Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Playing the Role of the Byakugan Princess

The God of Evil Arc

Chapter thirty-eight

"Thank you for answering all of my questions," Kazyou says to us as he smiles. "I am very grateful."

I wave my hand. "It is no problem. You deserved some answers!"

It was a very tedious Q&A sessions and he asked about everything underneath the sun. But, he'd been imprisoned for the last twenty plus years. He needed to catch up.

"Can you answer a question for me, now?" Sasuke asks.

He had remained mostly silent during the questioning and didn't cooperate at all so I am slightly annoyed with him at the moment.

Kazyou nods. "Anything."

"We found a navy blue journal while we were searching the hideout and it is sealed shut," Sasuke explains. "Do you know anything about that?"

Kazyou doesn't drop his smile, but his face saddens a little. "Ah, you found that. It is mine. I just have some personal belongings stored in there so they wouldn't get stolen or ruined. If needed, I can undo the seals and have you look through it."

Sasuke half shrugs. "That wouldn't be up to me. We were just wondering about it since we came across it."

That journal is important to Kazyou, huh? I make a mental note to make sure nothing happens to it so it can be given back to him. I mean, we just recorded his tale and it is very believable so he should be all in the clear. It would take a very good liar and actor to come up with something as detailed and wild as that story was.

I look over at Sasuke and Sakura. "I'm pretty sure we are done here now unless the two of you have anymore questions. I know I don't." They both shake their head and I turn back to Kazyou. "Once again, I apologize for everything that you had to go through. After everything has been settled, I am highly confident you will be seen as innocent and be set free soon."

"Thank you," Kazyou replies. "I am forever in your debt. For now I got a lot to think about." He chuckles. "Well, I guess that's pretty much all I can do since I'm locked up."

Are all Uzumakis this positive about life?

We say our good-byes to Kazyou and Sasuke pounds on the cell door to hint to Norio to free us. Thirteen clicks later, the door opens and closes just as quick behind us.

"You three were in there for a long time," Norio tells us as he locks up. "I hope you got something out of him."

I pull out my recorder. "We got a lot of information. You're going to have a very long report to write,"

Norio takes the recorders from us and cuts them off. "I honestly can't wait. It is about time we received some answers around here."

Yeah, it isn't going to be the answers that you were expecting.

"What do you want us to do now?" Sakura asks Norio.

"Well, it is a little after lunchtime so I suggest you go grab something to eat," Norio says as he slings on his backpack. "You three aren't really needed anymore at the moment so you can enjoy the rest of the day."

After some more small talk, Norio leads us out of the prison and the three of us head towards the direction of the hotel for a general start.

"What are you two going to do now?" Sakura asks.

I shrug. "I really don't know. I'm not that hungry, I'm not tired, and I'm too injured to train. Did you have something in mind?"

Sakura slumps her shoulders. "No. That's why I asked. I'm in the same boat. You know, these soldier pills suck unless you're actually in a middle of a long and intense fight."

"And, we are only on day two," I remind her. "We still have tonight, tomorrow, and tomorrow night before they wear off and then we can knock out for a few days."

Sakura sighs. "Well, Norio did say that Michi doesn't have school today. Maybe I can find her and see if she wants me to train with her or something. You guys wanna come?"

"No," Sasuke grunts. "I'm heading back to the hotel."

If he is heading back to the hotel, then maybe I should, too. This would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him about Itachi and whatever else he's been having on his mind.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to head back, too," I tell Sakura. "If I get bored, I'll come looking for you."

Sakura picks up on what I'm really getting at and nods. "Okay. I'll see you guys later!"

She waves and leaves in the other direction.

I pick up the pace to match Sasuke's so I can walk alongside him. "What are you going to do once you get back to the hotel?"

"Why?" Sasuke questions.

I poke his shoulder. "So I can stalk you."

"You're doing a pretty good job at that right now," he shoots back.

I roll my eyes. "Just answer my question."

"Nothing," Sasuke finally answers.

I squint my eyes. "Nothing? You liar."

Sasuke doesn't say anything back and I huff. We walk in silence the rest of the way to the hotel. Once we went up the stairs, Sasuke starts to head off to his room without a word. I follow him and he abruptly stops, causing me to almost run into him.

"Go away, Hinata," Sasuke orders.

I don't budge. "I think we should talk."

"There's nothing to talk about. Now, just go to your room."

