Before anything else, I am going to rant. I am so disappointed with the Naruto Gaiden Series. I don't know why (and please no offense to the others who like it) but I think Sasuke is a little out of character when it comes to Sakura (and this is not about ships either). I don't like it… I really don't. I have been following the series every chapter because I thought it was going to be interesting. It did not even show any NaruHina interaction… no other people.

Just SasuSaku… which was not convincing in my opinion.

*Heavy sigh.

Very well… I'll just pour my sorrows in writing Fictions.

-o-o-o-

Chapter Five

Naruto smiled cheekily at the snorting Uchiha who has a knack at playing impassive when it comes to almost everything . In the past, Sasuke would rather kill a thousand men before getting found walking side by side with him in a street full of curious locals—some even judgmental and a few were just plain angry. Most importantly, Sasuke was walking on a street that belongs to Konoha.

It was another reason to celebrate.

"Hey Teme Let's eat ramen like old times." Naruto proposed, smile turning into his signature closed-eyed grin. Sasuke had been considerate when it comes to his invitations like drinking sake in an old pub or eating dango so far, so maybe he could take it up a notch this time and invite the guy to old good Ichiharuku's.

Sasuke hates ramen, but Naruto knew there was still time to change that.

Sasuke snorted again—a slight alteration in his stoic facade. "No."

"Aw man. Why?" Naruto asked with a grimace. Sasuke was being dragged into secret council and Hokage meetings these past days. It was good that Sasuke was being an active Shinobi, but it takes away all the fun.

Well, Sasuke was not really fun –for he was the party pooper—but after leaving the village for his vendetta and leaving it again for the second time to find his self enlightenment after the war, Naruto and the rest of team seven were willing to look pass it.

"Meeting with Kakashi." Sasuke replied.

Naruto grimaced again, this time a little pronounced. "All this secret meetings is making me uneasy Teme. Baa-chan and Kakashi-sensei are going to vouch for me for Hokageship…but now, the elders seems interested in you. What if suddenly, they throw you into a kage?"

Sasuke smirked. "That's not going to happen."

"Why not?"

"This is not about village politics."

"Then why…?"

Sasuke sighed; slightly annoyed that Naruto just won't shut up. When he returned to Konoha and found the Uzumaki, he saw great changes, especially maturity and more self control. Naruto was not the same dumb-ass teenager he had been before…

But that doesn't mean he was not totally "Naruto".

"I am assigned on D-rank missions." Sasuke admitted, a vein popping on the side of his forehead upon remembering the grim fate he received upon returning back. Naruto would surely dig it out of him anyway, sooner or later.

Or maybe Kakashi already told the dobe, since he—

"What?" Naruto almost yelled and some heads turned towards them curiously. Sasuke then changed his mind. The dobe had no idea about the missions at all...until now. Maybe Kakashi deemed fit that he wasn't the one to tell the fabulous tale.

"That was what the meetings were all about. Apparently, I am now Konoha's cow."

"You are not Konoha's cow." Naruto frowned.

"Not in my point of view."

Naruto shook his head as he imagined a one-armed Sasuke plowing one of the rice fields. It was an amusing scenario but at the end, he could see Sasuke chidori-ing the cows and setting fires on the rice stalks, all the while cackling deviously. He shuddered.

"So being Hokage is not really on my path right now."

"I'll talk to them."

"No."

Naruto's frown became deeper. "Why? They listen to me… at least they do when I'm around."

"No." The last thing that Sasuke wanted was someone pleading for his sake. No… that was not on his agenda at all. The elders already bent him a little. He would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him break—as if something as small as D-class missions would break him—all he wanted right now was to rebuild the Uchiha clan. And to do so, he must need to follow the rules set before him with dignity… or at least until Naruto is Hokage.

Naruto would surely change the Konoha government system for the better. Not that Kakashi was a poor Kage—for the man was a born leader. It was just he was more of a temporary steward while the Godaime was not around and Naruto was still too young to rule.

Naruto sighed but then smiled. He knew what was inside Sasuke's mind but at the same time he doesn't want his best friend to feel so low. Now that Sasuke was back, Naruto had promised himself that he would do everything in his power to make sure that Sasuke won' leave again. He would do his best to make the only surviving Uchiha at home—even if it was going to be so hard concerning what happened years back.

