Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Demon's of Konoha ❯ Smelly feet, Tani's History and the Book ( Chapter 31 )

Hinata held open the front door to the Uchiha Mansion allowing Haku to safely carry Youko through. Closing the door behind them Hinata reached down to unlace her boots, pulling them slowly off her feet fully aware of her sweaty, stinky socks. While her boots protected her feet against just about everything it still made her feet sweat. Silently thanking Kami that no one but Haku was around to notice the smell and Haku wouldn't say anything, at least she was sure her clone wouldn't. Bringing up her head to look into her friends face she was pleased to notice that Haku hasn't smelt anything yet.

 

It was highly embarrassing for Hinata to be a girl and have smelly feet. She's tried all kinds of things cotton socks, fragrant insoles, flip flops, baking soda in her shoes even going barefoot. It seemed that no matter what she just sweated through her feet easily making it have the smelly feet curse as she was prone to calling it. She was fortunate though, because unless she took off her shoes her feet didn't smell and when she does she heads into the bathroom to take a shower anyways. The scary thing about it is that it's a fairly new thing to her. It has only been affecting her for the past year or so, making the girl wonder if it was any connection to her merging with Tani. `Now that I think about it no one has said anything about my stinky feet I wonder if they even notice, but then again what if they never noticed and instead could smell my arousal when that hits. That's even more embarrassing I can just see it now. I ask them if they can smell my stinky feet and hear that they can't smell it over my arousal pheromones. That's it I really don't want to know.' Hinata's brows pushed themselves together as she thought about her minds wonderings.

 

Standing up deciding she definitely didn't want to know about her smelly feet or other possible smelly things Hinata instead smiled softly as Youko's hand reached out and grabbed her sleeve effectively breaking the other girl out of her musings. She had other things to think about besides personal hygiene she had a survivor to take care of. Heading further into the house Hinata felt Haku stop walking next to her halting Hinata's movements also. “Why did you stop Haku?” Hinata wondered aloud just not noticing the coat rack that held two Akatsuki cloaks on it that weren't their when they left. `Looks like Itachi and Kisame are here. Glad I already got gifts for them also. Memo to me put them under the tree. Side note bring down tree although a real one would be better but it's too late for that' Hinata's nose wrinkled as she caught whiff her feet again. `First shower, than tree, than presents, best plan yet.'

 

“Take a look Hinata” Haku replied softly watching in front of her with a small smile gracing her face, her eyes watering at the scene in front of her. Haku's rapidly filling eyes began to over flow as she looked ready to either laugh or cry in happiness, Hinata didn't know which. Hinata was definitely sure she had ever seen her friend like this, not even when she became a Konoha ninja, which Haku had considered one of her proudest moments.

 

Hinata turned and wondered whatever could bring her friend to such a level of emotion and found a real Christmas tree put up along with decorations and lights. The star shone brightly from the top of the tree matching the twinkling lights as they proudly shone. To the right of the tree was the fireplace covered in garland complete with stocking holders in the shape of snowmen made in the Uchiha colors. Hanging from the holders were stockings with names on them, Sasuke, Itachi, Naruto, Hinata, Gaara, Haku, Zabuza, Kisame, and finally a small one that looked to say Snowball on it, all done in an elegant script. Under the tree presents were placed with assorted wrapping and names located all varying in size. Hinata looked again at Haku noticing the tears spilling from her face as she seen her eyes were staring at the stocking with their names on it. Dawning appeared to Hinata as she hesitantly asked “You've never had a real Christmas have you?”

 

“No not really. We never celebrated when I lived in Mist and when dad adopted me we were always on the run. This will be the first time that I will ever celebrate the season. I've never had a stocking before or anything. I usually got a gift from Dad when he could but those were few and far between. We were always so alone during the holidays. I know you said to buy gifts for everyone but I never guessed you all would go this far for us.” Tears were flowing heavily down Haku's face blurring her vision completely. Attempting to not break down into a puddle of emotional goo Haku steeled her resolve and gripped Youko closer to her body as she headed for the stairs carrying her to the guest room for the night. The tree could wait until after Youko was taken care of.