I shake my head, went around him, and I open his door. "Come on, Sasuke. You wanted to talk back at the prison."

Sasuke narrows his eyes. "Why can't you be like Sakura and get lost when I tell you to?"

I narrow my eyes back at him. "Unlike the other girls, I have a backbone when it comes to dealing with your personality." I slightly soften my expression. "Besides, we've been close forever. I know when something is bothering you and something has been for awhile."

Sasuke relaxes a little, but his voice is still sharp. "Even if there is something wrong it isn't any of your business."

I walk into Sasuke's hotel room and sit my little ass down on his bed. "If you want to be like this, fine. I can wait. I have all day."

Sasuke scoffs, stomps into the room, and slams the door behind him. "You're really getting on my last nerves, Hinata."

"I don't really care, Sasuke."

Sasuke trudges over to the window on the other side of the room and looks out it, ignoring me.

I sigh. "If you're not wanting to talk then I will do it for you. I already know what is wrong. You're angry about the whole Itachi thing. And, you have every right to be so I am not going to tell you how you should be feeling. I'm saying that even though he was near me, he didn't do anything to me. This happened a few months ago, way before we encountered him in that one town with Naruto and Jiraya-sama. I'm not saying he's suddenly a good guy for breaking me out of Jashin's genjutsu, but nothing happened to me. I'm fine."

"Hinata," Sasuke says. "Do you remember anything about that night?"

I nod. "Everything."

Sasuke turns around and furrow his eyebrows together. "So do I. One of the things I remember the most is how quick and easy Itachi was able to take his sword and pierce it through you. Even though he didn't kill you, he could have. Ever since that day, I vowed to protect you from getting harmed by him again. Obviously, that didn't happen and I just keep thinking that what if he comes back and actually kills you? He told me that night to seek him out once I obtained the same eyes as him, yet it seems like he keeps coming back around even when I'm not around. That's why I get so upset when it comes to you being around him and you already know this from our conversation back at the hospital. So, no. Don't sit and say you're fine because nothing is fine when it comes to Itachi."

Oh, I only wish Sasuke knew the truth about his brother. I really don't know why Itachi would come back near me after my Shadow Clone encountered him in the forest, but he must've known something was up if he did. He probably figures I'm one of the few that can keep Sasuke sane and helped me out. Although, his speech to Sasuke about "killing your best friend to obtain these eyes" kind of blows that thought process away.

I decide to test something. "I understand what you are saying, Sasuke. However, don't you find it strange that the three chances Itachi had to kill me, he didn't? Being so close to you, you would think he would have."

Sasuke gives me a baffled look. "Find it strange? No, I don't find it strange, Hinata! The bastard killed my entire clan! You're not someone special that he is avoiding to kill! He's just trying to play mind games with me! Seriously, are you actually that stupid?!"

Okay, maybe I shouldn't have said that. I came across as a little insensitive. But, it is a logical thing to wonder about from my perspective! Itachi could've killed me any of those times to keep up his bad guy facade for Sasuke. Killing me would've spiraled Sasuke down an even deeper path of revenge and aim for anything to get stronger.

I avert my eye downwards. "Okay, maybe that was a dumb question to ask. But, I just hate when you get like this. I hate what Itachi has done to you." I look up to gaze into his eyes. "I'm like you. I want to protect you and make everything better. I don't like when you push those who care about you away and start to think about power and revenge! And, I know things like losing to that woman the other night triggers those thoughts. If you want to seek out those things… let somebody in. Let me in. I know this is something you said you have to do alone, but I don't believe that. I told you before that I would help you get strong. I would help you get powerful enough so you can finally face off with Itachi one of these days. But, pushing everyone away and going off alone isn't the right path to choose."

Sasuke grits his teeth. "Hinata-"

"I already know what you are going to say, Sasuke," I cut in. "I always listen to you so it is your turn to listen to me. You might not realize it at times, but you have people that care for you. Me, Naruto, Kakashi-sensei, Ino, and Sakura… and I know you act like you don't care because you don't want us to get involved with your mess. But, we don't see it as a mess. I don't see it as a mess. I see it as a hurdle that you need to get over with the help and support of your friends. If not all of them, then at least Naruto and I. I over anybody else know what you've been through with Itachi because I experienced myself. I know I didn't experience the same pain or feelings as you, but I get it, Sasuke. I really do. And, Naruto. He's alone just like you. He has nobody and that's one of the reasons why the two of you share such a strong bond. You have people who love you, Sasuke. Drop that guard and let us in."

