Shades of Cool

Chapter 14 - Complications

Short Description: Team Sasuke return to Konohagakure and Hinata comes face to face with a reality she herself was not yet ready to face.

Team Sasuke made their journey back to Konohagakure. On their way back, Hinata had sent a message to Kakashi informing him of their journey. Shinra and Sumire, now fully rested, spoke of their adventure in the Neko Underworld, much to Hinata's dismay. They spoke of how the Neko thoughts of them as their own and feeding them until Shinra had dropped his cat ears, informing that they were deceivers. As they were able to defeat the smaller Neko, they met and truly understood who Nekomata was.

"How did you defeat Nekomata, sensei?" asked Sumire. "Because Shinra and I had a hard time."

Shinra nodded. "We had to throw so many kunai's at him to get him to back off." he frowned. "But we left alive!"

Hinata allowed herself to breathe. She didn't want to let her anger out on Sasuke for allowing them to fight such a large being, however they stood before her without a scratch. Sighing in relief, she listened closely as Shinra and Sumire continued on with their stories of the Neko underworld.

An hour had passed and the gates of Konohagakure was visible. Awaiting them was Kakashi, along with Midori and Shijima. Smiling, Shinra made it his mission to run towards his grandmother, a wide grin on his lips as he did so. "Baa-chan! I completed my mission with Sasuke-sensei!" he cheered, laughing as he ran towards her.

Hinata felt warm. She remembered her first mission with Kurenai, and though her father wasn't awaiting for her arrival, her sister was. As she reached the gates of the Hyuga compound, Hanabi would continually sprint towards her. She would give her elder sister a hug and demanded to know what she did on said mission.

"Sumire." Shijima spoke as they arrived at the gates. "I see your mission was successful."

Sumire nodded, grinning at her elder sister. Shijima patted her sisters shoulder before nodding towards Sasuke and Hinata. "Arigato."

"Well, Sasuke." Kakashi intercepted. "How was Sora-Ku. Brought back any memories?"

It was not long ago that Kakashi was their Jonin instructor telling them that they were to be going to Sora-Ku to get hand prints for Neko-Baa and the look on their faces was a comical one. All except Sasuke's.

The Uchiha nodded slightly.

"Baa-chan. I met a large snack who's name was Aoda and then we met Nekomata!" Shinra chuckled, remembering the look on Nekomata's face when he was defeated. "Oh, we also had to wear-"

Midori coughed a few times, interrupted an excited Shinra. Her grandson frowned, letting his eyes widen. "Are you alright, Baa-chan? Have you been taking your medication while I was gone?"

Midori nodded, wiping her mouth and away the blood that Shinra was unaware of. "Let's go talk to your mother." she whispered, grasping Shinra by her arm. "Arigato, Uchiha-sama. For allowing Shinra to go with you." she nodded towards Sasuke.

Sasuke nodded back, his eyes on the young boy as his once look of content faded away. As Sumire and Shinra soon faded away with their guardians, Hinata soon spoke up. "I should be taking my leave, as well, Sasuke-kun. Hokage-sama." she bowed, letting her eyes close and her lips curve into a smile.

Kakashi adverted his eyes to Sasuke as his old student watched the Hyuga girl walk away until she, too, faded into the distance. When Sasuke brought his eyes to Kakashi, he frowned. "Stop stating at me." he muttered. "Did you get the documents I sent?"

Kakashi nodded. "Follow me." he spoke, and began to walk the trail towards the Hokage tower. "They are interesting one. Tell me, why have you decided to dig it up now."

"That would be the only way I remain in this village." Sasuke bit, seriousness in his tone. "And if they do not agree, as well as she then I will leave."

Kakashi glanced at the Uchiha. 'He's serious.' he thought. "Then why remain here not knowing if the documents are valid?" he asked. "What if they're far too ancient to be renewed?"

Sasuke didn't answer. He didn't have a plan. He went with what his gut was telling him, and all he new that his plan (so far) was going as he desired.

Hinata's hands dusted away the dirty on the cold, hard stone. Her eyes watered slightly, but no tears fell. She let herself fall to her knees, having no care if she dirtied her skin with the cold muddy ground. Her eyes wandered to the name on the stone and sighed. 'Hyuga Neji'.

