It took the group longer than Team 7 would have liked to reach the tower. If they had been traveling at their fastest pace then it would have taken them a few minutes, but with the other team and a wounded teammate, not to mention the exhaustion Sasuke was combating, it had taken them closer to half an hour to arrive. Hinata had spent most of it somberly mulling over her having Mokuton and the state her girlfriend's in. She'd have to get her new clothes, her current ones were destroyed to the point that the only thing covering her modesty was the jacket Hinata had taken off and placed around her waist. Of course the burned flesh did little to add appeal to the barely clothed girl.
God she had been so close to losing her, S-rank nin seemed to just keep coming for her girlfriend. Hinata told the redhead how much she loved her all the time, but she'd do it even more now. She had to, she couldn't stand the thought of the redhead not knowing. Fuck it, she was going to win all of this so she can spend all her time with the redhead. And if she didn't she would leave the clan, she was sure Naruko could undo any curse seal they placed on her. The redhead had passed out again, it was a good thing too, otherwise she would probably be in agony right now.
The group looked at the writing on the wall, the riddle obviously referred to the scrolls, as the mind was associated with heaven and the body with earth. Shikamaru seemed to get it too as they both told their teams to open the scrolls. They do so and Iruka and another chunin pop out of the scrolls. They nod seeing both scrolls but then they notice Naruko.
The other chunin quickly rushes off to find a medic, or really to find several medics to move her to the Med Bay. He returns quickly with the medics and Naruko is rushed out. Iruka coughs to get their attention. "Right well, congratulations on passing the second phase of the exam. You'll be in rooms 203 and 204. What happened out there?" He knew about the demon and the fact that Naruko was injured so badly meant something awful must have gone down.
"We encountered Orochimaru." Iruka's eyes go wide. This would have to be reported to the Hokage immediately.
"Did he do anything to you? Besides burning Naruko?" They shake their heads. They weren't going to tell him about the bloodlines or the fact that he had an interest in them. They didn't trust the Hokage and they knew Iruka would tell him. All hell would break loose if people knew Mokuton was in Konoha again. They also weren't going to mention his attempts to mark them, he hadn't succeeded and the last thing they need is further scrutiny. "Well then get some rest, you deserve it."
***
"I'm back again."
"So you are."
"Why did you bring me here again?"
Kaguya smiled at the girl. "Is it wrong to want to see my granddaughter?"
"I guess not. But I'm not your granddaughter."
"That's true, you aren't. Yet at the same time you are." Naruko couldn't help but notice most of her shadow was on the tree this time. Naruko hadn't seen that before.
"So why have your chakra kept me alive? It seems like you had the perfect opportunity to be free?" Kaguya shakes her head.
"No, my time for freedom has not come yet. It will come soon, or when you free me yourself. But until then I will wait. You know, I never did understand why your incarnations were so intent on Asura. You're the second in a row now. Though sometimes you seem more interested in Indra."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll find out."
"If they're your grandchildren then who is your child?"
"I have three sons." Though one was unlike the other two. He wasn't human, and was far more obedient.
"So then who are they?"
"You'll remember, one day."
"Do you have to always try and be so mysterious?"
"Of course, it's part of my charm." Naruko laughed at that, it would seem even Kaguya could take it easy sometimes.
"So then Kaguya, is there any way for me to control your chakra?"
The woman shakes her head. "No, not truly. No human can manage all of the hate the Juubi bears. Only for the brief times I'm conscious will I be able to lend it to you."
"What do you mean conscious?"
"I've said too much already. Plus our time is up. You should regain consciousness soon." And with that Naruko was flung from the temple and into the real world. She looks to her side and sees her girlfriend resting on the side of her bed. Naruko smiles and runs a hand through her girlfriend's hair.
"I love you so much Hina-chan."
"I love you more." Hinata had been awake and smiled gently at her girlfriend. "I'm glad you're awake."
"How long have I been out?"
"Two days. We're in the tower." Naruko nodded, so at least they had passed.
"And are you alright?" Hinata wasn't surprised her girlfriend was worried about her, despite being the injured one.
"Yeah, I'm perfectly fine." Naru-chan nods and drifts back off to sleep. She had been unconscious and she was still tired. Hinata leans in hand and gives her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips. "Naru-chan, I'll always be there for you, my lovely wife." She had come too close to losing the redhead, she wasn't going to play around anymore. The Hyuuga family would allow them to marry or she would ensure they can't get in the way.
Sasuke had never been happier since he knew Medical Jutsu. If he hadn't he was sure Naruko would have died. He may not have been able to save Hinata's hand back in Wave, but he had saved Naruko's life here and now. If there had been any doubt in his decision before there was none now. He had unlocked the Mangekyo without having to kill either of the other two as well. The path towards Itachi was clearer than ever and he was ready for him. He had leveled the playing ground between his brother and him.
He had to wince as a sharp pain went through his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder why the world seemed the slightest bit dimmer.