 

Hinata smiled softly as Haku squared her shoulders in determinate and carried Youko out of sight before heading towards the stockings. They were simple really, soft red fireproof stockings with white fur along the top, that Hinata knew was real but from what animal she didn't know. The names were embroidered in real twenty-four caret gold finely crafted into thread and only able to be done by highly skilled seamstresses, and there was only one person Hinata knew with enough clout who could command someone to do it. Hinata smiled softly at the love that the gift revealed about her friend, for Hinata knew it was done for Haku alone. No one else would remember Snowball. Hinata slowly followed her friend wondering if Haku realized the extent of the gift. Uchiha Sasuke had given her a stocking from Olianders and that was something not given lightly.

 

“Hinata are you coming she's waking up?” Haku called down the stair juggling a whimpering Youko outside of her friend's room. Within seconds Hinata's head slowly appear as she moved up the stairs hurrying to assist her friend. Hinata quickly opened the door to her room and hesitantly grabbed the bear that was under her pillow. The bear was a light brown in color with a faded little red bow tie around its neck. The bear was old and very well loved, if the stitching on the side occasionally holding it together meant anything. In fact the bear was actually Gaara's from when they were younger; he had given it to her the first time he had left her.

 

-Flashback-

 

“G-Gaara p-please d-don't l-leave m-me. N-nii-san I d-don't w-want y-you t-to g-go” Hinata was crying struggling to get her words out as Gaara emptied drawers wrapping his fragile stuff up in clothes into his duffel bag. “P-please d-don't g-go I w-will m-miss y-you t-too m-much. Maybe, maybe F-father w-will l-let y-you s-stay a-after h-he g-gets o-over b-being a-angry.” Hinata began hiccupping through her crying, trying to watch Gaara through the blurry haze of tears in her eyes. Hinata gasped softly when she felt arms wrap around her pulling her into a hug, knowing this was a lot for the boy who wasn't prone to showing emotion.

 

Softly Gaara's voice spoke into Hinata's ear “Don't cry Hinata. You have to understand I don't belong here. My being here will only make things worse. I'm not really leaving I will still be in Konoha incase you need me. I will always be here for you.”

 

“B-but n-nii-san” Hinata managed to stutter out, tiring herself out from the death of her mother and her brother leaving. It was a lot to take in for the smaller girl making her emotionally worn out. “W-what i-if I get scared and you aren't here to be here to protect me, I n-need you Gaara.”

 

Pulling away slightly Gaara took in the tear stained face and red puffy eyes of the girl he considered his sister and felt like crying along with her. She was clearly in pain and there was nothing he could do to stop it, but he knew this was happening for a reason he just didn't know why yet. Bringing her back into his arms for another hug Gaara pulled his prized possession out from under his pillow. It was the only thing he had left to pack because it was something he never was without.

 

“Hinata I want you to have this” Gaara pulled away from his sister again ignoring the snot running from her nose and the huge wet spot on his shirt. In his hands was a bear with a worn red bow tie around its neck. Its black eyes looked to be smiling as its body was soft from being hugged all the time. One of its arms was slightly longer than the other from held on for many years.

 

“M-Mr. B-Bear” Hinata's eyes filled with awe at seeing the bear for the first time in almost seven years. She had thought that Gaara had gotten rid of him since she never seen him with Mr. Bear since he had turned three. It was than that Gaara appeared to be growing into an adult faster than Hinata did. “I t-thought you had g-gotten rid of him. I h-haven't seen h-him in years.”

 

“I've had him; I just don't take him out of my room anymore. I still sleep with him occasionally” Gaara shrugged as if it was no big deal he still had the bear “he helps fight some of the nightmares away.” Gaara's pale blue eyes looked distant almost as if he was far away instead of the Hyuuga Manor.

