Chapter 3: Scrolls
"How could you do this Hinata?! Do you realize what you have done?"
Naruto yelled at his wife who sat in a chair across form his desk, sporting a cast on her arm and several other bandages, including one on her head.
"He could have killed you, or even some of the civilians! How could you attack someone in the middle of an apartment complex? You are supposed to be the wife of the Hokage! You're the head of the Hyuuga clan, for fuck's sake! Now people will start thinking I can't even control my own wife, as if the elders didn't already hate me!"
Hinata's sullen head shot up and she stared at Naruto with disbelief at his current words. "Naruto, I did this for you! I have been worried sick since you have been back...you just haven't been yourself. I needed answers!"
Naruto kept staring straight ahead at her, his blue eyes glossing over. This wasn't going to be easy. She realized that Naruto didn't care what or why it happened; he just knew that his so-called 'best friend' and wife had a scandal. So instead, Hinata took a deep breath and decided to tell her husband what he wanted to hear, no matter how far from the truth it was.
"I…I don't think this is as bad as you think," she began. "It was just a misunderstanding; I needed to know what happened to you, so I went and asked Sasuke. Unfortunately I was not aware of his personality issues, so I was not cautious with my words and I took everything he said too seriously." Like hell I did. "I know now, and I'm sure one day we can work this out. Hell, I'll even speak to him about splitting the bill for the damages."
And the award for best performance goes to…
"Sure." Naruto replied with a shrug and plopped down on his seat.
That was it?
"Naruto…" Hinata reached over the desk and grabbed his hand.
He stared at their intertwined fingers. He spoke out her name and stuttered slightly before a mumbled "never mind" escaped his mouth, and he turned away. Hinata grabbed his hand again, only to ask him what it was he wanted to say. "It's just…have you ever thought that maybe this isn't what you wanted."
Almost every day, she thought and frowned a bit. Naruto took note of her expression.
"Oh Hinata, I don't want to bring you down or whatever, so forget I said anything…"
She squeezed his hand harder, making him face her with widened eyes. "No, Naruto. I'm tired of this; we are married, and we are supposed to care and talk and listen to each other whenever something is troubling us. This marriage will not work if we can't even communicate…so now, tell me what it is."
"I'm just afraid you wouldn't understand…"
"This again? Oh Naruto, you know I love you so much, and when you are in pain, I feel it too. So please, I'm begging you; tell me what has been bothering you lately?" She pleaded, and Naruto gazed at her wide white eyes.
" I just…I thought that bringing Sasuke back was the final thing; my final goal and then I'd finally reach full happiness, you know? I mean, I have everything! I've become one of the strongest shinobi to ever live… I'm the damn Hokage! Yet every morning I wake up, I sit in this crammed office and deal with stupid kids and hard-headed elders, only to come back to my wife destroying half a building and a pissed off best friend…"
Hinata didn't let her hurt show, but she did let go of his hand. "Well, what were you expecting being Hokage to be like?"
"It's all fucking politics; I never get a straight answer form the elders when I want to change something; I thought I had reign over all. Not to mention the fucking paperwork-"
"You mean the paperwork I do for you?"
"-I expected adventure!" He continued, "collaboration with the other leaders- debates over land and authority. Instead I got…this!" He waved his hand across the room to demonstrate. "Tomorrow I have another meeting discussing what 'constitutes an A rank mission'. Are you serious? I thought we had this figured out ages ago!"
"Times change and rules do too, Naruto. That is something you have responsibility over! You took this position to ensure the children and the next generation have a better life as shinobi and civilians-"
"Ha, what children?" he snorted and leaned back in his chair, turning away from Hinata yet again.
Her mouth dropped. "What children!? Are you serious? We have been married half a decade, Naruto! Why don't you tell me about 'what children'?"
He didn't respond. "You are the one who has told me 'there are other things to be taken care of first'. I have been waiting, no praying, that maybe I will have a child one day. You do realize that I need to produce an heir, right? It's kind of my responsibility as a clan leader, not that you would know anything about that!"