But he won't be Uzumaki Naruto if he was going to be discouraged before he even started.

"Fine." The Uzumaki said at last.

"Hn."

"But don't you dare steal the Hokageship Teme. I'm going to fight you tooth and claw." Naruto added in a happier note.

They continued walking, this time in silence since both of them were thinking separate things. Sasuke was thinking about the D-class missions that were about to stomp on his pride and Naruto was thinking about Sasuke's temporary home. The Teme was staying inside the compound of the almighty Uchiha's after all.

"Hey."

Sasuke did not reply but his eyes rolled to the side to look at the tall blonde Uzumaki. When they stand side by side together—or walk—Naruto's height was a few inches taller from his.

"How's life inside the Hyuga?"

"Pretentious."

"Hey… not all Hyugas are like that." Naruto felt the urge to be defensive—oh wait—he was already defensive. Neji and Hinata after all were Hyugas—and they are good people. Actually, one of the best he knew. "There are nice people in there. Honorable and true."

"Hn."

"Where did they let you sleep? Did they give you your own house or…"

"A room. Inside the main house."

"Oh…main house? So you are actually staying with the head?" Naruto's electric blue eyes widened just a little. "And with the two daughters."

"Yes."

"You know… Hinata-chan is very nice. She…ah…kinda confe—"

"The one with the blue hair." Sasuke's head tilted a little. It was the weird Hyuga princess that was replaced by her younger sister on the Hyuga royal seat. It was the same girl that Kakashi said was not one of his fan girls, and that tea for her…was just tea.

"Yeah."

Both stopped walking when they reached a crossing street. One was the way to the Hokage tower which Sasuke should and will take since he was saying something about another meeting. Naruto was having day off from training and academy work so he decided to take the opposite direction and go to eat ramen as planned…just without Sasuke.

They parted ways then, Sasuke walking calmly with his long cloak being ruffled by the wind. Since his arm was turned into a stub, he only wore clothes with long sleeves. In any circumstance that he could not, he always put on a cloak.

Naruto on the other hand chose to leap and use the roofs as his path. He jumped, landing on one roof to another with an excited face. It has been three days since have had ramen and he was—

He spotted Tenten and Hinata talking.

He was never the one to eavesdrop but Hinata was too cute with her cherry colored face he just has to know what the two girls were talking about. In the past, he had observed that Hinata's blush will only be triggered—usually—if he was talking to her. He never really thought much of it as a kid but when the war ended and everyone was starting to pick the broken pieces, he noticed it was growing rare. Checking his chakra signature, Naruto descended from the roof without the two girls knowing. He hid himself behind the trunk of a large tree a few meters from the two and listened.

And then wished that he didn't.

"So if I were you, it's time to make a move."

"Tenten-chan… I—"

"You are a beautiful girl Hinata. Boys are dying to ask you out on a date—and don't you dare deny that because Kiba has been complaining about it every time." Tenten shushed the red-faced Hyuga and continued. "Sure, let's say Naruto has been on Sakura for years…but come on, it was just a crush Hina-chan. People get over their childhood crush."

"Tenten—"

"Hear me out first okay? Did you notice how much Naruto changed through the years? He is more mature now…manly…not to say good looking. And most importantly, I did not see him make a move on Sakura for a long time now…not even once."

"I don't think—"

"You still like him don't you?"

"I like him, sure…"

"Then what's the problem?"

"Tenten… I appreciate your concern but…"

"But what?"

" Naruto is my…childhood hero. I still have feelings for him, I guess. But people get over unrequited emotions in time and…"

Naruto doesn't know what was the problem with him, but listening to what Hinata was saying and what those words were about to mean, he realized that it was going to be about the way he had been 'oblivious' about Hinata's feelings for him for years.

Actually, he was not oblivious at all. He was just too immature back then. He was just too focused on bringing Sasuke back and be Hokage. He was just too focused on Sakura—one thing that he realized later, was just a childhood crush.

And childhood crush disappears in time… just like what he was to Hinata and the feelings she has for him—or had—he was not so sure.

Unconsciously, he stepped out from his hiding spot, not bothering to hide his chakra signature anymore. A few feet away, he saw Tenten's eyes landed on him with a start, seconds later, Hinata turned and followed Tenten's gaze.

