Disclaimer: Naruto & all rights belong to author/creator Masashi Kishimoto, Jump Shonen, Viz media et all. I do not own anything related to Naruto, I just take the characters out to play. This is done strictly for fun. If I owned them I would be enjoying the money, not writing fanfictions.

The Way to Your Heart. The Long Way Home.

"-Character's talking"

-Character's thinking—

Please read this chapter's author Note at the end of the chapter. Even if you don't read other AN, please read this first one. It will give you a better understanding of the story. Please always review and let me know what you think! Thanks, continued at the bottom.

Prologue- The Big Night

A small dark haired girl, no older than 5-6 years old, ran through the forest in the dark night. She giggled. Her excitement was palpable. She reached the tallest tree.

-Best day ever!- She took a deep breath. She had to calm down, her master would be here soon.

She waited behind the largest tree. Still Smiling. Even if she hadn't done it much in the past, she couldn't help herself. Everything was so different here.

She looked up and took a deep breath "uwaaa"

So many new and wonderful things. Things she had never even imagined. Everything was vibrant, grand and so, so tempting. She looked up again. She couldn't even see the top of the tree. And the stars! There were so many. So, bright and beautiful. It was just amazing. She hugged the tree. She wanted to climb it badly; but she knew she couldn't get distracted. Her master was coming back. But the sights, the smells made it hard to stay focused. Being outside after so long was exhilarating.

"sigh" She took another deep breath. She had to stay focused for now. Everything depended on her. Master said so. She just had to wait for him. She knew better than to disappoint him.

This trip was the best, the most fun, she ever had. Every day was better than the last. Today was simply the best. Konoha was amazing. The festival was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Yes, the best, indeed.

"He, he, he" She giggled again. It was hard to believe things finally turned her way. She smiled, inhaling the tree's smell again. Wonderful. She couldn't remember feeling this, this… Happy?

Yes, this was her opportunity. A chance to put an end to her suffering, a new start. Master promised. As hard as it was to believe that her chance had finally come, she would not waste it. Finally, after…

She shook her head, better not think about that. Everything depended on this. She needed to be calm. She could not fail. She would not fail. She knew she couldn't go back to Master. Her fear glued her to the spot. She kept repeating like a mantra. -Freedom and a new beginning away from Master-

She shivered. She didn't want to think about Master. She had to focus. She was glad Master asked her to stay with the stranger. To pretend they didn't know each other if they saw each other. The stranger didn't care where she went, as long as, she was out of his way. That was the most freedom she had ever had. She took advantage of it and explored everything Konoha had to offer, away from master.

She smiled as she remembered it all.

She wondered how much longer it would be. She hugged herself, hoping it wouldn't be much longer. She didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to blow it. But waiting made her nerves come back. The activity during the last few days did not let her think too much about it, but waiting here….

She nervously hugged herself. She enjoyed the feel of her new clothes. Everything she had was brand new; her haircut, her clothes. Her night yukata was so fancy. She had never seen anything so elegant or felt anything so soft and clean. Yet Master said it was a simple sleeping yukata, not fancy.

She shrugged. She had never worn anything like it before, so she enjoyed it. And her hair, it was cut so pretty. She didn't recognize herself. She looked the part of a princess. The first of many more great things to come, according to master. Although just to be away from him would be the greatest gift she could think of. She almost sighed again. A sound alerted her to his presence. Her master was finally back.

He stepped into the clearing, next to her tree, effortlessly. Walking with the confidence of years of commanding and subjugating others. Her tall, dark master looked down to her. He was a tall dark skin man with white hair, black emotionless eyes. Dressed in all gray, carrying an empty knapsack in his waist. He assessed her as usual with his cold eyes. The girl couldn't help the shiver that went through her. Her fear had returned tenfold, now that Master was here. The excitement was all gone now. She just wanted to escape unscathed, to run away from those hated eyes and start anew.

He looked at her, always enjoying the fear he caused. He didn't enjoy much, except that fear. The submission. He smiled; a calculated smile. A smile that never reassured and always made his property, his underlings feel worse. Just the way he liked it. Power was its own drug and he enjoyed it immensely. They were all a means to an end. To strengthen Kumo, for the glorious future of Kumo; and himself.

"To think, clothes can make such a change. You look like you are worth something. You could pass for a person even. Humm. Aren't you going to say something? Today will be the start of your new life. One mission and you will finally earn your keep. You will serve your country and finally be worth something. Are you ready little one?"

"Yes, master" She nodded as she answered softly.

"You should be proud. Yes, today, your life will change. From nothing to princess"

She shivered at the sound of his voice. It terrified her. Past lessons resurfaced, when he picked up that condescending tone.

"Yes master" she couldn't help the shivers that kept running through her.

Another rustling sound. She turned. The stranger who had dressed like a merchant; was now dressed in all black. He came to the clearing carrying a large sack over his shoulder. She noticed it matched the one her master carried, but this one was full. He set it down, as her master put his empty one next to it.