He turned, blue eyes narrowed, "what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Forget it," she stood up and walked towards the door. "I think maybe you should stay here tonight."
"Maybe I will."
"Good."
"Good!" He twirled in his chair and she slammed the door. "Why don't you go destroy another building while you're at it!" He screamed at her, but she was already down the hall.
"Lady Hinata, I hope you fully understand why this is a serious matter," The Hyugga elder spoke with a stern tone. Though it was next to impossible to see his eyes due to his wrinkles, the intimidating scowl was still clear as day. Next to him stood his wife, whose eyes were much softer and compassionate. She had poured tea for everyone as the meeting continued with perfect precision, not a drop out of place.
Seeing the elder couple had made Hinata remember Neji. It was like looking into the parallel universe in the future.
What if Neji had survived? She would have probably married him, and the two of them could have disbanded the Hyuuga's cruel traditions long ago. They could have traveled and had many children by now; the acres of Hyuuga land would be filled with beautiful flowers and ponds and trees instead of a deserted wasteland.
It was interesting how often these what-if scenarios filled her head these days.
"You have embarrassed our clan, and if it happens again, there will be serious consequences. Now, for your punishment, you are to pay out of your own pocket for the damage as the clan will not take responsibility for your mistake. And for future reference, try and keep yourself calm and collected. A Head should never act with such haste."
"I understand, Sir."
"Your father was an ideal shinobi, who has brought much honor into our family, even in his death. I expect you, as his heir, to do the same."
"Yes Sir," Hinata bowed.
"You are dismissed."
Outside the elder's headquarters, she looked up to the bright sun and noticed that the meeting took less time than expected, nevertheless she was glad that it was over. In a world of peace, little scandals were taken out of proportion. A small rumble in an apartment building between a Hyuuga and an Uchiha had become the hottest gossip in town, and mundane things like revising the Konoha Mission Grading system is considered serious business.
It had been a few days and Hinata did not want to go back to the Hokage tower; the thought of seeing Naruto made her stomach turn, and not in the way it did when she was sixteen.
"Drinks with Shikamaru, it is then." She whispered to herself and jumped up on the roof, heading to her favorite bar.
Sasuke woke up after his afternoon nap with the usual lump of depression in the pit of his stomach. As he made himself a cup of tea, he noticed the piles of debris on the floor, leading into a hole of where his wall used to be, now covered with 'CAUTION' tape across. He debated on whether he should put up a tarp or some sort of coverage for privacy, but soon gave up on the idea. It was no use. He had nothing in this apartment worth stealing, and he was barely there to begin with.
He jumped over the piles leading into the hallway outside his apartment without spilling a single drop of tea. Sasuke had received a message from the Hokage this morning; it was a stupid D-rank mission that paid generously. Thought he admitted it would be a nice change of scenery to go out, he dreaded the thought of having to speak to Naruto face-to-face. Why did these small missions require such pointless meetings? Couldn't his assistant just deliver the mission details-
Oh right. The Hyuuga was his assistant.
Sasuke didn't hate Hinata- no, he really didn't hate anyone for that matter; at least not anymore. He was just an asshole who knew how to push people's buttons. He was skilled at reading others, and they often deserved his cold attitude. He really didn't care. What was there to care about, anyway? No matter how cold he acted, women still gushed over him and men still wanted to be him. There was no point in fixing what didn't need to be fixed.
Hinata might have gotten her feelings hurt, but at least in the end of the day she got to go home to her husband and clan full of people who were willing to listen and comfort her. Sasuke had none of those things. She was a grown woman after all, he assured himself. She can handle a bit of criticism.
He finished the hot beverage, and decided to head to the Hokage tower. He had a mission to accept.
Sakura Haruno was very much in love with Sasuke Uchiha. So much, that she was one of the few people in all of Konoha that refused to accept the fact that he was a cold and distant asshole who took pleasure in bringing other people pain. That is why, when she had heard about the quarrel between him and her best friend's wife, it was difficult to look at her in the eyes without showing some sort of distress. She assumed Hinata was just taking her anger out on someone who she saw as responsible for her husband's disdain, which was not a fair and logical thing to do. And even though she did not approve of her actions, Sakura tried to understand them; she had been between her two teammates' fights before. She had been at odds regarding which side to take, and who to heal first after a battle- but the medic had matured slightly over time, though her conflicted adolescent self still popped up from time to time.
