Into The Desert

I can't tell you how pleased I am that you approve so far of this story, it's been gnawing at me that I now have a reputation to live up to... and what a reputation! I promise to do my best to keep this of such quality that you have come to expect.

I'm going to be posting some little "filler" drabbles... scenes that took place during the time skip. Some of them will be referred to in this story, others are just going to be random things I'm putting in cause I've gotten requests. I hope you'll enjoy them.

anyways... enough babbeling... onto the story!

~Teaser

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“Hinata! Please try and sit still! We don’t have time to be fooling around!” her grandmother snapped at her for the third time. Hinata’s eyes shot open as her head snapped back up, causing her aunts to laugh softly at her. It was the morning of her long awaited birthday, and the small living quarters she had been moved into from her old room were already bustling with activity. The sitting room was slowly being swallowed up as gifts from well wishers and family friends started pouring in. Servants ran in and out with various items, while family members fussed over her directly. Hanabi was dozing slightly on the bed, wondering why she needed to be up so early since she didn’t need to be directly involved in any of this, but no one argued with the family matriarch, who was keeping an eye on all the preparations from her seat behind the sleepy birthday girl.

Hinata was beginning to regret not getting much sleep that night. After Neji had left for his own bed, she had stayed up reading Naruto’s letter... all 21 pages... front and back. And then she had read it again. His mood shifted throughout the pages, from bored to ecstatic to lonely, it would pull her heart up and down with it, eliciting giddy laughter one moment and bitter tears the next. She was addicted to his letters, even now wishing nothing more then to toss everyone from her room and retrieve those precious words from their hiding place under her pillow and read them again, over and over, imagining he was sitting there talking to her. But unfortunately, there was way to much to do today for her to sit and think of her sweet boy.

She had been roused quite early this morning, fed a quick, light breakfast, and then bathed and powdered. Now she sat before her dressing table in a red nagajuban, a servant brushing her long tresses while the older women argued over how her hair should be pinned up with which ornaments and which furisode she should wear. Hinata was beginning to understand why her father had been so strict about everything, it seemed with her family if you didn’t put your foot down everyone would just whine and bicker and nothing would ever be accomplished. All this fussing was giving her a headache, and she couldn’t wait for this day to be over.

“Hinata, you shouldn’t scowl like that, you’ll give yourself wrinkles.” her grandmother stated, catching the annoyed look on her face in the mirrors reflection. The girl forced a delicate smile.

“Yes, Obaasan. I’m just getting a slight headache.” she replied gently.

The old woman laughed quietly at that. “See that... you’re sounding like the family head already.”

A short while later, Hinata’s hair was finally set, a light dusting of makeup applied, and now she was suffering the ministrations of the dresser, allowing herself to be poked, tied, and rolled into the full formal kimono with all the trappings. Hanabi had sat up at this time to get a better view, always one to enjoy watching the family drive her older sister to the brink of insanity. She was secretly quite happy that Hinata was the one to take over for their father instead of herself, she preferred to be out running missions and traveling then stuck here dealing with politics. Give her a sparring partner and let her roll in the dirt and Hanabi was happy. There were even jokes about the compound that she was so much a tom-boy, if you tied her breasts down and dressed her as a boy, Hiashi could probably get away with claiming her as his son. For now she just laughed with everyone else at the faces her sister made as they bound her and layered her into her clothing, knowing full well that once she was dressed and off to the shrine, the vultures would turn on her next. At least she wouldn’t have much of an audience for her own personal torture session.

A knock came at the entrance door just as the dresser had made the last tuck of the obi, and was fluffing and tugging it into shape. Neji had arrived to escort his cousin to the village shrine so that she could be blessed and pray for good fortune before the small coming of age ceremony this afternoon when Hiashi would officially make her his heir. He was adjusting his own ties and hakama when the door opened and an excited servant girl grabbed him, pulling him through the sitting area and shoving him in front of the bedroom door as the sounds of stunned approval began to emanate from inside. His eyes went wide at the sight before him.

