#because it activates her Byakugan a certain way or something

[bunny-hoodlum]

I'm a filthy casual that only plays Ninty games these days, but I found out about the Hyetta quest in Elden Ring (hubby is replaying it), and now I got a weird af grimdark AU swirling around in my head. 😭

[lemony-snickers]

maybe a combo of "unintentional kiss" and "hanami" and whoevery you feel like writing about <3

The petals are beautiful. Spinning madly like a runaway snowstorm as the wind shakes them from their branches.

Hinata has intentionally come to enjoy all the sights and scents of hanami in the dark, when she can be almost certain no one else is around. Despite all her efforts, all the pressure placed upon her as an heir to a Clan she doesn't always understand and how she strives to meet such expectations, she's never been very good with crowds.

She likes the quiet, though. It suits her. Always has. She thinks it's part of why she and Shino get along so well; they understand that about each other.

Kiba, of course, doesn't get it at all, and will loudly proclaim as much on a fairly regular basis.

HInata giggles at the memory of him doing just that only a few days prior, shouting in the middle of a training assignment that he couldn't hear her instructions when she whispered them.

Her smile falters, though, a moment later. Hinata was proud that Kurenai designated her as team lead, but Kiba's response (and their resulting failure in the exercise) dampened her confidence.

Maybe she isn't meant to be a squad captain. Maybe she isn't meant to be the next head of the Hyuga clan.

As she wanders through the trees, letting the soft pink and white petals cling to her dark hair like the stars dusted over the night sky overhead, Hinata wonders if she will ever figure out what she is meant for. Because it seems like the more time goes on, the more she know what feels wrong while still struggling to figure out what feels right.

The sharp sound of a snapping branch makes Hinata's heart pound a little too hard against her sternum. She activates her byakugan on instinct, so she can better assess the area around her.

It doesn't take long, though, to find the source of the noise, and then her heart hammers for entirely different reasons.

Naruto Uzumaki is avoiding the festival crowds, too, it seems, though Hinata can't imagine why. There was a time when she would have understood; back before everyone in Konoha finally saw him as she always had.

But now?

"Who's there?!"

Hinata lets out a soft gasp when Naruto turns and looks straight in her direction. She releases her kekkei genkai and steps out from the tree she instinctively ducked behind.

"S-sorry, Naruto-kun, it's just... me."

Naruto squints through the dark, nose scrunching comically as he does so, and then his mouth breaks into a two-wide grin that makes Hinata doubly grateful for the darkness so he can't see how she blushes.

"Oh, HInata-chan! What are you doing out here?"

"Just... admiring the blossoms."

And now wishing very much she had chosen a different evening to do so because Naruto is walking toward her. He's saying something, chatting affably in that way he does with everyone that always makes Hinata feel like maybe she could be important. Maybe she could stand out from her family, from her team, if she was just a little braver.

If Naruto smiled at her a little more.

"Oi, HInata-chan, are you all right?"

"Ah!"

He's very close, she realizes suddenly. Too close.

Because when she lifts her head to stop staring at his feet so she can tell him that, yes, thank you she's okay but also she has to leave right now, her forehead bumps against his chin.

Naruto loses his balance and Hinata stares up into his sky blue eyes, startled and embarrassed, throwing her hands out to try and steady him. As he flails, Naruto's lips brush ever-so-slightly over Hinata's and she snaps her hands away to muffle a startled shout, clamping both her palms over her mouth like a vice.

"Woah!"

Naruto slams unceremoniously to the ground at her feet, but Hinata is too stunned to ask if he's okay.

Because she's trembling, sweating. She's either going to throw up or there's a wasp making a nest in her stomach because Naruto's lips just touched hers and isn't that... a kiss?!

She bolts before Naruto can stand, shaking her head furiously in an attempt to ignore his concerned shouts. He's so loud all the time, she thinks, but instead of that sinking feeling when Kiba yelled at her during their training, Hinata finds comfort in the sound of his bellowing voice.

Because Naruto never seems like he needs her to be anything but quiet. On the rare occasions when they've spoken, she never feels like she isn't contributing enough; as though she is superfluous to the conversation.

Somehow, he always makes her feel included. Seen even when she doesn't always want to be. Even tonight, when she thought she wanted to admire the trees alone but then suddenly he was there and now part of her wonders if she'd stayed whether the evening might have been even better with him at her side.

Hinata is silent as she enters her home, silent as she closes her bedroom door and climbs into her futon.

As she stares up at the ceiling, eyes wide and heart still hammering, Hinata feels her mouth pull into a shy smile. She brings a hand up to touch the still-tingling skin of her lips, remembering the faintest brush of Naruto's--chapped and rough and yet still so nice against hers.

For the first time she can remember, Hinata wishes there had been a crowd. Wishes someone loud like Kiba or Ino had witnessed it just so they could yell about it and Hinata would know for sure it wasn't a dream.

prompt list for those interested. <3

[lemonkage]

Stargazing

Characters/ ship: Hanabi Hyuga x Yuuta ( @kankuroplease oc)

Words: 1888

Genre: fluff

A/n: Excuse any grammar mistakes etc. I was in a rush while editing- anyways enjoy :)

It was exhausting to be the heiress of the Hyuga clan. Especially since it in meant that Hanabi couldn't do certain activities like other people her age normally do, such as going out on a spontaneous date with her secret lover Yuuta. The fact that they still didn't tell anyone about their relationship made going out and being romantic in public even more difficult.

Hanabi threw her head back sighing in

frustration for the third time this night as she noticed someone's chakra near her window. She immediately activated her byakugan and warned the person sneaking around her garden.

"Show yourself!" she demanded slightly aggressive as she heard a very familiar chuckle. "You're so hot when you're in fight mode." Yuuta revealed himself as Hanabi playfully rolled her eyes.

"How do you never get caught by any Hyuga when you come here all sneaky like this?" She leaned out of her window to face her boyfriend. "After all these months of us secretly meeting in your room, I've figured out one way or another." Yuuta smirked proudly, playing with a strand of her hair as Hanabi leaned out of the window a little more so she could reach Yuuta and hug him.

He enjoyed Hanabis soft chest pressing against his cheek as her arms wrapped around his neck. After a few seconds of being in this weird hugging position, Yuuta proceeded to completely pull Hanabi out of her window.

"I missed you." She cooed, properly wrapping her arms and legs around his body. The risk of her clan members seeing them like this didn't bother Hanabi in that moment. She hasn't seen Yuuta in weeks because of their busy schedule and couldn't wait any longer to be held in his strong arms. She felt incredibly free,  safe and loved in his embrace. 

"I missed you too princess, let's go." Yuuta kissed her shoulder and jumped onto the rooftop of Hanabis home without any warning as she held onto him even tighter. "Where are we going?" She asked, cupping her face in his neck "you'll see." He responded rushing his way from rooftop to rooftop across the village until they reached his place. He let go of Hanabi to grab the keys in his pocket.

"I've got a little surprise for you" Yuuta grabbed Hanabis shoulders and guided her into his apartment, closing the door behind him as the Hyuga grinned to herself. She missed much more than just his embrace and knew from experience that things would go down nine of ten times when she's at his place. The excitement in her body only grew, once she noticed her boyfriend throwing off his clothes.

She turned around to admire his muscular physique as he grabbed her hand and led her into his bedroom.

"Are you ready.." Yuuta spoke up while grabbing something out of his drawer. Hanabi didn't care what he had prepared for her, she was ready and immediately began undressing herself.

".. for the ultimate cuddle night?" Yuuta continued innocently in complete excitement as he turned around with two sets of matching pastel blue Pyjamas.

Hanabi, who was caught a little off guard since she expected something completely different, giggled and grabbed the smaller set of Pyjamas. "You're so cute." She placed a quick kiss on Yuutas cheek and then put on the comfy pj's. She wasn't upset about the fact that he for once didn't have anything naughty in mind, she actually really appreciated his effort and was totally down for some sweet cuddling with her beloved giant.

Yuuta being Yuuta, couldn't help himself but stare at his curvy girlfriend as she squeezed herself into the Pyjamas before putting his set on himself.

"I need you to do me a favor and behave tonight. I'm trying to be cute." He grinned at Hanabi as she batted her eyelashes at him. "Stop looking at me like that oh my gosh." Yuuta groaned throwing his head back as Hanabi giggled. He always managed to make her feel beautiful and irresistible.

Before she could say anything, Hanabi was thrown over Yuutas shoulder, followed by a slap on her butt.

"We're watching the stars tonight." He smiled brightly at her before making his way outside to the senju park and climbing on one of the biggest trees there.

"Here we go" He sat down on a branch big and strong enough to hold his and Hanabis weight as the two lovers got comfortable. Hanabi positioned herself between his legs and held onto his shoulders for extra security as Yuuta leaned against the branch, taking a deep breath.

"I love you princess" he said above a whisper as Hanabi smiled up at him, feeling the butterflies spread inside of her as intensely as they did the very first time he confessed his feelings to her. "I love you too Yuuta" She pulled him closer to her, kissing him passionately. After breaking the kiss Yuuta looked deeply into her pearly lavender eyes, which looked even more beautiful with the moonlight shining on them.

Without even noticing it he smiled absolutely hypnotized at her as Hanabi raised an eyebrow at him.

"Done starring?" She asked playfully as Yuuta shook his head 'no'.

"You're so beautiful, I'm the luckiest man on earth." He kissed her cheek, grabbing her thigh as Hanabi bit her lip blushing. She then got closer to his face trying to go for a kiss as Yuuta suddenly closed his eyes and moved his face to the side. Hanabi pouted in response to Yuuta curving her.

"Why can't I get a kiss?" She whined, moving around Yuutas lap.

"We're in public right now, it's a wonder no one noticed us yet. You're looking way too good right now and if we kiss again I won't be able to hold back any longer." He explained "Also stop moving around like that." He added, squeezing her thigh and opening one eye, catching a glimpse of her cute pout.

"Meanie." She said as Yuuta laughed lightly closing his eye again. "Cmon don't look at me like that, I'm just trying to have a wholesome time and stargaze with you." He rubbed her thigh as she got closer to his chest. "Well then open your eyes at least." Yuuta did as told as both of them began stargazing.

"The sky is so clear tonight." Hanabi smiled peacefully. Yuuta had a hard time deciding wether he should look at the sky or the reflection of the stars in Hanabis stunning eyes. He simply decided to just take turns and look at both.

Both enjoyed the view in silence for a few moments until Yuuta noticed that Hanabi was shaking a little bit.

"Are you cold?" He asked as Hanabi took her eyes off the sky and looked at her feet.

"A little.. I'm barefoot after all." She pointed out, rubbing her feet together and leaning on Yuutas chest.

"Why aren't you wearing any socks?" Yuuta grabbed her foot, lifted it up and kissed it before gently stroking it. "I'll keep you warm." He said as Hanabi planted a few kisses on his chest. "You're the sweetest." She cooed, feeling the warmth of Yuutas hand spread on her foot.

Slowly closing her eyes, she enjoyed every bit of this simple yet precious date; The feeling of the cool breeze in her hair, Yuutas huge body giving her warmth, the sound of his heart beat and the wind blowing through the trees, the magical moon and starlight.

It all felt like a dream and she didn't want to wake up.

With her eyes still closed, she placed her hand on the side of Yuutas face and gently caressed it as Yuuta began rubbing his hands all over her body to make sure she won't get too cold.

"You're the best thing that happened to me Yuuta." Hanabi broke the comfortable silence as Yuutas blushed a little at her words. "I've been so stressed this week, everyone's been pushing me to my limits and then you just come out of nowhere, carry me on a tree and make me forget about everything but you and I." She continued, finally opening her eyes, locking them with Yuutas.

The color of his golden eyes intensified at her sweet words as they did so often in reaction to the Hyuga princess.

"There go my bright eyes." Hanabi giggled as Yuuta blushed once more. They both gazed upon each others love filled eyes until Yuuta threw his head back chuckling.

"I'd kill for you Hanabi, you're so gorgeous." He ran his hand over his face as Hanabi got up on her knees to reach Yuutas level.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her soft body against his as he continued

"I don't think you understand how serious I am when I say this stuff." He looked at her dead serious as she tilted her head to the side smiling absolutely angelic and tracing hearts on his back with her fingers.

That was it.

Yuuta could no longer hold back and keep it cute and innocent. He grabbed Hanabi by her small waist, squeezing it slightly as she pouted teasingly at him.

"Hmm?" She tilted her head to the other side, getting even closer to his body, making Yuuta clench his jaw.

She knew the longing look on her lovers face way too well and knew exactly what was going through his mind right now.

Yuuta grabbed her chin and kissed her hungrily. Gladly returning the intense kiss she'd been waiting for all night, Hanabi wrapped her legs around his torso and opened her mouth allowing his tongue entrance.

Before the touch starved couple could go any further though, they were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat a few times. Hanabis eyes widen in horror for a split second. She was so invested in the moment, that she completely ignored the fact that anyone could see them not only being all lovey dovey but also making out in public.

Fortunately, Yuutas reaction assured her that whoever the person was, was no threat. Yuuta laughed lightly looking down at Shino.

"Is it fun to watch the sexiest people in Konoha?" He asked jokingly as Hanabi looked down at Shino as well, smiling apologetically.

"You guys should go somewhere private, unless you actually want the entire village to find out about your little affair." He said somewhat confused, irritated and disturbed.

"I'm so sorry Shino, your next lunch is on me." Hanabi blushed hiding behind Yuuta as Shino shook his head.

"There's no need for that, just be more careful." Shino responded as Yuuta nodded, grinning cockily.

"Why doesn't anyone ever notice my presence?" Shino mumbled to himself while walking off as Hanabi and Yuuta looked at each other.

"Busted." Yuuta commented as Hanabi rubbed his neck. "He's right tho,let's go somewhere privat." she suggested as Yuuta picked her up.

"Alright. You should spend the night at a warm place like mine, with a hot guy like me anyways.. I can tell that you're freezing." He smirked looking at her chest as Hanabi noticed what he was referring to. "Yeah right, you Perv." She laughed as they got off the tree and quickly made their way to Yuutas place, where they enjoyed each others company without any interruptions.

[eldritchcuddles]

December Wordcount

Total December Wordcount: 10668 words

Posted:

There's a place I've seen where the soul burns clean, Chapter 5

-AND- a

bonus solstice interlude

=^-^= I'm really pleased with myself that I pulled that off in the middle of year end madness, even if it did burn through most of my buffer :p

IN PROGRESS:

There’s a place I’ve seen where the soul burns clean: 10193 words  \(^o^)/

Self Indulgence Sandbox (collection of ficlets I may or may not ever get into posting shape, centered around the first generation of ninja to actually grow up in Konoha, full of OCs for 1) see above, self-indulgence and 2) we know the names of like seven people from that era what the fuck): 475 words

Sneak Peeks:

>There's a place I've seen where the soul burns clean<

"Waa, your hair goes poof like Madara-ji's!"

"Kagami," came a quiet, tired-sounding voice from a side room, but the boy paid it no mind, already chattering on. "- but it's all shiny and ripply and stuff, instead of pointy like teeth." Haruka had been mostly intent on plowing her groggy way through breakfast and that was the only thing that had managed to preserve her straight face thus far. She blinked at her bowl, all two active brain cells furiously trying to strike a spark. Off to her side, Izuna snorted softly, looking at whatever expression his brother was wearing after hearing that description of his hair. Once she was certain she could hold her expression, she looked to her left at the tousle-headed Uchiha child staring openly at her hair. He redirected his attention up to her face as she blinked down at him. "Why?" "Why my hair is different?" Haruka guessed. He scrunched his little face up in a frown, shaking his head. "Why..." he trailed off, looking at her eyes. "Your eyes are weird too," he informed her. Haruka bit her lip to keep from laughing as a second, scandalized, "Kagami!" sounded from the other room.   >Self Indulgence Sandbox<

"You heard what the ghost likes, you'll make a prettier bride than me." (Hyuuga) glared, but could feel the shift in opinion in the form of relief that someone else had said it; Keikou was good for that, unfortunately. "You're just saying that because you don't want to do it." "Oh, that too," she agreed shamelessly, beckoning him over. "But I also won't be able to see if you put me in the wife box until the ghost is on top of me - shut up, [Yamanaka?] - so it's tactically sound, too. Come here, I'll do your makeup." It said a great deal about the improved cohesion of their team that (Hyuuga) walked over with nothing more than a mutter (--"it's a palanquin, not a wife box, you disgrace"  --"close enough!") and put himself in the hands of a daughter of the Uchiha who, for her part, was painstakingly careful to telegraph her motions and talk through the steps of each application once it came time to apply powder to his face, color to his lips, and a rich red shade to his eyelids that beautifully set off the mirror clarity of his byakugan. "I feel like I should take a picture for posterity," (Yamanaka?) joked as Keikou put the brush down, (Hyuuga's) eyes staying closed for a breath more as they both visibly released the almost uncomfortable intimacy of the moment. "They'll hang it in the Academy with some pompous title about inter-clan cooperation and the Spirit of Fire, and Hyuuga (Name)-sama will have a mission offered to destroy it the moment he finds out it exists," Keikou said with a dry smirk. She kept her eyes on her brushes as she wiped them clean to avoid staring at the ethereal beauty that had taken shape under her hands. "As if Uchiha Madara-sama wouldn't do so as well," (Hyuuga) retorted, more out of habit than conviction. Keikou snorted, able to look at him more easily with the illusion shattered by (Hyuuga's) reserved baritone. Civilian's henge indeed - Myoukou-sama wasn't joking. "No, he'd set Myoukou-sama to critique my color choices or something, as if I have a full kit with me for a mission that was supposed to be a simple rogue ninja turned bandit problem." "For shame," (Yamanaka?) said, trying and failing to look stern.

[bishoukun]

here I go getting emotional before bed

hey, fan artists who make post-war Gai!

thank you.

no, really. I'm a part-time chair user. I can't go more than a teeny tiny walk across the street and back without it. and sometimes even then. I knew nothing about chairs until I needed to use one, and one of the things that had always confused me was how to deal with propelling when the wheel was dirty or wet. the outer bards on them? I thought they were bumpers. like car bumpers but for a chair.

seeing the various chairs drawn being used correctly, seeing the bits and pieces that are easy to forget, different types of chair backs and foot rests and bar handles, bags designed to be hung, and even - and this really gets to me when I see it - different kinds of wheels.

off-road wheels, high speed wheels, sports/sharp turn wheels.

self-propelling while being pushed - I do this with my partner all the time.

maybe the only thing I haven't seen is a fastener, but depending on when it's meant to take place, he probably wouldn't need it.

then there are the environmental/human things, like accessible seating and rearranging apartment space for indoor use of a forearm or standard crutch. nyooming way past the rest of the people with you and then spinning in circles waiting for them to catch up.

one thing that really got me, hard, was a work a while back was how another person assuming it was okay to just "be thoughtful and kind" and try to push Gai to the response of two very angry men.

