Obligatory Disclaimer: The series Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto; I only own the OCs, picture, and this story.
Chapter 30: Of Unceasing Wonders
I barely got to interact with Neji, the child entirely smitten with Riku, but the afternoon passed peacefully.
Although, he had gotten pretty fussy when Hizashi had to take him home.
The next morning I found myself dragging a reluctant redhead towards Konoha Hospital, the early air refreshingly cool even with the slight winter chill. In the time of our separation, just a couple of days, she had not gone to the clinic like I had told her to. Her excuse was that she was feeling fine and hadn't vomited since our mission outside the village but I wasn't having any of that.
"I don't know why you're taking this so seriously dattebane," Kushina huffed but did nothing to pull out of my grasp.
"Your health should be your number one priority," I replied without missing a beat. "Besides, if I showed any sign of being sick, you and kaa-chan would have me tied to a bed before I could even blink. Consider it for your own good."
"You sound just like Minato," she sighed. "You're such a worrywart."
I sent her a blank look to which she conceded.
"Yeah, yeah, don't give me that look. I know."
Soon the building was upon us and despite her uninterested air, there was palpable tension in Kushina's steps as we walked through the threshold and towards the receptionist's desk. The room in general was quiet, very few visitors ambling about but before we got too close, I heard my name being called from one of the hallways.
"Junko-hime, what are you doing here? Are you injured?"
Kushina and I looked up to find Aunt Mei walking towards us clad in her hospital uniform. Her hair was pulled up into a professional bun as usual and there was a bit of a rush in her step. I let go of Kushina's hand and met the woman halfway, greeting her with a hug.
The days I saw my aunt everyday were long gone, and few and far between. Though I was overjoyed to spend time with my parents, I missed the mellow conversations Aunt Mei and I would have and the lessons she would teach me. They were simple but necessary things about this world and culture, things I would need for my role in this new life. She was the first adult I had made a meaningful connection with, before even my parents, during a time where I was the most vulnerable. We had gone through a lot and had become closer because of it.
Hopefully, the same would be said between Mother and I.
"Kushina-shishou needs a check-up," I said. "She's been feeling ill."
The older Hyūga eyed the redhead who shook her head in denial as she neared.
"I'm fine, dattebane! Junko-chan is just overly worried Mei-san."
Aunt Mei looked between the both of us then turned to the woman behind the receptionist's desk.
"I don't have any new appointments this morning do I Kana-chan?"
The young woman behind the desk shook her head. "Your next scheduled appointment is this afternoon Mei-sensei."
My aunt returned her gaze to Kushina and I with a light nod.
"If Junko-hime is so concerned, I can take a look at you."
Seeing the instant aversion on Kushina's face, I quickly grasped her wrist in a vice grip and tugged her along, following Aunt Mei's lead. She guided us through a few short hallways and into a simple examination room. The room had cabinets filled with files along one wall, only stopped by a desk in the corner. The only other furniture present was a medical exam table and a curtain that could be unfurled for privacy.
"Should I wait outside?" I asked as Kushina sat moodily on the crackly paper of the table.
"It shouldn't take long," Aunt Mei said.
I took a seat at the desk as the telltale sign of the byakugan bulged at her temples. Kushina flinched slightly but stilled when the older woman sent her a bland yet scolding look as they met eye to eye.
"When did you start feeling ill Kushina-san?"
The redhead squirmed in her seat a little more as my aunt's eyes roved over her. "Just a couple weeks ago."
I tilted my head curiously. I knew that Kushina didn't like hospitals- it might've been a ninja thing in general because I felt the same- but I had never seen her this uncomfortable. Maybe she was worried about Aunt Mei seeing the seal for the Kyūbi? I didn't think it was possible however; I had used my byakugan near the Uzumaki woman many times ever since she had become my mentor and hadn't seen a single trace of the fox's chakra.
Besides, a seal housing such a terrifying being would be no good if any sensor, visual or otherwise, could recognize it so easily.
Still, Aunt Mei's eyes focused on her stomach for an uncomfortable amount of time until she stepped away, deactivating her byakugan in the process. She neared the desk where I sat and grabbed a clipboard, writing down what I assumed were her preliminary observations before returning to my mentor.
"We may need to run some further tests but from my observations, it appears that you are pregnant Kushina-san." She smiled. "Congratulations."
I blinked owlishly. Wait what?
Could it be that time already?
My thoughts whirled trying to track the timeline, but all the signs were there, Kushina's sickness on the mission being the key. I should've realized it so much sooner; Mikoto was already pregnant with Sasuke, who would also be born this year in July- in seven months no less. Most if not all of the rookie nine would be born this year.
How could it have taken me this long to realize that Naruto, the son of my mentor and godmother as well as the titular figure of this world, would be born this year as well?
Holy shit.
I wasn't the only person in shock. Kushina stared, mouth gaped open.
"A-are you really sure? Can the byakugan see something like that?" the redhead stammered, and I had the same question in my head.
I had no doubt that the byakugan could see a growing baby, especially since it could see through solid earth; but the Uzumaki woman couldn't be that far along if she was going to give birth in October. Unexpectedly, Aunt Mei turned to me and motioned me close. I hopped off my stool and walked to where Kushina sat unmoving.
"Of course, the byakugan can see through many materials be it flesh or stone. However, since you are in the very early stages it is mostly how your chakra is changing that gives it away."