It was a tradition Hinata held. Whenever she was on a mission, her mind would think on Neji and when she returned, she would sit there for hours, letting her thoughts out and speak to him. For the last two years, she cried uncontrollably, unable to keep her tears back any longer. Now, she wished she could cry without deeming herself as weak. She couldn't cry anymore, the tears simply wouldn't fall. No matter how wet her eyes had gotten, then wouldn't fall.

"Nii-san..." Hinata gulped. It's been a while since she had spoken to him. "I'm back. I went on a mission to an abandoned village called Sora-ku." Hinata chuckled. "Well, if you can call it a mission."

The wind blew around her. She shivered. "I went with Sasuke-kun. He's training me now. Ever since...Otou-san disowned me. I have four more months to become stronger. I hope I can."

Hinata hung her head, her eyes closing. She reminisced on Neji's stern face, only softening when he spoke to her.

"I wish you were here, then maybe everything would be better. Easier." Hinata sighed. "I don't know what to do...or...how to think. I miss Hanabi-chan and you, as well." the heiress shook her head. "I miss how everything use to be. I don't...I don't want to be head...but I don't want Hanabi to be ripped from her childhood because I was far too weak to handle it."

Laughing bitterly, Hinata clenched her small fists. She felt her nails dig into her skin.

"I can't give up, however. If I do, everything I've worked hard for would be for nothing. It's sadden's me that...Sasuke-kun believes in me more than I come to believe in myself, Nii-san. He gave me the confidence that I couldn't give myself. He reminds me so much of...you."

For the first time, Hinata was sure of herself. Sasuke had reminded her of Neji. The glares, the stern looks and at times - rare times - the teasing. Her nii-san was serious, and rarely found things comical, but when he did his smile radiated and could light up any situation. "I remember when you asked why my adoration was for Naruto-kun...you thought I was weird." Hinata snickered. "And though you didn't approve of my...obsession of him, you never told me not to."

Hyuga Hiashi had his thoughts about Uzumaki Naruto. He knew of the boys past before he or any of the children did and didn't approve of his daughter's infatuation with the Jinchuriki. He demanded that she'd stay away from the boy and she did, only watching him from afar. Her father had told her that he desired to see her become head, then marry with someone that was of his nephew - Neji, the genius of the branch family. It was sadden that he was born into a father that was only seconds apart from his elder brother and deemed unworthy of the main branch.

"Nii-san...I don't love Naruto anymore." Hinata breathed. It was as if a relief was lifted from her shoulders. "And now that I do not, I have more freedom then I ever felt necessary.

When the wind blew around her once more, it was a sign for Hinata that it was her cousin speaking to her.

"I think my feelings are for someone else, Nii-san. Someone like you." Hinata touched the cold stone and traced Neji's name before standing and wiping her knee's. "Jā matane." she muttered, turning away from his grave and making her way out.

Hinata stepped through the path out of the grave, her heart full. This would be the first time she didn't cry while visiting his grave and she knew this was her path of recovery. No longer was she a frightened little Hyuga, she could see what other's seen. What Sasuke seen. She was confident, and with this confidence she would become head of her clan and fight for the rights of the branch members. She didn't had the desire to see her own family members, either closely or not, treated with such disrespect and as servants.

Coughing had took Hinata out of her trance. She was startled, but turned towards where the coughing was. Activating her byakugan, she looked around to see familiar chakra towards the left of her. 'Shinra-kun...' she thought, watching. Midori had been kneeling as well, wiping her mouth where blood once been while Shinra frowned towards the ground. 'Nishi...Shimura. That must have been Shinra's mother...' Hinata gulped as she seen a few tears dropping from Shinra's eyes. Her once full heart was now breaking.

Kiba chuckled as the puppies surrounding him began to bark madly. Besides them was a sleeping Akamaru and his mate, Kaoru. It was time to give the pups and bath and they were excited as ever. Picking up the 6 of them, he placed them inside the large metal bath and started the water. "You guys seem more excited than usual." he chuckled.

"If only you were as excited to take a bath." said Hana, walking through the back door of her home. "You have a guest that wishes to speak with you."

Kiba furrowed his brows. He was ready to retort when Hana spoke of a guest. As she opened the door wider, his eyes widen and his lips came to a grin. "Nata!" he chuckled, grabbing the girl into a bear hug and twirling her around. Behind her came Shino. "You have to tell me when you're going on missions so I won't miss you!"

