Because I'm beginning to see,
And it makes me want to flee,
But I want to stay here with you,
And find out what's false and what's true.
Hinata did not bother to read the ANBU's scroll. It was, after all, the reason why both her husband and her had a foul mood a few days ago. Remembering that day just made her shut her eyes tightly.
The atmosphere was maddening. When they ate for their lunch, none of them talked while Sasuke said he had 'work' to do even though it was impossible he'd have to go to work that late. While he was gone, Hinata spent her time training by their backyard. Hinata did not know what she was doing back then, but the stumps of tree that Sasuke put there himself were broken into pieces.
It was clear it was her anger that destroyed the stumps.
Of course, she was not blaming anyone but the ANBU. The masked man really had to barge his way onto their home — destroying the peaceful air that rarely happened in their household. He was invited inside, but that was because Sasuke needed to. Thinking about it, Hinata could not help but feel a slight remorse towards Sai and their playful interaction because if it hadn't been for him, there would be no ANBU destroying the warm atmosphere. Yet, she could not completely blame the man since he was only trying to help her with her kunoichi wonders.
The atmosphere changed, again, but Hinata was thankful it was not like before. Sasuke, before, was very rude — not that Hinata would say that out loud, never — and he always had the venomous tone with him even when it seemed like he did not mean it. Now, the atmosphere was a bit colder, but it's nothing Hinata couldn't fix. Still, Sasuke and her were civil to one another, one could even say that they were friends now since they had established the relationship wherein no one talks but there was understanding.
"I'll be going to Ino-chan's house," Hinata announced, slightly fidgeting in one of their cushions. She was tying her hair in a bun, hiding all the grey streaks as much as possible. "I have already informed her of my visit."
"Why?"
His tone was cold, and he did not glance at her while he was looking at the scrolls in his hand. It was unlike Sasuke whom she first befriended, he was different, but Hinata completely understood. At least he was just cold, and he wasn't pushing her away.
"I j-just feel like it," she lied.
"Fine," said Sasuke, not even sounding convinced with her lie. She was almost pretty sure that Sasuke did not believe her, even one bit. "I'll be leaving."
Just like that, Sasuke exited their house. Hinata could only stare at the door while her husband faded from her sight.
Why did it have to happen. . .to them. . .of all people. . .of everyone who's marriages are fixed?
Thinking about it, the silence they shared after that ruined day was too much to handle. The silences weren't awkward, but they reminded her of the huge gap between her and her husband. While Hinata was determined to make their relationship work out, Sasuke did not try — for a couple of days now.
Yet, Hinata could not put herself to blame Sasuke. Deciding on pushing it all away, Hinata readied herself and started walking towards the door. When she locked their front door, Hinata found herself looking closely at the ground — a habit she almost forgot.
Her lavender eyes landed upon something. Their front yard was wide, but with the naked eye without any enhancement such as her eyes, there was no doubt they wouldn't see what she just saw. It was just by the northern eastside of their yard, a little bit close to the tree fruit.
It was shiny and it looked brand new.
"Why are you here?" she asked no one in particular. Moving closer, Hinata kneeled on the ground. It did not matter if the dirt clung onto her knees. There was something on the ground — something that was not supposedly there. "You couldn't possibly be Sasuke's."
Before Hinata's eyes was a sharp double blade kunai, the other blade was sticking onto the ground. Hinata's hand draped around the handling area where there were no blades and gently plucked it out. When she did, her eyes widened at the appearance.
There was runic engraving on the blades and Hinata knew that there was nothing remotely close to curses and whatnot associated with it, it was just for design. Still, having something so exquisite looking was definitely not a normal ninja would have. Most of these highly designed weapons are sold at a high price since it's mostly just for collection.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed when she accidentally pricked her finger. The smearing pain in her hand was nothing compared to the ones she had received from rigorous trainings and dangerous missions. Yet Hinata was pretty certain her fingers were nowhere near the blade. "It's too sharp. . ."
