Beginning of Part II: Chapter 9

Months had passed since the War. Konoha was about to be completely finished and restored back to its original layout, with few modifications. All Shinobi had given their all to speed up the process, making out-of-city missions lessen, and jounin were found to be doing the same work as the new genin. It helped build better relations between colleagues and work the trust of the shinobi and the citizens. Tsunade had acted as Hokage for some time after the War, but decided to retire as soon as Kakashi had been groomed enough for the position. The world was at a moment of peace and reconstruction.

Sakura had been bound to the hospital to continue treatment on the major injuries of the war, and Tsunade had spent a lot of time on her research on Hashirama cells with the help of Yamato and bodies of white zetsus. It seemed to be advancing greatly, but not enough.

"God damn it!" The Gokage cursed, with another failure in front of her.

"Calm down, Tsunade-sama, it is better than last time." Shizune tried to do damage control. She knew her boss was determined, like when she helped the young Rock Lee recover from his extensive injuries due to the Chuunin exam; but she always got frustrated with her failed attempts.

"I'm taking a break. Let's go to the bar, Shizune!" She yelled and moved out quickly.

Sakura walked past her old teacher, who was storming out of the hospital as it seemed, and worried that the research was at a standpoint. Shizune was hurrying behind and saw the sad look on the pink-haired girl's face.

"Don't worry Sakura-chan, she has made huge progress, but there is still one thing missing. I'm sure she'll find it, so keep working hard." She reassured her fellow apprentice.

"Shizune, hurry! You've got the money!" Tsunade yelled from afar. Her assistant shivered and quickly picked up the pace leaving Sakura behind with an apologetic face.

Sakura smiled and felt she could trust her teacher to succeed, despite her present state. What actually worried her most was… that she still had not seen Sasuke seem the Anbu squad took him after his recovery three months ago. Naruto and her had frequently pestered Tsunade for information, they even pleaded to Kakashi to help influence his case, but they had not managed to obtain any information. Apparently he had not been thrown to jail, and she knew Tsunade would not have executed Sasuke without holding a trial.

"I hope he is okay…" She thought, and hurried to her next patient.

Sasuke had been held prisoner on the Anbu Torture and Interrogation force. He was held from his remaining arm hung to the ceiling and his eyes were veiled with a cloth containing a seal to block him from using his sharingan. The seal was powerful enough to stop any of his regular eye techniques but did not take into account the Rinnegan he had acquired during the fight against Madara. However, Sasuke had not resisted. When Ibiki came to look for him, he left himself be caught and had been as cooperative as he possibly could, being himself. They had asked all kinds of information on Orochimaru, Akatsuki, his own group Taka. He had only resisted on giving specific information on his former comrades but gave everything else willingly. One of the guard had started torturing him to get him to answer about Juugo, but he had been stopped by Tsunade who told him it wasn't important. Afterwards, they only came to give him food and water and he lay there, waiting. It had been two months since the last interrogation.

The rest and quiet had not been mind-torturing, as that place had probably been built for. For Uchiha Sasuke it had been time to think, to atone and sometimes… just incredibly dull. He meditated a lot and simply slept. To avoid his muscles from atrophying, he did pull-ups with his one arm and his chains when he didn't sense any guards near enough to hear, sit-ups, stretches any kind of movement he could do.

Until finally, one day the door opened and he heard a familiar voice.

"Sasuke. It's time to get out of here and face your crimes." He heard Kakashi say. "Clean him up and bring him to my office." He ordered the other ninjas. Sasuke understood he had come only to check that he was still alive. It could only mean that there had been some discussion about that fact and that all of Danzo's faction might still be a worry. He tsk'd, Kakashi might as well be actually checking if he himself had not killed anyone else.