Hinata giggled as she was let down from Kiba's crushing hug. She looked towards the puppy playing inside their bath with one another and hummed. "I see Kaoru had he puppies."

Kiba nodded. "You're a bit late, but she had them." he spoke. "So, how was your mission."

Hinata nodded, allowing her lips to curve wider. Her eyes adverted to Shino. "Did you know Kiba has a girlfriend?" he asked.

Shino shook his head, turning towards Kiba for confirmation. Said Inuzuke redden. "W-WHat?"

"I went on a mission to Sora-kun. I met Tamaki." Hinata exclaimed. "She spoke well of you."

Kiba chuckled nervously while shaking his head. "I suppose you can call her that." he shrugged, not wanting to let of his cool.

Hinata grinned.

When the heiress had left from the cemetery after witnessing a sadness Shinra and Midori, she decided to visit Shino then Kiba. She had not seen her teammates in weeks and had the desire to check up on them. She knew just as much as anyone that Kiba was skeptically of her going away with Sasuke, which is why she hadn't told him. However, she was no fool into knowing that Kurenai would tell them for her.

"Now that we're on the subject of relationships," Kiba turned serious. "What is up between you and Uchiha?"

Hinata sighed. She knew he was going here.

"Is it any of your concern, Kiba?" Shino spoke, pushing his shades onto his nose. "It is not our relationship."

Hinata was always grateful of having Shino as a savior.

"Well I'll rather hear it from her then anyone else in the village." Kiba defended. "Kami, everyone is talking about you and Uchiha being together. If you aren't dating, then you need to address the rumors."

Hinata gulped. "I-I..." she didn't know what to say or how she would address such rumors. She never heard them up close and person, only when she was with close friends who knew her enough to know they were false.

"Kiba." Shino warned. His eyes may have been covered, but the Aburame knew how to intimidate with his short words and bland expression.

Kiba sighed. "Nata," he grasped her shoulder. "I just want you to be careful. You know how Uchiha is. I don't want him dragging you into any mess that he has."

Hinata was thankful, but she was sure she was already too far deep with the Uchiha than they knew.

"Sasuke-kun? You aren't home yet?" asked a stunned Hinata when, while walking from Shino's home, encountered the Uchiha walking towards his own compound.

Sasuke muttered, "I've been with Kakashi."

Hinata nodded. They both walked the trail in silence, neither of them having anything to say. Though, it was comfortable silence and not eerily frightening as it had been when they were first beginning to become acquaintances. Hinata had grown comfortable with the Uchiha, and he the same. He no longer hissed or easily snapped at her, but instead would remain silent until he could find another way to respond to her. She no longer stuttered and rarely gotten embarrassed. In a way, they were both growing comfortable in their surroundings.

"Hinata!" a familiar voice rang through said girl's ears. She widen her eyes. She knew the voice. It was the same, soft voice that she adored, and also the same that she's be avoiding. The voice she was afraid to hear. "You're back from your mission!"

Sasuke heard the voice, as well. It was a soft voice, almost child-like and young. It resembled Hinata's, if she was a few years younger. As he glanced at Hinata, her face shown with fear. He watched her gulp before turning slowly to witness who the voice belonged to.

"Imouto-san..." Hinata muttered, her eyes widening.

Sasuke took a look at the young girl, Hinata's sister as she said. They were similar. The same pale skin with wide pearl, pupiless eyes. Her hair was long past her hips and tied in a low ribboned ponytail. She sported a tan-colored, long sleeve kimono that stopped at her knees with red flames at it's design and a white obi around her waist.

Hanabi sprinted towards her sister and wrapped her in a tight hug, her eyes closing and mouth in a smile. "I missed you, Nee-chan." she whispered into her sister's chest.

Hanabi had came from sneaking out of the Hyuga compound to take a stroll of the village. On her way home she seen a familiar figure and knew it was her sister. The morning she received her sister's letter and was far too engrossed in seeing her again that she needed to clear her mind. "Where have you been? Did you just come back?" Hanabi asked, pushing herself away to stare at her sister with wide eyes.

Hinata gulped. She knew, one day, that she would have to face Hanabi before it was her time to fight her in becoming head. She knew, yet as many times as she thought thought through it on what to say, Hinata was completely and utterly speechless. All she could do was hold Hanabi and blink away forbidden tears that dared to fall. 'I won't cry.' she told herself. She was past crying.

