Author's Notes: (Bows down guilty) Ahh, gomenasai…gomenasai to all the peeps who have been waiting for the continuation of this ficcie of mine. I must say that I am truly sorry at not having updated 'Persuasion' in such a long time when it is actually my fervent wish to having actually updated it on at least a weekly basis. Alas, my good and pure intentions (too much literature these days) have been thrown into the passing wind. Heh, enough sounding like an old Victorian poet. Truth is, my computer decided to play dead on me so there I was temporarily computerless until sometime last week. Something to do with hard disc and motherboard failure or something. Anyhow, I'm back with my new installation of 'Persuasion' and I must say that the reviews have been rather overwhelming (wipes away tears of joy). (Sob). Arigato to all the reviewers. (Sob). In this fourth chapter of 'Persuasion' I decided to infuse some emotional conflict between our favourite bishounen and the lovely Miss Hyuuga since all this while all Sasuke has been doing was…erm…teasing…flirting… (can't seem to find a suitable verb for Sasuke's action) our white- eyed kunoichi mercilessly. This time around, I decided that it was time for the spring of youth to blossom and let the emotions run wild. So, I do hope you will all enjoy this new and rather belated installment of 'Persuasion'.
PERSUASION
CHAPTER 4: MISSION
- KONOHA HOSPITAL-
Yawn
"Hinata- san." called a young nurse.
No respond.
The nurse tried calling the name again. Only this time slightly louder. "Hinata- san."
Still no respond.
"Hinata- san!"
"Huh…nani…nani? …" Hinata asked looking at the young nurse in front of her confusedly. "A- ano…did I miss something?"
The young nurse also known as Katsuma Michiru, was Hinata's colleague in the hospital. Normally, the staff of Konoha's hospital would be working in pairs, in which each pair will consists of a medic nin and a nurse. Having been Hinata's partner for almost two years now, Michiru knew very well that Hinata's mind was not operating as usual. Ever since they had taken over the morning shift, Michiru had noticed that rather far away look in her Hyuuga partner. And that really worried her. The only time the white-eyed medic seemed to space out while on duty was once during her 'post- -confession- of- love- for- Naruto' (which of course Naruto had turned down as he was still hung up on the pink- haired apprentice of the Hokage- sama) and the other time was during her pre- chuunin exam. So anxious was the Hyuuga kunoichi that day to the extent that she was practically walking around the hospital like a zombie and bumping into objects such as walls, water dispenser and benches. The Hokage- sama had eventually had to give Hinata the day off half way through the day since the Hyuuga girl who by then sported numerous bruises and bandages was not a comforting scene for the patients. Both those incidents had put Hinata in some kind of mental trance and the outcome had not been pretty. This time, Hinata had the same far away look and as third usually goes, Michiru fervently believed that something bad was about to happen.
Getting back to Hinata's questioning look on her face, Michiru looked back at the girl, "Yes, as a matter of fact, you had missed something. You had just the last five minutes of your lunch break wandering off in that little mind of yours and you are also wasting your much needed coffee." Michiru pointed towards the cooling sup of coffee in front and raised a well-trimmed eyebrow, "I doubt that you would still want to drink that tar- looking beverage now that it is cold, ne."
Hinata looked towards the cup of coffee and touched the side of it only to find out that as her friend had said. The beverage had definitely gone cold. Sighing, Hinata pushed what used to be a cup of steaming hot coffee aside and rested her chin on her upturned palm. Shutting her eyes briefly as if trying to regain her mind's consciousness, Hinata then looked towards the green- haired nurse sitting primly in front of her. Everything about the golden- eyed 20 years old nurse screamed of efficiency. Ever since their first day of partnership, Hinata had never ceased to feel blessed for having such a nice nurse as her partner in the hospital and their two years gap had only bridged their friendship closer. With Michiru, Hinata knew that she could tell the girl just about anything and trust her friend not to spread the information all over Konoha.
Smiling sheepishly, Hinata propped her pale face in both palms, "Anything interesting happened in the last five minutes that I was M.I.A (Missing In Action)?"
