Chapter 8: Brother-in-law
Hinata woke up with a sudden start, her Byakugan activated. Something was wrong, she could feel it. It was hard to pinpoint though as she could see nothing out of place. She deactivated her bloodline and sat up quietly, frowning. Everything was quiet, and nothing appeared wrong – the house was as it had always been in the dead of night: silent and still. She stood up from her futon slowly and shivered slightly. There it was again, a feeling of darkness, colder than the night air, and it brushed against her. She felt her heart rate increase, and forced herself to take a few deep breaths. She was a ninja of Konoha, and would not panic over some silly, imagined fear. She had just resolved to go back to sleep when a sudden soft knock made her jump. She activated her eyes once more and saw her little sister outside the door.
"Sister?" Hanabi called out sleepily, "Can I come in?" Hinata answered by sliding her door open. Hanabi blinked up at her and yawned.
"I'm cold, sister, can I stay with you tonight?" she asked. Hinata nodded, relief filling her. It was a strangely cold night for summer, that must be what had woken her up. And as for the ominous feeling…that was probably just her imagination.
Still, as Hanabi snuggled up to her in the futon, Hinata couldn't help but feel relieved that she wouldn't have to sleep alone tonight.
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Hinata forgot about the ominous feeling when she woke up the next morning. It was hard to believe that something was wrong the sun was shining so brightly. She sighed and stretched, noting that Hanabi was gone. Assuming her little sister had already headed down to breakfast, Hinata rose, got dressed and left her room as well.
Her assumptions were proved correct when she entered the dining room to see Neji, her father and her sister all seated around the table. Hanabi was digging into her meal with gusto whilst her cousin and father ate at a much more sedate pace. Hinata quickly sat down and began to eat as well after quietly telling Hanabi to slow down. Her sister just rolled her eyes and continued to shovel food in her mouth.
"I've gotta eat quick, or I'm going to be late," she said between bites. Hinata sighed, Neji rolled his eyes, and Hiashi frowned. Hanabi ignored all of them, polished off her plate, gave her father a quick kiss on the top of his head and ran out the door before he could reprimand her for her unseemly display of affection. Hinata caught Neji's eyes and they both stifled any sign of amusement at Hiashi's long suffering look.
"I wish you sister would adopt more of you manners, Hinata," Hiashi said quietly. Hinata's head snapped up as she stared at her father, and blush spreading across her cheeks. She quickly looked down, unable to stop the smile from spreading across her face. It was rare that her father said anything remotely complimentary of her when comparing her with her younger sister, and Hinata felt a warmth fill her at this small acknowledgement.
The three of them quietly finished of their meal at a much more relaxed pace, and then went their separate ways. Neji and Hiashi went off to train together, while Hinata headed towards the training grounds. Today was one of the rare mornings when she was able to train with her fiancée, and Hinata was very happy for it. Her gladness at being able to spend the morning with Sasuke, combined with her father's compliment at breakfast, lifted her spirits considerably. As a result, when she met Sasuke, she greeted him with a smile that made him a little weak in the knees. He blushed slightly and looked away from her, clearing his throat.
"Let's get on with it then," he muttered. Hinata nodded cheerfully, the smile not leaving her face.
After training with Sasuke, however, the smile vanished. She had forgotten how strong her intended was, and he hadn't gone easy on her this session. Hinata was sitting with her back against a tree, absolutely exhausted from the workout he had put her through. He sat beside her, much less winded than she.
"You're getting better, but I still don't think you use your Byakugan as well as you could do. Do you ever practice with Neji?" he asked. Hinata shook her head.
"You should start. Sparring with him could be helpful," Sasuke mused. Hinata nodded, not replying. She didn't feel like explaining to Sasuke that Neji had avoided sparring with her ever since the chuunin exams.
"You were sluggish today too, did you not get enough sleep last night?" Sasuke spoke once more, taking a swig of water while he waited for her answer.