Hanabi moved her head to look towards the Uchiha watching them. Her eyes turned back to her sister and she whispered, "Why are you with him?" she asked. "Was he apart of your mission?"

He was uncomfortable.

Sasuke had no desire to stay while Hinata and her sister caught up, however he found himself unable to move away. He was unsure of how Hinata would act when she seen her sister, and so far, she had not sobbed and fallen to the ground.

"Imouto-san...I missed you." Hinata's throat ached as she spoke. "But, Oto-san would be angered that you are with me."

"Why?" Hanabi questioned, knitting her brows. "You've been away for so long. I think he misses you, as well."

Hinata shook her head. She smiled at her sister, a warm - but sad - smile that Hanabi knew was different than the smiles she gave out usually. Hinata stroked Hanabi's hair and shook her head again. "I can't come back, Hanabi. Otou-san will not allow it."

Hanabi was taken aback. "Why not?" she asked. "It's your home why...is it because of him?" Hanabi pointed to Sasuke, who was jusgt as taken back as they were in this situation.

Hinata shook her head. She grasped Hanabi's hands and placed the down. "It's impolite to point, Hanabi. You know that." she scolded calmly. "Otou-san...has disowned me."

Sasuke grunted. The young girl went through various expressions. Her eyes glared at him before softening at Hinata. Then, her face fell and he could have sworn she was about to cry. Then suddenly, out of the clear blue sky, her face turned red with anger and she shouted. Tears did fall from her eyes as she shook her head.

"I will not be returning until 4 months from now." Hinata grabbed her sister's shoulders. "And I know you do not wish to become head, but until I return, becoming as strong as you can be, imouto-san."

Monday, January 29th - Ino

Hinata was confused when she ran around the village with Lee (who greeted her and stated that she had been missing for a few days; in which, she responded that she had gone away on a mission. After her running around the village, Lee had given her some light training weights that she could borrow to become even faster, stating that when she wears them she would become fast like it. Hinata now understood that she was not reaching Lee's stamina, he was simply letting her catch up.

Now, Hinata stood forward to an annoyed Sasuke and a smirking Ino with crossed arms when she reached the training grounds. When arrived, Ino and Sasuke were throwing witty remarks at one another before noticing her. "Oh, Hinata!" Ino sang, smiling.

"Ino-chan." Hinata bowed. "What are you doing here?" she roamed her eyes between Sasuke and Hinata.

Sasuke cleared his throat. "Ino will be training with you today." he spoke.

Hinata knitted her brows. "Uh..."

"I've constructed a schedule for you to follow to become more skillful in areas I cannot assist you in." Sasuke instructed. "Monday's and Tuesday's will be spent with Ino, sadly..." Sasuke rolled his eyes while Ino glared. He smirked when he seen the grin that formed on Hinata's lips. "Wednesday's and Thursday's will be spent with Sakura at the medic. I've spoken to Tsunade and she agreed."

Hinata nodded. She assumed that working with Ino would be different, yet effective. As well with Sakura, with Tsunade's approval. She had experience in the medical field, not far experienced as Ino and of course, Sakura was.

"Friday's and half of Saturday's would be spent with Tenten training in weaponry and Kenjutsu. The other half of Saturday and Sunday would be spent with me so I can see how you've grown." he nodded.

Hinata found herself sighing. Sasuke tilted his head. "Is there a problem?" he asked.

"Well, I'll only be seeing you a day and a half of the week?" she whispered to him, trying to be low enough so the nosy Yamanaka wouldn't hear. Much to her dismay, she did hear and was trying to contain her curiosity.

Sasuke grunted. "I'll be available after your training is done if you'd wanted to train with me throughout the week." suggested Sasuke. Watching a small beam enter Hinata's face, Sasuke himself let the corner of his lips curl. His eyes turned back to the Yamanaka and he scolded. "Now, I'll be going."

Hinata watched as he walked off, Ino's eyes watching her and she did. "Well, well, Hinata." she giggled. "No wonder everyone has their own fantasies. You and Sasuke seem so lovey dovey!"

Hinata shook her head, her hands shaking with her. Before she could deny the allegations, she was dragged by Ino. They strolled down the village with Ino grasping her arms tightly so she wouldn't be able to release it. They reached Amagùriam - a sweet shop. It was located n Konoha Avenue and a place where Team 10 along with Asuma would occasionally visit. "Now Hinata, we can sit here and get to be girls." Ino cheered.

