[Episode 217623] [Episode 217623]The Ninetails chuckled. "Something tells me that you weren't expecting that."
"Well, no," admitted Toltiir. "I haven't done anything to alter things in that direction or with that character. I admit it makes sense for what they were originally trying to accomplish."
"We must appear strong," said the aged grandfather. "We must appear to be strong and ruthless. Otherwise we are entirely too open to attack or loss of influence."
"I know that," said Hiashi Hyuga. "She's my daughter though. I have already sacrificed my brother. Publicly we must turn her away. Under that though - we can try to make sure she's taken care of."
"Sir?" asked an arriving jonin. "She has been taken in by the foxboy."
"Keep watching, but if she has a friend it makes it easier for her," said Hiashi Hyuga. "As to the other matter, if we can find a way to strike back at Orochimaru or his interests - we should spare no effort to do so."
"Payback is also VERY important," agreed the aged grandfather.
In the space of less than an hour, her world had gone completely dark. She had been a disappointment to her father for many years, but there had always been a chance of redemption and of proving herself.
In one hour she'd been kidnapped right outside the gates of her home, beaten when she'd tried to cry out, and then...
and then her eyes had been scooped out of her head.
Now she wasn't even acknowledged as a survivor by her own family. She'd heard and she knew the reasons. The ninja life was a difficult one and someone who was crippled like herself was only a burden.
"Come with me, you can't spend the night out here," said a familiar-sounding voice.
Hinata jumped as her misery was interrupted. "Please. I just want to be alone."
"No, that's no good," said the voice of the same boy who'd spoken earlier. "I ain't got much, but it'll get you out of the cold tonight."
"You're... Naruto-kun," said the young girl, placing the voice.
"Come on," said Naruto. "I kinda know what it's like to be alone. I can leave you alone there, but you need to be inside."
Toltiir waited.
Orochimaru SHOULD have continued on his current path and obsessed over the Sharingan. Kabuto SHOULD have remained hidden. Though Kabuto WAS mostly hidden still as the only one who could positively identify him was currently blinded.
Toltiir waited though. He waited as Hinata cried herself to sleep, despite the current lack of tear ducts as they'd been grabbed as well. When Naruto fell asleep with Hinata's head in his lap, Toltiir stirred within the carrier.
There was nothing the Phoenix could do in this instance, though in a few years Naruto might be able to pull that last image from Hinata's mind and then take a measure of vengeance upon Kabuto. Which might not be amusing in and of itself, but it WAS a staple of the whole ninja thing.
Well, maybe Naruto could make it amusing somehow when the time came.
Ah, here we go.
"Where? I can see again?" asked Hinata, spinning around at the ancient-looking shrine grounds."Not quite," said a voice from within the depths of the shrine. The doors blew open and a pair of green-glowing eyes regarded her from within that darkness. "I am that which is sealed away within Naruto."
"I won't let you hurt him," said Hinata, taking a stance between Naruto and the shrine.
"I know of you, Hinata Hyuga," said the voice. "I know that you had one previous attempt to claim your eyes. I know your father took it out on you that he lost his brother and of his disappointment that you are a gentler soul than is normally found within a ninja. I know that you've been watching Naruto for about four years now, and that you admire his Will To Succeed."
"What? I mean..." said Hinata, going from defiant to embarassed.
"Ah, young love," said the Voice wistfully. It provided SO much opportunity for mischief after all.
"eep," said Hinata, going now to severely embarassed with frequent fidgeting.
"It may be possible for you to continue your path as a ninja, Hinata Hyuga," said that Voice. "Here and now, I can intervene. Your Byakugan is lost. If you agree to my terms, I can arrange an alternative."
"I'll take it," said Hinata.
"I haven't set the terms yet," pointed out the Voice.
"I do not want to be a burden," said Hinata.
"Very well then," said the Voice. "Let it be noted then that Hinata formerly of the Hyuga clan is now recognized as an Official Fiancee Of Naruto."
"w-w-w-what?!" weakly said Hinata. "but we're only eleven!"
"Old enough for an engagement," dismissed the Voice. "Would you prefer the position of clan retainer? That'd work too. As for the rest, DONE."
Hinata awoke from the odd dream to find:
Read the comments on this episode
(Posted Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:59)
Questions? Problems? Suggestions?
Send a mail to addventure@bast-enterprises.de
or use the contact form.
らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
All other series and their characters are © by their respective creators or owners. No claims of ownership of these characters are implied by the authors of this Addventure, or should be inferred.
The Anime Addventure is a non-profit site.