I have had this happen to me. someone I didn't know pushing me without my consent. it. was. terrifying. and horribly invasive. you don't take someone's crutch and move it for them; that crutch is an extension of their body. their ability to use it as a mobile device for ambulating is their personal agency, their independence. I am uncomfortable with nurses, doctors, etc., pushing me without my consent, which unless my partner is not there or is feeling ill, I will not give. she will also step in and tell them not to touch before they do, since I don't have a byakugan.

someone assuming it's okay to physically relocate Gai while simultaneously invading his space and denying him agency over himself is perhaps the most disrespectful thing a person could do to him. so to see that reaction the way it actually happens to us in real life being portrayed, including the protective partner glaring down the offender with a look that could kill, that is so validating.

but here's the other thing, y'all. not only are all of these details, these specific things you are putting in your work, a huge comfort in and of themselves; you are normalizing disability. you are normalizing being around, having, living with, adapting to disability visibly and without room for argument. and not a single one of you, or anyone else I have seen in this community, have even remotely implied that being disabled means being any less incredible or worthy of love and admiration and respect. there is no less love for this youthful beast.

and having struggled for the last four years with losing my mobility, being partly chair-bound, and how it has forced me to see and think of the world differently. it's fucking hard. from casual sports to boating to long walks all being daily activities to now being barely able to walk to my kitchen and back without help has been... indescribably difficult and painful. there are times I hate myself, times I hate my body, times I am filled with anger because I can't do so many of the things that bring me joy and fulfillment.

but my partner? she's been my Kakashi in this struggle. if I need to do something a certain way, or use tools like my chair and crutches, she has never bat an eye - in fact, she has actively done the opposite. she made sure I named both of my chairs (past and current) and shared visible excitement in getting them. she doesn't act as though I'm made of glass, though she will be mindful and tell me when I need to stop being stupid/stubborn, and I'm not an inconvenience to her. I struggle less because she has neither fixated on nor ignored this becoming a part of my life; she has made it a part of our lives, and that makes it so much less lonely.

you all have been doing that, too, making being disabled like this feel less lonely. you make me feel seen, valued, remembered, included; you remind me that my body may be a bit fucked up and broken, but that doesn't mean I am any less desirable or lovable. and every single person who shares these works of art, fanfics, or comments in general about this, you all have been helping, too.

the end of SnK was a major step for me in starting to break away from these struggles, and I won't spoil it by saying who or what or how. what I will say is that, for those who kept with the manga or already know it, having a character that has been regularly compared to me and with whom I have always felt a deep connection with, who I understand it ways I have never understood a character before because I am (or would be) the same way in those circumstances in that world... to see them in a way that I had personally written many times because it felt cathartic to do so now actually existing in that same way, that started breaking down the walls (pun intended) and allowed me to start associating them with this and this with them, and feel stronger for it.

but there is still very little art with that as a focus or included at all, along with quite frankly being wary of trying to enter fandom space to begin with. so it started kicking the walls, but hadn't gotten through.

you.

you are starting to get through.

[cywolf10]

Clanswap AU - Nejiten

“Tenten,” her uncle intoned. The girl emerged from the shadows, silent and smooth-moving.

“Yes, milord?” she asked, bowing - her voice at exactly the right pitch and tone and volume, her spine inclined at the perfect angle, her eyes respectfully downcast.

“Take this to the captain of the guard,” Hiashi ordered, handing her a scroll.

“At once, milord,” she replied, again with the perfect tone of respect in her voice, and disappeared in a shunshin as fast and silent as any ANBU’s.

Hiashi watched her disappear, his eyes revealing nothing. Then he turned back to his paperwork, thinking of what Hizashi had told him, once, when they’d both been young and Hiashi had not been the enemy, the Main House - when he had only been Hizashi’s beloved twin brother, and it had been them both against the world.

‘When there is nothing left,’ Hizashi had told him, ‘Perfect service can be the most potent revenge. He will never dare to trust me. And he will never dare not to dare.’

His niece, as in most things, followed her father - a most subtle rebel. It was her birthright, after all - even her name, drawn from her foreign mother’s homeland, was in its own way a rebellion against the Hyuuga traditions.

***

“Shut up, Lee!” Neji hissed, elbowing his best friend. “It’s Tenten’s turn to throw!”

Neji watched, his hazel eyes wide, as Tenten took her place at the target range, holding his breath as she flung her kunai.

“Perfect score,” announced the teacher, eyeing the row of bulls-eyes she had just achieved. An admiring murmur rose from her classmates as Tenten inclined her head politely to the chuunin, quietly retaking her place in the crowd.

“She’s so awesome,” Neji sighed.

“She is very accomplished,” Lee agreed, squinting at the bulls-eyes. “I feel, however, as if she lacks a certain...passion? Vitality?” He crossed his arms. “She is very hard to approach.”

In reply, Neji kicked him in the shin. “Just because she’s so much cooler than anyone in the Academy!”

“Ow!” whined Lee. The two boys began to tussle.

“Rock Lee! Neji!” snapped their chuunin instructor, reaching in to grab the boys by their collars. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Their classmates giggled at them as they were shaken like puppies - all except Tenten, who merely watched with the blank expression that was her usual appearance. Neji wilted in front of it.

***

“Hinata-sama,” Tenten said, falling into step behind her younger cousin as class let out. Hinata ventured a shy smile.

“Ten-nee,” she said, hopefully.

And, as always, the smile faded away as Tenten continued gazing at her with that same polite, utterly bland expression. She remained where she was, a step behind Hinata as the other girl turned to head for home, picking the best place for a shinobi to guard her master’s back.

Perhaps one day they would walk home side-by-side, Hinata thought.

***

They were in their final year of the Academy, Tenten pretty much a lock for Rookie of the Year (the first time in years a kunoichi would win the title) when Uchiha Sasuke challenged her to a duel.

“Hey, Hyuuga,” he called, sauntering up to her with cocksure aplomb. Behind him, his classmates gasped at his boldness in breaking the unspoken recess-time rules - he was talking to an upperclassman! Without even being spoken to first!

Then Tenten turned her silver eyes on him, her face impeccably composed, and Sasuke stopped short. He swallowed hard, staring at the other doujutsu-user, and long-ago lessons in manners from his mother rose to the front of his mind.

“Senpai,” he said, in a more courteous tone of voice, and with a small bow, “Would you agree to duel with me? Please?”

There was another, louder gasp from his classmates - as much for the way Sasuke was speaking, that he had actually inclined his head, as for the fact that he had just challenged the older student. Hinata had begun to wring her hands.

Tenten regarded him for a long, silent moment, before bowing back with the exact same inclination of her head. The clanborn among their classmates noticed that, and thought about how their various tutors in clan etiquette would have pointed to the two as examples of perfect execution. “I would be happy to,” she said. “After class?”

“If that is convenient to you,” Sasuke replied politely.

“The Academy practice-yards?” Tenten suggested.

“That sounds good,” Sasuke agreed.

“See you there, then,” Tenten said, returning to the book she had been reading. Sasuke stared at her for a moment before turning back to his class’s side of the playground.

There, he was swarmed by gaping and admiring classmates, Kiba and Naruto howling that for a bastard he was a brave son of a bitch. Hinata stood apart, her gaze darting between Sasuke and her cousin.

Tenten was similarly swarmed, although she did not even deign to look up from her book. From high up in a tree, safely hidden, Neji glowered jealously at the younger boy, while Rock Lee bounced beside him in excitement.

***

For the rest of the school-day the two classes were in a lather of excitement, although both Sasuke and Tenten seemed calm, almost ostentatiously so. The students stampeded out as the end-of-class bell rang, both years streaming towards the practice-yards in a river of chattering humanity. The Last Uchiha versus the Hyuuga prodigy! Neji, still grumpy, pushed his way to the front of the crowd, finding himself standing next to a very loud-mouthed pair of younger students who immediately struck up a conversation with Lee, who had tagged along with his friend.

“Uchiha’s a bastard, but he’s our bastard!” bragged the darker-haired one, whose cheeks proclaimed him an Inuzuka.

“Sasuke’s gonna win,” agreed the blond next to him. “I mean, he beats me pretty often.”

“And who the hell are you?” snarled Neji, turning on the younger boy.

“Uzumaki Naruto,” proclaimed the blond, throwing his chest out. “Future Hokage!”

Neji sneered and was about to snap something cutting when Lee elbowed him hard. 

“Well, that may be so, but Tenten’s pretty good too,” Lee said appeasingly, trying to keep his friend from saying something he would regret. Neji was a nice kid, really - he just lost his head when it came to Tenten. “Plus, we have a year more training than you. More, maybe, because Tenten’s a Hyuuga and they start training young.”

“If that’s the case why’s Hinata so easy to beat?” Naruto wondered out loud.

Unseen, far back in the crowd, but able to watch with her Byakugan on, Hinata wilted.

Even more unseen, Tenten - in the middle of warm-up stretches - smirked to herself.

***

The fight was exciting, a highlight of their careers as students. They would speak of the fight for the rest of their time in school, and for many of the ones who did not make it to genin it would be the greatest fight they would see with their own eyes.

They started slow, with textbook-perfect Academy taijutsu and bukijutsu. Slowly they ramped up the pace, until they were darting at each other too fast for some of their classmates to see. Their respective fanclubs kept up a constant cheer, but the crowd was silenced when Sasuke, flung away by a powerful palm-strike, sent an actual fireball blazing at Tenten.

Neji made a strangled noise in his throat, making an abortive movement forward when he saw the fireball. But Tenten was already moving, rolling out of the way. When she stood up, they saw that her Byakugan had gone active, veins pulsing with chakra.

From there on the intensity kicked up several notches, Tenten’s Jyuuken strikes looking deceptively gentle as they brushed against Sasuke but his pained responses showing their effectiveness.

In the end, she won. But she bowed to Sasuke and actually smiled at him, saying, “That was a very good fight, Uchiha. Next week?”

Sasuke blinked, and then accepted with a nod. He swaggered back, his classmates regarding him with awe. He’d been beaten, yes - but look at how awesome a kunoichi it had taken to do it! And he could spit fire!

Hinata went home, Tenten one step behind her as usual but with a smoky smell of fire chakra attending her, thinking about how skillfully Tenten had executed the Jyuuken attacks.

Sasuke went home, bizarrely comforted by having been beaten. Hyuugas, after all, were nearly as good as Uchihas, his father had once implied - even if they were all stuffy snobs. And this girl was supposed to be one of their best. Eventually he, Sasuke, would become better than her, of course, he was still growing and still learning, but that meant there was still something to learn in the Academy - still people he could hone his edge on, in the Village.

Neji went home, half-excited by the fight, half-jealous that it had taken a younger brat to make Tenten smile, to make her use her Byakugan.

***

Later, that night, Tenten smirked to herself. The fight had been fun, a chance to let loose. But she hadn’t really - she could have beaten the boy more quickly, but she had deliberately drawn it out, kept her Jyuuken strikes just a shade less damaging so the Uchiha could power through - so that she had more time to perform. She had seen, with her Byakugan, several of her clan watching the fight from afar. And she had seen their expressions when she had faultlessly executed her Jyuuken attacks - foregoing speed and power for absolute precision, absolute fidelity to the Jyuuken canon.

She knew how well she appeared, in comparison to Hinata’s sloppy Jyuuken. To an outsider’s eyes Hinata’s carefully trained form would appear just fine, but to Hyuuga eyes every deviation appeared bright and sharp.

She didn’t need to show how much she despised her cousin; all she needed to do was let others know how much Hinata deserved that disdain.

Also, it had been nice to see Neji’s jaw drop.

***

[chemicalmagecraft]

Foresight is 20/20 Chapter 14

Hinata's palm struck me in the jaw, making me grunt. "Kick his ass, Hina-chan!" Kurama cheered from the sidelines. It was nice seeing how well those two were getting along, even if it meant him encouraging her to beat me up. The two of them actually helped each other a lot. Hinata warmed Kurama up to humankind and got him to be slightly less angry, while Kurama made sure to rub some of his "I'm better than you lousy humans" pride off on her, causing her to be a bit more confident. Plus he liked imparting little bits of arcane knowledge upon his favorite human, meaning...

I just barely noticed with my chakra sense that Hinata was leaking a small amount of chakra out of her fingertips, so I jumped back. Unfortunately, I'd determined with my eyes that expressing too much interest in obtaining the Byakugan with my chakra assimilation would only cause most of the clan to grow wary of me, so I didn't have the ability to actually see her jutsu, but at least I knew to stay away.

I made a few seals, but had to stop when the barely-there chakra rushed me. Even though I moved my arms the chakra swerved faster than I thought it would, causing my left arm to go completely numb. "Ow," I said despite the fact that the problem was that I couldn't feel any pain in my arm. "You're getting faster with that, aren't you?"

"Yeah," Hina-chan said. "Kurama-chan helped me figure it out."

I tried to move my arm, but couldn't. Eight Trigrams Heavenly Will as it was called by most of the family, or much less pretentiously Tenketsu Puppetry Jutsu by Hinata, was a jutsu Hinata invented by combining the basics of Juken that she was learning with the chakra threads I'd showed her how to make and then some sort of advice from Kurama. In addition to acting like a ranged, though technically much less potent, version of Juken, the threads stayed inside the tenketsu of the victim meaning that not only was any recovery from the attack blocked until they were removed but she could also, as her name for it suggested, puppeteer my arm.

"Impressive, sis, but you know that that doesn't exactly work on me." I raised my right pointer finger, causing a single link of yellow chain to form on it. With a bit of concentration, I changed the yellow Adamantine Sealing Chain to a shadowy purple permutation, Adamantine Destruction Chain. I swiped at roughly where I felt the chakra threads with it, managing to snap all of them and suck the foreign chakra from my body.

I'd figured out that my assimilation could also adapt powers that were compatible enough together. I was already working under the assumption that I couldn't just make new elements by combining people's affinities because that would be broken, but I did alchemize Ai's Adamantine Sealing Chain together with the Kikaichu's Parasitic Destruction to make chains that could drain chakra as well as disrupt it for some extra chakra cost. Plus, the disruption and absorption effects synergized, enhancing each other's performance. And there was also the || combination, Parasitic Sealing, which allowed me to cover my body in an aura that disrupts and absorbs chakra. Though it was harder to do than Adamantine Destruction and wasn't perfect...

But I digress. I pointed the chain link at Hinata, shooting an entire chain at her. The general consensus of just about anyone who I used my special chains on was that if I got a grab in the fight was over. Sure, I could still only have more than a few links out for a few seconds without any boost before I got super tired, but between the draining and the throw I could easily pull off with the chains I only needed one good grab to wear down even adults. At least enough to jump in with a few cheap hits to finish them off. Hinata obviously knew this by now, so she ducked under my chain, then rolled out of the way when I tried to pin her to the ground.

I was expecting her to do that, though, and had already prepped my next jutsu. Metal marbles, designed so I could hurt but not kill with my magnet release, scored hits on her side. I charged, and she blocked my foot with her hand. I winced, realizing my mistake when my leg turned numb from the near-instantaneous point-blank Heavenly Will. I used my demon gem-based flight to try to kick her with my other foot, but she got it before I could.

"Full body takeover, eh?" I asked as the rest of my body below my neck was wrested from my control. Really, having a relatively non-draining jutsu that might as well be an automatic win to anyone in melee distance is even more broken than I am...

"Sorry, but can I practice this for a bit?"

I tried to shrug, but remembered the futility. "Go ahead. I still have control over my demon gems, so I can catch myself if you slip up." Hinata spent the rest of the sparring session finding stupid dances to make me do, egged on by Kurama. I did get her to work on her proxy chakra control a bit, though. She could almost make me do Juken by the end. And I could almost do Juken by the end.

kukukuku~

Tenten said something, probably about how much it stank that we had to go to school, as we walked ourselves to school. Well, they walked and I floated because I actually may or may not have a bit of trouble matching other people's walking paces, especially if I'm not paying too much attention... I didn't know what she was saying, though. I was thinking. I mumbled something in response and pulled out my sealing notebook and note-taking pencil, which I used to write down the formula I thought of. I tuned out their conversation even more as I sketched the complex seal down as best I could.

"You messed up a little there," Tenten said as I was finishing off the last strokes.

"Hm?" I asked.

She pointed to one of the runes and oh my that was very wrong. "I'm not sure, but I think it'll just tear a hole in the fabric of space if you don't fix that stabilizing rune." I thanked her and hurriedly fixed it.

"I feel like maybe you should not write down a seal that could potentially tear a hole in the fabric of space itself until you're absolutely sure it won't do that?" Neji said with more than a little concern.

To be honest, I didn't blame him, but... "Graphite's pretty much the worst for making seals," I explained, "which means that it's really good for practicing making the more dangerous seals because it's almost impossible to activate it accidentally. Unless you're a jinchuriki, maybe, but even then you'd probably have to be pretty distracted."

"Well why didn't you have me use a pencil when you were trying to teach me seals, then?"

Finished, I stowed the notebook. "Okay in my defense I wasn't expecting you to screw up the easiest seal in the book when given detailed instructions, much less screw it up enough to accidentally make an incredibly simplified explosive seal. And with the last seal I had you do, I think we both know that you should always assume that there will be an explosion when making a paper bomb."

I tried to teach Neji fuinjutsu once. Turns out he's literally the worst at it. He somehow managed to turn a basic light seal into a thankfully tiny bomb with only a big enough blast radius to burn itself off of whatever it's written on with a noise like a firecracker, which apparently was a theme with him. No matter what, he would always make bombs out of whatever seal I gave him. And then, when I tried to have him purposefully make a bomb, hoping that maybe he was just some sort of bomb savant, he somehow managed to make a seal tag that teleported itself and whatever it was touching to a random place within a fifty meter radius. Which, okay, free spacetime ninjutsu, but how? "I'm still scratching my head on how you managed to make a short-range teleport out of a bomb. Speaking of, what's your mom make of it, Tenten?"

She snorted. "She's still on that high from the wedding, so she's been more concentrated with being all lovey-dovey with Mommy than looking over the seal, but she did say to never let Neji near a seal again when I told her it was supposed to be a paper bomb."

"It wasn't really that bad, was it?" Neji asked.

Tenten laughed and shook her head. "Not at all, Neji..."

"...It's much worse," I finished her sentence with a slight grin. We high-fived. "When I looked at the seal you were making with my eyes, I saw a lot of different possibilities. Random teleportation was one of the better ones. You don't want to know what the worse ones were."

