I dedicate this chapter to all those who believe there should be more SasuHina Fanfictions in the world. X

A Nice Cup of Childhood Intrigue

Hinata sat alone in front of a wooden vanity table. Its arch-shaped mirror was bordered by clouds, zig-zagging lightning bolts and Kumo's symbol proudly etched on the peak. The collage could be seen in much of the guestroom, the Village's pride evident. She traced her finger over the rim of a glass of water. Hinata used to be able to make glasses sing high pitched notes when she was younger. Just licked her finger and gently traced the glass' edge. It made her think of bright lights and a woman's laugh. She lost the trick to it before she reached her teens and had yet to find it again. Didn't stop her from trying though.

After the conference of a lifetime, Hinata retreated to the room A provided for her. The vanity's family consisted of a queen sized bed, writing desk and a wardrobe. Through a door next to the writing desk was a large living area. Filled with black leather sofas and loveseats; a dark mahogany coffee table; widescreen television; different shades of blues & greys and odd bulbous sculptures. Hinata could not for the life of her figure out what they were supposed to be. The designer wanted the room to look as 'modern' as possible, not caring if it looked aesthetically pleasing or not (it didn't). Connected to the Livingroom were three other bedchambers, available for her family to use at their leisure.

As Hinata was neither heir nor council representative, her presence wasn't necessary for the gathering being held by Hiashi. Right about now her Father, sister and cousin were doubtlessly brainstorming a plan to find the person who murdered their extended family. Hiashi would send out Hyugas and Hyugas only, refusing any help from outsiders. Guaranteed. His men would search for their target, not stopping until he or she died by their own hand; working from the shadows; using all connections; spending as much money as needed. And if those Hyugas fell in their endeavour, there were always more.

Hinata wondered what the Uchihas would do. Most likely the same course of action as her Father's. Just add a dash more fear and a heaping cup full of violence. The clan was a lot of things, but subtle was not one of them. Maybe they did not have a planning stage at all. It would fit their stereotype if they were scouring the land, kicking ass and taking names while Hinata sat around idly.

Her next thought process centred around what she would do for next few hours. Sitting alone in a room with only one safe exit in a Village that might still be interested in her eyes was not how she wanted to spend her day. There was still no concrete proof that Kumo wasn't behind the killings, so until then, her body was in a constant alert state.

And when Hinata was nervous, she became somewhat peckish. Especially for sweet treats. The more her nerves frayed, the sweeter her cravings became. What she would not do for a box of cinnamon rolls right now. Soft and fluffy, covered in a thick, sweet glaze. Maybe she should play It safe and buy ten boxes. Just in case.

Taking a sip from the warming water, Hinata considered waiting for her family, or venturing out to hunt for some food. "Will you wait in the suitefor our return?" Neji had asked her when it was time to split up. Hiashi was waiting for his nephew and youngest outside the Raikage building. The pair were already receding down the hall so as not to keep him waiting. Neji walked backwards looking at Hinata while he asked his question. A little trick he did for her when they were very young and Hinata was impressed by just about anything.

Before she could answer Hanabi did so for her, in the way more dominant sisters are wont to do when they think their sibling will be less than forthcoming, "Come on, Nii-san. You know she will. This Village freaks her the hell out".

Hinata frowned at her little sister's language, it was unbecoming for the future head of their clan. Their Father would have punished them both if he heard. Her frown deepened at her sister's lack of confidence in her. Neji seemed to agree with Hanabi for he turned around with a wave goodbye and continued on his way. Hinata watched her cousin and baby sister's backs shrink, getting smaller and smaller, telling herself that she wasn't afraid of being left alone in Kumo.

She wasn't.

Hinata stood up abruptly. Then, feeling foolish, sat back down. Then stood up again after reminding herself that there was no one there to witness her insane behaviour.

She marched straight for the door and opened it.

It was new and well-oiled so it didn't creak. The hallway -curving inward so she couldn't see its end- was empty and kept to the same eye sore of a theme as her quarters. Her side of the hall was made up of cherry wood doors and silver sconces. The odd ugly grey sculpture dotted here and there to remind guests of their existence. Parallel, was nothing but one long on-going window. It gave her an intriguing idea.

