Wow! Thank you for the positive reviews. Just a reminder though; I am not a native English writer and I am still working on my grammar…especially the tenses. So please understand.

-o-o-o-

Chapter two

Hinata rubbed her eyes as she stared at Uchiha Sasuke. She haven't seen the guy in years and his physical change was very disturbing since he doesn't look like his old self—or the one that she saw after the war. He was more…ragged. His hair was longer and his clothes more for a traveler than that of a ninja.

He also wore some kind of bandana on his head.

Beside her, Naruto laughed as he slapped his lap. She transferred her gaze to the blonde and wondered why he found the scenario funny since all she felt was nervous excitement and wonder… like what would Sakura-chan say now that Sasuke was back… or what would be the reaction of the village? Of Kakashi Rokudaime?

"Teme!" Naruto shook his head. "You look bad."

"I have been traveling a lot." Sasuke answered as he let his eyes check the woman beside Naruto, trying to remember who she was. When he finally got a good look, he recognized her to be one of his and Naruto's classmate. It was the Hyuga girl that was related to Hyuga Neji.

It was the same girl that had been Naruto's stalker when they were still academy kids.

It was the white eyed girl that never spoke without stuttering.

The Hyuga girl was now more womanly than the last time that he had seen her—and it was when the war was still going on. Currently, she was staring at him with her big white eyes which glimmered eerily because of the moon's light.

Naruto looked at Hinata and saw that she was still gaping at Sasuke. He chuckled and took her arm. He pulled her close to him in a protective way. "Remember Hinata-chan?"

Hinata squeaked—because she was being introduced to the one and only intimidating Sasuke Uchiha and because Naruto just put an arm around her waist. She was still feeling the effects of the alcohol but it was a gesture enough to make her heart pound like crazy. And not to mention that Naruto was very tall… and her head was just near his chest.

"I do." Sasuke answered apathetically.

Hinata licked her lower lip nervously but managed a shaky smile. "S-sasuke-kun…" She doesn't stutter anymore but being in front of the Uchiha was making her nervous. Besides, Naruto was too close she could smell his masculine scent. "Welcome back."

Naruto gave Hinata a comforting squeeze. He felt her stiffen and it made him smile. He then faced Sasuke again and shrugged. He was holding Hinata close because he noticed that her chakra was getting unstable. "We are having a small get together in my place and Hinata-chan got a little tipsy. I brought her out for fresh air."

"Hn."

"You should go inside my apartment Sasuke. Everyone is going to be surprised that you're here. Sakura-chan is going to be very happy."

Sasuke smirked. Of course they are going to be surprised. He was the black sheep of Konoha twelve— the only one who turned villain and hero at the same time since he had a hand in starting the war that took thousands of lives…

He also had a hand in stopping it.

Although he knew that a lot of people were still angry at him. He had done too many evil things to be forgiven. But then again, he was not asking for forgiveness… for what happened to his clan and brother was also something that was unforgivable.

"Come on Sasuke… you're not saying no right?" Naruto grinned.

"I have to see Kakashi-sensei."

"Oh yeah, right." Naruto's grin disappeared. He was too happy with his friend's arrival that he had forgotten that it was needed for Kakashi to know. "Wait… so you managed to get inside the village undetected by the night patrol?"

"I do not want to stir attention."

"You teme… you still like sneaking around don't you?"

Hinata watched in silence as the conversation between the two most skilled Shinobi in their batch took place. Naruto was still holding her close and she couldn't help her cheeks from getting warm. If it was daylight, she was dead sure that her face looks like that of a tomato.

Sasuke's gaze transferred from Dobe and Dobe's girlfriend to the direction of the Hokage tower. "I gotta go."

"Yeah. I'll see you in the morning."

"Hn."

Sasuke turned his back on the two and leaped high, landing on the same lamp post that he was perched on minutes ago. He then gave Naruto one last look.

