Road to Hokage: Save the Hyuga Clan

Naruto Learns the Truth

Kakashi felt a sense of deja vu as he watched Shikamaru enter the Hokage's office and close the door behind him. Like last time, they were there to meet with the elders. Kakashi had a hunch this time they wouldn't be able to stall them. Too much had escalated too quickly. In the last half hour, he was informed of a fire at the academy, investigation information was being leaked to the media, and Sarutobi Konohamaru's hospitalization. Just as he was about to leave to head to the hospital, Sasuke's hawk flew into his office with a scroll after finding Shikamaru's office empty.

"The fire at the academy was no accident. It was another explosion. Same as the hospital." Shikamaru began, grimly. Tsunade inhaled sharply with her hands clasped in front of her face. Kakashi leaned forward as he continued.

"There was one death. A student named Hyuga Han," Shikamaru continued. " 12 injuries but everyone is expected to make a full recovery. Lady Tsunade, I hate to ask but..."

"I examined the child's body myself alone ," Tsunade revealed without hesitation. "The burn patterns on his skin are consistent with  those on Hyuga Hanami. I want Hinata to examine his body to be sure." Shikamaru shook his head.

"According to Temari, a group of Anbu arrested Hinata at the scene before I arrived," Shikamaru explained. He patted his pocket until he found a pack of cigarettes. "We have no idea where they took her."

"WHAT?!" Tsunade roared."Why? Where is she?!"

"On whose authority?" Kakashi asked quietly. His voice was ice but just as outraged as Tsunade.

"I don't know. I've already contacted Sai to find out. Until we figure this out, Sai is the only anbu we can trust," Shikamaru explained. "I---

The door opened behind Shikamaru. Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the visitors.

The two Kohona elders were flanked by tiger and bird masked anbu. Behind them, an elder woman followed closely. She glanced at nervously at Shikamaru, revealing white eyes,  before taking seat in front of the Hokage's  desk with the elders.

She is a Hyuga, Shikamaru thought to himself. What is going now? 

"Hinata Hyuga was arrest on the authority of the Konoha Council," Lady Koharu stated. "She is guilty of treason against the Hidden Leaf and  responsible for the hospital and academy explosions. This "investigation" into the matter is over."

"Based on what evidence?!" Tsunade demanded. Her amber eyes flashed dangerously at the elders.

Lady Koharu slammed a Konoha Whispers newspaper one the Hokage's desks for all to see. Shikamaru leaned over Lord Sixth's shoulder to get a better look.

"How," he muttered to himself, reading the front page. The paper was printed with tomorrow's date and the headline, The Truth About the Konoha Hospital Tragedy: The Human Bomb. Somehow, the information about Hyuga Hanami's seal was leaked and already printed. Shikamaru sucked his teeth. He met Kakashi's eye in frustration. Kakashi nodded once.

"I assume everyone in this room knows what this means. Interesting that this piece of information was withheld in our last meeting," Homura commented.

"That was my decision as Hokage,"  Kakashi answered, cooly. "That information was classified."

"Lord Sixth, you purposely withheld information from the council . Your actions placed this whole village at risk. You forced the hand of the council to act in the best interest of the Hidden Leaf." Homura retorted.

" Are you sure you have the right person? ," Kakashi asked, calmly . " Your actions may have imprisoned an innocent woman. What evidence do you have against her?"