Poking her head out, Hinata looked left and right to make sure she was alone. She was too worn out to practice her social aptitude. People would ask her how she was feeling, if she was alright after hearing the devastating news. She didn't have it in her to feign strength. A fire door led to a staircase which she jogged up, not stopping until she reached the very top. Feeling the weight crumble off her shoulders with every step. Their building was impaled by the tip of a mountain. A peculiar, but popular design in the Village Hidden in the Clouds. The roof doubled as a wraparound balcony, a perfect spot to view Kumo and finally rid herself of her irrational fears. Kurenai-sensei liked reminding her, "Being afraid doesn't matter. It's not facing those fears that does. Because they will stop you from doing what needs doing and that can tip the scales from life to death. So start small, and work your way up. Who knows, maybe one day you won't need your sensei anymore". So face them she will.

The entry to the outdoor platform was heavy and jammed. She had to ram against it with her shoulder to unstick it. The door screeched its protest. A sudden gust of warm air pressed all over her exposed skin. Though not as fresh and crisp as Konoha's, it was still a welcoming relief after being crammed in a windowless room with nine angry people. She took slow, lazy steps onto the balcony. The sky was feeling magnanimous today, offering slivers of sunlight every so often.

Her pale hands gripped the rusting railing. A thin layer of dust and copper red transferred to her palms and fingers. Any other time and she would have quickly washed her hands vigorously. "A sign of uncleanliness is a sign of a careless kunoichi". But no one was there to see her. No one there to criticise her. Hinata rubbed her hands across the biting metal pipe, gathering up more 'uncleanliness'. She grinned at her little act of rebellion.

The Village lay before her, a collection of round buildings juxtaposed to jagged stone and thick clouds. Thin, vein like streets flooded with microscopic people living gargantuan lives. Each one hustling and bustling towards all they held dear. Standing so high above their world, the moving image looked almost unreal. Why did this Village, this beautiful Village, make her so nervous?

Hinata closed her eyes, breathed deeply and let herself enjoy the sun's rays. 'Calm' she told herself. 'Be calm. Start small'.

"We regret to inform you of the death of- "

"Going to jump?" asked a voice directly behind Hinata. She jumped an entire inch off the ground. At least she didn't scream. Her Byakugan was already activated by the time she whipped around.

Leaning against the roof's door was Uchiha Sasuke. Arms crossed to emulate his 'Devil May Care' attitude. An arrogance Hinata had yet to find appealing despite the number of friends who believed she should. His combat shorts, reaching just past his knees, were black and made mostly of pockets. As were the long sleeved, high collared knit shirt, shoes and fingerless gloves. The metal plate covering the back of his hands glinted in harmony with the sun. The microscopic white fragments around his mouth told her he had just eaten. Rice perhaps. The rate of his heart was incredibly low, the journey up the stairs had not tired him at all, but that is unsurprising. Chakra swirled and circulated his body lazily, showing he did not view her as a threat. At least not one worth using a jutsuon. It was purple in colour, almost like-.

She deactivated her Byakugan. She did not wish to learn anymore of the man.

Hinata was too bewildered by Sasuke's casual enquiry on her possible suicide to form any sort of reply. Good thing too, because he forgot his question for a new one, "I thought your Blood Limit could only be activated by calling its name". He inhaled deeply from a cigarette, a habit Hinata did not know he had.

She stared blankly, unsure if she wanted to reply. It might spark off another intrusive question. God forbid a full length conversation. Hinata delayed food to have a moment alone, not to have a moment alone with Uchiha Sasuke.

Sasuke quirked an eyebrow, "Hyuga. You deaf? Didn't know being self-righteous could damage your eardrums". His voice was just as low as his Father's and brother's. Perhaps a trait in his family. Hopefully one his Mother did not share.

"Uhmm…" Hinata began, "I-I I haven't needed to since I was…fourteen. Most Hyuga don't".

"I know. I'm just surprised you can", he pushed off the door. How he managed to open it without her hearing was beyond her.

Sasuke walked to the railing and leaned his back on it, left hand in his pocket and dark eyes regarding Hinata. She took a discreet step back. The following stretch of silence was a little too long for her.