Michiru acted as if she was thinking hard with her hand stroking her chin and her head turned upwards, "Gee, let's see. Apart from Rock Lee suddenly sprouting out of nowhere and professing his undying love for the pink- haired bimbo which we are all well aware of, I guess you haven't missed much." Michiru then sipped her cup of tea muttering something about green and pink never mixing well.
Hinata simply smiled at the information. She could well imagine the situation as her cousin's teammate was apt to frequently drop by the hospital and fervently flaunt his 'undying youthful flame of passion' for Sakura. Granted it was rather loud but the staff of Konoha hospital usually found it amusing watching the display of unrequited love.
Suddenly, Michiru snapped her fingers having remembered something, "Oh my God! Oh my God! I nearly forgot something!"
"What! What is it? Is there another patient that we forgot to attend to? Did Tsunade ask for me or something?" Hinata asked having suddenly been alarmed by the girl's sudden burst.
"No. No, silly," Michiru waved a hand in dismissal at Hinata. "I just forgot that there was someone here to see you."
"Nani! When? Who? Why?" asked Hinata confusedly. Why was not she aware that someone had sought her out when she had actually been with Michiru the whole time?
"Whoa, girl. Calm down. It's not like someone's grandmother had just passed away," joked Michiru which earned her a wary look from Hinata." Heh heh. Me and my misplaced jokes." Sensing Hinata's once again questioning look, Michiru grinned and leaned across the table with a hand beside her mouth as if shielding something. Hinata understood the gesture and half leaned across the table to hear what Michiru had to say that was so secretive. Whispering to Hinata, Michiru revealed the seeker's identity, "A hot guy had just asked for you and you wouldn't believe who it was."
Hinata threw her friend a 'try- me' look and falling for the bait, Michiru leaned in closer and whispered into Hinata's ear, "Uchiha Sasuke."
Hinata's face immediately fell and turning to look at her friend, Hinata said quietly as to not reach the other patrons in the cafeteria's ears, "Tall, fair skinned, raven- haired, angsty Uchiha Sasuke."
Michiru nodded, "The very one and only."
Noticing her friend's predatory grin, Hinata inwardly groaned and cursed her luck away. There was no way that she would be able to spend the rest of the day, week or even month, peacefully now. Michiru was bound to interrogate her as to why Konoha's number one hottie was looking for the shy reclusive Hinata.
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"Do you have a good excuse for this?"
"I'm hurt."
"It's just a scratch for God sake!" scolded the young medic nin.
"It's oozing blood non- stop! At this rate, I'll die of blood loss," cried the flustered patient.
"The scratch will heal on its own. No need to waste valuable medicine," turning her back against her patient, the medic nin went towards the sink to rinse her hand.
"But Sakura channn…."
"Shut up, Naruto!" Sakura turned to face the injured Naruto. "Stop whining and act like a man for once. Why can't you be more like Sasuke kun? So strong, intelligent…" Sakura started to slowly drift into her private 'Sakura's- fantasy- land' in which only she and the Uchiha avenger existed and nobody else, especially a certain loud blonde…
"Teme?"
Hearing her crush's name from her annoying teammate, Sakura sighed. "Yes, Sasuke kun. Why can't you be more like…"
"WTF! Sasuke teme…" Naruto's cerulean eyes were as wide as saucer and his line of vision was nowhere focused on the pink haired kunoichi. Rather on something behind her back actually. "Whoa…."
It was the first time ever that Sakura had caught Naruto in awe of something and turning around to have a look at what that had rendered Naruto absolutely speechless, Sakura felt her soul float out of her body.
Both ninjas with wide blank eyes and jaws slacked was momentarily paralyzed in their every spot.
Even a prancing Lee that had skipped past them did nothing to help their statue- like being. Noticing his beloved standing so close, Lee inched closer and dropped a small pink peck on one his eternal crush's stone- like cheek. Blushing furiously, Lee turned away and skipped his way out of the hospital off to meet his team and beloved Gai sensei for more gruesome training. For once, Lee had actually believed that his spring off youth has finally arrived since his beloved Sakura did absolutely nothing to stop him from giving her a love- infused peck. Yep, Lee was definitely on cloud nine for the remainder of the day.
