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Desert Rose	By : TsurugaRin Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 2025 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any money from this fic.

Chapter List
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Hi Everyone! this is my first ever Naruto Fanfic so please let me know how I'm going by R & R!
Also thanks 13HellFES for letting me know Temari is actually older than Kankuro (dunno why but even now I still think of him being older...) I think I fixed it but if I've missed a correction here and there someone please let me know. At this point unless its something that seriously messes with the story I'll probably address it at a later date. Want to try and finish the story first ~ hope everyone understands.
Now, without further ado...
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Standing at the entrance of Sunagakure, Hyuuga Hinata weakly waved goodbye to the Suna siblings, Kankuro and Temari; their own enthusiastic waving making her feel all the more apprehensive about her current situation. Beside her, Gaara of the Desert saw his older brother and sister off with indifference, his profile nothing short of awe inspiring. To have been appointed Kazekage at such a young age was incredible and Hinata could not help but feel a little intimidated. His expressionless gaze as he watched his siblings run off on an A rank mission, no matter how gorgeous, was disconcerting. The weeks stretched out before her and, as she imagined them with Gaara by her side, she felt neither peace nor joy at the prospect. Just what had she gotten herself into?!
***
"Your new mission," The Fifth Hokage sat at her desk opposite the standing Chuunin holding out a mission slip.
Hinata could only stare at the slip of paper than back to Tsunade sama in shock. Not only was she standing alone in the Fifth's office but from what she could tell Tsunade sama was offering her a diplomatic A rank mission. Was she serious? Hinata wasn't about to insult her Hokage but surely she had the wrong person. She couldn’t do this. This mission was too important, too much was at stake. The risks of getting this wrong were truly life and death.
"Sunagakure has just suffered a huge downfall with their Kazekage still recovering from his abduction, not to mention adjusting to not being a Jinchuuriki anymore,” Tsunade began again, thinking maybe the girl wasn't clear on her instruction. “Because of this, they can not show any weakness within their ranks and will not be able to refuse missions. No doubt, even as we speak the Kazekage's siblings are getting their orders to deploy on another mission. There are many that wish for Sunagakure's destruction and I am not about to see that happen. Your mission is to become the Kazekage’s own bodyguard, in place of the shinobi that are required out in the field for as long as they need you. With Konohagakure in a stable condition now, we lose nothing with you being a temporary fixture in Suna. Of course even to their allies they would not admit any weakness so we have offered you there as an Emissary; the link between our two nations. However, if anything were to happen, I expect you to treat the Kazekage as if he were me and protect him with your life."
The sinking feeling in Hinata's stomach didn't fade with the re-explanation; in fact it seemed to be getting worse. She was pretty sure now that the Hokage had made some kind of mistake. After all she was just a Chuunin, and barely one at that. She may have been versed in diplomacy as part of her grooming for taking over the Hyuuga clan but she had no real experience. As for bodyguard, her skill was mediocre at best. She had to turn this assignment down. Maybe even suggest Neji nii sama; he would surely better represent Konoha and he was already a Jounin. In all aspects he was a better choi-
"Hyuuga Neji and company are on their way back from rescuing the Kazekage and are about a day away," Tsunade suddenly said as if reading Hinata's mind. "They will be given time to rest and then sent off on another mission befitting their station. Also since Naruto recommended you, I am inclined to agree that you are the best choice for this mission." Tsunade didn't mention that the Hyuuga clans specific skills would be ideal in recognising friend or foe and it would be an insult to Suna to offer anyone less than the heiress. Besides that, Hinata was strong, growing in leaps and bounds in the last few years. If she could just gain in confidence, Tsunade could see the girl becoming quite a formidable kunoichi. Throwing her completely out of her comfort zone may just do that.
"N-Naruto kun did?" Hinata stammered, another wave of shock hitting her. To think he thought that much of her. How could she refuse now? Even if she felt there were others that would suit better, she couldn't undermine Naruto's judgement.
"I have already sent a bird to Suna advising them of your imminent arrival," Tsunade said impatiently. She waved the mission slip around, urging the girl to take it. "You leave tomorrow morning. Go pack and say your goodbyes."
Recognising that tone, Hinata hastily grabbed the mission slip and hurried out of the Fifth's office. She had seen firsthand what happened when Tsunade sama lost her patience and did not want to end up in hospital like Kiba had that one time...
***
After packing her things, she went to tell her father of her new mission, however found he was in a meeting with the elders of the Hyuuga clan. Stopping at the door she accidently she overheard a bit of their conversation. It was the same argument they had been convening on since the first Chuunin exam she'd been a part of over three years ago; the future of heir to the Hyuuga clan.
