Reborn as Sakura and Hinata: Lost in the Wind

Putting the Plan into Action

What the hell was happening? Was basically on loop in my head as I stared down at Sakura's collapsed body. What did they do that for? What happened to Hinata? I turned to the Hokage for answers, the solemn look on her face cluing me in at least partially to what was going on.

"I am only going to explain this once because we do not have time." Tsunade stated, "Understand?"

I nodded, too dumbfounded to speak.

"Hinata Hyuga has defected and left the village with a group of enemy ninja. I believe that this is in connection with the curse mark, regardless, her actions seen in light of what I know now are unacceptable and she must be brought back immediately to be dealt with."

I could only nod in reply. She left? Why? Memories of a few days ago came back to me. She was in really rough shape. Could that have anything to do with it?

"I need you to amass a team to bring her back. I trust in your judgement to decide who is best fitting. You have a little less than an hour, understand?"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade." I answered robotically, still reeling from the amount of information I had just received.

Not only was I just promoted to a rank that was going to involve more work, but I already had a first job which was to get together a bunch of genin to try and rescue, or recapture?, one of my friends? I really should've just stayed in bed today.

"There is someone that has insisted that he go with you." Tsunade sighed, "He alerted me to the situation and is waiting outside. Now go, we don't have any time to waste."

I nodded before turning and walking to the door. I couldn't help but stare at Sakura's collapsed body. That was... really harsh what they did to her. I exited to see a very frazzled Neji on the other side, head in his hands and shaking.

"Neji? Oh... I guess it would make sense that you'd want to come." his head snapped up when he heard me.

"Yes, we need to get her back!" he sounded so desperate, "If anything happens to her..." he swallowed hard, seeming near tears. This was... hard to watch. What a drag. Why'd she have to leave?

"Yeah, you can come. You're very skilled, and you'd have the best chance at getting her to come back." I explained, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Let's move. We still have more people to gather."

We began jogging out of the Hokage's building and into the streets.

"Who were you thinking of? It would be faster if we split up." Neji asserted. I nodded in agreement.

"Choji: I've known him a long time, and we've got great communication skills. I'd trust my life with him. Sasuke and Naruto: they might both be hot headed idiots at times but they get results so I definitely want them." I began going through options in my mind.

"Tenten." Neji suddenly said, "She's had an unprecedented increase in her abilities. I believe she started training with Hinata, so she knows some healing although basic."

"Healing huh? That is useful, thanks. But who else?" it was hard to gather my thoughts at the moment.

"Kiba!" Neji seemed to remember, "We definitely need him."

"Yeah, good fighter, versatile, especially with Akamaru. Can track people." I thought it over more, "Now that I... he has a strong bond with Hinata right? Since they're teammates a-"

"He's her 'boyfriend'." Neji corrected. I quirked an eyebrow; that was a relationship I wasn't expecting.

"Well... then we definitely need him." I nodded, "Let's split then. I got Choji, Naruto, and Sasuke."