Forged Beyond

Akatsuki

Hinata entered the Yamanaka Flower Shop, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Ino. The blonde was leaning forward on the counter, propping her head up with her right hand. She wore an expression that mirrored Hinata's thoughts—a mix of frustration and sadness.

"Hey, Hinata," Ino called out, her voice tinged with weariness.

Hinata approached the counter, folding her arms as she stood before Ino. Her lavender eyes reflected the same dullness as Ino's. "Midori. She came by, didn't she?"

Ino sighed, her gaze dropping to the counter. "She did. It's honestly pathetic how Aunt Mebuki and Uncle Kizashi can even think about celebrating tomorrow as her birthday. They're pathetic for... for even getting another daughter." Her voice grew sharper, edged with barely contained fury.

Hinata's expression darkened. "March 28th... Sakura..." She took a deep breath, her voice trembling with restrained emotion. "Midori will never understand the pain Sakura went through. She'll never see her parents the way Sakura did."

Ino's hand curled into a fist on the counter. "Do you think... do you think we should've told the Third Hokage about her situation back then? Maybe that's the reason Sakura left." Her voice cracked, frustration seeping through.

Hinata's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she shook her head. "That might have been the reason, but it's not our place to tell. It's... complicated. When Sakura comes back, they should hear it from her."

"Yeah," Ino mumbled, her voice low and raw. "When she comes back..."

The two shared a silent understanding, their emotions swirling in the air between them. Before they could dwell further, Kiba burst into the shop, panting.

"Hinata! Ino! Squad 8 and 10, along with Team Gai, are being called to the Hokage's office. If you see anyone from these squads, call them and get to the office!" Kiba's urgency left no room for questions as he dashed back out.

Ino immediately vaulted over the counter, her movements swift and precise. Hinata followed, the two sprinting through the village streets. On their way, they spotted Lee and called out to him.

"Ino, Hinata," Lee said, matching their pace effortlessly. "Do you have any idea why we're being summoned?"

Ino shook her head. "Not really. Probably something to do with Danzo or another enemy." Her tone was clipped, her focus sharp.

Hinata's brow furrowed as she spoke, her voice serious. "I was talking with Kurenai-sensei the other day. She mentioned encountering someone named Kisame three years ago, along with Asuma-sensei and Kakashi-sensei. He was part of a group called Akatsuki. She said if it weren't for Asuma and Kakashi, she wouldn't have survived."

"Akatsuki..." Lee's expression grew grim. "That name alone sounds dangerous."

Hinata nodded, her eyes narrowing as she activated her Byakugan. The veins around her temples pulsed as her vision extended toward the Hokage's office. "That man... Danzo. He's already there."

Ino's fists clenched. "Tsk. Damn that man." Her voice carried a venom that matched the intensity in her eyes.

The trio reached the Hokage's office, where members of the summoned squads were already gathering. Shikamaru stood near the doorway, his arms crossed as he exchanged quiet words with Choji. Neji and Tenten were seated on a bench, their expressions tense. Kurenai, Asuma, and Gai stood nearby, their serious faces confirming that this wasn't a routine mission. Shino was out on a mission, and Kiba was standing beside Choji.

Hiruzen's voice carried from within the office. "Everyone, come in."

The group filed in, the air thick with anticipation. Danzo stood to the side, his presence an ominous shadow in the room. Hiruzen sharp gaze swept over them as she addressed the gathered shinobi.