Yo…

Wow. Can't believe it's been 9 months since I've last updated Yellow Fang. Time sure does fly by fast. Heh…

*hangs head in shame*

Sorry. Been busy. But got a promising new story! A new AU with a dark storyline. Honestly, I don't know how Yellow Fang exploded like it did. I've made a shit load of mistakes with it. I can only say I've learned from those mistakes and intend to use all my skill in this story right here. So will this story be better? Who knows…but boy oh boy does this bad boy have potential.

Shout out to Infamous storm for giving me some inspiration to work on this, and also to undergroundirector for just being awesome. And if my betas are reading this I just want you to know I'm sorry for the 9 months of nothing! I miss you all so much! *cries*

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. No matter how much I want to...

(Edit: Chapter edited 2015-07-05. Check profile for details)

No destiny attacks us from outside. But, within him, man bears his fate and there comes a moment when he knows himself vulnerable; and then, as in a vertigo, blunder upon blunder lures him. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Chapter 1: Bird in a Cage

If there was one person Neji hated more than his Uncle, it was his timid and utterly disgraceful excuse of a daughter.

Hinata Hyuuga was weak.

The notion would have been laughable if it wasn't so pathetic.

He easily dodged her palm strikes as if he wasn't trying.

Why is she so weak?

His eyes traced her sluggish movements. Her steps were hesitant under his withering glare.

Is she not taking this seriously?

He punished her hesitation with precise strikes, bruises rewarded against her skin from each blow.

Does she not realize her father is watching?

By the grimace on the Hyuuga Leaders face, he was less than pleased with his daughter's performance.

In the vast court yard of the Hyuuga Clan, the two cousins were engaged in a duel before the leaders of the Hyuuga. A performance that would ultimately decide the fate of the Heiress.

Too bad her opponent was the promising genius of the clan.

Again, he had to wonder if she was taking this seriously. The performance she was giving was so subpar, that he would wager a seven-year old Hanabi could put up a better fight. Shameful giving the younger sibling was just starting the academy.

He slapped away her palm strike, retaliating with a jab to the solar plexus that sent her stumbling to the ground. Byakugan providing keen X ray vision, he saw the way her chakra flow fluctuated. The blow had hurt. He managed to keep the smirk off his face as his eyes narrowed in triumph.

He would embarrass her right in front of her father. Prove right before the all-seeing eyes of the leader of the Main House that a lowly branch member was better than the rest of them. All of them would acknowledge his talent, his genius.

Despite the pain she was in, the heir of the Hyuuga Clan slowly rose to her feet. One hand was placed over the spot that Neji just hit, the other rising to her face to wipe away a trail of blood leaking from her mouth.

Mumbles were heard from the audience. Neji kept his eyes trained on Hinata, near three hundred degree vision showing him the elders were discussing amongst themselves, frowns marring their faces and looks of disgrace being sent Hinata's way.

This match is over. This time, he couldn't stop the smirk forming on his face as he shifted his stance into a crouch, feet apart, arms extended into a gentle fist stance that no mere branch member should know.

Gasp of alarm were coming from audience and Neji saw the eyes of his uncle widen, his mouth opening in disbelief.

He savored the expression

Watch me make a mockery of your daughter.

"You are in range of my Eight Trigrams…cousin."

Hinata's face reflected naked fear as she took a hesitant step back. "T-That stance."

'It was your destiny to lose here, Hinata. You can't stop me.' Wanting to finish this match as soon as possible, Neji charged her, the flow of chakra visible on his fingers as he prepared to deliver the deadly strikes of the sixty-four palms.

"I-I can't l-lose." Hinata whispered, eyes beginning to tear. She couldn't lose here. Not when her sister was counting on her. "I can't lose!" She screamed.

Neji was stunned to absolute disbelief as her hands formed a seal, the flow of chakra in her body already focusing to her chakra points.

No.

She wouldn't.

"Forgive me Neji." She whispered, tearful eyes conveying sorrow.

He could already feel it. The seal branded on his forehead beginning to pulse with energy. The pain of having his brain cells destroyed numbing his senses. His byakugan showed him the elders beginning to smile, surprise on their faces for such a bold move coming from the usually timid heiress.

They were all smiling.

At her.

They approved.

Haishi's head bowed, his eyes closing in resignation.

A primal fury took over him, the frantic beat of his heart sending adrenaline through his veins. No! Never again would he be subjected to the curse seal. Never again would he feel the pain of being slave.

Never again…

"Pa-" The word died on Hinata's lips as she was hit with paralyzing killing intent.

"NO!"

The roar of fury was loud, momentarily deafening her ears as a palm glowing with deadly chakra slapped against her chest.

Splat!

"You pathetic bitch!" Neji spat, rationale lost to his anger. "You would use the curse seal in a sparring match just to beat me!?" He was shaking in anger. "You're nothing but a sorry excuse for a shinobi; a shame to the Hyuuga Clan that was lucky enough to be the daughter of the brother who came into the world first!" He finished with a cry of fury, his eyes bright with unshed tears.

How could she? How dare she use that seal. He would have taken a kunai and just chop of her fingers if they didn't have an audience.

"This match is…ove- …" He trailed off, finally noticing the expressions on the many faces behind his back.

All surveying shock.

Neji's furious expression melted, a numbing chill beginning to travel up his spine. He blinked, eyes drifting downwards to stare at his palm. The area around where his palm was pressed against Hinata's chest had blown away her beige jacket, shredded right through her clothes, to reveal the bare skin underneath that had turned an ugly black.

Then he saw it.

Deep inside of her, past the awkwardly bent bones of her ribcage, to the life pumping organ of her heart. Only the area where the muscle was located was a bloody mess, bits and pieces of something scattered around her chest cavity.

The numbing chill against his spine intensified, his limbs frozen in horror.

Her heart had exploded.

It was then that he finally noticed that his entire front side of his shirt was covered in blood. He glanced up at Hinata's face and had to forcefully crush the urge to vomit.

Hinata's once pale face had turned an unhealthy shade, the area around her jaw doused with blood, forcefully expelled out of her mouth from the blow to the chest. Her hands had long since dropped limply to her sides as she stood motionless.

Still frozen, all Neji could do was watch as the flow of chakra inside of her came to abrupt halt, the life source of all living things steadily beginning to dwindle, and like a dying flame, flickered out.

He didn't move as her form tipped backwards, the only sound in the silent yard the dull thump of the Heiress of the Hyuuga Clan's dead body hitting the dirt.

"N-No." His body began to shiver uncontrollably, the implication of what he had just done finally sinking in. "I d-didn't mean to."

He felt someone brush pass him and looked up to see Haishi numbly walking forward, face dazed as if in a trance, the man dropping to his knees before his dead daughter.

"H-Haishi-sama."

The Leader of the Hyuuga Clan slowly outstretched his hand, reaching for his daughter's face as if to caress her skin, before it stopped on its path, instead stretching his fingers to ever so gently close her open eyelids.

"Guards! Guards! Come quickly!" Neji's eyes showed him the Hyuuga Elders screaming, their slow forms limping for safety.

Then Neji felt it.

He let out a scream, clutching his head in agony as the seal branded on his forehead pulsed to life. Neji dropped to his knees beginning to claw at his scalp, drool pooling out the sides of his mouth as his brain cells began to explode.

Through his torment, his byakugan remained clear, showing him the former Hyuuga patriarch, Hiashi's father, walking slowly towards him, byakugan set in a fierce glare as he held up the ram seal.