"So?" Sasuke asked

"S-So?"

"You gonna jump?"

"What? N-no! I would never do that. I only w-wanted take a l-look of the Village", Hinata exclaimed. She waved her hands in the general direction of Kumo, as if he didn't know what Village she was referring to.

She really didn't want to be here anymore.

Sasuke shrugged, it didn't matter to him either way. He took another drag, "Whatever. Just wait until I'm gone. I don't want to have to kill your crazy cousin because of your moment of weakness. If you haven't noticed, I'm not in the best of moods today". He gave her a sarcastic smile then turned to lean his elbows onto the railing, regarding the Village. Unlike Hinata, its beauty did not impress him. If his upturned lip and squinting eyes were anything to go by. Maybe all he saw were more potential opponents waiting for him to relax so they can sneak up and slice his throat open. She couldn't imagine living with that level of paranoia day after day.

Meanwhile, Hinata started to retreat backwards, keeping her eyes on the uninvited male. She kept her knees up high so her shoes wouldn't scuff against the floor. Toes, heel. Toes, heel. If she moved very slowly, Sasuke might not notice. And if he doesn't notice, then he won't get mad and abruptly lash out at her.

So much for not being paranoid.

"Running away already, huh?" he asked, without turning to look at her. He took one more deep inhale through his cigarette then flicked it with his thumb and pointer finger. The tiny burning cylinder made a show of flipping around and around before disappearing to the streets below. It undoubtedly hit some poor unsuspecting citizen on their head. The scent of scorching tobacco lingered.

Hinata stopped sharply, body rigid. She was caught. However, expecting otherwise was a bad case of wishful thinking. "N-no!… No I just thought…maybe you would like some p-privacy?" She hadn't meant to end in a question but it was too late now.

"Privacy?" he said, like the concept was foreign to him. Sasuke turned his head to study her again. His expression went from disgusted to dissatisfied, noticeable only from the creases around his frowning mouth smoothing a touch. Hinata clasped her dirty hands behind her back, rubbing them to help make their uncleanliness less obvious. Her earlier bout of freedom felt foolish now. "People like us aren't allowed privacy. At least not when we want it", he muttered to himself. He turned back to the Village. Hinata realised she could breathe a lot better when he wasn't looking at her.

She took a step forward, unsure she heard him correctly. Or if she were meant to hear him at all, "Uhm… Uchiha-san?"

"'Uchiha-san'? How very respectful of you. Sure you shouldn't call me Uchiha-sama instead, Hyuga?" Sasuke put his full weight onto his feet, smirking. He looked amused, like a man witnessing a dog perform a new trick.

There was no forthcoming reply so Hinata said nothing. She usually found conversations flowed better if the other party did all the talking. "Am I supposed to take that as a 'no'?" he asked, "Or have you now lost the ability to speak?" Her discomfort made her squirm.

Hinata felt a tingling caress on the skin of her back. Someone nearby had trained their activated Byakugan in her direction. That was her cue to leave less she wanted an unnecessary lecture.

Sasuke was saying another side remark but she was too distracted to hear what it was. Rather than ask him to repeat himself, Hinata said, "Excuse me, Uchiha-san, but I must leave you now. It has been a pleasure conversing with you", she bowed deeper than was socially needed. When in doubt, be extra polite. He couldn't possibly be angry with her if she showed him a great deal of respect. Right?

"Too bad", he said, "Your conversation skills are astounding. It was just getting interesting", his voice dull and not at all believable. Hinata blushed hotly. To obscure the red, she quickly turned around and walked to the door, making sure to yank it open in one go so she wouldn't be stuck there floundering.

Unfortunately, there was someone standing on the other side, hand raised, preparing to open the door themselves. "Ho-Hokage-Sama!" Hinata exclaimed in surprise. Bowing even more deeply than before. She almost whacked her forehead against Tsunade's chest in doing so. The humiliation would have been her death. She used the gained few seconds to compose herself.