"Hanabi woke me up. She was cold and wanted to sleep with me," Hinata explained softly, her mind going back to the strange feeling that had woken her up in the first place. She wasn't sure what it was, but she knew that it hadn't been her sister that had startled her awake with her bloodline activated. She shuffled a little close to Sasuke and rested her head on his shoulder, ignoring the vague sense of unease that had suddenly returned.
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Nothing strange happened for the next few weeks. Hinata's days continued as normal – training in mornings, work at the hospital in the afternoons, the occasional mission. Tsunade was trying to work her out of the rotary for missions, as the Hokage figured that once she was married, Sasuke would want to start 'reviving his clan' as soon as possible. She had a bet with Jiraiya that the heiress would be pregnant by the end of the couple's first year of marriage, a bet she was convinced she could actually win, given the way the two lovers seemed to be acting towards each other. Not that there was anything blatant in their actions – they were Hinata Hyuuga and Sasuke Uchiha after all. They didn't even hold hands in public, and their manner towards each other wasn't that much different from their behaviour towards others.
However, Tsunade had noticed that Hinata seemed to be warming up to the Uchiha, standing a little closer to him when walking down the street, occasionally touching his arm or shoulder as a way to get his attention. It was kinda cute, actually. And lately, they had been spending a great deal of time together. In fact, all of their spare time was spent in each other's company.
There was a reason for this, however, and it wasn't a romantic one. At least, not for Hinata. She spent as little time alone as she possibly could because she could never shake the feeling that she was being watched when alone. A few days after her morning sparring session with Sasuke she had been training on her own in the forest, trying to improve her Byakugan. Once more, she felt a sense of unease wash over her, and she cast her eyes, trying to see what it was, and found nothing. She brushed it off, but it wouldn't be the last time that she would get the feeling that she was being watched. Over the next few weeks, the feeling increased in intensity, to the point where Hinata no longer wished to be left alone.
The paranoia was starting to get to her. She was having trouble sleeping at night, and when she did, she had strange, terrifying dreams. She could never remember them when she woke up, all she could recall was the colour red and feeling very cold. Sasuke began to notice the change in her and questioned her about it, but Hinata merely replied that she was having trouble sleeping. She couldn't articulate her fears, for she didn't know what it was she was afraid of. Sasuke had frowned at her answer, but didn't press the issue.
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It was a cold December evening when Hinata was startled awake once more. Her Byakugan activated and she quickly scanned her surroundings. This time, she wasn't disappointed, for in the courtyard she could see the figure of her fiancée. Her panic gave way to relief as she rose and left her chambers.
She quickly made her way towards the door leading to the courtyard, wondering why on earth Sasuke had come at this time of night, and why was he skulking in the shadowy courtyard? He knew where she slept; he should have knocked on her window. And how on earth did he get past the guards? She would have to ask him, as father would want to know about any weakness in the defence of the Hyuuga compound.
She entered the dark courtyard and shivered as the cold air bit her skin. Her breath appeared in front of her in soft clouds as she moved towards the blackest section of the grounds, faintly amused at her fiancée's affinity for dark places.
"Sasuke," she called softly as she approached the figure bathed in shadows, "what are you doing here so late?"
"I came to see you," he said softly. Hinata blinked.
"Why?" she asked, a faint flush stealing across her cheeks.
"You said you had trouble sleeping, I thought perhaps I could help," he replied.
Suddenly Hinata went cold. She took a small step back and tried to calm the sudden frantic beating of her heart.
This wasn't Sasuke.
She knew this as well as she knew her own name. She didn't know who was standing before her, but it wasn't her fiancée. And he was dangerous. Very dangerous. She tried to keep her voice normal as she took another half step back, casting her eyes to the ground in what she hoped would be taken for sudden shyness.