"To think I would live to see the day my own grandson," He spat the word like it was a curse. "Would kill my granddaughter, the Heiress of this clan!" He was screaming, pale skin turning an angry red. "You! A branch member, sworn to protect the sanctity of the Hyuuga Clan move to destroy it – Unacceptable!" The Elder shook his head. "I've already had to kill one son. At least this time, killing you…" He stopped before Neji, standing over the boy withering on the dirt.

"Will be a kindness."

Neji screams rang loud. Members hearing the commotion rushed to the scene coming to the sight of the promising young genius slowly being killed before their eyes. Directly in front of him was Hiashi, kneeled into the dirt before his dead daughter.

One face stood out amongst the crowd, the young seven year old confused at the commotion. "What's going on?" Hanabi questioned to her guardian. "Ko-san why is Neji crying?"

The bandanna wearing man had already activated his byakugan at the scene, face pained at what he saw. "Oh no…Hinata." He whispered fighting to push back the tears in his eyes. He could only assume Neji allowed his anger to get the best of him.

"Why is Hinata-neechan on the ground Ko-san!" The question was asked with such innocence it made his heart clench. He quickly wiped his eyes, schooling his face as he glanced down at the girl.

Ko laid his hand on the girls shoulder, firmly but gently leading her away. "Come with me Hanabi-sama." The girl looked like she was about to protest, but a firm look from her guardian stopped her.

Leading her away from the horrific scene, Ko glanced back to look at Neji. His screams were beginning to dwindle.

The emotions Ko was feeling was threatening to swallow him whole; that was Hizashi's son dying before his eyes. He had just watched his Hinata die but he would be damned if the same happened to his brother.

No one knew.

About the night Hizashi spent with his brother's wife.

He had met her first. He had been with her first. She was entirely his as he was hers...and yet he let her go, for the sake of the clan. For the sake of his one and only brother.

It would never be known

And it would remain that way.

"Hanabi-sama." He kneeled before the girl, placing his hands on her shoulders, "I need you to listen to me very carefully okay?" Getting a hesitant nod from the girl he continued, "I need you to go to your room and stay in there until I come get you. Can you do that for me please?"

Her mouth opened then closed, before she nodded. "Yes Ko-nii."

He forced a smile on his face. "Good girl, now run to your room." She nodded, rushing off with the speed of a child, dodging the many adults who crowded around watching the grizzly scene.

Standing, he quickly rushed past the many bodies blocking him till he was clear of the Court Yard, momentarily glancing behind him for watchers before he took off in a burst of speed, running as fast as he could to the Hokage Tower.

If there was one thing that any Kage could agree on, it was that paper work that came with the job was a less than pleasing experience.

Oak desk layered with a mountain of paperwork the Hokage glared at the pile, wishing his gaze would magically teleport it all away.

"There must be some jutsu I don't know about that causes it to spawn." No matter how many papers he signed or stamped, the pile seemed endless.

He released a sigh, heavily leaning back into his chair. "Why did I ever want to be Hokage?" He questioned to his self. More than anything he loved his job. He really did. But the damn no good, kami forsaken paperwork slowly sucked the life out of him each day.

A lot of things seemed to be doing that these days.

Though his features still retained their youth, the bags under his eyes were heavy. No longer did he smile brightly. His eyes that once held so much shine were reduced to a dull shade over the years; all that remained was an icy blue.

The last five years had not been kind to him.

Eighteen years ago, when Naruto was born it had been the best moment of his entire life. Him and his lovely wife were parents, something he had wanted to be since he became Hokage.

Everything changed when Naruto hit age four.

Everything.

A face, so much like his own, drifted across his thoughts.

'Daddy help me!'

The huge medal beams had fallen on top of the boy, the sound of bones crushing filling the air with sickening cracks.

Minato rushed forward in a burst of speed grabbing the huge beams and lifting with all his strength.

'I …I don't want to die.' It was a fading whisper, but he still managed to hear it.

'Hold on Naruto!' He screamed

No matter how much he lifted, how much he heaved, the bars were too heavy. His panicked eyes widened seeing blood begin to flow like a stream under the massive beams, the small body pinned beneath lifeless.

He focused as much as he could, keeping still to summon an energy from the very atmosphere – a source of power gained from nature itself.

'Gya!'

The beam that was once too heavy to lift felt weightless in his hands, the giant beam tossed like a softball through the air.

Yet despite all his speed…

'No please kami no! NARUTO!'

He was too late.

He gripped the handle bars of his chair so hard it began to crack.

He was the army slayer.

The legendary hero of the Third Shinobi World War.

The Yellow Flash.

Fourth Hokage of Konaha.

He was all these things but yet…

"A terrible father." Minato whispered to himself. His greatest, one and only failure.

Running a hand through his spiky blonde locks, he slumped in his chair. A few minutes of rest would suffice.

"Sleeping on the job, Hokage-sama."

Minato didn't acknowledge the voice, having sensed the presence just arriving. Maybe if he pretended to be asleep he would go away?

"I'm just going to keep bugging you if I'm ignored." The voice said teasingly, although he knew when to stop and show proper respect.

It wasn't wise to trifle with the Fourth Hokage these days.

"Let an old man sleep." Minato growled. "My doctor says a nap is good for my health."

"Of course Hokage-sama," The Captain of the Military Police walked forward to stand before the oak desk, a small smile on his face. "I'm sure your doctor would also recommend your secretary rub your back whenever you get a cramp."

Blue eyes peered open to stare at the smiling young man. "Watch your tone Itachi," Minato grumbled. "I'll tell Mikoto you're bugging me."

The smile instantly dropped. "You wouldn't." Dark eyes regarded him seriously.

Minato sat up in his chair, a cruel smile on his face. "I would."

Itachi grimaced, absently running a hand through his ponytail. "You're cruel Hokage-sama."

Minato smirked at the young man's expense. An angry Mikoto was almost as scary as Kushina.

Almost

"What's up Itachi-kun?"

Itachi crossed his wrist-armoured arms, eyes briefly flickering to the floor before his dark gaze fixed on the Hokage's face. "I ran into Naruto."

All humour was instantly wiped from his face. "When? Where?" He fired off quickly, his serious gaze failing to mask his nervous tone.

"A day ago." Itachi said neutrally. "At the border between the Land of Fire and Sound." He winced from the sound of Minato's fist hitting his desk

"What!" Minato shouted. "Naruto was in the country!?" He was so close to home.

Itachi's gaze softened. "Hokage-sama…"

Minato glanced down at his fist seeing the wood intended under it. He took a calming breath composing himself in his seat. Itachi ignored the way he was tapping his desk in nervous agitation.

"What happened?"

Itachi released a sigh, turning his gaze to the window watching a flock of birds fly over the village. "There were some sightings of …beast …in the area. Men and women who had turned into animals and started terrorizing local villages." Minato raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. "I and a small team went to investigate."

Dark eyes met blue.

"The sightings were true."

They had first come across a small fishing village finding all the inhabitants slaughtered. Every man, woman and child devoured – some eaten alive by the looks on their faces. There was still a small group of the creatures left. Men and women – if they could be labeled human anymore – mutated to beings of nightmares. And the chakra those creatures gave off...Despite being a seasoned veteran Itachi had grimaced at the feeling of such vile chakra. Foul in its very nature.

"We were immediately attacked." Itachi continued. "Despite outnumbering us, those creatures –although strong – lacked all rationale and were easy to deal with."

"And?" Minato questioned seeing the hesitant look on his face.