Tsunade raised her eyebrows slightly at the blustering Hyuga, wondering what riled the young girl to such a degree. The Hokage was on her way to her quarters to drown in as much Sake as possible in ten minutes before she had to go perform some autopsies and converse with her people back home. Her provided room was on the top floor which is how she was able to sense two strong but entirely different chakra signatures close together on the roof. Knowing they could only belong to an Uchiha and Hyuga, she continued her ascent to break up the fight that must have ensued when she wasn't looking. Damn ungrateful bastards. Tsunade was pleasantly surprised to find that she wasn't needed. Though the male looked annoyed -he always did- and the female looked beside herself -she also always did- the young pair showed no signs of a recent scuffle.

"I am sorry, Hokage-sama. Please excuse me, I am required elsewhere", Hinata said. It wasn't an outright lie. If Neji was watching her with his Byakugan, that obviously meant he wanted to see her. Bowing again, Hinata ran past Tsunade and down the stairs before she made any more of a fool of herself. Her departure left Sasuke indifferent and Tsunade intrigued.

"Didn't take you for the 'canoodling in dark corridors type', Sasuke-chan" Tsunade grinned. She only called him that because she knew how much it got on his nerves. And boy did she like to annoy the little shit. You have to enjoy the little pleasures in life after all.

Sasuke held up one finger, "This is called a roof, not a corridor. Though I suppose when I reach your age, I'll start to forget things too". Tsunade's grin dropped. Sasuke held up a second finger, "And even if she wasn't a Hyuga, I still wouldn't be caught dead with the likes of what's-her-name". Scratch that. He was an arrogant, snot-nosed, needed a good spanking. Little. Shit. If only there was a way to really stick it to him so that he would never forget who the authority was in their relationship. And maybe learn how not to be such an ass.

Then Tsunade smiled. Maybe there was a way after all. Sometimes, her brilliance amazed even herself.

A Nice Cup of Childhood Intrigue

"You act as if I went up there to meet him on purpose. I didn't even know he would be there. It was entirely coincidental, onii-sama", Hinata implored for what felt like the tenth time in so many minutes. She didn't really know why she was arguing with him. When Neji decided to make something his truth, it took someone nearly dying to change his mind. She has never known someone as stubborn as him. "He did not harm me and I was barely alone with him for five minutes. You can ask Hokage-sama if you don't believe me".

She started cleaning up the takeout food Neji bought for the two of them. The eating was slow, spending more time talking than chewing. It wasn't the best meal they ever consumed but it was served in Styrofoam containers with plastic utensils so all she had to do was to load the leftovers into the paper bag it came in. Folding the top of the bag down to prevent the contents from falling out, Hinata deposited her cargo into a nearby bin. Neji watched as he sipped his tea.

His stare was making Hinata incredibly uncomfortable. Although she was trying to mask her frustrated pout, she knew he wasn't fooled. Neji had the annoying ability to make her feel and act like a petulant child. "Thank you for the food, onii-sama. I was very hungry", she murmured. Sitting opposite Neji, she warmed her hands with her own cup of tea. The air conditioning in the living area was far too high. Unfortunately for her, Hiashi hated heat.

"Alright", Neji said evenly, "If you say so". He placed his empty cup onto the table. Hinata immediately refilled it from the miniature kettle.

"Alright?" she gave him a disbelieving look. It couldn't possibly be that easy.

"Not once in our lives have I been unable to tell when you are lying. I only worry for you. Promise me you will stay clear from him and I will speak of this no more".

Hinata gave him a relieved smile, "Believe me, onii-sama, Uchiha-san is not a person I see on a day to say basis, nor do I wish to". It was times like these that she was glad her cousin knew her better than anyone. She didn't have to think of the right thing to do or say to express herself because Neji already knew. Almost on a telepathic level. On some of her really bad days, she would return home to find a cupcake or a bar of chocolate waiting on her bed for her. He just knew.

"I was wondering…", Hinata began, unsure of the appropriateness of her question. Neji waited, his cousin's indecisiveness was common even with him. "I was wondering if you could tell me what otou-sama's meeting was about? Maybe?" She looked down to her hands pulling at her sleeves.