"What d-do you m-mean?" she asked, her mind working quickly. The guards must be dead, and no one was awake. Should she scream? She didn't have time to make up her mind because the figure suddenly laughed. She shuddered – she had never heard anything so perverse in her life. It was laugh completely devoid of any feeling whatsoever.
"Well spotted, Hyuuga. Tell me, how did you know I wasn't your Sasuke?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Hinata asked instead, taking another step back. The figure was upon her before she could blink, one arm holding her still while his other hand stopped the scream that was about to fall from her lips.
"Hush now, we don't want to wake anyone up," said the young man standing in front of her. He was tall, and as his illusion fell away, Hinata felt terror welling up inside of her. Indeed, it wasn't Sasuke, but she now understood why she was so easily fooled. Who could better play the part of Sasuke Uchiha than his older brother?
Itachi looked down at her, his face devoid of feeling, and it made Hinata feel slightly ill.
"You are ruining him, Hyuuga. He is suppose to hate, and you are teaching him to love. You are making him weak, and interfering with my plans. I will kill you for this," he stated calmly, and Hinata knew that he would.
"Sister?"
NO!
"Sister, what are you doing out here – Sasuke? What are you -?"
Hinata, with a desperation born out of terror for her little sister, lashed out at Itachi, but only managed to free her mouth.
"Hanabi, run!" she yelled, trying to break free.
"Sasuke, let her –" but Hanabi never got to finish the sentence, because Itachi suddenly materialized in front of her. Hinata watched in horror as Hanabi stared up at the eldest Uchiha in bewilderment while he stared down impassively at her. With very little ceremony, he drew his sword and ran the fourteen year old through.
The scream ripped out of Hinata's throat as she watched her little sister fall to the ground, a look of surprised pain crossing her face as her white nightgown became red with blood.
"Hanabi!" Hinata screamed again, and then suddenly, her bloodline was activated. There was no thought, no hesitation, nothing but the overwhelming desire to hurt him, to kill him, and she went after the genius recklessly. Itachi had not expected such violence from the meek heiress. He had been watching her for weeks, and was not greatly impressed by her combat abilities, especially when fighting his little brother. However, having fought with Sasuke, Hinata had the slightest edge. Her fiancée had always accused her of holding back, and now she let everything out. Itachi deflected her blows and threw her back, but Hinata got up and came at him again.
When Itachi head the commotion of the household preparing for battle, and when he noticed Neji Hyuuga running out to the courtyard, he decided that perhaps it was best to make a retreat. He didn't relish the thought of fighting the entire compound, and Hinata Hyuuga had surprised him with the ferocity of her attacks. He disappeared, and Neji barked out orders for a group of Hyuuga members to follow him as they chased after the missing nin.
Hinata's anger left as suddenly as it had come. When Itachi disappeared, so did her bloodlust, and all that was left was fear for her sister's life. She ran over and knelt beside they youngest Hyuuga heir. Hanabi's breathing was shallow, her eyes staring sightlessly ahead of her, and the wound had by now bled enough that it created a pool beneath her. Hinata went to work, trying to stabilize her sister so she could be moved.
"Please, Hanabi, you must fight, don't give up," she murmured, tears welling up in her eyes, but she ferociously blinked them back, pouring chakra into the gaping whole in her sister's chest.
Hanabi just continued to stare up with sightless eyes into the night sky.
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Sasuke yawned and tried to tune out Naruto's incessant jabbering. They were just returning from a mission, one that hadn't been particularly difficult but rather tedious and exhausting. All Sasuke wanted to do was shower, eat and sleep. Naruto, the bastard, seemed barely affected at all, still full of energy.
"...think I'll go visit Sakura, she worries you know, though she hides it. Hey, wanna come with? Betcha Hinata is working too, and then maybe we could all go eat..." the blonde trailed off and watched his friend for a reply. However, before Sasuke could speak, Kakashi appeared in front of them, his face uncommonly serious. He stared at Sasuke for a moment, taking in his exhausted appearance.