Sasuke spins around to stare back out the window. I take this moment to get up, stand by his side, and place a hand onto his shoulder. "You don't have to agree with me. You don't even have to listen anything I just said. I just wanted you to know that you have other options and people who will always be there for you, Sasuke."

Then, I turn around to walk out of the room, leaving him to his thoughts.

"You know what I just thought of?" Sakura says to me as we watch Michi train from our perch on a tree.

"What?"

"If that guy is an Uzumaki, maybe Naruto can finally have a family," Sakura reveals to me. "I mean, I know it wouldn't be in the traditional sense. But, it is someone with the same last name as him. Someone that can teach him about his clan and heritage."

Yes! Sakura is onto something. If Kazyou is able, or chooses, to come back to Konoha with us, we will totally have to introduce Naruto to him. He would be so excited and it would be so great for the two of them! Naruto can help Kazyou adjust to life in Konoha, and life in the present in general, while Kazyou tells him about the Uzumaki clan. Maybe he can even teach Naruto some fūinjutsu!

Okay, I think that's pushing it a little.

"I understand what you mean, but Naruto does have a family whether Kazyou is in his life or not," I remind Sakura. "But, I think it would be great if Kazyou would meet Naruto. That is if he can handle the boy."

Sakura giggles. "Yeah. Naruto is really obnoxious while Kazyou seems very calm and gentle. But, Kazyou can't meet Naruto if he is locked up. What do you think will happen to him?"

"He should be seen as innocent and be set free, but I think nothing will happen until we get back to Konoha," I reply. "We have more of the means to probe his mind to see if he is actually speaking the truth or not, even though we believe him."

Sakura shudders. "Probe his mind? Ugh. I don't like the way you worded that. I hope he doesn't get hurt if they do something like that."

I shake my head. "I don't mean with actual tools and such. They will probably use a jutsu that is similar to Ino's Mind Transfer Jutsu."

Sakura's face lights up. "Oh, yeah! That makes more sense. Ino's father works with the Torture and Interrogation facility so maybe he'll be the one with Kazyou."

This time, I shudder.

I never want to end up there and have my mind inspected.

"So, did everything go alright between you and Sasuke?" Sakura asks, changing the topic. "I was waiting for you to bring it up, but you've been here for an hour now and haven't said anything about it."

I sigh. "To be honest, I really don't know. I did most of the talking, he did most of the listening, he turned his back on me, and I left. So, pretty much it ended up like a typical conversation with Sasuke."

Sakura tilts her head. "I wouldn't say like a typical conversation with him. I know how the two of you usually interact with one another so something must be really bothering Sasuke to make him act this cold towards you." She hesitates. "It… it has something to do with his brother, right?"

I shrug. "He's one reason. But, I'm sure there are other factors."

Sakura nods. "I understand. You don't have to tell me what the two of you talked about. I'm just worried about Sasuke and want him to know that he has us to lean on."

I dramatically groan. "Good luck with that! I've been trying to get him to realize that for years."

Sakura brings her knees up to her chest and wraps her arms around her legs. "You know, I used to be really jealous of your and Sasuke's relationship. I would always wonder what made you so special? What made him want to pay attention to you and shun me? Over time, I realize that maybe I have nothing to be jealous of. Don't get me wrong, I am sure Sasuke is a wonderful friend to you and I admit I still crush on him. But, it sounds like it takes a special somebody to handle someone like him and I'm really glad he has someone like you in his life. And, I know he's glad as well, but will just never admit it outloud."

"Thank you, Sakura," I say to her. "And, yes. You have to have some tough skin and be able to match his mood swings right back at him when he's having one of them. It is like wrangling with a bull sometimes."

Sakura chuckles. "Yeah, I'm starting to realize that maybe those mood swings aren't as cool as I used to think they were."

I arch an eyebrow. "That's something I never understood about you, Ino, and just about every other girl in our class back at the Academy."

Sakura's cheeks flush red. "When a guy is as good looking as Sasuke, you tend to overlook his flaws or try to make excuses for them."

I frown. "Well, I really hope you change that mindset soon because that isn't very healthy when it comes to an actual relationship. Looks aren't everything."

Sakura slightly widens her eyes and I appear to have just shattered her world. "I know that. But, they are a bonus."