"It's a simple matter of re-assessment," Hyuuga Hiashi was saying in a stubborn voice. He didn’t understand why they were being so unreasonable. They’d also been at the Chuunin exam and seen the display of skill; more than anyone, the Hyuuga blood ran thickest in Neji’s veins. It would be an act of injustice to not allow him the right to vie for the role of clan leader.
"The reason for the head family and branch family was to dissuade this very course of contention," Elder A said, her voice firm.
"I am aware of that and I have previously accepted this as my brother and I had very similar skills but these are different circumstances. I believe this should be reviewed again. For the very future of the Hyuuga clan, we must change our - "
"Hiashi!" Elder B interjected. "You realise you are usurping your own child's right to succeed you?! Just what do you think you are suggesting?"
"The children should have the right to -"

"To what?! You plan to let the children decide? Have you had leave of your senses?"
Hinata squeezed her eyes shut and backed away from the door. This wasn't something she should be listening to. But even as she was about to leave, she hesitated. Of course she agreed with her Father on this one. They’re relationship had improved immensely since the Chuunin exam. Her father now treated her as a person, removing all the pressure he’d instilled in her about inadequacies as the heir to the clan. She knew all he wanted now was equality, to let Neji nii sama have the opportunities she had as part of the Head Family. She too, would like to see Neji nii sama become the clan leader. He wasn’t weak like her, he would do a good job and then her father could teach him the secrets of the clan outright without having to hide it as he had been doing for the last few years.
A coil of determination formed in the pit of her stomach and before she knew it she was kneeling down on her hands and knees, sliding the door to the meeting room open. Shuffling in on all fours, palms flat in front of her and bent over so her head touched the tatami mat beneath her, she took a deep breath and said, "S-sorry for intruding on your meeting, Father, Elders but I would like to respectfully withdraw my right to inherit the position of Head of the Hyuuga Clan."
Before anyone could react to her sudden outburst the door on the other side slammed open and a figure cried, "Hinata sama, you can't!"
Hyuuga Neji looked, for lack of a better word, awful! His hair was sticking out of his leather protector, his clothes smudged and he was all round filthy. To make matters worse he smelt like he hadn't showered for days, which was probably not far from the truth. He and company must have really pushed their limits to be back in Konoha already.
Hinata resisted the urge to ask him how Naruto kun was, instead took the opportunity to gauge her elders reactions. The two Elders sat opposite her father at the low meeting table, kneeling on soft cushions. Everyone had stunned looks on their faces. The Elders recovered first.
"Hiashi! Control your daughter!" cried Elder A just as Elder B said, "Hyuuga Neji desist this insubordination at once! This matter is between the Elders and the Head Family. This does not concern you."
Hiashi looked at his still bowing daughter, then at Neji who heaved with exertion, a pained expression creased his face and in turn his own face became peaceful.
"Elders," he begun calmly, bowing his head. "I understand your arguments, however as you can see these 'children' are no longer naïve youngsters. They are the ones who will lead the next generation into the future and we must step back and let them continue what we have started. To be so brash as to interrupt a private meeting," he quirked his eyebrow and gave both Neji and Hinata a significant look, "shows me that they are ready to make their own decisions for their own futures."
"But-" Elder A started, however Hiashi held up his hand to still her voice.
"I have no intention of forfeiting my role as head of the clan just yet, nor do I wish to take away my own daughter's right to the title. Thus I propose another review in five years’ time, whereby all the children eligible to succeed me, Neji, Hinata and Hanabi, will gather to equally put forward tender to become clan leader. We live in an ever changing world and I feel we need to change with it for the brighter future of the clan."
Elder A looked like she was going to argue the point again but seeing it in her expression, Elder B grabbed her hand and she kept silent. Instead Elder B said, "I can see the truth in your words," he paused then, also looking at the two cousins thoughtfully. They still hadn't moved but he could see Neji's serious expression and Hinata's unmovable resolve. "We accept your proposal. This issue will be reviewed again in five years’ time. This meeting is adjourned."
He stood then, along with his wife, who was looking at him with a dubious expression on her face, to take their leave. Hiashi also stood, his head bowed respectfully as he waited for them to exit first. As they shuffled around Neji out of the room all parties heard Elder B say loudly, "It's so refreshing to see the youngsters take a vested interest in their own futures. It's been a long time since I have seen such backbones. I cannot wait to see how they mould the future of our clan."
Once they were gone, the remaining three heaved a huge sigh of relief. Hinata stood and bowed at Neji; her thanks at his outburst implied. He was clearly the better candidate for the position but it was nice to know that he was still willing to support someone as weak as her. They haven’t had the best history but it was clear that their future relationship was steadily improving.
"You two," Hiashi said resting a hand on each of their shoulders. "I owe you both a great deal of gratitude. I too look forward to the future you both forge." With that he wondered off in the direction of the Elders muttering under his breath and shaking his head at the sudden and unexpected outcome.
