Chapter 27. To be a Something
"What you mean by we can't visit Sasuke?!" Naruto yelled in outrage at the staff lady in front of desk
I smack his head of course, yelling like that clearly pull everyone attention to us. I don't care if the lady actually have some hatred to Naruto for his status as Jinchūriki, it doesn't give him right to be rude, add the fact he shouting in hospital, a place where people resting
"Be polite Naruto. Let the lady explain first." I said with scowl
Naruto frowned back at me but nonetheless, he still lower his head and mutter apology to the receptionist
I turned to the lady and smile politely at her "May I know why we can't visit Sasuke?" I asked
"Well..." The lady give me polite face as well in return, though her eyes glancing to Naruto with disdain for moment "Sasuke-sama right now can't have visitor since he still being stabilized, there strict order to make sure he left alone as well."
Order to left alone? Ah... It must be for his own safety, after Kabuto breaking through security and ANBU that guard him easily, the guard that surround Sasuke must be multipled now
"Order?" Naruto asked with scowl and curiosity
"I don't know the details, his Jōnin sensei, Kakashi Hatake come up and bring the document to us and that's it." She answered simply
Hearing Kakashi name Naruto frown gone, replaced by resigned expression as his shoulder slumped slightly like puppy that just rejected
"This is suck!" Naruto pouted
"Maa, Naruto don't be so loud, this is hospital."
A familiar voice make us turned to the corridor, we see certain masked Jōnin walking toward us, his posture and demeanor seems nonchalant as usual
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto called aloud, ignoring what he just said which prompt me to smack him in head playfully again
"Keep your voice down!"
"Sorry!"
Kakashi only eye smiled to us, I don't know how he able to curl his eye into that line, must be done it for long time
"Hatake-san." Haku bowed politely to him and I also offer small bow
"Hello Kakashi-san." I greeted as well
"Hello Haku, Haru, I see you two also come to visit Sasuke." Kakashi replied to us
"And Hinata too." I added
"Ah, yes, Hinata-san too." Kakashi nodded "Well, sadly for you three, Sasuke can't be disturbed now, what caused it is classified for now." His lone eye glanced toward each of us, judging our expression, Haku and I not show any sign of disturbed but Naruto did as his frown returned "I hope you all can respect his privacy, there something people cannot share, give him time." He continued
"We understand, well..." I give look to Naruto who nodded with relented face that mixed with worry "I guess we will visit Hinata then..."
"Ah, yes, for that. I believe, I had meet Hiashi-sama on my way before, visiting Hinata-san as well."
Huh? Hiashi already here? The sun just rise few minutes ago! That was fast, how he arrive here so soon? Someone told him perhaps but who? Doesn't matter though, it not like I care about him
"And he ask me if I see you, Haru, to tell you that he wish to talk with you."
Now that, what is matter
"Talk with me?" I repeated while blinking like an owl
"Yes." Kakashi nodded "He didn't tell me what he want to say, but I guess you already know."
Oh, I knew. I knew already, I already predict thing like this would happen after all. It must be about Hinata, if I recall there episode where he, his father, and Hanabi visit Hinata in hospital
"I take it he wish to talk with me alone?" I asked with matter of fact tone
Kakashi nodded, his eye still looking bored like usual and I inwardly sighed
"It not like I have any choice." I muttered "He still in Hinata room I take it?"
"Yes, she on room 214."
I give small thankful nod to him before turned to Naruto and Haku "You two stay here for moment okay? I will return or send you message when I'm done talking with Hyūga-sama."
Haku give small nod at that, her face no show any emotion save for the polite and kind smile she always wear. Naruto meanwhile frown a bit, he seems dislike it but he not make any attempt to protest
I began to walk to direction of Hinata's room. There many hospital in Konoha actually, a six or ten if I recall, however the one that I currently in is one of the biggest. The hospital system in here is unlike in our World -not that I know about them much-, in here there mutlitple different Hospital, each of them treating different wound and injuries, from the light one to severe
Of course there will be emergency treatment if the patient that severely wounded close to nearby Hospital that treat light injuries, however the one that treat severe injuries is open only to the one who dying or such things
Finally, I arrive in front of Hinata room, raising my hand I knock it twice and waiting for response. It wasn't that long as I heard familiar voice come through the door
"Who is it?"
"Its me, Haru, Hyūga-sama." I responded to him
There silence for moment before the voice replied
"Come in."
I open the door, muttering small 'excuse me', I enter the room and granted by sight of Hiashi, Hanabi, a Hyūga in maid uniform with green hair -Natsu if I recall her name-, and also Hiashi's father
"Hyūga-sama." I bowed to Hiashi and his father in greeting manner
Hiashi in response give me small nod of greeting, his father only silence and staring at me with what I call Hyūga-stoic face. Turned to Hanabi, I allow small smile grace my face and nod to her
"Ojou-sama." I greeted in barely restrained jovial tone
Hanabi seems noticing my tone as her right eye twitched a bit, though her face remain stoic like 'proper' Hyūga. I snickered inwardly, dealing with children always bring amusement to me
"Morning Haru-san, I take it you pass the second exam?" Hiashi asked in stoic tone
"I am." I admitted, my voice also sounded calm like him
"Then I suppose I must say congratulation, entering to main stage of Chūnin exam in your first try is not something easy after all." Hiashi complimented
"Thank you Hyūga-sama." I replied before I glanced at Hinata, she awake obviously, I can see her eyes opened but perhaps she still can't sit properly "Though, I also wish to said congratulate to Hinata."
"Congratulate?" Hiashi's father asked, voice fileld with disbelief
"Yes, she fight against older, stronger, and more experienced opponent, and able to land severe hit to him." I said and its true, Neji left lung is damaged make no mistake it not fatal but it quite wound, he also treated to hospital after his battle with Hinata done "And she will able to win, had she not facing her family. Her strike will resulted in instant death."