I give Sakura a hard look. "There is nothing wrong with falling for an attractive person, but it is better to get to know them first before falling all over them. What if they are a jerk? A bad boy may be fun to have as a fling, but not as an actual relationship. I know we are still a little young to maybe think about things like serious relationships, but it is just something to always keep in mind. Flings and crushes are fun, but you better be mature enough when you start to settle down or you'll just end up hurt."

Sakura blinks. "You sound like my mom. Sometimes, you give such great and wise advice that I forget we are the same age."

I wince. "Ouch. You just compared me to your mother. That means you aren't going to consider my advice, huh?"

Sakura waves her hands. "What? No! I never said that! I was just pointing out an observation of mine, that's all!" She looks away. "I mean, it is good advice and I will always remember it. I don't see anythingwrong with what you just said."

Hmm, I hope I just officially ended Sakura's fangirl tendencies.

The rest of the day is pretty uneventful. After Sakura trained with Michi, we went to relax in the hot springs, and then we spent sometime getting hot chocolate and window shopping. I didn't see Sasuke for the rest of the day once Sakura and I headed back to the hotel. Since we couldn't sleep, Sakura spent the night reading and I decided to do the same with a book that I brought.

The next morning as Sakura and I are making ourselves presentable for the day, there is a knock on our door. Since Sakura is in the shower, I quickly pull on some clothes and walk over to open the door.

I scrunch up my face in confusion. "Kō? What are you doing here?"

Kō proceeds to bow, but stops midway after checking me out up and down. "Hinata-sama! What in the world happened to you?"

"I asked you a question first," I tease and Kō gives me a flustered look. "Okay, okay. I just got wounded in a battle. But, I'm fine."

Kō gives me sigh of relief. "That's good to hear. So, it appears that our assistance wasn't needed after all."

I arch an eyebrow. "Our assistance? Who else is with you?"

"Hizashi-san and I were ordered by Tsunade-sama to come to Yugakure to assist you three in a potential battle," Kō explains. "She informed us on what was going on and told us that the enemy could basically only be spotted with the Byakugan."

I tilt my head. "Well, dang. You took your time getting here then. We beat that woman two days ago."

Kō gives me another flustered look. "Please, Hinata-sama. We came as quick as we could on such short notice."

I wave my hand. "I'm just giving you a hard time. But, where is Hizashi?"

"He is talking to your client down in the village," Kō replies. "Your client was the one that sent the messenger hawk to explain what you were up to. I just find it odd that you went ahead and fought the enemy without waiting for permission."

I shrug. "I mean, I already knew Norio was going to inform Tsunade-sama. But, I had told him I was going to proceed with fighting the enemy anyways because I was pretty sure I wasn't going against anything. Although, a positive side to waiting would've meant more allies on our side during our battles."

Kō raises his eyebrows. "Battles? Did you fight more than one enemy?"

I nod causally. "Yes. First we fought the woman and then we defeated a god."

Kō sighs. "Hinata-sama, please be serious."

I widen my eyes. "I am being serious!"

"Hinata? Who are you talking to?" I hear Sakura ask from behind me as she emerges out of the bathroom.

I spin around. "Sakura, this is my bodyguard and caretaker, Kō. Kō, this is my teammate, Sakura."

Sakura pauses and then quickly bow. "Oh! Uh, it is very nice to meet you."

Kō bows back. "It is a pleasure to meet a friend of Hinata-sama's."

Sakura arches an eyebrow. "Hinata-sama?"

I send Sakura a quick look. "Sakura, didn't we fight a god?"

Sakura sends me a strange look back. "In a sense, yes."

I turn back to Kō. "See! There's my witness."

Kō just stares at me and then rubs his face. "Anyways, your client wanted me to retrieve the two of you and your other squad member, Uchiha Sasuke. Discussion of what is going to happened to the captive is going to occur."

Shit, already?

I switched out of my playful mode and into a more serious one. "Okay. We will be ready in ten minutes stops. You can head back downstairs if you like and we will get Sasuke for you."

Kō bows. "Yes, Hinata-sama."

He turns around and leaves as I close the door behind him.

I turn back around and find Sakura just looking at me.

"What?"

She blinks. "Oh, nothing. I was just kind of amazed that he is so formal towards you. Is he like a servant?"

I shake my head. "Not really. My family dynamics are very hard to explain. If you're really interested, I can sit down with you one day and give you a lesson."

Sakura sweatdrops. "N-no. That's not necessary."