It was not long since Sasuke had left their house. . .but it was not Sasuke's.
Hinata looked back at where the kunai initially was. The embarking on the ground that the weapon was once there was still evident. It was possible that it was dropped intentionally. After all, there was no way something like the double blade kunai could be left some place like their yard. . .it was something else.
Aside from the etched runes, there was no sign of ownership or usage. Still, Hinata had to think of it later. The negativity about the kunai in her mind had already spread, but she still needed to do something first.
Hinata looked at the kunai in her hand and decided to put it in her bag. She removed the kunai pouch in two of her kunais and placed them on the double blade kunai. Her kunais are duller than the suspicious weapon in her hand so she figured it would be best if there was protection in those.
With everything, after settling, she walked her way towards the Yamanaka's.
"Ino-chan!" Hinata cheered softly when she got to the Yamanaka flower shop. With a soft smile that she managed to brighten, Hinata hugged the lady who had her arms widened for her. When she broke away from the hug, Ino was smiling at her brightly. At this, she asked, "What is it?"
"You just look excited, that's all," answered Ino. She looked behind the Uchiha as if she was expecting someone. "And you're not with Sasuke-kun."
"Oh. . ." said Hinata. "Right."
"Which is actually a good thing!" cheered Ino with her smile widening. "I thought he'd never let you off alone. You're always together at some point!"
"R-right," said Hinata with a small smile.
"Here, here," said the blonde. In her hand was another chair besides the one Ino was initially sitting car. When Hinata took it, Ino continued, "Nah! It's just unlike Sasuke-kun, yeah? To let you walk alone. Plus, Konoha has never seen you strolling the streets alone, it would result in another set of gossip, but never mind, I'd love to hear it."
"Ah," she managed to say at her blonde friend's straightforward comment.
"I wonder what it will be this time though," said her friend who has had her fingers running down her hair as if she was thinking of something deep. "You know the first time they saw you with Sasuke-kun rolling down the streets after your wedding, the lecherous gossips were all over the place! Couldn't exactly blame them, you only showed your face after a month of your wedding. I was displeased but at the same time I find it funny.
"Ah, but it can't be helped in Konoha. . .the gossips, I mean. They so love having to talk about the things we consider foolish. Uh-eh, not me, but you guys do consider these things shitty. I won't be a hypocrite, so I'll admit it all now," continued Ino with her bright smile as if she did not admit anything negative. "Anyway, I know you're not here for no reason. How can I serve you?"
"I'm looking for a vase," she replied with a lie. It was not a complete lie since she thought it would be best if she bought one as she was walking towards the shop. "I don't really have a certain t-type in mind, so I'll grab whatever you are recommending Ino-chan."
Then again, Hinata had to bite her lip for lying. It was not the initial thought she had on mind. In all honesty, she wanted to know whether Sai was around. Hinata would have to talk to the ANBU and discuss some matters. . .especially because she was still alarmed of her encounter with the ANBU and the way he talked with her husband. That was unacceptable.
"Awe!" said Ino with a blushing face. "I'm actually on my way to pick up the custom designs I bought from Iwa. Wanna come?"
"I-if I'm not being bothersome," said Hinata.
"Noooo," said Ino, giggling before pinching Hinata's cheek. "Now, come on."
No matter what, Hinata have always felt younger than the Yamanaka. Maybe it was because the blonde woman always treated her as if she was younger than her. Thankfully, the Yamanaka was anything but intimidating so Hinata found herself being comfortable with the kunoichi in purple.
"So, Sai-kun told me about your run-in at the bar," said Ino when they started walking, nudging Hinata by the shoulder lightly to grab her attention. "Yeah, and about that. . .uh, I'm sorry. . .for uh, leaving you. I really wanted to pee then, and then I saw Kiba-kun and Shino-kun, so I asked them. I didn't really know something's off with you."