While Hiashi's father showed disbelief face -he able to hide it but I able to caught glimpse of it-, Hiashi himself have small smile crossed to his face but only for moment before it replaced by his usual stoicism face, Hanabi also stare at Hinata with new light
"I see... And how you can tell this?" Hiashi asked
"Hinata palm that hit Neji is loud and visible enough for everyone in the hall." I answered, I allow small smile grace my face "And if Neji is as good as the rumor I heard about him, then congratulation clearly in order, the reason Neji only win is because Hinata allow him to."
"H-Haru-kun." Hinata stammered, her voice taking very soft tone
"Don't be modest Hinata, you knew it as well that the truth." I chuckled a bit "I already request the record of your fight to Kami-sama, I will give it to you as soon I get it."
I see Hiashi's father muttered 'Kami-sama?' under his breath and inwardly snicker at his confusion
"Indeed..." Hiashi cut whatever Hinata going to response "I, also wish to see the fight by myself." He stared at me with some look "Do you mind if I asked Hokage-sama to give the recording to me first?"
"I don't mind, take it if you wish to Hyūga-sama, I really intent to give it to Hinata in first place."
Hiashi nodded at me, face still set into stony expression "Very well then, if I may, there something I wish to talk with you."
"Of course Hyūga-sama." I replied, I give small nod to Hiashi's father and smile to Hanabi before take one step back and turned away, leaving from the room
As soon I step outside the room, I waited for Hiashi to come out, ten or twenty seconds later he come out. He make gesture with his head to follow him and began to walk, I wordlessly follow him from behind
We keep walking in silence for few minutes before we arrive in some open place in hospital, briefly I let my sensor ability to spread, sending pulse of Chakra to surround me and I found none response to it, which mean we alone now
Hiashi turned to me, his arms still crossed to the sleeves under his formal kimono "How Hinata doing actually?"
"She's good, very good Hyūga-sam- Hiashi-sama." I corrected myself when see Hiashi eyebrow quirked a bit "Like I said, she got Neji, a solid hit from two palms to his left chest."
"I take it my daughter not hit with intent to kill?"
"With all respect Hiashi-sama, if that was sparring match in your clan then I sure the referee will declare Hinata as winner."
Hiashi and I stare at each other, pearl white orbs meet with night black's. There no emotion in his face and I also put my best stoic look, not willing to show any weakness
After a moment, Hiashi allow himself to pull back as he close his eyes in resignation "This, is what I mean Haru-san, Hinata is too kind for her own good."
"She facing family member Hiashi-sama." I retorted calmly "If she facing one of Suna Shinobi or other Genin, I doubt she will hold back." I quirked my eyebrow slightly "I don't know much about Hyūga family, but surely you won't encourage Hinata to puncture your own nephew lung."
I knew I got him, despite Hiashi not show any sign of defeat but I got him. The first time I meet Hiashi I expect he maybe going to be asshole like many fanfiction portray him, albeit not to extreme level, however he not. He strict and stern, a little asshole but he have heart at least
And he care to his brother, there no way he want Neji, his legacy to have his lung ruptured by his own daughter, he not that cruel
Not to his own family at least
"I guess you right in that part." Hiashi said, face turned away from me and staring at the plain white wall of hospital "But people may think otherwise."
"They will..." I agreed firmly, making him narrow one of his eyes to me, he seems surprised I agree that instant "However, there other people who agree with this, Kami-sama for once will be." I said softly
The meaning was direct and blunt, Hiruzen Sarutobi will agree with this, Hiruzen Sarutobi who dubbed as God of Shinobi, Hiruzen Sarutobi who has lead Konoha through two Great Shinobi War and not just come out alive but also win
Only a moron beyond any help who will dare to call man such caliber idiot or fool, if Hiruzen agree with this, then this is the right thing
In Konoha at least
Hiashi one eye still glance at me as I finish, there no sign of emotion that I able to decipher from him. Slowly, he close his eyes and turned to me fully before reopen them
"You are very wise for someone at your age Haru-san."
"Thank you Hiashi-sama." I responded with chuckle "Living with Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha will make you grown fast."
"The Jinchūriki and Last Uchiha." Hiashi nodded, he not show any sign to be subtle at calling Naruto status, he must be know that I already aware of Naruto status
"A miracle will happen if they not arguing once per day." I said dryly and its true, no matter how I try to, Naruto and Sasuke always, and always bickering! Never in one day they not went to each other throat!
Those two really like Tom & Jerry, always fighting against each other every single day! Seriously! In previous life I used to think perhaps Kishimoto use it as comedic scene! And I really found it funny, but when its me who there to separate them from each other throat... *sigh*
"I never asked this, I heard about it from rumor but I wish to make sure of it." Hiashi glanced at me "Is it true you lost your memories when you young?"
Ah... So it about that...
"Yes... Yes I am.." I admitted "It was when I two years old... One day, I awake in orphanage and not remember anything..." I paused, face turned away and stare at the plain white wall "But there something strange... I still remember it until now..." My eyes turned to dazed "When I awake that time... Everything become so... Clear... It as if I dreaming in my whole life and I just... Boom." I make small noise while doing that
"A dream?" Hiashi inquired
"Yeah... I feel I can think more clear, understand things more easy or like that." I shrugged, my eyes regaining their light as I turn to Hiashi "When I was little, I found child my age is annoying and stupid, so I stop talking with them... Until I see Naruto... Let just say the way he isolated pique my interest and curiosity, so I decide to stay with him and study everything around him.
"Then I come to one decision, people hate him, not just him, even all children. Every children who be friend with Naruto told to stay away from him, and if they persistent to stay, they will found some... Older kids approaching to bully them."
Hiashi eyebrow quirked hearing that, his eyes gaining some interest light "I take it you experience this personally?"