 

“Than I can't take him” pushing the bear back into Gaara's chest trying to convince him to take the bear back, Hinata's voice was determined and lost its stutter although her voice was still soft. “If he helps keep the nightmares away than you should keep him. I don't want you getting sick from lack-of sleep.” Hinata brought her hands up and began wiping the tears that fell down her face away.

 

“Hinata you are more important than any nightmares. Besides if they are get bad again I will come and get him back, its not that big of a deal. Until than Hinata keep him. Let him watch over your dreams and when you feel bad hug him and think of me. Keep him safe for me nee-chan will you.” Gaara closed Hinata's fingers around the bear before pulling her into one last hug

 

Bringing the bear to her chest Hinata hugged it to her body, tightly feeling the warmth of the embrace almost as if she was sable to feel Gaara's love through the hug. “I promise nii-san, nothing will happen to him.”

 

Gaara leaned down and gently kissed Hinata on the forehead before grabbing his duffle bag and gourd, slinging them over his shoulders, the large items making his already small build look smaller. “Just remember Hinata if you need me I will be there.” Opening the door to his room Gaara gave one last look at his sister before he walked out into the night.

 

-End Flashback-

 

Hinata gave Mr. Bear one last hug and made a silent prayer hoping that Kami above was listening to her. `Please help her sleep well Mr. Bear as you have me all these years. May she love you as much as I do, and may she keep you safe so I can keep my promise to Gaara? Please nii-san help watch over her dreams also.'

 

Hinata slowly walked over to her friend and placed the bear on Youko's chest watching the girl instantly wrap her arms around it her face slowly calming as she fell deeper asleep with almost a serene smile on her face. Hinata leaned against her doorframe watching Haku carry a now peaceful Youko. When they disappeared out of sight she slowly shut her door and made her way to the bathroom. She had a long overdue date with a shower.

 

-0o0o0o0o0o0o-

 

Reading the hours on the third shop that proclaimed they were closing early for Christmas, Tani nearly screamed in fury. Here she had a free pass to go shopping and everything was closed. Closed to a royal heir of the Ichibi line and to one of the most powerful clans in Demon Realm, anywhere else she was sure she wouldn't be treated this way. No those stores knew better than to close early when Tanuki wanted to shop. It wasn't good business policy to close on royalty and even having only one tail meant nothing in terms of power. She was tempted to show Konoha what happens when it crosses her people. The only thing stopping her was that there would be no way to hide her existence to Kyuubi any longer if that happens. She wasn't ready for the confrontation yet, and Hinata wasn't ready to take her place in Demon Realm, but she was getting close.

 

Gritting her teeth in resignation Tani made her way to the only store that she was guaranteed to be able to find a gift in, Olianders, but just because she couldn't destroy things didn't mean she couldn't let people know she was annoyed. She was getting a good stomping going in her anger not caring that people were looking at her in her fancy dark blue kimono with a blood red obi. She knew she looked every inch the royalty she was but that didn't mean she didn't have a reputation to uphold either in fact it was shown on her obi in the darkest black, her clan emblem.

 

She was positive no one outside of home would recognize it anyways and if they did they would be weary. The Є Э Є clan symbol was running up and down her obi usually confusing people thinking it was an MWM or even an E backwards E than another E. Nope it was an EME, done in the old script before they converted to the more universal human language. If people recognized it they knew to treat them with respect because their clan was infamous.

 

Feeling better from allowing the anger to leave her by her stomping Tani took a deep breath before walking inside Olianders, already confident they were expecting her. “Lady Tanuki Ichibi, second in command of the Eki Mouretsu Clan, it's a pleasure to have you finally visiting our humble shop.” The raspy voice called out to the demon watching her narrow her eyes attempting to find who had spoken but was unable to. “Your beloved was in here earlier but he didn't stay to talk. Pity unsuspecting people are always the best source of information. I was wondering when you would make your way into our shop after all Olianders isn't stupid enough to turn away royalty.”