Hinata stood delicately in the center of the room, adorned in the traditional five crested kimono of the Hyuga clan. The black material stood out against her fair complection, giving her face an ethereal quality. A phoenix in red and gold crouched along the front hem, wings unfurled and pinions stretched as if it were about to leap into the air while it’s mate glided down her long right sleeve. Her obi, a heavy silk brocade of golden suns and silver lined clouds on a cream background, was done in an elegant flowing darari-musubi. Neji stood there in awe, wondering when his sweet young cousin had been replaced with the courtly young woman before him.

“Close your mouth, Neji... it’s not polite to ogle a lady like that.” Hanabi teased from the corner, shattering the silence that had descended on the room. An explosion of laughter followed as he quickly snapped his jaw shut and tried to assume an uninterested expression, his cheeks reddening for a slight moment. Hinata was hiding her quiet giggle behind her long sleeve when her grandmother rose from her seat, a critical look on her face as she circled to make her final judgement. The younger assumed a more demure pose and waited quietly, knowing that if the elder didn’t approve she would be stripped down and forced to stand there while they redid the entire ensemble, a task that could take another hour or two. The look the matriarch was giving her had her convinced that was what was going to happen.

“Alright... she’s ready.” she finally responded, and the room heaved a collective sigh of relief. She stepped forward, taking Hinatas hands in her own and smiled at her. “Today you become the light of the clan, remember that as you make your way through the village. You carry the pride of your people on your shoulders, hold your head high and your gaze strong.” Hinata nodded, her cheeks flushed and her breathing slightly labored. “Dear child, what’s the matter? You’re not nervous are you?”

“No, Obaasan... it’s just...could we loosen this just a bit? I feel like I’m being squeezed by a python.” More laughter as the dresser stepped forward, tugging the heavy material gently to give her some more breathing room.

“My dear, you’re a woman now. No one ever said anything about comfort. Speaking of which... Hanabi... it’s your turn now.”

And with that she was handed over to Neji for the trek to the shrine. The morning was warm and bright as they emerged, the snows from the night before already beginning to melt.

“I hope no one sees me like this,” she whispered to him once there were outside and on their way. He chuckled in response.

“I’m afraid it’s already to late for that.” he smirked, hearing the sound of her teammates calling as soon as they hit the streets.

They were the first of many to stop the pair and offer their congratulations to her. Each time, she would groan quietly to herself before pasting on a warm smile and graciously paused to chat. Hinata was relieved by the time they made it to the shrine and she was handed over to the monk and miko and escorted inside for her blessing. As they finished and had stepped aside to allow her a moment of introspection, she bowed her head and prayed voicelessly in the sweet, smoky silence.

‘Please, grant me the grace and strength to do what is expected of me, to make my clan proud. Guide my actions to the side of truth and light. Keep me strong, if not for me, at least for those who depend on me.’

Hinata lingered in her thoughts for a moment, knowing this was probably the only time she would have to herself for the rest of the day. As she opened her eyes and gazed down at herself, her heart ached for a moment. She should be happy today, she was finally receiving the acknowledgment from her family that she had been denied for so long in her life. They had dressed her in splendid robes, called her their pride, and smiled at her instead of looking away. But without him there, it didn’t seem to matter. Her fingers rose to her bosom, pulling the iridescent charm from beneath her collar and clutching it tightly for a moment. Everything that she had worked hard to achieve... to make him proud to call her his love, and he wasn’t even there. She squeezed her eyes tight, fighting off the hollow, lost feeling that was seeping into her bones.

‘Please, Amaterasu... grant your daughter one last favor. Keep watch over my Naruto-kun. Don’t let him stray from your light into the darkness, and guide him safely home to me.’

The silence had grown deafening to her as tears began to well up in her eyes. Hinata quickly rose to join her escort outside. Maybe it was for the best she didn’t have any time to herself today. Neji was startled when she emerged visibly upset, and even more so when she waved him off as she continued past to begin homeward, her geta clacking loudly on the flagstone courtyard. As he hurried to catch up to the petite girl, she pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve pocket, daubing at her eyes to try and preserve her makeup. Hinata knew if he said anything or tried to comfort her she would loose it. Thankfully he kept his tongue, though he did continue to throw her a concerned glance every now and again. She needed to get home, back to the dog and pony show of “tradition” awaiting her. As much as she hated it, she needed the distraction today. When they had made it to the village square, she had to scream inwardly at the sound of three familiar voices calling cheerfully to her.