After quickly getting ready, Sakura and I leave our room and head across the hall to knock on Sasuke's door. After a couple of minutes of no answer, I decide to break all codes of privacy and take a quick peek into his room with my Byakugan.

"Ugh. He's not even in here!" I complain.

Sakura frowns. "I wonder where he could be? We really need him right now."

I expand my vision to its full potential to see if he could be anywhere nearby, but he isn't.

I deactive my Byakugan. "He is not within my range. He's probably brooding or training in the forest somewhere."

"Should we go find him?" Sakura questions.

"No. We don't have time if we are being waited on," I answer. "We can just tell him everything when we see him again."

Sakura doesn't look very pleased. "Well, alright."

We head down to the hotel lobby to meet up with Kō and we all leave together. We eventually end up at Hiroki's building and go right up to his office after getting permission from the secretary.

"Where's Sasuke?" Norio asks as the three of us enter the room and take a sit in front of Hiroki's desk.

I shrug. "We don't know. I hope his presence isn't needed to proceed with the meeting."

Norio runs a hand through his hair. "I suppose not. We can just let him in on everything later."

I turn my head to look over at Hizashi and we both greet each other by nodding.

Hiroki clasps his hands together to get everyone's attention. "The meeting will now begin. Norio and his team spent all day and night transcribing every single word that was recorded yesterday during an interrogation with the captive, Uzumaki Kazyou. So far everyone in the room, minus the two newcomers, has listened to the captive's interrogation at least once. After much deliberating, I have decided that Uzumaki Kazyou be transferred over to the hands of Konohagakure for further interrogation. A request has been sent out to the Hokage and we are still awaiting for a response. If approved, the captive will travel back with the five Konoha Shinobi and be turned over into custody. From there, Konohagakure will be solely in charge and responsible for Uzumaki Kazyou."

So, he isn't being seen as neither guilty or innocent. I guess that's a good thing for now. At least he'll be traveling back to Konoha with us. There is no reason that Tsunade will turn away Kazyou.

I raise my hand. "I do not know if you were informed of this, but my teammates and I ingested a soldier pill. It is a pill made for Shinobi to fight for three days and three nights. We are on our last day before the pills wear off and our body crashes. Because of this, we will be unconscious for a number of days, delaying our travel back to Konoha."

Hiroki nods. "Yes. Norio has already told me, but thank you. The delay will not effect anything at all since your expected stay was at least a month and it has been less than two weeks."

Heh. We're impressive.

Norio leans forward in his seat. "Who will watch over the hideout when the pill wears off? Hinata's Shadow Clones will dissipate. I know that no one has been near the hideout since it has been investigated, but it is best to remain guarded."

Hiroki rubs his chin. "I suppose we could send out a couple of our men…"

Kō stands up. "Hizashi and I can man post of the hideout if that is okay with you, sir."

Hizashi flickers his eyes over towards Kō, but doesn't say anything and I mentally roll my eyes.

Kō is a nice person, but he does take advantage of the whole "I'm from the Main House and I'm the Head's right hand man so I have say over a Branch Member" at times.

Hiroki raises his eyebrows. "I would appreciate that much so. Thank you for volunteering."

Kō bows. "It is our pleasure."

"Yes. Our pleasure," Hizashi chimes in as Kō sits down.

"Speaking of the hideout, what is going to happen to it once we head back to Konoha?" Sakura questions.

"We are going to seal it up and plant greenery over the entrance so it can remain hidden," Hiroki replies. "From my knowledge, I don't think anymore Jashinists are wondering around. If so, they are just going to kill themselves during their ritual."

Damn. I really would've killed to see Hidan kill himself now.

The meeting lasts for a few more minutes and then we are all dismissed.

"I think we should go search for Sasuke," Sakura says to me as we walk out of the building.

I shake my head. "You can, but I'm not. I've already tried talking to him. He just needs his alone time right now."

Sakura gives me a conflicted look. "But, what if he doesn't come back by the time the pill wears off?"

I wave my hand. "Sasuke isn't reckless. He wouldn't stay away for too long knowing his body could become defenseless soon. He knows when to come back."

Sakura bites her lip. "Well, okay…"

I gently nudge her shoulder. "Hey, stop worrying about him and let's enjoy our day before we go into a coma. I thinking about having brunch with Kō and my uncle. Do you wanna join us?"

Sakura hesitates for a second and then nods. "Sure."

