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Here's the next installment of the series! Hope you enjoy it!
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Sasuke couldn't help himself from casting glances at the blunette beside him as they made their way to through the market. It was unlike him to behave this way and the amount of effort it took for his face to retain its usual expressionless mask was fustrating.
Things had changed between them last night and Sasuke felt an unwelcome queasiness whenever she looked at him. Thankfully, she had no recollection of the following night, leaving her blissfully unaware. In the morning, they had resumed their usual charge-guardian relationship for which he was extremely grateful.
Sasuke walked a few paces behind Hinata as she strolled through the market place, conversing leisurely with the vendors and picking the best fruits and vegetables to purchase. Over half-a-year in, Hinata looked better than he had ever seen her. Sunlight flickered intermittently through her long hair; bringing out her natural blue highlights, and a unique shade of pearly lavender shone in her eyes. Her skin was now porcelain, rather than a sickly pale and her small shapely lips were now a soft, rosy pink.
'For fucks sake, Sasuke!' mentally chiding himself, "Get a grip!"
He shoved his hands hard into his pockets, cursing how fast his heart was racing. Over the years, he had learned to suppress his emotions in order to achieve his goal. He always had an ulterior motive, always had something to do, somewhere to go, or someone to defeat. And now for the first time in his life, he had the opportunity to truly be himself and yet found himself floundering, unsure what to do or how to act.
During his teenage years, he had fantasized about being married to a good woman who loved him, didn't judge him, and who could give him the happy marriage his parents once had.
For a long time, he thought that woman was Sakura.
But when he returned, Sakura had changed. She was no longer the fawning fan-girl she had been during their genin years and had grown up emotionally and intellectually. At first she was distant and distrustful, but eventually she came around. Lately, he would catch her stealing peaks at Naruto and last week, he caught them nestled cosily in a coffee shop behind the Hokage office.
He was happy for them.
Really.
One of the reasons he came back to Konoha was to start again, have another shot at happiness and hopefully settle down and raise a family of his own. Yet, during his defection he had killed every human emotion within him and it was only starting to come back to him in small, drip-like feeds. His goal required absolute hate and building a family required absolute love. They were polar opposites, and while he had actively accomplished the former, the latter was progressively more difficult than he imagined.
But last night had been turning point for Sasuke. Maybe if he focused all his effort and time into being a better person, then maybe he would be worthy of being a father now that he had found someone suitable of being a mother. He vowed to give his children everything they desired and more. He would give them his father's pride, his mother's benevolence and Itachi's undying love.
All he needed was to make her feel the same.
Hanabi, youngest daughter of Hiashi Hyuuga, was on her last nerve.
One more attack and it would rupture, releasing is fury to anyone in her vicinity.
The Hyuuga were being watched and followed by the Hokage office and they had called yet another futile clan meeting to discuss and re-evaluate what was to be done about her 'disgraceful' older sister. Wait, scratch that – replace 'discuss' with 'degrade' and you would have a mere taste of what they were saying about her beloved sister. Hanabi was made to sit in silence and endure their derogatory comments.
"Hiashi-sama, this matter has gone completely out of hand, I suggest we retrieve her from the Uchiha residence, using force if necessary." Suggested Mori, a balding man with too much tummy.
Someone else snorted loudly. "Not with that Uchiha traitor as her watch dog. There's no doubt as to what he's doing with her."
Hanabi's blood boiled at what his insinuation, but said nothing.
"–We have observed them for weeks and noted that the Uchiha's chakra activity is the lowest between the hours of 1am and 3 am. Probably drunk himself stupid. It's the best opportunity we have."
"And what of the Hokage and fifth's apprentice?" Her father asked.
"Visit often, but never stay the night."
Sayuri, seated next to Hiro remarked, "If I may Hiashi-sama," she began, "I speak on the behalf of the women of this clan who feel that their honour and integrity has been brought into question by the actions of the Hyuuga heiress. Some are ashamed to even leave the compound… its best we put this issue to rest once and for all."