"Ah. Success. Congratulations are in order" master said.

"Was there ever any doubt? Pfft. Ya hired me 'cause I'm the best recruit in Kumo" the stranger boasted confidently. "It's your show now. We don't have much time though. So, ya best get your ass moving"

"Patience, you must learn patience. Everything must be perfect, for my plan to work. Don't doubt me. I don't appreciate your skepticism..." The master turns towards the girl. "It's your turn my dear"

"Whatev', as long as ya pay me, we good" the stranger said as he rolled his eyes and leaned against a tree.

"Come my dear, don't be nervous. It is your turn to shine"

-NH-NH-NH-NH-NH-NH-

*~~~Girl's POV~~~*

"Yes master" I go close to the master as he opens the bag. I'm shocked, there is an unconscious girl inside. I realize she looks just like me or should I say, I look like her. Is that the plan? Am I supposed to be her? Am I going to pretend to be a princess? How can I…? I can't question the master, but he must know I won't be able to fool her family. I shiver again.

"I...I... I…" My nerves betray me. "I don't understand, what..." I whisper before I realized what I said.

"Come little one, we don't have time for this. It is time to earn your reward. It's what you want, right? A chance at freedom, a new identity" He says as he pulls & cuts multiple chunks of the unconscious girl's hair. Her hair looks so horrible now. I stare, frozen in place. -Oh, please, don't let him cut mine- He then pries her mouth open, pulls several teeth and draws a couple of vials of blood.

"COME ON. NOW!" his tone allows no hesitation

"Yes master" I whisper. That tone terrifies me. I know what will happen if I don't obey. I would rather be the princess, than the subject of the master's punishments. So, I approach him. He attaches the hair to mine, pours the blood over my arms and yukata. He then looks at me, smiles and says

"Open your mouth"

-No- I don't want him to pull my teeth. I have lost so many during punishment sessions, and only have a few left. But I can't disobey. I open my mouth. I brace myself.

"I didn't leave that many in there, did I?" He pulls my remaining teeth.

He smiles again; as he gives me the other girl's teeth.

"Are you cold little one?" He mocks me. I hadn't noticed how much I was shivering.

-Don't cry. It's a new life away from him. Few teeth are nothing-

"Put them in your mouth" He commands, smiling again. He enjoys my discomfort. But I did as I was told. My fear of the punishment always won. "Come on, just think when they find you, they will re-implant them. You are a perfect copy, my masterpiece. You will finally get your new life. Amazing mission, ne?" I just nod my head in agreement. To shocked to say anything else. He points to the sack, so I step in it.

"You're one sadistic bastard. You know" the stranger comments as he chuckles slouched against a tree.

"This is just business. For the glory of Kumo" The master looks down at me again. "One more thing little one" He ties my hands, my mouth and covers my eyes with another rag. I notice writing on my blindfold, but I can't read. Everything goes dark and it's making me nervous. I feel him pull the sack up.

-What have I gotten into—

-NH-NH-NH-NH-NH-NH-

*~~~No POV~~~*

"Now remember; from now on you will be the princess. Act the part, little one. The old you will disappear forever" The master ties the sack after enveloping the girl. All he can think is perfection.

-At least that little bitch will useful for something. Now for this fool-

"When they get close to you, you will drop her at the location, we discussed. Understood"

The stranger moves away from the tree. He saunters over to the master. Leans forward and whispers in his ear so the girl can't hear "You mean, drop her off the cliff" He leans back again. "Is the drop going to be enough to do the job and to fool them as well, I wonder? But it's your show. At least, it gives us time to escape. I will make my escape as they try to grab the bag and you escape now. Just make sure you keep your end of the deal. I'm as loyal to Kumo as the next soldier. But you better keep your promise. I want my money and more importantly I want my promotion. I want the raikage to know ma name"

"Oh, he will remember you. I think, you will be surprised how well it will work. As long, as everything goes according to my plan. It will be perfect. Now go on, make sure they can see you and follow you. Buy me time for my escape with the princess here"

"Whatever, just have my payment ready"

"Oh, don't worry. You will get your reward, as promised" The master watches them leave as he smirks

-Moron-

He almost smiled in the idiot's face as he thought of the real plan. He turns with the real prize in his hands; speeding along with the drugged princess. He rushes to return to Konoha, after all the ambassador from Kumo must be above all suspicion.

Getting out of the village had been hard, getting back in was much easier. Once the alarms were raised, they were looking for people escaping and going out, not coming back in. The hard part had been fooling his tail with the stone clone he left behind, but he had done it. He was sure his tail was sent by his counterpart Danzo, but he had even outsmarted him. His smile grew as he quietly slipped into his hotel and dispelled the stone clone.