"The chakra those creatures were giving off." Itachi's fist clenched. "I could never forget the feeling of such a foul chakra."

Minato's mind raced, frantically thinking of who could leave the normally composed Police Captain so shaken before he settled on the only possible individual.

"Orochimaru." Minato hissed, blue eyes seeming to glow with an icy rage.

Itachi nodded slowly "That's when Naruto showed up."

Minato's face melted into shock. He thought over everything he just heard before he came to a stunning conclusion. "Na…Naruto is hunting Orochimaru?"

Itachi's expression was all the confirmation Minato need. He slumped against his chair, suddenly feeling all thirty-six of his years.

Naruto was hunting Orochimaru. But that only mean one thing.

They were on the move. They predicted activity for the organisation in the next two to three years but now, so soon? This was unexpected.

Unless Naruto was forced to begin if -

"Hokage-sama." Minato lifted his head to peer blankly at Itachi. "Don't forget Naruto is feared across the continents. He probably has his reasons." From what he had seen, Orochimaru was as good as dead.

No target ever lived to escape Naruto when he was on the hunt.

The most feared bounty hunter in all the lands. The boogeyman of the nations.

The Bone Collector.

"How is he?" Minato asked softly, wanting to rid his thoughts over the reputation his son had built up.

How does he look?

Is he okay?

What's he like?

Is he coming home?

Itachi gave him a soft smile, seeming to read all that the question was asking. "Grown up… tall." Taller than me He thought sourly. "He looks exactly like you, although a little pale around the edges."

Minato smiled, only imagining how his son looked all grown up. It had been five years since he last saw him.

Five years.

How he loathed himself.

"D-Did he ask for me?" Minato questioned hesitantly. The naked emotion on his face made Itachi pause. The young man slowly shook his head, frowning as the Hokage seemed to slump into his chair.

"He did ask for Kushina-sama though." Itachi added after a few moments of silence. Realizing a few seconds later that wasn't the wisest thing to tell the man.

Minato just nodded at that, gaze focused on the scratches in his desk. "I figured he would. He …he hates me."

"Although," Itachi began slowly, failing to keep his features blank as the Hokage's head snapped up quickly, blue eyes hanging on every word like a lifeline. "He did tell me to deliver a message for you."

"W-What did he say?" Minato didn't even realize he was shaking in anxiety.

'Itachi'

Violet eyes, so much like his mothers, glanced in his direction, a small smile forming on his face.

'Tell the old man…'

"An elemental Rasengan is not impossible …" Whatever that meant.

Minato stared at Itachi long and hard, openly gawking at the young Police Captain before his composure collapsed into tears. Despite his overflowing emotions, there was a happy smile on his face as he wiped away the stubborn tears on his sleeve.

He had done it.

Something he as the creator gave up on ever accomplishing only to be succeeded by his son.

"That's my boy." He whispered to himself.

Itachi smiled at the reaction watching as the Fourth took a few minutes to compose himself.

No matter how much his childhood friend acted, his actions proved Minato's guiltiness over his hate was otherwise.

And actions were significantly louder then words.

Minato opened his mouth to speak but halted as he felt an incoming chakra signature. Itachi sensed it to as his eye quickly turned to the door, hand already reaching for the handle of the ninjato attached to his back.

A hand waved him down just as the door burst open revealing a panting Hyuuga.

Wheezing as he tried to catch his breath, Ko Hyuuga managed to articulate his words. "Excuse the interruption Hokage-sama but your presence is required at the Hyuuga Clan grounds right now!" It was impressive to see he managed to get that out in one breath.

Minato was already out of his seat walking towards the frantic Ko.

"What's happening?" He questioned, eyes turning to Itachi who nodded.

The Police Captain reached fingered the radio in his ear. "All available units to report to Sector 7 immediately. I repeat all available units report to Sector 7 over."

"They're going to kill…" Ko gasped out. "Neji!"

That was all Minato needed to hear to place a hand on the panting man, the other held in a seal as he focused his chakra. Itachi quickly laid his hand on Minato's shoulder just as Ko let out a shout as the trio teleported with a flash of yellow

The Hyuga elder kept his concentration strong as glared down at the boy.

"What you all see before you is a murderer." He began. "A branch member that has committed the crime of killing our precious Heiress!" He pointed a finger at the boy, his gaze turned to the subdued members of the clan. "Gather around and watch as justice is served. Death for an act such as this, surely," He returned his gaze back to dying Genin. "Is a mercy."

"This is your destiny boy. Your fate. "

"Stop!"

Spines immediately straightened hearing the angry shout.

The Elder's eyes widened before his face set itself into neutrality, reluctantly ending the jutsu ceasing Neji's screams. The crowded court yard gave way to a walking figure, both Branch and Main house members bowing to the Hokage as he passed them.

White cloak billowing behind him, his trusted Police Captain flanking, Minato's gaze narrowed at the scene.

"What is the meaning of this?" He said with a fierce scowl. The way he spoke so calmly emphasized the icy tone of his voice. "I thought I instructed this clan that use of the curse seal is forbidden."

No face dared to meet his glare.

"Hokage-sama." The Elder bowed in submission, byakugan receding under the Hokage's glare. "This boy has committed murder."

Minato turned to stare at the young boy on the ground in pain.

Neji looked half dead. His skin had turned an unhealthy pale, some parts of his scalp bleeding from where he had ripped out his hair in torment. Drool was leaking out the side of his mouth with his frantic breathing giving the only sign that he was still alive.

His gaze drifted to Haishi seeing the Hyuuga Leader on his knees before a small body. He instantly recognized the face as his eyes creased in sorrow.

"Hinata…" He whispered.

"As you can see Hokage-sama, this boy shamelessly murdered our beloved heiress in what was supposed to be a practice duel." The Elder looked at the boy with barely hidden scorn. "Justice must be served!" He demanded

Minato gaze momentarily flickered to Itachi before he focused on the Elder.

"So it shall."

Sharingan eyes fixing the Hyuuga Elder a narrowed glare, Itachi pulled out some chakra suppressing handcuffs from his utility pouch. "Hibiki Hyuuga you are under arrest …" Before the man could react, his hands were cuffed and twisted behind him, his chakra instantly being siphoned off by the seals. "For illegal use of the curse seal." Itachi restrained the man as he began to struggle. "Anything you say or do will be used against you before a Military Tribunal.

"Please give me a reason to hurt you." He added seeing the man wouldn't stop struggling. Bloody Hyuugas.

"W-What!?" The man sputtered. "Hokage-sama what is the meaning of this!?"

"Using the curse seal designed from the Main Family is against the law." Minato spoke as if talking to a child. "You broke the law."

Hibiki turned prune. "Outrageous! The cursed seal has been in our family for generations! Our laws dictate –" The man let out a twist as Itachi twisted his arms.

"You're forgetting something esteemed Elder…" Minato's gaze was ice.

"I am the law. My word is law. And you better make damn sure you remember that. " The man shivered under Minato's gaze. "Get him out of my sight." Itachi nodded, firmly directing the man past all the carefully schooled faces. It was no secret that the man was hated by both houses.

More Military Police were arriving on scene clearing away onlookers and setting up police tape in the area.

Minato gazed down at Neji, watching the way the boy slowly pushed himself to his feet, standing on shaky legs as he wiped his face. Neither he, nor anyone else made a move to help him.

"You okay Neji."

The boy nodded, wiping away a trail of blood leaking from his nose. "Y-Yes Hokage-sama."