"Right." He didn't believe me. To be fair, I did tend to mess with him... And was messing with him. "So what's the seal you were working on supposed to do? I'm assuming it's somehow related to spacetime."

"Yeah, normally when people screw up seals that have nothing to do with spacetime, the result doesn't do anything to the fabric of reality," Tenten said, elbowing Neji.

"Shut it."

I shrugged. "You're right, though. It was most certainly a spacetime seal."

"Yeah, it looked a bit like an object summoning seal, but a little different," Tenten said. "Was it meant to swap objects between two paired seals?"

"Close. My hope is that it'll form a portal between two locations when chakra's input on both ends, and that it's compatible with demon sage chakra. It's still a little rough around the edges, though."

"Let me guess, secret base," Tenten said.

I brushed my hand through my hair. I was combing it less now, so it was a bit curlier and fluffier. And it was getting so long that my bangs started falling over my left eye more. I loved the way it looked, though. "Obviously. In fact, I have an agent working on finding the location right now. Haven't found anything good yet, though."

"How do you have an agent?" Neji asked me.

"Magic." I noticed a certain building and pointed at it. "Hey, isn't that the school? That looks like a school."

"Yup, that's the school," Tenten said. "Mommy took me here a lot. Mama's job is a little less kid-friendly, plus the teachers looked after me when I didn't want to sit through Mommy's classes."

"Oh right," I said. "Your mom's a teacher."

"Yeah, I said that earlier, weren't you paying attention?"

Something about that sentence felt a little doomy, though I couldn't tell why. "No, I was thinking about how to breach through spacetime to reach another location without accidentally summoning Mega Neo Beqthulhuzillaon, Destroyer of Souls and Eater of Worlds."

"Is that an actual concern?" Neji asked. "Are you messing with us or could you have actually summoned some sort of eldritch horror monster?"

I smirked. "You should know the answer to that question by now. I'm assuming you know the way, Tenten?"

"Duh."

kukukuku~

I tried very hard not to groan. "My name is Uzumaki Tenko," our teacher for the next few years said, writing it on the chalkboard. God I hate chalkboards. If I were Hokage I'd make chalkboards illegal. Which is probably one of the reasons I should not be Hokage, actually... "I look forward to teaching you." I slumped in my seat. It's not that I didn't like her. Tenko was really nice. No, the problem was that she knew I was a literal genius relative to my age level, and with that comes... expectations...

Before, my plan was to just rest on my near-complete high school-level education to put the bare minimum amount of work into the actual academic parts of ninja school, which considering what grades I got with how little effort I put into school before would've made me best in class or thereabouts already. But Tenko already saw me put actual effort into something, meaning she might have been able to tell when I didn't put in the work. So if I didn't want to hear about it from her and Tenten both I'd have to at least half-ass it. Ugh...

I sound like Shikamaru, don't I?

"Didn't I tell you she was going to be our teacher earlier?" Tenten muttered to me. I guess that was what I missed... "And why are you so annoyed Mommy's your teacher?"

"Because she'll actually care if I don't put any effort into my work," I whispered back.

"How terrible," Neji snarked. I flicked him with natural energy. Using natural energy without sage mode may have been a lot weaker, but I could at least flick someone sitting right next to me hard enough to feel. He flicked me back, though. My Neji may have been completely seal-illiterate, but he was just as much of a ninjutsu genius as in canon, and figured out how to feel and manipulate natural energy just by watching me do it, though he hadn't quite managed sage mode yet. We proceeded to engage in invisible and incredibly petty warfare that Tenko would probably have stopped if she were a sensor. Luckily, Tenten was too amused to turn us in. She almost gave us away with her giggling, though.

"Now, why don't you introduce yourselves?" I'm not saying that I completely tuned everyone's introductions out, but I am saying that the only names that I retained aside from Hyuga Neji, Uzumaki Tenten, and Rock Lee was someone from the Yamanaka family whose given name was Kaede. Kaede is a pretty awesome name. Why couldn't I have been a Kaede?

"Hello. My name is Hyuga Kouki," I said when it was my turn. "The reason why I don't look like Neji despite us having the same family name is because he's adopted."

"What!?" Neji spluttered. "No! You're the adopted one!"

"It's nice to meet you," I halfheartedly finished, pretending Neji said nothing. He flicked me for my troubles when I sat down. I flicked back, and as if someone assassinated a duke or something, Flick War II began.

kukukuku~

"Just remember that these are friendly matches," Tenko said when we were all sitting on the ground by the sparring ring. "If I feel like someone is being hurt too badly, I'll stop it there. And once more, it's taijutsu only."

"Why'd you look at me when you said that?" I asked. Her glare turned a little more accusatory. I pouted. "I wasn't gonna do it anyway..."

"Right," she said, turning away from me. "You may now look at the slips of paper I gave you. Who has one?" Tenten and a boy I should probably have known the name of raised their hands. "You two are first. And Tenten, try not to rough him up too badly, okay, sweetie?"

The unnamed kid grinned maliciously. "I hope teach doesn't get too angry after I beat up her precious daughter." Neji and I exchanged a look and snickered. Right, like that kid stood a chance. When they were told to start, the kid jumped in for a punch. Tenten dodged easily and shoved him to the side. He stumbled and fell.

"Get him with your Uzumaki strength, Tenten," I cheered dully.

She scowled at me. "For the last time!" Tenten shouted, then picked up the nearest object. Namely the unnamed kid. "I'm not!" She hoisted her hapless victim above her head. "Freakishly strong!" She threw Hapless Victim at me. Without even blinking, I deployed the demon gems hanging from my earlobes. One formed a springy barrier in front of me that safely absorbed the impact of the collision without too much damage to Hapless, while the other formed a barrier under him to cushion his fall.

"I have no idea why I would think that," I said as I recalled my gems. "Truly, your ability to lift over your body weight in small child despite being yourself a small child is totally unremarkable." She blushed and growled at me.

"Kouki, please stop antagonizing Tenten," Tenko said. "The match is over, Tenten wins."

"How did you do that?" another small child I probably should've known the name of asked me.

"Magic."

Hapless (I was now trying to commit his face and chakra signature to memory so I could keep calling him that) groaned and sat up. "I thought we weren't allowed to use jutsu!" he complained.

"You weren't," I said. "The Uzumaki bloodline manifests itself passively in the form of enhanced vitality and strength, something that Tenten definitely has even if she doesn't quite have the traditional looks."

"HEY!"

"So really, you didn't stand a chance."

Hapless stomped off to his seat and the rounds began again. After a few, it was my turn, as well as, "coincidentally" enough, a young Rock Lee.

"Remember, no jutsu," Tenko reminded me.

"Yeah, yeah," I said, then got into my fighting stan- "Ah, crud," I muttered, realizing that I had not been doing regular old sparring enough. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd actually practiced fighting someone without ninjutsu or genjutsu.

"Start."

I dodged a really shoddy punch. To be honest, it was pretty weird seeing Lee suck at taijutsu. Very lucky for me, but weird. I leaned away from another punch, then caught his arm. "Stop," I commanded. I uncurled his fist, removed his thumb from his palm, and then forced his hand into a proper fist. "It's a common mistake," I assured him. "If you punch someone with your fingers around your thumb, you'll probably break it. Oh, and hit me with those two big knuckles, not the entire fist." When I released him, he cautiously punched me. "Good," I said after catching his hand with mine. "However, I'm afraid that now I have to..." I twisted around and slung his arm over my shoulder in an attempt to suplex him or something. "Finish you!" Key word being attempt... I may or may not have only lifted him onto my back...

"I don't think you did what you were attempting to do..." he said.

"Stupid physics. I always hated that subject..." I shrugged and just dropped backwards in what I hoped looked like a planned move. I really needed to work on my taijutsu...

"Okay, that was not at all what I was expecting..." Tenko sighed. "Kouki wins, I guess..."

"You okay?" I asked as I got off Lee.

He sighed. "I am fine..."

The third noteworthy match was Neji versus Yamanaka Kaede, a hotblooded girl with orange hair like that one Fu guy and red eyes. While Neji was technically a pseudo jinchuriki by now from my experiments, his powers were weird and technically even his "passive" strength would be considered an active jutsu, especially because he could turn it off. The Yamanaka, on the other hand, was surprisingly strong for a Yamanaka. Maybe she was part Uzumaki? She did have red hair. At any rate, while Neji was almost overpowered at one point, he beat her. He was a genius after all.

kukukuku~

"Hey," I said, then sat down on the floor next to Lee. Okay, I actually floated just a bit off the ground, but the sentiment was there... "Sorry about beating you so bad."

He sighed. "No, it's okay... I already knew I would not do well here. I cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu, and you saw how my taijutsu is..."

"Can you channel chakra into things?" I asked. I really wanted to know what would happen if I started him off early.

"I can, but no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to use a jutsu. The doctor said that there is a problem with my chakra coils, so I am incapable of molding my chakra into jutsu..."

I shrugged. "Not exactly a dealbreaker, if you're willing to work extra hard."

"What do you mean?"

I summoned my crystal ball. Yeah, I know it's kind of a stereotype, but I'd made the jutsu from that crystal ball jutsu Sarutobi used to see Naruto in the first episode, plus it did kinda look cool. "Watch this." I waved my hands over the floating crystal ball, casting the jutsu. Despite not activating my Shoraigan, the crystal ball changed to show another location. By using a physical medium, I could show my vision to others and didn't have the same backlash, though with the downside that it wasn't private and I didn't get nearly as much information.

"See that man?" I said, pointing to Gai training. "He used to be about where you are, but now he's one of the most dangerous shinobi in Konoha through taijutsu alone. Do you want to know how?" I put away the ball and looked at Lee. His eyes said yes. "An insane amount of practice, training, and diligence, combined with challenging himself to do something even more difficult whenever he fails a training exercise. You should probably take time to rest every once in a while, especially at first to keep from permanently damaging your body, but I see a fire in you. There's no reason why you couldn't become as good as or perhaps even better than him one day."

There were stars in his eyes, and he was almost crying. "Do you think so?"

I gave him a small grin. "I know so. Also..." I pulled out the other thing I had for him. "This is a bit of a beginner's fuinjutsu kit, at least my version of it. Try and see if you have some aptitude for it. You may not be able to inscribe seals with chakra alone, but if you pick up enough you might be able to work wonders with seals." Imagine Rock Lee with the ability to make and use seals. To be honest I have no clue what would happen but I do know it would be amazing.

He stood up, energized, and gave me a deep bow. "Thank you very much! I will make sure to become a splendid ninja!"

My grin was genuine. "I'm sure you will."

kukukuku~

Usagi

I lurched along the dirt path. My new body of stone and earth was not suitable for travel in the slightest, but I had no other alternatives. It seemed that compatibility with myself was not quite as common outside of Konoha as I assumed it was at first, and the rabbit was either a stroke of luck on my part or perhaps somehow related to how Kurama was present in End Valley at one point. Perhaps his chakra acted as a primer. Still, I did sense a few scattered people in small villages who had compatibility, though I couldn't in good conscience simply abduct and kill an innocent person. I needed to find a bandit with compatibility.

"Well well well, what do we have here?" a source of malicious intent jeered as two men appeared from behind trees. Speak of the devil... The two bandits, however, were nowhere near compatible.

"There's a toll to use this road," the other bandit said, brandishing his sickle. They had yet to realize my anomalous existence on account of the cloak, gloves, and mask I had fashioned for myself.

"Oh," I said. "I do apologize. I was not made aware of the toll. You really should put up a sign."

"You gettin' smart with us?" the first bandit asked. "We'll rough you up!" I probably didn't look like much of a threat either. The body I'd formed for myself was rather on the short side, to save energy. It was still definitely in the adult range, but not by much.

"You two are bandits, aren't you?" I asked. I already knew the answer, of course.

"Of course we're bandits, now give us all your loot!" The sickle-wielding bandit rushed me. That was a mistake. My body became fluid, the eyeholes of my mask gained two red lights where my eyes should have been, and I dodged effortlessly. I removed one of my gloves and placed my hand on his face, my hand like a lunging viper.

"Do you take chakra instead?" I asked, then infused his body with demon sage chakra. He dropped his weapon as his brain itself was altered in such a way that, while he didn't technically die, he certainly couldn't have been said to have been truly alive anymore. I removed my hand, revealing red markings across his face.

"What the hell!?" the other bandit shrieked. Without turning to him, I sent a signal to my new thrall. The bandit that I had just "killed" snarled like a beast and rushed at him. The... I suppose the best word for it would have been "zombie" bit the man on his arm with partially crystallized teeth. The man shrieked, throwing the zombie away and running in terror. I nodded to myself and split my attention in two, one half of my mind focusing on breaking the zombie down into more demon gems and the other tending to the bandit.

When my zombie bit him it infected him with my chakra, causing the cells in his arm to start to transform into the demon gem-like material that I'd used to zombify his partner. I altered the rate at which the infection spread, causing it to slow near the surface while speeding up within his blood and bones. My hope was that he'd notice the infection, cut his arm off and assume he got it all, then hurry back to his leader while carrying the infection. That would be fun. When I was done with the carrier, I turned my full attention to the zombie, which was almost prepared. With a final command, the corpse disintegrated into red powder. Some of it scattered to the wind, where it would be carried elsewhere. The rest came to me. About half of it went behind my mask, where it bolstered my existing gem. The other half I formed into another gem that I hid within my cloak.

With that done, I placed all of his belongings into a bag I had tied to my makeshift body under the cloak. I wasn't to know fuinjutsu, after all. I continued down the lonely road, ever-so-slightly quicker than I had before.

[narutxuzumaki]

And We Are Possessed

There’s a part of her, the hollow aching space in her that is relieved that there will be no Perseo when she dies. Perseo will burst into a great cloud of gold Dust and return back to the stars and there will just be her. Her to reckon with her mistakes and her demons and everything that exists in between. It is a hollow victory but it is victory still and it is hers. No one, not even her own daemon would ever be able to take that away from her. 

The makings and breakings of Hinata Hyuga in seven parts

When Hinata is young before she really understands life and daemons and the taboo of this, she asks what her mother’s name is. No, not her mother’s name, she knows that but her name, him. 

Her mother is steel always and she doesn’t flinch at her question. Her mother never flinches, even when she asks for more than she deserves and Hinata has always wanted more.

“Kahikina,” her mother says. Her mother’s robin -- no, Kahikina -- flutters down from her mother’s shoulder and settles by her knee. Her lap is full of her own daemon, Perseo and her hands buried into his fur are the only things that stop her from reaching out to the dainty little daemon. You’re supposed to hold tight to your soul but it's hard to think that when Kahikina brushes gently against her knee and that one touch is everything that she has always known her mother to be. Warm and loving and gentle and she only hopes that she and her mother’s souls are made of the same thing.

Perseo’s paw moves close to the other daemon and Kahikina hops straight onto it just as her mother brushes a strand of hair out of her face. “What does the name mean?” She asks and her mum, her mum, not Hiashi’s wife or Hyuga-sama or her mother, gives her that smile. That one that is just for her, the one that tells her that she loves her with all of her heart. It makes her heart swell so much that she’s certain that it's all just going to burst and years later this will be how she will always try to remember her mum. Surrounded by the flowers, mud smudged on her face and her daemon so close that she can feel his warmth. Years later she will try and remember that she was loved. She won’t remember how her mother’s eyes looked so sad, how scared she was. She won’t remember how everything still hurt, even then. 

“It means the coming, my father named me.” Her mum speaks as if she’s speaking some great secret that is only for the four of them. Her and Perseo lean forward because even though they do not yet know it, something in their bones says that this will be the last secret they ever get. Hinata will never find out that her mother’s daemon settled when the ground disappeared under her feet and her stomach lurched when she discovered it would be the oldest of the Hyuga twin’s that she would wed. Will never find out how her mother has a little vial of poison hidden away in her sleeve and that freedom tastes a little like blood and cyanide. All she will have is her half-written memories and the half-written person it leaves her with.

“And my name? What does it mean?” Her mother stiffens at the barrage of questions even though her voice is always always soft.

“It means great strength. Your father named you that.” Her mother’s voice is curt and hard and she bows under the weight of all the things she doesn’t yet understand. 

Hinata knows that she loves her sister with her entire heart. She knows it as easily as she knows that she has ten fingers and ten toes. Hanabi is only small but she is so easy to love. Even though her lungs are big enough to bring the whole compound down and do so many many times. She never cries when she’s with her though. She only stares up at her with her big Hyuga eyes and she knows, she just knows that little Hanabi is trying to speak to her with them.

Hanabi is only a baby but she says more than most people. She asks about the flowers and the loud orange boy that she’s taken to watching and mother all just with her eyes. She knows that she asks Perseo to settle into different shapes because she always seems to coo when she shifts into a butterfly and then laughs when he becomes a hummingbird, bright and fast in all the ways that she knows that she can’t be. Perseo once shifts into a small brown mouse and settles on Hanabi’s stomach because they know that she will find the feeling funny and they love her enough to do this for her.

The feeling of Perseo touching Hanabi is strange but Hinata has always been good at pushing past pain. She brushes her fingers through Hanabi’s soft hair, presses a kiss to her forehead cause healing is just a kiss away.

“Hinata! You should be in bed.” She spins around so fast that she nearly trips, catching herself on the crib. Perseo crawls out of the cot and scampers all the way up her arm until he’s nestled into the crook of her shoulder. Hanabi gives a little cry of dismay but she turns slightly so she can brush fingertips over Hanabi’s hand. Healing is only a kiss away she tries to tell Hanabi with just a touch. She thinks she must understand cause Hanabi is clever and she settles.

“Well?” Her mother’s voice is harsh and impatient and tired. Nothing at all like the calm and gentle woman she loves, she thinks, frowning.

“Mama, I heard Hanabi crying.” All the hard lines on her mother face soften until she’s just soft curves. It’s not quite her mother’s usual face but in the shadows of her lines, she catches shades of the women that she loves.

“You shouldn’t do that. Go to bed now.” She nods reluctantly and pulls away from Hanabi.

“Night mama. Night Hanabi.”She walks over to where her mother is, standing still and silent.

“Hinata wait,” her mother calls out and she stops and turns. “You’re a good sister but there may come a time where you may have to protect your sister over yourself. You don’t deserve a cage and neither does your sister but you were mine first and I would ask that you choose yourself first. Promise me that you will. Promise me!” Her mother’s words are half-stringed thoughts that don’t make any sense. Kahikina is staring at her in a way that he has never done before as if there’s not enough time in the world and nowhere to run. It is the first time that he has ever looked caged and Perseo’s tiny claws dig sharply painfully into her shoulder. Hurting in a way that it isn’t meant to with your daemon.