"N-Naruto-kun!" The startled ex-heiress said—no, almost a gasp. Her beautiful pearlescent eyes went wide and he took in a deep breath, wanting to smile but somehow could not do it. Hinata looked cute with her light pink shirt and long skirt—a nice change from her usual purple jacket.

"Hinata." He managed, seriously looking at her eyes.

Tenten smiled nervously, feeling slightly guilty for putting Hinata in such an awkward moment though a part of her was just smiling at the coincidence. These two people were those few that needed pushing before they could have the courage to face their romance life. It was funny really; especially that everyone knew Hinata and Naruto would face death anytime without fear.

"Ah…" The Weapon Mistress scratched her head, forgetting that she just changed her hairstyle. "Hi Naruto."

"Tenten." Naruto did not even spare her a glance for his eyes were on the heiress.

Oh crap. Tenten thought with a mental lip-biting. "Ah… oh my gosh! I ruined my hair." She said with a flourish, knowing that her 'girly-girl' act was too obvious for anyone of the two to believe. She was after all the Rookie Nine tomboy.

But hell would freeze first if she was going to stay and chat.

"I have to go... I have to fix this." She grumbled and started running the opposite direction, leaving the two to their own business. Before her escape though, she spared Hinata a sorry glance and got a frightened look in response

Hinata looked down on her feet, hands itching to fidget. She haven't fidget in years and there was no way that she was going to return to that old habit in front of Uzumaki Naruto. Her father always viewed her mannerism as a sign of weakness, and she doesn't want Naruto to see her as weak.

"Uhm…" She started, slightly peering behind her lashes. "Naruto-kun… how long have you been standing...?"

Naruto pocketed his hands. "Not long… I'm just passing by. "

"I see."

"Who are you guys talking about?" Now Naruto was lying. He knew exactly who the girls were talking about. He heard it. He heard his name. "You seem so…embarrassed." He saw Hinata turned her face into a giant tomato before biting her lower lip. "You're face is red Hinata."

"Ah…you see…"

"Is it about the guy you like?" Naruto asked.

Hinata mind's was freaking out but her physical appearance—even slightly awkward—was still composed enough. She was trained all her life to handle any situation with poise. Sure she faints when Naruto talks to her in the past, but her feelings back then were too strong it was just too much to handle.

It was not like that today.

"Naruto-kun." Hinata was not the one to lie, but she was not the one to be so blunt either. She shifted her weight on one foot, trying to find the right reason to get out of the—

"Hinata."

There was a flicker, and then Aburame Shino appeared beside them like a shadow. He was wearing his usual Aburame garb but his hair was tied into a ponytail on top of his head—much like Shikamaru's but much, much shorter. His dark eye glasses glinted as he placed a hand on the Hyuga's shoulder possessively.

He was not Kiba, but he sure was possessive and protective when it comes to Hinata just as much as the dog lover. The only difference was, he was much calmer compared to the Inuzuka hothead. Kiba was the type to jump head-on, he was the type to analyze things first and strike with one, killer blow.

That was why in Team Eight missions, he was always the leader.

"Naruto." He gave the Uzumaki a nod. He likes Naruto, but was a little sour when he spotted Hinata and the Uzumaki talking together while looking so serious. Shino had watched Hinata suffered through the years that Naruto was being oblivious and running around like a dog behind the Haruno. He also doesn't like the fact that after almost getting killed by Pein after confessing her feelings, Hinata did not even receive a reply.

Naruto continued to act like the 'confession' did not happen.

Hinata smiled at him. "Shino-kun."

"I have been waiting for you outside the academy but you're late." Shino replied. Just like some of the Rookie Nine members, he was getting a part time job as a teacher in the academy. "So I came to fetch you."

"I'm sorry. I chatted with Tenten-chan on the way… and then Naruto-kun…"

"Mind if me and Hina-chan talk a little bit more Shino?" Naruto asked, this time permitting a small smile to grace his lips. He and Shino were good friends, but he noticed lately that the bug user was more possessive than Kiba when it comes to Hinata. Everyone thought it was Kiba—which was no surprise—but if one would look closely, it was Shino.

Kiba was just more vocal.