"Yeah." I admitted, I still remember when I'm six years old, some seven or eight years old brat approach me. I beat him down of course "I can handle the children, they only few years older than me so it not problem. However there time when one of those children call their older siblings who already Genin."
"And?" Hiashi continued, he seems interested
"I break his arm." I said blandly
Hiashi blinked his eyes once
"What?"
"The Genin, I break his arm. Of course I got nasty wound but I stomp his elbow hard enough to make sure it bend to wrong way."
And I did, I remember that older boy try to beat me down and he did succeed. Please noted that time I only a brat, and that kid is a Genin, despite my Chakra control training but I still doesn't have fighting experience that much
Of course, things get worse to him when he underestimated me. A sweep kick, then stomp to palm and to elbow five times enough to ensure his whole arm crushed, no Ninjutsu for him and viola!
I beat the living out of him
"And Hokage-sama allow this?"
"Of course no, I got scolded and punished, but when he heard that Genin try to harm me, a civilian, well, let just say scrubbing Ninja Academy toilet for a day is worthy." I chuckled as I recall the memory, remembering that Genin have to clean Inuzuka dog places is good enough, let me tell you, the Inuzuka dogs shit is worse than normal dog, perhaps because they eat different food due to their status as Nin-ken
"I... See..." Hiashi sounded unsure as he stare at me with blank look "That was interesting story Haru-san." He nodded before clearing his throat "Anyway, I think we had spend time long enough, you wish to see Hinata condition I assume?"
"Yes."
"Very well, let's go back..." He said as he began to walk once again and I follow him, however just when he take few steps forward he stopped
"Hiashi-sama?"
"... Thank you Haru-san, for caring to Hinata."
"... ... ... Don't mention it Hiashi-sama."
"How you doing Hinata?" I asked with concern look
"I-I'm fine H-Haru-kun." Hinata smiled to me, pink hue adorn her face slightly
"Are you sure? I mean, does your arm still hurt? I can call the doctor again if you wish to."
"N-No, I-I'm fine."
"Then how about the bed? Is it comfortable enough?"
"Y-Yes."
"Okay, how about your throat? Is it dry or something? Do you want water?"
"H-Haru-kun-"
"You hungry? I can buy food from outside, no offense but we knew food hospital is-"
"Haru-sama..." Haku called me, voice sounded amused and troubled at same time as she add -sama suffix to my name like first time she serve me "Hinata-sama is fine, you not need to be that worry." She lectured me
"I'm not worried!" I exclaimed while scowling at the ice user kunoichi "What I ask is proper question in Hospital!" Its true! Asking bed, food, drink, and her condition is what nurse mostly asked to the patient when they treat them!
"Uh-huh, yes, I knew that Haru-sama, I work with medic nin in here." Haku replied, voice laced with amusement "But a proper nurse only asked their patient once, not every five minutes." She said in exasperated tone
I blushed slightly while Hinata giggling with amusement at Haku words. On my defense, Hinata just got her organs punctured and one of joint in her arm crushed like a pulp then reshaped back like some kind of clay! I have every right to worry!
"H-Haru-kun, y-you not need to b-be that worry, I'm really fine." Hinata said in reassuring tone
"Okay then." I grumbled in defeated tone as I slumped a bit
"See? Hinata-sama is fine, so you not need to ask it once again in next five minute." Haku told me, and as if proving what she said, she give small tug to Hinata shoulder playfully who smiled at her
"Haku! You supposed to be on my side, aren't you my servant?!" I whined to her
"Servant? Didn't you said I suppose to treat you as my friend Haru-san?" Haku asked innocently while tilted her head to one side and blinking like five years old child
I try my best to give her scary look and scowl, but it must be come out as wrong expression as Hinata giggle become louder while Haku smile get widen
What? You surprise I can play a joke? I can't always be adult you know, I dealing with Naruto and Sasuke for a years! There no way in hell proper adult can stay with them for that long and stay sane!
"I'm glad my misery amuse you all." I said in sarcasm, shaking my head slightly "But in all seriousness, Hinata I really worry you know." My sudden change of tone must be surprise as I see Hinata seems taken back "When I see you from upside... I..." I feel my throat become dry for unknown reason
What I feel that time... Is pure anger... There nothing else to say, I admit it even clouded my mind. And while I knew it reasonable for me to get angry to Neji, part of my mind screamed at myself
I can prevent such thing to happen in first place if I wish to... A few words to Neji and trading punches in early age and viola, Hinata won't be hurt this bad
But that not troubled me... No... It was the sense of morality I have...
First time I arrive in this World, I treat all people in here as not Human, they all only a thing, a doll, a fake Human, a character from fictions World. I play them like a puppet, fake smile to them, throwing sweet and honey words to everyone
And I have no problem doing that
I really am, I didn't even care about it a bit
But lately... Lately... I... I become soft...
"Haru-kun..." Hinata voice break me out from my stupor, her face surprisingly calm as she look into me "You worry, I knew... And I'm thankful for that." She smiled genuinely to me like an Angel "However, wasn't it you that said, We are Shinobi now." Her words filled with firm steel for some reason "We are legally adult, and you won't be at our side forever." She place her well condition hand on her chest "It not your fault I'm hurt, it my own decision, surely you understand that, right now, I am a Kunoichi, no longer girl in academy."
I only can stare at the Hyūga with astonished look. For some reason this scenario quite familiar, I can't recall it where I seen it though.
Slowly, small smile crossed to my face. I did say that aren't I? Well...
"If you said it in such intimate manner." I breath out a dramatic sigh "How can I said something else?" I enjoy the blush that Hinata have, I really am, this girl really like a doll! "I guess, you has grown huh? From the little, timid and meek girl, into beautiful, adult and brave woman." I said in exaggerate manner
It take everything I have to not glomp this girl when her face turned to full red. I mean, have you ever seen someone face turned to like tomato?! I never seen one in previous life! Things like this happen must be because Chakra! It so amazing!
