A/n: WAZZZZAAAPPPPP! Haven't updated in a while soooooooooo, without further adoooo, CHAPTER 29!


Chapter 29

"WHAT did you just say?" Sasuke edged. He grabbed Ko by the forearms, squeezing so hard, Ko heard his bones crackle in his grip.

"Sasuke calm down!" Misuma yelled. She pulled Sasuke away from Ko and eased chakra into his chest. Sasuke's breathing too hard, she thought. The news hit him too hard.

Ko watched dumbfoundly. "What's wrong?"

"Like I said before, he hasn't healed fully," she spat. Ikari grabbed Sasuke and sat him down in a chair. "Hiruku, a little help!" Misuma pleaded annoyingly.

Hiruku sighed and walked to them slowly. He squatted in front of the Uchiha, and placed his hand to his heart. A blue aura appeared at his arms but soon changed its form to lightning. The lightning covered the Uchiha's chest as Misuma and Ikari held him down. Sasuke let out a painful scream before falling limp in the chair.

Ko watched astonished at the scene in front of him as Misuma stood and checked Sasuke's pulse. "It's back to normal, thank Kami." Ko walked to them. "Has this been going around often?"

Ikari gave out a annoying scoff. "Oh yeah sure, everyday he hears life ruining news and makes him lose control and we have to calm him down."

"Ikari, nows not the time for your attitude," Misuma spat.

"My bad, he just freaking had a heart trauma. Just summing it up."

"Just shut up," she snapped. Misuma took a deep sigh and looked at Ko. "When did you find this out?"

"A couple days before I left," Ko explained. "Hanabi began clan head after Hinata forfeited in the fight for heir. She knew the consequence if she lost."

Misuma fought hard not to punch the table next to her. Finding this out took a toll on her too. "When's the wedding?"

"Tomorrow," Ko rushed out. "I had a bad feeling about it so I wanted to tell you."

"So what if you told me? What would I have done?"

Ko frowned. "I don't know why but..." He looked at Sasuke. "I'm glad I did."

Sasuke watched the ground in front of him as he barely heard them talking. Blood pumped in his ears and his head felt heavy. He shut his eyes and tried taking a deep breath.

She was getting married...MARRIED!

Sasuke's fisted clenched hard in his lap as his teeth grit together. Like hell she is... "Ko, you said the weddings tomorrow correct?"

Ko startled at his unexpected question. "Yea, at twelve sharp."

Sasuke stood from his chair, hands still clenched. "Misuma, we're leaving."

Misuma blinked. "What?" She scoffed. "You can't be serious! You can't travel for more than seven hours and its a two days trip to Konoha!"

"I have a way." He turned to Hiruku. "I need all my equipment, can you bring it to me?"

Before Hiruku could answer, Misuma came face to face with him. "So you're just gonna come into the village and break off the marriage? Last time I checked, you're suppose to be in a grave!"

"It doesn't matter, I have to go."

Misuma scoffed as Sasuke began walking out the door. "Unbelievable! So what if you come, you think Haishi's gonna break the marriage just like that?"

Sasuke stopped mid-step. "You said yourself that there is a chance Hinata might forgive me. It Hiashi sees that, I might have a chance."

Misuma shook her head in disbelief. "Your more hardheaded when it comes to Hinata. I still disagree for you to go."

"Not after you find out who the suitor is," Ko spoke sternly.

Misuma turned to him with a raised brow. "I doubt I can't be surprised more."

Ko frowned. "It's not a joking deal. I bumped into Hinata right before I left and I caught a whiff of a scent I knew to well. When I asked for his name, it just proved my theory correct. She even told me some profile features so I'm a hundred percent positive."

Sasuke walked next to Misuma. "Who is it?"

"If it weren't for Misuma, I wouldn't have known. But he's the man you were tracking...He was the man that worked with Senya."

A first no one spoke, too shocked to believe.

"That son of a BITCH!" Misuma yelled.

Sasuke stood there watching Ko, his words repeating over and over again. "I thought he was dead," was all he said.

"Seems like he managed to survive somehow."

