There's no blood, there's no alibi
'Cause I've drawn regret
From the truth
Of a thousand lies
Hanabi hurried after Kakashi, demanding he stop immediately. Her upbringing had gone out the window and any sense of respectfulness was ignored. "What happened to Hinata? Why can't I see her?!"
Kakashi motioned for his guards to leave them alone. "Hanabi, go back home. Hinata is...she's fine now but I can't open another opportunity for her to be harmed."
"But what happened?!" Hanabi asked with irritation. "I haven't seen my sister in years and I thought she was dead! There's nothing more I want to do right now than see her again. So why are you keeping me from her?"
He sighed. "Hinata was sealed-"
"What?! How is that possible…?" Hanabi's knees felt weak and she leaned against a nearby wall. "No, it's not possible. You're lying! It can't happen outside the Hyuuga compound, it's forbidden."
"Your grandmother was able to convince the guards that she was making a quick visit, it's doubtful they sensed any danger coming from such an elderly woman. I've had them replaced and Hinata won't be having any Hyuuga visitors for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry."
"Then ban her from seeing Hinata! Why are you punishing us all?"
Kakashi didn't sugar coat it. "I need to make sure Hinata won't be tormented. I can't trust the Hyuuga not to use a branch member to attempt to hurt her. But there's a bigger danger from letting anyone from the main branch come close to her. I don't know who can activate her seal and since you've been groomed to take over your clan, I can't rule you out."
Hanabi slumped down, her hair shielding her face.
Kakashi almost reached out to comfort the young girl but resisted. He didn't want her to lash out at him. "I am truly sorry, Hanabi."
"Then can you at least allow Neji to keep her company. She can't be unguarded! You have to let him be there for her," Hanabi rambled. She desperately needed someone to tell Hinata that she was still loved, that Hanabi would be there for her and Neji could pass that message to her. "He doesn't know how to activate the seal and that way I can make sure-"
"I've spoken to Hinata...she doesn't want to see him either."
"And me?" Her voice cracked. "Did she mention me at all?"
Kakashi nodded and narrowed his eyes with concern. "We both agreed that we can't risk it happening again. If it's any consolation, she was genuinely upset she couldn't see you."
She didn't respond as she slowly got up, walking past him without another word. Right before entering the compound, she heaved and emptied out her stomach. The guards immediately rushed to her side but she pushed them off.
"Lady Hanabi-"
"Don't touch me," she hissed.
She didn't acknowledge the blurred faces that walked past her; their whispers mere garbled noise in her ears. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Neji exiting from their grandmother's room and she felt killing intent run through her.
It's her fault! She took Hinata from me!
Hanabi's fingers twitched with anticipation but a tall figure stopped her from taking a step towards her destination.
Hiashi glared at his daughter. "There's enough trouble as it is. Don't make this a bigger mess for me. I can't afford to be pulled in different directions to save both of daughters. If you do this, I won't be able to save either of you."
She pulled her arm from his grip and stormed away. Hanabi stopped at Hinata's room, a place that she had often retreated to when she felt lost. Stepping inside, she closed the door behind her and crawled into the soft bed where Hinata's smell had disappeared after so many years. Yet her bedding still felt like a security blanket, as if she was wrapped in her older sister's loving arms.
.
.
Kakashi rubbed the bridge of his nose as he closed the report the Torture and Interrogation Force had sent him. He had the unedited version; Shikamaru and the public record would exclude any mention of the Uchiha massacre, something Kakashi had a bad feeling would soon be exposed. He thought that having her mind searched twice was overkill but the council had insisted they leave no stone unturned. Even Ibiki had admitted that he had encountered individuals whose minds had been tampered with so deeply that their interrogation lasted weeks before they got to the truth.
Ibiki had promised Kakashi that they would be as gentle as possible but warned him that Hinata wouldn't come out of it unharmed. "A person's mind is very intricate and separating facts from dreams or genjutsu does take a mental and physical toll for everyone involved."
He thanked his old friend and waited anxiously for their findings, hoping that it would provide him and Shikamaru something to use. They needed something they could present to gain support from notable shinobi if he was to even attempt a pardon or partial pardon.
But after reading the report thoroughly, he didn't know how even Shikamaru could find a loophole to defend Hinata's actions. Hinata had met with an S-rank criminal numerous times without informing anyone. While there were moments when she tried to capture Itachi, protocol stated that she still had to tell the Hokage or the leader in charge of the mission.
The most baffling part was that he had saved her a few times. Kakashi had experienced a fight against Itachi and it was one of the most painful battles he fought. He didn't know why Itachi showed so much compassion towards Hinata but no one truly knew who Itachi was. Regardless if Itachi was a double agent for Konoha, Hinata didn't know that at the time making her a traitor or at the very least incredibly reckless in the council's eyes. There was also the fact that she 'conspired' with Sasuke's associates, who had dark pasts, to avoid capture and divulged some information about her former team.