He felt the person beside him wimper when he made a noise. "So the initiation is to send the newbie deal with the most dangerous criminal, huh" he thought and almost smiled. It pleased him to know he was feared, but it contradicted his with his need to be forgiven. "Some traits can't be corrected, I guess." He used as an excuse for his not hero-like behavior. The person finally regained her movement and detached his restraints. He made a motion to rub his aching wrist, only to realize the stupidity of it. He sighed. It would take some time to get used to his new three-limb situation. With one hand he undid the seal and got rid of what was hindering his sight. The room had always been dark and empty, the only light coming from the open door cell.

"I-I'll show you where you can shower and we'll give you clean clothes." Said the shinobi by his side. When Sasuke turned around to look at him, he shivered from the being under the sight of the Rinnegan.

"Very well. Thank you." He thanked to get the guard to move. The poor bastard almost ran out of the cell.

"If they are getting me cleaned and setting me free, I guess it's not an execution for now, huh." He thought out loud. That was good news. Probably.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Oh, I need to go Lamia-san. That's Hanabi calling me. Thank you very much for the session." Hinata said in a hurry and bowed. She quickly cleaned the desk and put away in a box all of the ointments and creams that had been on the table.

Three knocks was Hanabi's way to tell her she was late. She had taken up the same codes Hinata used to have with Neji.

.

The day of the ceremony, rain had poured down as if shedding tears with the ones who lost a loved one.Rain had poured down as if shedding tears with the ones who lost a loved one.The funeral for the lives lost during the war had been the most saddening event for the whole city. Everyone that had survived had come to pay their respects to the fallen. It had been difficult to accept so many new graves into the Konoha cemetery, and one was especially painful for Hinata Hyuuga. She had been there before anyone had come and had stayed there after everyone left. Many people had come to see him off, Tenten and Lee stayed a long time with her at his grave after the end.

During the war, they did not have the time or the luxury to grieve. Right after, there was so much to do, that it had also been a moment of frailty to be postponed. But when she saw his name on the scripture, it had been heart-breaking. She felt the sky crumble and her stomach turn. At first, it had been too much, she had cried her heart out, she had wanted to scream, and she felt so much sadness inside of her it felt like it would never fade. The thought of him being gone, not being there smiling beside her, training with her teammates, falling in love, dating, getting married… So much he would miss because he was now gone. It was too sad… Too painful.

The tragedy of it was too real and too hurtful, she suffered until she felt dull. That's when she knew it was time to go.

Saying goodbye felt like ripping her heart apart. But after a whole day there, she had to let go. She kneeled in front of his tombstone and caressed the engravement marking his name.

Hyuuga Neji

the bird who flew out of his cage

"Neji-nii-san. Thank you for giving me a chance to be in your life. Thank you for being there to support me and Hanabi-chan. Thank you for everything you did. We're all going to miss you too much." Her voice started to break, so she paused and took a deep breath. "Rest in peace, cousin." She whispered as tears ran down her face.

As she walked past the graveyard's gates, she noticed a small figure sitting down beside the wall. She looked tired and sleepy, and she rubbed her pale eyes.

"Onee-san, shall we go home now?" Hanabi asked, yawning.

Hinata was surprised at first and then smiled, while drying her last tears with her sleeve. "Yes, we shall, Hanabi-chan." She answered and noticed Hanabi's eyes were red as well as her nose, and she still sniffed a little. Hinata likewise always felt sleepy after bawling so much. The older Hyuuga took her sister's hand into hers. They both shared a sad but warm smile.

They had mourned, and they would grieve a bit longer, but they would do it with a bit less sorrow tomorrow and then a bit less the day after.

.

Afterwards, both sister begun training together in secret, despite each being quite occupied with missions or duties from the Council.

"Hinata, Otou-san wants to speak to both of us." Usually Hanabi greeted her with a sheepish smile and child-like mannerisms. This time, her younger sister was serious.

"Okay, let's go." Hinata answered, trying to look calm, but inside she was terrified of what she would have to face.

"Sasuke, it has been very hard and long to negotiate on your behalf. We were working on an Alliance between the five hidden villages, so we had to wait before asking such a favor and I hoped Tsunade would take care of it but she left it to me, so it hasn't been easy you see-" Kakashi had been rambling on for the past five minutes and Sasuke was barely paying attention.