 

“Where are you, you over-grown lizard” Tani asked through gritted teeth in irritation. It's only been about five minutes and already she was annoyed, hearing the rustling of clothes as the person talking to her moved. This was exactly why she didn't want to go to Olianders. They were run by chameleon hybrids monks, and you couldn't see them if they didn't want you to. It made them perfect keepers of the Book. “If this is how you treat your customers, I'm surprised you are still in business. What ever would you do without human interaction letting you in on the latest gossip Gakuryoku, go to a movie?”

 

“That was a low blow even for you Tani. You never were any fun to pick on, even as a cub. I was just playing with you so you don't need to be such a spoilsport. Now welcome to Olianders, how can I help you today? Or do you have some wonderful gossip to give. ” The old man that was talking to Naruto and Sasuke earlier materialized into Tani's line of view his eyes sparkling inn anticipation. He was standing in front of her the whole time and she never knew it, but he wouldn't tell her that after all he likes making her look around trying to spot him.

 

“I need some last minute Christmas gifts for a new arrival.” Tani's eyes glittered mischievously she knew that Gakuryoku already knew about the new girl living in the Uchiha Manor and would want to talk about her. Tell her she's no fun will he. It was one of the reasons she didn't like to go to Olianders in either realm, that and they loved to tease each other from years of knowing each other. Even in the Demon Realm Olianders is the place to go for the finest things known to man and demon. “Gakuryoku anyone ever let you know you look like an old man. What are you about twenty thousand years old now you crazy monk? Did you let yourself go again you look at least fifty thousand years?”

 

“What you mean you got a new houseguest?” Gakuryoku asked with feint shock, that Tani had to admit had gotten a lot better over the last couple hundred of years. “And for the record I am twenty-five thousand years old, dear child.” Tani clenched her fist knowing the dear child was directed at her young age. “As for looking old I am almost due back into Demon Realm for the age reversal which is why Chishiki is here visiting.”

 

“Chishiki is here also. Maybe I should come and visit more after you leave. You know to catch up on all the latest gossip in Konoha. She was always such a dear friend of mine. Do tell her I stopped by will you.” Tani smiled innocently which was not innocent in anyway. The smile was fooling no one, as they continued to dig into each others nerves as they've done for as long as Tani could remember. “Now about that present, I am going to need them from two separate people. I was thinking of some clothes and maybe a book or so. What does the famous Olianders have for sale in the Mortal Realm?”

 

“Anything you can really desire, Olianders sells a little bit of everything. Now what can you tell me about her past that will help me find something for you. After all here at Olianders we have a reputation to protect and I am sure you know all about protecting reputations don't you.” Tani wanted to grit her teeth again at the spiteful dig that one brought up, but oh yes two could play at this game.

 

“If you allow me to look around I am sure that I can find something without knowing her history after all I look to the future and present. I don't dwell in the past as I am sure you know Gakuryoku. I shall let you know if I need anything.” With a regal wave of her hand Tani clearly dismissed him in a manner that was even beneath her as she proceeded to walk around the room looking at different things that would hopefully suit Youko for Christmas. She may have been royalty but she normally never treated anyone as below her but for that last dig she made an exception.

 

Without knowing too much about Youko besides what the girls knew Tani was almost at a loss at what to get her when she spotted a the perfect thing to get her and a main one for Hinata. “Gakuryoku I would like these two please and could you have my clans emblem put on both of them here.” Tani pointed to the spot she wanted the clan logo located on. “On Hinata's I need it as big as the ones on my obi will you, and on Youko's I need a smaller one here showing she is under our protection.”

 

“You're clan logo as in the infamous Eki Mouretsu Clan logo. Are you sure Tani? Do you know what the message will signify to the Demon Realm?” Gakuryoku stumbled at the complications that could arise from this decision completely ignoring the slight she had given him. This was bigger news instead; in fact giving it to a human who hasn't proven themselves yet is monumental.