That's rich coming from a woman who spends most of her time entertaining men in their beds.
Hanabi was no longer able to contain herself. "Really? I haven't seen you in the women's quarters since… since never actually. One would start to wonder where a young, unmarried woman such as yourself spends her time."
Soft murmurs spread through the room. Others gulped uneasily.
Sayuri stiffened under the critical gazes directed by the Hyuuga. "With all due respect, Hanabi sama, I have assumed the role of the women's advocate in Hinata sama's absence." She lowered her eyes demurely. "And I choose to operate from my father's house."
Hanabi's eyes were punishing. "Under whose jurisdiction?! I am the next heir to the Hyuuga and that responsibility falls on my shoulders, not yours. But since you are so confident, perhaps I shall call the women in here this very moment to confirm your claim. And who knows - perhaps we'll get some very interesting answers."
Sayuri, tugged nervously at her kimono, knowing that she was cornered.
Hanabi raised her hand to beckon a servant.
She looked imploringly at Hiro to save her.
"That's enough." he said, "Hiashi Sama, I suggest you instruct Hanabi sama to talk to my sister with respect. We are all grieving. Now is not time to divide the clan."
Hanabi scoffed loudly.
Hiashi Hyuuga raised an eyebrow, his eyes expressionless. "Duly noted, Hiro. However, under the current circumstances - Hanabi is my next heir. Need I remind you that your marriage to my daughter is the only reason you are part of the main family. You understand that your failure to provide an heir leaves you and your family in a vulnerable position."
Hiro swallowed uneasily. "Of course, Hiashi Sama. I merely meant to say that Sayuri has many years on Hanabi sama as she has more experience in the affairs of women." Sayuri smirked knowingly at the young heiressi, which didn't go unnoticed by the clan head.
"That may be so, but Hanabi has been trained since birth on how to lead. I highly doubt Sayuri has this vital knowledge, despite her many years of... experience."
The man with tummy from earlier rose, "Hiashi-sama, may we please focus on the matter at hand?" A nod from the clan head signaled for him to continue. "On your order, my team shall orchestrate a rescue mission and retrieve Hinata sama from the Uchiha compound."
"Ah, but you have failed before on retrieving my daughter, what makes you think we will succeed now? He has the legendary mangekyou sharingan I hear."
"He has only one set of eyes. We have many. That, and the byakugan should work to our advantage."
A shrill laughter filled the room.
All eyes turned to Kayoko, a greying woman in her sixties. "And how will you accomplish it? He never allows her outside his eyes reach."
Kayoko, was a clan elder who rarely spoke during meetings, surprising everyone.
"Perhaps we should also send a distraction?" Sayuri piped up haughtily.
Kayoko's wrinkled lips curved into a smirk. "He's rejected women with twice your beauty and charm Sayuri. Clearly, he's not a man swayed by womanly guiles... Besides, he has a woman of that description living under his roof as it is." Kayoko remarked, watching the reactions of Hiashi and Hiro Hyugga. It seemed to have its intended effect from both of them.
"Then what would you suggest, elder Kayoko?"
"The idea of a distraction or possible bribe may hold promise... Uchiha Sasuke is a man of ambition… extremely talented but full of resentment and melancholic spite. It keeps him in a constant loop of agony and despair, unable to break free from the haunted ghosts of his tragic past." Kayoko pushed up her half-moon spectacles. "He is the undead; alive on the outside but dead from within. Find something that will breathe life into him, and then tag it with a hefty price. Surely, it will be more than enough to out-do him."
After the meeting was adjourned, Hanabi cornered Kayoko in the farthest part of the garden.
"Why are you doing this?!" she hissed, "Don't you realize that Hinata is safe with him?!"
"I know."
"Then why?! She's your student! Have you stopped caring about her?!"