All in all, Hinata had made quite a mess for herself. But Kakashi wondered if the council would have been as invested in this situation if Kouto's father was someone else. This would've been something he could've used his own judgement, but Koharu and Homura both implied that they expected to be involved in every step. Jun, appointed by the village, was the newest member of the council but Kakashi was already familiar with the retired Nin. An honorable and fair man, he was Kakashi's only hope for any support. The others' hatred of the Uchiha clan would corrupt their judgment on Hinata's, and by extension Kouto's, fate.
Kakashi looked at the photo of his team on his desk as he remembered Homura's suggestion regarding Kouto's welfare. She had suggested he become a ward of the village as Naruto had been when he was orphaned. He retorted that they had yet to decide Hinata's punishment but Koharu scoffed as if it wasn't obvious.
"We want the best for the boy. His mother will be incapable of taking care of him during her incarceration. The Hyuuga don't necessarily have a claim on him…" She looked over at Koharu. "We don't have to hand him over to Hiashi."
"What do you mean?" Kakashi asked as he looked at the council.
"Normally children whose parents are dead or otherwise unable to care for them are sent to live with their closest relatives. The child has his maternal grandfather but also an uncle on his father's side. It's custom to grant the parent's wish on where they'd prefer to send their child but it's likely not something we can agree on since Sasuke Uchiha's status has changed for the worse," Jun explained. "If the child is sent to live with the Hyuuga, there's no doubt that they'll seal him like his mother. Making him a ward of the village ensures he's protected from harm until his mother is released."
Kakashi understood how Jun came to the logical decision, but knowing the other two he saw their underlying intention. He's much more valuable to the village as a shinobi rather than a slave to the Hyuuga but they don't care about him. It only matters what he can do for Konoha. "And when will Hinata be released?"
Koharu shrugged. "At the very least a few years, I'd say five give or take for her desertion. Maybe more depending on the damage she's inflicted with her defection."
Enough time for them to sink their claws into Kouto.
"Shouldn't he have a guardian?" Kakashi thought of Naruto's and Sasuke's lonely childhood, left alone to fend for themselves for the most part aside from an allowance for food and necessities or in Sasuke's case a trust fund.
"I have a daughter who has agreed-" Koharu eagerly replied.
"No, he needs to be with someone Hinata trusts," Kakashi sternly interrupted. "Someone he'll feel comfortable with."
"Very well," Jun said. "Have her provide a list of candidates and we'll see who best fits the needs of her child."
The other two could barely contain their irritation as they left his office but Kakashi didn't care. He knew what they wanted was to use Kouto; coming from two kekkei genkai, the possibilities were endless.
There was a knock on the door and he had half a mind tell his guards to turn them away when he heard his name being called out urgently. "Let her in," he answered.
Kurenai walked in with emotional fatigue on her face and her tired eyes trained on the Hokage. "It's true then? H-Hinata's alive?"
He stared at his friend, her crimson eyes burning. He knew that had it not been for Mirai, Kurenai would have searched for Hinata on her own, not returning until she found her. "Yes."
"Where is she?"
.
.
Hinata had been forced to spill information to the interrogator and after a few hours was sent to her cell. They had given her water afterwards but she immediately threw it up. The walls were spinning and she stumbled back on the chair. She had closed her eyes to alleviate the sense of nausea and they quickly carried her to the medical ward where they wrapped a bandage around her forehead. Hinata had winced as they touched the already tender skin and tried to resist the pills they forced her to ingest.
"It'll help with the vertigo," the medic explained.
She rested for an hour or so before she was moved. Not completely aware of her surroundings due to her lightheadedness and nausea, she didn't realize she was being carried back to her dark cell until she felt the flimsy bed underneath her.
As the guard closed the cell door behind him, she gingerly traced her bandage thinking of her clan. She figured her father ordered her sealing but wasn't sure about where Hanabi stood. As much as it pained her, too many unknowns and variables had convinced her to agree with Kakashi.
Did Hanabi know? Did she agree with the decision?
She wouldn't blame her if she did; Hanabi had been raised differently than her; always seen as the perfect Hyuuga who they tried to mold into their perfect heir. It wasn't jealousy that tightened her chest as she thought of Hanabi and her childhood but anger. She had left her little sister at the hands of the elders who had always scolded her for crying at things children should be able to cry about. The same elders who looked down on her when she consoled Hanabi, or spoiled her without having to earn it because as far as Hinata was concerned Hanabi didn't have to work for her love or adoration.
I left her. Hinata began to come to grips with everything that she had pushed to the back of her mind for years and it was overwhelming. I left my little sister to fend for herself. Out of all the people she left behind, Hinata couldn't blame Hanabi for any resentment she might hold.