Minato didn't offer him a smile, only raising his hand signaling to one of the officers who appeared at his side instantly.

"Yes Hokage-sama!" The man saluted.

Minato turned to him, taking in the dark hair and milky eyes. A Hyuuga. He was glad to see the Police reform was making it easier for non-Uchiha to join. "Take this boy to the hospital and make sure his health is an order." He turned back to Neji, face devoid of any sympathy. "Then place him under arrest."

"Yes sir!" The man saluted.

The officer walked towards Neji, cuffing him behind his back and began leading him away.

"Wait." Neji said softly, head bowed.

Minato nodded to the officer, signalling the man to relinquish his hold. The order was followed, although reluctantly.

Handcuffed, bleeding, and covered in dirt Neji walked towards his kneeling uncle. The man hadn't moved or uttered a word during the whole situation.

"Uncle."

Haishi's gaze finally lifted from his daughter's deceptively peaceful face, glancing at Neji with bloodshot eyes.

Dropping to his knees before the man he swore to kill, the man he swore to surpass the day his father chose to sacrifice his life to save his, before the man he hated more than anything, Neji wept.

"F-Forgive me uncle!" Neji begged, bowing his head against the dirt. "I didn't mean to kill her! I swear it! She–"

The blow was swift and unexpected.

A simple slap sent with enough force to flip Neji on his side.

It stung more than the curse seal.

"Do you realize what you have done?" Haishi spoke for the first time since he arrived in the court yard to watch the duel. "Do you… nephew?" His words were barely a whisper, but all activity in the court yard seemed to halt, the whispered words echoing in the sudden silence.

"Get out of my sight."

Hearing those words had suddenly hurt more than anything. Haishi could have activated his curse seal and it would have been a blessing from the sudden pain in his heart.

"K-Kill me." Neji pleaded. "Just kill me! I deserve to die!"

"Leave Neji." Haishi said simply.

"Please Uncle…" He crawled towards Hiashi, placing his dirt ridden face into the man's robes. "I murdered your daughter! I made her heart explode! I deserve to die! Kill me!"

"Neji."

The weeping Genin lifted his head to stare up into his Uncle's face, gasping at what he saw.

Haishi's emotionless visage finally shattered revealing the grieving father underneath. Tears leaking down the sides of his face, the man grasped Neji's face into his hands, softly running his fingers through his dirty hair.

"Neji…" He began slowly. "You're no longer my brother's son. You're neither a nephew nor a family member any longer." Ever so softly, he dried the boy's tears with his robes. "I don't want to know you or what you do."

His gaze was blank.

"You're nothing to me."

The words were soft, smooth like a gentle caress. But they cut deeper than any wound, piercing Neji's heart like he did Hinata's.

"I, Hiashi Hyuuga, banish you from this clan!" His voice steadily rose in volume as he tightened his grip on the boy's face till it became painful.

"N-No uncle please!"

"I don't want this boy to be harmed while I am alive!" His voice was loud enough to be heard by all. "No act of revenge or justice will be enacted by anyone this day! For you Neji…" He hissed bringing his face close enough to bump their foreheads.

"I want you to live." Neji's eyes widened. "I want you to live with that mark on your forehead knowing that I spared your life."

"LIVE!" He shouted so hard that the sound hurt his ears. Neji felt like his head was about to be crushed before the hold softened slightly, the man glaring him down with his byakugan. "…And die with it."

Haishi finally released him.

Almost like a puppet without strings Neji fell backwards, his back hitting the ground as he lay motionless. His blank eyes peered up at the sky, watching a flock of birds sail through air.

Freedom.

He was finally free.

Free of the clan, a life of servitude – free. And yet the numbness in his chest wouldn't alleviate. He had just been disowned by a heartbroken father, labeled a Hyuuga no longer.

You're nothing to me.

A nobody.

He was free.

Yet he was nothing.

He still had the curse on his head; the curse that represents a mark of a bird in a cage. The symbol of being tied down to an inescapable destiny.

Was this always meant to be his?

Today was the third of July.

The day the Heiress of the Hyuuga Clan was murdered by a branch member. The day Neji Hyuuga, was disowned by his uncle, Hiashi Hyuuga, from the Hyuuga Clan.

Today was his birthday.

Neji watched the birds fly through the air.

"Hiashi."

The man lifted his eyes from his daughter's body, staring up into empathetic blue eyes.

"Hokage-sama." It was more of dismissal than acknowledgement, Haishi immediately returning his gaze to his daughter. Minato ignored it.

"This is now a crime scene Hiashi." Minato spoke softly, walking closer to stand right behind the man. He carefully laid a hand on the man's robed shoulder. "The police need to take the body."

The Hyuuga leader stayed motionless, not saying a word for a few moments as he stared at Hinata's face. His eyes looked at her, gaze sweeping across her face as if trying to memorize her every feature before he gave a small nod, rising to his feet gracefully.

Minato kept his hand on the man's shoulder as he led him away, the police already moving to handle Hinata's body. They pulled out a body bag equivalent to the size of a young girl. Hiashi had his byakugan activated as he walked, the man's legs giving out from underneath him as he saw his first born hoisted into the bag, collapsing to the ground.

Minato was there to catch him, holding on to the man as his composure broke.

All had to momentarily pause as the cries of a broken man were heard.

Minato lost count on how many times he released a tired breath this day.

He sighed, leaning heavily back into his chair as he massaged his aching temples.

This already bad – that was too kind a word – shitty day just took a turn for the worst. To think Hizashi's own son would kill his brother's daughter. Minato let out a groan as he propped his elbows against his desk, resting his face into his hands.

He had already failed the man once.

One of his greatest mistakes that he regretted to this very day was allowing what came to be known as the Hyuuga Affair to be settled by the clan themselves. He had been ready to fight, send the head of that idiot of messenger back to the Raikage with his own signature etched into the forehead daring the man to cross the border.

He had the support of the major clans. If war was the only outcome than Konoha was ready for it.

If not for Hizashi, the Fourth Shinobi World War would be going strong right now.

The man had been the voice of reason amongst shouts of protest. Seeking the least violent solution to avoid the threat of war, and settle the outrageous demand from Kumogakure, the man sacrificed himself, giving his life to save his brothers, and potentially the lives of many others, only asking for one thing in return.

'Take care of Neji.'

Minato tugged at his blonde locks. How could the man request him to take care of a kid that wasn't his when he couldn't even take care of his own child?

He had caused his only son to turn his back on the village, etching a horizontal line through the leaf symbol on his forehead protector, and forever go down in history as a missing-nin.

Kushina could barely manage being in the same room with him, lest speaking to him.

He didn't blame her.

He couldn't stand to see his own reflection.

"What is it Itachi." He spoke to the seemingly empty office.

"I have bad news and really bad news." The Uchiha appeared out of the shadows, sharingan regarding Hokage seriously. He managed to not flinch when Minato's eyes turned icy, the weight of his stare seemingly causing his body to feel heavy.

"Shouldn't there be good news first?" The question was light, but the tone was otherwise.

"Well first off, Hibiki is out on bail." The man had gotten himself a lawyer from the Daimyo's Court somehow and managed to pull some strings. The Hyuuga Clan sure did have some deep pockets.

Minato just snorted as if he expected it and Itachi continued "The really bad news: Neji is missing."

The Hyuuga officer had brought the boy to the hospital for a health checkup but apparently the man hadn't felt the need to handcuff the young boy. The mistake was rewarded with the man having the chakra points in both arms sealed and several hospital personnel injured.