Sasuke rubbed the ring on his finger before looking back at Hiruku. "Hiruku my weapons and equipment."

"Roger that," he commanded and left out of the room.

Misuma continued to rage but Ko got her to calm down. "We need to leave now if we wanna make it," Ko explained quickly. "Go pack and meet me at the front gate."

Misuma nodded and turned to Sasuke. "Lets hope your way works," she quoted.

"Not a problem." Just as Sasuke finished, Hiruku came bustling in with all of his gear. "I cleaned all your weapons and clothes so you'll be fresh as a daisy."

"Thanks," Sasuke said as he began strapping all the gear on him.

Misuma watched him worriedly. "I still have a bad feeling. So, you're just gonna break the wedding?"

"Once Hiashi finds out what kind of man Mako is..." He looked over his shoulder to the kunoichi. "Well, lets just say it won't get pretty."

"Okay, I get that part, but what about afterwards. You don't have a good reputation yourself."

"I'll find a way," he answered as he strapped his katana to his back.

Misuma sighed. "If only you were still married to her. But burning the marriage contract was the right thing to do back then."

"Wait, you burned it?" Hiruku asked dumbly.

Sasuke almost face palmed himself. Misuma too. "Don't you know the whole story? You were there when he was explaining it!"

Hiruku frowned. "That's funny. I thought I saw it lying around somewhere."

Sasuke froze. "Wait...here?!"

Hiruku shrugged a shoulder. "Well yea..." He looked at the table where Sasuke's gear was and found what he was looking for. He sped walked to Sasuke's pouch and began digging in it.

"It's not in there, there's only a scroll with the layout of your past hiding place. Hinata gave it to me," Sasuke muttered.

"Then what's this?" Hiruku pulled a red string and the scroll rolled open. Sasuke's felt his heart stop. It can't be...but there was no mistaking the two brown blotches of blood on the bottom.

"Wait, if the scrolls here, what did you burn before?" Misuma asked in disbelief.

"I think he got the two scrolls mixed up," Hiruku smiled.

Sasuke chuckled. "Thank Kami, I'm an idiot." He grabbed the scroll and smiled at his and Hinata's name.

"Yea, more like an asshole," Misuma countered.

"I won't argue with you there," Sasuke muttered as he continued to stare at the scroll.

He couldn't believe it. He might have a chance. It all all or nothing at the moment. He looked at the ring on his left hand. Hinata, don't lose hope yet.

"Alright! Lets move out!"


Day before the wedding (Konoha)

She walked slowly to the building, a hand to her back only holding her back from running away.

"Neji, I don't think this is a good idea," Hinata muttered as they approached the door. Neji looked at her sternly. "Forgive me, Lady Hinata, but its best if this came from your mouth."

The Hyuga heiress gave a shaky breath and peeked into the window. Everyone from Konoha Twelve sat there, enjoying a cup of hot tea. The frost bit at her cheeks and wished to be somewhere warm, but not here. "Why can't you just tell them? It's nothing personal," she mumbled with a heavy frown.

Neji watched her as she locked her eyes on the door in front of them, her hands grasping onto her scarf. "I don't want to tell them," she whispered. "I don't want to see their reaction, let alone what their going to say."

"Are you afraid they'll hold a grudge?"

"It's not that simple," she gritted through her teeth. "Only a couple months back, they found out I ma-, I signed a wedding contract with Sasuke-san." Neji saw her brows dip as if she wasn't used to adding honorifics to his name. "And now, I have to tell them I'm marrying again? I can't Neji, I can't."

The Hyuga progidy watched the bluette for a moment, as he noticed her quickened breath, and frightful eyes. He gave a defeated sigh and grabbed her gently, pulling her into a slightly akward hug. She was surpirsed of course, but soon melted in his arms.

His arms encased her with warmth as she shut her eyes to take in the moment. But instead of imagining Neji, she imagined Sasuke, pulling her into the kiss they shared in the Hotel back in Suna. She tensed but Neji didn't budge, only pulling her tighter. "I know you miss him, Hinata, don't deny it," He mumbled in her hair.

