Chapter five

*Last time, fate decided it's cruelty knew no bounds and decided spread it's malice upon Hinata and Sakura. As if having their home ransacked both girls thought things couldn't get worse for them that is until their landlord decided to be a giant humbug and evict both girls right then and there. Now the girls are faced with another problem but maybe Naruto and Sasuke can make things better before their sorrow consumes them.

Sirens blared upon the usually quiet block, luminous lights flashing about signaling the disturbance, alerting others to the nightmare that accord being thankful that it didn't happen to them but sending silent prayers to the victims. Reporters stood behind a yellow line, blocked off by the police, preventing the nosy sharks from trying to chew information out of the victims. As for the victims themselves, both girls were shielded from the random madness that had befallen them not just two hours ago. And to say things weren't getting better was an understatement.

"I just don't believe this," Tsunade stood beside Sakura as both she and Hinata had taken refuge in the small back yard to avoid what was going on in the front yard. Hoping to keep some of their dignity while inside they were shattered beyond repair.

"How could that pig just throw you both out like that? It's not like you were late with the rent or anything?" When a groan was heard, Tsunade knew that the financial crisis Hinata and Sakura were having ran much deeper than either let on.

"Girls, what haven't you told us? How far behind were you with making payments?" Tsunade knew that as stubborn as either girl were, this was the one time that their pride would have to be put behind them and come clean. Thankfully it was Hinata who spoke up first since Sakura couldn't find her voice at the moment.

"Well even though we were behind one week, it was the late fees that were cutting into what little we had. It seemed that every time we made a payment the first of the month, our late fees continued to pile up. Sakura and I had hoped that by the new year we would be able to catch up and pay the full amount, late fees included with our income tax. But now we have to find a place to stay." Hinata leaned into Naruto who for the moment just held Hinata but on the inside, was boiling with fury. Sasuke was no better, since he had taken to pacing the tiny yard to clear the murderous thoughts from his head all the while trying to find a solution to help both girls. Itachi was thinking of a logical solution as well hoping to help his brother before something else were to happen. However fate was not on their side for a woman with red hair and glasses decided to make her appearance.

"Well and I thought the news was nothing but a bore when I turned on the tv but to my surprise I find something interesting for once," the snide voice belonged to only one person and Sakura could feel a headache coming with the thought of putting up with the one person she couldn't stand.

"Hello, Karin. Did you come here to check up on me or to make a curtain call?" Sakura began to rub her temples hoping to ease the pain from the royal pain before her.

"Oh no, I came to see if you've found a place to stay yet?" The evil look in Karin's eyes made Naruto and Sasuke nauseous, like eating three year old rancid milk nauseous. This woman before them made them feel on edge.

"I'm probably going to regret asking this, but why do you want to know of my living arrangements, Karin?" Sakura knew her sister too well and knew that her sister didn't just show up with out rubbing something in her face and today was going to be no different.

"Oh…I'm just here to inform you that mother said not to come on our doorstep, you're a big girl and can take care of yourself. Also not to call pop-pop for help, now I have a date with someone who knows quality and taste when they see it, toodles Sakura!" Karin's cackling could be heard in the distance as she left both girls to stew in their misery while Tsunade held Ino by the collar to prevent the girl from snapping the harpy's neck. Not that Tsunade didn't agree with Ino about the shrew, there was a time and place for everything and now wasn't the time to shed the witch's blood. Right now helping Sakura and Hinata was top priority.

"Okay so who was the shrew that just left, leaving her cackling voice behind to hurt our ears?" Sasuke nor Naruto were prepared to hear the answer that came from Sakura.

"The shrew that just left is unfortunately my sister, Karin." The look of pure shocking horror appeared upon Naruto, Sasuke and Itachi's face. Neither boy could figure out how someone as kind hearted as Sakura could be related to a cold-hearted shrew like that.

"That's your sister?" Naruto for the life of him had no idea how Sakura could be related to the creature that just left.

"Yes, and I'm sorry you had to be here to meet her when she's in one of her moods. She didn't have to come all the way here just to tell me I'm not welcomed in my family anymore." Sakura then continued to rub her temples since her headache wouldn't leave.

"And what did she mean by not calling this pop-pop person? Who is this guy anyway and why can't you contact him." Naruto's curiosity ran hot in his veins with this mystery person. Sasuke wondered about this person as well and made a mental note to find this man and have a nice long talk.

"The man that Karin spoke of is my grandfather, Souzen Haruno. And calling him is out of the question anyway. I haven't talked to him since high school. After that we lost touch with each other. It's not that I don't want to talk to him or him me, the problem is I have no means of contacting him. I don't even know if he still lives in the same house or has the same number. And since I have no cell phone, well you can put two and two together." Sakura felt Sasuke place a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting smile. While that smile made her feel more at ease it didn't completely change the situation.