“Promise,” she says and it is all lie cause she would never let Hanabi get hurt. Her mother just nods, perfunctory and sharp and turns away, closing all conversation. She goes back to her room confused and scared and Perseo scuttles off her shoulder and jumps onto the bed. By the time she’s undressed, he’s shifted into his usual cat form. She half-wonders if this is what he’ll settle into when its time. It's a stupid thought, Hyuga’s only settle into birds.

“She’s silly if she thinks we’d ever let anything happen to Hanabi,” Perseo says this slowly with all the soft force that she wishes came more easily to her. Her hands form into tight fists but she only shakes her head.

“Don’t talk about mother like that,” she says softly but Perseo only sniffs. She turns away from him because it's best that she doesn’t acknowledge how strange their relationship is. She can’t look back and think that maybe there’s a chance that Perseo doesn’t like her and she doesn’t like him. She’s young enough and strung up enough with enough dreams and hopes to not realise that won’t be the worst thing about her

She sees everything but the actual death. She sees the straggle of people surrounding the river bank and her father in the river soaked to the bone as he tries to drag something out. She sees her mum, her mum laid out on the bank, this wonderful wonderful woman, who is every song that she knows and the first face she sees when she thinks of love and her heart, soaked and still and so pale. She sees Ko who holds her face between his hands and is shaking and desperate, “Don’t look Hinata-sama. Don’t look!” His voice is a harsh bark but she knows that he is scared. She wants to tell him not to be scared because this is the river that she and mother went swimming on the other day and she’s going to get up. Just wait, her mother is going to get up. She wouldn’t leave her. Not ever because she had promised between every kiss goodnight and her mother had never, would never break that.

No, she doesn’t see her mother die. But she sees her daemon burst into gold dust. She hears a wail echo all through the compound as Ko drags her away. She feels something that is vital break.

This in many many ways is much much worse.

She won’t ever be able to scrub the memory of her mum’s daemon bursting into a million particles of gold dust. Not for as long as she lives. She’ll never ever forget. Not even if she grows old and blind.   

Perseo’s scream is terrifyingly human. It could be her own voice which is stupid because Perseo is her soul. He’s her soul in the way that her mama will never have hers. It is that thought that makes her cry. It is that thought that makes her eyes burn something unbearable. It is that thought that allows her to see her father covering her mother with a cloak and makes Ko gasp. Ko’s grey parrot shifts on his shoulder and she can see that too.

She can see everything, every unbearable ugly detail.

Her mother is gone.

And her mother is gone.

“Hinata-sama, your eyes.” She lifts her hands to her eyes and feels engorged veins. Perseo who is twined around her arm tastes a tear. He spits the taste out quickly because tears taste awful and grief is even worse.

Much later, her father will come into her room, still soaked from the river and heavy from the weight of his wife’s body. “You did well today activating your byakugan. You should be proud.” Her father places a heavy hand on her shoulder and she will feel the weight of an entire clan through that touch alone. It would be the last time she would ever get a compliment from him. It would, however, not be the last time she would feel the weight of his expectations.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Twenty-Nine: Wood ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: A Light Amongst Shadows ] [ AO3 Link ]

It takes more than a little time to adjust.

And not just to Konoha itself, but...to village life. For over three years, Sasuke hasn’t really had a place to call home. There was Orochimaru’s lair, sure...but that wasn’t a home, or a proper town. It was a maze of rooms and hallways, subterranean, lit only by torches with air both stale and tense. It had been a place to stay. To train. But not to live.

Then he’d killed the snake sannin...or, one piece of him. Sadly, he didn’t finish the job...though he’d had his uses further down the road.

And that left him...well, not homeless, but without a place to rest. No walls. No roof. No doors to shut on the world when he wanted. He took to the road with his new team...and never looked back. Transitory, transient, he had no place to tie him down. More often than not, they’d bed down in the trees off the roadside each night of their journey, with only the boughs and the stars over their heads.

He wouldn’t admit it, but...those were some of his favorite times after leaving Konoha behind.

There’s a certain peace in the woods. An isolation, but not loneliness. Surrounded only by sounds of the environment, the animals, the trees. Insects would buzz in the quiet, water would flow, a breeze gently rustling the limbs of the forest.

So, when things just become...too much, Sasuke retreats back to that wood. Back to the silence broken only company he neither sees, nor seeks.

Konoha is still reeling after the war. Politics and politicians are abuzz like a rattled wasp nest. And Sasuke knows things will only get worse once they move in on the council in search of Itachi’s pardon, and the revelation of the Uchiha Massacre’s truth. Only then, with her shadows brought to light, can Konoha begin to heal. Truly, and deeply this time. Never again will they allow those who abuse their power into such positions. He may not be able to change the world...but Sasuke will do his damnedest to change his home.

Into something better.

...but not today.

Today, he hides away in the deeper parts of Hi no Kuni’s forests. Back against a trunk, he keeps one leg flat against the grass, the other bent at the knee to rest his new arm. Even now, he’s still conditioning the regenerated muscles to the strain of use. But for now, all he needs to do is doze in the dappled Spring sunlight that fights its way through boughs to the forest floor.

Birdsong serenades him, dueting with a nearby creek. Insects rattle and hum in a nearby bush, the wind singing softly in the leaves.

...and then...footsteps.

A single dark eye opens, but only just. They’re a ways off yet, not quite in his line of sight. Light and cautious, they’re nonetheless unhidden. Whoever it is, they’re not trying to sneak up on him...or if they are, they’re doing a piss poor job. More than likely, they’ve no idea he’s even here.

Watching idly as ears help place their location, there’s a blink as a growingly-familiar form then steps out from between the trees. Hyūga. The elder main branch sister. Otherwise known as Hinata, though they aren’t exactly on first name terms. Or rather, he isn't. She still calls him Sasuke-kun. He just calls her - and the rest of them - Hyūga. His manners aren’t exactly top form.

She seems to be looking for something. Not moving, he decides to wait and see how long it takes her to notice him. In one hand she clutches a jar, Byakugan active...but not looking his way. A brief consideration leaves him guessing she’s likely looking for an insect for her Aburame teammate. Slowly her head turns, scanning her surroundings before tensing. Eyes flicker in their sockets as she watches, slowly stalking forward...until with a snap, she claps the lid to the rim of the jar. Peering in, her shoulders relax.

Apparently, she got it.

“Konbanwa, Sasuke-kun.”

He blinks. Huh...apparently she did know he was here. Must have seen him earlier in her search. “Hyūga.”

There’s an ever-present sigh. “You really don’t have to call me that, you know. I’m just fine with you using my given name.”

Sasuke doesn’t answer. In truth, he doesn’t feel close enough to her yet to use it. Though...just because he hasn’t yet doesn’t mean he will. Making friends isn’t exactly his priority. And given how closely the Hyūga have been working with him, his brother, and his cousin...he’s not exactly eager to spend any more time with any of them.

...though her company, out of them all, is probably the most tolerable.

Screwing on the hole-peppered lid tightly, she approaches, giving just a hint of a smile. “...enjoying the afternoon…?”

“Taking a break from people.” No sense beating around the bush with her.

“I do the same...it’s so peaceful out here. Though...I guess I’m intruding, aren’t I?”

Rather than answer her question, he dodges by asking her one in turn. “What were you catching?”

“Oh! Well...there’s a beetle Shino-kun has been looking for, so...I thought I’d use a free day to look for one.” She holds out the jar. “It’s a yamatotamamushi.”

A brow perks at the name.

“They’re a very pretty green color, with red stripes!” Coming a bit closer, she crouches and offers the glass. “He wants one for a terrarium he’s making.”

Not exactly a fan of insects (though also not repulsed), Sasuke gives her a glance before gingerly accepting it. Within, marching along the bottom, is the very bug she described. Turning the jar, its color shifts and shimmers.

“Huh...guess it’s sort of pretty.”

“I thought so!” Hinata chirps in reply. “Hopefully he likes it - he’s on a mission today, so...I can’t show him until tomorrow. But it should make for a n-nice surprise.” Carefully, she tucks the little jar into the pouch clipped to her thigh.

Silence falls.

“...well, I guess I should give you your privacy back, ne?” Hinata straightens her legs, stretching a bit. “It’s such a pretty day...I’m glad I didn’t end up with an assignment. And Neji-nīsan is training Hanabi this afternoon. That left me with a rather open schedule, though...I guess now that I caught the beetle, I should probably head back.”

“Not going to stay and enjoy the weather?”

Looking to him, a tinge of surprise alights her face. “...well, I don’t want to interrupt…”

“It’s not like you’re out here making a ruckus.” Much like either of his teammates would be, were they here. “Pretty sure you know better than most of our year how to just sit and be quiet.”

There’s a blink, and then Hinata giggles into the cuff of a sleeve. “Well...most, but not all.” Pale eyes glance around. “...well, I...suppose I can stay for a bit.”

“Have at it.”

After a brief pause, she takes a few steps to another nearby trunk, settling against it facing opposite her new companion. Arms hug her knees to her chest, staring up into the limbs above her.

Sasuke watches her for a moment before settling back with a sigh, eye closing.

...maybe some company won’t hurt.

     Whoops, another late night! Today was very busy irl, and tomorrow likely will be too...but hey, I got things done!      It took me longer than it should have that wood doesn't have to mean a PIECE of wood, but...woodS, too xD Hence having a little tranquil moment with Sasuke and Hinata both. And...Hinata's new beetle friend.      Though on that note, I'd better hop to the rest of what I'd like to get done tonight! Thanks so much for stopping by!

[cyb-by-lang]

“The Canine Warriors” Snippet

Here we go!

Yatsu

Reaching the Land of Hot Water for the rendezvous is probably the easiest part of the journey. While the country has its own shinobi village, it’s been under constant pressure from Kumogakure since the fall of Uzushiogakure and can’t afford to keep adequate border patrols. Konoha and Yugakure are nominally allied, so it makes sense that the security is lighter on the border with the Land of Fire, but Yatsu still sees it as unforgivably lax.

He doesn’t trust most people in Konoha further than he can throw them, and that goes triple for foreigners. Kumo is an enemy, and Yu is a barely-adequate buffer zone against them. Two weeks out of Konoha is too far and too long for Yatsu’s tastes.

“So, do you think our informant’s gonna be anyone famous?” Fuse asks no one in particular once their group slows for a break.

Speaking of people Yatsu neither likes nor trusts…

Yatsu sighs inwardly at the thought of Fuse talking. She’s been full of questions this entire time, and it’s been driving him up the wall. They only have one town left to reach before they’ll meet up with their informant near the coast, and approaching it at top speed would be ill-advised even with Yugakure’s security measures. Even so, Yatsu wishes they could have gotten a little farther before the idiocy started up again.

“Doubt it, Fuse-chan,” Wataru responds, though his voice is still cheerful. “All the famous people from Kiri wouldn’t want to talk to little ol’ us. I mean, sure, the only one I can even remember is the Second Mizukage, but they’re pretty much all jerks anyway.”

“I thought the Second Mizukage died two months ago,” Fuse says, scrunching her face in confusion.

“I still want to know if he took the Second Tsuchikage with him,” Fuse’s dog adds, tilting his huge head to one side. “The guy’s invisible, though, so maybe we’ll never know.”

Yatsu is not looking forward to traveling with these ignoramuses for the last leg of the journey. Sooner or later, an actual problem will arise, and it���ll all end in blood. Probably the second Sakumo turns his back.

“A visually distinct informant would be disadvantageous for us,” Miyako comments. Yatsu is uncomfortable around her, but admittedly the relentlessly grim foreigner is not...annoying. Just frigid. “While we have every right to be in this country in the current political climate, removing our ally from the battlefield will be difficult if they are both pursued and easy to track.”

Something about the way she speaks tells Yatsu that she’s personally done the tracking in some of those cases. It doesn’t make sense, not when she has no long-range sensor capabilities worth mentioning, but nonetheless he’s certain.

“I have a description,” Sakumo replies, when the squad turns as one to him for answers. Except for Wataru, who is petting both Inuzuka dogs and, to be perfectly honest, probably wouldn’t do anything with the information in any case.

“You sharing with the class, Captain?” Wataru quips anyway, because of course he does. He stops petting Fuse’s dog and waggles a finger at their team’s leader. “I hope you brought enough details for everyone.”

Satomi muffles a laugh behind her hand while Sakumo just sighs.

“Is it someone we’d know?” Fuse asks again, once again proving that she’s as persistent as her clan’s iconic animal.

Sakumo shakes his head. “No, it isn’t. As interesting as it would be to get, say, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen on our side, it’s just not happening.”

“It must be someone who would not be missed, except perhaps by their closest comrades,” Miyako mutters, though Wataru immediately whips his head around to listen to her. In a more audible voice, she continues, “Only a few of Kirigakure’s shinobi are so crucial to their war efforts that signs of disloyalty can be dismissed. While we do expect some form of pursuit, we would have heard of any famous shinobi leaving Kirigakure’s good graces.”

“You’re just a font of information, aren’t you?” Yatsu grumbles suspiciously.

“I read.” When that draws looks from everyone, she explains, “Being foreign-born, I must study to keep pace with shinobi born into the life. Failing to do so is pure complacency.”

Wataru hooks an arm around Miyako’s waist and hugs her. “And sharing with your idiot friends is generosity! Thanks, Miyako-chan. I didn’t know, and it was a good reminder for those of us who did.”

Fuse claps politely, while Sakumo sighs again.

Miyako sighs the exact same way that Sakumo does, but accepts Wataru’s hug.

“Anyone who actually paid attention during Academy history lectures would know that!” Yatsu finally bursts out.

Wataru and Miyako look at each other, while Fuse starts to turn red from embarrassment. Satomi and Sakumo are silent, as though they’re waiting for the inevitable explosion after his frustration inevitably boiled over. He can still nearly feel their disapproval as a physical force.

Wataru breaks the silence first. “I was a little busy learning how to hold a kunai, honestly,” he says, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. “I didn’t even get to Konoha until I was twelve. On the bright side, I was the tallest kid in class!”

He still can’t hold a kunai correctly. It’s not a gardening trowel!

“Wrong country,” Miyako adds blandly. Because the naginata, yumi, and utter lack of genjutsu still don’t give that away.

Everyone slowly turns to look at Fuse, who crosses her arms defensively. “History was boring.”

“It’s nice to know all of you shore up each other’s weaknesses so well,” Satomi says mildly. Her tone and her expression are completely at odds, and her canine partner bares her teeth to emphasize that dissonance.

Yatsu grumbles to cover his discomfort, turning his face away. “Tch.”

“Go ahead and just eat,” Sakumo orders, though the tension is still high.

While the group unpacks ration bars—and Wataru somehow manages to produce a bowl of miso ramen from a storage seal—Yatsu stays as far from the hostile eyes of his teammates as he can. He has no interest in interacting with Fuse, Wataru, or Miyako, and he doubts Satomi or Sakumo want to interact with him. They’re siding with the other three.

Yatsu sits with his back squarely to a tree trunk, to block the Byakugan’s blind spot from direct attack. He checks the surrounding ten kilometers with a quick glance from his activated Byakugan, then relaxes somewhat.

“Is there anyone nearby?” Satomi asks him, though she’s sitting just far enough away that she needs to raise her voice. It’s almost as though she and Sakumo don’t want to be anywhere near him.

“Nothing of note,” Yatsu replies, then goes back to chewing on the glorified tree bark that ration bars seem to be made of. It’s uniquely unpalatable and yet somehow remains standard issue. Maybe if he holds his nose and chews quickly...

“You sure you don’t want any of this, Miyako-chan?” Wataru asks the most stab-prone member of their team. He’s offering her about half of his portion of ramen noodles. “It tastes better than that does.”

Miyako shakes her head. After she swallows a mouthful of whatever ration bars are made of, she says, “They are no trouble. They do not contain sawdust.”

Everyone in earshot stares at her. Fuse is looking at her with an expression that resembles pity, and Yatsu finds himself sympathizing. Food is food, even if it tastes like wood pulp anyway. He doesn’t want to imagine what circumstances force full starvation tactics like that. He’s been lucky enough that he’s never had to.

“Well, there is that!” Wataru laughs, breaking the tension again. And he gives Miyako another ration bar.

They’re both weird.

Yatsu resolves not to think about it.