"Lower your voice child! Don't you know by now that these walls have ears?!" Kayoko's weary eyes scanned their surroundings. When satisfied that their conversation was secure, she led Hanabi to a stone bench.
Kayoko was Neji's maternal grandmother and was one of the few elders that held any compassion for Hinata. She was Hinata's sensei, she taught Hinata how to be a clan leader, an heiress and a wife.
Hanabi bit her lip. "The hokage has this place surrounded. It won't be long before they tear it down and I don't want to go down with this disgraceful lot." Hanabi's eyes stung with unshed tears and unreleased fury.
Kayoko's gaze softened at sight of the first tear racing down Hanabi's cheek. She could only imagine the turmoil the young girl must be going through.
First her mother, then Neji and now Hinata. It wasn't fair - the life of a shinobi never was.
"I... I don't care what happens to me, I just want to be with my sister."
The elder watched as trickles of tears became gushing streams. For her to expose herself in such fashion meant she was truly desperate.
Bony hands brushed away moisture on Hanabi's face. "No child. If you love your sister, then let her be. Stay here and keep an eye on Hiro, Sayuri and the Hyuuga. That is all you can do for her."
"NO!" she yelled, releasing her pent up anger and sorrow. "She's gone and I have nothing! NOTHING!"
For two long years, Hanabi watched her sister endure this horrible man and her despicable clan in silence while they made her sister's life a living nightmare. For two long years, she kept quiet for her sisters sake. But no more. Hinata was no longer here, and she had no reason to be either. Title and inheritances be damned.
"If you wont help me escape then I'll do it myself. And then I'll burn this clan to the ground."
Hanabi began to stand up, but Kayoko's hand stopped her. Hanabi wondered how an old woman could have the strength of steel.
"Sit down you ignorant little girl!" Byakugan activated, tone lowered - Kayoko's was anger evident. "Don't you dare. Hinata is safe now. If you show up at her doorstep now, you will compromise her safety and well-being as well as yours. Seeing you… in such a state – Hinata will not be able to bear it. And for you, she will return to the Hyuuga where she will walk straight into her grave. Is that what you want?!"
Instantly humbled, Hanabi's gaze fell to the ground in shame. She hadn't thought of it like that. All she saw were visions of being reunited with her sister because nothing else mattered.
She straightened up, head held high. "I still want to see her. I want to see her safe and happy."
Kayoko's expression was contemplative, but then she smiled. "Alright. I believe I might have just the thing to help you…"
Sasuke stood on the side of the road, watching Hinata inspect a bunch of ripe tomatoes. Tch - couldn't she just buy the whole damn cart? Its not like he couldn't afford it.
Arrogantly, he walked up to the vendor, picked up a bright red tomato and bit into it. Hard.
Half a second layer, he spat it back out.
Fine, so she knows what she was doing…
Hinata glanced over at him with concern. Then she giggled.
He glared at her, as he threw the tomato onto the ground.
Hinata giggled harder.
Just he was about to comment, a strong arm clasped itself around Sasuke's shoulders and met the sight of blond hair, whiskers and cerulean eyes.
"Hey, What's up!"? Grinned the fox vessel, "I haven't seen you in like, forever! You're not avoiding me, are you?"
Sasuke groaned inwardly. "Always dobe. If I never saw you again, it would be too soon."
"Oh haha, real funny." He replied dryly, his gaze falling on the young blunette. "Hinata! How are you?!" he said engulfing her in a big bear hug. "This asshole has been treating you well hasn't he? If he's not behaving, just let me know and I'll beat him up to a bloody pulp!"
"I'd like to see you try, loser."
"I'm fine Naruto," she choked out, blushing. "And Sasuke has been very good to me..."
Something in the pit of his stomach stirred at her words.
"What do you want Naruto?" he snarled, trying to cover up this unwanted foreign emotion. Hinata politely excused herself and went to pay for the groceries.