He looked outside the Hokage's office window and analyzed how the village had recovered from all the destruction. He didn't realize how much he had missed the sun. All he wanted was to go outside and lay down on a tree and bask in its light.

"So in conclusion, thanks to your assistance in defeating the Infinite Tsukuyomi and much of Naruto's influence and mineself included, you are hereby pardoned from all your crimes." Kakashi announced with a smile hidden behind his mask.

Upon hearing the last part, Sasuke glared at him. "That seems too good to be true." He murmured.

Kakashi gave him a knowing look. He knew his student very well. "It is what it is Sasuke. It doesn't mean people will acclaim you as a hero now, but regarding the laws of this new World and Era, you are not a missing-nin anymore or a wanted man." Kakashi sighed as he spoke. "How you feel about it, though, I cannot do anything."

"People won't accept me back after all I did." He stated. His reputation had been stained with too much of good and bad for anyone to have a clear image of him.

"Does it really matter, how other people see you?"

Sasuke pondered a while. "You are right. It doesn't. And being pardoned also doesn't change the fact that I still need to atone for what my sins."

"I was hoping you would say that." Kakashi gave him a satisfied smile. It was good to have his student back.

"Hinata, Hanabi." Hiashi said from behind his desk looking straight into the eyes of his daughters. What he had to say would be difficult to accept, he'd had a hard time accepting it; but he did, as he always did, with every decision of the Council of Elders. "I'm afraid… I do not have good news."

Both girls could see the last months had taken a toll on their father. His hair had lost some of its brightness, his face bore traits of tiredness and old age, mostly due to stress. They stood in front of him, trying their best not to show their nervousness, or at least Hinata was. Hanabi had always been able to bear a perfect poker face and not show weakness. Their postures were perfectly straight, despite Hinata desperately fighting the urge to play with her fingers or avoid her father's eyes as she used to do when she was younger.

"As you both well know, Hinata as the first-born is meant to be heir." Hinata shifted uncomfortably while Hanabi remained immovable. "However, as you remember, Hanabi ended up proving since a very young age to be very capable." He left out more capable than you. "Since then she has been training and taught the ways of the head of the household while you, Hinata, simply followed the shinobi path. Be that as it may, the last few events have proved that you are also worthy of the title that was originally meant for you."

Hinata had received praise from the Elders from her courage during Pain's attack and despite their dislike of a Main family member performing healing jutsu, they had to acknowledge her worth after all the gratitude the Hyuuga had receiving from shinobi's treated by her on the battlefield. They also took into account her supposed close relationship with the savior and hero of the War Naruto Uzumaki.

"The dispute between who should be heir amongst you two has been dividing our clan these past few months. The Elders have as such decided it should be settled soon." Hiashi closed his eyes before making his announcement. "You will have to fight each other, and the winner will be the definite heir of the Hyuuga clan."

Hinata shivered. "D-demo" she cursed herself for showing weakness by stuttering "I have no desire to be head. Hanabi is better prepared than I and she will fit the role to perfection."

Hiashi looked at Hinata and then to Hanabi, who had not yet said anything and seemed unfazed by the news.

"Let me finish, Hinata."

"I'm sorry, Otou-san." She quickly bowed in apology.

"The one who loses the right to be head, will be sent away by the means of marriage so the question won't be raised again." He said, and hid his face behind his hands. He could not show weakness despite being with family, but the decision did bother him. After losing his nephew Neji, he felt the heavy weight of a loss in his heart again and as such had no desire to part with one of his daughters.

"Father, a marriage with someone outside the clan, especially a Main family member is extremely unusual. Why this decision?" Hanabi suddenly asked.