Sasuke was not the only one to change into more comfortable clothing. Out of her regal Hyuga Kimono (similar to the Uchiha's only pearl white with light silver to their jet black with dark blue) because if she so much as sweat in the luxurious material, the council members would rip it from her hands and not allow her to wear it again. It would be put to the side for her sister to grow into. A dark violet, half-cut cardigan with sleeves extending past her palms covered a white, draped neck blouse. Black shorts reaching almost to her knees and dark purple sandals clothed her lower half.

"I doubt Hiashi-sama would appreciate it if I divulged the contents of his private meetings", Neji replied. Hinata stifled a sigh. She knew he would say no but it was still disappointing to hear. The information was most likely not worth the trouble they would get into anyway. "Besides", Neji continued, "As I left to retrieve our meal, I intercepted a messenger who informed me of the impromptu meeting between your Father, sister and Hokaga-sama. For all I know, circumstances have changed entirely".

Neji picked up a sugar cookie (they were green and brown, shaped into trees. A complimentary gift from the Raikage) from a plate in the middle of the dining table. Eating such silly treats was not something he would do in front of company that was not Hinata. Seeing they were going into the desert stage of their lunch, Hinata grabbed two. They were delicious. Enough to make forget her disappointment. Enough to make her forget the rude Uchiha. She would have to grab a few more boxes before they went back home; the girls would love the hint of nutmeg and cloves complimenting the cookies' sweetness. Sakura especially would appreciate the souvenir. Since she started doing the late night shifts at the hospital, Hinata sometimes visited her pink friend at three-four am with baked goodies and a thermos of fresh coffee. Sakura swore it was the only thing that kept her awake during the long, gruelling hours.

"Ko would have liked these cookies" Neji remarked, his subtext not very subtle.

Hinata frowned, her good mood dwindling. Ko was her personal bodyguard. He was assigned to protect her the very day she was born. Initially, his job was only to be near her at all times, watching over her, silently protecting her. After Lady Hyuga died, his role in her Hinata's life did a complete 180. He started making sure she ate three meals a day, getting her to bed on time, teaching her how to properly brush her teeth. He combed her hair every morning (he wasn't very good at the last one so a pixie cut became her usual style). Ko taught her the concept of a moral compass, of honour. He once told her the thought of being her nursemaid was insulting the first time it was proposed. Years of training and discipline was for battling foes not wiping runny noses. He asked for another assignment, saying a female Hyuga would be better suited to the task. He was denied. It infuriated him until one day it didn't. Ko couldn't pinpoint the exact date, but he woke up one morning more devoted to his charge than he was to anyone before and after. His nostalgic story with a, "Rejecting my request was, by far, the best moment in my life. I think upon it to this day. Now run along, little one. You have to get back to training".

Viewed as a servant by others, Ko should have joined her on her journey to Kumo. Viewed as both Mother and Father by Hinata, she could not allow him to do so. If he were to be taken while protecting her, killed in her place, the guilt would consume her. No. No. He will be much safer within Konoha's walls. Surrounded by his kin. Hence, on the day of their departure, she sent him off on a collection of superfluous errands, all within their Village's borders. Konoha may not be as safe as they would like, but it was still better than venturing out. They were well on their way by the time Ko returned to the Hyuga compound. "I know what I did was wrong, I will speak to outo-sama soon so he knows it is was all my doing. But I do not regret it. Not after seeing those p-pictures", she grabbed two more cookies, "I only hope Ko-kun can forgive me".

Neji took her hand holding the cookies on its way back to position, "I'm sure he will. And don't worry about your Father, he has too much on his mind to think about your care for Ko-san",

Hanabi found her cousin and sister with flecks of coloured sugar on their hands and content smiles. "You better not be eating all the cookies, onee-san", she said, "I told you I want some too".

Hinata grinned at her little sister, her mood lifting again, "Don't worry, we still have a lot left. Raikage-sama is very generous".

Hanabi hunched her back and squinted her eyes at her sister, imitating an angry troll. A character the siblings played to show their displeasure while still keeping the mood playful. Without their Father's knowledge of course. It was stupid and entirely un-Hyuga like. Which is why they did it, "There better be", Hanabi said in a faux croaky voice. Hinata giggled, appreciating the nostalgia. "Anyway, otou-sama sent me to get you guys, 'you have been summoned'", Hanabi lowered her voice, a mock of her Father. Her natural playful attitude wiped away the wrath she felt during the meeting earlier.

