Hinata and Sasuke stood together in front of the rest of team Taka. Sakura and Shizune flanked Tsunade as they always did. The blond sat stoic behind her desk, silent as if she wanted the young couple to squirm.
"I have gone over all information provided to me in regards to the four of you. I have also looked into the extenuating circumstances which led to your departure, Sasuke." Tsunade began, delivering her final verdict. "I have decided to pardon your indisgression, on a probationary basis. Your friends will be invited as guests, welcomed accordingly on the same probationary basis."
"Probationary?" Karin furrowed her brow. "What have the last few weeks been?"
"Karin." Sasuke cautioned, glancing back at the redhead. He would not have her taking his opportunity for revenge by running her mouth.
"Apologize." Karin stated, clearly not genuine. Hinata looked to Sakura, hoping to gauge her friend's level of distrust and upset. Much to her surprise the pink haired girl seemed more relaxed than she had since they'd encountered each other before Sasuke's return. Something was different.
"I will give you all official assignments within the next 5 to 7 days. Please ensure you will be available when I call."
"Understood." Sasuke nodded. His pardon allowed him the freedom to move unquestioned and unrestricted throughout the village. He would no longer need to utilize Hinata in obtaining information on his foes. No longer force the girl to be at odds with her family; the family who had only recently accepted her as worthy. "We will await your orders." Tsunade nodded her approval.
"I expect the best from the four of you." She stated, clasping her hands in front of her. "I hear great things about your abilities. Everyone but Sasuke and Hinata, may take their leave."
"My lady." Shizune began her argument but was silenced by a single hand tilt from the elder blond.
"I will send for you when I am ready." Tsunade assured her. Taka looked nervously at Sasuke who nodded them on. He would brief them at the compound following the meeting's conclusion. Sakura breezed past the couple keeping her eyes forward, not saying a word as she exited with the others.
…
Sakura walked down the street, silently reflecting on the previous night. Seeing Sasuke with Hinata had broken her. She hadn't realized it could hurt any more than it already had. He was gentle, affectionate, protective…all the things she knew he could be, that she hoped he would be to her. In that moment of despair, she wanted nothing more than to be in the company of her newly solidified friend. She thought Ino could help dull the hurt, or at the very least distract her from it. It hadn't been her intention to kiss the blond girl. Standing there, alone, kissing her felt safe, like an escape from reality.
"Sakura-chan!" Ino called out, drawing her attention from her inner thoughts. The purple clad girl caught up with the now stationary kunoichi. "I called for you like four times. Did you not hear me?" Ino asked.
"I guess not." Sakura's green eyes squeezed shut as a wide smile claimed her face. "I was lost in thought I guess."
"I guess so." The blonde laughed, rubbing her neck nervously. "I've been looking for you all morning."
"I've been in meetings all morning with the Hokage." Sakura explained, crossing her arms over her chest.
"That makes sense." Ino nodded. "With reconstruction I guess the Hokage's student would be extra busy."
"Absolutely." Sakura smiled again, this time the gesture was smaller. "What's up? I hope it's not too important since I left you waiting."
"It is a little important." The blonde's pale cheeks flushed pink. She wrapped her arm behind her back to hold the opposite elbow. "I was hoping to talk about last night."
"Oh, right!" Sakura's green eyes widened, and she looked away from her friend.
"Do you want to go somewhere…more private to talk?" Ino asked, her blue eyes scanning the many faces that passed them by.
"Are you angry?" Sakura asked. "That I did it."
"No." Ino admitted. "Surprised, honestly." Sakura looked around at the crowded street and nodded.
"My parents are out for the afternoon." The pink-haired girl suggested. "It's just around the block."
"Sure." Ino agreed, allowing Sakura to take the lead even though she was aware of the home's location.
…
Hinata followed closely behind Sasuke as he made his way out of the Hokage tower. Reconstruction was coming along nicely; things were starting to resemble the village Sasuke remembered from his childhood. The sun was high, signifying the day was progressing into afternoon. Sai was perched against the outer wall to the left of the gate, his dark eyes fixed on the Hyuga. Hinata tugged at the loose sleeve of Sasuke white shirt, urging him to stop.
"What is it?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder at her.
"I need a minute." She answered, leaving his side to make the short walk to meet with Sai. Sasuke watched curiously, wondering what the pair could have to talk about.
"I will give you information." Sai stated dryly as Hinata joined him. "It will not be grand intel, and it will not jeopardize my standing in the foundation."
"I understand." Hinata nodded. "What is it you are willing to share?"
"You are most likely to encounter Danzo here." Sai stated. "In the late afternoon, early evening hours. This is when he will be least protected."
"Thank you."
"He is not a weak man." The pale boy cautioned. "There is a reason he holds his position. Because of the affection Sakura and Naruto share for you I must caution you. I do not believe you are on par to challenge him."
"I have no plans to stand against him." Hinata assured him. "I appreciate what you have risked in giving me this information."
"Never mentioned it." He instructed. "Do you trust the Uchiha?"
"With my life." She answered without hesitation. Hinata turned and without further exchange returned to Sasuke's side, on the path into the village center.
"What was that about?" Sasuke asked, wearily watching Sai until he was no longer in view. Sasuke had been pardoned, but that was only half the battle of returning to Konoha. He lacked trust in everyone around him, everyone except those he had brought with him and Hinata.
"I asked for a favor." The dark-haired girl answered, moving instinctively closer to him as the crowd thickened around them.
"A favor?" He questioned, not keen on letting the topic go.
"I'll explain later." Hinata assured him. "At the compound." She had no intention of sharing her intel with Sasuke just yet. She wanted to run her own surveillance, learn what she could about Danzo before handing his fate over to the sole Uchiha.