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"Sasuke s…" Hinata noticed the murderous look thrown from the taller man. "Sasuke…you're hurting me."
Sasuke ignored her plea and continued to drag her across the hallway towards the entrance of the stuffy and sickly smelling hospital. Man, how he hated the smell of hospital buildings. Hinata who was the one being dragged had to half run just to keep in track with Sasuke's fast and wide strides. Bumping into several hospital staff and patients, Hinata continuously bowed and apologized while Sasuke did not even bother to stop for a while so that the Hyuuga girl could walk on her own.
Female staffs and patients, especially the younger ones were sighing dreamily at the sight of their heavenly Uchiha Sasuke saunters pass them. Hinata however did not receive the same treatment. All the way through the hospital, Hinata could practically feel venomous and murderous glares and spiteful remarks thrown her way. Hinata sweatdropped at the feeling of it. It was just like yesterday that she was having a normal and peaceful life and in a matter of a split second of being seen dragged by the stoic Sasuke, her life would never be the same again.
Oh, joy.
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- HOKAGE'S OFFICE-
"Uchiha san…the Hokage is in a meeting right now…please…"
BAM!
Tsunade woke up from her slumber at the sound of door to her office being violently slammed. Feeling pissed at having been rudely interrupted as she took her 'rest', Tsunade automatically fixed her eyes on her secretary that was supposed to keep anyone away from her. The tiny woman named Akane san, apologetically bowed at not being able to stop the intruder.
At the mentioning of the intruder, only did Tsunade turned around to have a look at who in Konoha had the nerve to disrupt her peace, and nobody and exactly nobody, challenges the fifth Hokage of Konoha, Tsunade sama or also known as the most powerful woman ninja in Konoha's history. Casting an eye upon the odd couple, Tsunade could help but let out an exasperated sigh.
Oh well, so much for hoping for a peaceful day.
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"And what is the meaning of this, Hokage sama." growled Sasuke making the last word drip with sheer sarcasm.
Tsunade merely looked at the piece of scraggly paper that had definitely seen a better day before it landed in the hands of the angsty Uchiha heir. No doubt that the earlier crisp paper had been crumpled up by a furious Sasuke the moment he received it. Looking back up at her two intruders; a seething Uchiha and a sheepishly looking Hyuuga, Tsunade gave him the best answer she could muster at that very moment. "Exactly what is said there or has Naruto's density caught up on you as well?"
(From some unknown corners of the vast hidden village of leaf, our favourite kitsune sneezed violently and right into his bowl of ramen on top of it. Eww…)
"Do not ever compare me with Narutard," growled Sasuke menacingly.
"NARUTO IS NOT A RETARD!" screamed a flustered Hinata upon hearing her best friend be so cruelly rediculed. However, her sudden change of courage quickly dissipated and the spirited Hyuuga moments ago was replaced with the usual timid Hinata. Pointing her index fingers together, Hinata blushed furiously at the surprised looked from the other two occupants of the office. "I- I mean…it- its not- not nice t- to call Naruto kun a- a retard."
Tsunade's surprise was quickly replaced by a soft motherly expression. She was truly fond of her white- eyed apprentice and at how Hinata seemed to always be the one to stand up for Naruto. The purportedly weak Hinata protecting the unwanted demon boy. Like how a sister would watch over her brother's back without him realizing it.
Sasuke however was not exactly fond at Hinata's display of protectiveness for his loud teammate. Oh, sure he was aware of Hinata's infamous crush for the blonde kitsune but he had thought that was all in the past. That today, Hinata and Naruto were nothing more than close friends. Then why is she backing up the dobe? The moment those thoughts entered his mind, Sasuke quickly shook the thought off. Why should he be bothered anyway with how the pathetic excuse of the Hyuuga kunoichi felt towards his teammate. It is not as if he (Sasuke) and Hinata had any feelings for each other anyway. Somehow, Sasuke could feel a string pull at his heart at the thought of Hinata still crushing for Naruto and he was clearly pissed by it. His emotion was reflected on his face with a deep scowl that was actually directed to nobody in particular.