The Barrier Team had reported a ripple at the North side of the village, the chakra signature similar that of Neji's.

"We think he's going north. Most likely heading to Sound Country." A really, really unwise sense of direction for the young Hyuuga.

"Well find him!" Minato shouted, irritation at a boiling point with how the day's events had turned.

Itachi bowed in obedience. "I'm already leading the search." Message delivered, the shadow clone dispelled in puff of smoke.

Emotionally and physically exhausted Minato stood from his desk, already focusing his chakra to the seal of the Thunder God. It would be proper of him to inform his secretary he was leaving early for the night but fuck it.

He was tired.

The world suddenly turned on its axis, his vision momentarily going dark as teleported through space and time, blinking as he suddenly stared into surprised plum blue eyes.

Kushina Uzumaki stared at her husband in shock, before her gaze became blank, red lips forming a straight line.

"Minato."

His beautiful wife. The mother of his child. Kami knew how bad he just wanted to throw himself into her arms and run his hands through her luscious red hair. He couldn't stop his gaze from travelling up her form, taking in her evening state of dress. She was wearing a modest black silk robe, reaching down to her thighs leaving her long legs on display, tied at the waist with a red cloth that accentuated her soft curves. Her beautiful long red hair was tied in a ponytail, two long bangs hanging off each side of her face.

So simple and yet so lovely.

He was apparently staring as she shifted, clearing her throat awkwardly, when his gaze lingered on her chest.

Despite the cold treatment, he ignored the way his heart ached, managing to force a small smile on his face. "Kushina-chan." He greeted. "How are you?"

A perfectly manicured red eyebrow rose.

Of course she could see through the smile. She knew him better than he knew himself.

"I should be asking you that same question." Her arms folded under her chest, gaze softening a tad in worry. "I heard what happened today at the Hyuuga Clan grounds." Everyone was talking about it.

"Good news sure does travel fast." He shook his head already anticipating the shit storm he would have to deal with tomorrow. For a ninja village people in Konoha sure did like to gossip.

"How's Hiashi-kun?" Minato pushed down the rising jealousy at such a personal honorific knowing Kushina was just worried about a long-time friend. He couldn't remember the last time she used kun in his name.

"Not doing so well." He answered honestly. "He's…grieving." As would any father. Yet seeing the normally composed and serious Hyuuga Leader weep like a dying man was an unforgettable sight.

There was only two times in his entire life where he could ever remember Hiashi reduced to such an emotional state.

The first: when his wife died at child birth.

The second: his twin brother sacrificing his life to save his.

And now the man watched his nephew kill his daughter before his very eyes.

"And Neji-kun?" Kushina questioned softly. "What's going to happen to him?"

Minato let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Well…when we find him he'll be brought back to Konoha to face trial."

Her brows furrowed. "When?"

Minato gave a nod. "Yes. Neji is currently missing." She gasped placing a hand over her chest in worry.

"You… you don't think he wants to kill himself do you?" The genuine care in her beautiful eyes mesmerized him. He almost hadn't heard her as he focused on the way she bit her lips nervously, her pink tongue lightly moistening the flesh.

"I'm not sure." He really could only guess. The boy killed his cousin, nearly getting killed in return from the seal on his forehead, only to end up being banished by the grief stricken father.

Not many options for the young Genin.

"I have Itachi and the Military Police searching for him."

Her shoulders slumped in relief. "Good. If Itachi-kun is on the search then I'm positive they'll find him." Minato only gave a nod in agreement not really having anything to say. Husband and wife stood in the middle of their house staring at each other, the silence slowly becoming awkward as Kushina shifted nervously.

"Well…goodnight." She turned on her heel, leaving him to watch her back as she walked away from him.

It stung more than anything. She could just kill him, the act being a kindness compared to the treatment he received every day.

"Itachi said he met Naruto."

She immediately stopped, slowly turning to face him with a wide eyes.

Despite his internal torment, he smiled at her reaction, watching the way she slowly walked back to him.

"He asked for you." It was always you.

"W-What did he say?" She was shaking in anxiety.

Both parents didn't even realize they mirrored each other.

Minato shrugged. "I didn't actually ask."

She openly gawked at him before her eyes narrowed, a noticeable tick mark forming on her head.

Uh oh.

Minato began to slowly back away as she edged closer to him with an unhappy scowl.

"You didn't ask?" Kushina questioned dangerously. "I haven't seen my baby boy in years because someone," She poked him in his chest for emphasis. "Decided it was a good idea to send our own son on some mission super-secret mission that no one knows about that turned him into a missing-nin… " As she started her rant, she edged towards him forcing him backwards, his back hitting a wall effectively pinning him under her withering glare. "So what type of balls do you have to stand before me and say you didn't ask?"

He could only lower his head in shame.

"Do you know what it's like!?" She shouted at him as her eyes started to tear. "Walking through this village each day hearing people whisper about our son."

Their son is a traitor…

The bastard child…

Good riddance to the freak…

He was a genius. But an outcast…

And she could only take it. Absorbing each word despite how much she wanted to retaliate, sworn to secrecy under the law of punishment. S-class secrets and all other types of bullshit.

"DO YOU!?"

The Fourth Hokage hung his head. The long bangs of his hair shadowed his face.

"He hates me." She had to strain her ears to hear him, his words barely audible in the silent mansion. "And you have every right to hate me as well."

He slowly raised his head to stare at her. Like an endless stream, tears fell from his eyes he offered her a broken smile.

"I'm a great Hokage." The best this village had ever seen. The statue of his face on the Hokage Mountain wasn't enough; they wrote books about him, plastered his picture on their walls. Men strived to be like him while women strived to be with him.

He was a shinobi of unparalleled prowess, unmatched in all the ninja arts. A genius said to come once in a generation – the very best that there ever was or yet to be.

And yet…

"I'm a bad husband…"

He was sworn to put Konoha before all else. All superficial needs: Be it himself, his own family –even his own life. Everything. If Konaha was the body than he was the mind, both needing each other to exist.

When he had started he had been young and willing to prove himself. Step into the shoes the legendary God of Shinobi had left for him, and prove to all who doubted him that he was ready. But in doing so he had neglected his wife and child, creating a rift that was too large to fill.

"I'm a terrible father..."

He loved them more than anything. But he couldn't balance them between Konoha. One had to come first. The position demanded it. He steeled his heart and put his family behind him, choosing the village over everything else.

Only to come home to a son that wouldn't acknowledge him. A wife that didn't want to even look at him. A mansion for a house that felt empty even when the whole family was home. And at the end of the day he would sleep in an empty bed.

Alone.

He had never felt so… lonely… in a village who practically worshiped him.

"I know it's too late now…much too late." He cried. "But I can't stand to look at myself in the mirror anymore!" His fist slammed against the wall behind him rattling the mansion. "I hate myself!"

Kushina swallowed the lump in her throat as she watched her normally composed husband cry.

"But after today…seeing Hiashi like that." He remembered the way the man collapsed, face baring the look of a man who had lost everything.

The Fourth Hokage of Konoha, Minato Namikaze, dropped to his knees, pressed his head against the ground, and begged before his wife.

"Please forgive Kushina! Please!" He wailed. "I know I don't deserve it after everything I've done…b-but I want to change! I will change! Just give me a chance!"

Watching another parent have to see the sight of their own child taken away in a body bag can change a man. Show him the reality that family is more important than anything.

From the way Hiashi acted one would think he hated his daughter. In reality, the man loved her more than the very Hyuuga Clan itself. He didn't express it, and he certainly never – or in some rare occasions – showed it. But he loved her.