The Hyuga felt her breath hitch as she felt her eyes sting and grow blurry. "I don't know what you're talking about Neji," she panted out quietly.

Neji smiled sadly in her black locks. "I personally didn't hold a grudge on him, but when I found out-"

"Neji, can we...not talk about it?"

He pulled away from still had his arms around hers. Her face was down but he lifted it up gently. She tried not to look at his eyes but he needed to tell her what was on his mind. "Hinata, look at me," Neji whispered. She hesitated for a second before glancing at him with her sorrowful eyes.

He held her tightly as he took a deep breath and let out an exausted sigh. "Don't hold this against me, but... if the Uchiha was still alive, I'd kill him."

Hinata gasped. "Neji!"

"But," he pressed further. "With the situation you're in right now, I'd do anything to pull you out. I would rather let you marry Sasuke than a suitor."

Hinata frowned. "Why do you say that?"

"I know what Sasuke did was unforgivable, but as a male...I understand why he did it."

Hinata frowned, as she took a step back away from him. "You think you understand?" She asked slowly. "But I know you don't. He did what he did out of selfishness."

"Do you believe that?"

"Yes! He told me himself!"

"So does that mean, you believe in everything else he said before that?"

Hinata froze as she felt the words sink inside her. "I...I do, I-I mean I don't." She turned away from her cousin as memories flashed in her eyes. She felt her heart hurting inside as she placed a hand to her mouth. Neji waited until she calmed herself, and gently grabbed her by the arm. "Don't think to much now," he spoke quietly as he knocked onto the door.

Hianta gave a small nod before the door was nearly thrown open by Tenten, who ushered them inside. "Gah, Neji what took you so long!" She complained as she grabbed ahold of Hinata's coat and gently took it off her. Neji took his off and hung it against an empty chair. Hinata copied him and hesitantly sat down next to him. Sakura poured them both a cup of green tea and placed it in front of them. They both muttered a quiet thank you as he took a sip while Hinata just held hers.

Kiba walked around and sat next to Hinata, watching her worriedly. "Hey."

The kunoichi looked up at him and gave a small smile. "Hi, Kiba," she replied quietly. He watched her look back to her cup, her pale eyes never leaving it. "It's nice to see you," He continued to talk after a minute. "I haven't seen you in a month."

Hinata forced a smile. "Sorry, I had a mission."

Kiba nodded, yet already knew she was going to say that. "It's nice that Tenten called everyone to her home...a little get-together."

She nodded as she looked around the room. Shino sat across from them, as Lee rambled something about the bugs crawling on the table, while The Ino-Shika-Cho group huddled at the couch, talking to themselves. Neji sat to her left, though was talking to Tenten. From the corner of her eye, she sees a blonde and pink blue, entering Neji's and Tenten's conversation. She watched from her eye at the Hokage's face and she nearly ran out of the room.

His face...it should so much hurt, yet he masked it with a smile or a laugh. When he took a sip from his cup, she say how he frowned sadly but always hid it masked. His eyes caught onto hers as he gave her a small smile, and she but the inside of her cheek and returned it.

Neji felt her tense and slipped his hand under the table, catching hers. She relaxed instantly and gave out a shaky breath. He pulled back unnoticed, and Hinata tried to have a somewhat conversation with Kiba. He seemed estatic and rambled , telling her what happened in the past few months. Hinata listened here and there, but she couldn't lose her tensed demeanor.

What seemed like years yet only a few hours passed, and everyone was getting ready to leave. But Neji cleared his throat which caught everyone's attention. All pairs of eyes looked at him, except Hinata who watched her cold cup of tea.

He asked everyone to sit at the table, everyone obediently followed yet with suspicion. "Forgive me, but there's something that needs to be said here."

Everyone raised a brow as he turned to Hinata, everyone following. "Hinata?" he asked slowly.