"Hey…don't scare the hell out the tower guards Teme." Naruto called as Sasuke leaped again and was out of their sight a second later. Facing Hinata, he grinned. "Sasuke's back Hinata-chan."

"Y-yeah."

"Why don't we come back inside and share the news?"

-o-o-o-

Hinata rested her back against Shino's and raised her chin up to stare at the cloudy sky. They were on their usual training ground and were sitting back to back as they watched Kiba train on a new skill that he had learned with Akamaru.

Even with their new respective ranks, the members of Team Kurenai always find time to train together and work as a team. They were still one of the best tracking team in the village and were still grouped together in missions.

Their skills are complementary and were still improving as they train together.

Shino stopped scrutinizing the bug in his hand—a beetle to be exact—and let it flew away. "Uchiha Sasuke's return quite made a ruckus in the village."

Hinata closed her eyes, remembering the night of Sasuke's return. It was almost a week ago but it was still fresh inside her mind even though the memory was laced with alcohol. That was the last time that she saw the Uchiha though. "Yeah. My father has been…uhh… excited about it."

Hiashi had been vocal about the chances of Uchiha and any Hyuga blood mix up, much to Hinata's chagrin. Her father was excited about the idea of a new dojutsu being born if Sasuke were to marry a Hyuga. Even now, the elders were planning about pacts and deals now that Sasuke returned.

And what was worse, Hyuga females of the right age—except her and Hanabi of course—were grooming and beautifying themselves in order to have a chance at catching the Uchiha's attention like he was some sort of prize.

It was understandable though, because if a Hyuga marries Uchiha Sasuke— it was going to be the ticket in order to avoid the caged bird seal. And if the female came from the lower branch of the clan, it was a way to change one's status and be transferred to the main branch.

"My clan is also… excited….and much of the female population." Shino answered.

"As if he was not one of those who started the war." Kiba who just settled himself beside his two friends suddenly joined the conversation. Even if he was a few meters away when Shino and Hinata started talking, his hearing was good enough to hear every word. "I still don't trust him."

"Naruto trust him." Shino said. "And Kakashi…and Sakura."

Kiba rolled his eyes. "Team seven is Sasuke's old team."

Hinata passed Kiba a fluffy white towel. He was sweating buckets and his thin shirt was all wet, making his muscles more defined. Kiba was one of the popular guys now and girls were fawning over him like crazy.

"Hinata." Kiba said seriously. "I don't want you anywhere near Sasuke. He may be losing an arm, but he is still one of the deadliest Shinobi alive."

"Kiba-kun, I don't think he'll do anything—"

"I just want to be sure." Kiba took his shirt off. "I don't have anything against him coming back, but Sasuke may still have loose screws inside his head."

Hinata looked at Shino for help since Kiba was being his over protective self again. To her disappointment, the Aburame was not on her side in this matter. "I agree with Kiba…" Shino said. "Sasuke may be a changed man now. But we'll feel much better if you keep your distance until everything settles down."

After the training which took all morning, former Team Kurenai parted ways. Kiba still has captain duties and Shino was now a starting instructor in the academy and has a class to teach. Hinata has to go back to the Hyuga clan compound to change… maybe get something to eat before going to the Hokage tower to pass the report that was due tomorrow.

On her way back to the compound, Hinata was surprised to be blocked by the one and only Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto's growth spurt was incredible. A few years back, both of them were of the same height. Now her head just reaches his chest.

"Good morning Naruto-kun." She greeted. Naruto was wearing a black jacket with orange sleeve. His hair was also— Hinata gasped. Naruto just got a haircut. His spiky hair was gone and now his hair was very short.

It was a first for her to see Naruto that way.

Naruto grinned and scratched his head. "I know it looks weird on me."

"Ah… it actually looks good Naruto-kun."

Naruto smiled. "Really? Sakura-chan said it makes me look mature."

"It is a good thing." Hinata replied and placed her hands behind her. "Since you are training under the Rokudaime to be the next Hokage, it is going to make the council notice how much you have grown."

