"Yes," said Sarutobi as the two met over lunch. "You want to help out your daughter without looking like you're doing it."
"We're also interested in paying back Orochimaru, but as he is one of the three Great Ninja of his time," said Hiashi, "that may be difficult to achieve. At least THAT part I can be fairly open about."
"True," said Sarutobi. "Hmmm. There was something..."
"Excuse me," said Eisen, who was the owner among other things of Eisen's Ninja Bagelworks. When someone wanted the private suite, which was usually someone like the Hokage having a meeting that required secrecy - it was Eisen who acted as waiter. Secrets were a ninja's business after all. "I think you mean the Monastery Of Shadowcat Mountain."
"Ah, them," said Hiashi. "The Order Of The Stick."
"No, that's another group. Don't call them that when THEY are around," cautioned Eisen, placing the order before the two. "That was one Everything Bagel with cream cheese, and a Jalapeno Bagel with butter. Two juices. Enjoy your meal."
"I'd forgotten about them," said Sarutobi. "Yes. I can probably make arrangements. I've worked with their leader, Charles McNider. Though getting on in years, even from my viewpoint, he's no doubt a capable sensei."
"Please," said Hiashi. "If my daughter were taken in by this shadow clan, it would ease my concerns about her future. I mean, really, Uzumaki taking care of her? With HIS attention span?"
"I'll arrange for the information to fall their way," said Sarutobi, quite aware that there were others who'd seek to exploit the situation just within their own village.
Naruto fixed cup ramen from breakfast. "Hey, it's cheap. I mean it's probably not what you're used to, but I got a great deal on it."
Hinata slurped some noodles. "It's good." Not that she was going to complain about it.
"Yeah, well, I'm gonna have to go out later," said Naruto. "I got to get some more food and stuff. Are you gonna be okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," said Hinata. "I don't want to be a burden."
"I kind of know what it's like to be alone and stuff," said Naruto.
Hinata's forehead creased a little bit as she followed Naruto's movements from the sound. Everything was darkness. Which was understandable as she had a thin cloth blindfold that covered the empty sockets of her eyes. Which reminded her. "Can you... can you look for something for me?"
"You can count on me!" said Naruto, enthusiastic now that there was something to DO.
"Can you find a better blindfold?" asked Hinata. "A-and I don't have any other clothes or anything so..."
"Hnnn," groaned Naruto. "I don't have a lot of money. Don't worry though, I'll see what I can scrounge up!"
Hinata waited until he was gone before gathering up the cup ramen containers and threw them away. That all the watchers nearby had left with Naruto, save one who was probably just keeping an eye on the door, was enough excuse for her.
When she was done, she wet a small cloth and began cleaning her face.
She even stumbled and made a show of feeling her way around, just in case the remaining watcher was using the Byakugan.
She wasn't sure if she wanted anyone to know yet that she had:
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(Posted Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:10)
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