She clamped her trembling hands underneath the table, as she took a few deep breaths. "Ano," she started quietly. "I know it might seem...revolting to some of you, but..." she swallowed harshly. "As you all know, I turned 19 a few days ago and, um..." She looked up to everyone. They all seemed worried and suspicious, and she knew that shock would follow next. "Um, how should I say this?" She spoke quietly and followed with a deep breathe. "I forfeited my position for clan head to my sister, which leads me to an arranged marriage that will take place tomorrow at the Hyuga compound."

"..."

"..."

No one spoke, only the sound of a cup sliding from Kiba's hand, shattering against the floor. They noise seemed to break everyone from their trance as they began sputtering out in half finished sentences,

"Are you serious?" Sakura questioned

"Forfeited?" Shino said.

"An...ARRANGED MARRIAGE?" Kiba boomed out as he stood frantically, his chair flying behind him. She winced at his voice but didn't show any other emotion. He began pacing back and forth in the room, running his hands through his wild brown locks.

"I don't get it," Shikamaru stated. "Why so early?'

"The council couldn't wait and took matter in their own hands," Hinata whispered. "But I knew this day would come. I told you today, inviting you to come to by wedding tomorrow."

Naruto shook his head slowly. "This isn't right. Neji, surely Hiashi is against this?"

"He can't do anything when it comes to this. He tried everything he could, but it was of no use."

"I am a failure to my clan," Hinata muttered. "It was either this, or be branded by the curse mark."

"Hell Hinata, forgive me for saying this, but I'd rather get the mark then married to a complete stranger!" Tenten argued.

Naruto frowned. "As a Hokage, can I do anything?"

Neji shook his head. "This only concerns the Hyuga Clan, you're position in the village won't help."

Everybody sat around in the tense atmosphere but Hianta broke it. "I don't understand why you guys are all worried."

The group turned to look at her, shocked. She stood and slowly put her coat back on. "This is my fate, and I'll take it wholeheartedly."

"But Hinata-" Kiba started.

"It's fine, Kiba," she assured. "I chose this." She walked to the door and bowed low. "I hope you can make it to my wedding. I'm sure Neji can fill in some details. Arigato for the tea." And with those words, she left the building, leaving everyone in a deadly silence.

Kiba walked into the kitchen, make some shuffling noises, then brought back three bottles of Sake. Tenten would have yelled at him for going into her secret alchohol stock but she didn't hesitate to grab a bottle and take three heavy gulps straight from the bottle. Only then, did she pour herself a cup and gulp it down as well. Neji looked at her with a frown as she returned one as well. "I'm sure you had one of these nights, Neji, so don't look at me like I'm crazy." She passed the bottle to Kiba, who poured himself some and everyone followed. "Hinata's like family to all of us, and seeing her like that," she pointed to the door. "That really pisses me off."

"Do...do you know who's she marrying?" Sakura asked cautiously.

"He didn't stay long enough for me to see him, but he went back to his village to get some supplies and will returned by nightfall today."

"He must live close then," Shino commented.

"At...least she could visit," Ino said half-heartly. "She won't be gone forever."

"And she chose to marry him? Out if all the suitors?" Shikamaru asked.

"Hai," The Hyuga answered.

"Couldn't she marry someone from Konoha?" Tenten asked anxiously.

"Who can?" Neji answered tiredly. "I'm her cousin, and the only two people that could have worked it Naruto and Kiba. Naruto is eliminated immediately since he's married and Kiba..."

He looked at him as the Inuzuka looked at the table. "I could convince her, but she won't ever share feelings. Even I just think her as a little sister."

The group sat in errie silence, a clock ticking in the background.

"If only he was alive," Naruto mumbled. The ninjas looked at him confusedly. "Who? Chouji asked.

"Sasuke..."

"That could have worked," Kiba muttered. "But he's long gone." He looked at the door. "Let's just pray for a miracle."


This chapter was a sluggy one, I didn't really know what to right. But now... THE WEDDING! Holy Shibobcakes, its arriving! That's all I'm going to say.. Let's just hope I won't take long to post the next chapter..

Thank you all who reviewed and followed my story. Your reviews make me laugh even if they're just two words. I really, really appreciate that.

The next chapter will be out in a few days, just wait patiently! :)

Love and Farewell,

NarutoImagine01