"Huh?" asked Hinata. She wasn't sure if she leaked that information with Sai. "They told you they don't like me a-anymore?"
"Oh no, no," said her blonde company suddenly. "I just assumed since Sai-kun said you were alone when you approached him, so I figured that maybe Shino-kun and Kiba-kun left you. . .and uh, sorry for being intrusive. I swear, this is why I hate my loudmouth self sometimes."
"Uh, forgiven," she replied uncomfortably. Shifting their conversation to another, she asked, "D-do you mind if I ask you about S-Sai-san?"
In all honesty, Hinata was a little bit hesitant to ask that. It was not nice to ask about someone's boyfriend upfront, right? While Hinata had no dark intentions, it was still not fair for her to just ask out of nowhere. But then, it was Ino. Ino was her friend.
"Sure!" Ino enthusiastically said. "A mysterious fella, isn't he?"
"Hn," she agreed with her friend, nodding lightly. "He's an ANBU, is he not?"
"Yep, a very good one," said her friend with a bright smile. "Unlike those arrogant pieces of shits, he likes to talk about on his long days after missions. Don't you know that there're ANBUs who love to torture civilians? The hell is that?"
"There are ANBUs like that?" Hinata asked in shock.
"Oh yeah there are! And I hope I'm fabricating this but it's true! Sai-kun told me. He's not the type to lie. One time he came to the shop, absolutely devastated about something. Then told me all about a certain ANBU in a goat mask who loves to kill 'threats' — which aren't really threats if you ask me — even when it's not necessary. Inhumane bastards."
Hinata could feel her stomach tie in knots. Death was something common in the shinobi world, but to put death unto something unproven? That was not supposed to happen.
"I can't believe there are cocky ANBUs," said Ino again. "I used to look up to them but damn it! We really have a crooked system. I wonder if the Hokage knows though. Kakashi-sama is a good man, I know, and maybe it's all happening under his nose, yeah?"
"I suppose. . ."
"Just imagine other people who are tasked under certain ANBUs and these ANBUs tormenting the innocent because they could," Ino said in a disapproving term, shaking her head and clicking her tongue. "Sai-kun wanted to tell me sometimes but it's classified. Much as I want to know, I can't. But it's just too much, right? Can't even have the stomach to listen at his words."
Hinata's thoughts drifted to the ANBU that visited their house. The way he spoke his words and the way he arrogantly showed up like he was someone respectable. . .
Then Ino's words rung again in her mind.
Just imagine other people who are tasked under certain ANBUs and these ANBUs tormenting the innocent because they could.
Just imagine other people who are tasked under certain ANBUs and these ANBUs tormenting the innocent because they could.
Just imagine other people who are tasked under certain ANBUs and these ANBUs tormenting the innocent because they could.
It was not impossible for Sasuke to be observed by the ANBU after everything that he has done in the past. But that was years ago! Why was he still being watched then?
Hinata thought back to her conversation with the ANBU who showed up in their house. The ANBU mentioned that they should keep a close eye on Sasuke, did they not? Hinata's mind had always been a mess, but she was very certain that it indeed happened.
"You alright?" asked Ino.
"Y-yes, go ahead," she managed to say.
"Ah, 'kay. So, as I was saying, maybe I should join ANBU and kick their asses," muttered Ino. "I'm not a huge fan of people abusing their power over the helpless. Puh-lease, if I only had the courage to talk to Hokage-sama himself, I would've!"
"But don't you work at the tower?" asked Hinata, raising her eyebrows at Ino.
"Oh, I do, from time to time, when called, when whatever," muttered Ino. "I guess they're still doubting me. Me? A war hero! Gosh, what did my father even tell them?"
"Oh. . .I'm pretty sure they aren't doubting you, Ino-chan," she said with a comforting smile. "I guess it's just not every day they need help."
"I was just bluffing," the blonde said, chuckling. The blonde woman shrugged. "But they must be doing a great job at ignoring shinobis then. I heard from Choji-kun that Shino-kun's request for backup in a mission took some time before it reached the Hokage's desk."