[s-asuke]

Naruto FemSlash Week Day 3 - Unrequited - SakuHina

Warnings; angst, Neji is alive, onesided SakuHina, mentions of SasuSaku and NaruHina, NejiTen. It was always like this. The hangouts of Konoha 13 were bland, making Hinata enjoy them even less when Sasuke actually showed up. She didn't have anything about the last survivor of the Uchiha clan, she only bore a great sadness, because there was no way that Uchiha Sasuke wouldn't sit without someone pestering him. That 'someone' was Haruno Sakura. Hinata's sadness and dissapointment were imminent as she noticed her life long crush once again talk excitedly with Sasuke, her vivid pools crinkling at the edges and revealing the small wrinkles that begun to form from overworking and stressing out. Hinata had an urge to smooth them out, and even, if she possessed the bravery, kiss her nose, that scrunched up when Sasuke said something particularly unpleasant or sarcastic. She wondered which stars coupled to make the amount of beauty that resulted in her creation. Stark beauty of her smile and laughter made Hinata's face heat up to abnormal levels. People mistakened her love for the medic for affection directed towards the Jinchuuriki, and they couldn't be more wrong. Only Neji sensed otherwise. And when he did so, he would have an excuse for the two Byakugan users having to take their leave immediately. Naruto and Ino would call them party poopers, but the other Doujutsu user would 'hn', along with Tenten, who would just have more reason to sulk for her boyfriend leaving. When they walk out of the barbeque, it is safe territorry to ask. Neji is particularly gentle on such occassions. Weirdly so, but Hinata cherishes it with every cell of hers. "Hinata-sama, do you... still feel heartbroken over Sakura?" when he speaks these words, his Byakugan, white and bland as always actually shows a sprinkle of silver. Unlike Hinata's, whose was sparkling with unshed tears. "Neji-nii... yes... it does very much so... I, I don't know if I'm alive or not some days." "I see." He frowns, as if in deep thought, and his Byakugan activates, Hinata feeling invaded. "Your chakra is akin to the one of a sick man. I deduce further from this that you shoud tell her how you feel, before it all becomes meaningless and you cannot change her mind anymore. A mere, 'I will think about it', from the younger Hyuuga, and they part their ways. Hinata's legs feel like they are made of marble – she must carry it but never damage in any way. Why was it that her emotions revolved so strongly around the brave young woman so much after the war? During, she had kept her cool and remained flat-faced, emptying her heart for anything else other than fighting White Zetsu at the time. Her existence wasn't certain, her life perhaps ending in a few hours, or even before the next sunrise. So she endured. But when she seen the Team 7 emerge afterwards, after they defeated the famed ancestor of both Hyuuga, Uchiha and Senju, Hinata's heart burst with joy, unbeliavably so. Pride was intermingled with – her treasured soul perhaps wanting to merge with Sakura's, for them to feel the same. But life was cruel to the young heiress. Not a lot could be done at this point, so all Hinata looked forward too was the next morning, and her training with Neji. She had mastered her Twin Lion fists, the ones with whom she saved both Naruto and Neji with. She has made unbelievable progress and chosen to prove herself to her clan, reclaiming the supposed place of the heiress of the clan head. She had beaten Hanabi and made Jounin, clearly showing that she wanted to change the Hyuuga. Together with Neji, that is. Hearing about all of her achievements, Sakura beamed proudly at the darker haired female, hugging her in solidarity, the hug platonic, but everything Hinata needed at the moment – somewhat of a madness it was, loving someone who didn't love you back and allowing the fact to hurt you. So Hinata wept that night, because tomorrow, she will have the strength to confess. 0===0 Quiet morning was a familiar thing at the Hyuuga residence. Hinata wondered what Sakura's mornings were filled with. Did she wake up in a warm bed or with her back hurting at some hospital chair. She would bring her breakfast, perhaps even prompt her to go out, and take a brief walk. Then she would return to her residence and train. Train her heart out, just like she planned to do now. The training was taxing, but she needed the exaustion to tether her to the Earth before she ran to Sakura's apartment and confessed, particularly poured her soul out. And the evening when she would go and confess came. It looks like things run past all too well and all to quick when one keeps themselves busy. Hinata didn't want to think about the negative results, nor get her hopes up. She pretended she was going for a rapport, something fact-based and clinical. As Hinata passed Hanabi and her father, who smiled curtly (ever since grandfather died he has become more pleasant) and nearly ran to the still bustling streets of Konoha. While walking to the apartment of the pinkette, she actually shook in her tracks – her arms giving up, but she clenched – both her fists and her heart. The Hokage tower was near her apartment, so Tsunade-sama could call upon her greatest student when needed. The brown building rose up, and up, but Hinata couldn't be bothered with admiring Konoha's architecture. She entered the building nimbly, concealing her chakra. She felt a bile rise up her throat – but she decided, today is the day. The day that I leave it all behind, or make an unbreakable vow. The one set of stairs that led to Sakura Haruno's apartment was the longest flight of stairs Hyuuga Hinata ever had to pass. She even counted them – just to move her lips and occupy her brain. She noticed the cracks that were inflicted by the tooth of time, even if Konoha was rebuild years ago, there were tainted surfaces and slight cracks; she counted those, too. Reaching the door and cupping her own cheek, she knocked loudly, three curt times. There was a shout of, 'I'm coming!' and the lily-haired kunoichi towered over Hinata in no time. "Oh, Hina-chan!" She had that wide smile on, the one thing in this world that sometimes kept Hinata going. Her cheeks would puff out real nice, so the softness would seem to spill over the rims of her soft face, and crow's feet would form. Adoration that would spell out a shy, dorky smile on the Doujutsu user's face, as she entered, the exaustion dissolving from her feet and bones immediately. "So, what brings you here? I didn't expect you to come over." Hinata remembers that she jus tinvited herself over, and wanted to slap herself. "I-I'm sorry if I interrupted you in anything, I didn't mean to-" "Hinata," Sakura shook her head once more, "it's alright. Now what do you need?" Hinata blushed furiously, taken aback by the kindred soul across her. "I-well I..." she knew this would be tough. Actually saying it out loud – she had practiced many times with Neji, more than the Revolving Heaven these days, to say, 'Sakura-san, I harbor these feelings of love and affection towards you! Please accept them!', but nothing could prepare her for the actual moment of truth. "Hinata, please. If you'd-" "The truth is Sakura, that I don't know what to say." Tears fall. Gush. Tremble. Are reborn and die on her mouth – cheeks – neck. The subconcious drawing of the fucked up universe. "I know that I love you, first of all. I would die for you. And I said these words so many times in front of a mirror, it was insane. So, so even if you never love me back, I will always be by your side! 'Till the day I die! Because you are so strong, brave, intelligent, and you never stop amazing me, and I am proud of your achievements and development! Haruno Sakura, I love you very much and I hope you will give me a shot!" Silence. All except for the steady trickle of Hinata's tears down her pale cheeks – hollow eyes searching for an answer. Sakura looks as if she had been pierced by a Chidori – a thing likely to never happen, but the expression of amazement and horror was etched deeply into Hinata's mind from then. Eternities passed. Sakura gathered her hands in her lap, slightly trembling. Hinata waited for her lips to form an answer – and then, heavier than the Sun, Sakura speaks, "I can't." Hinata sinks. Everything in her burns – then rots – then slowly dies. What? Somehow everyhthing in Hinata sinks and darkens, blasting sanity away for a hundred feet. She doesn't know how she gets out, she doesn't know where she's going or where she's been, all she knows is that she is far away from home, perhaps even from Konoha, and that she is so weak. She spends the night in a nightmare. 0===0 Neji carried her, as it turns out. He had been caring for her for three days – and deceived the rest of the Hyuuga well. Hinata thinks the rehabilitation period is disgusting. Sakura was already in a relationship with Uchiha Sasuke, and Hinata's heart broke finally at its seams. Her Byakugan wouldn't activate, since there was no clarity of heart. Just a voidal hole in her chest – all consuming and inherently familiar. She thinks that it will come to pass, but it never does. Not even when she marries Naruto, just because. Not when she watches the renewed Uchiha Clan, its greatness shunning both Uzumaki and Hyuuga, which changed from the root. But Hinata watches from a distance. She and Sakura don't talk nearly as much, their connections and comunnications limited. So Hinata enjoys the heartbreak. Arises again. Repeats.

[chattegeorgiana]

I disagree with anon. There's hating a ship, then there's hating the character itself. Even without SS, Sakura was still largely hated across the fanbase for the most shallow of reasons. Some still blame her for Neji's death. I really doubt SS expected Sakura to get shafted to this point; from what I've seen, they are just as angry and sadden by this. At the same time, I'm aware that NH (not all shipper, if they are reading!) really only "supported" SS just to get Sakura out of the way. (1)

Honestly, I never meet Sakura hate so strong from that fandom. I remembered how the majority started acting all haughty with SS after The Last, then outright dropped SS when Gaiden came out. Some were even disappointed that Karin wasn’t outright confirmed the mother and called the manga a waste. For those NH who used to “support” SS, you would think they’ll have some sympathy for their “sister” shippers? (2)

The legit hate for Sakura is honestly so incredulous to me. The only fandom I’ve been in with character hate half as strong was Kingdom Hearts with Kairi. And even then the hate was half as strong, and only within fandom. The hate died down over the years. But Sakura? The fandom, SP, SJ, assistants, editors, hate her to this point? They are absolutely okay with erasing her importance within the manga? Okay with giving Hinata everything they hated in Sakura? The interview with Kishi (3)

comparing Sakura to a secondary character, overall downgrading her importance in the manga made me sad. But the reaction from NH succeed my disappointment in Kishi, and I only felt even more bitterness towards NH and Hinata. (4)

It’s why I can never like Hinata or NH, no matter how much they try and convince me. To be happy that they aren’t force to acknowledge Sakura as a heroine? Was NS that intimidating? Was Sakura that bad? I’m sorry that this small thing turned to a rant, but I felt if Sakura (and Team 7) was in a different fandom than this one. To have hate so strong that even her own creator hates her along with the franchise? To STILL blame her for Neji? I’m just so sad that this is what she is reduced to. (5)

I only wanted better for her, but with this fandom it’s like you have to go above and beyond for her just to get that fandom to like her even a little. On top of that, deal with a franchise that wants nothing to do with her either. Yet they will put Hinata on a pedestal and call her the heroine? The franchise legitimately putting her as a main cast, when she was barely a secondary in Part 2? How did she became relevant and shoved into our face as being better than Sakura? (End)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Granted, that was/is also a factor but it’s the SS that was the fuel to NH by some sort of sick alliance, and then trying to bury every shit Kishi threw at Sakura via Sasuke because of her proximity to Naruto and the possibility of her being with Naruto in the end. But these are old shannenigans.

Granted, Sakura was hated in the fandom because of the most stupid reasons, however when it came down to comparing her with Hinata, if it weren’t for a let’s say very ardent fan of Hinata’s everyone knew and acknowledged the fact that Sakura tops Hinata no matter what. It was basic knowledge 101.

But then Studio Pierrot came and started the stealing. Sakura is a medical ninja? Everyone is a medical ninja.

Sakura has a superior chakra control, even moreso than her powerhouses of teammates? Everyone gets it.

Sakura can tell via her medical ninjutsu where it hurts in the body or it’s a certain problem? Throw that away, make Hinata tell her via her Byakugan because lol Sakura surely must’ve forgotten to do that with only medical ninjutsu via water detection, in order to force down our throats a friendship that never really was there - at most, some respect showed by Sakura to Hinata, never the viceversa. 

Some still blame her for Neji’s death because things were written as such. That was the effect they wanted. While Sakura the medical ninja couldn’t be there when Naruto called for a medic-nin, have Hinata-hime-sama be there and offer him the emotional support he needed (although via Sakura was shown to us what he really needed, but anyway). Sakura was written off at that point to make place for Hinata, all while in the meantime Studio Pierrot via their shitty interventions was already stealing everything from Sakura and giving it to Hinata. SS-ers saw that, they were here with us as well. We were already screaming about the damage control Sakura was taking because of Hinata but most of them didn’t care, as long as it took NaruSaku out of the way…

And dear boy I know I screamed right and left about this because I saw the bullshit they’re trying to pull. I don’t know exactly for how long you’re around the fandom anon, but as I said before, I came from a NH and SS background that went along with NS given the development. And also besides that, what made me distance from NH mostly was their hate for Sakura. I was a NH shipper that happened to like Sakura very much. And so, being accustomed to how these pairings function, I saw the impending shit that was about to come, and screamed about it, but who was going to listen? I was a NaruSaku, to hell with me, despite me saying multiple times that before being a NaruSaku or any other type of shipper, I am a Sakura fan. 

So you see, here it’s a mix of many elements at the middle, and sadly they did have a major contribution to this, sorry to say it. Not all of them, ofc, but…

And it was never a sister ship with them… It was an alliance against NaruSaku. That was the immediate threat to them. Everyone knew that Kishi wouldn’t have the balls to end it with NaruSasu because of the controversy (despite drawing them in also), so the next best thing was NaruSaku - especially given the story’s construction mechanisms - everything was pointing at NaruSaku, no matter how much some still want to deny it. It’s basic storytelling 101 in a piece of literature (more or less).

Hell, they even changed the story triangle. There was one always inside team 7, and now in his newest interview Kishi mentions one that was nonexistent between Naruto, Sakura and Hinata. He literally took all the things that NH were fantasizing about and used them as “logical explanation” when his own story was contradicting him.

And yes, for some stupid reason people hated Sakura because Kishimoto pulled at the heart strings of people with poor orphan Naruto, but God forbid someone points Naruto’s horrible behavior, they must be linched - which Sakura does at the beginning of the story. Naruto was after all a pretty stupid kid that did stupid things. Yes, he had ulterior motives, but does that excuse his behavior? If we cannot excuse the behavior of one, why excuse his, know what I mean? 

And also people aren’t used to look at the broader picture because somehow … reasons. Yes, Sakura told him all those things, but at the same time supported him and his stupid dream with her love for Sasuke and her “horrible” behavior still did much more than Hinata with her love for Naruto.  But then people come with the excuse that she was shy. So we can excuse Hinata of her shyness for NOT helping Naruto when he most needed it, but we cannot excuse Sakura for expressing her pissed self at Naruto whenever he did something stupid DESPITE ACTIVELY doing stuff for him? Hmm, I smell double standards.

And yes, it’s funny how when they take stuff from Sakura and add them to Hinata everyone is okay, because it’s Hinata. This only once more shows the double standards and hipocrisy that lies deep within the collective counsciousness of this very fandom.

And, after all, it’s not the fandom’s fault as much as it is Kishi’s and how he never put his finger on something for certain, out of God knows what reasons… I can only speculate, but some are for certain - he doesn’t have a backbone.

From defending fiercely your heroine to actively replacing her… pfft. Laughable.

If he would’ve had a backbone he would’ve finished the story properly. You know how they say “Stand for what you believe in, even if you stand alone”.

Something he tried pushing with Naruto, too bad he failed miserably.

I wanted better for her too, and actually trusted Kishi he will do better. I created theories about where he’d be going with her, things that eventually come to fruition (her seal, chakra nature and some others), but the thing that disgusted me the most about this was seeing some things that were clearly going to go to Sakura, being used for Hinata, dare I say some ideas I layed down in my theories, being used now, via other means.

At first I thought it’s me being crazy, they couldn’t possibly use that… and then the latest chapter of Boruto comes and they use for him what the NS fandom creates for Shinachiku. 

To answer your question - yes, NaruSaku was that intimidating. That intimidating that they cannot erase 15 years of development, that they now try to steal ideas from the NS fans to burrow us as deep as possible because otherwise we won’t shut up, that bad of an intimidation, that they make it so defiant to NaruSaku fans, so that we’ll eventually shut up and stop being the thorns in their back.

Well, too bad. We’re here and we’re staying. They can steal how much they want. The records showing that we were there with ideas and whatnot long before them it’s here.

For someone who writes about Gods and whatnot, Kishi and his editors should know about the Akashic records. They’re imprinted in the human collective counsciousness, and no matter how much they want to silence and erase Sakura and NaruSaku, they can’t.

And this only pushed me to continue my initial analysis on Sakura’s character. Ohoo, it’s going to be so much fun to demask all the bullshit mechanism behind their actions. SO MUCH FUN!

Anyway, I turned this into a rant and went into deeper stuff myself, I should probably end it here. But yeah, this thing is a mess. A salad, to be more exact. ;)

[sasukeen]

Unexpected

Requested by: Anon

Pairing: Zabuza Momochi x Hinata Hyuga

Prompt: A minor villain looks after an injured major protagonist. (from my list of 14 prompts)

Words: 1128 (dang this is my longest one-shot so far)

Warnings: Mild swearing

A/N: Okay, honestly, this might become my #1 crack pairing because I feel like I could make this work in fanfiction but there’s no way it would’ve ever happened in canon so I guess I now ship ZabuHina XD Also, for the sake of this one-shot, let’s just say Zabuza survived the fight with Team 7. ALSO it was soooo hard to think of a title for this XD

Zabuza wasn’t soft. He never had been, and he never would be. But even he couldn’t turn a blind eye to a beautiful girl, injured and unconscious in the middle of the damn forest. The headband around her neck marked her as a kunoichi of Konoha. That alone should have deterred Zabuza from picking her up and carrying her back to his cabin.

But he did it anyways.

Hinata stirred, her body aching. The room around her was dark except for a fire roaring in the fireplace, cascading warmth around the space. A quilt had been thrown over her, and the mattress beneath her was too stiff to be considered comfortable.

For a second, Hinata panicked. The last thing she remembered was fending off a group of Sound ninja, her Byakugan activated to keep watch for any sneak-attacks. She managed to fight them off, but not before one of them got her in the side with a kunai—thankfully missing any vital spots. Lack of chakra prevented her from healing the wound, while self-preservation urged her to try to find help. She couldn’t remember how far she made it before she collapsed and succumbed to darkness.

Her chakra levels were nearly replenished. Hinata sat up, letting her eyes adjust to the lighting. Where am I? she wondered, searching for the owner of the home. Observation revealed that the room was the entirety of the home; the bed she sat on was shoved into a far corner, directly by the fireplace. A sofa and bookshelf were to her right, while a kitchen and small dining table occupied the other side of the room. The dark curtains were drawn over all the windows.

Once Hinata was certain she was alone, she shoved the covers off and checked to make sure her clothes were intact. Her face turned bright red as she realized she’d been changed into a large black t-shirt and dark grey pants. She was mortified. Whoever had saved her had changed her.

Now the question was—who?

 Zabuza didn’t know how long he sat by the river, dipping his toes into the cool water. The girl’s chakra had flared when she woke up, alerting him that she would be on the move as soon as she was aware of the situation. Part of him told him to just let her walk out, never to be seen again, but the other told him to stop her. Maybe it was some selfish part of him that craved another human’s presence.

It had never been the same since Haku’s death, and it never would be. Nearly three years had passed, and he still couldn’t move past it.

Zabuza stood and slipped his sandals back on. Better check on her to make sure she hasn’t reopened that damn wound. He would be damned if he wasted more bandages than necessary on her.

The girl was still in the cabin. Zabuza didn’t hesitate, walking straight in. He startled her; she spun around, pale lavender eyes wide. Zabuza blinked in surprise. She’s a Hyuga. Should’ve known, he thought, taking off his sandals but never taking his eyes off the girl. The room filled with tension. The girl retreated back to the bed, nearly falling onto it when her knees hit the edge.

Zabuza chuckled, walking over to his fridge. “I’m not going to hurt you. It’d be a waste after bandaging you up,” he told her.

Hinata didn’t relax, keeping her eyes locked on the man. He seemed vaguely familiar, like she had seen pictures of him before. His teeth were sharp and pointed, which was a trait common to swordsmen from Kiri.

“You’re not going to attack me, are you?” he wondered as he turned on the stove.

“Should I?” Hinata wondered, more to herself, but he heard it.

Zabuza smirked to himself as he prepped to make rice. “Try if you want, but you might walk away more injured than you already are.”

Hinata wanted to ask him if he was the one who changed her clothes, but seeing as he was the only one here—and she couldn’t sense anyone else nearby, just him and his dark, massive chakra—she had her answer.

“At least you’re smart enough to stay in one spot,” Zabuza remarked. “It’d be a pain to change those bandages.”

Hinata flushed, twiddling her thumbs. This man had saved her life, yet he seemed so dangerous. He was likely a missing-nin, too. So why didn’t she feel like she was in immediate danger? His chakra was enough of an indication that fighting him was a bad idea. Running wouldn’t do her any good, even with her chakra nearly replenished.

After the water was boiling and the rice dumped into the pot, Zabuza leaned against the counters, crossed his arms, and studied the Hyuga in his bed. The color in her cheeks was a good indicator that she was in good health, and hadn’t been poisoned by whatever weapon sliced open her side. But her pretty eyes were downcast, intensely studying her hands. Her chakra was soothing to him.

That was when Zabuza saw it.