And Hinata's attack against Sasuke made Sakura very, very conflicted.
She wanted to sympathize with Hinata, she really did! She knew what it was like to have your beloved act distant and refuse to communicate. She knew the pain of not having your love reciprocated. She knew how Sasuke can make you want to punch his beautiful face in from time to time (though she would never!). And most of all, she knew Naruto had changed after the mission…
So why was it so hard to be nice to her, on this beautiful day, when they both ran into each other in the shopping center? Hinata had said a simple hello, while Sakura tried her hardest to smile back, yet her face didn't move.
"Are you okay, Sakura?" She asked, tilting her head. "Did something happen? You don't-"
"Why did you do it?" She interrupted, nostrils flared.
"What?"
"Why did you try to hurt Sasuke? Don't you understand that when people lash out at him, there is a higher chance of him leaving again? Do you want Naruto or I to suffer once more?!"
Hinata stared at the pinkette with wide eyes before backing away slightly. "I'm sorry, Sakura, but this really has nothing to do with you…"
"Actually, yes. Yes it does. Team Seven is my family, and we are all finally together again. It is what Naruto and I have busted our asses trying to accomplish, and yet here you are, barging in again, and ruining it!"
The shopping center had quieted down, as many of the civilians had stopped to stare at the two females. Hinata noticed quickly, and dragged Sakura out of the center, pulling her into a small alleyway between two shops. After looking around to confirm that people stopped paying attention and went on about their day, she faced her ex-classmate.
"Sakura…" she said in a hushed voice. "Why are you saying these things? You know I'm not trying to take anything away from you…"
"Maybe not intentionally…but you have barged your way into our lives! You barged your way into marrying Naruto, you barged your way into becoming his assistant, and now that Sasuke is back, you are barging your way into our team!"
"I am his wife, and he is a grown man. And after all these years, you chose to confront me about this now? Just because of what I did to Sasuke!? Sakura, I didn't even hurt him! He hurt me! Remember? You put the cast on me! He didn't even have a scratch on him! The only damage I caused was that stupid wall!" Hinata's whisper had gone up in volume. "Damn, first Naruto takes his side, then the clan makes me pay for everything, and now you!? Well, fuck me!"
Sakura's eyebrows relaxed from the scowl she was sporting a minute ago, and her mouth just slightly dropped as if she was going to say something, but for once held her tongue. She had never seen the Hyuuga heir act so hot-headed, never mind the cursing spilling out of her mouth.
"Sakura, and pardon my language with what I am about to say, but my life kind of fucking sucks right now. And as fun as your petty confrontation in the middle of the town is, I really don't have time for your shit. So, if you please excuse me, I have to go get drunk and forget about this whole mess."
Sakura still remained still between the two shops in the alleyway, even minutes after Hinata was no longer visible. She would have to apologize later.
After her weekly dose of liquid courage, Hinata was escorted by Shikamaru back to the Hokage tower, much to his dissatisfaction. She said she was ready to finally face Naruto, after what seemed like the longest four days of her life. Shikamaru reminded her countless times how it was stupid and a big mistake, you won't be able to take back, in which Hinata replied by telling him to shut up, and let her walk and she can totally walk a straight line and it's just these shoes are very wobbly!
Getting Hinata to walk up the stairs was such a problem, that Shikamaru just ended up scooping her up over his shoulder and carried her to the top. When he reached the door, he knocked the usual three times, and passed the drunken Hinata over to a confused Naruto. When the transaction was complete, Shikamaru gave the Hokage a curt nod, and headed down and out.
"Hinata…" Naruto began after he laid her across one of the couches in his office. He kneeled down, in order to be at her face level and stroked her cheek gently. "I've been thinking a lot about our fight the other night, and I just want to say that I'm sorry."
Hinata rolled over, letting one of her legs and hand drape from the couch, as Naruto continued.