Hinata stopped laughing. Across from her, Neji sighed through his nose. Now for round two.

A Nice Cup of Childhood Intrigue

This time their meeting took place in A's office. The need for impressing Konoha with Kumo's grandeur was gone. The room was dark; none of the lights were turned on and the sun was taking a nap amongst some cottony clouds. His office was very similar to Tsunade's in appearance. Scarce number of furniture so shinobi can stand to attention while their Raikage addresses them. Painted portraits of his predecessors lining the walls, judging all who enter. The only clear difference was the state of their desks. Where Tsunade enjoyed to work in a mountain of chaos, A kept his work place neat and organised.

Everyone was already in attendance, waiting for the three stragglers. Akin to their last meeting, Uchihas took up one side of the room while Hyugas the other. A few guards stood behind their respective clans. Those retaining Sharingan stood with their feet apart, legs bent and arms clasped behind their backs. Those with Byakugan kept their backs straight, heads lowered and hands loosely holding each other in front of them. One set ready to fight, the other ready to serve.

Hinata situated herself behind her family. She really should have changed back into more appropriate clothing before making her appearance. If Hiashi had looked at her during her entrance, he would have given Hinata a disapproving frown that promised some sort of punishment. Hopefully her cousin's back would be big enough to hide her.

With A on his throne, Tsunade sat on the desk in front of him. She looked a lot more at ease than she did previously. She had the same expression Shino wears when he finally solves a problem that he has been working on for hours. For some reason, her self-pleased smile worried Hinata. "I apologise for pulling you out of your personal time. I am sure you are all more than exasperated after being interrupted during a time of mourning but I believe we have an effective and safe method to catch our 'person of interest'", Tsunade explained.

"Enough with the pleasantries. Tell them the plan", A said.

Tsunade didn't bother looking at him (though she might punch him later), "Yes, thank you, Raikage-sama. Autopsies were performed on the rest of the bodies in Konoha. Two of my best are overseeing them as we speak. We are treating this as a Priority Mission." Sakura must have been one of the two chosen. Hinata was greatly relieved. She knew that if there was anyone who would treat her extended family with the respect, honour and care they deserve while still being professionally thorough, it was Sakura.

"Looks like we struck gold. Some trace evidence was found on Hyuga Kenshin, the first victim to go missing. I had my subordinates focus on him since serial killing usually takes some practice", a small white slug pushed itself up onto Tsunade's shoulder as she spoke. It spat out a scroll three times its size. Tsunade had already opened and read the information inside, she just had her summon do the little performance so Hiashi and Fugaku wouldn't accuse her of pulling what she was about to say out of her ass. "Wouldn't you agree, Fugaku?"

"What was it?" Fugaku asked. It was getting harder and harder to rein in his temper. He did not have time for these trivialities.

Reading from the small scroll, Tsunade replied, "Cypripedium Calceolus and Cosmos Atrosanguineus". Her reply was a varying degree of vacant stares. Evidently, these people are not as learned as they liked to portray themselves.

"Cosmos Atrosanguineus-", Itachi began, pronunciation better than his superior's, "-is the genus and species of a flower. AKA Chocolate Cosmos. I am unfamiliar with Cypripedium Calceolus. Another flower I presume?"

Tsunade nodded, impressed, "Correct, Chocolate Cosmos and Yellow Lady Slippers are two rare types of flowers. And when I say 'rare', I mean bordering on extinct. That the pollen from both plants were found on one of the bodies speaks volumes. It's practically a million to one chance. The evidence may very well have been plated, but I think this lead is worth following".

Hiashi gave a slow nod. Fugaku said, "Agreed. Who cultivates these plants and where? I will send my men out immediately".

"The search was incredibly easy as there are only four people growing these flowers. One botanist lives in a town in Frost Country. Another in Kirigakure. And the last two live together as husband and wife. Mr and Mrs Kurosawa. In Otogakure". The Village Hidden by Sound. Its name misleading for Oto is less a Village and more a collection of underground hideouts built by a madman to house his inhumane experiments. Orochimaru'scrimes against humanity focused mostly on his own people until his eventual departure nearly six years ago. Since then, the survivors have been trying to form themselves into an official Village. In four months, they plan to inaugurate their first Kage (Orochimaru doesn't count) who will petition their re-entry into Chunin exams and peace talks.