Forgive me Hanabi. If I could have lived here without fear of having my son sealed or taken from me, I would've stayed.
She tried to open her eyes only to squeeze them shut. Everything was spinning and she quickly placed the back of her hand on her mouth. She heard the door open. "It's not doing anything...I still feel sick..." she breathed heavily. "Can I get some-?"
"Hinata?"
Hinata quickly opened her eyes and tried to focus on the figure. Weakly stumbling out of the bed, she frantically tried to reach the bars but was forced to stop. She started to breathe from her nose, forcing herself to not regurgitate. She didn't want her sensei to see her like this; dirty, unkempt and broken. Laying down on the cold floor and keeping her eyes closed, Hinata took a deep breath. "Is...Is that really you, Kurenai sensei?"
The older woman rushed over and reached between the bars to touch Hinata's trembling form. "It's really me... and it's really you." She rubbed Hinata's upper arm comfortingly. "You gave me such a… we have a lot to talk about, young lady," She cried as she chuckled.
Hinata relaxed as she recognized Kurenai's tone. "Sensei, I really want to see you but it's too hard."
"I forgive you, Kakashi told me everything," Kurenai replied. "I'm not mad at you, not that much at least. But I'm not letting you off so easily, Hinata."
"Thank you, sensei." Hinata swallowed. "I would've…"
"Then look at me."
"I can't," Hinata softly laughed. "If I open my eyes, I still wouldn't be able to. No matter how badly I want to see your face."
Kurenai frowned as she noticed Hinata's condition.
She quickly stood up and called out to the guard. "Let me in."
Not wanting to end up on probation like the previous guards, he hesitated. The Hyuuga's other visitor had gotten in without much suspicion because of her perceived fragility and the other guard's ignorance to never underestimate anyone. Kurenai Yuhi was a jounin and a master at genjutsu, something he didn't forget. Even if she had been stripped of any potential hazardous items upon entering the building, she didn't need much to cause harm. "Uh...I need to check-"
Kurenai thrust the paper baring Kakashi's seal and signature. "Read it quickly."
He checked for any forgery but it came clean. She had the Hokage's permission to visit and given access to the prisoner. He carefully opened the door, making sure the Hyuuga wasn't any threat to him. "I'll have to stay close by," he informed Kurenai.
Kurenai paid him no attention as she kneeled beside her and tried to pick her up.
"No… it hurts my head to get up," Hinata responded in a shaky voice. Her physical pain hadn't subsided yet she felt calm in Kurenai's presence. She always did.
Resigning herself to gently cradle her head on her lap instead, Kurenai softly caressed her dark locks. Her fingers brushed softly against the bandages that hid the Hyuuga's signature curse. Her chest tightened at the sight. Hearing about it was different than seeing; a few choice words ran through her head as she thought about Hiashi Hyuuga.
He had brushed Hinata off like she was a bother; indifferent to the danger she would be open to when he handed her to Kurenai. But under her tutelage, she had flourished and pride filled Kurenai when Hinata continued to prove her detractors wrong. Kurenai had taken extra interest in Hinata's growth so she could be strong and force Hiashi to admit his mistake, so that she wouldn't have to bear the curse that now marred her forehead.
To seal your own child, you truly are a monster.
She would rather take a kunai to the heart that to hurt her precious Mirai.
"Kurenai, I'm so sorry." Hinata's body shook as she softly sobbed. "I thought I was doing the right thing. I was so scared they'd punish anyone that tried to help me, scared they'd take Kouto from me. And they have…"
Kurenai squeezed her hand as Hinata cried harder thinking about how scared her son was at this moment. "I need to see him. I need to feel him in my arms. He can't end up like me..."
"He's not with your father," her mentor assured her. "Kakashi has him in his home and he's being guarded by Anbu and other jounin. Nothing will happen to him, I promise you."
Weakly nodding, Hinata let out a shaky breath. "But if something happens to me or Sasuke…what will happen to him? Who will protect my Kouto?"
"I will," Kurenai responded immediately. Even if she had more time to think, she wouldn't have changed her answer. Hinata was like a daughter to her and she'd take responsibility that came with it. Her son wouldn't be alone. She had less than pleasant thoughts about Sasuke Uchiha however. By omitting that Hinata was still alive, he had deprived her of peace.
Honestly Kurenai didn't know what she would've done if she did know the truth. Would she have kept quiet while Kiba and Shino remained shattered? If they all knew, would they have allowed her to live her other life? Would they have tried to persuade her to return, even with all the strife that waited? Would they have done the right thing for her and her son?
But the fact was that none of that mattered. It was in the past and didn't change her circumstances now.