Damn my weakness to cute things
"H-Haru-kun!" Hinata squeaked out with mixture of indignant and embarrassment
I allow chuckle out from my mouth, Haku also follow my act as Hinata face scrunched to small pout
"A-Anyway! A-Aren't you two supposed to rest now? I-I mean, you two still not sleep until now right?" She asked while changing the topic
Well... That was true, Naruto not here is because he ordered by Kakashi to go home and rest so he can trained properly tomorrow, right now everyone is supposed to resting.
According to Haku, Naruto protested but Kakashi won't have any of that, he said this is strict order and can visit Hinataa tomorrow after he rest, taking care of himself first before someone else
He also told Haku here to go home but... Let just say Haku very stubborn, add the fact she not part of Team 7. I doubt Naruto will sleep though, he probably waiting for me right now to inform him about Hinata condition
However, truthfully we, Ninja, actually can go without sleep for one day. It was very obvious, we are far stronger than normal Human, so our stamina and body also affected. If I want, I can go wake up without sleep for two days
But still, sleep is necessary for our health, despite we can awake more than 24 hours, but we still sleep like normal people. Of course, if there emergency things we can push ourselves, Jōnin like Gai and Kakashi caliber can easily fight without problem even if they not sleep for 24 hours
I, Myself also can fight without have to sleep. Of course it will be very tiresome and I won't in my prime condition, however at least I'm not going to be defenseless when got ambushed
Normally, I going to say no and insist to stay with her... But now...
"M-Maybe you right." I cursed myself for stuttering a bit, despite it only small but I knew Haku and Hinata caught it. Closing my eyes and take breath, I let it out slowly "I obviously need some rest."
"H-Haru-kun?" Hinata voice filled with concern and confused, no doubt because my mood change
Hiding it would be useless, it clear they already knew, and my mind right now also really need some break. I pretend to be fine and cheer her up but in truth I, myself also in need of some help
I can't do this alone...
"Haku, I order you to leave me alone for today." I said blandly as I slowly stand
But at same time I can't ask for help...
"Haru-sama?"
"H-Haru-kun?"
Ignoring them, I turned and walk toward the room door, placing my hand to the knob I open it before take one step outside and paused
"I will visit again tomorrow I promise." I muttered loud enough for them
I already this far... A whole clan and people dead... I can prevent Hizashi dead but I didn't... I can do something about Uchiha clan, yet I let them dead just like that, true it would be better seeing Orochimaru can stole their bodies if they still alive but...
A children... A baby... A pregnant mother... A kind and loving sibling...
I already have too many dead people on my back... And I never care about them in first place... Never even think about them... Never even give small amount of care... They all is nothing but Pawn and dead bodies...
Heck, even I don't care about what happen to Sasuke, a child who trapped in his own nightmare for three days, watching his family to be butchered over and over again by his own big brother who in fact love him so much that he can't kill him but he can kill his own lover, father and mother
Even Naruto, and Hinata... I never even think about them... True I get fond of them, but they still only pieces of chessboard to me...
And yet...
As I walk out from hospital, I found myself staring at the Hokage mountain, four Leader of Konoha faces that look to the whole village, watching over them like a guardian and symbol that represent the village
"Why the fuck I have to regain my morality now?" I croaked out to no one
I didn't notice it... Not at all... At first, it was subtle, very subtle... The thought to protect everyone close to me, to holding them, nurture them, always be there for them, becoming their support... I brush them off... Thinking them as nothing but my mind try to make plan and adapt so they depend on me, so they close to me and only count on me, making me easy to manipulate them as I wish...
But now... This can't be denied anymore... What happen with Neji when I snap... That wasn't fake feeling, that wasn't act... It was pure rage... I really going to kill Neji that time if he come at me, Chidori or Rasengan straight to his heart, consequence be damned.
That wasn't good... Really not good at all...
I allow myself to be controlled by my feeling, showing sign of weakness to the World that filled with monsters. Such sign... It would be the death of me... For all I know, now Orochimaru who observe me already aware that I have fondness to Hinata and...
I'm not ready for monster at Orochimaru caliber... Not yet... Even with Sharingan and go all out by showing all my Ninjutsu and Genjutsu in arsenal, I don't think I can win against him.
But moreover... With my morality intact like this... What about my goal? I already did so much... So many things I can prevent but I allow them for my plan and goal... It not like I don't want to let it go... I realize part of my mind wishing for me to stop this madness, to stop my scheme and make this village become better...
But so many has died and sacrficed for my sake, for my ambition... And if I let it go... I can't... Add the fact that there still big monster beneath this peaceful tree that possibly watching over me now...
"Ah, there you are."
My neck snapped instantly when familair voice spotted me, my eyes widened at the figure that approach me with gentle smile in his face
"K-Kami-sama!" I gasped, instantly I fell to one knee in honorable position
"Stiff as usual huh?" He sighed, I can't see his face since I look down to the ground but I'm sure he look annoyed like usual "Get up Haru-kun."
I did as he command, keeping my face calm while inwardly I panic a bit "Kami-sama, are you looking for me?" I asked "All you need just to tell one of Ninjas to contact me, not need to look for me personally." He must be want to talk further about my Sharingan and my act, Gods this will be very dangerous! I knew it will happen after the Preliminary Exam done, and I already have plan to handle it but...
"Well, let just say I need to escape from some paperwork." Hiruzen responded with mirth in his eyes "And you proved to be good alibi." He stated "Do you mind to accompany this old man to walk around the village?"
Like you give me any choice...
"Of course!" I said with nod "I have nothing else to do so..."
"Good!" Hiruzen chuckled "Then, let go visit Memorial Stone, it been a while since I go there after all."