After brunch, Sakura and I head back to the hotel. Kō and Hizashi decided to go ahead and start their guarding shifts early so I can dissipate my Shadow Clones and start preparing to pass out for a few days. We went back to the hotel so we can start packing our things because Kō mentioned to me that we'll probably be transferred over to the hospital just to be watched over. So, it will just be less of a hassle if we are already have our stuff when we wake up so we can hurry back to Konoha. When we make it to the second floor of the hotel, I quickly knock on Sasuke's door, just to see if he happened to come back while we are gone, and the door surprisingly opens.

"Hmm?" Sasuke grunts as a greeting.

I cross my arms. "Where have you been? You missed an important meeting with Hiroki about Kazyou."

"I was training in the forest," Sasuke replies in a deadpanned voice.

I don't believe him, but I'm not in the mood to call him out right now.

I drop my arms. "Well, long story short, Kazyou hasn't been deemed either guilty or innocent. However, he is traveling back to Konoha with us so the village can handle him. While you were gone, my bodyguard and uncle also showed up in response to Norio's message he sent Tsunade so they'll be traveling back with us."

"Okay," Sasuke simply says.

My eyebrows twitches in annoyance. "But, I recommend that you go ahead and pack up your things since the pill will be wearing off in less than 24 hours. Once we wake up, everyone will be ready to leave."

Sasuke nods. "I will get onto that. Thanks."

I blink in surprise at his 'thanks'. "Oh, um. You're welcome."

Sasuke takes a step back and closes the door.

Sakura exchanges glances with me and whispers, "Well, at least he's in a better mood today."

I pinch my nose and sigh.

I'm just ready to get back to Konoha.

The three of us are out for the next three days. The pill wore off sometime in the late night and everything happened so fast. I was lying in the bed in the hotel room when I suddenly felt weak and drained. I couldn't even lift a finger so I tried to open my mouth to speak to Sakura, but I was even too tired to do that. Then, my eyelids felt very heavy, proceeded to shut on their own, and I was out like a light. After waking up in the hospital, all three of us felt refreshed and normal again so we grabbed our things and met up with the others at the front gate a little after lunchtime.

"I can't believe you already have to leave," Michi whines to Sakura. She leaps forward to hug the pinkette. "Thanks for training me! I promise to keep it up and not let you down!"

Sakura smiles and pats the little girl's head. "You're welcome, Michi. I can't wait to see how much you are going to improve the next time we meet."

Michi excitedly nods. "Yeah!"

Norio adjusts his glasses. "I know I've already said this many times, but thank you three so much for getting rid of the terror that was lurking around Yugakure. I can leave Michi by herself once again knowing that things are safer." He flickers his eyes over towards Kazyou, who is currently handcuffed and standing by Kō's and Hizashi's side, and back towards us. "I hope everything goes well back in Konoha."

After saying all of our pleasantries and goodbyes, the six of us finally start our trek back to Konoha.

And, I'm leaving with a huge grin on my knowing because I have just successfully completed my first mission as a Chunin and as a leader.

Now, let's just hope things don't go downhill from here.

The journey back to Konoha was very peaceful and easy. Since we were all ready to get back home, nobody really spoke to each other and we just focused on getting back as quickly as we could. A couple of times when we stopped for a short break, I tried to communicate with Kazyou to see how he was doing, but Kō kept getting in my way. After trying for a third time, he pulled me aside and explained that I really shouldn't be conversing with the captive until he has been dealt with and for my own safety. I didn't protest because I believe Kō or Hizashi hadn't read Norio's reports on Kazyou interrogation, if they were even allowed to. As soon as we made it back to Yugakure, two Anbus suddenly showed up, told us to report to the Hokage's office, took Kazyou off our hands, and then disappeared.

We obeyed the Anbus and now the five of us are standing in Tsunade's office. She speaks with Kō and Hizashi for a bit, thanking them for their services on such short notice, and then dismisses them. After they leave, Tsunade focuses her attention on us.

"So, it looks like your first mission as a squad leader was a success, Hinata," Tsunade says as she smiles at me. I go to smile back at her, but she quickly frowns. "However, some of your actions were questionable."

Wait, what?

I try not to show my annoyance. "With all due to respect, I-"

"But, you didn't go against the mission or what I said so there is no problem," Tsunade continues like I hadn't spoke. "Sometimes, you have to take risks and make hasty decisions as a leader. Just remember to always try and think things thoroughly before going through with them."