Naruto walked closer to Sasuke. "There's been some development. Lets discuss it at the festival tonight while Sakura keeps Hinata company."
Sasuke nodded, wondering what it could be that he wouldn't say it in front of Hinata.
That evening, Hinata's eyes widened in pleasant surprise when Sasuke told her they would be attending the floating lantern festival.
As she headed to her room to get ready, Sasuke stopped her and beckoned her to follow him instead. Hinata's eyebrows rose inquisitively but trailed him quietly through the hallways until he stopped in front of a large pair of doors. Sasuke placed his hand on the lock, it glowed red, and a faint 'clink' was heard.
The doors creaked as Sasuke opened them, and Hinata coughed as a cloud of dust hit her.
Sasuke, unfazed, strolled into the room and opened a large, ornate wooden trunk. Hinata entered hesitantly, taking in her surroundings. It was a large, tastefully decorated room with family portraits and trinkets. A sheet of plastic covered the bed, preserving it. 'This must be his parent's room,' Hinata realised.
But why was he showing it to her?
Sasuke rummaged through the trunk until found what he was looking for: a package wrapped in fine cloth.
He paused, wondering if he was doing the right thing. 'Yes,' his heart answered.
"It was my mother's favourite," he said, handing it to her. His voice choked slightly. "It would honour her memory if you could wear it tonight."
And then, he left without another word.
Hanabi observed as the guards of the south wall changed. She had positioned herself in a tree, waiting for the opportune moment to escape.
Tucking into her robe, she pulled out the vial Elder Kayoko had given her. To trust or not to trust the old woman? It could very well be a vial of poison but she had to risk it. For Hinata. She closed her eyes and drank the contents in a single gulp. The horrible liquid slugged down her throat – a bitter, salty slime that smelled absolutely foul. Then, she felt a slight tinge on her face, limbs and extremities.
Pulling out a mirror, she smiled bitterly as she looked into a reflection that was not her own… the potion had worked.
The elder's voice rang in her head:
"Time is of the utmost essence, child. It will reverse in exactly twelve hours, or should someone discover the truth; whichever comes first."
Mikoto's kimono was of rare silk, intricate design and felt like liquid gold under her hands.
Hinata checked herself in her mirror and her heart raced at the reflection.
Decked in a beautiful gold and red kimono, she was amazed at how perfectly it fit her. It was almost the kimono itself possessed a soul, the way it enveloped her, embraced her. It had an overwhelming, maternal warmth - almost as if Mikoto Uchiha was hugging her herself. They say when someone dies, they leave a part of themselves behind in the things, people or places they treasure. Hinata felt that it couldn't be more true than at this very moment.
What was Sasuke trying to say by giving her his mother's kimono?
A wonderful idea popped into her mind.
No, it couldn't be..
Their circumstances wouldn't allow it.
And Sasuke isn't that kind of man... ?
Sasuke waited impatiently in the living room, a mixture of emotions running through him.
What was he thinking, making a brazen move like that?!
Then again, isn't that what he wanted? For her to find out in a roundabout way?
And if she was too dumb enough to not figure it out, did she really deserve to be with him?
Sasuke reclined uneasily on the sofa. The floating festival marked the end of the Bon festival and it was one he usually avoided. Small paper lanterns containing a burning flame are either set afloat on a body of water or are let to float away into the night. Their light is intended to guide the way for the spirits of deceased family members. This was a common and practice letting go of loved ones. But Sasuke still hadn't. He couldn't. In the deep recesses of his mind, he didn't want to set them free. In the same way he was trapped to a life without them, he wanted to trap them too.
"Ahem..., Sasuke?" a soft voice interrupted.
Turning around, his eyes widened in pleasant shock as he took in the gaze in front of him.
She looked… heavenly. His mother's kimono fit her so perfectly. It looked… right.
Hinata fiddled with her hands. "Thank you… for lending me this kimono. It's really beautiful."