For Sasuke, Haru is brother... One that can't be replaced by anyone... No, calling him brother wouldn't be enough. Haru is friend, best friend, and can be said father, or even mother figure sometime
He still remember the time they spend together ever since they were children. How Haru been there for him, helping him with his training, waking his up from his nightmare and comforting him, making him associate with other and give back the Light that loss when his family slaughtered
And he also help him to uncover the mystery of Uchiha Massacre
The more Haru said to him, the more it become clear that such thing can happen without village aware is impossible. Uchiha Clan by any mean not small or minor, they was one of the biggest clan in Konoha, even if their compound a bit isolated from the village but the Chakra burst or jutsu that used should be detected by the Ninja inside the village
And there no way as well Itachi can kill the whole family without one of them go to village and call for reinforcement. Granted, maybe Itachi can have help from outside but how he sneak them in without anyone noticing it and how they escape without ANBU hot in their trail?!
"There nothing we can do for now. The possibilities is too many Sasuke, but make no mistake, I don't think Itachi kill the whole clan for his own gain. No, there something bigger behind this event, and only Itachi himself know about this, so to find out the truth we have to confront him directly. And since I doubt he will speak the truth easily, we have to do it the hard way. For now, focus to getting stronger so we can get the truth from him."
Ever since that day, he train himself, no longer he bound by revenge, but with finding the truth. He want to know exactly what happen in that night, why his brother kill their family? Why he always pushing him away? Why he wish for him to avenge the family? Why he want him to have Mangekyo Sharingan as well?
And... And why he cry before he leave?
It was hazy... Only a blur... But when he find himself alone... In peace... And memorizing that painful night... He remember that Itachi cry... He shed tears when gazing to him, and that red eyes that usually always calm, composed and also cold... Express nothing but sadness and pain
So he train... He train to find out the truth, he never ask for help but Haru always there and offer him. It was slow, he never wish to get his help, but with time passed, he found that training with Haru -and Naruto- proved to be beneficial
Rather than hitting dummy, it better to have someone to spar with...
At first, he only comfortable with Haru... Too afraid to make another bond because he don't want to loss it, not after what happen to his family... But with Naruto loud nature, Hinata shy and gentle demeanor, Shino logical and composed nature... The anchor spread... No longer he bound only to Haru, but he found himseld bonded to the other as well
Like a family... And he actually like it...
Part of his mind yelling at him, screaming in anger for him to dare replace the memory of his father and mother, and all his clan members. But at same time, Sasuke found himself can't care about them... His mother and father probably want him to move on, they want revenge, yes, but they would want him to happy, especially his mother
His father for all his stoic and cold demeanor, but Sasuke has seen his soft spot, when he finally learn Gōkakyu no Jutsu (Great Fireball Technique), he remember how he declare he proud of him, and how he actually mean it. How his mother said that he always talk about him during behind his back...
They love him... They want to be revenged, yes, but they also want him to be happy...
Image of Haru wearing apron while holding ladle and smiling, Naruto with his hands crossed to back of his head while grinning, Hinata soft and shy smile while blushing, Shino stoic and composed demeanor followed by his... 'Why' joke as Haru dub it
It brought smile to his face... They are his family... His father also always said it, family come first no matter what... They maybe not related by blood, but Sasuke will give his life to save them...
And Haru...
Between the group... He is the closest person to him, second only by... Dobe...
Haru remind him of his mother actually. The way he care, the way he handle the Uchiha Compund, how he take care of him and Naruto that always debating to each other -not his fault, it was the dobe who start it!-, how he always act in the house...
And then sometime... He remind him of Itachi...
Haru is not just only talented, he is purely genius. In art of Shinobi, he display superior skill, strength, speed, endurance and everything. People often call him genius, he even heard that many Chūnin instructor said he will make into Chūnin not long after he graduate from academy
And yet... Compared to Haru...
However unlike Itachi, Haru care. Haru not push him around, he sit with him, talk how his training progress, how he get the idea to create new technique, how it can be used and even sometime ask for his opinion despite Sasuke knew the boy probably not need it...
Undoubtedly he really like Itachi... But perhaps, he not someone that push people away... He pull them with him..
Though, he knew Haru can be cold to people, that's why he remind him of Itachi. Haru while care to people in his circle, but he appear to be apathic about the outside one, he always calm and composed when handling situation, just like Itachi...
It kind of scare him because he afraid that Haru will be like HIM. Despite he knew Haru is different person, but he can't help but always comparing him to Itachi... Thinking how similar they are and just how similar his own relationship with them...
He normally always brush off that thought, thinking it as nothing but a mere fragment of his mind that loss in his dark memory. But when that... That fucking Snake Sannin plant him with this seal...
The memory surfaced... And it not pleasant... Not at all...
"I knew you already awake."
Sasuke neck snapped to the balcony direction when familiar voice call him, eyes widened when see Haru in there
"They said you can't be visited, there even one or two ANBU around but hey, it seems they not that sharp for me to able to sneak in." Haru said with small grin as he remove his sandals and step in to the room
"Haru..." Sasuke spoke softly
"Yo!" He greeted "How are you Sasuke?"
"I'm fine..." Sasuke grunted "Little sore and exhausted but give me rest for one or next two days I will be back to. Normal." His Chakra indeed depleted more than normal, but he can tell now it slowly healed, he not Chakra monster like Naruto and not even reach Haru level, but he close enough and have huge reserve for someone at his age
"Good, good." Haru nodded with small smile "I'm glad you fine... I hear that someone sneak in so..."
"Just like you did now?" Sasuke pointed dryly, does Konoha security really that bad now?
"Truthfully I'm not, I got official paper from Hokage that allow me to visit you." Haru said while holding the document to Sasuke who has his eyes twitched "That aside..." He then go and pull one chair, sitting on his side who resting in bed "We need to talk." He stated, face set to calm and composed, and once again it remind him of how Itachi expression
Sasuke doesn't sure what to say actually... He remember clearly what he said when he just awaken in Forest, how he declare that Haru just like him. How in depth part of his mind he still after for vengeance...