He could hear alarms and hear frantic activity on the streets. He had told his servant to prepare for the return home as the negotiations had reached a stalemate. They got their measly herbs and both sides got some small concessions. But there was never going to be a true game changing agreement. This mission had one real purpose and here it was. Let them keep their small trinket, he got the big prize. He wished he had time to contact his informants, but Danzo kept tailing him. And he would not risk such an important mission for some information he could obtain later.

He admires his handiwork. He injects the girl again, before sealing her in a special scroll. He carefully stores it in his large diplomatic scroll keeper. The master smirks, as he thinks of his plan. A pity he won't be able to watch the results first hand. Ah, to see the face of the moron and everyone else. But he must not be implicated. He will remain above it all. Besides, that idiot and his slave will never realize what happened.

He pours himself some sake, relaxing. "To success" Truly smiling as he contemplates the perfection of his plan. He selected that slave; after obtaining sketches of the princess. Quite the lookalike. After the moron got her new clothes and haircut. The resemblance was truly impressive. He had put the timed explosive tag in the blindfold, ensuring it would be the closest to her eyes when it went off. They needed to be destroyed. The moron would also perish in the explosion. The young were so easy to manipulate. He recruited the moron from the Raikage's too eager troops. He was willing to do anything to FastTrack his career and be a hero. Idiot true patriots remain in the shadows, moving the pieces.

A loud boom was heard in the distance.

"For Kumo" He raises his glass again. He smirks as he envisions the scene. The tag was over her eyes ensuring their complete destruction. The traces of the princess's blood, hair and teeth combined with the mangled, burnt corpse pieces should be more than enough to convince them of the death of the princess. It will appear that the kidnapper choose death over capture and failure; taking the Hyuga Heiress with him. He smirks. Nobody looks for what has already been found.

He raised his glass one last time. "To fools and half-truths" He smirked. -It's not like I lied. I just omitted an insignificant detail. They will get what was promised; just posthumously. She will be free, a princess forever & he will be posthumously promoted, a hero to Kumo. And I will leave through the front door-

Yes, he will leave, after giving his condolences to his hosts. And again, he thinks –Perfection-

Ps-Don't worry those were Hinata's baby/milk teeth. They will come back.

PLEASE READ THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE

AN: I'm new here and hope you enjoy the story. Let me know what you think. I hope it wasn't too boring but it's the prologue, the main characters are barely in it. This will be my version, my spin of a successful Hinata kidnap, what happens after and how she returns. I have many ideas and hope I can express them well. So, read and review. Please let me know what you think. Anything will do.

This will be strict NaruHIna centric story. Obviously, AU. The kidnap will cause a ripple effect and will have consequences. So, don't expect everything to go cannon. Things will be different. If you can't handle that maybe you should skip the story, but leave a review even negative ones will increase the count. The story is about Naruto & Hinata since both are listed as main characters. This is not just about Hinata. I will try to keep the characters IC as much as possible, but they will mature from their experiences.

The story will have a bit of everything. Most of the angst is at the beginning. But there will be angst. There will also be adventure, humor and romance (of course). Not much romance at first for obvious reasons. All cannon pairings (except maybe Shino, not sure). If you don't like that refer to the paragraph above.

It is rated M for gory scenes, adult situations, mentions of child abuse/child slavery, possible lemons (way, way, way in the future) and freedom to write whatever I like. This is NOT a Hinatarape fic. It will have dark elements and suggestive elements. But it is not a rape fic. I will label gore scenes for people that don't want to read that.

I like fluff a lot. So eventually tons of fluff too. I don't want to get stuck in a single note. Again, review and let me know what you like or don't. This story will have some big twist. I doubt anyone can predict, so read and give it a try before you think you know what it is about.

The story is mine. All the twists are mine. I have read tons of story however and seen more anime's than I can count. I use different things/elements for inspiration. So, some things might be similar or inspired by something else. But if you think this is taken directly or word for word from some other story. Please let me know so I can check the story out and adjust accordingly. I don't want to rip off anybody.

There will not be many OC's in the story, but by necessity there will be some. The only big, relevant or important one is the Master of course, which you just met. He is a Kumo warhawk. (what if Kumo had a Danzo-like character). But even he will not be in the forefront all the time. He is an important villain, but the story will focus on Naruto and Hinata. So, don't despair.

It might be a little slow at first, but hang on things will speed up after the first several chapters/first arc. I like things that make sense and try to make it reasonable. Let me now, if I succeed.

Finally: Next two chapters are what happened the day before the kidnapping; before jumping back to the story. I will try to post every couple of weeks or sooner, but have full time job/life that take priority but I don't want to leave you hanging. I will do it as fast as possible. Hope you enjoy it!

Read & Review. Please. Pretty please. Pretty please with cherry on top. Reviews make me write faster.

ADDENDUM:

Story so far

A-Prologue

B-The Day before (age 6)

C-Arc 1 Aftermath, growing up, academy, escape (ages 6-11)

D- Arc 2 Growth and new (ages 11-14)

E-Arc 3 Reunion (not started yet) (age 14)