"What is it?" Sasuke asked, suddenly more alert. Kakashi sized him up once more before speaking.
"There's been an attack at the Hyuuga compound," he said. Sasuke stiffened as his whole world suddenly narrowed down to the messenger standing before him. Kakashi's face was as serious as Sasuke had ever seen it.
"Hinata...?" he couldn't finish his question, his heart suddenly in his throat.
"She's at the hospital..." Kakashi trailed off and watched as Sasuke disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto stared at the spot where his friend had just been standing, and then looked at Kakashi, blue eyes worried.
"Is Hinata-chan all right?" he asked.
"Hinata is fine, Sasuke just likes to assume the worst," Kakashi said calmly. Naruto exploded.
"That's a load of crap, you just wanted to get him worked up!" Naruto shouted, pointing an accusing finger at his former sensei. Kakashi just let his eye curve down in what passed as his sheepish expression before he, too, disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto glared at the spot for a moment, then stamped off alone towards the hospital.
By the time the blonde arrived, Sasuke was holding an exhausted Hinata while glaring at Kakashi, who was ignoring him by leaning against the wall reading his favourite orange book.
Naruto sat beside his best friend and spoke to Hinata.
"What happened Hinata-chan?" he asked. Kakashi answered for her.
"There was an attack on the Hyuuga compound and her sister was severely injured," Kakashi said, turning a page in his book.
"Who attacked?"
"Can't say, Hokage's orders." Kakashi replied once more. Hinata just turned her head into Sasuke's chest, which prompted the Uchiha to glare at him. Naruto sighed and tried to keep quiet. Thankfully, Sakura came out not long afterwards, and Naruto jumped up.
"Sakura! Is Hinata's sister all right?" he asked. Hinata looked up and everyone's attention was suddenly riveted on the young medic nin.
"Hai, Hanabi will be fine," Sakura said wearily. Hinata sagged with relief, and then stiffened when Sakura continued, "The Hokage wants to see all of you in her office, right now."
Naruto looked at Kakashi, who put his book away, once more staring at Sasuke. Naruto followed his gaze, but could see nothing wrong with his friend, who was helping Hinata to her feet. The heiress avoided everyone's gaze as the headed towards Tsunade's office.
"Good, you're all here," she said when they trudged in, one by one. Her face was serious, and Naruto was about to open his mouth to ask, loudly, what exactly was going on when Kakashi grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back by the door. Naruto glared at him, but his expression changed to one of surprise when he saw Kakashi's sombre expression.
"We stand here," he murmured quietly, and put his book away. Sakura and Shizune took up positions by the windows, and Naruto realized that all the exits were now blocked. A chill ran down his spine, and for some reason, his eyes went to the back of Sasuke's head.
"There's no point in trying to keep this a secret from you lot," Tsunade began, but her eyes never left Sasuke. Without breaking eye contact with the Avenger, she spoke to Hinata. "Hinata, I want you to tell everyone here what happened. Leave nothing out," and she sat down behind her desk, her hands folded in front of her.
"Something had woken me up late last night, and when I activated my Byakugan to see what it was, I saw Sasuke in the courtyard," Hinata began softly, her voice mechanical. "When I went to investigate, I discovered that it wasn't really him," she stopped and her hand went to her fiancée's sleeve as she choked on the next part, "It was his brother, Uchiha Itachi."
Silence descended over the room, and Naruto suddenly realized why Kakashi had been trailing after them and why Tsunade had all the exits out of her office covered. Naruto straightened, watching as Sasuke's back and shoulders stiffened.
"What?" he whispered, and Naruto saw Sakura wince. He didn't blame her. Although he couldn't see his friend's face, he knew that tone of voice. He had hoped he'd never have to hear Sasuke so cold again.