"Before you pass out, I want to tell you I came to a decision-" He stopped mid-sentence, because his wife was already snoring. "Well, never mind that, I guess. Heh." He scratched the back of his neck nervously out of habit and then moved her body back up on the couch, draping a blanket over her. He then starred at her sleeping form for what seemed like minutes; she was still beautiful, like when she was sixteen and had first caught his attention. With her cheeks rosy from the alcohol and her mouth slightly parted, he placed a small kiss on her forehead. "I really did love you Hinata…"
"Mhhmm," she moaned in her sleep, and flipped to the side. Naruto turned all the lights off except the one on his desk, creating a dim and almost silent atmosphere; the only sound left being Hinata's soft breathing and the scribbling of a pen against paper.
The open window in the office was letting a warm breeze in; Summer had finally came, along with the scorching heat of the sun and the tiny blue birds that always chirped too loud in the morning, especially when Hinata had a hangover.
"Ughhh…"she moaned in despair as her mouth was as dry as dust. Sitting up, she walked over to where the tea kettle was and picked it up. Naruto must have made some last night, so she drank it, albeit cold and quite stale. As she was sipping the tea, she began to stack the documents that were scattered across the desk, something of a morning routine for her. As she tidied up a particularly messy section, a strange scroll caught her eye.
She heard a knock on the other side of the door, knowing that it must be her first appointment waiting for their meeting. She ignored it and mumbled to herself, "What's this?"
To Hinata it read along the edges in black ink. She used her Byakugan to examine for any trap within the scroll, but it appeared safe.
Curiously, she plopped down on the chair and unrolled it with cautious fingers; her eyes began to scan the page.
"Hinata,
First, I want to say that I am sorry. I apologize for any pain that the following letter might cause you or the other villagers. It is not something I simply chose to do, but it is something I need to do. Second, I want you to remember that you never did anything wrong, and that I loved you with all my heart, so keep that in mind as you finish reading."
"Oh no. No, this can't be happening…" Hinata voiced out in disbelief, but kept reading on, despite the tears already forming in her eyes.
"I'm sure for some time now you have noticed that I have changed. I am not who you fell in love with, and I am not who I always thought I was. I guess it takes a person to have everything, for them to realize they have nothing. Or maybe it is the opposite—I don't remember how to saying goes, but what I do remember is the things I saw when I was under Sasuke-bastard's genjutsu; Hinata, in that world I was happy.
And not the same as when I was named Hokage or on our wedding night, but happy-happy.
What I saw was something that I cannot explain. I saw the world, through a different lens; something that us, as humans are not capable of seeing. My perception of you, my friends, the whole ninja system was now completely gone, but I wasn't scared. It felt as if I'd been to this universe countless times before and I had an overwhelming feeling that I belonged here - that all living things belonged here. I saw the same patterns in everything and I had a powerful feeling of connectivity with everything around me. Feeling the strangest combination of peace and amazement I opened my eyes for the first time.
I had thought the real world was beautiful, but it was nothing compared to this. As I danced around in this world I saw the light, and it embraced me, warm and comforting and beautiful, but before I could reach it I was back in the real world, collapsed on the dirty floor with Sakura's hands hovering over me. And since then nothing has been the same.
I had found the real meaning of existence, and I can't go back. I can't go back to the small office, to raising a family, to dealing with everyone's ungrateful faces. Not when there is so much beauty out there; where there is so much to be explored.
Jiraya always told me he was the failure and I was the successor; but now that I look back on it—he traveled, he lived, he did what he loved—he must have done something right. Maybe he didn't achieve world peace, or get the girl, or save his friend, but I did all those things and I think he was still happier than I could ever be..
So as you're probably guessing, yes I have left. I have left to find my meaning again, to find a purpose and to maybe reach that utopia once more.
Inside this scroll, you will find my resignation letter, signed and sealed. I am also appointing you as temporary Hokage, Hinata. I know you have your clan duties and everything, but you are the best one out there for the job right now since you know how all the paperwork is handled. When you find someone suitable to run the village, I give you full permission to have them appointed instead.