It was there in the feminine roundness of her face, the largeness of her eyes, the paleness of her skin, and the quiet manner with which she spoke. How could he have not realized sooner?

She reminded him of Haku.

Hinata felt his heavy stare on her, but didn’t dare look up. She was absolutely mortified that this man had taken the liberty to remove her clothes and place her in what were clearly his own clothes after taking care of her wounds. While she was grateful he’d taken the time to save her, she wasn’t sure how she felt about the whole situation.

“The rice is done,” Zabuza told her after several long minutes passed.

Hinata jumped at his voice, but nodded, glancing up just enough to watch him turn off the stove and prepare two plates. When he approached with hers, she wanted to shrink back against the wall, but forced herself to stay still.

“Don’t act like I’m about to kill you,” Zabuza grumbled, setting the plate on the bed and retreating to his dining table. He admired her bravery in staying where she was while he approached. He was an intimidating man, and a much bigger, stronger man than her. She was just a tiny thing, although as a Hyuga she likely packed quite a punch.

Hinata grabbed the plate, studying the rice. She had watched him make the food, and watched him eat across the room, but she was still wary. What if he had slipped something into the rice?

Zabuza found the whole situation amusing, and he hated to admit it, but she was a cute little thing.

Sorry not sorry for ending it this way :3 but thank you for the request, anon, it was a bit of a challenge to figure out where to take this!

[hinatadovahkiin]

Hinata the Dragonborn #3

Chapter Three

The Run to Whiterun

"Hold the handle j-just so." Hinata adjusted Frodnar's hand yet again. He was catching on quickly though, and while daggers and Kunai had completely different way of wielding, that fact didn't pose a problem for a Chuunin like Hinata.

Dorthe was sitting not too far away on a tree stump, playing with, eh, Stump. Hod and Gerdur were working, as usual, but they also stole glances in their direction whenever possible. Frodnar was making the cutest concentrated face Hinata had seen in a while and it was hard at times to stiffle her  giggles. Despite being somewhat too enthusiastic and excited in his approach, he was a diligent student. So far. The Hyuuga had been working with him since late morning and he was finally starting to show some fatigue.

"Interesting technique. Focuses on throw strenght rather than accuracy." Faendal suddenly spoke behind her. His steps and movements had been their usual quiet selves, but a trained Chuunin like the Hyuuga heiress had no problem discerning them from the wind, the rustling of leaves, the happy gurgling noises of the nearby river, and , last but not least, from Frodnar's frustrated yells.

"Hello, Faendal-san."She greeted softly. "T-that's how I was trained at first. He needs to get u-used to the throw before concentrating on a-accuracy."

"I see. Yet you haven't explained that to the boy. Interesting approach." Hinata was certain there was a small smirk playing on the elf's lips as he watched the child struggle with hitting the tree not too far away from him. "He hasn't just thrown knives all day. He looks quite worn out."

"I-I've  been showing him some e-exercises to build up his stamina."

Faendal made a non-commital noise in his throat, his cunning eyes keeping a close watch on the boy's movements. He stood completely still, which Hinata noted was typical for predators, and the only movement he exhibited was the slight movement of his chest while breathing and his eyes following Frodnar's throws. Hinata also noted he was dressed in his leather armor and also had prepared his bow and his enchanted sword.

"A-are you going somewhere, Faendal-san?" she asked curiously.

The elf sharply turned to her and nodded.

"Alvor the Blacksmith has asked me to deliver a message to the Jarl of Whiterun. I thought you'd like to accompany me on the way." Faendal explained with his typical quick way of speaking.

"Uhm, let me a-ask Gerdur. She did m-mention something about a message to the Ja-Jarl as well."Hinata said and then turned to Frodnar and told him that was enough for the day and that he could take a break now. The boy was too happy to go and play with his friend Dorthe and his faithful dog Stump.

With an internal sigh, the pale girl went over to Gerdur. She didn't need to ask for permission, but she felt it more appropriate and polite to do so, since she'd be leaving some of her things at her house for the time being.

"Message to the Jarl you say? Hm. I was going to ask you to warn him about the dragon attack upon Helgen., so I don't see why not have you go as well. We don't know if that wretched beast would decide and swoop down upon us defenseless people of Riverwood. And we don't have any hidden passages to hide in or escape through." The Nord woman sighed. "It's strange though. Alvor recieved a letter via a courier this morning while I had been there, delivering hardwood for some shields he had to work on. He looked alarmed for a moment and then he just... hm. It's best you go with Faendal. He probably knows what to do and Alvor's family are known Empire supporters."

Hinata's eyes widened.

"Uhm, will-will you be safe while I-I'm gone?"she asked worriedly.

"Don't worry about us, Hinata. Riverwood's a small community and we look out for each other. You should be worrying about yourself. Come on. I will help you pack for your journey to Whiterun. The road there is rough at first, as it is quite steep. But once you reach the farmlands, it is a straight trek to the Hold."

Several hours later found Hinata and Faendal going down a steep, stone paved road. On one side there was the thickly forested slope of the mountain, going up into jagged peaks and snowy tops. On the other side, facing downwards, was the view of farmland and near naked hills with hints of shrubbery, flowers and short grass, spreading as far as the eyes could see. The road took another sharp 180 degree turn and it was not too soon that the two of them were finally off the mountainous area.

It was a sunny, near cloudless day but the chill in the air was more than what Hinata was used to. Even with her thick robes she still shivered uncomfortably. She could make out the Whiterun Hold in the distance and she resolved herself to move faster towards their destination. The kunoichi looked at Faendal and noticed how the elf paid little to no attention to the cold. He was used to it, it seemed, but she liked to believe that Camilla was also partly to blame for his current jovial and invigorated state. There was a very light smirk marring his face and his vivid dark eyes were clear and happy. He held himself high, with a straight back and a she could swear there he had spring in his steps. She smiled to herself softly, happy for his predicament.

"Hinata, do you see that house over there?" Faendal suddenly pointed to the west. She followed his gaze and gesture and her pale eyes landed on what seemed to be a rather large house near the road. "That over there is the Honningdew Meadery. We can rest there and grab a bottle of Mead for the road ahead."

Hinata agreed but only because Faendal was enthusiastic about it. He did not seem the type to get easily tired on the road and neither was she, seeing as she had shinobi training. But maybe some of that Nord eagerness for alcohol had rubbed off on him. She liked that idea. Hinata imagined herself becoming accustomed to this constant drinking and then returning home. Her father would have this look on his face and...

"Try not to think so much about it, Hinata. We will find a way to send you home." Faendal spoke again, placing a hand on her shoulder.

The Hyuuga blinked once in his direction, for a second wondering if Faendal could read minds. But then she realised that she herself was very open with her emotions, something that was not looked well upon by other ninja. She acknowledged his comment with a nod and not too soon followed him inside the Brewery.

The first thing that came to her mind was how warm it was inside the building. She could hear the faint humm of the various activities going on around her and while Faendal made their order, she chose a table and placed her bag on one of the chairs.

"Here. Taste this. It's one of  Honningdew's finest." The wood elf grinned at her as he handed her a tankard and poured some of the bottle's contents. "Cheers."

Hinata stiffled a giggle as he downed the contents in one go. There was something incredibly funny and endearing in the pragmatic and no-nonsence elf as he happily downed his mead. She believed he was celebrating his blooming relationship with Camilla.

"Once we get to Whiterun we will first go to the inn and secure some rooms for the night. We could try and make the trek to Dragonsreach and then back to Riverwood in one go, but I doubt you'd want to hurry like that. It's going to be cold tonight and the winds down here to the north can be even harsher than the weather at the mountain slopes."

The rest at the Honningdew's turned out to be quite the welcome stop. The mead kept her warm and she could feel herself slightly giddy with the effects of the spirits. It was a pleasant feeling, especially when faced with more of Skyrim's cold air and occasional chilly gushes of wind. The land itself was surprisingly enough rich on low growing flowers and bushes. Every now and then she'd stop and pick up some Lavender or Tundra Cotton.

"Lavender makes you happy." Faendal commented, after observng her antics for a while.

Hinata smiled shily at him and carefully put away the picked flowers. It was true. Lavender was one of her favourite flowers. Her mother always used to compare her to it and anytime she'd take a whiff of its scent she'd remember her mother's soft and loving smile.

"L-lavender r-reminds me of Kaa-san, o-of my m-mother."

Suddenly, Faendal's attention was turned forward, quite a way ahead of them. Hinata followed his gaze and activated her Byakugan.

"W-what is that?"

"Giant, Hinata. Quickly! We must help."

The Wood Elf rushed forward, his intense gaze never leaving the huge creature as he pulled out his bow and prepared an arrow. There were several people there already, Hinata noted.

"Look out!"Yelled a tall woman wielding a bow and with loose red hair.

The giant swung with his massive club. Men and women scurried away from the weapon's range and, as the giant slowly prepared for another strike, they moved into their attacking formation again.

A tall, dark-haired man wielding a large two-handed sword swung away at the giant's legs earning an enraged roar from the creature. It brandished its humongous club and brought it down upon where the man had been a mere moment ago. The woman bearing a one-handed sword and a shield used the distraction to stab at its knees but only to be swatted away with one hand by the giant.

"Ria!" the dark-haired man yelled as he danced around the giant's swings.

The woman landed not too far away and Hinata immediately turned her Byakugan to her. She was badly wounded but alive and unconscious.

"She's alive, s-seven broken ribs and b-sroken left arm. Right ankle is t-twisted. Possible heavy concuss- ah!" Hinata gingerly dodged the hit aimed for her.

"Less talking more fighting, girlie."

Hinata blinked. That voice was familiar.

"Sven!? What are you doing here?" Faendal yelled at the bard as he pelted the giant with arrows.

"When we are done here I'll show you what I'm doing here!" The nord replied angrily and once again aimed a strike at the creature's legs.

"Ugh! It's no use!" Faendal  moved next to Hinata again."It's skin is too thick and we're only doing surface wounds. Someone needs to go in close and strike the giant. Perhaps the throat or the head."

The Hyuuga girl nodded and pulled slightly away. She returned the two steel daggers to their places for the moment and brought her hands together to form the necessary seals.

"Bunshin no Jutsu." she intoned and beside her appeared a non-corporeal clone of hers, shrouded for several moments in puffs of smoke.

Just as the smoke cleared from her clone, Hinata crouched and silently and stealthily pulled herself aside from the battle. She prepared her Steel Daggers and waited for the opportune moment to strike.

"Ha!" her clone yelled and charged forward, illusionary blades posed to strike. The clone dashed past the the man with the two-hander and the woman with the bow, aiming straight for the abdomen of the giant.

"Hinata!" Faendal yelled out in horror as the club descended upon her Bunshin. The dreaded impact, however, never happened, as the giant's weapon passed through the non-corporeal construct's form and it dissolved into whispy tendrils of smoke. In the brought upon confusion, the real Hinata almost literally shimmered into existence on top of the giant, stabbing with both steel daggers into its neck, opening both carotids and slashing forward. A huge fountain of blood sprung from the deep laceration and the giant helplessly gurgled as it fell backwards, dropping the heavy club with a well resounding thud to the ground.

With a bit of chakra, Hinata jumped off the giant's shoulders and landed gingerly on the ground in a crouching position with daggers held in an attacking stance, just as she was taught. Her face, in that sole moment, displayed nothing more but steely determination. The veins around her eyes receded and she stood up with a sigh. With swift and practiced movements, she wiped the blood from her daggers onto a scrap of cloth and put them away.

It was just then that she noticed all the stares  upon her. A blush crept up on her face and neck and she looked down, hands fidgeting with each other. She felt uncomfortable for being singled out in such a way. In this world, so different from her own, her abilities and skills as a ninja were something exceptional. People here were powerful warriors or mages and yet rarely would anyone see a person capable of combining both those potentials to perform something exceptional. Back in her world it was almost the same in some aspects. Only those showing the potential graduated the academy. Only those ready to realise it became ninja. For most the profession of the Shinobi caste was shrouded in mystery. It was no surprise, really. Newly minted Genin took out seasoned fighters and bandits with ease just because they were conditioned into using chakra. Such showings of strenght were often cause for fear or mistrust.

And now, just as she had performed a rather standard assassination technique, she felt and saw all those incredulous gazes and stares. How could she, the timid little girl, kill this incredibly powerful and dangerous giant? Hinata took a deep breath and exhaled slowly and silently. She was a ninja. A ninja's greatest weapon was their mind. She was a Chuunin, and no mere greenhorn. And most of all, she was a Hyuuga, one of the greatest clans in all of the Elemental countries, both feared and respected. For a moment, she squeezed her eyes shut and clenched her jaw. And here in this strange world she was all alone. Neither Kiba or Shino were there to comfort her or shield her in some way, nor was her Sensei, Kurenai, there to offer a reassuring smile.

Her heart was thumping in her ears as she looked ahead, chin held high and her eyes challenging those before her to say something, anything. This was her ninja way. To never give up and to never give in. She felt it very important to show herself confident in front of all these people, to show her pride in her hard earned skills. True, she was a ninja and ninja dealed with death among all other things.

Faendal smirked and nodded lightly in her direction. Sven was looking at her, with obvious apprehension. Perhaps he had thought to fight her and now was having second thoughts on the matter? She did not know but she assumed she'd know soon enough. It was a surprise for her, however, as she held the gazes of the two warriors that were fighting the giant as they had approached. They were not just approving or awed. They seemed to have appreciation for her skill and that thought brought another blush to her already warm face.

"Farkas, go check on Ria." The red-haired woman said, not taking her strangely yellow eyes from Hinata.

"Already on it." the man, now known as Farkas murmured as he moved swiftly towards their falled comrade, taking out a large red colored potion in the process. It was some sort of healing potion, Hinata wagered. She'd have to look into it.

"You did well with the giant. In fact, I find your performance impressive. The Companions could use someone as talented as you." The red-haired woman spoke to her, her piercing gaze never leaving Hinata's pale eyes. For some reason, she reminded her of Kiba's mom, Tsume. "I am Aela, my fellow Companions call me the Huntress." The woman, now known as Aela, extended a hand to Hinata.

The timid girl blinked once and shook hands with her, overcoming her immediate instinct to bow politely.

"My name is H-hinata Hyuuga." the heiress stated softly, only a light blush marring her cheeks.

"Such shyness does not become a warrior." Aela frowned and was about to continue to speak when Sven finally decided it was time to duke it out with Faendal and charged at the wood elf, who quickly dodged, only to be hit in the face by the bard's left elbow.

"Ugh!" Faendal cried out and blood rushed down his face. He staggered backwards, as Sven rushed at him again. Despite his broken nose, the elf managed to sidestep yet again this time avoiding any of Sven's flaying limbs.

Finally, seeing as he won't be able to tackle the elf with the usual charging tactics of the jelaous male type, the bard  decided to stand his ground and taunt Faendal into attacking.

"Come on, elf! I don't know what Camilla sees in you but it definately isn't your fighting prowess."

Faendal's eyes narrowed even further and there was a growling sound deep within his throat. He did not say anything at first, but his hands twitched. Hinata knew what that meant. Faendal was quite the marksman. In the matter of a second he could take out and draw his bow and it would be all over for Sven. As an Elf, however, he was agile and light on his feet. Nords were built tall and strong and in the end it would be more of a battle of wits than anything truly physical.

Faendal's attack was swift and Sven couldn't react in time. The Elf's foot collided with the Nord's stomach. The bard grabbed him by the armor and pulled him down on the ground where they proceded to beat each other up.

Hinata stiffled up a groan and attempted to pull them apart without hurting them. It was a lost cause, especially when both men were stubbornly trying to prove each other worthy of Camilla's affections.

"F-faendal-s-san! S-sven-s-san!"

"Let me do this, girl." came the gruff voice of the tall, dark-haired Nord.

"Oof!"

"Ungh."

"There. That'll teach them to behave. For now." Farkas cracked knuckles, satisfied with his work. Both previously fighting men stood up and shot murderous looks at each other and then at the broad-shouldered and heavily armored Companion.

Faendal wiped the blood from his face and then sighed, trying to get himself  to calm down.

"Stay away from Camilla."

Sven sneered.

"Ah, Camilla. As fair as the morning sun. But I ask you, elf, how could she prefer your brooding to my romantic tunes?"

"Just stay away from her, Sven, or....or else."

"Or else what, Faendal? Do you honestly think that bringing back a little souvenir that got stolen would miraculously make her fall in love with you?"

"Camilla-"

"Is already mine, elf. She is a woman with refined tastes and she deserves the best! And I am the best man in Riverwood. What can you offer her? Skins and hides? Some game and the occasional herbs?"

"I can offer her my love and loyalty and my life, Sven. Can you say the same about yourself? The fruit does not fall far from the tree, as they say."

Sven turned pale with rage and tried to charge at the elf, only to be caught by Farkas' strong grip.

"Oh no you won't. Both of you behave or I will have to set you straight. Am I clear? Good."

Seeing the fight trully over for now, Hinata rushed over to Faendal and activated her Byakugan. Thankfuly his nose wasn't broken, but she gave him a Minor Potion of Healing just in case of any other, hidden injuries, such as bruises and minor muscle rips, which were not something she specialized in spotting.

The walk to Whiterun was eerily silent and somewhat uncomfortable. Hinata had the utter unpleasure to be stationed  in between Sven and Faendal and she had to endure their hateful gazes for several hours. Ahead of them were Farkas and Ria who were talking quietly with each other and at the head of their travelling group was Aela the Huntress.

"Hail Companions." one of the guards at the gate greeted and then turned towards the other three. "They may go through but the city is closed for visitors."

"Uhm." Hinata mumbled and took a deep breath to explain why they were here.

Faendal, however, beat her to it.

"We are here to speak to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. Riverwood requires aid. Also, this woman here is a survivor from Helgen. I am certain the Jarl would like to hear us out."

The Guard eyed the three of them suspiciously and seemed to try and take in all of Faendal's fast speech .

"I suppose I can let you in, but no funny business." The guard took out a large key and opened the big front gates of the city.

Hinata noted they were made of a solid, dark wood and that they were not as grand as the front gates of Konoha, but they served their purpose well.

"A survivor from Helgen. That place was completely destroyed... Did you see her blank eyes? Poor girl must've been through a lot." Hinata heard the guard mumble to the other guard.

"Such a pretty lass too, no wonder she is so timid."

The Hyuuga heiress looked down, feeling bad that her weakness was so obvious to everyone even here. Faendal placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly.

"Don't listen to them, Hinata. Come on. It is late and we need to save rooms at the inn."

After saying their farewells with the Companions, and after making Hinata visit them in the morning, the three of them headed to save rooms at the local inn, The Bannered Mare. As it was nearly dark outside, the inn happened to be filled to the brim with chatty locals. With a bit of dufficulty, Sven made his way through the crowd to reach the Inkeeper, a woman by the name of Hulda. Hinata followed closely.