Hiashi stared at her and pondered if he should be completely honest. He decided it was better to be transparent. "The Elders first proposal was to have the loser be branded into the Branch family to quiet any revolt. I voted against." For the first time, Hanabi showed a sign of happiness for a fluttering second. She was proud that her father had stood against something the Elder's wanted on behalf of them. "The next best thing, seeing how we are currently opening friendly connections with all hidden villages, would be to secure our standing with an arranged marriage with someone of high standing." He decided it was best not to lie. "The Elders still want Hanabi as their heir, Hinata." He said looking straight into her daughter's eyes and was satisfied to see her hold his gaze. "Their best hope would be that Hinata loses and marries Naruto Uzumaki since you are in the same generation," Hinata almost turned full crimson and resisted the urge to say how impossible that would be "and he is most assuringly the next Hokage. But the most probable thing, since the Elders are not patient, is to marry you off to the highest bidder. In every scenario, the Hyuuga clan settles and issue and obtains a precious advantage."

"When shall our combat be happening?" Hanabi questioned as soon as he finished explaining.

"We have not established a date yet, but soon enough." The Clan Head answered firmly. "This was only informative. You are both dismissed." He said.

Hinata hesitated but followed her sister's lead, bowed and left with her. Outside, Hanabi walked a bit further and stopped in front of her room, waiting for her older sister to catch up. She noticed Hinata was fidgeting, nervous and uncertain.

"Nee-san, we've talked about this. I told you they would make us fight. The leader needs to be strong."

"B-but marriage… so soon."

"You know it is not unusual in clan's to arrange marriages early. But I admit I did not expect them to force us into it now. I didn't know the talks amongst the family became that troublesome." Hanabi wondered with a hand on her chin.

Hinata felt weak. Her younger sister was so composed and trying to cheer her older sister up. It shouldn't be like that. She needed to become a proud Hyuuga, her own self.

"About the fight…" Hinata started to say.

"Forget about our arrangement. I want to fight you fair and square. I know you have progressed a lot nee-san, so let's give it our all." Hanabi's eyes were full of determination and admiration.

The reason she started to train at such a young age was because she requested it after watching her older sister. Ever since she could remember, she had watched her Nee-san train hard time and time again. Despite failing all the time and being called weak for crying easily, Hanabi often ran into Hinata training late at night until her legs gave out. She always thought her sister looked so graceful and beautiful when she practiced her forms under the moonlight. That's why she never felt satisfied with herself. Her form was strong, it exhaled sheer strength and discipline, but all she had wanted was to find that elegance.

"I told you I don't want to be clan leader, Hanabi-chan."

"But you wouldn't like being sent off to marry a stranger, now, would you?" Hanabi said, with a gentle smile on her face.

Hinata looked startled at her. Sighed and smiled gently back. "I know you would say you wouldn't mind that, since you have never been in love. But it would hurt me more to have lose that chance, Hanabi." Hinata moved her sister's rebel lock of hair from her right eye. Hanabi felt warmth from her touch. "We already agreed on who should be heir. I will support you with all my heart." Hinata ruffled her sister's hair and giggled a bit. "This is an opportunity I have to act as your older sister, so let me take it. My job is to ensure your bright future."

She had been raised to take care of her own self but... it felt nice to be protected. She wondered if that's what having a mother felt like. "Nee-chan…" Hanabi finally forgot the honorific, once her father's presence was finally behind.

They had talked about it, and agreed that Hanabi was the better fit to be head. But their plan was that Hinata would be there, by her side, advising her and helping her reform the old clan rules. If she were sent off, married to a stranger, far from her friends… It wasn't fair.

"We need to buy some time."

"You will report to me weekly and pass through checkpoints on all the villages. Is that understood?" Kakashi asked his former student, now with the authority of the Hokage.

"Yes." Sasuke answered with mild annoyment. It amused Kakashi to see him react like he used to in his younger days.

Sakura stood there, looking a bit sad and nervous. She had let her hair grown the past few months, probably a lingering hope from her childhood that Sasuke preferred women with long hair.

"You are leaving already? Tsunade is about to find complete the prototypes for your arms…"

"I need to go, to see the world for myself, search for all the things I've overlooked before. I have a feeling I'd be able to see everything better now. And if I miss this chance… I don't think another will come." He said sternly and seriously.