Shino was more deadly.

"I'm sorry Naruto. We have a class to teach. We are already behind time as it is."

"Oh…"

Hinata smiled, actually glad that Shino came to the rescue. ""M-Maybe next time Naruto-kun."

"How about I fetch you tonight for some ramen?" Naruto asked, a little disappointed that he was cut off again by a friend. It happened many times before and he was starting to get a little sulky.

Shino was the one to reply. He may not have the power of telekinesis and the Yamanaka clan's mind reading skill, but he sure knows how to read Hinata's face like an open book. The Hyuga was very uneasy. "We have plans tonight Naruto."

Hinata gave Shino a glance. There were no plans for tonight.

Naruto smiled weakly, but he gave the Hyuga a glance. "Have a nice day at the academy Hina."

::

Hinata saw her father standing on the porch the moment she entered the Hyuga compound, The Main branch mansion was located right in front of the large gates—the obelisk of the clan—so there was no way for her to back a step and pretend that she haven't arrive yet. It was not that she doesn't want to talk to her father, for even if he prefers the powerful Hanabi , she still loves him like a daughter should.

And she knew, deep inside, Hiashi loves her too.

But as always, clan heads that turned fathers are always going to put the clan first before his family. It was the unwritten code. It was what every heir and heiresses were filled the moment they could understand words and follow them.

Hinata sighed, but it was a sigh that she made sure Hiashi won't see. Adjusting her posture into that of a proud Hyuga, she walked up to him with a slight smile on her face. Hiashi must be drinking his early evening tea for there was a small tray with a porcelain teapot and matching cup on the floor.

Her father is a tea addict, and that was something she could vouch on. Sometimes, she wondered if that was his secret for being so calm…so poised and polished. She heard some say that tea could make a person more composed because of its calming effects. "Good evening father."

"Good evening daughter. Where have you been?"

"I am with my teammates."

"The Aburame heir and Inuzuka?"

"Yes." Hinata nodded, wondering why her father was asking. Hiashi was never the one to be curious of her affairs. As long as it was not bringing attention to the Hyuga name for the worse, he was okay with everything she does. Actually, she kind of felt that Hiashi trusts her decisions when it comes to her life. It started the moment Hanabi has been pronounced the official heir.

And it solidified the moment when her facing-Pein-alone-to-death news reached every single Hyuga.

"You are very close to your team." Hiashi commented.

"I am."

"Do you like anyone of them? As a potential lover?"

Hinata almost choke. It was the first time that her father asked that kind of question. It honestly made her shudder. Every time the head lets out questions like that from his mouth, it was always business… like what benefit will the union bring to the Hyuga clan, or what kind of potential skill will the future child of the lovers get?

Marriage plans before being executed, always pass first on the eyes of the Hyuga council. If the council doesn't agree, they will conjure reasons so that the union won't take place. That was why there were no outside marriages…no mixture of blood from outsiders.

In the very rare cases that a mixed marriage must happen, it was always for political gains.

Even the clan head was not an exception. Hiashi himself married his own cousin, Hinata and Hanabi's mother. If Neji was still alive, Hinata was almost sure that the council will force her Nii-san to marry her or Hanabi.

"No father. I treat them as brothers. They love me like a sister… that I know." Hinata answered.

"I see." Hiashi nodded understandingly. He heard of a few stories concerning Hinata's teammates and he was thankful that they are very protective of her. Neji won't be able to do the 'protecting' job anymore so at least there were two strong boys from two powerful clans to protect his eldest.

But then again, having an Inuzuka or Aburame as Hinata's lover was an entirely different matter.

"It's getting cold. You should come inside father."

Hiashi shook his head. "You go inside. I will stay here a little longer."

Hinata nodded and left the Clan Head on his own, still a little bewildered. Maybe her father was just concerned…. Yeah, that must be it… he was just concerned for her personal life…which was strange.

Feeling a little hungry, she marched straight to the kitchen to grab a few riceballs to at least satisfy her grumbling stomach. When she arrived to the destination, she found that there was no one. No staff… no chefs…

But there was a cup of steaming hot…something.