"I can go to him after I leave, if you want. I'll relay any message you want."
Hinata wrapped Kurenai's arm around her. "Thank you."
There was no sense of urgency to end their visit. At first they remained in comfortable silence even if Kurenai had many questions, mostly wanting to know how Itachi Uchiha had managed to sink his claws into her sweet Hinata. But she didn't want Hinata to feel judged, the mark on her forehead was a clear indication of how some felt. Kurenai wanted Hinata to be comfortable around her again, to see that she still had people she could trust.
So they began to share stories about their young children. How Mirai had latched on to Shikamaru out of everyone but Kiba and Choji being the only ones with the energy to keep up with her. Upon hearing the nicknames the little girl had given Team Eight, Hinata couldn't help but chuckle softly.
She wished she could've given that to Kouto; a large family and support. While Masao had been more than she deserved, when he died she saw the loneliness surrounding Kouto. Hinata never felt like she was enough to brighten his world. When Sasuke came, along with the rest of Taka, Hinata thanked the gods for the happiness they brought with them.
"Kouto loves sweets. I think he got that from me." Aside from what Sasuke had told her about Itachi, she didn't really know his own likes or dislikes. "He can be such a glutton and easy to spoil. Kouto has a way of wrapping you around his finger, even Sasuke-"
Kurenai tensed and Hinata exhaled softly. "He's a good man, sensei. He's not perfect but he's done so much for us." She could tell that Kurenai wasn't pleased with him either and although she didn't want to ruin the moment, Hinata hated that he was thought of as a monster or cold hearted.
"So even Mr. Stone Cold falls to his whims?" Kurenai forced herself to laugh to alleviate the tension.
"Yes...Sasuke will do anything for him," Hinata replied. "When he comes for Kouto, please don't get in his way." She was concerned Sasuke would harm her beloved sensei and didn't know if she could forgive him if he did.
Kurenai asked for water from the guard and helped Hinata drink. She steered the conversation towards the kind man that took her in and assumed the role of grandfather. Someone Kurenai wished she could thank for protecting her in her absence and being the father she desperately needed.
As they talked, she could see just how much Hinata had grown. Being a mother herself, it was evident to her just how far Hinata would go for her son and what she was willing to sacrifice. And Kurenai couldn't be prouder of Hinata's strength.
.
.
"Lies are just a protection from one's deepest and darkest regrets." Kiba had remembered his mother saying after his father's abandonment. He didn't understand at the time, being so young but time had matured him. Even if he couldn't forgive the man, he saw things differently the older he got.
Kiba stared at the ceiling. Tamaki had reluctantly left to tend to her shop but he insisted she didn't have to stay with him for another day. "I'm okay." A lie. "I'm just really tired." Not completely true. "I love you." The only truth.
After leaving Hinata and her son at the Hokage Tower, Kiba headed to the only place he felt he could breathe. He didn't want to look back at Shino and let him see how broken he felt. His own home was littered with intrusive people; his mother and sister would easily pick up on his emotions and force him to deal with them.
But he wasn't ready. He wasn't ready to deal with the reality of it all and how his life would change.
Tamaki was the only one that understood him and knew when he needed to just be held, which is what she did. She listened as he justified his actions, noticing the insistence in his voice but not pointing it out.
"This was the best possible outcome for Hinata."
An unknown.
"She did this and can only blame herself."
A half-truth.
"I can sleep easily at night. I didn't do anything wrong."
The biggest lie.
Kiba dragged his hand down his face and groaned. He felt guilty that Tamaki hadn't gotten a good night's rest, not with his tossing and turning. Troubling thoughts kept him from getting much sleep.
Do I have enough time to figure out a way to prevent Hinata or Kouto from being sealed?
The question plagued what little sleep he did get; his dream had caused him to wake up in cold sweat. They had sealed Hinata before proceeding with her son. He watched helplessly from the sidelines, screaming for them to stop. None of the shadowed figures looked his way but Hinata lifted her head and stared at him.
"I'll never forgive you," she whispered.
The shadows dragged the two away with chains around their necks until the darkness consumed them, their screams echoing in his mind even after he woke up. Tamaki stirred and he lay back down, trying to control his breathing so she wouldn't wake.
Did he regret it? Did she hate him?
He didn't know and he was scared to find out.
Akamaru yawned from the floor but perked up just as quickly as Kiba did when there was a frantic knock on the door. He opened it to see Tenten doubled over, trying to catch her breath.
"They did it," she gasped. "Hinata's been…"
Kiba felt a weight in his chest. "What do you mean? Who did what…?"
"They sealed her!"
.
.
Sai sighed, sensing that the boy still wasn't comfortable with him. "I'm going to check the perimeter, but do you want me to bring you something from the store...?"
Kouto shook his head and continued to stare out the window.