The cousins looked at each other in bewilderment, not believing what had just happened either. Then Hinata remembered why she'd come here in the first place. She hastily bowed again to Neji.
"Neji nii-sama," she said and dashed off after her father to advise him of her assignment.
***
Three days later she was crossing the border to the Wind Country. At the borderline she activated her Byakugan, searching for the markers she knew would be laid out around the country. There! It was faint but her eyes easily pinpointed the chakra lines spread as sensors to alert Suna's ANBU of intruders. She jumped down from her perch in a tree and purposefully triggered the sensors by disrupting the flow with her own chakra, then, dispelling Byakugan, she waited.
She didn't have to wait long, in a matter of minutes she was met by several masked nins. True to their station she had only a moments warning before they had her completed surrounded.
She gulped, trying not to feel threatened with her shinobi senses wailing warning signs inside her brain. It had been a crude way for her to get their attention but she knew that once she’d explained herself she’d be able to utilise their aid in completing the rest of her journey safely.
"Um, I'm here because -" she started but was cut off before she could complete her sentence.
"Oh, thank GOD!" one of the ANBU cried, seeing her headband. "Quickly take her!"
"Roger," another nodded and grabbed Hinata without warning, carting her at maximum speed toward the village. It was not the greeting she'd anticipated but figured they had their reasons so allowed herself to be dragged along. At the very least she was glad for the brief reprieve from running. Since the masked ninja was not worn out from days of constant travel, they moved fast. His pace meant they were within view of the villiage in a matter of minutes.
As they approached the village, Hinata could see why they were in a hurry. Breaking free of the ANBU's hold she fell in line with them, reactivating her Byakugan to get a better view. The disturbance at the village entrance was clear. It didn't take any effort for her to see that Gaara was in the fray, he stood above the fight on a platform of sand. Their opponent must be hard if he were there. Clouds of sand were billowing up as Gaara not only cushioned other sand nin that were being flung around by force but was also pushing his own attacks on the enemy.
An attack on Sunagakure already? This wasn't boding well for her mission. And who was it that allowed the Kazekage to the front of the battle? Admittedly there wasn't really anyone that could stop him but wasn’t he supposed to be recovering?
A plain dressed shinobi fell in line with them.
"Report," said the ANBU.
"She's gotten worse. Disabled Kankuro first -"
Disabled Kankuro? Hinata thought, tuning out the report. This was bad. She sped up ahead of the others. She could not afford for her first solo mission to fail before it had even started! She wouldn't be able to show her face in front of Naruto kun again, especially since he'd just saved the Kazekage!
Through the cloud of sand it was hard to see, but not for Hinata, her Byakugan clearly spied the frame of the sole attacker. Only one? Surely Gaara wasn’t getting bested by only one person. She shook her head. Now was not the time to be thinking about that. Pushing her confusion away, she also ignored the tingling of familiarity as she launched herself in front of the attacker dispelling both Gaara's sandstorm attack and the biting wind coming from his opponent by creating her signature chakra shield to repel both attacks simultaneously. As soon as they'd dissipated, Hinata readjusted her pose; the enemy was now within range of her hakke. But she never got to use her skills.
"T-Temari san?!"
Her opponent also paused on their next attack. Flipping her giant fan closed with a decisive click and fastened it onto her back Temari, Gaara’s older sister, strolled over. Now Hinata was thrown for a loop. Why had Temari been attacking her own village? Was this some sort of test she’d interrupted?
Not sure of the situation, she didn’t let her guard down but kept a wary eye on the older girl.
"Hehe, well if it isn't Hyuuga Hinata," Temari said with a grin. "Nice moves on the last Chuunin exam. I'm guessing you're the new emissary from Konoha? It took you long enough. I've been waiting."
"Uh, Temari sama?” one of the shinobi that she’d just been attacking interrupted their conversation and indicated to a perpetual whirlwind that had been spinning next to them the whole time.
"Oh right." She pulled out a scroll and unfurled it over the sand, biting her finger she smeared a line of blood across the scroll and created the seals for capture, releasing the technique on the whirlwind which promptly flowed into the scroll depositing Kankuro and his various puppets onto the soft sand unceremoniously.
Hinata blinked at him then looked around. The dust was clearing and in the wake of it, battered shinobi picked themselves up and headed back to their daily routines looking sore and sorry for themselves. Some of them cast filthy looks at Temari as they moved past.
"What exactly happened?" Hinata asked extremely concerned. This didn’t seem like an exercise and it was definitely not normal.
Meanwhile Kankuro had picked himself up, packed his puppets into various scrolls and walked over, mad as hell.
"That was dirty, Temari," he said, glaring daggers at her.
"Heh," she grinned sheepishly.
Gaara had also approached them and now the four of them stood in a circle. The ANBU and shinobi had long since gone and as Gaara spied the empty desert out of the corner of his eyes, he said, "We should take this somewhere private."