"Not Hokage-sama's fault," whispered Hinata.
"Not his fault, but the people working for him," Ino said, agreeing. She stretched her hands out. "And here I wonder if he knows his people are incompetent or if he's just acting dumb."
"Y-you shouldn't say that out loud," whispered Hinata again. "People might hear you."
"We're not gonna get executed with it, are we, now?" asked the blond. "We've moved on from the old times, don't you worry much."
"I don't," she said with a smile.
"Anyway, anyway, you wanted to ask about Sai-kun, right?" asked Ino. In all honesty, Hinata has forgotten. Thankfully, it was Ino who initiated. "Go ahead. I won't mind."
"Did he mention anything about a mission concerning me?" Hinata asked, hesitation draped over her words.
"Well. . .he did," Ino answered truthfully. "He mentioned it. He said you were to accept a mission but didn't. Don't worry, he was not mad or disappointed. In fact, he said he was expecting you'd turn it down."
"He did?" she asked.
There were already in front of the postal office of the village. Ino smiled at her before leading the walk.
"Yep, he did," answered the Yamanaka. Then she said, "Give me a sec."
The blonde walked towards the receptionist with a smile and started talking to the man who was a bit older than them both. There was a small bickering by the desk. Not good, Hinata thought to herself as she looked at Ino. The nerves on the blonde's head were visibly showing and it worried Hinata up to no end. Eventually, Ino sighed loudly and. . .probably accepted defeat. She signed a few papers before turning to Hinata, obviously annoyed.
"Turns out they still don't have it," she said with a frown before walking towards Hinata again. "They'll have it delivered by the shop next time, as they should. Good, I deserve that. So, as I was saying, Sai-kun did expect you would turn the offer down."
It almost made Hinata giggle how Ino was so casual with the transitions of their conversation. One minute she looked angry and the next, she was back to her usual way of talking.
"I wasn't going to reject it. . .I miss missions, and I find the ANBU related ones really exciting," Hinata said truthfully. "Something just happened."
"Oh, is that right?" asked the blonde. "Then Sai-kun would be delighted to know you didn't turn down the offer completely!"
The enthusiasm in her voice resembled hers whenever she felt happy for Sasuke — although she was never vocal about it, the enthusiasm was in her heart. The woman seemed too in love with the man, maybe much more in love than when Ino was with Sasuke. It was a good call, something Hinata found adorable.
"That man's a little bit sensitive," continued the blonde kunoichi. "He's just too blank to be read, but his words say it all. Brutally honest, I can say. Would you mind if I tell him you didn't mean to turn him down?"
"You can," Hinata confirmed, nodding. Suddenly remembering something, Hinata asked, "Can I ask something?"
"'Course you can," said the Yamanaka, smiling sweetly at Hinata. "You're not new to me, formalities are a no-no with me."
"Uhm. . .okay," said Hinata awkwardly. Then she asked, "Is it true that ANBU has a different. . .uhm. . .leader?"
"A different thing. Their forces aren't Kakashi's. Whatever it is that you're getting yourself into, it's no longer under Kakashi's powers. I doubt it's his orders at all."
It was Sasuke who told her that, it was her husband. She did not quite understand it. She needed clarification. It was something she just needed to know.
"What? You mean a chief?" asked the Yamanaka.
"No, no. More like someone they would follow. . .aside from Hokage-sama."
"Not that I know of," said Ino, shaking her head. "Why would there be anyone be leading the ANBU aside from the generals and the Hokage?"
"If you want to know, I can always tell you."
The Hokage's voice rung up in her ear. That was what the Hokage told her when Sasuke and her went to the Hokage tower.
"Ino-chan?" she called her friend, now having the will to go the tower by herself. "I need to go somewhere. May I leave you here?"