"I'll be back soon."
There was no response and Sai decided he would ask Ino for advice when he came home. She had never steered him wrong and was probably more prepared than he was to become a parent.
Kouto heard voices outside discussing things in whispers but had lost any hope it was his mother or even Sasuke coming to rescue them. The pale man had bluntly told him that his mother was in prison and he wouldn't be able to see her for a while. "She ran away and they are going to punish her for it."
But Kouto didn't know what he meant by running away and refused to believe his mother was from this horrible place. Regardless, upon hearing the news he cried and Sai had struggled to comfort him. He had been taking parenting classes since he was going to be a father soon but he was at a loss on how to comfort a child. Sai tried the methods he learned but they were meant for infants. So he simply let him cry.
But Kouto was done now and remained silent even after Sai suggested he draw with the supplies he provided.
"So you're the kid who's causing such a mess. Oi!" Sai's replacement called out. "The name's Akihiro and I'll be watching you until Sai comes back. Have you eaten yet?"
Kouto briefly acknowledged the man with a glance.
"You should respond when someone's talking to you," he chided. But Kouto exhaled in annoyance. "Listen, I'm responsible for is making sure you're alive when Sai returns. After that you can starve, you little brat. You probably think you're high and mighty but I don't care if you're part Hyuuga or part demon. That doesn't mean shit."
This man was the first person to act hostile since he woke up in this strange house and it irritated Kouto. He wasn't trying to be rude, he was just upset. Can't I be mad they took my mommy away?!
"I'm not a brat!"
Akihiro sneered. "So I guess you aren't a mute. There have been some bets going around about what's wrong with you, seeing who your daddy is. I'm still betting in some mental problems, you know like him."
Kouto grabbed a nearby object and hurled it at him but he easily dodged it. "You don't know anything about my dad-"
"Boy, there isn't a shinobi alive who doesn't know who your dad is. It's a shame that he forced himself on that poor Hyuuga girl. It probably messed up her mind…" Kouto glared at him, not understanding what he was insinuating. "I wonder if your mommy ever regrets having you-"
"Shut up!" He erupted. "Y-you...My mom loves me! And when uncle Sasuke comes, you'll be sorry! All of you!"
Akihiro gave him a crooked smile. "Really? See, I would've thought your father's killer wouldn't give a damn about you. Frankly, I'm surprised you're still alive. Maybe he's been planning something and this is the safest place for you and your mommy to be."
"W-what do you mean? You know who killed my dad?" Kouto pulled his knees to his face.
Now amused, the jounin shook his head. "You didn't know? Itachi Uchiha was killed by his brother-"
"You're lying! Sasuke wouldn't do that! My dad was a hero and- "
"Your father was a murderer," Akihiro spat back. "You and Sasuke are the only Uchiha left because your dear father killed them all in cold blood." He pulled out his copy of Konoha's bingo book and opened it to his favorite page; the one with the face crossed off with a big red x. The one with the picture of Keiko's murderer. Akihiro had loved her and they had their lives planned out. A life so full of potential and hope, extinguished by Itachi Uchiha.
Kouto's face paled as he read the words beneath his profile photo. His father killed the whole Uchiha clan. Did that mean he killed his own dad? His own mom?
"It was your demented uncle who killed him, there's no way around that. Your whole family is sick."
Kouto got to his feet and ran to the bathroom, failing to shut the door before Akihiro wedged his foot in. He laughed as Kouto cried in frustration as he tried to push him out, all the while shouting that he was lying. Harshly pushing the door open, he grabbed Kouto's jaw. He could see the features of Keiko's killer staring back and it angered him.
"Let him go."
Akihiro turned around. "I thought he was attempting to escape," he explained to Sai.
"Get out and report to the Hokage immediately," Sai ordered. He created a shadow clone that would relay to Kakashi what he came across. The bingo book on the floor was a clue to what he had missed and Sai had a feeling this jounin wouldn't be reassigned to the archive library like the prison guard.
Akihiro curtly nodded and left. Now alone and still unable to console the crying child, Sai placed the ice cream in the freezer and waited for Kakashi to arrive.
Kakashi found Kouto crying with his knees pulled up. He sat beside him on the hardwood floor. "Is it t-t-true? What he said about my dad? Was he a bad man?"
He cursed under his breath and decided Akihiro's pending punishment would be severe. He greatly underestimated just how much Itachi Uchiha was hated but was disappointed by the lack of restraint by a guard he handpicked. Kakashi forgot how adults in this village could be so cruel to even children.
Please forgive me, Hinata.
"Your father did something horrible but he didn't have much of a choice. He didn't want to do it. I know he regretted doing it. Sasuke forgave him a long time ago," Kakashi simplified. The boy would just be tormented until he was able to reunite him with his mother and as someone whose father had been vilified Kakashi knew that feeling all too well.