He actually knew Haru doesn't care if he still wishing for revenge, but he knew Haru won't approve it if he discard everything he have now just for the sake of his revenge.
"What you said in that forest..." Haru started, eyes locking to him "I know it come from you... A depth part of your mind perhaps that your abandon... And Sasuke, know that I don't care about it..."
Sasuke only can stare at him. Of course, of course Haru will said that. This is man who know Naruto secret ever since he child, and never once he give a shit about it and keep be friending with him despite just how mind boogling is it. Even if he say he doesn't care about it, but when Naruto tell him that he have motherfucking Kyuubi in his gut, he actually shocked...
He may act not bothered and he did... He didn't particularly care about Naruto condition now, but if he find out about it when they still stranger? Even he will be forced to wary... But Haru? He doesn't care at all...
So... He actually not that surprised that Haru doesn't care about what he said in forest few days ago
"But... I kind of happy that you think me as your big brother." Haru spoke, his voice now soft and filled with fondness
"I..." Sasuke swallowed, for some reason it kind embarrassing to say "I do Haru... I think of you as my family... And big brother..." He confessed "You were there for me when I'm in the darkness... You help me a lot Haru, and... You..." He gulped "You actually more brother than Itachi..." He said in whispery tone
He was sure Haru clearly not expecting that, judging by the way his eyes widened and his jaw that loosened a bit. Sasuke can see there relief and happiness that reflected in Haru eyes and he feel his face warmed a bit because saying such things
He not one who love to talk mushy-mushy things, it was Naruto and Hinata job! But he admit... It kind of nice sometime, especially at time like this
"I see..." Haru chuckled gently "I guess... I really honored you think of me like that..." He then give smile to him before it replaced by his usual calm and composed face "Then, I also have something to tell you."
"Something to tell me?" Sasuke asked, eyebrow quirked
Haru close his eyes, and it really remind him of how Itachi act for some reason when his big brother try to tell him somethimg. This brought unpleasant sensation to Sasuke but he keep his face as calm as possible
"Know that... I never intent to not tell you... It just that I found myself hard to tell you giving what happen to you..." He said in slight hesitate manner
"Haru..." Sasuke called, his voice is dry for some reason "What you actually want to say?"
Haru decide to not reply, he only silent while keep his face composed. Then slowly, he open his eyes and Sasuke breath stuck in his throat for moment
A pair of red orbs with black pupil and ring, followed by three black tomoe that swirl around meet with his black eyes
"Y-Your eyes..." Sasuke rasped, eyes wide and face express pure shock "T-That's..."
"I'm Haru Uchiha..." Haru said, voice remain blank and calm "I guess you calling me big brother not mistake, we are blood related after all."
He doesn't know what to say... His words still freeze in his throat as he try to comprehend what he actually see now, what the sight that his eyes actually grant to him
"I awaken my eyes when I'm nine... And when I did, I actually want to tell you... But I found myself hesitate." Haru continued seeing Sasuke still frozen "It wasn't secret that I'm... More mature than you and everyone else... At that time I was thinking maybe you not ready to heard it, you were still young that time and if I show you my Sharingan, I'm afraid it will effect our relationship and you take it in bad way since I will remind you of Itachi...
"You probably think of me as coward, and I only said that as a reason, I admit I was. I have no other reason than afraid that you may take it in bad way, so I decide to hide it until I'm ready... Or you ready perhaps, when you can let go your dark desire and live in more free manner."
He can't do anything but only silent as he stare at those red orbs and facial expression that eerily familiar. The image of his big brother staring at him that night with same expression and same eyes crossed in his mind and he found his grip on his blanket tightened
"Who else?" Sasuke asked, voice is dry as if he not drink for very long time
"No one... You are the only Uchiha left in Konoha, and because of that I believe you deserve to be the first who know about it." Haru answered "Though the Hokage aware of it somehow."
"... Your parent... Do you..."
"I'm an orphan Sasuke. I don't know which one was the Uchiha."
"Right..." Sasuke have decency to look sheepish at least for moment as he look to the person he consider as family and model figure. He once again only close his mouth and stare at Haru who remain impassive and collected, just like how Itachi were. "I... Haru... I..." Sasuke take deep breath, trying his best to compose himself and find the right words "This... This doesn't change anything..." He muttered, making Haru blinked "You always there for me Haru, even when before you awakened your Sharingan. So what if you have one? It doesn't matter! In fact, it was the opposite! It mean we..."
We are really family... A real brother...
And that really brought warm feeling to his chest... It really make him happy for some reason... Knowing that Haru is not just someone that he used to replace his family that loss, he really is his family!
"It been a while since I see you crying." Haru spoke softly, his collected and calm face broke into small smile
"W-What?" Sasuke hand instantly moved to his face and to his surprise, he find lone tear fell from his left eye, prompting it to become widened
"I'm glad you happy." Haru continued "And here I was afraid you going to told me to go away. But it seems you so happy that you shed a tears of joy."
His face feel hot, and judging by how Haru annoying smirk, it clear that he just make stupid or embarrassing expression! He don't know either he should pull blanket to hide himself or shoot fire to Haru face for teasing him like that!
"Haru!" He growled with obvious anger, prompting chuckle from the person that mentioned
"Sorry, sorry. Can't help it."
The atmosphere in room seems lightened than before as both of them fell to silence. It clear to Sasuke that Haru won't speak any further and waiting for how he responsed, swallowing the lump on his throat, his glare melted and his face turned to one of hesitation and unsure. He doesn't know what to say actually, this is all too much to take in...