Sasuke closed his mouth, unaware that it was open or that he had stood up abruptly. "Hn."
His stomach was in knots, reeling in how stunning she looked.
An awkward silence fell between them, and Sasuke hurried to open the door for her. Her arm brushed his as he closed the door behind them.
Hinata blushed heavily. Did he always have to look so handsome?!
Tonight, he was wearing a simple black kimono with his clan symbol on the back. And although it looked plain, she could tell from the fabric and tailoring that it was of high-quality. Black Kimono + Sasuke was a dangerously potent combination.
He held out his arm to her, "Come. Lets get going."
The festival was bustling with people dressed in their best clothes, out and about with their friends and families. Elegant lanterns were glowing everywhere and set the mood for the festival. Naruto and Sakura were waiting for them up on the bridge.
Sasuke fought to restrain his gaze, as they approached their meeting place. It didn't help that Hinata resembled a celestial maiden bathed in moonlight.
"Sasuke!" yelled the young Hokage, waving his arm about in the air. "Over here!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. Idiot… All these years and he still didn't know how to act his age or stature...
The girls hugged.
"Hinata, you look great!" remarked Sakura.
Hinata beamed. "Thank you Sakura. You look very nice too."
The rosette blushed sheepishly. Dressed in an elegant kimono of dark jade, Sakura looked pretty as a fairy with her pink hair and brilliant green eyes. "Come, we have so much to catch up on!" she said cheerfully, steering the bluenette into the crowd.
When the females were a safe distance away, Sasuke turned to Naruto. "So, what is it you needed to talk to me about?"
"We have inside help from the Hyuuga."
Sasuke looked at him incredulously. "Really? Are you sure we can trust them?"
Naruto pulled out a scroll from his bright-orange kimono and handed it to Sasuke. "I wouldn't be telling you if we couldn't."
Sasuke's eyes scanned the contents. "Hn. Seems legit enough. But I don't see how this is going to help our case."
Naruto's eyes twinkled. "Ah, that's where you're wrong!" Sasuke looked at him like he had lost it (which could be a possibility considering it was Naruto). "If we can prove the contents of that scroll, then Hinata is in the clear and we can put an end to the Hyuuga!"
"Yeah – provided we can even find the evidence. This scroll dates back over twenty years, not to mention it's one of two scrolls. We'll need to find the other one to verify the contents of this one which might not even exist. And even if it did, there's a high chance its probably lost or destroyed by now. It's not a sacred document or forbidden jutsu."
"Don't be such a pessimist, Sasuke."
"This is a dead end Naruto." Sasuke said, handing the scroll back. "We'll just waste time, energy and resources trying to locate something that probably doesn't even exist."
Naruto pouted. "The lady said that the other scroll lies in this village. With another powerful clan."
Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets. "So?"
"So… We were hoping to start with the Uchiha."
"What?!" Sasuke bit out angrily, "I assure you, there's no such document within my compound. The Hyuuga and Uchiha have been at each others throats for years. What makes you think they would entrust something like this with a clan they barely tolerated? You'll have better luck with the Senju or Sarutobi."
"But Sasuke –"
Sasuke turned on his heel, towards the direction of the girls. "But nothing Naruto. Lets go."
Naruto watched his friend's retreating back and knew the answer he was seeking lay somewhere in the Uchiha archives… he reopened the scroll:
"We, Hiashi and Hiroko Hyuuga betrothe our eldest daughter, Hinata Hyuuga to _, son of _ and _ _. May our clans prosper and attain power, glory and wealth through our heirs. We hereby sign this blood oath as a sign of our everlasting allegiance to the _ clan. When our heirs come of age, they will be wed as per agreements. This contract legally binds our two clans and our heirs until death do us part."
A/N: hope you all liked that one!
What will happen now? What does Hanabi plan to do?
Is elder Kayoko friend or foe? Can she be trusted?
And what of the scroll?
Let me know what you think! Until next time!
Please review and message!