It wasn't what Kouto wanted to hear. "But he still killed them all?"
"Kouto...this is a very complicated matter."
"Were they old people? Babies? Kids like me?"
"You shouldn't try to think about it." He pulled Kouto into his arms as he thought of his own childhood. Kakashi had misjudged his own father and resented him for what he thought were idiotic choices. But he soon learned that life wasn't black and white. People weren't completely evil or pure, everyone was grey and morality was a matter of perspective.
"Your uncle sees him a hero but some still consider him a monster even with the good he did."
Kouto tensed in his arms but soon clung to him. There was something about this man that made him feel comfortable and safe. "How can he be a hero and a monster? What was he really?"
"Complicated."
Kouto buried his head on his chest, not wanting him to see the fear and sadness in his face. "Did Sasuke...did he kill my dad because of it? Did Sasuke kill him because he killed his whole family?"
Kakashi's student was one of the most complex individuals he had ever met and the most with incredible potential to do harm or good. But it always came down to perspective. Kakashi absolutely hated how life kept getting worse for Sasuke. It seemed like peace would elude him until his final days; Sasuke's actions would forever haunt him.
"He didn't have much of a choice."
Gripping his robes, Kouto started to cry. Amid his sobs and hiccups, Kakashi could make out his desperate pleads to see his mother. He rubbed his back comfortingly, mouthing a thank you to Shizune who brought the food she personally prepared. Kakashi didn't know who he could trust anymore but was grateful for the handful of people he could rely on.
.
.
Kurenai hurried to Kakashi's home after hearing he wasn't in his office. She wanted to see Hinata's son and wrap her arms around him. Hinata had begged her to take care of him until Sasuke arrived. "I can't trust anyone else, sensei. I can't trust my son with anyone else but you. Keep him safe for me. Let him know his mommy loves him so much. Don't let him feel scared."
Just as she was going to knock, the door opened and she stood face to face with the exhausted Hokage. While she was in better spirits than he, Kurenai narrowed her eyes at him. The look of disgust on her face only irritated him. He didn't need someone else to shit on him today. He started to walk down the steps but she quickly followed.
"How could you let that happen? She's in pain, Kakashi! You put her at the mercy of the Hyuuga and-"
He erupted in anger. "I know I let her down, okay?! Don't you think I know that?! I can't control this situation or even control my men from keeping their fucking mouths shut! I have the council breathing down my neck to declare my own student a rogue nin so other villages can hunt him down, the Hyuuga keep demanding I hand over an innocent child to be branded all the while knowing that possible deaths loom with Sasuke's imminent arrival. Everything has gone to shit, and I know I'm a shitty Hokage! I know it so you don't have to keep reminding me."
Stunned Kurenai stammered an apology and Kakashi looked away. He needed all the friends he could gather and understood Kurenai's pain. His own student wasn't going to fare any better, in fact he wouldn't be surprised if the council deemed Sasuke a threat that had to be eliminated on sight. It devastated him to be the one to sign off on the order if Sasuke pushed him to it.
"I don't know what to do, Kurenai. Kouto didn't know who his family truly were and it kills me to do this to them. I don't think they deserve it but I can't do much even if I'm the Hokage. I hate it. I hate this so much."
Softening her face, she reached out and cupped his cheek. "Let me watch over Kouto. I can have Choji bring Mirai over so they can play and keep him preoccupied, let him be a kid a little while longer."
"Shizune hasn't deemed him a threat to anyone. His outburst at the Tower was probably triggered by Hinata's assault. But why don't you meet him first and see if you want to bring Mirai?" Kakashi suggested. "I don't want to risk anyone else getting hurt." She nodded and he placed his hand over hers and squeezed it. "Thank you."
Kurenai walked in and sat on the couch. Kouto was on the far end, resting his head on the armrest but wide awake despite his puffy red eyes. As usual, he didn't acknowledge the woman. He didn't care to meet anyone new, most of the time they just had bad news to tell him.
She's just here to babysit me. She doesn't care, just like all the rest.
"Kouto?"
He sniffed and flinched when she gently rubbed his shin. "My name is Kurenai Yuhi. I know your mother."
"Everyone here does. Do you hate her too?" He shot back.
Stunned she inhaled sharply. "I could never hate her. Hinata was my student and I love her like a daughter."
Still doubtful, Kouto turned his head away to face the couch. Aside from the gray haired man, he didn't think anyone here could be trusted. This woman claimed to love his mother but what kind of love did she mean? Was it the same that he felt for his mother or was it the kind that made people hurt each other? Kouto had heard his mother call the man that choked her 'father' before he attacked her. The other man that dragged them here looked like her and was probably another family member, but he also still hurt her. Everyone who should love his mom kept hurting her.
