is swelling and restricting his breathing! He may also be in cardiac arrest and is going into Anaphylactic Shock, what should we do?”

 

Just then an artery gave way on Sakura and blood sprayed forth like a fountain as the Medic Nin frantically tried to pack it and shouted.

 

“Hokage-Sama, a rib has punctured this girls lung and cut an artery! She's quickly bleeding out, what do we do?”

 

“Lady Tsuande!” Shizune shouted.

 

“Hokage-Sama!” The doctor shouted.

 

Tsunade stood rigid in the center of the room, her eyes darting back and forth between Shizune and the doctor. Her forehead began to bead with sweat, as she listened to her assistant and the Medic Nin scream at her for guidance. Unfortunately, at that moment she was paralyzed with fear and was utterly uncertain of what to do for either Kakashi or Sakura, as a tear rolled down her cheek.

 

 

 

Authors Notes: Well, to all the fans of this story consider this chapter my Christmas gift to you all. I seriously did not believe two weeks ago, I would be able to get another chapter in before the end of the year. But so many of you in your reviews and pm's asked me to do one more before Christmas, I said I would try. And lo and behold this is it. I hope you all like it. However, I'm currently having a severe case of writers block after this for the next chapter. So I won't have it ready until well after the New Year, sorry. I may do a shout out chapter midway to all of you who have read and reviewed my story before I post Chapter 16, to thank you all for your support.

 

I'd like everyone to take a moment of silence for the passing of Jiraiya in the current manga. Then I would like you all to curse the pricks that decided to kill him off. I hope they all die very painful deaths very soon. I know, not very Christmassy on my part, but consider that they did kill him during the Christmas season, so I don't feel too guilty. I have to say this probably ranks at least in my top 3 of things I truly dislike about the 2nd arc to the Naruto manga. I'll give everyone advanced notice that when I begin the 2nd arc to my story, it's hardly going to resemble the original in anyway. I may keep a few things, but it's pretty much going to be brand new from my perspective.

 

I'd like to also give a shout out to Sharinyakugan, a writer who contacted me for my thoughts on a story he is writing. He started his story off as a Naruto/Sakura pairing but decided to change it to Naruto/Hinata mid-stream, because he didn't like the direction the story was taking. He's caught some Hell from some of the Naruto/Sakura lovers out there because of doing this. So I encourage all of you if you have a chance, read his story and shoot him a review, the link is listed below.

 

http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3513200/1/Bond_of_Steel