Unleashed Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1: Farewell Father

The rained poured like millions of tiny kunai striking violently against the ground. Out of the darkness two figures appeared from a distance. One, a man dressed in the usual ANBU attire and on his back he carried a child who was exhausted from their long journey from Mountain Country.

“Are we there yet Tou-san?” his daughter didn’t even dare to take a peek from the hood that was covering her pale, wet face.

“Yes Hisaki.” Her father stopped in his tracks as two ANBU agents approached them. “Konbanwa (Good Evening).” Hinote greeted the two and carefully set Hisaki on her feet. The terrified child clung onto a tight embrace not trusting anyone she didn’t know. “It’s alright Hisaki. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” He chuckled and held her by the hand.

“Hinote-senpai.” The two agents had recognized the voice of their long retired subordinate.

“Long time no see guys.” He answered warm heartedly.

“It’s been years since you left Konoha.” One spoke.

“I’ve been busy taking charge of our clan since I was appointed chief.” He said in a lively tone that brightened up their moods in such gloomy weather. “And of course, my daughter, Hisaki.” He patted his eight-year old on the head.

“Welcome to Konoha Hisaki-san.” They were lead to the big gate and upon entering it the rain finally subsided.

“K-k-konoha…” the girl’s slit red eyes widened in amazement as they made their way into the vast village, straight ahead to the direction of the Hokage’s mansion.

By the horrible sight of the documents carelessly set on her table, the sannin saw no possibility of accomplishing her work so she ended up asking the help of her assistant, Shizune and her apprentice, Sakura who was still a medic-nin in training. Tsunade didn’t exactly do anything but scan through her lotto tickets and enjoyed a nice soothing cup of her ocha. Sakura and Shizune didn’t dare complain about her not doing the share of the work since was experiencing some major mood swings.

The silence was broken as there was a knock on the door. Out of irritation Tsunade slammed the desk with her fist which created a crack and scattered the paperwork that Sakura had organized for the past hour.

“Shizune.” She lifted a finger for her to get the door as she continued to slouch on her seat and shut her eyes. Tsunade did not pay attention to the ANBU who entered the room. “Back from Suna so soon, Kakashi?” She faced the opposite direction and rolled her eyes. “I expect a good report from you concerning the Akatsuki.” She hissed.

“And a report I shall give you.” His voice sounded very foreign to her ears yet familiar. The man removed the mask and revealed his true face. The Hokage glanced back at him and was very surprised to see a familiar someone who had left the village years ago. He had flaming red hair with matching slit-red eyes and jagged fangs to represent his canine features, similar to the Inuzuka clan. There was no mistake to it being the only Hogosha who grew up in Konohagakure.

“Hinote, what brings you here?” her mood suddenly shifted to her calm one.

“I apologize for the interruption…Tsunade-sama.” He scratched the back of his head. “I have brought my daughter…” the girl exposed herself from behind and slowly removed her hood. She too had the same features as her father except that hair was fixed into small pigtails.

Just then another ANBU agent appeared at the door carrying a scroll from the village of Sand. His rigid grey hair already made his identity obvious even with the mask on. “I came as soon as I can.” He panted.

“Kaka-sensei!” his student greeted him with cheerful green eyes.

“How have you been Sakura?” he removed his mask and noticed the people in the room especially the man with fiery red hair who was staring right when he walked in. Upon seeing the stranger in the room he draw closer to him and fell into an embrace with the subordinate he hadn’t seen in years.

“Long time no see Hatake.” He gave his former partner a pat on the back.

“Same to you Hogosha.” They were very used in addressing each other with their surnames.

Kakashi then noticed the other red-head who had an innocent yet blank look on her face. “Looks like someone’s been busy.” He waved at her.

“Hisaki this is my very good friend, Kakashi-san.” Her father explained.

“I’ve got to say, she is the spitting image of her mother.” Kakashi examined her looks.

An upsetting frown grew on Hinote’s face. Until now he still couldn’t get over the death of his wife and the dreadful incident that could never be forgotten. It wasn’t much of a big deal to Hisaki since she was still a baby at that time and was raised by a very devoted and loving single parent.

Tsunade shared the lamentation and sighed because she knew his wife back then. “I’m sorry to break up this reunion but may I know what business you were about to mention before Kakashi arrived?” she broke the silence.

“Sumimasen.” Kakashi apologized for his sudden appearance.

Hinote got back to his senses and took a deep breath. “What I am about to tell you would probably take most of your time. It is pretty confidential and perhaps it would be best if we discussed this privately.” Tsunade could tell it was something serious by the look on his anxious face. “Hisaki,” he pulled his child aside. “I’m going to have a long talk with Tsunade-sama and Kakashi-san so you might as well take your rest my love.”

“Oh you must be so exhausted from your trip, noh?” Sakura took over and was delighted by her presence.

“Shizune. Sakura. Provide her with a room in one of the vacant apartments.” Tsunade ordered.

“Well there is one room that is available nearby.” Shizune suggested.

“You mean Naruto’s room?” Sakura asked.

“Fine, then it is settled. She’ll be staying there for the meantime.” The Hokage declared since the genin had already left for his training with Jiraiya just a few weeks ago.

“Otou-san, what about you?” Hisaki spoke for the first time and pulled onto his armor.

“This is something very important Hisaki.” Hinote explained to her once more.

“You’re gonna leave me here alone aren't you.” Tears formed in her red eyes.

“We already talked about this now, didn’t we.” He couldn’t stand to break her heart once more.

“Why can’t you live here too?” the tears streamed down her pale face.

“Because…because I have to attend to the clan. It’s my duty and you also have yours here.” He knelt down to her height.

T-t-tou-san.” She choked and continued sobbing.

“I love you so much Hisaki.” He embraced her and felt her warm body touch his. “You know I’m doing this for your own good.” He lifted her chin up to his and both red glassy eyes met with regret. “Always remember the code: We were born to serve others…”

“So that they may live.” She continued it with sincere words.

“Make our clan proud.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re purpose is found here, Hisaki.”

“Hisaki…Hisaki…Hisaki…” her name rang in her ears over and over. These were his last words before they departed and what she didn’t know would actually be the last.