"I... I guess... I should call you big brother then?" Sasuke asked in small tone, trying to make starter
At that Haru blinked, then he tilt his head and mouth curled to small smile "I guess so..." He said "But even if I don't have this eyes, know that you are still little brother to me." His Sharingan shifted back to his black coal eyes "You, Naruto, Hinata and Shino... The four of you precious to me. You all practically the only family that I have in this World." His small smile widen, making it more obvious as he give soft look to him "No matter what, we are brother Sasuke, you and I. We are family, and no one can change that."
Sasuke only can look to the man with astonished expression. He knew he heard it so many time, but somehow this time, this time it make him more happy than usual... Family... They are family...
"You will start your training with Kakashi-san after you got out from hospital right?" Haru asked
"Yes..." Sasuke nodded in confirmation
"Think you can spare some time for me? I can help you in using your Sharingan. Unlike Kakashi-san who have his body limited since he can't use Sharingan for long time, I can."
Sasuke this time no longer trying to hide his expression as wide and smile pure of happiness, one that he use only when he were children appear in his face
"Of course! I will love to... Nii-san."
Haru smile remain calm and collected, and for moment it remind Sasuke to how Itachi was when they spend time together. And for some reason, he doesn't afraid anymore that Haru will be like Itachi...
Because he know, for all their similarities, Haru is different...
... Hi ... So... It really been a while isn't it? ;P
Okay! Okay! Okay! I'm SORRY! I know you all obviously upset that this chapter come out so long and I actually have no reason why I updated so late! X.X
To be honest, mostly is because I want half chapter of this story to be done beta edited, since I aware my grammar was so bad! That's why I wait a bit before posting another chapter! So new reader can enjoy half of this story!
And well, thanks to Frouade effort! There many chapter that finally got edited prologue until 21! Give applause and cheer for that man! Yeah! You rock bro! Thx for helping me! XDD
Anyway, let get to the point of this chapter. This is mostly show how Haru growth. As you can see, Haru in his childhood focused to become strong and train himself properly, however if you once again read his childhood, you all will notice Haru scheme and manipulation actually not that bad. Compared to Danzo and Orochimaru, he is nothing but a cute puppy
Before any of you yell, you must know no one born as Monster in first place. Haru is not criminal in his previous life, he just normal guy, a captain in ship actually, someone with decent job, he maybe an asshole but by any mean he not killer or a monster
You can't make monster so easy. You can't just get reincarnated then "I want to have Rinnegan! Yeah! I will slaughter anyone that dare to stand in my path!" No! It not work that way! Even serial killer have slight hesitation when they about to murder their first victim -unless that serial killer have deranged mind-
Haru have many plan and scheme in his head, but the question is, when the time come, is he ready to abandon his humanity? For someone normal like him, that actually not easy, that's what we call growing jackass!
So yeah, right now he finally hit the wall! A wall that separate him from becoming monster, now the question is, will he tore apart that wall and become one to achieve his goal? Or will he warm his heart and stride away from the wall, deciding to use more humane way?
Well, that is for me to know my dear reader! And for you all to wait! Ufufufu
And he finally decide to tell Sasuke the truth! Awww! Isn't that sweet? Is he being honest to him? Or is it just his way to manipulate Sasuke further? Well, I leave that for your imagination!
Next chapter! Haru start his training, and someone finally make move on him! Our favorite perverted sage also finally make his appearance! Hahahaha!
Kay folks! This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please Favorite, Follow, and Review
Ja Ne! XD
P.S : There slight misplaced chapter in chapter 25, 26 and 27. They supposed to be chapter 24, 25 and 26, this chapter is the real chapter 27. I will fix it later as soon the chapter done get beta edited because I kind of loss the document x.x
Small Omake, inspired by non-fanfiction member review, Tsuchigumo
Legacy
She gently brushed the sleeping babe's hair, observing his sleeping face. His hair was a chestnut brown, much like hers.
The boy shifted around and yawned, and she couldn't hold back the squeal. Her baby boy was adorable! The sound made him blink, staring up at her with bleary coal grey eyes. A small, pudgy arm reached out for her, and she held it in her much larger one.
"You look a lot like your dad, little Haru," she whispered, "But you have mama's hair."
She only vaguely remembered the father of her child; tall and handsome, with contrasting pale skin and dark hair. His eyes though, she remembered very well; a flinty coal grey, sparks dancing within. She'd had a particularly tough mission the week before and had gone to the bar to get smashed- where she ended up sitting at the counter, next to the mystery man. She remembered him to be quiet, yet charming, and eventually they ended up in her apartment.
He made her breakfast next morning and left on his way, and she donned her mask and hoped being hungover wouldn't matter too much in her daily patrols.
She hadn't even asked the man's name.
ANBU operatives are subject to monthly medical and psychological evaluations, and that's where she first learned the consequences of her drunken escapade two weeks back.
"Congratulations," said the medic dryly. "You'll have a fun time explaining this to the Commander, I'm sure."
"But I can't be pregnant! How could I forget the..."
Operative Bird-12 trailled off, remembering that day.. The mystery man, as she called him in her head, was surprisingly good at cooking, and she'd had breakfast in bed that morning. A steamy shower later, he'd said goodbye and left for his mission, and she had left for her daily patrol.
She'd forgotten the morning-after pills.
The medic sighed, "I'll notify him myself; you just worry about yourself now. Come back here at 0900 hours tomorrow."
Commander Dragon was quite understanding however. There will always be place for a ninjutsu powerhouse like her in the corps, provided she regained her skills after giving birth. It's only been a a couple of months since the third war ended; every child was a valuable asset now, so she was encouraged to go along with the birth.
The Fourth relegated her back to special jounin status and set her up in a desk job.
"A baby huh? I could use one myself," mused the legendary Namikaze Minato, while he signed her ANBU reassignment forms.