As a worker came to take their order, Hinata ordered a water. Ino gasped. "No, she'll have a sweet tea as will I." she spoke. "And I'll have sweet bean paste and an order of dangos." Hinata called for the worker to change her order, but here voice was ignored. "What do you think about ordering water in a time like this?" asked Ino.

Hinata fiddled with her fingers. "Sasuke-kun said I should be on a diet. So I can gain stamina."

Ino shrugged. "I'm on a diet, as well. But," Ino brought her index finger to her lips and made a shushing noise. "It will stay just between us. Besides, you have such a lovely body that I'm ecstatic that you've decided to show it off a little more."

The worker came back with their drinks. Hinata let the sweet substance go down her throat. Moaning, she felt naughty in a way. As if she was rebelling against Sasuke. She was, kind of.

"Now, I'm not here to teach you anything big." Ino spoke. "I can spar with you, but most of my fighting technique's are that of my clan and I am sure you are the same.

Hinata responded with a nod.

"But, I can also be here for an ear to listen to. And I promise, everything would stay between you and I. I will treat you as I if I am a therapist. Sasuke told me you need a boost in confidence, and who else to help you but I?"

"Did you take your antibiotics?" asked Sakura to her patient. She examined the patients eyes before speaking again. "I will be leaving soon so I need to know you're alright before I do."

"I'm fine, Sakura-sama." the patient nodded. "You don't have to linger longer than you need to."

Sakura found herself grinning. She nodded. "For your sake, take it easy. I will be back tomorrow morning to check on you."

Sakura made her exit, her shinobi sandals clicking on the stone floor as she traveled down the hallway and inside her office. Sighing, she place down a few paperwork.

"Sakura."

"Tsunade-sama." Sakura turned, bowing. "I was just leaving."

"I am aware." Tsunade looked around the girls office. "How would you feel about having an apprentice?"

Sakura furrowed a brow. "An apprentice?" she asked. She never had one, or had the desire to. Sakura liked doing her work on her own and being able to work at her own pace without someone slowing her down. "I don't think-"

"It's Hyuga Hinata." Tsunade interrupted.

Sakura let her words fall. 'Hinata...' she thought. Now, it was comprehensible. Sasuke had spoken to Tsunade after speaking with her into getting Hinata as an apprentice inside the medic. She gulped, shaking her head. "No." she gathered her belongings and made her exit.

"Why the hell not?" Tsunade asked. She never took Sakura as the bitter type. She followed her former student down the hall. "You're the only one I trust in training her and showing her the basic's of the hospital."

Sakure turned on her heels. "I'm not slowing down my work to train a beginner." Sakura shook her head. "Not during working hours."

"What if I said you don't have a choice?" Tsunade asked, her voice taunting. "Now, I agree with what Sasuke had come to speak with me. He is training her after all to become head. In the next 4 months is all she has then she wouldn't be here any longer."

"Why in Kami's name should I?" Sakura raised her voice. "Do you know how long...how long..." her voice cracked.

Sakura clenched her fists. It took her years to work alongside Tsunade and train to become as skilled as she was today. She was not given any special treatment of a good name spoken about her. All of her achievements came from talent and hard work. She refused to let Hinata come through here as an apprentice with no knowledge while she had to work her ass off to get where she was now.

"Sakura, the choice is your's." the former Hokage shrugged. "However, if your choice is non agreement, you can find yourself off as head nurse."

"So, I kissed Sakura." Naruto spoke, taking a shot of water (that Sasuke was kind enough to give him).

Naruto had arrived at his doorstep upon realizing that the Uchiha was back in the village. They sat in the sitting area with barely either of them speaking, only taking a few sips of water (they only drink alcohol on special occasions, besides it was a Monday). Naruto, sick of the silence, broke it with what he thought was an ice breaker.

"Maybe she would stop obsessing over me then." Sasuke replied, unfazed.

"You're suppose to be shocked." Naruto muttered. "Why is no one shocked but me?"

"It's about time you gotten out of your fantasies with me." Sasuke shrugged.

Naruto tilted his head and smirked. "Was that a joke?" he asked. Sasuke was never the one to joke, so hearing one now, even if it was humorless, was a surprise. "I never knew the great Uchiha Sasuke could joke."

Sasuke snickered, taking another sip of his water.

"Is it Hinata coming to you." Naruto smirked. "You've been a little more...sane lately."