It was not curiosity that flowed to her system, it was annoyance. Annoyance that she had been ignorant this whole time. A whole lot of them have been leaving clues, and most of the time she would just brush it off. Even the Hokage said something he was not expected to say.
"Where?" asked Ino.
"The Hokage tower," Hinata answered after a few seconds. "You can come if you'd like."
It was an offer she did not want the blonde to take, it was just a common courtesy. For some reasons, she felt like it was a mission. A mission that was either something she was the only one needed or a mission that was purposely leaving her out of the picture.
"I'd love to!" gushed Ino. "Will you go to your husband?"
"If I can," replied Hinata, giving the blonde a glance. After all, she did stop looking at the girl for a while after the irritation crawled up to her skin. "I'll be going to Hokage-sama's office, just so you know."
Hinata had completely forgotten if she and Ino talked all the way to the tower. It was normal for impulsivity to make people forget something, but it was not the case for Hinata. This was too much. She needed to know now.
"Do you remember where the washroom is? I gotta squeeze some lemons," Ino mumbled. "I'm having a hard time holding it back now."
"Sorry, no. I don't really come here a lot," Hinata admitted blankly. "Just once. . .since the wedding, I think."
"Ah, so you don't come around with Sasuke-kun that much then?" asked her friend. "Not that I'm prying. Just curious, and you don't have to answer that."
"It's fine."
"What's your business here, ladies?" one of the men who were seated by the lobby asked, almost kindly – if it weren't for the fact that he was eyeing Ino inappropriately. The man leaned by the door. "Any chance I could give some assistance?"
"Oh hi," her blonde companion greeted in a bland tone. "Nah, I'm pretty sure we're good to go. Bye."
Ino clasped her hands with Hinata's tightly just to pull her away from the men. They started walking until they reached the nearest washroom in their location. With the way Ino rushed in without talking to her only meant that the blonde was really nearing. And so, Hinata waited by the door outside.
We're only just a few corners away from Sasuke-kun's office, she thought, furrowing her eyebrows.
While Hinata waited for her friend, her eyes caught a familiar flash of yellow and orange by a turning point. There was only one person in Konoha who suited those colors, and there would be no mistaking it.
Naruto was nearby, so maybe her husband was, too.
Instead of showing herself, she hid. She tried her best to mask her chakra, as she knew that they could sense her if she did not.
"Ey, I'm done. Ah, that felt so refreshing," said Ino breathily and in relief after a while. "'Ya sure you don't want to go pee? Before we meet Hokage-sama?"
"Hn," she replied with a nod. "I'm fine."
"If you say so," the blonde replied before walking again in which Hinata followed. They were walking towards the opposite direction of where Hinata saw Naruto, and it was for the best.
Hinata was not in the mood to chatter. There were times when she tolerated it, but now she didn't. She would give Ino glances she normally would not give anyone. Today would be an exception.
It was Ino who talked to the receptionist, whoever the blonde woman was, Hinata did not care anymore.
Clarification was all she needed, and that will be what she gets today.
"Fine," the woman who was talking to Ino said, exasperated. "You both can get in. Not because you have an urgent meeting, but because Hokage-sama is available."
Hinata did not mind the irritation in the receptionist's voice. Usually, she would. But this was not one of those usual times when she did.
It was the woman who walked towards the door before them. Hinata did not want to analyze the scene more. After all, she was too occupied to observe everything at once.
"You may now enter," said the receptionist.
At this, Ino started the lead with Hinata trailing behind her. It did not matter to Hinata, as long as she gets to talk to the Hokage at once.
Upon fully entering, Hinata saw how organized his table was. There were papers, sure, but it did not seem too much. The Hokage sat by his chair, wearing his Hokage clothes and the hat. Moreover, he looked utterly pleased upon meeting her eyes.
"Good day, Hokage-sama!" it was Ino who greeted him, snatching the Hokage's attention.
"Oh, Yamanaka, just in time," the Hokage said. "I was looking for the perfect person for a specific job."