As a show of good faith, they openly permitted Konoha -representing the other Villages- to keep tabs on them. It was only fair after Orochimaru murdered their last Hokage. Under probation, Oto had to grant entry to Konoha shinobi at any time for any reason. Every month they sent the Hokage an update on the goings on of Oto and her citizens. They had yet to step out of line. Regardless, very few trusted them. Rebuilding a good reputation is a long and trying road, full of potholes and stop signs. Itachi glanced at his brother who ignored him sullenly, "Did they work with him or against him?"

Hiashi observed the detestable Uchiha standing parallel to his Hyuga. Orochimaru was a touchy subject for the family. The man represented the clan's greatest shame to date. Allowing the Uchihas to control the conversation was worth it if they squirmed and snapped at each other like the mongrels they are.

"There have been rumours floating around stating that the couple worked closely with Orochimaru. Though we have yet to substantiate this. If they did work for him, they did a very good job of hiding it. They're also the only botanists to have both plants in their possession".

"Orochimaru-san's actions to obtain Kekkei-Genkai eyes are the most recent", Neji said, opening to the idea that Kumo is innocent in this matter, "And he has been more aggressive than any other". It felt weird for him to express his opinion without first being asked. He was a novice to this whole Councilman gig. He only took the job because Hinata told him that it was about time the lower branch was represented fairly. The youngest member, Neji made Hyuga history by being the first and only one with a cursed-seal. Hinata hoped he would not be the last. Hiashi gave him a miniscule nod to assure Neji his speaking was granted.

"Indeed", Itachi said, "The man is notorious for crafting strange and devastating techniques. His being our perpetrator is not beyond the realm of possibilities".

"No, it isn't" Tsunade agreed, "and victimising Konoha like this is right up his alley. He's probably cackling away in the dark right now". She sneered at the thought.

"You believe him to be our man", Fugaku stated, looking fired up for a fight.

Tsunade heisted, berating herself for letting her mouth run off. She needed to speak in hypotheticals only or these people, already high-strung and itching to release some anger, would turn her words into assenting to their basic instincts. On the bright side, it took focus away from the Raikage who her gut told her did not murder the ten victims. "Not necessarily. I still believe we should pursue the other botanists. After all, this is our first and only lead these past few months".

"Your plan?" Hiashi asked. The sooner this meeting ends, the sooner he can recess into a private room and meditate his options.

Tsunade stood up straight, physically raising her status. This was the moment she would have to strongly assert her authority against the two clan heads, even if that meant using every little thing in her arsenal to accomplish that, "Honestly, I'm considering locking up the lot of you", she paused to admire her audiences shocked expressions only to find that most of them stayed stoic. She should have known better, really, "Clan or not, you are still my responsibilities. The thought of letting you gallivant off into the unknown, unsupervised, puts my teeth on edge. But since I know you will refuse assistance from other shinobi, how about we settle with a compromise?"

Fugaku said, "Get on with it".

"Before I do," Tsunade answered, "I just want to warn you, that if you refuse my offer, I will follow my instincts and change that ridiculous law about clan business being only clan business," she stepped forward, fist up and waving, "Even if it is the last thing I do as Hokage. Even if it is the last thing I do as a free woman", during the last sentence, her voice went an octave deeper, quieter. A deadly promise.

Hinata took a risk and peeked over her cousin's shoulder. She could feel the room's tension wrapping around her throat even from her hiding spot so she was curious to see her Hokage. What does someone who isn't afraid of outo-sama look like? Tsunade's eyes sparkled with determination. Her smile was only half formed but it assured she would get what she wanted despite what the others thought. In that moment, she looked strong and beautiful. A woman to idolise.

"You would not dare", Hiashi said, flabbergasted at the audacity of the woman, threatening him!

"You bluff," Fugaku said, thinking along the same lines as his counterpart.

"You're obviously not a gambling man, Fugaku", Tsunade's smile grew. She did not break eye contact with the Uchiha. Perhaps this would end with a stare down. She would not budge from this.