However, Hinata who was clearly uncomfortable with the whole present scenario, had noticed the scowl that was clearly etched across Sasuke's handsome features and having known the sole Uchiha survivor since their academy years, Hinata very well new how dangerous a pissed off Sasuke can be. Awaiting the verbal assault that she expected to be hurled with, Hinata slightly hunched in fear.
However deep in heart, it was the feeling off guilt that was eating her up. Hinata, having spent some time being in his company, had come to recognize that the scowl on his face did not necessarily display anger or exasperation. In fact, all his emotion such as sadness, confusion, defense and others, were reflected with his famous scowl. She came to understand that Sasuke was never one that was good at expressing his emotions moreover showing them. In other words, Sasuke was rather like her. Hinata had somehow managed to recognize the fleeting sadness in his eyes and that image alone had suddenly tugged Hinata's heart. It was never in her intention to make him upset or anything. All she wanted to do was defend her close friend from being berated again but she did not know that her doing so had made Sasuke upset. Never in her life had Hinata wished to cause Sasuke sadness. He has had enough misery all his life as it is for her to come and add more to it.
Tsunade had sense the uncomfortable air settling about her office and decided that it was one of those 'butt- in- or- stand- there- forever' kind of situation. Clearing her throat to draw the attention of the other two occupants, Tsunade was glad to see some positive response from the Uchiha and Hyuuga. Well, if you can call a deep scowl and a scared peek positive anyway. Sighing again, Tsunade beckoned for the two ninjas to come closer so that she could clearly explain their mission to them. 'Should have known that Kakashi would be a lazyass to explain anything when giving his angsty student the scroll,' thought Tsunade.
Sasuke and Hinata inched towards the large wooden desk and waited for Tsunade to explain. Sasuke had already read through the scroll once and did not like at all what the mission was about while Hinata on the other hand had yet to know what the mission was about.
Looking at Hinata's confused expression, Tsunade sighed, "My guess is that Sasuke has not briefed you on the mission yet, has he, Hinata?"
Hinata slowly nodded while Sasuke simply grunted.
"That is your job to complete, Hokage sama. Not send that lazy excuse of a teacher to simply drop the scroll and walk off," complained Sasuke.
"Very well. Since your partner here is to dense to figure out the whole mission, Hinata, let me tell you that despite the looks of it, this mission is strictly A class, which means only the strongest shinobis are asked to complete it." Tsunade explained while looking straight at the two ninjas.
At the mentioning of the type of mission, Hinata felt a bit uneasy knowing just how weak she was for such a dangerous mission. Her white pupils started to dilate with fear and her hand automatically went towards her lips. Why did Tsunade sama include me in this mission? I'm not really that strong of a shinobi compared to Sasuke. I'll only become a hindrance in this mission.
Tsunade having spent years training Hinata and Sakura as her new apprentices had come to know some of Hinata's gestures and at that very moment she was well aware of the insecurity that was going about in the Hyuuga heiress' head.
Tsunade's eyes softened as she looked at the girl whom she has come to considered like her own daughter, "Don't fret so much about the mission, Hinata. I have things all thought out."
"B- but…Hokage sama…" Hinata tried to convince Tsunade to drop her from the mission but Tsunade could prove to be a rather stubborn person as well.
Tsunade simply held her hand up as to say that her decision was final and no arguments will be tolerated. Looking straight at Hinata, not as the Hokage but as her teacher and mentor that had taken the once Hyuuga failure under her wings, Tsunade explained further, "I need you to be in this mission, Hinata. You're the main reason I accepted this mission from the start. Sasuke here is mainly to help make sure that mission runs smoothly."
"B- but can't Sakura take this mission instead?" asked Hinata.
Now, the whole time that Tsunade and Hinata was talking, Sasuke had not been giving much attention to their chit chat but at the very mention of his fuzzy- headed- pink- haired teammate, Sasuke immediately swiveled his head into Hinata's direction and had an incredulous look on his face. Turning back towards Tsunade, Sasuke addressed his superior with apparently not much respect, "Look, if the very minute Sakura joins the mission, or even the dobe, you can forget about me taking part in it. Arrest me, lock me up in jail, slash my wages, anything but I'm warning, Sakura or Naruto in, I'm out."