 

“I have already named Hinata as my successor so that is to no great feat. As for Youko, Hinata has sworn her protection and safety and what better way to do that than to show which clan she belongs to.” Tani smiled a feral smile in her decision, knowing she was going to be the cause of many rumors again. “Hinata's clan tattoo should be appearing soon on her body and I have a feeling that Shukaku has given that honor to her brother already. Just do it already Gakuryoku, if there are complications I will take care of them.”

 

“As you wish” Gakuryoku sighed taking the items in back where he began chanting in a soft voice. Moments later a weary Gakuryoku brought them back out and wrapped them up for his customer. “Now how will you be paying for this? Cash or shall I debit it from your clans account?”

 

“I plan on paying in information, or in your case movies. I have pictures and a couple of videos of things that has happened that you could only read about, along with many different television shows and movies.” Tani slipped a hand into her obi pulling out a DVD with Waves Mission written in Tani's handwriting on the front. “This is the kids' first major mission where they met Zabuza and Haku. It also has a recording of Hinata's water challenge which has never been recorded before. I shall keep supplying you with this information with your cooperation that you will not show anyone from Demon Realm or any vessels for as long as I am in the Mortal Realm, for as long as I draw breath, or until I allow you to release the information to a third party. Kyuubi and Naruto Uzumaki in particular do not need to know anything I am giving you, and I know you would try and hint to them which is forbidden. What do you say do we have a deal or shall you keep reading it from the Book?”

 

“Deal” Gakuryoku reached out and grabbed the DVD practically drooling at the mouth, after all after analyzing her stipulations he was positive he work around it and let them know what Tani and Hinata were withholding from them. “It would be nice to actually see what people look like instead of just reading about it all the time.” His eyes lit up with excitement acting like he was a child still at Christmas.

 

“All joking aside Gakuryoku, I really don't envy you.” Tani said leaning against the counter, thankful she was able to talk normally to the monk instead of the usual jibes they threw at each other. “You know all of the history since the beginning of time but you have to put it in the Book. You really don't get to go anywhere and actually experience history, just for what comes through your doorstep.”

 

“It is a great honor and a privilege to be an official historian for Kami-sama. The gracious gift of immortality along with the merging with the Chameleon Race has helped us to survive all these years.” Gakuryoku recited as if it was a long practiced speech; in fact Tani was sure it was one that she's heard before.

 

“Easy Monk” Tani held up her hand to stop Gakuryoku from continuing his spiel “I know it's a great honor to help Kami-sama and all that. I am just saying that you don't find out anything until it has already happened and then you record it in the Book. You don't get to leave except to go to another Olianders. I mean even when you do the age reversal in Demon Realm it's what inside another Olianders store or the monastery which no one contacts anyone else inside. It's no wonder you live for gossip, and all the information you can. I'm just glad you now have both a visual copy and a written copy. I will not bring you anything sexual though. That stuff is none of your business Monk, just like it isn't mine. It's bad enough you know it.”

 

“Deal” Gakuryoku shook hands with Tani sealing the deal. “Now for free would you like to know the real reason Yoko Kyuubi left you at the alter or would you rather hear it from him?” He couldn't help but dangle that little carrot in front of her, knowing she wouldn't take it.

 

“I appreciate the thought Old Man but I think I would rather hear it directly from him. After all if the answer isn't satisfactory I want to be able to beat him up in person instead of destroying people or things that don't deserve it. After all I am definitely my fathers' daughter and that slight won't be taken lightly, it caused my fathers death after all.” Tani began drinking her hot tea enjoying the company once again of the old monk even if it was dredging up painful memories. Still Gakuryoku was a great person to reminisce with, although sometimes he wanted to give information that you would rather not know.