***
Entering Gaara's office, the four were greeted by the village Elders and council members. They had been waiting impatiently for them to arrive.
Ignoring them Gaara took his seat behind his desk, resting his gourd against the side of the desk. All this was done in silence and Hinata was dying to break it and find out just what all this was about. Everyone was acting too calm which was unsettling in itself.
As soon as Gaara was settled one of the Elders stepped forward.
"I apologise for the disruption on your arrival Konoha Emissary," he said. "I assure you that this is not the way we normally greet guests arriving in our Country or our village. We are honoured by your presence."
"No, it is I who is honoured to be here," Hinata answered, bowing low. She was suddenly grateful for all the etiquette training she’d been put through. Even though her mind was distracted she was able to answer flawlessly.
"Enough of these formalities," the other Elder grumbled. Disregarding Hinata's presence altogether she turned to Temari. "Temari, your insubordination requires severe punishment. To create such a disturbance when you should have been leaving on your mission -"
Expecting the reprimand, Temari growled, "Listen here old hag! If you think I would leave peacefully after all that's happened -"
"You are a shinobi, isn't it about time you acted like one?" a council member started which seemed like the signal for everyone to start talking at once.
"That's enough," Gaara said quietly after a moment. Even without raising his voice, the whole room shut up instantly and even Hinata felt the chill in the air. With or without the One Tailed Shukaku, Gaara was not to be crossed.
"Temari," Gaara continued. "You and Kankuro were given a mission three days ago, why are you still here?"
"I told you already that I'd wait for the emissary to arrive first. I wasn't about to leave with you vulnerable."
So that whole fuss at the village entrance was Temari refusing to leave?! It was a good thing these guys were allies, Hinata did not want to see them as enemies... they were formidable enough during the Chuunin exam that time, now they were clearly stronger.
"There's a whole village here to protect him, Temari," Kankuro spoke for the first time.
"Oh, yeah? A lot of good that did last time!"
"Are you suggesting that we willingly let him be abducted?!" a shocked councilman asked. "He is our Kazekage!"
"I am just saying that the village will protect his skills but who will protect his person with Kankuro and me gone?!"
There was no response. It was true. How many of the villagers had really accepted their Kazekage as a whole? His appointment as the Fifth was based on skill alone and even that was contestable since they had been somewhat desperate to fill the position to reduce the vulnerability to their village. He’d done a lot in the right direction by protecting the village above his own welfare but there were still so many that saw his power as a threat and feared him.
"All I asked was to wait until the Konoha emissary arrived before deploying. Naruto and the Hokage hand picked Hinata. Sad as it may be I think she would be better to protect his person than anyone in this village."
No one disagreed and Hinata could only sweat internally at the suggestion of her capabilities, biting down on her tongue to maintain her resolve. After all they were right, Naruto kun and the Fifth both had faith in her. Just when she thought she was okay again her nerves all but dissolved when one of the Elders said,
"And they sent this scrawny little girl to do just that huh? The Hokage seems to be losing her touch."
They looked at each other and Hinata tried her best to stand her ground, knowing she was not allowed to fail here. Inside, though, her resolve was crumbling faster than the ninetails’ demolition in Konoha sixteen or so years ago.
"You're wrong," Gaara said. "She is strong."
Kankuro nodded. "Agreed."
Oh God! They actually believed that. Her eyes told her so. The whole world was seriously expecting her to protect the Kazekage and do it well. She’d felt the pressure of being the heir to the Hyuuga clan her whole life but there was no way it could compare to her feelings now. Why couldn’t Suna’s ANBU do this job or someone from Konoha’s ANBU? Someone - anyone higher than her?
"She's just a Chuunin!" the Elder protested, voicing Hinata’s own thoughts.
Temari cleared her throat. "She's at Jounin level but during the Chuunin exam all parties involved agreed raising her level without going through the proper channels would raise unjust claims of favouritism since she is the heiress to the Hyuuga Clan."
This was a ploy. She still wasn't strong enough so clearly Temari was using that as an excuse to put the Elders and Councilmen's minds at ease rather than it having any real truth to the statement. Even though her eyes were telling her Temari wasn’t lying, she just couldn’t believe it.
"Well, we'll see about this," the old lady eyed Hinata up and down then stalked out of the room followed closely by her husband and the councilmen.
"We need to go," Kankuro said abruptly, cancelling any thoughts any of them might have had about the situation.
"I'll see you off," Gaara said. He didn't show any emotion but it was clear he wanted to make sure they left without incident this time.
Without any instruction, Hinata followed as well.
***
At the village entrance Kankuro and Temari waved their goodbyes.
"Gaara, look after the village for us and Hinata, look after Gaara!" Temari called cheerfully and then they were gone, leaving Hinata next to their stone faced younger brother still not sure what she'd gotten herself into!
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Desert Rose