And he probably regretted treating her the way he did now.

She should be angry. It was well within her rights to just walk away and leave him right where he was. But seeing her husband expose his heart before her, in an emotional offer for forgiveness, cracked away at the walls that she had surrounded herself in against him. Despite his many mistakes, and the decisions he made, she still loved him deeply.

She silently knelt to his level, reaching out with her hands to stroke the top of his head. The contact immediately made him lift his head from the ground revealing red, tear stained, puffy blue eyes.

Her eyes teared at the sight even though her mouth twisted into a smile.

"You...you look like a whimpy cry baby."

He stared for a few moments before his face grimaced, and a chuckle came out of his mouth that sounded more like a cry. It looked like he was about to let out another round of sobs before Kushina simply cradled his face in her hands and rested his head on top of her lap shushing him all the while.

He didn't deserve her.

An amazing woman like Kushina deserved better than him. The failure that was a husband and father. Yet, she forgave him. They stayed like that for a long while, husband and wife, finally relishing in each others contact after years of alienation.

"I've waited so long for you to apologize to me." Her gentle whisper broke the silence. Gentle hands untied his headband, dropping the metal to the floor letting her fingers trace through his spiky blonde hair. "Five years of just hoping one day you'd just come out and say I'm sorry." She gave a deep exhale trying to steady the emotion in her voice. "S-Sorry for choosing the village over your family."

She lifted his head back up to stare down at his face. Minato felt his breath fade seeing the tears running down her face, her eyes shining like violet diamonds.

"I'm giving you your chance Minato." Her composure finally broke as a sob escaped her mouth. "P-Please don't hurt me anymore ..." Minato was already sitting up on his knees, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

"I swear to you Kushina, I won't hurt you ever again."

This was the promise of a lifetime.

"Bring him back..." She cried in his shoulder, "Just bring Naruto back to me!"

Minato felt his heart clench as he ran his fingers through her long hair. He was already expecting this, but wasn't prepared for it. He took a deep breath as he thought over how to word this to her.

If he ever wanted to earn her trust again, it was best to start with the truth.

"Kushina-chan...I'm going to tell you something that's going to be hard to hear." He gently pushed her head from his shoulder to stare directly into her face. Her eyes were red, and her cheeks were flushed from her crying. Even then she still looked beautiful.

"The mission that was given to Naruto..." He hesitated suddenly finding his throat dry. It was now or never. "For it to even begin it required him to leave the village."

She blinked as if she hadn't heard what he just said before her mouth opened, then closed, and finally opened once again.

"Are you telling me," She replied with forced calmness, "That our son had to become a missin-nin to start his mission?" From what she was told, he had turned his back on Konoha after having failed said mission.

When Minato gave a shaky nod to answer her, she took deep steady breaths to calm the sudden rise of anger swelling insider her.

"Why?"

The word stirred memories buried deep in the recesses of his mind. His biggest failure. The deepest regret in all his years of being the Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

"I couldn't stop him," He mentioned in a sorrowful whisper. "He was always one step ahead of me..."

'Why Naruto!? Why are you doing this!? You're my son you here me! My son! Let someone else go after them!'

The look he received in return was as if the thirteen year old in front of him was insulted.

'I am your son.' Naruto agreed returning his expression back to neutrality.

Minato grit his teeth at the steady tone. He was so infuriatingly calm as he simply stared back at him; his face the perfect picture of calm despite the situation he was facing, the complete opposite to his father's. Did he not realize what he was going into?

'I am also a Shinobi: one who endures. If it means sacrificing myself for the greater good, than so be it.'

The rebuttal on his lips froze seeing Naruto's face change, the corner of his lips turning upwards into a small smile. His eyes, so much like his mothers conveyed all the emotion of what would be a final goodbye.

'I'm not doing this just for Konoha. I know the threat that the village - maybe even the entire world - may face if that group begins to move.'

'So then why Naruto?' Minato questioned as his eyes teared. 'What's the reason to sacrifice yourself for this? This is your life you're putting in jeopardy to go after -'

'I'm doing this for her.'

The answer was worded as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. From the expression on his father's face, it wasn't expected. Time already coming to an end, and no longer having the mental fortitude to withstand his father's desperate pleas, Naruto turned his back to him. He took a few steps forward, stopping to stare at the gates of Konoha and looking directly ahead to the road that led out of the village.

The sun was beginning to set, casting an orange glow over the horizon, bathing the vast forest of Fire Country in a perfect picture of serenity.

Today was the tenth of July: his mother's birthday. He glanced upwards seeing a flock of birds fly through the air.

The emotion that he had been keeping at bay for so long could no longer be held, and tears suddenly spilled over as he imagined the heartache he would cause, everything that he would be leaving behind. The rising emotions gave way to doubts and insecurities with the lingering fear of second thoughts. It was all ruthlessly crushed, locked away like a bird in a cage in the blackest corners of his heart. He had chosen his path, and he would live...and die with it.

This was it.

'T-Take care of mom for me.'

Minato took a step forward, a hand raised as Naruto's name rolled off the tip of his tongue. But before he could even begin to move, Naruto vanished in an amazing burst of speed. Minato wasted no time in palming a his three-pronged kunai, and threw the blade in over head arc. It landed on the ground near the gates before Naruto did, and Minato prepared to teleport to block his path.

Only to be confused as nothing happened.

He looked downwards just in time to catch a sealing formula etched into the ground disappear. He didn't have time to question when or how as he looked up in time just to catch Naruto's back as he sped through the gates of Konoha, out of the village, and into the horizon.

Minato was shocked out of his stupor as the Thunder God finally activated and he was suddenly beside his kunai.

He payed it no attention, simply staring straight ahead at the now empty empty road.

He was gone.

His son had just ran straight out of the village before his eyes.

He suddenly felt light headed. His vision was beginning to grow dark and he began to sway on his feet. The last thing Minato saw before unconsciousness took him were the small, almost unnoticeable, tear drops staining the ground.

Kushina's face had turned an unhealthy pale.

"N-Naruto left...for me?"

Minato gave a careful nod. "They're hunting tailed beast Kushina."

I am a Shinobi: one who endures.

"Who?" She questioned suddenly feeling nausea swelling up in the pits of her stomach.

I'm doing this for her.

"Akatsuki." Minato answered hesitantly, watching the way her eyes fluttered. "Are you okay Kushina-chan?"

"No...I think I'm going to ..." Her world was spinning and everything was becoming dark.

Her eyes shut, unconsciousness finally taking over as her form fell backwards.

Minato was there to catch her, gently cradling her body against his. He stared at her deceptively peaceful face only imagining the turmoil she must be experiencing right now. He sighed heavily. What an eventful day.

He secured her tight as he stood to his feet, taking care not to stir her.

As he walked through the Hokage Mansion, up the stairs leading to the master bedroom him and his wife had once shared, his son's words echoed through his mind.

Take care of mom for me...

He had been running for days.

To him it felt like weeks.

There was no going back to Konoha. The only thing that waited for him was a jail cell and a one way trip to Konoha's Strict Correctional Facility.

You're nothing to me.

Was this his fate?

To be offered the freedom he always longed for only to be banished.

Almost like a caged bird giving the key to its release. Having been imprisoned for so long, what would it even know to do with its freedom?

What was he to do with his life?

He stumbled during his frantic sprints, exhaustion finally claiming him as he collapsed to a rolling stop.