Along with all these documents…there is also a divorce form."
Hinata clenched the letter and she could hear her heart shattering, but she kept reading on.
"I am sorry. I really am, Hinata. As I mentioned before, I loved you. I loved you so much, but like you always said, love changes people.
Love changed you to become strong, and I am very proud to say that I contributed into molding you into the strong and beautiful woman you are today. But because love changes people, sometimes who we change into doesn't love what we used to.
And I'm telling you this Hinata, because deep down, you knew this was over. You knew our marriage was not going to last—you knew this early into it. I was just too slow to realize it and you were too afraid to admit it.
In the divorce form I have already filed my side, and all I need is for you to sign it.
Again, I am very sorry. Please send my regards to the village, and tell all our friends and sensei thank you for always believing in me and standing with me through all the hardships we have endured in the past.
Sincerely,
Naruto Uzumaki
PS: Tell ol' man Teuchi that I appreciate all the ramen, and that I'm sorry I can't pay him back!"
Hinata felt the hot tears run down her face and she rolled up the scroll, placing it neatly back on the desk. She then proceeded to scream, quite loudly, scaring away the pestering blue birds who had taken a liking to her window frame.
"Hinata!?" Kiba, who had been the one standing outside the office with his gennin team burst through the door. "Hinata! What's going on?!"
Hinata had collapsed on the floor, as she began wailing and heavy tears spilled out. She clenched her fists and punched the floor, making Kiba run over in more concern than before. "Hinata! Calm down, what's wrong?!" He kneeled down and tried to brush off the strands of hair that were covering her face.
"Don't touch me!" she yelled and pushed him away, causing him to land on his ass. She ran to her jacket on the floor and pulled out a cigarette. With shaking hands, she attempted to light it, only to have Kiba run back over to her and turn her around to face him. "What is wrong with you?" He said through clenched canine teeth.
"I said don't touch me!" She wailed again and attempted to push him off, but he held her shoulders so firmly he was sure there would be a bruise tomorrow.
She stopped struggling against his hold, and held her head low. "Hinata, look at me."
When she met his eyes, he saw the puffiness surrounding the white opals. "He left, Kiba. He just…left me here."
"Who?"
"Naruto!" She freed herself from his grip, letting her hysteria rise again. "He just left me all alone!"
He chased her around the office, stopping back to the Hokage desk. She vigorously rummaged through all the piles of paperwork on the desk until she held up a familiar scroll. He said, "How do you know this Hinata?"
"He's just gone! And he did it with this stupid scroll he left behind!" She threw the scroll across the office, and Kiba dodged it swiftly.
"What? That doesn't sound like him. Are you sure this isn't a mission or something—"
She stuttered out the words through sobs and shortness of breath, "No! H-h-he left to go f-find himself or something, I don't know!" Kiba grabbed the scroll off the floor, and told his gennin to take the day off, closing the door behind him.
As sat down on the chair across from the desk, he began examine the scroll for traps, trying to tune out the now quiet sobs of Hinata.
"It's not a trap or anything," She blurted out, sniffling and wiping her eyes on a handkerchief, "I already checked."
"And you read it?"
"Yes."
"And it said he was leaving."
"For the thousand time, yes!" she said, frustrated, and began to explain what had happened.
Kiba was confused. Why would Naruto leave Konoha? He had just brought Sasuke back; none of what Hinata was saying made sense.
"And all he left was this letter?"
"That, and divorce papers." She said bitterly.
"I'm sorry…"
She sniffled and wiped her face again, "this sucks."
"I know. But you'll get through it. You're strong." He smiled, and she wanted to smile back but she couldn't bring herself to it. Naruto had finally cleared his vision, just not the way Hinata had wished. Her sun shone yet again, but this time it burned.
"So who's going to be the new Hokage? Did he say he assigned anyone?"
Hinata looked around nervously and fiddled with her hands, her old habits resurfacing. "Yeah…he mentioned that."
Kiba raised his eyebrows in curiosity, waiting for her answer.
"It's me."
Thanks for reading~