What did she do wrong?
Kurenai smiled at him. "I have a daughter around your age, would you like to meet her?"
"No."
Kurenai frowned. "Do you want to help me make some cupcakes? I heard you have quite the sweet tooth-"
"No."
"Would-"
"I just want to see my mom!" He looked up in anger but froze when he saw her red eyes. Karin had red eyes too but no pupil. This woman, her features and her eyes made him think of his uncle. "Are y-y-you? Do you have the Sharingan too?" He beamed at her, hoping that this meant everything he had been told was a lie and his father wasn't a murderer.
"No. I'm sorry." She watched him slump back on the couch. He truly is Itachi's child, she noted.
"But your eyes…" His Sharingan flashed and she briefly felt nervous. "See, it's kind of like mine! Maybe you do have it and just have to train to use it like me."
Kurenai shook her head. "Kouto, very few people have the Sharingan and I'm not one of them."
"Oh." Hi eyes returned to normal but Kurenai didn't want him to close himself off from her.
"Would you like me to tell you about your mother? About when she was my student and how strong she was?" Kurenai opened her purse and handed him a photo she always carried with her. "See?"
Kouto hastily took the photo in his hands and looked at it. She looks so young! Wow, her hair is so short! Without realizing it, he started to smile before it faltered. He saw the two boys beside her and thrust the photo back at her. I hate them!
"What happened? Does everyone hate us because of my dad? Is that why we're here now?"
Kurenai rubbed his cheek to wipe the tear away. "You're here because this is her home and we've missed her so much."
He shook his head, remembering the group that forcibly took them from their home and how his mother was attacked. "They just want to hurt us. The next time I see any of them, I'll hurt them for doing this to us."
Kurenai saw his darkening look and frowned with concern. "Kouto...your mother wants me to let you know that she loves you and wants to be with you too. I'll make sure you get to see her soon, okay? But in the meantime, would you like me to tell you about your mother and how amazing she was as a kunoichi?"
He shrugged, still not trusting this woman. However his eyes lit up as she relayed tales of how Hinata had grown, perfected her skills, and created a new jutsu. Kouto listened, imagining her fights and it filled him with a new purpose; to gain the strength she had and save her. After all, they only had each other now.
After hearing how his uncle had killed his father, Kouto didn't know if he wanted or trusted Sasuke near him or his mother. If he could figure out what he did in that office, they wouldn't need Sasuke. Kouto had experienced a new ability; while frightening at first, he was more excited to see just how strong he'd become for his mother.
We don't need anyone.
Kouto hadn't believed it when he first told his mom; it was mostly so he'd feel better about Sasuke's absence. But right now, he felt sure of himself.
You only need me.
.
.
The skies were darkening but it didn't seem like the stars would be shining anytime soon; dark clouds had been covering the sky the whole day.
Shino continued to tend to the brand new hive, making sure they were protected from any heavy rainfall. The experimental breed had helped him more than he imagined possible but it didn't provide the peace he longed for and it distressed him. Hinata wasn't supposed to be in this situation, none of them were. Many times he had imagined saving her from captivity, the happy reunion, the unrestrained joy of having her back. None of that happened.
"Son."
He slowly turned to face his father. Shibi could sense his son's unease and knew the source of it, even if he had kept to himself, the word of Hinata Hyuuga's return had spread like wildfire. Kurenai had stopped by but Shino asked him to send her away. "I can't talk about it right now."
"Kiba's at the door and I think you should go talk to him. He seems irate-"
"Send him away."
"Shino, he's your friend and needs you right now." Shino turned back to his hive. "He's outside raging, saying that the Hyuuga clan have sealed Hinata and -"
The buzzing drowned him out and Shibi took a step forward. "Manage your emotions, Shino. You won't be able to control the kikaichū." He grabbed his son by the shoulders. "Keep a level head."
Shino briskly moved away and ran to meet Kiba. He was pacing back and forth, claws out and Shino was positive he heard him growl as he neared. "Those fuckers did it, Shino. They sealed Hinata already!"
"How?" Shino asked in a low tone. "Putting her in Kakashi's hands should've prevented that. They should've been safe. He wouldn't have handed her over to them!"
"Tenten said it happened while she was in a cell." Kiba flexed his jaw. He already knew his next question. "Kouto's being kept somewhere else. I don't know where exactly but there are few places with restricted access. But I'm sure I can find him."
"What are you planning on doing?" Shino asked. Judging by his posture, Shino doubted he wanted to see the boy right now. There was something else on Kiba's mind.
"Shino… I told him I'd protect him, that I'd protect them both. None of this was supposed to happen!" Kiba gripped his hair. "We were supposed to be… did we fuck up?!"