"It'd be an honor, Hokage-sama!" gushed Ino with a bright smile. She moved her shoulders up and down and asked, "So. . .what will be our job?"
"Unfortunately, I only need one person, and that'll be you," said Kakashi, pointing at Ino. Giving the scroll, the Hokage continued, "Deliver this to the ANBU headquarters. They'll need a great mind-warper, I only know of one since the Fourth Shinobi War."
"Alright!" exclaimed Ino excitedly, a very saturated blush brushing on her cheeks. The blonde squealed as she touched the scroll. "Thank you, Hokage-sama!"
"Yes, yes," said the Hokage, nodding his head. "Now, off you may go."
"See 'ya, Hinata-chan!" said the blonde before storming off.
Knowing it was just a way of the Hokage to lead Ino out the way, Hinata kept quiet but tried to smile. Her mood was just to ruined for her to do so.
Once the blonde girl was completely gone, Kakashi spoke.
"So, you finally want to know," the Hokage started. He clasped his hands together and looked at Hinata dead in the eye. "What you are about to hear from me is entirely confidential. There are parts that the council does not know of, and there are parts that only your husband, Naruto, and I are the only ones who know. Be sure that whatever you hear will stay with you."
His voice was grim and low, something that felt threatening. Hinata stood in front of him, stunned and wordless. She could feel herself swallowing several times.
"But first, lock the door please," said the Hokage happily, immediately changing his tone.
The girl obliged without a beat.
"Please, sit down," Kakashi told her in which she did. "The room is soundproof, but still, I am trusting you with this information, Uchiha."
Uchiha. Not Hinata-chan or Hinata. Uchiha.
The man's voice was dead serious. And though her heart raced, she tried to remain calm. His visible eyes were looking at her intently, as if he was watching her from afar.
"You can trust me," said Hinata, pursing her lips into a thin line.
A part of her was too scared to hear the truth, but there was this feeling that she could not shake off. There had been too much setting aside. For once, she figured, she needed to face it.
"I'll only tell you this for the well-being of your husband," Kakashi trailed off. "And yours, too, I can add."
"I appreciate that," Hinata said honestly. She took a deep breath before looking at the Hokage. "My husband. . ." it sounded foreign to her. "My husband told me a few days ago that the ANBU serves a different leader, or something remotely close to that. I can't think straight, but that's the point."
"It's just a theory," answered Kakashi. "My theory, at that. I think the ANBU is forming a coup d'état. I'm still thinking of the possible reasons why."
Hinata stared at the Hokage in disbelief. The charge was too much, even for someone's wide imagination. Kakashi had always been logical, but for some reasons, Hinata found it hard to believe that there was a legion forming an offense.
"You're not fully down to the idea, too, I see," said the Hokage. "As much as I'd love to tell you anything, I'm still choosing the points I would share to you."
"I- I understand," claimed Hinata.
"And why would your husband tell you this?" asked the Hokage, staring at her with visible curiosity, even if he was just showing his eyes.
Hinata took a deep breath. The issue with the ANBU felt like it should be kept confidential. Thinking about it, Hinata had no plans of telling either of her friends and family. For some reasons, Hinata felt like it should just stay with Sasuke and her. The thought that she needed to disclose the information was already an unspoken fact. . .and yet, her inner voice told her to share it with the Hokage.
"A few days ago, I received a scroll from the ANBU, for a mission," she started, refusing to meet the Hokage's eyes. "I didn't accept it, but an ANBU soldier came to our house."
"I'm assuming this is the same story Sasuke told Naruto and I about that ANBU who showed up at your doorstep," said Kakashi, nodding at his own words. "The fact is, your husband, Naruto, and my other trusted advisors had already noticed the changes in the ANBU's system. Even the higher ranks would do questionable things. Warning them is not enough, unfortunately.