"It was your brother. H-he came after me, he said I was destroying you, that he wanted you to hate, not l-l-love. He was going to kill me when H-H-Hanabi came out and then he...then he..." Hinata stopped and swallowed hard, tears brimming in her eyes as she saw her little sister fall once more, blood pouring out of her chest, "he stabbed her."
"Then what happened?" Tsunade asked calmly, her eyes glittering as she watched Sasuke. Hinata took a deep breath and straightened herself, though her hand never left Sasuke's sleeve.
"We fought," she said simply, and Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura all started. Hinata had fought Itachi? And she wasn't dead?
"I was no match for him, he threw me off, but by that time the compound had been alerted to his presence, and he left. Neji followed, but I don't know if he found him."
"He didn't. He has just returned. They lost the trail about five kilometres west of here." Tsunade said, still staring at Sasuke. The Avenger was still for a moment, and Naruto didn't think he'd ever been in an atmosphere so tense. Hinata turned and looked up at Sasuke, her expression worried and questioning. Her white eyes anxiously searched his face, and Naruto wondered what she saw there. Despite having known Sasuke, really known him, for only a year and a half, she was remarkably adept at reading him. Whatever she saw didn't make her feel better, Naruto could see that, and he tensed, wondering whether his friend would make a break for it.
However, Sasuke surprised them all by reaching for Hinata's hand that was still attached to his sleeve. He squeezed it slightly before letting go, and his back and shoulders relaxed.
"I'm not going to run away, if that's what you all think," he spoke, lowering his head to his hair covered his face. "I made a promise to Hinata's father, and I refuse to break it, no matter how much I want to."
Tsunade stared at him in surprise before clearing her throat.
"Well then, Uchiha, I guess you can go. Take Hinata home, she needs some rest," and she nodded at Kakashi and Naruto to let them through. Naruto studied Sasuke's face as he walked passed, and didn't like what he saw. Sasuke had been acting more human and less like a block of ice ever since Hinata had entered his life, but now Naruto saw the same cold, impassive bastard he had grown up with. His brow furrowed as he shot a questioning glance at Tsunade. She waited until the door shut behind the two of them.
"Kakashi, watch him. Sakura and Naruto, keep a close eye one him whenever you can. I honestly don't know if he was lying or telling the truth just now, but I don't want him running off without my permission, got it?" she said. All three of them nodded, and Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke while Sakura and Naruto headed outside.
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There was a time when Sakura would've given anything to be in Hinata's place as the object of Sasuke's affections. However, after watching her two friends this past week, she found herself unbelievably grateful to have chosen Naruto instead. She always knew Sasuke could be intense and obsessive, but this was getting ridiculous.
He followed Hinata everywhere.
The poor girl was unable to continue her medical studies and work at the hospital, as both required access to confidential information and restricted areas, and Sasuke refused to let the girl out of his sight. The medical staff, Naruto, Sakura, and even Tsunade had tried to convince him to let up on the surveillance, but he just glared at them all so fiercely that it even deterred the Hokage from requesting it again. He was no longer accepting missions, and wasn't sleeping at home. He spent every night outside of Hinata's window keeping up his never-ending vigilance. Hiashi didn't seem to mind this sudden protectiveness, and instead of helping Tsunade by ordering the Uchiha to stop stalking his daughter, he even added his own type of protection.
Tsunade was at her wits end. Sasuke was off the duty roster, refusing even the simplest and shortest missions, and Hiashi, after hearing about the attack on his two daughters, and realizing who exactly was after his eldest, had taken Neji and two other high ranking Hyuuga off of the duty roster, and placed them instead around his daughter. When Tsunade had protested at the loss of one of her best ANBU captains, Hiashi had responded coolly that Neji's first priority always was and would be the protection of Hinata.
All this meant that poor Hinata couldn't go anywhere without being trailed by at least two very scary bodyguards.
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Author's Note: Yeah, k, sorry 'bout the wait. The Itachi issue will be more fully resolved next chapter, which incidentally, will also be the last chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed this one – thanks for reading!