Get up! He internally screamed, wheezing as he pulled himself to his feet. Konoha would no doubt send a search party after him. And he had a feeling it would be the powerful Police Captain leading the search.

The muscles in his body strained themselves to the limits, the amount of energy expelled just to stand up leaving him breathless.

His chakra reserves were dangerously low, his byakugan receded long ago to save as much as possible.

"Gotta … (pant)….keep …moving." He took a heavy step forward.

Something caught his attention.

Even without his byakugan, his gaze was unnaturally sharp. He looked to the horizon, focusing on orange light of setting sun, to the gentle sway of the pine trees that layered the country.

Something moved.

In the trees. Like a slithering shadow amongst the trees.

Focusing as little chakra as possible ignoring the strain in his eyes, his byakugan activated, the world suddenly filling with clarity as a nearly three-hundred and sixty degree view became his sight.

He gasped in alarm. He flinched so hard that he tripped over his feet, falling backwards onto a broken branch.

The sound was akin to a gunshot in the silent forest.

Approximately fifty metres in front of him, climbing in the tall trees, what could only be described as humanoid looking creatures hissed in his direction.

Neji's eyes widened at what he was seeing, his body beginning to shake violently.

"W-W-Wha…" He was shaking so bad he couldn't even speak properly. The chakra those…things were giving off was so foul the very trees began die from their proximity, the bark turning black as hundreds of leaves fell to the ground.

Dead.

The largest creature was a hulking figure, suddenly jumping from the tree it was on, quadrupedal in nature as it landed on all fours, opening its mouth impossibly wide with a long, snake like tongue tasting the air. The three creatures surrounding it mirrored its posture all beginning to crawl in his direction.

Adrenaline started pumping through his veins as an instinct screaming for him to RUN took over.

He was already sprinting before they moved.

Sprinting with all the desperation of natural human instinct warning him to get away.

There was an almost supernatural, bone chilling screech that came from behind him, his byakugan showing him the creatures giving chase.

He pumped what little chakra he had left into his legs as he the creatures steadily gained on him, their speed unnaturally superior to his. He pushed his muscles to go past their limits, ignoring the pain of tearing ligaments and tendons as he pushed himself to run faster than he ever had in his thirteen years of life.

All he could hear was the sound of his own breathing as he ran; the frantic pump of his hearts sounding like drumbeats to his ears.

There!

At the edge of the range of his byakugan, a village came into view.

He headed straight for it, the hisses behind him growing louder with each step he took. If there were people in the small village than maybe the distraction would turn their attention away from him. The act was selfishly cruel, but at the moment, all he wanted was to survive.

Live...

When the village finally came into clear view he couldn't stop himself from stumbling in shock.

The burning buildings are what he saw first; the small village empty, devoid of life save for the dirt streets that were littered with human corpses that looked like they had been eating alive.

The distraction had cost him.

A hiss was his only warning before the largest of the creatures barreled into him with a snarl.

"Gah!"

The blow was so swift and sudden he heard the crack of what could only be a bone breaking as he was sent flying from the impact. The world was spinning as he sailed through the air before letting out a cough of blood, the wind knocked out of him, as he landed in a heap, rolling through the bloody streets.

Chakra reserves on the cusp of empty, his byakugan finally receded as he let out a gasp. His right arm felt limp as he tried to move it, and he turned seeing the appendage bent awkwardly, a bone protruding from his wrist.

S-S-S-s-s-s-s!

He glanced in front of him seeing the creatures that had chased him across the country side. There were four of them, all grotesque in appearance, hissing as they edged closer to him. He never seen such disgusting beings, creatures only found in nightmares or horror movies.

Clawed fingers, fangs, glowing yellow eyes, and gray skin ...Neji would have vomited if he wasn't so paralysed in fear.

His instincts still screamed for him to run, his body subconsciously trying to move as he realized he was already trying to crawl. His own body not needing his mind to instruct it to put distance between himself and these things.

They edged closer and closer, hissing, screeching with saliva dripping from their mouths as they slowly closed in. With a roar, the large one pounced.

This was it.

Despite everything, Neji's life didn't flash before his eyes. He neither closed his eyes nor claim to see a premonition as so many who had near death experiences confessed. There was nothing; just his open eyes watching with a bated breath as this creature closed in to rip him to –

Slick!

He flinched as red blood splattered across his face.

The monster was suspended in the air directly over him, a sword pierced directly through its open mouth leaving it impaled. Dead.

His wide eyes took in the length of the sword that had saved him, the blade extended to an unnatural length as it suddenly retracted, gravity taking over as the body of the dead creature landed on his legs.

The remaining beings gave a screech of fury, the chakra they were giving off visible to the naked eye, before they charged forward with speed Neji could never hope to match. He flinched as they rushed past, ignoring him to focus on the unknown figure that had saved him.

Neji used his legs to push away the dead body, momentarily pausing in shock as the body changed. The ash grey skin receded revealing a human skin tone underneath, the body shrinking in size to reveal the complexion of a man, the silver hair on his head strangely familiar.

And that face….he recognized it!

"Mizuki…" The teacher from the academy. The man had been missing for months.

A roar drew his attention and he quickly turned to see only one of the creatures remaining, his saviour being revealed to his eyes.

Black cloak with red clouds swaying gently in the wind, the man – at least what he thought was a man – parried a swipe of the creatures claw with a sword. He had a chance to directly witness the strange abilities the blade had as the sword suddenly extended, the blade swung in a wide arc, immediately cleaving the creature in half.

Once again, he witnessed the ashen gray skin receding, this time revealing the visage of woman, long blonde locks doused with blood.

The man flicked his wrist expelling the blood off his blade, slowly turning his face to regard the runaway Hyuuga.

His skin was pale – unnaturally pale. But that wasn't what had his attention. It was the glowing yellow, snake like eyes that regarded him curiously, a grin forming to reveal fanged teeth.

"Well…" The tone was silky, almost hissing in nature. "What do we have here?"

Neji's body refused to move as the man walked closer to him, the burning village seeming to illuminate his form.

"A Hyuuga." He said looking at Neji's eyes. Yellow eyes surveyed him, the open hunger in the man's gaze caused Neji to shiver. "Now, now don't be afraid." The man cooed, stooping to his level to gently reach down and stroke his face.

The touch was cold.

Up close Neji recognized the man. One of the most wanted criminals in Konoha's history. "Y-You're O-Oroch…c-chi…" He trailed off as he began to stutter.

Orochimaru grinned at the boys fear. "Hush, hush child. You must have been so afraid of these nasty beasts. " His eyes momentarily flickered to the slain creatures. "Failed experiments I suppose." He said almost regrettably.

Neji gawked at the man. "E-Experiments?"

The man nodded smugly. "Yessss." He hissed softly. "But that's not important. I saved you didn't I?" He tilted his head at the boy, a grin on his face. Neji noticed the blue, tomoe-shaped earrings the man was wearing.

Neji nodded hesitantly. "Y-Ye…"

The man's thumb stroked his cheek. "Come now my dear boy, enough with that irritating stutter. I'm not going to hurt you." He whispered soothingly.

Despite the warnings going off in his head, his body relaxed, the adrenaline finally wearing off.

"What is your name?"

"Neji." He answered.

The man patted his head, rising gracefully to his feet. "Well then Neji-kun, I bid you a good evening."

With that said the man turned on his heel and began to walk away.

"Oh and do be on the lookout for those beasts." He called over his shoulder, tone layered with mocking concern. "More are certainly in the area."

"Wa…wait!" Neji shouted after him, struggling and failing to get to his feet. "You can't just leave me here!"