 

“Oh yes, you and your brother is definitely the children of Gekido, the King of Chaos of the infamous Battle Rage clan. Your father was ready to destroy the Demon Fox clan, for that slight until you intervened and as the former leader of the clan and father of the new leaders of the race, many would have rallied behind him. Still that was a very bloody battle between you and your father, but the pride on his face when you killed him proves he died happily.”

 

“I know but if dad hadn't challenged me by the Rights of Kuran Shubousha, he would still be alive. If I didn't kill him he would have had a whole other clan killed because of one person. Innocents shouldn't die because Kyuubi's a dumbass. Sadly with the Rights of Kuran Shubousha, the only way to win is to kill your opponent. I didn't want to kill him but it is the clans' way, to do anything else results in instant death by Kami-sama herself.”

 

`I know and personally I think you did the right thing, after all you and your brother has been causing controversy since birth. That was the first time twins have been born in a demon clan since before I was born, and that is a very long time ago. Shukaku's battle prowlness and your healing abilities have united your race when others could not. The Twins of Light and Dark you were called and it's never been more accurate. You both have brought greatness to your clan and to all of Demon Realm and I have a feeling your vessels will only do more, after all it's not everyday someone manages to turn the head of a Demon Lord.

 

“Now you are just flattering me Monk” Tani's eyes tried to look hard, but the smile on her face proved otherwise. Sometimes it just felt good talking to someone who knows about her clan and the hardships knowing they weren't judging her. “We both know that Kyuubi only looked my way because of his friendship with my brother. I was just along for the ride until we got older. Still it was nice while it lasted; I just wish I had realized when I was younger that to give away your heart it truly was for forever. They told us about it growing up but I never believed it until now. The Raccoon Race will only ever have one love, outside of battle which is why we don't have a lot of people. Still the past is the past, and Kyuubi's clan obviously didn't have the same monogamous rules ours did, or else he wouldn't have left.” Loneliness was evident in Tani's voice when she looked at the clock seeing how late it was. Finishing the rest of her tea she continued “I must get home, it's getting late. Thank you for the tea Gakuryoku.”

 

“I wouldn't be too sure about some of what you said Tani, but that's just the ramblings of an Old Man. I know you wouldn't want me to tell you because as you say the past is in the past and you would rather know on your own. I do respect you for that as sometimes the knowledge is a bother. Now I shall give you a helpful piece of information. Uzumaki-sama has confronted your vessel about her mission in Tea Country. He had used Kyuubi's chakra so if you feel the lingering chakra that's why, Kyuubi is still asleep. They are done with their confrontation if you will, so it should be safe to go home. Also give this to your houseguest” Gakuryoku handed over a medium size box in which he began to put some clothes inside of. “You forgot to give her a gift from the Haku girl and really none of the other girls' clothes will fit her. She will be more comfortable in these though, I promise.”

 

“I appreciate it, Gakuryoku. Who knows maybe they can get together after this. She has loved him for a long time after all.” Tani grabbed her packages before heading out of the store. `I will bring you more DVD's after the next mission and stuff. We should talk more often.” Stepping out into the cold air Tani felt at ease for the first time in a long time. Her pent-up anger from the other stores lifted from her shoulders.

 

“Oh I think they are together now, Tani but I know you prefer to learn things on your own. After all whether you are sealed in Hinata-sama or not, Kyuubi-sama had declared you as his and you will never be released. His race is even worse than yours at feelings at the heart. Monogamy would not have been an issue with him and still isn't, but that's neither here no there. Silly child will have to learn this on her own” Gakuryoku gave a small chuckle before going into the back room looking at a huge book on an ancient stone pedestal with a glowing field wrapped around it. An old fountain pen with a feather plume moved over the pages swiftly as it recorded history as it happened. “I am so glad you like to learn things the hard way, it will give me many new videos the watch. History is so much better in color.” Gakuryoku thought as he sat on the couch watching the DVD of the Wave Mission.