"And what did you mean about 'not welcomed in your family', Sakura? Why wouldn't you be welcomed by your own family?" Tsunade was to the boiling point and wanted answers, but Sasuke stopped Sakura and Hinata from answering and decided finding a place for both of them to stay was top priority.

"Before Sakura answers anymore question, perhaps finding a place to stay would be better," Sasuke then turned to Naruto who was thinking of what to do to help.

"Naruto, didn't your grandparents have a house near the country that's not being used right now," Sasuke saw millions of lights shine in Naruto's eyes at the mention of his grandparent's house.

"Hey your right Sasuke, it be perfect." Naruto thinking that Hinata would jump with the offer was surprised to see the distant look within Hinata's eyes rather than joy.

"Hinata what's wrong? Don't you want a place to stay?"

"No Naruto, it's a wonderful idea, it's just won't your grandparents or your family be upset if Sakura and myself stay in their home?"

"Oh…I probably should have told you, but my grandparents died years ago along with several members of my family in an accident years ago. The house along with several other possessions that they owned were passed down to me in their wills." Naruto saw shock in Hinata's eyes at the confession. Naruto was puzzled and then realized he never talked about his family much, since it brought about memories that brought a dull distant pain to his heart. Naruto jumped to his feet however when he saw tears swell within Hinata's eyes and began to panic.

"Hey, hey its okay. I mean I still get sad thinking about them, but…but…, Sasuke help" Naruto turned his pleading eyes hoping with all his heart that Sasuke will save him.

"Hinata, please forgive my friend, it appears that certain bits of information that he should have mentioned before slipped his mind. But the house is indeed his, and right now it's empty save for the furniture. The only time Naruto has been in there was mostly to clean and dust. Just look at it this way, you and Sakura can stay there until you find a new place to stay in the new year. But please don't think of this as a pity gesture, Naruto and myself both wish for you and Sakura to have a safe place to stay and after what happened, I'm sure both of you will agree with me." Sasuke saw Hinata look at Sakura who just nodded her head thus confirming their decision.

"If it's not a problem we'll move in, under the condition that if we can't find a new place to stay before or after the new year. Also we need a written agreement incase something else happens." Hinata's firm voice brought a proud smile to Naruto's face since he knew that this version of Hinata was different from the version he met before. This one was confident, strong and determined. Not that Hinata wasn't any of that before, it's just Hinata hid behind a veil. Naruto had hoped to bring this version of Hinata to light as their relationship progressed.

"Don't worry, we'll have the paperwork for both of you to fill out by the end of tomorrow. But right now, I believe it would be wise for you to pack what you can that wasn't destroyed. I have a funny feeling that who ever did this could still be about and getting both of you to a safe place would be the wisest decision right now," Sasuke and Naruto then led both Hinata and Sakura through the tattered remnants of their former home to pack what they could. Well what was salvageable that is. As both girls made their way upstairs they saw that most of their furniture was destroyed beyond repair. Their favorite couch that held memories of late night movie marathons, provided extra comfort for visiting quest and had been with them for four long years had been slashed down the middle with some sort of jagged blade. Their coffee table, end tables, corner cabinet were reduced to fire wood now. Several windows were broken leaving a luminous trail from the living room to the hallway. The kitchen was covered from ceiling to floor with black spray paint. The good dishes they had, were nothing but broke shells. Glasses were shattered, bowls were split in half and plates were scattered everywhere upon the floor. Upstairs was a fair better picture for the girls. Their rooms were spared the destruction from below. The only thing out of place was the torn mattresses, everything else seemed normal.

"I don't understand, they made such a mess downstairs yet the only thing wrong here are the mattresses." Sakura and Hinata pondered this mystery as they packed with Ino and Tsunade there to help them. However as the girls packed, Sasuke and Naruto waited in the hallway to talk with Itachi who was talking to their father on a cell.

"So no one knows of the attackers or saw anything? Well this isn't good to say the least. And to make matters worse there's the matter of this hunter running amuck that the council wishes for us to investigate. I believe they wish to prevent another war falling upon us like last time."

"Father we're aware of that but the issue at the moment is why target them, and what's that motivation behind this. Once things are settled here my team and I will further investigate this conundrum. Also I think the council has some questions to answer for." Itachi turned to see Ino walking up the stairs with the plant that Sasuke mentioned before but said nothing as the woman drew near with fire burning within her eyes.

"I know son, I too wish to speak to the council on matters pertaining to not just the past but the action of now. Also I'll have that paperwork that you mentioned written up by the time all of you return home. I must say this girl that has your attention Naruto is quite the girl. I look forward to meeting both girls, when you and Sasuke bring them over one day." A deep chuckle was heard before the line went dead, leaving all three boys to reflect on what was going on.

