Hinata's Journey

“When the essences were first forged they were but a single sword.” Tsunade took one large fortified swallow of alcohol before she returned the sake to its designated drawer. “When it first needed to be used it was presented to the first Hokage. He managed to figure a way to defend the village without it but died in his attempt. It is said that the sword dripped blood when he died. The same thing happened with the second. In a moment of crisis the second thought he had the solution but in fact he died.” Tsunade stopped and turned to look out her window.


“The sword was still whole then.” Lee led quietly.


“When the second died the sword handle vibrated dangerously sounding like a mother missing its child. The sword began to bleed once more and the Council of Elders hid the sword from the village. They put it deep in the Hokage Mountain and swore an oath that none would touch it.


The third managed never to have to use the sword during his first term. The fourth was not so lucky. The fox attached, the council went back on their oath and retrieved the sword but it was too late. The fourth had perished, sealing away the fox. The sword felt the death of another great leader, who failed to use it. The Hyuuga maiden, who had been sent to retrieve the sword, was enveloped in the chakra wave that followed.


She later would not be able to carry a child to term, all of them dying because of a chakra presence aborting the fetus. Finally she bore one child, a daughter, and gave her own life to make sure she survived the delivery.” Tsunade stopped talking.


“Hanabi.” Hinata whispered standing. “I was already born.”


“Yes your sister. Your mother wrote a letter to the future Hokages after she witnessed what had happened with the fourth and detailed what she saw happening when the fourth died.


When the third had his match with Orochimaru, he summoned the sword. In its fragmented state, it refused his call. The sword had effectively warped. If the third had wanted to use the sword, it demanded his life. The sword had never been tested and in the end, the third used another technique. No one had opened it until now.”


“She left me all these instructions. They were to make me stronger but she knew this would happen.” Hinata felt torn.


“That is why she left you the instructions.” Tsunade replied. “She had snuck into the mountain to retrieve the sword prior to the Council’s decision. She was a friend to the Fourth and therefore wanted to help. Her letter states that she and the sword both felt uncontrollable grief and in a moment of clarity the sword told her that only her daughter could restore the sword.”


“All the babies that were lost were boys.” Hinata blinked slowly and began to pace.


“She died thinking that your sister would be the one to save the village.” Lee commented scratching his chin lightly.


“How stupid.” Hinata laughed. “She was still breast feeding me when the fox attacked. The sword breaks, the chakra goes into her milk and all of a sudden I am a mutant.”


“It explains your crush on Naruto though.” Lee mused. “He has the fox sealed inside him. The sword naturally wants to get closer to what could have been its first kill.”


“That is a huge leap in logic.” Tsunade observed.


“Some of his points have been valid though.” Hinata sighed sitting back down.


“Do you really want to get to save the village that badly?” Tsunade inquired gravely.


“Akatsuki is coming from one direction and Orochimaru isn’t too far behind. Konoha won’t survive unless I do this.” Hinata remarked.


“All I ask is you name a gym or training center after me. Hinata will take a clinic.” Lee remarked to lighten the mood.


“You do realize if you come with me you might never see Neji again?” Hinata asked turning to look at Lee.

“I don’t give a rat’s ass for my life if I stay behind and Gaara finds out I let you go alone.” Lee raised an eyebrow. “Neji will survive. He is attractive, young and vibrant. Not to mention he has a nice cool guy pose. He is set for life.” Lee nodded after he finished speaking.


“Nice cool guy pose?” Tsunade questioned aloud before she shuddered and raised a hand. “Never mind I don’t need to know.”


“Lee, if I take you with me, forget me being heir of my family. Neji will bring me back from the dead and kill me in the most torturous way possible.” Hinata tried again to reason with her friend while she summoned the part of the sword that was imbedded in the wall behind the Hokage.


“Hinata give up.” Lee said simply cracking his knuckles. “From the way I figure, in about nine months Neji will have a permanent reminder.”


“I repeat I don’t want to know.” Tsunade affirmed rubbing her temples more firmly. “There are quite a few people heading here. I strongly suggest you finish it.” Tsunade removed a scroll from one of her drawers. “This scroll will take you where you are needed. It has enough chakra for three transportations. Use them wisely.”


“Thank you, Tsunade- sama.” Hinata bowed formally, as she outfitted the last piece of the sword and it began to glow intensely. Lee grabbed the scroll and Hinata. With a final salute, the two disappeared.


“Where is she?” The door banged open admitting the very annoyed Kazekage and his retainers.


“She’s already gone to her destiny.” Tsunade replied studying her sake bottle. Pouring some on the floor, she sighed. “I hope that I just wasted sake.”


“What’s the alternative?” Naruto asked missing the reference.


“If they die it is a tribute.” Tsunade explained calmly her gaze turning to rest on the Kazekage whose sand was whipping ferociously.


“For your sake, that sake better be wasted.” Gaara spoke as he turned on his heel and left.