"Do you like it?" Naruto asked, looking away and sported an embarrass face.

"I do." Hinata was puzzled that Naruto was stopping by just to ask if she liked his haircut. Usually, Naruto just grins, shouts out a jolly greeting, and then be off to his merry way. The Uzumaki never did really talk to her much since she was too shy to make a conversation last.

Well, only with him.

"Ah… Hinata-chan." Naruto chuckled nervously. "What do you say to—"

"Naruto! I have been looking for you everywhere baka!" Sakura suddenly landed in the middle of the two conversing ninjas, halting the words Naruto was yet to let out of his mouth. "Kakashi sensei needs team Seven right now. It is a meeting with the elders and Sasuke is going to be the subject."

Naruto gave Hinata a glance before facing the pink haired medic. "Sakura-chan… I'll… I'll follow after you okay? I still have to—"

Sakura gritted her teeth. "As I said, this is about Sasuke baka! We have to be there since the elders are still worried of his unexpected return. We have to vouch for him okay?" She grabbed Naruto's arm, sparing Hinata a smile. "I'm sorry Hinata-chan… I have to borrow Naruto okay?"

Hinata smiled.

Naruto was hesitant. He knew Sasuke was going to be fine since Kakashi was the Hokage. Sakura saw his reaction so she raised her eyebrows at him. "Is Sasuke not important to you?" The Haruno asked with a glare.

"He is…but—"He gave Hinata another glance.

Hinata tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll see you around Naruto-kun… Sakura-chan."

"Wait… Hina—"

"Baka. Let's go!" Sakura half dragged the Uzumaki with her, all the while scowling. "You don't want to be late in a meeting with all of Konoha's elders and clan head Naruto!"

::

Kakashi Hatake sighed. "With All due respect, we had the same discussion years ago… and we all agreed that Sasuke be given a chance to be a Konohan citizen. And now that he's back, you are going to tell me that you are all worried?"

One woman, an elder from the Nara clan, whipped her wrinkled hands in the air. "Spare me Hokage. He is your student so you are bias."

Tsume Inuzuka growled from her seat, her wild eyes looking menacing than ever. Kakashi was Minato's trusted student, and Minato had trained Kakashi well."With all due respect Kira-san. You are talking to the Hokage. You may be an elder but nobody should talk to the Sixth like that."

"I agree." Shikamaru muttered from his seat and gave the old woman—his grandmother by the way—a look of annoyance. He was now the Nara clan head but his power was not enough to leave her at home. She was still an elder and part of the council. "Kakashi Rokudaime states the truth. This has something that had been discussed already."

Kakashi clasped his gloved hands together. "Sasuke stays."

Sasuke smirked. He was standing on the farthest side of the room with his back plastered on the cemented wall. Leave it to everybody to decide what was good for his life as if he was not inside the room.

It was only because of Naruto and his promise to his brother to start a new life that made him come back to the place that condemned his clan to death.

"I want to request something." Naruto stood up from his seat next to Kakashi and looked squarely at Sasuke who was pretending that he was just a fly on the wall and the meeting in front of him did not exist. "I want Sasuke's arm to be replaced with Hashirama's cells… like mine."

Sasuke snapped his head to Naruto.

Sakura raised a hand. "I can help with that."

There was silence and Hiashi Hyuga chose to let himself be heard at that exact moment. "I am afraid I have to disagree with that…well, at the moment. That subject can be arranged in time." The Hyuga clan head felt all eyes landed on him. A few were glares of disagreement while the majority was just plain relieved. "Sasuke may be a hero but let us not forget that he was also the villain in the past. He may be a changed person now but I believe that even with a missing arm, he is still a force to be reckoned with."

Kakashi frowned. "What is your point Hiashi-san?"