"I am listening", Hiashi said, relenting without actively saying he agreed with her terms. If her proposal was too preposterous then he would call her bluff.

Tsunade took a deep breath in. There was no point mincing words, just rip it off like a Band-Aid, "Instead of branching off into two different groups, I say we mix you up", she put her hand up palm down and moved it into a circle to show she meant all of them, "We send your people out in groups made up of both Uchiha and Hyuga".

"No!" Fugaku and Hiashi bellowed at the same time. Identical in expression, posture and mind. Hinata flinched back a little, ducking her head behind her cousin once more.

"We can't approach this like any other mission", Tsunade implored, "Whoever's doing this obviously knows more about your clans than you would like to admit. He's picking you off too easily; divide and concur is the oldest trick in the book. We have to change things up. Your Byakugan and your Sharingan can complement each other so well if you would just let them. Imagine the possibilities". Tsunade spoke like an emperor of old sending her men off to war. Powerful. This is why she was chosen to be Hokage. She gave Hiashi and Fugaku a sugar coated smile, "So how about we play nice? Okay?" then she wiped away the smile and went for the kill, "Or are you alright with more of your people being slaughtered?", the Guilt Trip.

The Clan Heads contended Tsunade some more but there was no steam in their words. They questioned her bluff to which Tsunade said, "I have been finding early retirement very tempting lately". Their arguments were half hearted because on some level, everything their Hokage said made sense. What they were doing wasn't working. It was why they were in Kumo in the first place. At the same time, they couldn't simply agree to these drastic changes, especially coming from the mouth of an outsider. It went against everything they stood for: It stays in the family.

"What of Kumo?" Fugaku asked begrudgingly.

"Hokage-sama and I have already discussed this", A stepped in, "As I know you do not trust me, I have agreed to allow a member from each clan to stay here until further notice. As long as it does not endanger my Village, I will allow them to spy on me as much as you see fit".

That seemed to appease Fugaku and Hiashi, but only barely. It may still be a trap to kill more of their people, but saying so would display their apprehension. Hence they agreed but insisted that certain measurements were upheld to ensure the two chosen clan member's safety (constant contact for example).

The meeting continued for almost another hour. Nothing productive was done but bureaucracy made time wasting a requirement. Hinata had had it, her back ached and the heat of the room made her sweat uncomfortably. You would think she would be used to it after twenty years of council meetings. At least this time she didn't have to sit on her knees with her back straight. Tsunade spent most of it drumming her fingers onto the wood of A's desk. Although she commissioned this meeting, she was impatient for it to end. She did not foresee it, but the longer she was away, the more she wanted to return home. She was emotionally attached to her Village, like a mother to her child, and leaving others to look after her baby was a lot more difficult than she would have ever thought.

Tsunade eventually halted the proceedings, and allowed everyone besides the Clan Heads to leave so they could discuss the new mission teams. Thankfully. The teams and mission requirements were sent by messenger the next morning. To say Hinata was surprised would be an egregious understatement. Hokage-sama has a terrible sense of humour:

Traveling back to Konohagakure to protect their people: Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi

Staying in Kumogakure as a show of good faith: Uchiha Osamu and Hyuga Hanabi

Traveling to Otogakurefor reconnaissance: Uchiha Itachi and Hyuga Neji

Traveling to Frost Country for reconnaissance: Uchiha Riku and Hyuga Nobu

Traveling to Kirigakure for reconnaissance: Uchiha Sasuke and Hyuga Hinata

There you go guys! I tried to write this as quickly as possible for my amazing reviewers. Hand to heart, if it wasn't for you peeps, I'd be super lazy.

In regards to a couple of your questions, I'm in no way saying one clan is stronger than the other, it just seems that way to some of my characters. Right now, lets say they're about even. I do plan on going deeper into the power of their eyes and how they relate to one another so that should be fun xD

As for the pairings in the story, I'm going in a rather unconventional route but it will pay off in the end, I promise.

Lastly, thanks so much for complimenting me on how I wrote the characters. I was worried I was writing Hiashi and Fugaku a little too two dimensional.

Until next time, my beautiful gumdrops.

Hope to see you again soon! X