"Sasuke's slip of a tongue about them not being under my command is not my fault anymore, but I'm not saying that he's correct or incorrect. Believe me, I'm still having a hard time understanding whether there's treachery under my nose or not. I still cannot confirm anything as of the moment.
"I have Sai as my inside person. He does not know anything about what I am telling you this very moment. His job is just to be a part of the ANBU since I don't think I can trust him for now. I believe in him and his capabilities, yes, but I do not trust him. His mind is easily corrupted and manipulated.
"I cannot move, even if I am in the position to do so."
Hinata found the whole situation overwhelming. Her mind could take it all, but she was having a hard time registering everything.
But if there was something that entered her senses, it was her husband's chakra alongside Naruto's.
"There's still a lot you must know," said Kakashi. "But there's not much time."
"I can feel it, too," said Hinata, knowing that Sasuke was close.
"If you still want to know, I suggest you hide in the cupboard behind the shelves," the Hokage told her before he stood up and walked towards the door. "And make sure you mask your chakra better. It's still a little bit see-through. Do not let whatever you hear affect your chakra reserve. They'll be here in just a minute."
Taking Kakashi's advice, Hinata immediately went to the cupboard the Hokage was talking about and hid. While the chakra signature of Sasuke kept getting closer, Hinata tried her best to mask her chakra. When she thought she was successful, she tried to make herself comfortable as much as possible.
Just like what Kakashi said, after a few seconds, the door opened loudly before someone locked it. She could hear two sets of footsteps. One heavy pair and another pain of soft ones.
"Don't you think it's another one of their schemes?" It was Naruto's voice, booming, even if the cupboard she was in behind the shelves was closed. "I mean, it's gotta be, right?"
The Hokage mentioned that the room is soundproof to the outside world, but Naruto's voice was too loud. If this was another case, Hinata might have smiled. Her mood was too broken to be fixed in a simple thought.
"Oi Kakashi-sensei," called Naruto. "Another came by again this morning. Bastard sensed it before it could move."
What came again? she asked herself, feeling helpless as she was clueless. It felt unfair to her.
Hinata was not the type to eavesdrop, yet she had the permission with the Hokage himself. Naruto was there, the Hokage, so it was given that it was her husband they were talking to.
"Check the locks again, make sure it's good enough," said the Hokage. There was a small clanking of metal and then Kakashi asked, "You didn't do anything, right?"
"I didn't," her husband replied. After a long silence, Sasuke spoke again. "It was one time. I never used it again."
Sasuke, she thought, putting her hand to her temples as she could slowly feel the headache. What are you talking about?
"Was it another chakra signature?" asked the Hokage. "Not the usual?"
"Not that I remember," answered Sasuke. "It was different, this one is worse than all the past signatures. Seemed like he cannot control his own. Dangerous, too."
Hinata heard Naruto laughing in the background until it died down after a few seconds.
"You need to lay low." It was the Hokage's voice, a hint of concern can be heard. "You still don't know what you're dealing with. You might know their name, but not everything they have underneath."
Know their name? asked Hinata, having less and less clue of what they were talking about. Please, Hokage-sama, speak more.
"I am doing my best."
For some reasons, Sasuke's voice raised — something he had never done to her before. The moment she heard it, Hinata figured he would never want to hear his voice that way directing to her. There was both frustration and discomfort in Sasuke's voice.
"Careful, you don't wanna exceed your chakra limits," said Naruto jokingly, chuckles trailing at the end of his statement. "No, but seriously."
There was a small silence after that. Hinata can imagine the three looking at each other awkwardly.
"Let's talk about when it first star—"
"Not again," groaned her husband, cutting the statement of the Hokage. "It started a long time ago. I thought I was being delusional, but it turns out I was always right. Everything they're doing right now is out of the conditions I have agreed upon. Now what?"
Never had Hinata heard Sasuke explain himself in frustration. Most of the time his tone was always blank and monotonous. Now, he raised his tone several times.