'Sane?' thought Sasuke. How had he been insane that he was supposedly 'sane' now? He had not murdered anyone in the village, and by how utterly rude they were at times, it was a miracle. He didn't try to leave the village, and even if he did want to, he didn't put up a fight or make his stay here difficult.

"Don't give me that look. You actually allowed me inside your house without making a fuss." Naruto waved his hands around. "And even gotten me a drink. Hinata's humbleness has rubbed off on you." he teased.

"Hn."

Naruto could only smirk. He eyed the Uchiha and knew that his friend had truly changed. Not drastically, of course. But, he had. The avenger did have more emotions. He didn't smile (at least not to Naruto) but he smirked more often then before, and now the coming jokes. He didn't mind the company (though with only he knew) and rarely raised his voice with witty remarks. Naruto was sure that this was a certain Hyuga's doing.

"How is Hinata?" asked Naruto. He was interested into knowing how the Hyuga was. He had not seen her since the day after the festival. He and Sasuke had not spoken with one another since then or about any situation that happened that night. "Does she still smell of Lavender?"

Sasuke glowered. He eyed Naruto's coming smirk and knew that the Uzumaki was taunting him in a way that he did not appreciate. He decided to ignore the Uzumaki and lay back into his seat, his eyes towards the ceiling. For a moment, he swore he could smell the fresh Lavender scent that was Hinata, but knew that it was an illusion of the mind.

"How you spoken to her about the document?" Naruto quipped. "It should be a matter of time before you tell her what you found."

Sasuke grunted. Naruto talked too much.

"I mean, it was a marriage contract." Naruto then yawned. "You gotta tell her that you spoke to her father and requested to marry her."

Sasuke glared at the ceiling. Clenching his jaw, Sasuke open his mouth to speak. "I haven't told her." he confessed. "I'm not sure how."

Naruto shook his head. He snickered. "Ah, Sasuke. Young and in love."

"I'm not in love with her." Sasuke quipped.

"Then why are you putting in requests to marry her?" Naruto intercepted. "I mean, why waste your time going to Hiashi himself and requesting his daughter's hand in marriage. Why dig up old Uchiha documents if you didn't feel anything for her?"

Sasuke honestly wanted to get into attack mode. He himself didn't know the questions they were asking and it confused him greatly. Why he desired, after all the years, to present a marriage contract to Hyuga Hiashi in hopes that he would give Hinata to him willingly - as sad as it sounded.

Sasuke found the marriage contract when he was given the many documents by Kakashi. He was astonished, however he decided it was nothing. He left it aside, but when he witness the Hyuga girl frightened...afraid for her life...confused and lack of confidence while she strikes the wooden post, he rethought his decision. A month ago, it was about the power it would give the Uchiha name - marrying a Hyuga and baring children with her. Now, it was different situation - more difficult than ever.

Hiashi had not agreed. The man seemed downright pissed to see the Uchiha in his home presenting a marriage contract for his daughter. The Uchiha knew that if it was up to the Hyuga, he would have burned the contract. The Hyuga were traditional when it came to who married one of their own and didn't allow just anyone to marry and have the possibility of gaining the Byakugan. The Uchiha were the same.

"I don't know." Sasuke hissed.

"Well, what if she says no?" asked Naruto.

Sasuke had not thought that far ahead. He had his plan and his plan was to make the heiress like him more than she liked the Uzumaki before him. His plan was not to like her back, because he was unsure if he could. Liking, loving, hell even being acquainted with a woman was nothing hew was accustomed to. He hoped that even if she didn't want to, that she would agree for the sake of her clan and the contract that was presented years ago.

Sasuke sighed. What could he say? He hadn't had a simple plan in anything and went with the flow of things and ideas. He didn't think about if she said no, but his mind wandered to if she agreed with him. He hadn't constructed ideas afterwards if she agreed, but like before, he'd go with the flow of things.

Sasuke never thought about marrying. He had a desire to die after fighting his brother, and when that had not worked, he wished to die in the war. And even after that, he constructed that Kami had a way with things. He couldn't die, Naruto wouldn't allow it and neither did Sakura. He couldn't travel for long, because after a few months Naruto would come looking for him himself and declare that he'd return to the village. What else was there to do in a village that didn't want him? He'd suppose he would settle and start a family.

"Then there wouldn't be a need for me to stay in this village."