Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Protector	By : djserani Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 1759 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and I do not make any money from these writings.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Yet again, she found herself rushing through her shower. She would have liked to stay under the spray a bit longer. She needed to sort out her feelings for Neji, but with the current situation, there never seemed to be enough time. She was already tired from over 24 hours of almost constant vigilance, and she was sure there was more to come.
Taking a deep breath, she shut off the water and stepped out of the stall. Grabbing a towel off of the rack, she started drying herself and her hair and her mind flashed back to being held by Neji that morning. She started feeling warm in places she didn’t want to think about so she finished her cleanup and headed out to the main room.
Her little house was hardly that. She had a large main room, small kitchen and a bathroom. The main room had a small table and chairs for eating, her bed against one wall, her dresser and her closet. That was about it. She was happy, though. It was hers. She liked being away from the prying eyes of the main house.
She pulled a cup of ramen out of her cabinet and made a face as she heated the water. The soldier pills helped keep her going, but they certainly did little for her appetite. The ramen wasn’t much better. She was looking forward to the end of this mission so that she could cook a real meal again.
While the water was heating, she moved over to her closet and pulled on the simple black pants and shirt that made up her standard ninja uniform. She brushed her hair, then sat to wolf down her ramen and tea. When the knock sounded at the door, she looked up in surprise.
Neji smiled at her when she answered. “I thought you might like to walk to the Hokage’s office with me.”
Hinata valiantly fought her blush. Neji’s hair was still damp and she knew he’d showered, too, but she it was one thing to know and one thing to actually think about it. “H-hai, Neji-niisan. Just a… a moment.” She practically flew back into the room, dumping her now empty ramen cup in the garbage and putting her tea cup in the sink. She grabbed her pack and headed out.
They walked side by side in silence toward Tsunade’s office, both very aware of the other. About half way there, Neji reached over and took her hand. Hinata almost jumped out of her skin. She whispered, “Neji?” but he pretended not to hear her. Not sure what to do, she simply continued walking.
When they reached the offices, Neji dropped her hand and Hinata started breathing normally again. Genma, Sai, Lee and Tenten were already there. Hinata noticed that Lee and Tenten seemed to be paying a lot of attention to everything except each other. She kept her smile to herself, but the uncomfortable moment this morning made quite a bit more sense.
The lined up in front of Tsunade’s desk and waited for her to speak. “We’re conducting autopsies as we speak, but we already have a few ideas. We suspect someone is experimenting on people. Orochimaru was famous for his experimentation. If Neji is right and this new seal is a transport for living, then that sounds right up his alley. Since he is gone, I suspect we’re dealing with Kabuto who was rumored to enjoy the experimentation almost as much as Orochimaru itself. It doesn’t take a genius, then –“ at this, Tsunade spared a brief glance for Neji – “to surmise that the location of the village that was attacked was no accident. Kabuto is likely holed up in some lab up near the Sound village.”
“I know it’s unusual to send this many on a mission such as this, but those people depended on our protection. We must find out what happened and, if possible, return those people to their homes. I don’t have to tell you that the balance of power between the villages right now is precarious, at best. Were it not for the support of Suna, I suspect we’d have already been attacked many times over. However, no one is ready to cross the Kazekage, so we are fairly safe… for the moment.
“Anyway, we can’t risk looking any weaker than we already do. The Suna support will only go so far. Find those villagers. Dismissed!”
They all nodded and headed outside, Genma pausing at the bottom of the steps. “Pack for a longer trip this time. I suspect this is going to take a while and we’re going to need to be prepared. You have one hour. Meet back at the north gates then.”
“Hai!” They each took off in the direction of their homes.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been on the same mission.” Neji said quietly as they hurried to their houses. “It’s going to take some concentration for me to think more about the mission than you.” His words had Hinata pausing in surprise.
“ I do not need to be protected like some little child, Neji!” Hinata sounded childish to her own ears.
“Who said anything about protecting you?” His smile was hiding something that Hinata could not figure out. Thankfully, they were outside their houses.
She hurried in and began to gather her things for the mission. Clean shirts, underwear, a fresh pair of pants. Soap and shampoo to wash with. Toothbrush, toothpaste. She used to have extra of everything packed to grab at a moment’s notice, but with the lack of missions as of late, she hadn’t put a pack together.
She tied her bedroll under her pack, and headed into the kitchen. She quickly set some rice to cook and dug into her refrigerator. She had chicken left, some vegetables, a bit of tofu. She glanced at the clock and knew she’d have time to cook up some decent food for this trip.
Half an hour later, she met Neji outside of her house. To get to the North gates meant they would walk through the rest of the Hyuuga compound. Her father was sitting on the side porch of the main house as they got close.
“Hinata, Neji, come here please.” Her father gave the command quietly. Despite the changes in their relationship some things would never change. She’d never consider disobeying a direct command.
“Otousan.” Hinata greeted him and bowed.
“Hyuuga-sama.” Neji said, also bowing.
“I have some disturbing news. Please, sit.” Hinata and Neji looked at each other before taking a seat on the porch. They’d never been invited to sit with him like this. Hinata began to feel a bit nervous. “I am ill. I understand you are both in the middle of an investigation and so some of this will wait until you get back. But I am going to be passing the clan leadership to you Hinata.”
Hinata looked up at her father’s face quickly. “Otousan? What’s wrong?!” The worry was clearly written on her face.
“Calm down, child. I’m not dying. However, this illness is making it more difficult to show the elders the strength that is needed to lead. Things need to change and I am not going to be able to do so. Hinata, you have grown into a strong Hyuuga. You will lead our clan into the future. You have far exceeded any of my past expectations. “ Hinata’s father smiled at her for the first time in a very long time.
“But…what about Hanabi? I thought she was their favorite to succeed you? “ She did not want to hurt her sister and, if it came down to it, she would have to fight her for it position of leader. If the elders had their way, it would be a fight to the death.
“She does not wish to fight you. She wishes to make her own way in the world.” Her father smiled slightly. “Apparently a young chuunin has caught her eye. But she has her own dreams and as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to realize how important those dreams are. Someone must lead the clan, but we have become too stuck in our old traditions.” He seemed to mentally shake himself. “She will refuse the fight.”
“But… that would mean a loss of her honor!” Hinata looked horror-struck. She sat up a bit straighter and a look of determination came across her face. “No. I will not let that happen. I will think of something.” She looked up then at her father. “I am sorry, Father, but we are expected at the North gates shortly. We must go.”
“Yes, of course, Hinata. Be careful. The Hyuuga clan is depending on you, now, to return safely.”
“I will, Otousan.” Hinata and Neji both bowed to her father and left quickly.
- 5
- 6
- 7
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