The man stopped, turning to regard him with a deceptively feminine raised eyebrow "Oh?" Orochimaru inquired curiously. "Why can't I?"

Despite the teasing tone, the question was actually asked with seriousness as the man shifted to walk away when the boy just gawked at him.

"I…because…." The man had no reason to stay with him, less so than risk his life and save him. He was covered in dirt, sweat and blood. A runaway from Konoha that had the Military Police searching for him. He was nothing.

"Take me with you!"

His brain finally caught up to his mouth but before he could even blink, the man was suddenly in front of him, the cold feel of sharp steel pressed against his throat.

"You're far way from Konoha little birdy." The man grinned at him. "What purpose does it serve me to take a runaway Hyuuga under my wing?" How the man known his status, Neji could only guess.

"I'll…" What could he offer to one of the legendary Sannin, an S-ranked criminal listed in all the worlds' bingo books?

"I'll serve you!" He shouted in desperation.

There was nothing left for him. No home to return to. He was excommunicated from his clan, labeled forever to wear the seal on his forehead. The moment he returned to Konoha he would be arrested.

"My life is yours!"

Orochimaru's eyes glinted as his smirk widened ever so slightly. "Interestingggg. You would swear your life to me, to serve and obey little bird?"

"Yes." Neji said seriously. "I swear."

Orochimaru's tongue slithered out his mouth to lick his lips hungrily. Who was he to refuse such a promising young boy? At the least, it was a golden opportunity to gain the byakugan.

Like a lamb lead to the slaughter, ignorant to the very end Orochimaru grinned. Yes, this boy would do nicely.

"Come than Neji-kun." Neji watched as the man's sword recede, vanishing beneath his sleeves as he offered his hand. "We must make haste to Sound Village."

Neji accepted the hand with his left arm, not having the energy to question the location of this Sound Village as the man lifted him to his feet. His legs wobbled, but under the man's expectant gaze he tried to appear strong.

Orochimaru chuckled at the display. "Good! Your will is strong boy. But don't attempt to fool me when you look like the wind could blow you over. "

Neji would have bowed if the action wasn't so painful. "Forgive me Orochimaru-sama."

The Sannin clicked his tongue. "Hmm. Looks like I'll have to carry you." With his speed, they could reach the Sound Village by dawn. He wanted to put as much distance between him and Konoha as possible.

He was being hunted.

He put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Climb on to my back."

Neji nodded, moving behind the man.

Slick!

It literally came out of nowhere.

Something small and white, crackling with lightning as it sailed through the air, pierced right through Orochimaru's chest, the impact blasting the front of his black robe open, nicking Neji's headband as it blasted forward.

Orochimaru let out a hiss of pain, Neji falling off him onto his back as the object continued its path, piercing through buildings as it whistled through the air.

Neji's head hit the ground, his headband falling off his head as the knot untangled. It clattered to the ground, showing Neji the horizontal line sliced into the leaf symbol.

He heard Orochimaru gasp and saw the man staring at something in front of him, holding a hand over the gaping hole in his chest. He followed his gaze seeing a figure walking forward out of the burning smoke of the village.

It was more of a stride, oozing with purpose as the figure strutted forward with a walk that gave an electrifying sense of dread. It was the walk of a hunter, utterly calm and confident, powerful with each unhurried step. The flames seemed to dance around him, only accentuating the already dangerous presence this mysterious figure gave off.

The figure raised his hand, continuing his stride as something white shot from his arm with the sound of a gunshot, the speed it traveled too fast to see.

He only heard Orochimaru scream as the object pierced him, the man lifted from his feet and sent careening through the village, only coming to a stop as he hit a burning building, the object impaling him to a wall.

He wanted to scream for his newly sworn master but his mouth refused to open, his body locking itself up as his instincts screamed for him to remain silent as the figure walked past him.

He took in a bulky grey vest, lither and more form fitting than normal flak jacket design. Even stranger was the mask on his face, the shape in what could only be described as an upside down triangle, slightly indented at the top with an owl faced design, the colors almost hypnotising to look at. He was covered in black clothing, with a large utility pouch on his back finishing his appearance.

The man passed him without a glance, the back of his head revealing blonde hair as the eye holes of the mask focused directly at the Sannin pinned.

"I almost feel sorry for you Orochimaru." Neji's ears strained to pick up the voice, shivering as the deep baritone caused a chill to travel along his spine. "Your allegiance to that pathetic organization."

The man gasped, vainly trying to pull out the spear of bone impaled against his chest.

"The trouble with loyalty to a cause … is that the cause will always betray you."

"You!" The man hissed in fury, blood spilling out the corners of his mouth. "I should have known!"

The man stopped to stand before the impaled Sannin, a hand reaching up to remove his mask.

Violet eyes, inherited from his mother, stared at the Sannin. A face so much like the man that had stolen the title of Hokage from his grasp, peered up at him blankly.

Orochimaru's struggles increased tenfold. But no matter how much he pushed the object wouldn't budge. His chakra network was in haywire, the simple act of molding his chakra impossible. His chakra is affecting me!

"Who!" He spat with venom. "Who sent you!?"

A cruel smirk tugged at his lips. "Who do you think?"

The Sannin stilled. His eyes going wide as realization struck him. He didn't have time to ponder the betrayal as a humming sound filled the air. The man held up his hand, the chakra emitting visible to the eye as it condensed, rotating at high speeds into a sphere. It gave off a brilliant blue glow before it suddenly turned red, the heat the jutsu started giving off causing the material of his cloak to start burning.

Orochimaru was in awe at the display of nature manipulation, the spinning ball of fire solidifying, a red nucleus visible in the centre as it the heat began to melt through his skin. Such power!

"Your Leader sends his regards."

"DAMN YOU BOY! I CURSE YOUR EXISTENCE!"

"Fire Release... "

"NARUTO!"

"Rasen-storm!"

Neji had to shield his eyes lest be blinded by the brilliant red glow. The heat it gave off stung his skin, causing him to groan as he withered through it.

When the heat finally receded he hesitantly lifted his head from the safety of his arms, his eyebrows going past his hairline as he surveyed the damage.

The ground where Orochimaru had once been was charred black, nothing but ashes of what once remained. The fires seemed to stretch on for miles, even reaching the surrounding forest, the trees burning in the distance.

He honestly had no words.

"Hmm."

He gasped, quickly turning to the voice behind him seeing the man that had just killed the Snake Sannin peering down at him curiously. The man absently tossed something into the air repeatedly, catching with his left hand, before he repeated the motion.

It was revealed to be a blue ring, with the kanji for 'void'on it as the man slipped onto his left pinky finger. Plum blue eyes peered at him seriously, a hand on his hip as the man traced the mask attached to his belt.

Mask off, Neji stared at his face in amazement, taking in the long blonde bangs and the whiskered, pale face. He looked exactly like the Fourth Hokage!

"How much do you think you're worth?"

Neji blinked at the question. "Pardon?" How much he was worth?

The man flexed his wrist, what looked like… bone…began protruding out the appendage as it slithered out like a blade.

For the second time that day, something sharp was pressed against his throat.

"Yourself." He reiterated. "I hear Kumo pays a mean figure for a Hyuuga."

Well that's the first chapter folks. First chapter is always the hardest for some reason, and it's usually the worst, but I think this wasn't too shabby.

Read and Review people. Never expected writing to feel so good. Back in business baby!

Edit: 2015-07-05 - Chapter has been revised and had small changes made