It had been an eventful six months for the remaining Rookie Ten. Orochimaru's followers had broken into the Leaf's Strict Correctional Facility and taken Sasuke once more, Naruto had left on a two-and-a-half year training trip with Jiraiya, Ino had started training under Sakura, who was training under Lady Tsunade, Team 8, Guy's Team, and Sakura along with the Genin members of Team 10 had gotten promoted (causing all the teams to split up), and most surprising of all, Asuma had offered to make Hanara his non-official apprentice after realizing she no longer had anywhere to go for training. Hanara, recognizing the fact that there wasn't much else to go to since Wind Chakra Natures aren't common in the Leaf Village, accepted.
So, Hanara was predictably at Training Ground 4 with Asuma-Sensei when Ino came running up to them.
"Hanara, Asuma-Sensei," Ino panted, "Lady Tsunade needs to see you both in her office right now."
Hanara stared at Ino confusedly but then ran to the Hokage's Office, her two old team members (man, that made her feel nostalgic), following.
"Lady Hokage?" Hanara asked, slightly out of breath, noticing that all the members of Teams 8 and 10 along with Kakashi and Sakura, were there.
'Gotta increase my stamina training.'
"I have received news that Orochimaru is dead," Tsunade told them bluntly.
"Then... Sasuke?" Ino asked.
"We have heard nothing about him."
"But, if Orochimaru is gone, why would he still be a rogue ninja?" Sakura asked, "He doesn't hate the village!"
Kakashi put a hand on Sakura's head, "Maa Sakura, Sasuke wanted to kill Itachi."
"But, he can do that in the village!" Kiba exclaimed, "Besides, six months of training doesn't get you to S-Rank level! Any idiot would realize that the smart move is to come back!"
Tsunade sighed, "Orochimaru can... easily manipulate people."
'Hoo boy, if Naruto were here, he'd be demanding that we go save Sasuke. But, why is he getting special treatment? We should have declared him rouge long ago. Now that he's no longer just staying with Orochimaru... anything he does will reflect on all the loyal Leaf Shinobi...'
"So, uh, Lady Tsunade, are we going to go Sasuke-hunting or something?" Hanara asked after a moment of silence, "Or is there something else you need us to do?"
Tsunade clapped her hands together, "Ah, yes. The village has finally regained stability and so, I need to move you into different departments. As you know, being a Chunin isn't just about taking missions anymore and you can go into different specializations. As the Leaf's newest Chunin, all of you a being offered spots at various departments. You don't need to choose which one to accept straight away, but know that you will only have fourteen days to think on this. I must make it clear that you have every right to refuse all these offers and remain as you are now with no specialty or affiliation to any of the departments."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!" everyone chorused.
"Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuga, and Hanara Hyuga, you are all being offered places in the Leaf Village's Tracking Squad. If you choose to accept, there is a high likelihood that you will be asked to join the ANBU's Assassination Unit. However, you can refuse that offer."
The four Chunin nodded.
"Ino Yamanaka, you have been offered a spot in the Analysis Team. If you choose to accept, you may have to give up your med-nin training."
Ino nodded, not looking surprised. Nearly every Yamanaka was asked to join the Analysis Team. Any competent one, anyway.
"Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, and Hanara Hyuga, you have been offered a spot in the Leaf's Cryptanalysis Team."
'Huh, I would do well there.'
"And, lastly, Choji Akimichi, you have been offered to start training to become an Academy sensei."
Choji smiled.
"Sakura, you would also have been offered a spot somewhere, had you not become my apprentice," Tsunade told the pinkette, who was looking vaguely put out.
"Oh."
'Well, I don't exactly fancy just abusing my kekkei genkai, so I'll choose Cryptanalysis.'
"I have a question, Lady Tsunade," Hanara said.
"Yes, Hanara?"
"If I chose to accept the job in the Leaf's Cryptanalysis Team, would I not get any missions on the field?"
"Ah, no. Sometimes, you will get those types of missions. All of you could be pulled out of your squads for special events, such as the Chunin Exams."
"Oh. Well then, could you please tell the Cryptanalysis Team that I accept their offer?"
Tsunade groaned, "You've lost me some money, brat. I bet that you would say that in two days. Anyone else accepting offers?"
There was silence.
"Okay then, shoo. I have work to do."