"What if I said… I want to come with you?" she asked, looking down, too nervous from daring to ask.

Sasuke looked a bit surprised at her, and finally parted his lips: "You need to stay for your patients and keep Naruto in line." He said. "It's my path to redemption, it has nothing to do with you." He saw Sakura look down, depressed. He sighed and looked her straight in the yes "I'll be back soon." He poked her forehead with two fingers like his brother used to do to him.

Sakura's cheeks turned pink. The Uchiha turned his back and walked away from Konoha's entrance gates.

"You better keep the seat warm for Naruto, Kakashi-senpai." Sasuke said as farewell.

"Don't worry, with all this work I can't find time to read my favorite books." Kakashi said, and was met with a soft punch from Sakura which left him a mild bump on is head: the aforementioned books was a series of Ecchi romance.

"Hatake Kakashi, the earliest Hokage to retire is what you'll be remembered for." Sasuke teased from afar. His voice reached his interlocutor's ears and they laughed.

Both watched him go, and when they couldn't see him anymore, Sakura sniffed holding back some tears. Kakashi put his hand on her shoulder.

"Come on, you know he's gonna come back. We have somebody who'll always make sure of it." He said with a smile behind his mask.

"Yes!" She acquiesced wiping a tear away. "And when he does we'll use our seduction plan, shanaroo!" Her innerself yelled.

A few meters away, Sasuke felt two chakras waiting for him. He smirked.

"Didn't think you would come see me off." He said without turning his head.

On his left, Naruto was leaned back against a tree, grinning from ear to ear.

"Of course I would! I just was a bit late because I had to help Hinata-chan find the way too." He said and pointed his finger to something behind his back. Hurrying through the forest was Hinata Hyuuga with a travel bag on her back.

"Sorry Sasuke-kun, Naruto-kun was held back waiting for me!" She said a little bit out of breath. It wasn't due to lack of physical form, however her heart was racing crazily because she was scared of what she was about to ask.

.

So, why do I have the honor of receiving both of the Hyuuga sisters in my office today?" Kakashi had said sitting on the Hokage desk and wearing the traditional hat. It seemed he put it often to feel the weight of the role.

Hinata hesitated on what words to say before speaking, so her sister beat her to it.

"Kakashi-sama, Hinata needs to be sent on the longest mission you have available right now." She uttered without shame.

"Hmm." Was the only thing he said at first. "Why is that?"

"F-Family related." Hinata managed to utter. "We were hoping you could help us. Father would never object to an assigned mission by the Hokage himself."

"Well, I do have something in mind, but you'll have to ask the mission leader yourself. It'll be his decision not mine. And if you want to be sure we won't have any problems, once you are gone, I'll announce myself your mission to Hiashi-sama." He said, but the huge grin seen from even over his mask made Hinata shiver.

"A-ask whom?"

.

"A-ano, Sasuke-san," She was so nervous she used the honorific. "I was wondering if I could come with you on this mission." She asked, fidgeting nervously her fingers. Certain situations (or people) managed to make her regress to her old habits, even after all the effort she put in to correct them.

Her question caught Sasuke off-guard, despite him having already assumer why she was here upon seeing her bag. He expected Naruto to announce that she was going with him, since having a baby-sitter assigned wouldn't surprise him, but he did not expect for her to ask him.

"Why?" Was all he asked, frowning.

His frown unsettled Hinata. She was afraid he would reject her request. But once it was out there, might as well try her best. "I-I need some time to figure some things out and away from Konoha." She said determined. "S-so please, accept my selfish request!" She spelled out with a full bow so abrupt her hair flipped forward and hid her face. Hinata closed her eyes awaiting nervously his answer.