Whew. Okay, good. She's not angry with me.

I nod. "I understand."

The woman glances down at an opened file lying on her desk. "Now, you all know that this was originally a B-ranked mission. Due to certain unforeseen circumstances that took place during this mission, I have decided to bump it up to an A-rank mission. So, don't forget to label your reports as an A-ranked mission instead of B once you start on them."

Hey, that's two successful A-ranked missions under my belt now and I haven't been even out of the Academy for a year yet. That's pretty cool!

"Have you read the latest report yet that Norio wrote?" Sasuke asks Tsunade.

Tsunade closes the file and presses her fingers together. "I have and I already know what you are going to talk about, Sasuke, so let me stop you right there. What happened to Hinata happened months ago. Between then and now, you have already encountered Itachi and it didn't turn out so well for anyone. I understand your feeling and concerns about him and the situation, but nothing can be done about it now."

"Is anything even being done about him?" Sasuke questions, gritting his teeth to compose his anger.

"Of course," Tsunade replies cooly. "He is a highly dangerous rogue Shinobi. He will always be searched for."

"It has been almost five years. Why hasn't he been caught, then?"

Tsunade narrows her eyes. "S-ranked Shinobi like Itachi are very good at going into hiding once they are on the run and being hunted. To my knowledge, the most recent encounter with Itachi was the first time he had showed his face out in public without concealing it in some way. With what little information that was revealed, we have been attempting to use that as a lead and work from there. This isn't a very easy process, Sasuke."

Sasuke clenches his fists and looks down at the floor, not saying anymore.

Crap. I really hope he isn't thinking that he has to take matters into his own hands.

"What's going to happen to Kazyou?" I quickly ask Tsunade, trying to change the subject before anything escalates.

"I'm afraid I cannot discuss with you until everything has been said and cleared," Tsunade informs me.

"Are you at least allowed to tell us our thoughts and opinions regarding him and his story?" I press on.

Tsunade leans back in her chair and folds her arms. "I am to remain neutral. This is a very serious and delicate case that we have on our hands so I really cannot say much about it."

I back off. "Of course. My apologies."

Tsunade sits back up. "Well, I'm done with the three of you if you have nothing more to say. Hinata, congratulations once again and I would like to have those reports turned in within the next week. After you turn it in, then you'll receive your compensation."

The three of us thank her and we are dismissed from her office.

Well, that was a little tense. I didn't expect Tsunade to tell us much about what is going to happen to Kazyou. But, I was expecting just a tiny hint or so. I guess everything is confusing right now because this goes beyond Kazyou to an extent. We just learned that Kirigakure were the ones responsible for the destruction of the Uzumaki clan during the Second Shinobi World War yet nothing can really be done about it now since this happened decades ago. We are in a time of peace right now and starting a war with Kirigakure would be pointless since there is no proof that they actually did it. Getting into with them would just give the other village an excuse to fight another another world war may break out.

On top of that, Kazyou is an Uzumaki and most people probably thought Naruto was the last one alive. With Kazyou around, this could put Naruto in danger since some people might connect Kushina to him. Then, Kushina could be connected back to Minato if someone remembers the two of them being together and word could leak out of Naruto's true heritage as being the son of the Yellow Flash.

Now, that last theory is a long shot kind of thing, but it could happen.

"Well," Sakura says, breaking me out of my thoughts. "I don't know about the two of you, but I'm thinking heading home and collapsing on my bed for like a year or two."

I chuckle. "Yes. There's nothing like returning home and sleeping in your own bed."

Sakura smiles. "I agree! Well, I'll catch you guys later. I enjoyed going on this mission with the two of you!"

She goes on missions with me anyways so I know she's mostly saying that to Sasuke.

Sasuke just nods and says, "You, too."

I notice Sakura's face grows slightly red and she hurries off before it can develop even deeper.

I turn towards Sasuke. "I'm thinking about heading home, too, unless you want to do anything?"

Sasuke shakes his head. "Nah, I'm fine. I'll see you later."

"Oh, okay. Bye!" I say back as he starts to walk off.

He doesn't get to far before he pauses and turns his head back to look over his shoulder. "By the way, Hinata, thank you."

I tilt my head to the side. "Huh? For what?"

He doesn't elaborate and continues to walk off, leaving me a little clueless.

Later, I come to the conclusion he is thanking me for putting up with his shit these last few days.

Author's Note: This arc is officially over! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter!