The small, wooded path connecting the compound to the rest of the village offered them temporary privacy, though both destinations were in clear view.
"Are you out of your mind?" Hinata asked, tugging Sasuke's hand to guide him closer. "What if he'd acted out of rage?"
"He wouldn't." Sasuke stated, resting his hands on her hips. Hinata wrapped her arms around him, pressing close. "Your father is an honorable man, not a brawler. He doesn't react, he makes calculated moves after a great deal of thought."
"That is even worse." Hinata frowned. "You'll be watching your back for weeks. That was incredibly risky."
"He offered to help me under the condition that I stay away from you." The Uchiha caressed her cheek, holding her face close to his. "I want him to understand… I want them all to know that you are mine and I wouldn't trade you for anything. You aren't a possession to be used for manipulation."
"This is so unlike you." Hinata whispered, her cheeks tinted pink.
"I don't want to be locked away in this darkness anymore." He admitted. "I have basked in your light selfishly, for so long. Dragging you down into the darkness with me. It isn't fair, you shouldn't have to choose between me and this village."
"What are you saying?" Hinata asked, genuinely confused by his proclamation. She wasn't sure if he was committing to her or preparing to break their relationship off.
"I want to ease your stress and recommit to this life." He explained. "Things are different here than they were when the old man was in charge."
"It isn't just the village." Hinata noted. "Can you live with Naruto?" Sasuke closed his eyes, taking a moment to think, just the mention of him evoked strong feelings of jealousy and irritation.
"That's something I have to work through." He noted. "But I can."
"You've given so much already. Compromised a lot to even be here. I couldn't ask for more." Hinata argued.
"And you haven't." He stated. "Just don't keep things from me anymore."
"I won't." She whispered her promise. Sasuke claimed her mouth with his. It was easy to be vulnerable with her. He'd already shared so much of himself, it almost felt natural professing these feelings to her. The struggle would be publicly acting on them. He didn't have the same trust for the others, he couldn't even share so openly with his team. Taka knew his relationship with Hinata had deepened, going beyond circumstance and physical gratification, but he had never even conveyed to his most trusted allies the true depth of their connection. How could he be so brazen with Konoha?
"You're thinking too hard." Hinata giggled, breaking away from him. A wave of relief had consumed her whereas worry obviously flooded Sasuke's thoughts. She was glad her questionable choice in secrecy had not entirely altered Sasuke's perception of her. The last thing she wanted was to be without him. "I have to go now."
"Right." Sasuke smirked. "Important heiress business."
"Yes, which I have promised to handle without delay or issue."
…
Sakura stood in front of the large Hokage desk, looking at her teacher. The blonde seemed exhausted, overwhelmed even. There was so much to prepare, Sakura did not envy the position of her sensei, though she did help when she could. The young kunoichi had taken over the reconstruction of the village hospital and spent a good deal of her time overseeing the daily operations while Shizune focused on training a new wave of medical ninja.
"The hospital can officially function at half capacity." Sakura announced, breaking the heavy silence. "We have opened the trauma center and birthing suits. It won't be long now until we can resume regular pre-assault treatment services."
"That is wonderful." Tsunade acknowledged. "How are Ino and Tenten coming along, do you know?"
"Ino's medicinal garden is unrivaled." Sakura smiled fondly. "Her numbers are almost on par with her parents' commercial production."
"And Tenten?"
"I think the forge is going well." The young girl explained. "I haven't had the opportunity to catch up with her though so I can't be certain."
"What of the task I have given to Sasuke and Hinata?" Tsunade's questions continued.
"I'm not entirely sure. I know Hinata is out today on clan business, but aside from that I don't know."
"How is his team adjusting?" The blonde asked, her amber eyes scanning a file on the desk in front of her.
"The girl, Karin, has been helpful in the hospital this week. I believe Jugo is still assisting with construction and the white-haired boy is sticking close to Sasuke, like a bodyguard or something."
"Very well." Tsunade sighed heavily. "Has team 7 had a chance to reconnect for training?"
"I don't think Naruto or Kakashi-sensei have spoken with Sasuke since his return." Sakura admitted. "But My Lady, I don't have any further information for you." The hokage's gaze rose to meet her disciples, her face apologetic as she realized the last five minutes consisted of her grilling the girl.
"Right, of course." Tsunade nodded. Sometimes she relied too heavily on Sakura, especially in regards to the younger shinobi of the village. "Thank you, you've done well."
"May I take my leave, or is there something else I can do for you?"
"I would like to meet with team 7 tomorrow around noon. Please be sure you are available."
"Would you like me to inform the others?" Sakura asked.
"No, I will handle it." Tsunade shook her head, standing slowly. "Don't burn yourself out trying to be helpful."
"I just want to do my part." The pink-haired girl smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow, My Lady."
"Tomorrow." The blonde nodded, watching as her student ducked out of the office. It was easy to forget the upcoming generation were just children. Many of them possessed more skill than their predecessors, and were just as productive on the home front, if not more so. Sakura and the others had worked so hard, really assisting in the rebuild. It was time they took a step back and started focusing on themselves again, time they resumed typical training schedules. The only thing to figure out was where to put the newcomers. She didn't know much about Jugo, Karin, or Suigetsu but she was certain they wouldn't willingly accept a sensei; aside from that there was also a shortage of able-bodied sensei at the moment. "I need a drink." She announced to herself.
…
Neji looked up at his uncle, debating on how to broach the conversation he was so eager to have. Hinata and Hanabi whispered to one another under the watchful eye of their father. Hiashi always seemed uneasy when the two were friendly, one might think the clan head intentionally created hardships between his daughters. The main hall was cleared out as other prominent clan members took their leave, including Neji's father.
"Neji, Hinata." Hiashi called out, garnering the attention of the two oldest children. "Join me for council." He instructed. Neji and Hinata shared a look of worry but did as they were told, meeting Hiashi.
"Yes, Father?" The dark-haired girl asked.
"We are no longer to concern ourselves with Uchiha business." Hiashi stated; his tone offering no room for argument.
"Preparation for the war cannot be avoided." Neji rebutted. "We all work together in order to prepare."
"Preparing for war does not involve stalking and harassing a village elder." The man clarified. "Lord Danzo has done a good deal for his village and will not be called into question by a criminal…a low life."
"Sasuke is not a low life." Hinata argued. "Everything he knows-"
"Hinata enough." Neji interrupted. "Uncle is right. We have more important things to worry about. Is that all Lord Hiashi?"
"As long as you both understand minimal contact with the Uchiha boy, then that is all." The elder man nodded. Neji took Hinata's arm and guided her away from Hiashi, out into the courtyard.
"Are you daft?" Neji asked.
"Excuse me?" Hinata blinked, surprised by the hostility in her cousin's tone.
"It's obvious your father, our clan, has chosen to turn a blind eye to the dealings of Danzo." Neji explained. "It is impossible to believe that Uncle crossed paths with him and didn't notice the anomalies."
"You can't seriously believe the honorable Hyuga clan would allow such treachery."
"At this point I am unsure." He admitted. "For now, I think it's best if we keep what we know to ourselves."