Naruhina: Something New

Chapter 6: Burning Man

As the village came into view a man with silver hair and a beard approached them and bowed in greeting.

In a low voice, he asked, "Are you the Konoha ninjas requested by Lord Yurasu? You were preceded by two others who go by Kiba and Sai?"

Shino nodded.

"Lord Yurasu is waiting for you. Please follow me."

He led them into a large tent, where a red-headed young man, not much older than them was pacing back and forth. He stopped pacing to look at Sai, who was behind him writing in one of his scrolls.

He looked up when they entered and reassured Lord Yurasu, "It's okay, they're from Konoha."

The young lord looked relieved, his green eyes brightening. "Thank god," he said.

Sai said, "Good, you guys are here. I'm just writing to let the Hokage know."

He made a seal with his two fingers to release the jutsu. In a flash, the scroll transformed into ink-birds and flew outside towards Konoha.

"Sai!" Ino said with a huge smile.

"Ino," he said as he gave her one of his. He turned back to the others and explained the situation.

Kiba was closest to the kidnappers' hideout. With his keen sense of smell and Akamaru as backup, he was tracking the movements of the band. So far, none of them had strayed far and were gathered close. Lord Yurasu's sister, Ririka, was in a tent guarded by two men. She was unhurt and could freely move.

"Thank you for coming," the handsome young man said with a bow at the Konoha ninjas. "I am Keita, and if you need anything please let me know. I'll have my men assist you as much as we can."

"Leave it to us!" Naruto said. "We're not leaving here without saving your sister. We're definitely bringing her back."

"I have faith in you," Keita said. "I believe you are Naruto Uzumaki. You're very famous even in our small village."

Naruto beamed at him. "Yup! Nice to meet you."

"But your eye seems hurt. Do you require medical help?"

Naruto's smile faded. He glanced involuntarily at Ino, who reddened. "Oh, no, no, this is nothing. I'm fine!"

"Are you sure? It's the least we can do. You've come all this way," Keita said, motioning for the silver haired man to come forward.

Naruto shook his head and waved the offer away. "I'm good, really." He flashed an embarrassed smile. "Actually, this is normal for me."

Sai smirked.

Keita nodded dubiously, but he turned to the others.

Hinata came forward, her hands outstretched. In a voice full of conviction, she said, "Lord Yurasu, I know you're worried for your sister, but we'll save her for sure."

As she stepped forward, Keita looked stunned and unconsciously grasped both of her hands into his larger ones. "Lady Hinata Hyuuga! I am honored!" he said.

He started to bend his head into a more formal bow, but Hinata, embarrassed, reached for his arm, trying to stop him from doing so. "No, please, don't. I'm only here as a shinobi."

Keita frowned, "But your father and Lady Hanabi would be offended!"

Hinata shook her head. "No, they wouldn't! Let's not be formal. I'm Hinata, just plain Hinata."

"If that's your wish, of course I'm bound to honor it," he said, his hands still holding hers.

Ino watched their exchange with a smile. She hadn't missed the way Naruto kept frowning at the red-headed man, Keita, who was dashing in his own way. He was tall, with bright, green eyes and an air of confidence surrounding him. As a village lord, he was used to commanding and being obeyed. In short, he was a young, desirable man.