"I want to rent a room for the night." the Nord bard stated to the inkeeper lady and soon enough he was off to leave his  things in on the second floor.

"What can I do for you, lass? I've just stoked the fire so you can sit down and get the cold out of your bones."

Hinata gave the friendly woman a small, shy smile. Luckily, she was either too busy to notice her blank eyes or she was just that good an inkeeper.

"Uhm, I-I would like two rooms a-and some d-diner for two." she said softly, digging out her coin purse.

As Faendal and Hinata finally settled their things and prepared for dinner, Sven also appeared and sat down by Hinata.

"Why are you still here, Sven?" the Wood Elf asked, his annoyance quite obvious.

"No other tables are free, elf."

"Hn."

Faendal decided it was best to completely ignore the bard and Sven turned to Hinata, who did not seem to show any sort of aggression towards him.

"So, Hinata was it? Were you really at Helgen? Was there really a... Dragon."

"Don't pester her, Sven. It is none of your business."

"My mother claims to have seen a dragon flying over the Bleak Falls Barrow. I do believe I am entitled to know whether or not there really was a dragon."

Faendal and Sven glared for each other for a while. Hinata sighed and took a sip from the Mead she had bought. It made her feel nice and warm inside.

"Ano, F-Faendal, Sven. P-please don't fight. A-and there really w-was a dragon, Sven-san. I-it was b-big a-and pitch black... like-like a v-void. I-it was c-covered in spikes a-and i-its teeth and c-claws w-were huge."

Her eyes clouded with the memories of the complete massacre left behind by the dragon. She fingered her tankard and then she took another small sip. For once the elf and the bard were not exhuding murderous auras. Instead they were mortified by the story she told them.

"I am sorry, Miss Hinata, to have doubted you. I can tell that you are sincere enough and it had been quite the traumatizing experience. My apologies." Sven said softly and gulped down the rest of the contents of his tankard. After a moment or two of silence, the bard smiled somewhat, but it resembled a grimace more than anything else. "And to think I rushed off to fight the elf for Camilla. Don't think I am giving up on her, elf. I merely think that it is best for us all if we secure our Riverwood first. After all, it is home to Camilla as well and if we cannot keep our home safe than what is left of us to do?"

"For once I am inclined to agree with you, Sven. Never had I believed a day would come in which I'd hear something sensible come out of your mouth."

"I say a lot of sensible things, elf. But you were either recently cured of some form of deafness or you were never around to hear me speak. Always in the woods or working at the mill. No wonder Delphine calls you a hermit."

"At least I am never drunk on the job, unlike some bard I know."

"P-please, n-no more fighting."

Hinata intervened another verbal fight, to which both men glared at each other but did not finish their bickering. The rest of their dinner was rather peaceful. Both men managed to eat heaps of food, at least to Hinata's point of view and had more than a few tankards of ale. Finally, some semblance of peace, the girl thought with relief. The atmosphere at the Bannered Mare was quite pleasant, folk of various pedigree and wealth were all chatting with each other, there was laughter and the clinging of tankards. The smell of delicious food, various types of ale and burning timber filled Hinata's nostrills as she observed the people's interactions. A bard was playing his instruments and the Kunoichi noted that Sven was eyeing his performance rather critically. As the three prepared to go to their respective rooms the Riverwood bard announced that he would call a temporary truce with Faendal and would accompany them to Dragonsreach, as he was just as concerned about Riverwood as they were. Faendal looked disgruntled at that declaration but did not voice his disapproval of Sven's presence.

The night came and went, leaving Hinata feeling oddly refreshed as she woke up early in the morning. As she went by to her two companions' respective rooms, she found out that Faendal had already left for the market and Sven was still sleeping. She decided not to disturb him. Early morning in the inn was a rather peaceful and quiet affair. Hulde, the inkeeper, was already up and was putting away various spirits, preparing for the day. The dark-skinned woman, Saadia, was cleaning the floor.

"G-good morning." Hinata greeted the Inkeeper, who had taken notice to her presence."M-may I have s-some tea?"

Hulda smiled pleasantly at her and called Saadia over.

"Yes, mum?"

"Bring the lass some tea. Do you want anything for breakfast as well, dear? We have freshly baked bread, cheese, fruits and vegetables from the market. Whatever your heart and stomach desire." Hulda chuckled.

Hinata ordered herself some bread, some cheese and some apples. It was a simple but filling meal and soon enough she was out on the streets, making her way through the already bustling market of Whiterun. The Hyuuga girl found herself interested in all the various things people were selling. Fruit and vegetables were mostly of local origins and Hinata noted the large amounts of game meat that was for sale. Pork was something she had yet to find and beef was sold in very small quantities. Chicken or any sort of domesticated bird meat was also absent from the stalls in the market. From what the Kunoichi had seen so far for the few days she had spent in this world, cattle, such as the incredibly hairy and ox-like cows were used mainly for the milk they produced. Same rules applied, it seemed, for the chicken, as there were eggs aplenty but nearly no one sold chicken breasts or any such sort of meat.

There were stalls selling things like jugs and bowls, cups and tankards, cutlery and so on. What Hinata discovered to be most intriguing for her was that one small stall, selling cloth. The Hyuuga heiress made note to stop by that stall if they had time on their way back.

"Hinata!"

"Oh, F-faendal. G-good morning." Hinata greeted the Wood Elf, who seemed to be holding some sort of package.

"Good morning, Hinata. I got Camilla a present from my visit in Whiterun. Is that bard up yet? I'd like to speak with the Jarl as soon as possible."

"Uhm, no. L-last I checked, S-sven-san w-was sleeping." Hinata shook her head and followed Faendal as he continued walking.

The elf sighed at the news.

"If the guards have sent word to the Jarl of our presence and we do not appear before him as soon as possible-"

"I am right here, elf, no need to cause a ruckus." Sven suddenly said, making Hinata whirl around and blink at him.

She hadn't sensed him coming so close to her. It was starting to get unnerving. She was a ninja and she'd been trained from a very young age to rely on other people's chakra signatures for identification and that had always been part of the awareness of her surroundings. Here, in Skyrim, however, she was the only person with chakra. In a way, that made her feel exposed. The Hyuuga heiress made note to keep better track of her surroundings. Inwardly, she sighed. It would take her a while to get used to this unpleasant fact.

"We need to get to the Cloud District. That's where Dragonsreach is." Faendal pointed towards the large building at the highest point of Whiterun.

The walk across the Plains District was rather informative for Hinata. She observed the various buildings and small alleyways and also noted the position of the guards, patrolling the streets. The Plains District was the host to most of the shops and the city's marketplace. There were also several small homes here and there. There was a main street that went all the way to the City's gates. The Plains District connected with the higher tier, the Wind District, via several stairways.

The most notable feature to Hinata in the Wind District was the large tree that was in the middle. It seemed to be dead or dying, though it was still quite impressive.

"That over there is the Temple of Kynareth. And this here is the Gildergreen. It is sad to see such a great and beautiful tree dying." Faendal stated, his last words colored by sadness. "And you take that way to reach Jorvaskr, the headquarters of the Companions. We will visit them when we are done in Dragonsreach."

"Jor...vas..." Hinata sighed. She couldn't pronounce it.

"Don't worry, Hinata, you'll get it soon enough. It took me a while to pronounce some of the Nord words myself."

As they walked across the Wind District, the Hyuuga Heiress saw a man wearing priest robes and preaching before the statue of a man.

"A  brave man. The worship of Talos is forbidden and yet here he is, doing his calling."

"T-the guards d-don't seem to m-mind him." Hinata observed.

"Because they are Nords. And Talos was a Nord himself." Sven added his two cents.

"We're almost there. Let's talk to that guard over there, he should let us in." Faendal nodded towards one fo the guards standing at the great doors of Dragonsreach. " Excuse me, we are here to see the Jarl. It is an important matter concerning the security of Riverwood."

"Very well, but we will be keeping an eye on you." The guard said as he opened the doors.

Yet again, Hinata felt their stares piercing her back.

"Did you see the girl? Her eyes are blank. Einar said she was a survivor from Helgen. Poor lass."

"Come on, Hinata, let's get to the Jarl."

The girl nodded silently, trying to surpress the urge to duck her head and hide behind Sven, who was the tallest person near her at the moment.

The Grand Hall of Dragonsreach was quite impressive. For a moment or two the Kunoichi marveled at all the wood carvings on the columns and the walls. Despite being primitive in Hinata's point of view, the style held a certain type of strenght and beauty, that she determined typical for the Nord way of life.

As they moved forward, Hinata saw a tall Nord wearing expensive looking clothes. He was sitting on a throne. That must be the Jarl, she deduced.

"My lord, please. This is no time for rash actions-"

"What is the meaning of this interuption?" a dark-skinned woman with gleaming red eyes  drew her sword and strode quickly to the three's direction. Hinata knew then and there that the woman was a Dark Elf. "Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors."

"Madam Housecarl, we come from Riverwood. We were sent to seek aid." Faendal spoke, politely inclining his head at the intimidating woman.

"Well. That explains why the Guards let you in... and yet..." the red eyes locked gaze with Hinata. " There was a talk among the guards about a blind girl that supposedly survived Helgen. I take it this is she?"

"Irileth, who are these people?"

"My Jarl, they have come to seek aid for Riverwood."

"And the girl? Is what I heard true. Were you really a survivor at Helgen? It is a miracle that you've managed to escape."

Hinata felt more uncomfortable by the second. Why were these people constantly insisting that she was blind?

"E-excuse me, J-Jarl B-Balgruuf. I-I'm n-not b-blind." A small blush appeared on her face as she said that. "A-and I-I really d-did survive H-Helgen, s-sir."

"Then is it true what people say? That it was destroyed by a dragon?"

"Uhm." Hinata took a deep breath and tried to remove the image of the beast's gaping maw and gleamind red eyes like embers from her mind. "I-it is, s-sir."

Noting her discomfort, Faendal lay a hand on her shoulder and squeezed lightly.

"What do you say now, Proventus? Shall we continue to trust in the strenght of our walls? Against a Dragon?"

"My lord, we should send troops to Riverwood at once. It is in the most immediate danger. If that Dragon is lurking in the mountains-"

"The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation!" the advisor, Proventus, interrupted Irileth." He would assume that we're preparing to join Ulfric's side and attack him! We should not-"

"Enough!" the Jarl shouted. "I will not stand iddly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people! Irileth, send a detachment to Riverwood at once."

"Yes, my Jarl." the Dark Elf bowed and strode away.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be returning to my duties." Proventus also walked away.

The Jarl rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. Soon enough he was calm again and he turned his gaze towards the three.

"Well done. You sought me out on your own initiative. You've done Whiterun a service and I will not forget it. I shall give you something as a small token of my esteem."

The Jarl sent them with one of the guards to the Armory.

"That dragon at Helgen... It must've been horrible. To survive something like that... you must've had a Divine or two looking out for you, Lass." The guard spoke to Hinata as Faendal and Sven were bickering quietly about an Imperial bow that caught both their eyes. "Can you really see? Your eyes look blind."

"Uhm. T-they've a-always been l-like that."Hinata mumbled. "I-I see p-perfectly f-fine, g-guard-san."

"Guard-san? Is that 'san' something like mister? Bjorn would do. Name's Bjorn. If someone's giving you trouble, just walk over to a guard and tell them you know Bjorn and it'd be fine."

"M-my name is Hinata Hyuuga. P-pleased to meet you, Bjorn." the Kunoichi shook hands with the guard.

"Let's see if we can find you something your size. A pretty lass like you needs protection."

The comment made her blush lightly and give the guard a small smile.

Some time later all three of them walked out of the armory and back to the Main Hall. The dispute between Faendal and Sven was settled as the Nord found a nice shield to his liking, better quality than his own.

"That is a nice Studded  Armor you've got there, Hinata. It needs, however, to be fitted, else these parts here and here will chafe."

Hinata nodded as she put away the Armor in her bags.

"Ah, good. You're still here. There is another thing you can do for me, suitable for someone with your... particular talents." The Jarl said. " Come, let us find Farengar, my Court Wizard."

Hinata perked up at that. She'd  finally meet someone wielding magic proper. As they walked, the Jarl explained to the three:

"Farengar has been looking into matters related to these dragons and rumours of dragons."

Sven followed the Jarl first, followed by Faendal and, finally, Hinata.

The Court Wizard's quarters were on the first floor,  near the Main Hall. The quarters were a set of rooms that were separated by the Main Hall via  a corridor. Hinata noted the abundance of strange and odd things and gadgets that were all over the shelves, the desk and wherever she'd look. There were tall bookshelves packed to the brim with books. On one side she saw a strange ornamented table with glowing runes upon it that made her feel a weak tingling sensation just behind her sternum. Something in that table brimmed with energy. She resisted the urge to activate her Byakugan and take a 'closer' look.

As it turned out, Farengar happened to be a tall nord about her father's age. He had a thin face and sharp, calculating gaze, similar to Faendal. Hinata immediately recognized him as a man who spent a lot of time thinking and analyzing things. Like any ninja worth their salt, Hinata immediately felt weary of the man. It was better to be safe than sorry. The wizard wore dark hooded robes of a fine material. They had found him overlooking a map, with a book in one hand.

"Farengar. I think I may have found some people to help you out with your... dragon project. Feel free to fill them in on anything they might need to know."

"Of course, my  Jarl." Farengar bowed his head politely.

As the Jarl left, the Court Wizard marked his progress on the book and snapped it shut quite audibly. For another moment or so his eyes flickered between her, Faendal and Sven. He did not seem to be impressed but he also witheld his opinion of them. Hinata counted that as a good sign.

"Since you are here to help me, you might as well fetch something for me." Farengar started and walked slowly about his desk,  crossing his arms over his chest. "And by fetch I mean delve into ancient dangerous ruins in search of a stone tablet that, well, may or may not actually be there."

Hinata did not need to turn around to see Faendal and Sven giving each other looks. She lightly bit her bottom lip. Neither Sven nor Faendal were fond of their task but they were going to go with her to do it. Her ninja training, however, made her want to scold them for their behavior. In a way, Farengar, and by extention – the Jarl, were their clients and they were to do a mission. Her companions were acting unprofessionally and she could practically hear Kurenai-sensei lecturing them at lenght. The Hyuuga girl tried to swallow down her nervousness and willed herself to stop fiddling with the sleeves of her robes. It was usually Shino who would speak to the clients, though Kurenai-sensei always had them practice their speaking-with-clients skills. She felt somewhat foolish to still experience this type of nervousness. The Chuunin mindset had yet to settle in completely, she mused.

"Uhm, w-what are t-the details o-of o-our mission, F-farengar-san?"

For a small moment, the Court Wizard seemed slightly surprised. A very light scowl marred his features as he regarded the girl before him yet again.

"The Stone Tablet is supposed to be located within the Bleak Falls Barrow. It is a Dragonstone – said to contain a map of Dragon Burial Sites. Go to Bleak Falls Barrow, get the Dragonstone and bring it to me. Simplicity itself."

With a bow and a small, polite smile on her face, Hinata excused herself and her companions as soon as possible.

"Why didn't you tell the Court Wizard that you already have the Dragonstone?" Faendal finally asked as they moved quickly through the Wind District.

The Kunoichi avoided meeting gazes with the elf, choosing instead to look at her nervously fiddling fingers.

"W-well "she started mumbling quietly, not really sure how to explain her reasoning without sounding completely and utterly like a greedy bad person. She was a Kunoichi, after all. Not a charity act." G-giving a-away t-that i-inform-mation w-would le-lessen t-the requirem-ments o-of t-the m-mission pa-param-meters."

"Ugh, I didn't catch that." Sven scoffed and Faendal shot the bard a warning glare.

Hinata hung her head low, her bangs somewhat covering her burning face.

"I see. You believe Farengar would reduce whatever reward he would prepare for the Dragonstone. Sly and maybe slightly underhanded, but given your circumstances..."Faendal squeezed her shoulder lightly, reassuringly. "Do not fret, Hinata. You did well."

The Hyuuga girl looked up at him with wide pale eyes and mumbled a barely audible thank you.

"Now let's head to Jorvaskr."

[chemicalmagecraft]

I Would Totally Kick Jiraiya’s Butt Chapter 14

Chorono: I really, really like the way you think, but there's kind of only one Ketsuryugan and a whole complicated mess of the timeline around that, so unfortunately Kouki will not be able to get it any time soon, if at all.

That one guest: Yeah I totally get where you're coming from, and that's a bit of a worry of mine too. Luckily I was already going to do something that's a solution for that problem: nobody'll think Kouki's particularly broken if everyone's broken! Unfortunately I won't be able to show that much of that in this and probably the next few chapters, but let's just say that there will be so many irons in tons of fires by the time of the Uchiha massacre. ;P

kukukuku~

Hinata's palm struck me in the jaw, causing me to grunt. "Kick his ass, Hina-chan!" Kurama cheered from the sidelines. It was nice seeing how well those two were getting along, even if it meant him encouraging her to beat me up. The two of them actually helped each other a lot. Hinata warmed Kurama up to humankind and got him to be slightly less angry, while Kurama made sure to rub some of his "I'm better than you lousy humans" pride off on her, causing her to be a bit more confident. Plus he liked imparting little bits of arcane knowledge upon his favorite human, meaning...

I just barely noticed with my chakra sense that Hinata was leaking a small amount of chakra out of her fingertips, so I jumped back. Unfortunately, I'd determined with my eyes that expressing too much interest in obtaining the Byakugan with my chakra assimilation would only cause most of the clan to grow wary of me, so I didn't have the ability to actually see her jutsu, but at least I knew to stay away. I made a few seals, but had to stop when the barely-there chakra rushed me. Even though I moved my arms the chakra swerved faster than I thought it would, causing my left arm to go completely numb. "Ow," I said despite the fact that the problem was that I couldn't feel any pain in my arm. "You're getting faster with that, aren't you?"

"Yeah," Hina-chan said. "Kurama-chan helped me figure it out."

I tried to move my arm, but couldn't. Eight Trigrams Heavenly Will as it was called by most of the family, or much less pretentiously Tenketsu Puppetry Jutsu by Hinata, was a jutsu Hinata invented by combining the basics of Jūken that she was learning with the chakra threads I'd showed her how to make and then some sort of advice from Kurama. In addition to acting like a ranged, though technically much less potent, version of Jūken, the threads stayed inside the tenketsu of the victim meaning that not only was any recovery from the attack blocked until they were removed but she could also, as her name for it suggested, puppeteer my arm. "Impressive, sis, but you know that that doesn't exactly work on me." I raised my right pointer finger, causing a single link of yellow chain to form on it. With a bit of concentration, I changed the yellow Adamantine Sealing Chain to a purple permutation, Adamantine Destruction Chain. I swiped at roughly where I felt the chakra threads with it, managing to snap all of them and suck the foreign chakra from my body.