"With two arms… Sasuke is almost indestructible. And even if we have the nine tails with us, it still poses a great threat –and Sasuke could change his mind any moment. We just survived a war Hokage, let us be practical this time and try all measure to avoid it. I lost my nephew and the clan's prodigy in that war."

"You lost your father in that war Shikamaru." Old Kira reminded his grandson. "And your sensie…Asuma."

Hiashi cleared his throat and continued. "I say let's give Uchiha Sasuke a few months to convince us of his motives… let him stay inside the village and prove his loyalty. Helping us win the war doesn't mean he is completely loyal. If he proves the negative comments about him wrong, then that is the time to talk about healing his arm."

Naruto scowled. "Of course it proves that he is loyal!"

"Orochimaru helped us win the war too…" Hiashi said smartly, silencing the future Hokage. "But that doesn't mean we trust him."

Kakashi looked at Sasuke. "What do you say Sasuke-kun?"

"Let's stop pretending that I have a choice in this matter." Sasuke said coldly from his place. "The people inside this room still decide for people's lives in this village right?"

Hiashi crossed his arms. "Only because you created havoc in the past that changed history Uchiha."

Kakashi rubbed his covered chin. "Sasuke stays… but I won't stop it if you want him to be guarded by—"

"With all due respect Hokage." Hiashi said. "But may I suggest something?"

"What is it?"

Tsume rolled her eyes and murmured. "If I knew better, it has to do with power again."

"I want Uchiha Sasuke to stay inside my clan for the meantime. The Uchiha district—which by right now belongs to him— is still not fit for someone to live in. Besides, the Hyuga can act as his watchers while he stays with us. He will also be given accommodations fit for a guest."

"And what will you get from this?" Tsume asked suspiciously. "I know you Hiashi."

"I won't deny it. I will get a lot."

"And what if Uchiha decides to turns psycho?"

"Sasuke is not a psycho." Sakura gritted her teeth.

Sasuke rolled his eyes.

Hiashi smirked. "That's the other thing. Byakugan and Sharingan are opposites… if anyone could fight off Sasuke, it's my clan. Do you expect the Aburame to defeat a sharingan user by using beetles? Sasuke could throw them all in a different dimension just as easily as snapping a twig with his fingers."

The Aburame elder scowled. "Are you insulting my clan?"

"No Aburame-san. I am being realistic. Everything has its opposites and negatives. In this world, everything is like rock, paper and scissors. I am not saying that Aburames are weak. The skills are just not compatible."

Shikamaru shrugged. "Hiashi-san's got a point."

-o-o-o-

Hinata turned the shower on and stepped under it. The water was cool and it washes off the stickiness that she felt on her skin. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes and she doesn't want to show her haggard self near the dinner table.

After shower, she slipped on a nice shirt and her usual black pants. Her hair was still wet so she turned on the stand fan and positioned herself in front of it. She brushed the strands with her fingers until it was dry enough to be tied into a bun.

As she tied her hair into place, her eyes landed on a picture frame on top of her desk. It was Neji's picture and she gave it a warm yet sad smile. "Nii-san… I heard they're cooking your favorite tonight." She murmured. "If only you were here to eat it with me and Hanabi."

After making sure that she was presentable, Hinata headed towards the dining area. As she was reaching the place, she begun to suspect the something was… well, there was just something. The maids were scurrying with food which was more than enough to feed a family of three.

And they all looked nervous.

Stopping one maid by the arm, a young girl with curly brown hair, Hinata decided to ask. "I was not aware that dinner is a bit lavish tonight."

The young girl smiled nervously. "Hiashi-sama ordered for it … y-you have a guest Hinata-sama"

"Oh."

"I have to go now Hinata-sama… I still have to tidy the guest room."

"Okay."

Still frowning at the fact that her father failed to mention anything about a guest, Hinata slowly walked to the door that leads to the dining area. She poked her head in and almost choked at the sight.

Sitting beside her father and looking as cold as ever, was Uchiha Sasuke.

-o-o-o-

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-crazygurl12