"So how are we going to find out who did this, by now their scent is gone thanks to the number of police in this place and whatever magic they used is bound to have a counter spell to prevent any with magic from finding them." Naruto placed his hands in his pockets as he tried to think of a solution. Sasuke thought as well but was coming up dry. Not even Itachi had an answer to give. That's not to say that Ino didn't have an idea.

"I think I have an idea that might help," All three men turned to see Ino standing before them, arms crossed sheer determination on her face.

"And what do you suggest, Ino?" Naruto knew to tread lightly with Ino, since he fought her before during a training session years ago and was handed his tail by the woman.

"Yes I have a few friends that might be of some use to you guys. They're friends from my college years and I've kept in touch with them. In fact they come every year for Hinata and Sakura's annual Christmas party." Ino didn't miss the confussed look that appeared on Naruto's and Sasuke's faces.

"Oh yeah, every year Sakura and Hinata have this party to keep in touch with our friends. Some from high school, others from college and some from grade school. There is one person that you might want to call. I had hoped that I wouldn't need to give you this number," Ino reached into her pocket and pulled out a small booklet that held all her phone numbers. "This is the one relative of Hinata's that keeps in touch with her. His name is Neji, if you need anything for Hinata, he'd be the one to call. In fact he's looking into why their accounts are so screwed up. When Hinata last talked to Neji, he swore he'd fix things for her and make things better." Ino placed the torn page with Neji's number in Naruto's hand.

"So where is this Neji person now? Why isn't he here?"

"Oh that's an easy one, TenTen his girlfriend." Both boys were confused, but Ino continued.

"Neji's girlfriend had some family issue to take care of in China. Neji had business to take care of in China anyway, so two birds one stone so to speak," Ino then placed the potted plant on the floor outside Sakura's door before turning back to the boys.

"Look you two I don't know what you guys have in store but do me this one favor, no matter what happens promise that the both of you will give your lives for Hinata and Sakura. They're like the sisters I never had and I love them. What ever is after them or whoever wishes them harm, promise me that you'll protect them. Hinata and Sakura have enough drama in their lives thanks to their families, the last thing those two need is magical stress." Ino gazed at the floor as if she was unable to look either boy in the eye. Ino was shocked when she felt her chin being lifted by the one she calls 'his majesty' who bore no ill will or hatred for her. No Naruto gave her that same silly grin that caught her attention years ago.

"Hey don't worry Ino, you have my word that Hinata will be protected, and the same can be said for Sasuke and Sakura. But I have one question for you; when you said drama from their families, well Karin I can understand but Hinata hasn't talked much about her family outside her father and her not talking." Naruto heard Ino groan and knew that she had to tread lightly on this subject.

"Naruto, to get the answer to that one, you might want to talk to Hinata. The drama with her father goes far deeper than you realize. And I fear that her heart will be broken by the end of the year by that brute she calls her sire." Naruto just gazed in utter shock at Ino's statement. What was this woman talking about and what did Ino mean? That was the question swirling within Naruto's brain for a few minutes. Before Naruto could receive his answer Hinata and Sakura came out of their rooms with what little they could pack, along with a few knick-knacks being carried by Tsunade.

"So now that the girls are packed, how about we head to this house before something else crawls out from the shadows. Not to be rude but I'd rather not stick around this place much longer. The police can hold back the media for so long and the press is getting antsy." Tsunade then motioned for Ino to follow her and the girls down stairs while Itachi motioned for Naruto and Sasuke to come to him for a few minutes.

"I suggest that you two stick close to those girls and watch them closely. Tsunade has informed me of the sprites that father sent to watch them and has sent orders to be discreate. I'll see about getting a hold of Sakura's grandfather and dig up what I can about the Hyuga girl. For now it might be wise to call her cousin and inform him of what has happened and their new residence, should something happen. But I pray that fate is kind to these girls. Also try to bring up this Christmas party that Ino mentioned. Perhaps helping them spread some holiday cheer would be what they need to take their minds off the horror that has befallen them this day." Itachi then left downstairs to talk to Kakashi leaving Naruto and Sasuke alone.

"So dobe, what do you think we should do?"

"For now Sasuke, let's get the girls settled in. We'll bring up the party later when they're feeling better. As of now, I want them safe and happy. And if that means moving heaven and Earth to do so, then I will if it means seeing Hinata smile again." Naruto then descended the stairs followed closely by Sasuke. Once both boys were downstairs, an unknown shadow emerged in the spot where both boys stood taking the form of a cat-like creature.

"It appears things are progressing faster than anticipated. His lordship will be most displeased with this turn-of-events. The barrier must not be broken." And within a cloud of jasmine smoke the creature vanished. It seems fate has yet to finish toying with Hinata and Sakura and their destinies are about to take a magical turn.

*To be Continue*