I'd figured out that my assimilation could also adapt powers that were compatible enough together. I was already working under the assumption that I couldn't just make new elements by combining people's affinities because that would be broken, but I did alchemize Ai's Adamantine Sealing Chain together with the Kikaichū's Parasitic Destruction to make chains that could drain chakra as well as disrupt it for some extra chakra cost. Plus, the disruption and absorption effects synergized, enhancing each other's performance. And there was also the || combination, Parasitic Sealing, which allowed me to cover my body in an aura that disrupts and absorbs chakra. But I digress. I pointed the chain link at Hinata, shooting an entire chain at her. The general consensus of anyone who I used my special chains on was that if I got a grab in the fight was over. Sure, I could still only have more than a few links out for a few seconds without any boost, but between the draining and the throw I could easily pull off with with the chains I only needed one good grab to wear down even adults. At least enough to jump in with a few cheap hits to finish them off. Hinata obviously knew this by now, so she ducked under my chain, then rolled out of the way when I tried to pin her to the ground. I was expecting her to do that, though, and had already prepped my next jutsu. Metal marbles, designed so I could hurt but not kill with my magnet release, scored hits on her side. I charged, and she blocked my foot with her hand. I winced, realizing my mistake when my leg turned numb from the near-instantaneous point-blank Heavenly Will. I used my core-based flight to try to kick her with my other foot, but she got it before I could.

"Full body takeover, eh?" I asked as the rest of my body below my neck was wrested from my control. Really, having a relatively non-draining jutsu that might as well be an automatic win to anyone in melee distance is even more broken than I am...

"Sorry, but can I practice this for a bit?"

I tried to shrug, but remembered the futility. "Go ahead. I still have control over my sage cores, so I can catch myself if you slip up." Hinata spent the rest of the sparring session finding stupid dances to make me do, egged on by Kurama. I did get her to work on her proxy chakra control a bit, though. She could almost make me do Jūken by the end.

kukukuku~

Tenten said something, probably about how much it stank that we had to go to school, as we walked ourselves to school. Well, they walked and I floated because I actually may or may not have a bit of trouble matching other people's walking paces, especially if I'm not paying too much attention. I don't know what she was saying, though. I was thinking. I mumbled something in response and pulled out my sealing notebook and note-taking pencil, which I used to write down the formula I thought of. I tuned out their conversation as I sketched the complex seal down as best I could. "You messed up a little there," Tenten said as I was finishing off the last strokes.

"Hm?" I asked.

She pointed to one of the runes and oh my that was very wrong. "I'm not sure, but I think it'll just tear a hole in the fabric of space if you don't fix that stabilizing rune." I thanked her and hurriedly fixed it.

"I feel like maybe you should not write down a seal that could potentially tear a hole in the fabric of space itself until you're absolutely sure it won't do that?" Neji said with more than a little concern.

To be honest, I didn't blame him, but... "Graphite's pretty much the worst for making seals," I explained, "which means that it's really good for practicing making seals because it's almost impossible to activate it without noticing."

"Well why didn't you have me use a pencil when you were trying to teach me seals, then?"

Finished, I stowed the notebook. "Okay in my defense I wasn't expecting you to screw up the easiest seal in the book when given detailed instructions, much less screwed up enough to accidentally make an incredibly simplified explosive seal. And with the last seal I had you do, I think we both know that you should always assume that there will be an explosion when making a paper bomb." I tried to teach Neji fuinjutsu once. Turns out he's literally the worst at it. He somehow managed to turn a basic light seal into a thankfully tiny bomb with only a big enough blast radius to burn itself off of whatever it's written on, which apparently was a theme with him. No matter what, he would always make bombs out of whatever seal I gave him. And then, when I tried to have him purposefully make a bomb, hoping that maybe he was just some sort of bomb savant, he somehow managed to make a seal tag that teleported itself and whatever it was touching to a random place within a fifty meter radius. Which, okay, free spacetime ninjutsu, but how? "I'm still scratching my head on how you managed to make a short-range teleport out of a bomb. Speaking of, what's your mom make of it, Tenten?"

"She's still on that high from the wedding, so she's been more concentrated with being all lovey-dovey with Mommy than looking over the seal, but she did say to never let Neji near a seal again when I told her it was supposed to be a paper bomb."

"It wasn't really that bad, was it?" Neji asked.

Tenten laughed and shook her head. "Not at all, Neji..."

"...It's much worse," I finished her sentence with a slight grin. We high-fived. "When I looked at the seal you were making with my eyes, I saw a lot of different possibilities. Random teleportation was one of the better ones. You don't want to know what the worse ones were."

"Right." He didn't believe me. To be fair, I did tend to mess with him... And was messing with him. "So what's the seal you were working on supposed to do? I'm assuming it's somehow related to spacetime."

"Yeah, normally when people screw up seals that have nothing to do with spacetime, the result doesn't do anything to the fabric of reality," Tenten said, elbowing Neji.

"Shut it."

I shrugged. "You're right, though. It was most certainly a spacetime seal."

"Yeah, it looked a bit like an object summoning seal, but a little different," Tenten said. "Was it meant to swap objects between two paired seals?"

"Close. My hope is that it'll form a portal between two locations when chakra's input on both ends, and that it's compatible with demon sage chakra. It's still a little rough around the edges, though."

"Let me guess, secret base," Tenten said.

I brushed my hand through my hair. I was combing it less now, so it was a bit curlier and fluffier. "Obviously. In fact, I have an agent working on finding the location right now. Haven't found anything good yet, though."

"How do you have an agent?" Neji asked me.

"Magic." I noticed a certain building and pointed at it. "Hey, isn't that the school? That looks like a school."

"Yup, that's the school," Tenten said. "Mommy took me here a lot. Mama's job is a little less kid-friendly, plus the teachers looked after me when I didn't want to sit through Mommy's classes."

"Oh right," I said. "Your mom's a teacher."

"Yeah, I said that earlier, weren't you paying attention?"

Something about that sentence felt a little doomy, though I couldn't tell why. "No, I was thinking about how to breach through spacetime to reach another location without accidentally summoning Mega Neo Beqthulhuzillaon, Destroyer of Souls and Eater of Worlds."

"Is that an actual concern?" Neji asked. "Are you messing with us or could you have actually summoned some sort of eldritch horror monster?"

I smirked. "You should know the answer to that question by now. I'm assuming you know the way, Tenten?"

"Duh."

kukukuku~

I tried very hard not to groan. "My name is Uzumaki Tenko," our teacher for the next few years said, writing it on the chalkboard. God I hate chalkboards. If I were Hokage I'd make chalkboards illegal. "I look forward to teaching you." I slumped in my seat. It's not that I didn't like her. Tenko was really nice. No, the problem was that she knew I was a literal genius relative to my age level, and with that comes... expectations... Before, my plan was to just rest on my near-complete high school-level education to put the bare minimum amount of work into the actual academic parts of ninja school, which considering what grades I got with how little effort I put into school before would've made me best in class or thereabouts already. But Tenko already saw me put actual effort into something, meaning she might have been able to tell when I didn't put in the work. So if I didn't want to hear about it from her and Tenten both I'd have to at least half-ass it. Ugh...

I sound like Shikamaru, don't I?

"Didn't I tell you she was going to be our teacher earlier?" Tenten muttered to me. I guess that was what I missed... "And why are you so annoyed Mommy's your teacher?"

"Because she'll actually care if I don't put any effort into my work," I whispered back.

"How terrible," Neji snarked. I flicked him with natural energy. Using natural energy without sage mode may have been a lot weaker, but I could at least flick someone sitting right next to me hard enough to feel. He flicked me back, though. My Neji may have been completely seal-illiterate, but he was just as much of a ninjutsu genius as in canon, and figured out how to feel and manipulate natural energy just by watching me do it, though he hadn't quite managed sage mode yet. We proceeded to engage in invisible and incredibly petty warfare that Tenko would probably have stopped if she were a sensor. Luckily, Tenten was too amused to turn us in. She almost gave us away with her giggling, though.

"Now, why don't you introduce yourselves?" I'm not saying that I completely tuned everyone's introductions out, but I am saying that the only names that I retained aside from Hyūga Neji, Uzumaki Tenten, and Rock Lee was someone whose family name started with something in the ka line and whose given name was Kaede. Kaede is a pretty awesome name. Why couldn't I have been a Kaede?

"Hello. My name is Hyūga Kouki," I said when it was my turn. "The reason why I don't look like Neji despite us having the same family name is because he's adopted."

"What!?" Neji spluttered. "No! You're the adopted one!"

"It's nice to meet you," I halfheartedly finished, pretending Neji said nothing. He flicked me for my troubles when I sat down. I flicked back, and as if someone assassinated a duke or something, Flick War II began.

kukukuku~

"Just remember that these are friendly matches," Tenko said when we were all sitting on the ground by the sparring ring. "If I feel like someone is being hurt too badly, I'll stop it there. And once more, it's taijutsu only."

"Why'd you look at me when you said that?" I asked. Her glare turned a little more accusatory. I shrugged. "I wasn't gonna do it anyway..."

"Right," she said, turning away from me. "You may now look at the slips of paper I gave you. Who has one?" Tenten and a boy I should probably have known the name of raised their hands. "You two are first. And Tenten, try not to rough him up too badly, okay, sweetie?"

The unnamed kid grinned maliciously. "I hope teach doesn't get too angry after I beat up her precious daughter." Neji and I exchanged a look and snickered. Right, like that kid stood a chance. When they were told to start, the kid jumped in for a punch. Tenten dodged easily and shoved him to the side. He stumbled and fell.

"Get him with your Uzumaki strength, Tenten," I cheered dully.

She scowled at me. "For the last time!" Tenten shouted, then picked up the nearest object. Namely the unnamed kid. "I'm not!" She hoisted her hapless victim above her head. "Freakishly strong!" She threw Hapless Victim at me. Without even blinking, I deployed the demon sage cores hanging from my earlobes. One formed a springy barrier in front of me that safely absorbed the impact of the collision without too much damage to Hapless, while the other formed a barrier under him to cushion his fall.

"I have no idea why I would think that," I said as I recalled my cores. "Truly, your ability to lift over your body weight in small child despite being yourself a small child is totally unremarkable." She blushed and growled at me.

"Kouki, please stop antagonizing Tenten," Tenko said. "The match is over, Tenten wins."

"How did you do that?" another small child I probably should've known the name of asked me.

"Magic."

Hapless (I was now trying to commit his face and chakra signature to memory so I could keep calling him that) groaned and sat up. "I thought we weren't allowed to use jutsu!" he complained.

"You weren't," I said. "The Uzumaki bloodline manifests itself passively in the form of enhanced vitality and strength, something that Tenten definitely has even if she doesn't quite have the traditional looks."

"HEY!"

"So really, you didn't stand a chance." Hapless stomped off to his seat and the rounds began again. After a few, it was my turn, as well as, "coincidentally" enough, a young Rock Lee.

"Remember, no jutsu," Tenko reminded me.

"Yeah, yeah," I said, then got into my fighting stan- "Ah, crud," I muttered. I had not been doing regular old sparring enough. I couldn't even remember the last time I'd actually practiced fighting someone without ninjutsu or genjutsu.

"Start."

I dodged a really shoddy punch. To be honest, it was pretty weird seeing Lee suck at taijutsu. I leaned away from another punch, then caught his arm. "Stop," I commanded. I uncurled his fist, removed his thumb from his palm, and then forced his hand into a proper fist. "It's a common mistake," I assured him. "If you punch someone with your fingers around your thumb, you'll probably break it. Oh, and hit me with those two big knuckles, not the entire fist." When I released him, he cautiously punched me. "Good," I said after catching his hand with mine. "However, I'm afraid that now I have to..." I twisted around and slung his arm over my shoulder in an attempt to suplex him or something. "Finish you!" Key word being attempt... I may or may not have only lifted him onto my back...

"I don't think you did what you were attempting to do..." he said.

"Stupid physics. I always hated that subject..." I shrugged and just dropped backwards in what I hoped looked like a planned move. I really needed to work on my taijutsu.

"Okay, that was not at all what I was expecting..." Tenko sighed. "Kouki wins, I guess..."

"You okay?" I asked as I got off Lee.

He sighed. "I am fine..."

The third noteworthy match was Neji versus a hotblooded Yamanaka girl with orange hair like that one Fū guy and red eyes. While Neji was technically a pseudo jinchuriki by now from my experiments, his powers were weird and technically even his "passive" strength would be considered an active jutsu, especially because he could turn it off. The Yamanaka, on the other hand, was surprisingly strong for a Yamanaka. Maybe she was part Uzumaki? She did have red hair. At any rate, while Neji was almost overpowered at one point, he beat her. He was a genius after all.

kukukuku~

"Hey," I said, then sat down on the floor next to Lee. Okay, I actually floated just a bit off the ground, but the sentiment was there... "Sorry about beating you so bad."

He sighed. "No, it's okay... I already knew I would not do well here. I cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu, and you saw how my taijutsu is."

"Can you channel chakra into things?" I asked. I really wanted to know what would happen if I started him off early.

"I can, but no matter how hard I try, I will not be able to use a jutsu. The doctor said that there is a problem with my chakra coils, so I am incapable of moulding my chakra into jutsu..."

I shrugged. "Not exactly a dealbreaker, if you're willing to work extra hard."

"What do you mean?"

I summoned my crystal ball. Yeah, I know it's kind of a stereotype, but I'd made the jutsu from that crystal ball jutsu Sarutobi used to see Naruto in the first episode, so blame Kishimoto. "Watch this." I waved my hands over the floating crystal ball, casting the jutsu. Despite not activating my Shōraigan, the crystal ball changed to show another location. By using a physical medium, I could show my vision to others and didn't have the same backlash, though with the downside that it wasn't private and I didn't get nearly enough information. "See that man?" I said, pointing to Gai training. "He used to be about where you are, but now he's one of the most dangerous shinobi in Konoha through taijutsu alone. Do you want to know how?" I put away the ball and looked at Lee. His eyes said yes. "An insane amount of practice, training, and diligence, combined with challenging himself to do something even more difficult whenever he fails a training exercise. You should probably take time to rest every once in a while, especially at first to keep from permanently damaging your body, but I see a fire in you. There's no reason why you couldn't become as good as or perhaps even better than him one day."

There were stars in his eyes, and he was almost crying. "Do you think so?"

I gave him a small grin. "I know so. Also..." I pulled out the other thing I had for him. "This is a bit of a beginner's fuinjutsu kit, at least my version of it. Try and see if you have some aptitude for it. You may not be able to inscribe seals with chakra alone, but if you pick up enough you could work wonders with seals." Imagine Rock Lee with the ability to make and use seals. To be honest I have no clue what would happen but I do know it would be amazing.

He stood up, energized, and gave me a deep bow. "Thank you very much! I will make sure to become a splendid ninja!"

My grin was genuine. "I'm sure you will."

kukukuku~

Usagi

I lurched along the dirt path. My new body of stone was not suitable for travel in the slightest, but I had no other alternatives. It seemed that compatibility with myself was not quite as common outside of Konoha as I assumed it was at first, and the rabbit was either a stroke of luck on my part or perhaps somehow related to how Kurama was present in End Valley at one point. Perhaps his chakra acted as a primer. Still, I did sense a few scattered people in small villages who had compatibility, though I couldn't in good conscience simply abduct and kill an innocent person. I needed to find a bandit with compatibility.

"Well well well, what do we have here?" a source of malicious intent jeered as two men appeared from behind trees. Speak of the devil. The two bandits, however, were nowhere near compatible.

"There's a toll to use this road," the other bandit said, brandishing his sickle. They had yet to realize my anomalous existence on account of the cloak, gloves, and mask I had fashioned for myself.

"Oh," I said. "I do apologize. I was not made aware of the toll. You really should put up a sign."

"You gettin' smart with us?" the first bandit asked. "We'll rough you up!" I probably didn't look like much of a threat either. The body I'd formed for myself was rather on the short side, to save energy. It was still definitely in the adult range, but not by much.

"You two are bandits, aren't you?" I asked. I already knew the answer, of course.

"Of course we're bandits, now give us all your loot!" The sickle-wielding bandit rushed me. That was a mistake. My body became fluid, the eyeholes of my mask gained two red lights where my eyes should have been, and I dodged effortlessly. I removed one of my gloves, then placed my hand on his face.

"Do you take chakra instead?" I asked, then infused his body with demon sage chakra. He dropped his weapon as his brain itself was altered in such a way that, while he didn't technically die, he certainly couldn't have been said to have been truly alive anymore. I removed my hand, revealing red markings across his face.

"What the hell!?" the other bandit shrieked. Without turning to him, I sent a signal to my new thrall. The bandit that I had just "killed" snarled like a beast and rushed at him. The... I suppose the best word for it would have been "zombie" bit the man on his arm with partially crystallized teeth. The man shrieked, throwing the zombie away and running in terror. I nodded to myself and split my attention in two, one half of my mind focusing on breaking the zombie down into more demon sage cores and the other tending to the bandit. When my zombie bit him, it infected him with my chakra, causing the cells in his arm to start to transform into the demon sage core-like material that I'd used to zombify his partner. I altered the rate at which the infection spread, causing it to slow near the surface while speeding up within his blood and bones. My hope was that he'd notice the infection, cut his arm off and assume he got it all, then hurry back to his leader while carrying the infection. That would be fun. When I was done with the carrier, I turned my full attention to the zombie, which was almost prepared. With a final command, the corpse disintegrated into red powder. Some of it scattered to the wind, where it would be carried elsewhere. The rest came to me. About half of it went behind my mask, where it bolstered my existing core. The other half I formed into another core that I hid within my cloak. With that done, I placed all of his belongings into a bag I had tied to my makeshift body under the cloak. I wasn't to know fuinjutsu, after all. I continued down the lonely road, ever-so-slightly quicker than I had before.

kukukuku~

A/N: Just FYI, the ka line is any of the hiragana/katakana sounds that start with a k- noise (ka, ki, ku, ke, ko).

I thought of a power for Tenten to have, but it's kind of even more out there than usual. Like, technically it has a slight basis in canon, but exaggerated far beyond what that canon basis is, even more than what I have planned for and alluded to with Neji. Figured I'd say that cryptically now so I can tell if I need to make changes if too many people object. I think it's cool, though, so I'm probably going to do it unless literally everyone tells me not to. And possibly even not then.