It was placed on the counter and was sweet smelling. Maybe it was soup…or maybe it was some kind of soupy dessert. Hinata looked around, she got a feeling that it belongs to Hanabi. Letting hunger take over her mind, she lowered her head and took a sip. She was just going to have a taste… and then—

"Hinata-nee!" Hanabi appeared and rushed towards her with a frightened look. Her little sister grabbed her neck and pulled her head up. "That's not supposed to be tasted! It's not… It's not normal food."

Hinata blinked, her upper lip still wet with the delicious soup—if it was soup. "W-what?" She looked at the shorter Hyuga with a frown. "Why is this not supposed for eating?" She asked. Hanabi was not that strict with food…

"I am going to be on a mission with my team tomorrow… and I will bring that as… nevermind." Hanabi shook her head, a vein pulsating on her neck. "It's got poppy seeds."

Hinata's eyes widened. "Why did you leave this cup in here?"

"I just left it for a second to get my container."

"Hanabi!"

"I'm sorry!"

Hinata rushed to the sink, turned the water on and inserted two of her fingers inside her mouth. She touched the inside of her throat, trying to make herself gag. A few seconds later, she vomited her guts out with a painful sound. But even then, she knew that the poppy was making its way to her brain.

She was feeling dizzy.

"Hinata-nee…"

"I'm alright." She lied. "I just have to d-drink an antidote to make sure. I have one in my …p-pack."

"I'll get it." Hanabi offered.

"No." Hinata turned the faucet off and wiped the sweat that somehow appeared on her forehead while she was vomiting. She was starting to see white spots and she wondered how much doze of poppy Hanabi put in the cup. "You have a mission…prepare for it Hanabi-chan."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. I vomited it out."

::

Sasuke landed on the wooden floor with a soft thud. He did not use the main entrance this time just for the sake of messing with everyone's brains. He wanted them to feel that even if they try to act high and mighty, they still could not contain him.

Returning to the village was a free choice. But being chained by the Hyuga clan was never in his plans. Unfortunately, he has to play the obedient boy this time…even if they showered him with D-class missions.

With a smirk, he made his way to his room—or more precisely, the room that was lent to him by Hiashi. Hiashi was not on the list of his favorite people but he got to give credit to the clan head for being true to his word.

He was treated as a clan guest in this place and nothing else. Though he still hated the way some Hyuga elders stared at him like he was their next meal. Those looks he had seen on Orochimaru before and it makes him grit his teeth in silence.

He knew what the elders where planning, they were considering to get a hold of his sharingan bloodline. If his guess was correct—and it was more likely—they were the real ones…the brains…why the marriageable ladies of the clan flaunts their assets at him every chance they get.

As if I would fall for an obnoxious Hyuga.

Sasuke would have continued on his way, but he felt an unstable chakra. The footsteps that echoed in the dark corridor were heavy, sending slight vibrations on the wooden floor. He stopped and then turned his head just a little to the direction where it was all coming from.

And then he saw her, the only Hyuga with the blue hair, and she was coming his way. He noticed that her white eyes were slightly drooped and breathing in heavy pants. Sweat glistened on her brow and on the bridge of her nose. If he didn't know better, he would've mistaken her for a girl who was drunk.

To his surprise, she stumbled, her feet winding underneath her like a rope. She dropped face-first on the hard floor with a loud smack and it was followed by a soft groan. Sasuke sighed. He doesn't care…he really doesn't. But even if he hates to admit it, there was still some decency left inside him.

So he changed direction and walked to the princess, kneeling in front of her messy hair to see the problem. She raised her head up shakily, her face pale and lips trembling. There was a small gash on her forehead but not big enough to draw blood.

"What is wrong with you?" Sasuke asked impassively. The girl was smiling at him a little, in a lopsided kind of way that reminds him of the way Shikamaru Nara smiles. It was lazily done…almost unconsciously.

He frowned at her moon-like eyes.

She stared, dreamlike.

She was not reeking of alcohol so there was no way she was drunk. Her body temperature was normal though her fingertips were ice cold. He felt them brush near his hand when he snaked his arm around her waist and helped her up.

He felt a tremor from her and she slumped against him, knees weak for some unknown reason.

"Medicine…" She murmured against his ear, lips brushing on the sensitive skin like a feather. "Inside my…ro-room. Please…"

-o-o-o-

Here ends the chap! Please review!

-with love…crazychan