Tsunade closed her eyes and leaned back against her chair as if the whole ordeal was tiring her actually old body out. And she had not even introduced them to their client yet. However, no matter how exhausted she seemed with the whole business, Tsunade had a smile or probably smirk ghosted across her face.
Opening her light brown eyes, Tsunade addressed her two most trusted shinobis, "Don't worry. Nobody is going to be replaced in this mission and that's final." Slowly getting up from her chair to stand before the two ninja's, Tsunade beckoned for Shizune to bring their client in. "Well, seeing that you have yet to meet our client, I will give you some time to get acquainted with him. Shizune will be bringing him in shortly."
At the very mention of the word 'him', Sasuke's perfect face was once again plastered with a scowl. In his head, thoughts of a lousy old client that was too stupid to take care of himself were looming. Hell, it might be that old man Tazuna again from his genin days, except that from what he had heard around, the old man was rich enough these days to not take genins for dangerous missions as in the past.
Hinata on the other hand was fiddling with her fingers. Like Sasuke, she too was giving much thought of whom their client might be the moment Tsunade had mentioned the word 'him'. However, her thoughts were not as cruel as Sasuke's. In her girlish and timid head, images of a rich and quiet lord emerged and she was afraid that the man would not even approve of her on their very first meeting. In fact, the image was somewhat like her father, having not been exposed to many male companions before.
Deep in their thoughts, the two jounins were roused from their reverie when they heard Tsunade speak.
"Tsunade sama. I have brought you the client." bowed the Hokage's trusty right hand.
Tsunade nodded and turned towards the two jounins, "Well, Sasuke. Hinata. Let me introduce you to your client."
Sasuke and Hinata swiftly turned around to have a look at their client and all they saw standing at the door was Shizune with a wrapped up bundle in her arms.
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Silence settled heavily upon the room as everything and everyone remained still. It was as if time had suddenly stopped ticking by. Shizune and the mysterious bundle near the door, Tsunade standing behind her desk and, Sasuke and Hinata in the middle of the room. All eyes were on the newcomer.
Sasuke being the smart and careful shinobi, looked hard at the bundle in Shizune's arms. His eyes squinted closely as he scrutinized the object from the distance. What the hell is that? Don't tell me that is our client… while still starring at the bundle. A slight movement under the cloth that wrapped the 'thing' slightly moved, indicated that the 'thing' was indeed alive. Sasuke's eyebrow rose as his over active brain start running thoughts haywire. Don't tell me that 'thing' is alive! Maybe it's a demon or some sort. Yeah, a vicious demon that many other people would want to get their hands on. While still deep in his thoughts, Sasuke failed to realize that his partner in this mission had already quietly advanced closer towards Shizune and to try take a peek. Seeing the danger that might fall upon Hinata should she get closer with the 'demon', Sasuke was about to warn her, "Hinata. Don't…" but another sound beat him to it.
The silent room was suddenly surprised with a loud wail released by the bundle.
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"Sasuke, will you please turn your sharingan off. It's…distracting," asked Tsunade.
Sasuke, who had not realized that the sharingan had automatically activated itself the moment the wailing was heard, quickly turned it off. Damn, it was embarrassing to be so alarmed over such a small thing. Standing beside him was Hinata who was now holding their client as Shizune took her place beside Tsunade again. Glancing skeptically at his partner and their 'client', Sasuke asked the one question that had been plaguing his head.
"Why a baby, Tsunade sama?"
TBC
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Author's note:
Dun dun dun…heh heh. So there. I leave this chapter with a cliffie as I have seen most fanfic authors love to do… so, everything will be explained in the next chapter (including the scene in the hospital that had Naruto and Sakura astounded). Yep, all mysteries will be unfolded next time and hopefully that will be soon. Actually I plan to try a finish the story in probably three or four more chapters but that has yet to be seen. Plus, this ficcie will most probably be accompanied by sequels, so keep those eyes open for them. Until then…SAYONARA!