But Shino shook his head; he should've anticipated that nothing was ever simple. "We put this in motion but what we did was right."
"But-!"
"I'm not saying she deserved it," he harshly interrupted. "And I'm certainly not saying I'll forget this or let it go. We promised that we'd make everyone that hurt Hinata pay, just because she's back doesn't mean we're done protecting her. So are we going now?"
Kiba nodded and cracked his knuckles. "I get first dibs on Neji."
Shino raced after Kiba, pushing aside the concern about how this would reflect on his own clan's relations with the Hyuuga. His father had always been impartial to the actions of other clans as long as it didn't affect the Aburame. He almost hesitated when he realized what Kiba's intentions were but remembered it was that very reason that Hinata hadn't confided in him. Torn between loyalty to your clan and other loved ones was a horrible position to be in.
"Come out, you piece of shit!" Kiba bellowed as Akamaru started to snarl. Shino stood nearby, slowly emitting a cloud of kikaichū to show he was ready for the inevitable fight. "Neji, get your ass out here! Or maybe your shitty uncle still has you on a fucking leash?"
The Hyuuga guards activated their Byakugan, waiting for them to make the first move. However Hiashi walked past them with an unreadable expression on his face. "I'll give you a minute to leave the premises before I make you regret coming here."
Kiba took a step back; while he was looking for a fight, Hiashi was on a different level. However if he wanted to send a message to the Hyuuga, this would also work. He could almost see his mother's disappointed look as he was about to rile up a very powerful clan leader. "What you did to Hinata is unforgivable and I'll make sure you never lay a hand on her again."
"And just how do you expect to do that?" Hiashi asked mockingly. "I suppose your lack of proper upbringing can be attributed to your mother. It's no wonder your father left. You're not even worth wasting my breath."
Before Shino could warn him, Kiba and Akamaru raced forward only to be forced back with a rotation. Neji suddenly stood between him and an unfazed Hiashi. "You heard my uncle, dog. Go home."
"You fucking piece of shit. You don't deserve her…" Kiba spat blood on the ground. "I bet you only wanted her back so she can be enslaved just like you are. You were jealous and as long as she felt your pain, you didn't care." He turned to Hiashi with just as much hate in his eyes. "And my mom raised me perfectly fine. It's Hinata who I pity, having such a shitty father. No wonder she ran away from you. You're a fucking monster."
"Inuzuka, you've tried to attack me. I can have you arrested for that and that'll break your dear mother's heart," Hiashi replied. "But I'll reconsider it if you apologize. Get on your knees and beg me to have mercy on you."
"Fuck-"
Shino stepped forward and Hiashi glanced at him. "Did Shibi give you permission to be here? Does he even know?"
"My father understands how crucial our relationship is with you. We've kept to ourselves and never interfered with your matters unless it affects us. It's a simple agreement and I agree with it completely." Shino replied coolly. Kiba looked at him in shock. "But by hurting Hinata, you've personally affect me. And I can't allow myself to pretend it is okay. As the heir, you can't cast me aside as easily as Kiba."
"You'd risk it all, our alliance and your clan's wellbeing for my daughter?" Hiashi challenged. "As the heir, you should think about this very carefully. Think about how this affects your father."
Shino paused before adjusting his sunglasses. "I'm not risking anything, Hiashi." The Hyuuga, aside from Hiashi, cringed at the lack of respect. "I'm merely telling you my position on this matter. It would be best if you left Hinata and her son alone or you'd be the one taking dangerous risks."
Neji glanced at his uncle, awaiting the order to attack the Aburame heir; Shino had yet to withdraw his kikaichū as if awaiting their attack. But to attack someone of such standing as Kiba did would have ramifications. They could ignite a war within Konoha's clans and it could destabilize the entire village if not the region. The Akimichi clan's position would be most influential, and Neji was concerned Shino could sway Choji.
But his uncle didn't seem worried. If anything, he had a look of amusement. The two stood unwaveringly, as the others watched with unease. Even Kiba was worried about what Shino could and would try to do to Hiashi, or more likely what he'd force the Hyuuga leader to do. He was putting himself at great risk.
The clap of thunder didn't seem out of the ordinary given the forecast and neither flinched.
But it was the series of fiery explosions that rattled them all.
AN: OMG, that last chapter really got a discussion going and I'm glad. The feedback has been tremendous and helpful. It even got me thinking. Thank you for all the support! Even when I'm incredibly busy, I'm still thinking of this story and how to move it forward.
I know Kouto was missed last chapter and you were all looking forward to Sasuke kicking some ass already but I still had a ton to put in before we got to that point. But you can pretty much guess what's going down in the next chapter which is tentatively titled "World on Fire" or "Bad Blood." We will have some very much anticipated arrivals to look forward to and reunions that might turn out okay or not.