"Now, we still need proof," said Kakashi. "We can't do anything about it because you only have your hunches."
"I told you. I've always had a suspicion, but it was my wife who confirmed it."
"Yes, but does she know about this?" asked Kakashi who seemed careful of his own words. "She doesn't, right? So listen to me, Uchiha Sasuke. Find your proof and our team will do the rest."
Even the cool Hokage sounded frustrated, but the silver haired man did his best to suppress his emotions very well.
"I am trying," Sasuke said, his voice almost trembling out of what seemed like frustrations with a little bit of rage. "But Hinata must not know."
What must I not know? Why must I not know?
"Hinata-chan knows?" asked Naruto. Even through the wooden door, Hinata could imagine the way Naruto spoke with his mouth agape. "Now that is pretty messed up."
"What did I tell you?" asked Sasuke rhetorically. "She doesn't. I'll keep it to myself as long as I can. Out of everyone, it's her I don't want to be a part of this trouble. She's been through enough."
It was a closed area, but Hinata felt the wind touching her skin. The cupboard was dark, but she felt bright. If anything, her heart felt warmer than ever.
The cold days with Sasuke during the past few days seemed like a fleeting moment now. Though the worst part of it was remembering that they were in some sort of trouble – or at least her husband was, but she was his wife so whether he liked it or not, Hinata knew she would stay with him. Hinata knew that even if their relationship would be fixed soon, there were still some underlying troubles. As always, Hinata was well aware that she was passive with her problems, but she figured it would be better if she tried to do something about it for now.
"Any—"
"Stop," said Sasuke.
"Bastar—"
"I said stop," said Sasuke, his voice louder. "Hinata's close."
"What?" it was Kakashi.
Don't blow us off, Hinata pleaded, trying her best to mask her chakra. She might have released some when Sasuke started talking about her.
"She's close," he said again, his voice calmer now. "Far from us, but here, inside the building."
Far from us, was Sasuke said. Hinata's masking was effective, although not that much since Sasuke felt like she was inside the building. The good thing though, Sasuke couldn't feel her close.
"Excuse me, I have to find my wife," said Sasuke.
It was honestly just a split second since Sasuke dropped those words when Hinata heard him open the door. Her husband was rash.
"Wait for me!" Naruto shouted.
After a while, Hinata heard a pair of footsteps walking by.
"He's gone," said Kakashi who opened the cupboard door for her. He gave his hand to hers to help her stand. When she successfully did, Hinata could feel her bones stiffen. "I suggest you run to the cafeteria. Act like you're waiting for him. Go by the emergency exits."
Hinata was not good at acting, let alone suppressing her emotions, but now she had to.
For some reasons, she felt like she would be doing it for Sasuke and not because she was afraid she would get caught.
Hello. It's been a while, I know. I'm not sure if I should write this as my heart is still aching as of the moment, but yeah, I figured I should maybe write this for you guys.
I know I've been gone for a while. The reason for this is because I have been too sad to write anything for the past couple of months.
One of my best friends passed away and it seriously affected me in a lot of ways. He was also a fan of Naruto, the only one in our circle whom I could talk to about Naruto. He was the Deidara to my Sasori, the Naruto to my Kurama, my best pal. . .We have been the best of friends since middle school and when I lost him, it hurt so bad.
He was very happy for me when I told him I write Sasuhina fanfics and illustrate SasuHina drawings. He was never a fan of SH, but he supported me through and through. So when I lost him, I also felt lost.
Still, I decided to go on for him and for you guys. I remember his enthusiasm when I told him about my works. I remember the way he cheered me on. And then a lot of you guys commented on this story and it just motivated me to do something after sleeping a lot for months.
So to my loyal readers:
Thank you for staying. Your comments make my day. And I think I can start writing again, thanks to the reminder that I still have a lot of things to do with my life. I owe you guys so much.
To my Deidara, my Naruto, and my best pal.
I miss you so much, man. This is for you.
All my love.