She was a kunoichi born in a war torn era, growing up hearing the drums of war beat beyond the walls of her village. She knew nothing about raising a child.
"They'll take better care of you at the orphanage," whispered Operative Bird-33, trying not to feel to guilty; this was for the betterment of her child. She had rejoined ANBU as a Bird mask once more, with only a different number.
"Goodbye, Haru-kun. Mama loves you," she said, kissing his forehead one last time. She left him infront of the orphanage door, with a blank paper containing his name.
Operative Bird-33 dies in the Kyuubi attack.
Uchiha Kyouya is out on a regular patrol of the stteets of Konoha. It's been four years since the Kyuubi incident.
He watches the jinchuuriki and another boy walk through the streets, seemingly brushing off the stares of the morning Konoha crowd.
The jinchuuriki is one of Konoha's most important assets now, in its fragile state, so its Kyouya's duty as a police officer to protect him. He was sure there was an ANBU on watch, but they wouldn't come out unless anyone resorted to physical violence. However, a person cannot only be hurt physically; they can be hurt mentally too. As an Uchiha he knows this better than most.
He notices the increasingly heated words of the shopkeeper, and the rising volume of the other boy with the Jinchuuriki.
"What s wrong with you?! All he did is only looking at that mask! Why you being rude to him?! We all Konoha citizens aren't we? Naruto never even met you before in his life, let alone do you any harm!" shouted the boy. The words struck something within the police officer.
The Uchiha clan had been holding up a majority of Konoha's weight on its shoulders since the inception of the village. Tirelessly they worked to keep the streets safe, catch foreign infiltrators, track down thieves and serial killers, and hunt missing-nin. They always fought in the frontlines of every war, risking their lives to steal enemy jutsu. Most of the ninjutsu and genjutsu available to Konoha-shinobi in the archives are spoils of the Uchiha clan, yet they were chided for stealing jutsu. And even though every Uchiha was accounted for during the nine tails incident, the entire village viewed them in suspicion because great grandpa Madara had somehow dominated the freaking Kyuubi, destroyer of civilisations and a walking natural disaster.
"Now you see here boy!" The shopkeeper trying his best to look intimidating as people begin to whisper to each other now, few children even pointing to him
Decide he had see enough and the situation can get worse for the boy, Kyouya decide to interfere as he walk through many civilians and make his presence known
"Is there problem?" He asked coldly, putting Uchiha famous stoic face as he glaring at the shopkeeper and the boy
"Ah! Officer!" The shopkeeper appear to be glad, albeit he can tell the man nervous, but he tried his best to cover it "This boy! He-"
"I had see everything from the beginning." Kyouya cut him swiftly, making the man stiffened "And need I remind you there reason why Sandaime Hokage-sama put that rule?" He asked coldly "Is this your way to repay someone sacrifice?"
The shopkeeper began to sputter, Kyouya noted that there few civilians who look abashed, though majority scoffed but he still can see hint of shame behind those fear and hatred emotions. He even noted there Hyūga among them, one that wearing maid outfit and the second is a child, he realize her as Hiashi youngest daughter
"Make sure things like this not happen anymore. This boy is citizens of Konoha, and he have any right to be treated properly." He continued sharply "If you try to discriminating him because petty reason, I will report this to Civillian Monitoring Division."
The shopkeeper become pale and sputtering apologize but Kyouya pay him no mind as he looking to the boy who looking at him with wide eyes and surprised face, he no longer see the Jinchuuriki, probably already run away after yelling at
"Thanks Mister," said the little boy with brown hair and coal grey eyes.
The cop simply nodded, as he had done nothing more than hid duty. "You're welcome."
The boy give one last nod before he turned away and chased after his friend that gone.
For a moment, Uchiha Kyouya thought back to the childs dark eyes, so similar to those of his clan. He also looked quite similar to an Uchiha kid, particularly Itachi-kun, Fugaku-niisan's eldest; the younger Sasuke had taken more after Lady Mikoto and lacked the sharp angles the street boy shared with you, Fugaku and Itachi.
Maybe if he'd had a son, he might've looked a bit like that.
The police officer shook his head and cheered up inside. 'Right, I'm only twenty three years old! I still have decades left in me; I'll find a sexy and powerful kunoichi, woo her with my Uchiha charm, marry her, have two adoraable kids, and then get four adorable grandkids. I'll spoil them with lots of deadly kunai and shuriken, and die a happy man. That's my foolproof dream!'
Uchiha Kyouya died a few years later, gutted like a fish by the nephew who once demanded piggy-backs from him as a child. His dream remained unfulfilled; Kyouya was not even married.
He had wished for two children. He did not know it, but his dream had half come true.
Haru stopped by at the memorial on the way back home from training.
Nearly a hundred names had been added overnight- the last being Uchiha Shisui, once it was determined that he was probably the first victim of Konoha's latest S-rank missing-nin. Being killed by a traitor counted as dying in the line of duty, so every Uchiha shinobi who died in the massacre were mentioned on the monument. An entire column of names beginning with 'Uchiha' struck Haru's eyes.
An entire clan, wiped out. He was staring at a record of genocide, engraved into stone.
"I will avenge you, Shisui-san, don't worry I will turn this World to be a better place." whispered the boy, saying a short prayer for his unknowing kin.
He remembered a thousand hours spent with Shisui, dancing among the trees of the training grounds, laughing and trying to strangle each other. He remembered the clenched jaw of Itachi, as he delivered the letter that Shisui left for him. He remembered a hundred proud men, wearing the red and white fan boldy on their backs. And he remembered that officer from long ago, who didn't hesitate to do his duty.
He swear... In name of all dead's that caused by his manipulation and scheme, that he will change this World. He will bring peace and make sure things like this won't happen anymore when he rule over this World.
Even if it mean he have to turn this World upside down and bring the whole nations into their knee... He will change this World
By any mean necessary