She had felt nervous about the prospects of such a voyage when Kakashi told her who it was with. They had met several times now and had developed some kind of intimacy; nonetheless it had been built in such awkward and unusual circumstances that the female Hyuuga never knew what to do or say exactly around the Uchiha. Especially when he seemed keen on teasing her. But she had no choice. She needed time to sort out herself, her feelings and… to enjoy some freedom before having to leave caged in a marriage. Maybe her marriage would be to a nice man, but her clan would probably send her off to another village and it might also mean the end of her shinobi career. All because they did not want for anyone to dispute the Head given the current situation of unrest.

Sasuke, on the other hand, seemed pleased by the situation. Naruto missed the amused look in his eyes, too startled by Hinata's sudden movements, he had almost jumped up in surprise. If she had her own reasons, much like himself, he had no reason to refuse her unlike he did to Sakura who wanted to come only to be with him. Being a bit sadistic, he waited a few seconds before giving her a reply.

"Fine, you can come." He said and tapped her shoulder so she would raise her head.

"Really?!" She clasped her hands in relief. "Thank you Sasuke-kun. I promise I won't be a bother."

"And you better keep up too. Or I'll have to make you." He said with a smirk that made her blush.

Naruto, oblivious to the underlying things unsaid, hit both their backs like a brute making Sasuke wince in pain and Hinata utter a small cry 'Eep!'. "Alright! I'll tell Kakashi then! You better take care of her, you teme! And don't just send reports, send me and Sakura-chan some letters too, okay?" He asked of the former Avenger. "And do come back correctly or I'll come to kick your ass into doing things right, dattebayo!"

At first, Naruto had wished he could go with Sasuke, but he had other duties to attend according to the Sixth Hokage and despite his protests and sulking Kakashi had not budged. He was glad to know he would not be travelling alone, and at first chance he got he would go to join in.

"I'll kick your ass for coming just to laze around you idiot." Sasuke said without raising his tone, much like he used to do to provoke the blonde when their team first started.

"Hmpf, we'll see." Naruto answered like a challenge. He put the fist of his remaining left arm and he held something on the palm of his hand. "I'm returning you this. You better hold onto it."

Sasuke pound his fist against Naruto's and smiled back to his friend. They both new they had a new path in front of them. And that it was the right one for both. Then he grabbed what Naruto gave him: it was his old Konoha bandana. He put it in his pocket.

"See ya, dobe." He said giving a single wave goodbye. Hinata stood a few steps away, she had given them space to do their male thingies. Sasuke looked at her and glanced back to Naruto tilting his head. "By the way, you are going to regret missing your chance."

Naruto stood there waving slower and slower as they walked away, puzzled. "What did he mean by that?" You could almost see the question mark above the dense boy's head.

Once they had distanced themselves from Naruto, Sasuke spoke up:

"So, what do you to figure out?" He asked, curious.

"I-I need to sort some things about myself and... other things." Hinata averted her gaze to the left trying to avoid his eyes. She didn't know why she simply didn't tell him the truth instead of being vague. Him of all people in Konoha would understand best what are arranged marriages between clans... Maybe that was it: she didn't want him to tell her she was being stupid trying to run away or to brush it off as it was nothing. Not that it had anything to do with him... Her thoughts confused her.

'Damn she's a bad liar' Sasuke thought in amusement seeing her stumble from being too deep into her thoughts. He put his hand in his pockets and walked faster in front of her. "Nevermind, guess I have a lot of time to make you tell me the truth." He teased and saw her choke. "By the way, I didn't bring a tent." He didn't really, he usually slept in trees to stay alert. Hinata started to fret behind him and tried to find words to protest or propose a solution. He didn't even need to look back to know she was completely red. Oh well, he wasn't going to be the one to tell her that anyway they would take shifts. No, he would let her take her time to realize it herself.

End of Chapter 9

Author's note:

Tried to do this one as fast as I could since it's like a prologue for Part II.

I love making Sasuke tease Hinata, and I'll try my best to not make any OOC things, but sometime I get carried away and just love to make them interact this way! Hope you'll enjoy :)

Leave a review to tell me what you think and thanks for all of your support!