As Hanara left, she could hear Lady Tsunade's groan, yet again voicing her frustration at the horrid thing known as paperwork.
Hanara went home, only to be reminded once more of the fact that she was alone. Neji had only moved out days ago, and she finally understood Naruto's pain. A bit of the loneliness. Although, she was probably overreacting. She lived in a clan compound, for Kami's sake! She wasn't alone! However, logic rarely trumped emotions.
Sighing, Hanara exited the home. Staying there was going to be more painful than it was worth, in her opinion.
'Training it is. Or maybe- no. Ino is probably studying some medical jutsus with Sakura. I'm lonely... There should be more kunoichis.'
Hanara was walking past Yakiniku Q when someone stopped her.
"Troublesome..." a voice groaned, "Mommy, that's Hana-sensei."
"Yui?" Hanara asked, "Oh, what a surprise. It's nice to see you! You're in class 4a now, right?"
"Yes, this is my mom," Yui said, pointing at her.
"Shikana Nara," she nodded, "Pleasure to meet you..."
"Hanara." she introduced, pushing the hair in her face behind her ear, unintentionally revealing a bit of the bandages underneath, "Hanara Hyuga."
"You're the one that taught using puppets?" Shikana asked.
Hanara nodded, "That's me! Although, I can't imagine Yui actually mentions anything about school at home..."
"She stays awake longer in your classes," Shikana informed her, "That was genius."
"Aaah," Hanara shook her head, "'Maru thought of it."
"The other sensei?" Shikana asked.
"Yes," Hanara affirmed, "Shikamaru Nara. You should know him."
"Lord Shikaku's son," Shikana murmured, "Heh. Sounds like him."
Hanara grinned.
"It was nice meeting you, Hanara, but I'm afraid we must go," Shikana turned to Yui, "Come on!"
'Maybe not so lonely, after all.'
UNKNOWN LOCATION, THE LAND OF RICE PADDIES
Sasuke Uchiha's Perspective, 5 Months Earlier:
"Tch," Sasuke grunted as he ran away from Orochimaru's base, frustrated.
Apparently, Orochimaru's run-in with the remaining members of the Sannin had cost said man greatly. Kabuto Yakushi, the 'Genin' that Sasuke had dismissed, was Orochimaru's only reason of survival, and Hanara of all people had killed him. Hanara had succeeded where Jiraiya and Tsunade had not. If Hanara could beat someone that had nearly won against a Sannin, then shouldn't Sasuke be stronger than that man? He had to get stronger! But now, he couldn't.
Because Orochimaru was dead.
Orochimaru couldn't make the switch of a body without his medic, and now, Orochimaru was dead. And with his death brought Sasuke two major problems.
One: Nearly everyone in the base hated him because Sasuke was Orochimaru's perfect choice instead of them.
Two: How was he going to get any stronger with no one to train him? He was a rouge ninja now! Rogue ninjas didn't exactly find a sensei in another rogue ninja, and Sasuke had no kind conta- wait! He did! And, if he was not mistaken, she was from the Grass Village.
'Karin Uzumaki... If the Uzumakis in the Grass are treated like Naruto was, this will be easy. They'll want to keep their distance, and I can get her to steal jutsu scrolls for me. She can't say no, either. She owes me. Besides, she mentioned her house was secluded, which will give me the perfect spot to hide until I convince her to leave.'
Sasuke smirked. This was not as great as training from a Sannin, but with his curse mark, he might just be able to make it work.
A/N: So, I'm sorry about the unusually long wait. I fell sick last week (not COVID, believe me, we tested and it hurt). I'm still not fully recovered, but it's enough to do the usual things minus going outside.
How did you like the ending? The Karin bit at the end wasn't planned in the outline, but once I thought of it, I couldn't let it go. Thoughts?
Anyway, the next chapter will most likely be the start of Shippuden, where Hanara's changes finally will make a difference, I assure you. Shippuden is harder to write, and life's finally going back to normal, so updates may be slower.
I started this out when quarantine did, and I can't believe it's been over half a year! Thank you all so much for the love and feedback. If you weren't so supportive, whether it be through faves, follows, or comments, TCHT would have never have made it this far, so thank you! I know this sounds like an ending, and in a way, it is. Shippuden is the start of a whole new chapter in Hanara's life, so whatever happens next, I hope you enjoy it.
Until next time!
~ TheSlytherdorNinja