‘Please no... not them... not right now...’

“Oh my god! Is that our little Hinata-chan? I almost didn’t recognize you!” Ino gushed loudly as the trio of kunoichi rushed over. Sakura reached her first and caught up her arms, giving them a gentle squeeze and placing a feather light kiss on the temple, so as not to muss her. Tenten brought up the rear, grabbing shopping bags from the others and trying to hide them behind her.

“I wish I had my camera with me! You’re absolutely stunning!” Sakura piped in, holding her out at arms length and looking her over. “Is this what you’re wearing for the party tonight?”

“If she’s wearing that I’m definitely going to have to rethink my outfit.” Tenten commented, having dropped the bags behind them before grabbing Hinata’s hands and spinning her the other direction from where they had just come before giving her a delicate squish of her own.

“Anou... this is just for the shrine and the ceremony this afternoon... I have another kimono for tonight, not quite as formal, but still...” Hinata was feeling a little dizzy at the sudden rush on her, and didn’t notice as her rose haired friend snuck off to talk to her cousin. Tenten and Ino were making a very good distraction.

“Hinata? Are you alright? Your eyeliner is a little smudged...” the brunette pointed out as she lifted the others chin with a fingertip to check for any other makeup problems.

“Don’t tell me you’ve been crying today... what could possibly upset you so much on your birthday?” Ino asked softly as she reached into the weapons pouch on her hip to pull out a compact and began patting away the dark circles on her pale friends face.

“I’m fine... I’m just...” Hinata sighed in resignation as she closed her eyes and gave into the concern of her friends. Inwardly she was growing thankful they had found her. Her fingers made their way to her neckline again, searching for that little reminder that she was loved. “I wish he could be here to see me... I miss him.” she stated softly. She looked back up to their gentle faces, surprised at what appeared to be a hint of guilt showing in their eyes. It was then she realized that one was missing, along with her cousin. “Anou... where did Sakura-san and Niisan go to?” She started to turn, spotting them in the corner of her eye. They were chatting excitedly about something, Neji handing her a note and her pointing back towards the alleyway. Hinata shifted her gaze back further, not seeing much but a few random people in front of the shadows and... was that a flash of orange? But before she could get a better look she was grabbed and spun around quickly.

“Hinata! Where on earth did you get that from!” the tall blonde interrupted, pulling the hand from the new trinket for a better look. The girls bubbled over her for another five minutes or so till Neji and Sakura returned.

“I’m sorry, but we must be heading back now.” the dark haired ninja cut in. “Hiashi and they others will be waiting, and there is still much to be done for today. You can chat latter tonight at the party.” He smirked quietly at his comment, and if Hinata hadn’t known better, she could have sworn he winked at them.

Sakura started collecting the bags from their resting spot, still hiding them from their petite friend. “Neji, promise me you’ll get a picture of her before she changes outfits! I want one for ‘the book’!”

He nodded as he took up his cousins arm gently, just as she was turning to check out that alleyway again. To her disappointment there was nothing there. Hinata sighed again as she was lead off, feeling fatigued already, but knowing the day was only just beginning for her.

The three girls huddled together, trying not to explode as they watched the pair head off. When they were sure it was safe, the trio dissolved into a fit of giggles and ran over to the alley.

“Baka! You almost ruined the whole thing!” Sakura chided into the shadows. Azure eyes sparkled mischievously as a grinning, whiskered face peeked out and around the corner.

“I’m sorry, Sakura-chan.” his deep voice chuckled. “I couldn’t help myself. So is the teme going to help?”

“Yes! Which means we need to get you back to the apartment and start getting ready! I still don’t know what I’m going to wear!” Ino said as she grabbed the tall boy and started dragging him down the street. With a laugh he pulled her back, wrapping one arm over her shoulders as he turned and grabbed the other two with his free arm.

“Well then, what are we waiting for?” he grinned, so very glad to be back among his friends. “Lets get started... this is going to be my best prank ever.”

~*~


The afternoon went much quicker then anticipated. After the brief ceremony declaring Hinata as the official heir to the Hyuga clan the family had gathered for a celebratory meal of their own. Once she had finally gotten a chance to sit down and eat, she was allowed another bath and enough time to catch a nap. It was exhausting traipsing around the village in all that heavy material, and she had worked up as much of a sweat as she would have training with her team. And she wasn’t technically supposed to be napping, but instead sorting the various packages and greetings that were now filling her living space. She lost all hope for that when she had sat down on the bed and managed to be still for five minutes, her body giving in to it’s lack of sleep. She was up and running again two hours later, as it was time to get ready for the nights festivities.

This was the dog and pony show she had been dreading. Because of her families status, and her rank among the members, she couldn’t be allowed a simple get together with her friends and loved ones. Instead, she would be paraded about in front of the leaders and young heirs of the other elite clans of not only the Fire Country, but their neighboring allies as well. Forced to prance and perform for their enjoyment. It was all another game of politics. Hinata knew that not only was she being displayed as the “pride of the clan”, but now that she was 18, she was available as a pawn, a mere bargaining chip. A prized asset as not only a graceful trophy wife to pose quietly by your side, but to produce gifted, high quality offspring.

Hiashi had been asking Neji and her sister if they knew of any suitors trying to court her, and at her request, her cousin had reported back to him that there were none for certain. Though she did keep regular correspondence with an unknown admirer from far away. When pressed for more, he simply stated that it wasn’t his place to pry into her personal business, just make sure she was kept safe, and the matter should be discussed with the young lady herself. She wanted to tell her father an emphatic yes! There was indeed someone after her! But she couldn’t possibly do that, not now, not without Naruto around. And there was still the matter of wether or not he would approve of her choice at this time.

The elders were getting restless, fearing she had no interests in males and had begun debating a marriage arrangement for her if she couldn’t attract a husband of her own. Shinobis lives were often frightfully short, and kunoichi faced further hazards concerning offspring. Many a young woman’s hopes for children were dashed by abdominal injuries and uterine scaring sustained on missions. The sooner Hinata was married, the sooner they could pull her from the dangers of active duty and focus her on the more important duty of bringing forth the next heir. Not to mention the powerful alliances they could build or strengthen by marrying her off.

She was lucky though. Tonight, Neji was playing chaperone for her. After her father took her around for the initial introductions, Neji was the one walking around with her, his arm looped possessively with hers and a look that dared anyone to try and take her away from him. He would graciously back off, giving her some space to pretend to flirt shyly with some eager young suitor, only to sit there and glare at them with his piercing, milky eyes till they became so unnerved they had to excuse themselves. She giggled quietly as he scared off another young man

“Niisan, I don’t think you’re supposed to be quite this protective.” she teased, giving an apologetic smile to the latest discouraged male as she was whisked away. She kinda felt bad for that one... she had actually been enjoying his conversation, unlike most of the others who simply droned on about how wealthy or strong their families were.

“I’m sorry,” he replied with a smirk, enjoying his role all to much. “I didn’t realize you were enjoying being danced around like a slab of meat in front of a pack of wolves... if you like I could take you back over to young Mikage-san... you remember? The one who has the collection of bloody swatches of fabric from every man he’s ever killed?”

She shuddered at the thought of him... the way he had eyed her up and down with a lick of his lips... as if he was being presented with a fine meal. “No, but if you find a way to get me out of here I can promise you that you won’t mysteriously find some lacy red panties in your precious white laundry.”

His grin broadened as he held back his laughter. “At last... I’ve finally corrupted the angel of the main house... my work here is done.” They chuckled softly for a moment. “Don’t worry, I have the perfect exit for you.” She was about to ask him what he was talking about when Hiashi appeared in front of them.

“Excuse us Neji. There are some people here who I would like Hinata to come speak with. They’re also going to be at the upcoming talks in Suna, and would very much like to meet her.” he stated calmly as he took his daughters hand from her cousin. Neji excused himself, flashing Hinata one of his knowing smiles before walking off with a smarmy look on his face. Now she was worried, convinced that not only did he have something planned... but it had something to do with that discussion with Sakura earlier.

The handsome young genius made his way through the guests till he reached the small group hiding back in one corner. This is where he and Hinata had been trying to reach all night... their fellow misfits and comrades who would rather be chewing their own limbs off then “mixing” with the high society. Considering how out of place they were, it seemed they were still having an enjoyable time keeping to themselves. Choji was helping himself to the hospitality of the Hyuga kitchens, while Kiba and Lee were in some kind of heated argument. Shino and Shikamaru were content to just stand there and watch the goings on in the room, while the girls were huddled together in a giggly corner, checking out all the eye candy before them. There were other shinobi there as well. Asuma, Kurenai, Kakashi and Gai were also hiding back here, along with a very pleased Hokage and several others. Most of the group had at least attempted to wear something suitable, thought Lee and Gai-sensei couldn’t seem to part with their beloved green leotards for one evening.

Sakura noticed him finally coming to join them and hurried over, her green eyes sparkling with mischief as her partners in crime followed.

“Is it time? Oh please tell us it’s time ‘cause I don’t think we can stand it much longer.” Her voice quivered with excitement, and the others seemed to be caught up in it as well.

He gave a passive shrug, his face blank and uninterested. “I suppose, but I thought you were having such a good time... I didn’t realize you wanted to leave so soon.” He winced as Tenten poked him hard in the ribs.

“Oh come off it, you know you’re dying to see the look on her face.” she teased as he grabbed the offending arm and pulled her in for a friendly hug. She gave him a squeeze back. “Now go get her already so we can get this over with and get out of here!”

“Get what over with?” came a lazy drawl as Shikamaru and Shino came over to see what all the fuss was about.

“None of your business you lazy teme.” Ino cut in with a glare at her teammate. “Who asked you to come butt in?”

He shook his head at her, a toothpick sticking out of the corner of his mouth as turned towards the tall bug user. “Geeze... you try and join in a friendly conversation... how troublesome.”

“Anyways, if you want to know what we’re talking about, you’ll just have to stick around and watch.” Sakura chimed in with a grin and a wink. “Neji... go get the birthday girl... I’m going to go get our surprise.” And with a flip of petal pink hair she headed off to the doorway.

“If you have any intention of joining us in blowing this joint, I suggest we all move towards the door.” the blonde kunoichi told the guys before grabbing Tenten’s arm and heading that way herself. The two males looked at each other with a shrug.

“Oi, Choji! Come on, we’re going to miss the show.” the shadow nin called over his shoulder as he headed off behind them.

Kiba looked up from his heated debate. “Show? What show? I thought they nixed the fireworks cause Hina complained about ‘em?” He jumped up to follow, Lee hot on his heels. Kakashi and Iruka turned from their conversation with Tsunade, noticing the sudden flocking movement of the younger nins.

“Did we miss some kind of announcement?” Iruka asked, wondering what had happened to cause the teenagers to all jump up and head for the door.

“It does appear they know something we don’t... there’s a first.” Kakashi quipped, his eye smiling.

Tsunade chuckled and downed the last of her drink. “I think I know what’s going on... then again... it is my job to know. Come on you two... you’re in for a pleasant surprise. I bet you a weeks wages Hinata passes out.”

Iruka raised an eyebrow. “I thought she got over her fainting spells two years ago?”

“Yeah, but how much you wanna bet this changes that?” she chuckled.

Kakashi shook his head. “Don’t do it... even with her reputation... you’ll regret it.”

As they approached the doorway where the teens were beginning to gather, Neji emerged from the crowd of guests with a confused Hinata in tow. She was even more confused when her cousin pulled a blindfold out of her pocket. She looked around desperately for some hint of what they were planning, but could find nothing to clue her in. Tenten was threatening the guys to keep quiet with untold promises of pain and misery if they ruined this. Ino shot her a wink and a thumbs up.

“Now, no cheating.” Neji teased as he tied the covering over her eyes. When he was sure she couldn’t see anything, he gave Ino a nod, who in turn leaned out the doorway and waved ecstatically. Hiashi had followed them over and took a place next to Tsunade, who turned and gave him a wink. Indeed, most of the guests had turned to see what exactly was going on. The room became strangely silent as a hush fell over the crowd.

Hinata was not happy when the room went silent. Neji’s left hand was placed lightly on the small of her back, the other clutched desperately in her grip. “Neji...niisan... what’s going on?” she asked timidly, trying to keep from trembling. She wouldn’t have been so nervous if it wasn’t for the fact that she knew everyone was watching her at that moment, wondering the same thing. Her heart started pounding heavily in her chest when she heard several of her friends suddenly gasp, and what sounded like a muffled squeal escape from Ino. And then she heard the footsteps.

Faces showed a full range of emotion from shock to glee as the tall figure stepped through the door. His black haori jacket showing off his broad chest and powerful shoulders. Kakashi chuckled as Tsunade had to clamp her hand over Iruka’s mouth to keep him silent as the figure flashed them a playful smile and a wink as he made his way closer to where the cousins were waiting. Neji began walking Hinata across the floor towards him, pulling his hands away when there were a few steps remaining. She let out a frightened squeak and reached desperately for them, wondering where he went to. She was just about to call for him, tell him this wasn’t funny when she felt the presence before her and latched onto it, surprised when it wasn’t who she expected. The hands she grabbed were large and worn, strong but calloused from much use. Confused, she timidly moved hers up along the strong arms, shaking slightly as the foreign hands moved down to lightly hold her elbows. The subject suddenly started to lean down to her, and she instinctively reached up to hold his face at bay. He paused as she ran her fingers along his nose and brow, lingering on the line etched cheeks. Hinata’s heart racing, her breathing quick and shallow. There was something familiar about his person... about his smell... she gasped as he leaned down again and spoke in a deep, teasing voice that she knew, but at the same time seemed to belong to someone else.

“Happy Birthday.”

Neji suddenly pulled the blindfold off from behind and she stared up in shock, her heart stopping at the man before her.

“Surprise” he chuckled, cerulean eyes twinkling mischievously.

“NARUTO-KUN!” she squeaked in panic before the world went dark, the ground rushing up at her.

Naruto caught her easily with a chuckle, holding her limp form against his chest fondly. ‘PAY UP!’ was heard suddenly on either side, as he turned to see Ino handing Sakura a wad of bills, and Iruka groaning next to an all to pleased Granny Tsunade, Kakashi making a pointed ‘I told you so.’ The blonde laughed as Neji smirked back at him.

“It’s good to see some things never change.”

--------

The voices were talking excitedly as she rose back through the ether, her head throbbing. They changed to shushing noises and scattered giggles as she let out a soft moan. A gentle touch on her forehead caused her eyelids to flutter open.

“Hey... you alright?”

Hinata blinked a few times, having the oddest sense of deja vu. Especially when she looked up at the smiling face before her. Her heart leapt as a smile crossed hers as well.

“Na...Naruto-kun?” she queried, unable to believe her own eyes.

“Hey there beautiful. I told you I’d be back.” He watched as her face lit up, but he wasn’t prepared for what happened next. Hinata launched herself into his arms and grabbed him in a fierce kiss. Naruto blinked dumbly for a moment before giving in. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he focused on the softness of her lips, parting them gently with his tongue. She scooted closer to him, encouraging him by running her own along his teeth, letting them mingle and tease each other for a moment before she pulled back with a sigh, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Now THAT was certainly a surprise.” a shocked looking Shikamaru cut in, Choji staring blankly with his mouth open. Hinata’s eyes grew in horror, as she turned to see all of their friends standing there, realizing what she’d just done in front of them. She was grateful that they had apparently moved her to another room and away from the guests and her family, but that didn’t change the fact that she was now on the floor in the arms and lap of her lifelong crush after pouncing him like a rabid fangirl. A furious blush rose as she wondered how she could have forgotten her surroundings like that. She turned with a squeak, burying her burning face in a laughing Naruto’s chest.

“Well... congratulations, Naruto... you’ve managed to undo in 10 minutes all the habits she spent three and a half years trying to get over.” Sakura chided him. Kiba blinked at her, still trying to comprehend exactly what just happened. He was thrown even further off when Neji just stood there and grinned. Lee had just burst into a ‘behold the power of youth!’ rant, and Tenten and Ino looking as if they’d just seen the cutest thing in the world.

“Wait a second... am I the only one who’s lost here?” he asked, looking around for back up.

Shino nodded in agreement, an eyebrow raised at the shy Hyuga and the long lost blonde. “No... I think there’s some explaining to do.” Hinata giggles nervously as Naruto leaned back on one hand, the other wrapped around her slim waist, holding her close to him.

“Well hon?” he asked her lightly, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.. “It seems our secret is out. Where do you think we should start?”

~*~


Kakashi was a little confused as he followed the Lady Hokage down the halls of ANBU. After Naruto’s surprise appearance and the commotion that ensued, she had used this as the perfect opportunity to duck out and haul him along for the ride. He was still trying to figure out what they were doing here when he noticed a figure near the door at the halls end, scowling against the wall. As he looked up to face the approaching subjects, the anger was apparent in his eyes.

“Is all this really necessary, Tsunade?” he grumbled in irritation. “Don’t you have enough information? Do we really have to go this far?”

The buxom leader sighed, placing a consoling hand on his shoulder. “I don’t like this anymore then you do, but these days we can’t take any chances. This village isn’t as carefree as it was when you last set foot in it. We’ve had a lot of problems with spies and terrorist attempts. So have our allies.” She looked up at him, her eyes sincere and sorrowful. “Trust me... I wish there was another way.” And with that she opened the door and stepped through.

The old sannin smiled weakly at the copy nin. “You’d better go with her. As for myself...” he shook his head in disgust. “I’ll be in when they’re finished. I won’t stand to be party to this... not to mention... Naruto is going to be furious if he finds out about it.” Kakashi stared blankly at him for a moment before nodding and stepping through himself.

He was startled to see an interrogation in progress, but this was hardly any normal interrogation. In the center of the room was a large seal, glowing faintly with the chakra that five ANBU members were pouring into it, one standing at each point of the seal. Inside the pattern, in a protected seal of his own, stood a tall masked figure glowering down over a huddled mass. Stepping slightly forward, the silver haired jounin realized the subject was female... fairly young and quiet nude at the moment. Her willowy form was lined with characters that were also glowing softly, illuminating other markings a lines that seemed to cover her skin. Her figure was quite alluring, even in her trembling, crouched position, though it appeared she had been wasted down to near nothingness. Her limbs were unnaturally thin, causing them to appear long and delicate, her waist whittled down above the curve of her hips, and her ribs resting oddly high on her body. Her hair appeared as flame, a soft red that shone gold in the flicker of combined candle and chakra light. As he recognized the jutsu being used on her, he was amazed that she wasn’t screaming in agony, instead only an occasional sob or whimper escaped her. This mind probe they were performing was violent and horrific to the subjects it was inflicted on, many going mad from the way their thoughts were peeled like a pomegranate, the good bits pulled free while the useless fluff pushed aside. It was only done on the most dangerous spies and traitors, and even then only as a last resort.

“Who is this? And what has she done to deserve this?” he asked, the shock apparent in his voice. As if hearing his quiery, the young woman stiffened, turning her head slightly to glance over her shoulder at him. His breath caught in his chest at the sight of her eye, a blue so deep you could drown in it. Such a pure shade that when combined with the tortured look as to be nothing but the color of insanity. He’d seen eyes like that only twice before, and his mind couldn’t comprehend how she had them as well.

Tsunade looked up from the notes she was going over with Ibiki. “Unfortunately, she has done nothing but been the victim of a most depraved individual. And as for who she is... we’re still not sure.”