At Aunt Mei's gesture, I activated my own. At first, it seemed as if everything was normal, Kushina's chakra flowing through her pathways and tenketsu as they should, even as her shock caused it to flow a bit faster. But then I noticed something different, my increased focus causing the change to stand out.
Chakra was produced and flowed from the core, starting in the stomach more or less. It then moved through the body before returning to it at the end, nourishing the body in the process. This process happened over and over in a constant cycle, and unless the chakra was used, it all returned to the core. However in Kushina, the chakra flowed just a bit differently than what I was used to seeing from her, not all of it returning as it should.
I deactivated my dōjutsu and looked up at Aunt Mei.
"A pregnant woman's chakra flow will change to begin nourishing the baby's development a few weeks after conception. Those from clans are noticeable as their chakra levels are more pronounced and thus susceptible to a visible change in production," she explained and then turned fully to Kushina. "Still, it would be best if we ran the usual tests so I can give you a better estimate of your due date."
Kushina continued to stare at the older woman with wide eyes, as if unable to completely process her words- as if not believing the information she had just received. Aunt Mei smiled gently at her.
"I've been doing this for over two decades, Kushina-san," she reassured. "Please trust my diagnosis."
The redhead's eyes trailed from the older Hyūga to her own stomach and she gently pressed her hand over it. She seemed to be in shock and my heart clenched as tears began to glisten in her eyes.
There must have been so many thoughts going through her head. Maybe of her clan and her own family back in Uzushiogakure so long ago. Maybe about the Kyūbi who was sealed within her, who would make the pregnancy more than a little difficult. Under the surprise and shock, there was also fear; being so close to her, I could feel the way her chakra withdrew in on itself, as if to keep the child growing inside her safe from everything that would dare hurt him. Maybe to even subconsciously keep the fox locked away.
And so I reached up, placing my hands on her knees, and looked at her with a wide smile.
"Congratulations shishou!" I beamed. "I'm sure Minato-sensei is going to be so excited!"
The mention of her husband's name seemed to give her strength. Kushina came back to herself and a shaky laugh escaped her as her tears finally fell.
"Y-yeah! We're going to be parents!"
I smiled more softly. "Though we're probably going to have to Obito-proof the house."
"Don't you mean baby-proof?" she giggled, wiping away the freshly fallen tears which I sincerely hoped were for joy.
"No, no I do not," I said, mock seriousness on my face.
Kushina laughed openly. She reached down and lifted me into her arms, squeezing me tightly.
"I'm going to be a mother, dattebane!"
...
As she had suggested, Aunt Mei ran the other tests and confirmed what she had already told us with the addition of a date.
The tenth of October.
We walked through the village streets an hour later, Kushina still in a daze.
"Kushina-shishou," I began, jerking her out of her thoughts. "Were you and Minato-sensei planning on having a baby?"
With the knowledge I had, I was sure that the pair wouldn't make such a decision haphazardly or on accident. They were both smart and had most likely been told the risks involved considering Kushina's status as a jinchuriki. The redhead ran her fingers through her hair distractedly.
"We had talked about the possibility of trying before he left on his mission," she admitted. "But I didn't expect it to happen so soon..."
I wondered briefly if the presence of chakra made ninja more fertile but before my thoughts could trail off into more dangerous territory, I quickly steered the conversation into another direction.
"How are you going to tell Minato-sensei?" I asked.
She gazed down at her stomach, a gentle expression overcoming her features.
"I don't know! Maybe I could make a banner or something to hang in the living room so when he comes home, I could jump out and surprise him."
"His birthday is coming up," I added. "Hopefully, he'll be home soon. It would be a great surprise."
Kushina nodded with a smile, but her joy seemed to fade the longer she stared at her flat stomach, lost in thought again.
She must've been thinking about the Kyūbi, Kurama. She probably had to inform the Hokage about her pregnancy sooner or later, and then the council would have to be informed as well, considering the danger of the seal failing. Maybe she thought they would try to make her get rid of the child.
I shook my head at the thought. I knew the council could be easily swayed by the likes of Danzō but the Sandaime, even with his faults, had some sort of a backbone. Besides, Kushina wasn't only the jinchuriki of the Nine-tails, she was also a trusted jōnin of the village. Even though she had been brought here and used as a vessel for the tailed beast, she had remained loyal to Konoha and that had to mean something.
"Shishou." She jerked again at my voice and blinked down at me. "Everything will be fine."
Nothing else needed to be said. Her violet eyes met mine and we stared at each other for a moment without any words until a smile spread across her face.
"Of course, it will," she grinned. "With parents like me and Minato and a big sister like you, this kid is gonna be unstoppable dattebane!"
Even as my heart warmed at her words and I returned her grin with one of my own, my stomach twisted.
This would be rough.
Over the revelation of Kushina's pregnancy, I was very much distracted.
Training with her was little more than figuring out ways to distract her from her nerves while pouring over scrolls of fūinjutsu as she continued to teach me how to decipher seals and code. A little over two weeks passed and Minato had still not returned home, his birthday passing uncelebrated. My reassurances for the redhead slowly lost their effectiveness in her anticipation. She had wanted to wait and tell Minato before anyone else but as time went on, the more her anxiousness grew.
So it was time for countermeasures.
During one of our training days, I suggested that we head over to the Uchiha compound since I hadn't visited the clan in a good while. It was easy to get her to agree since I think the stress of having only me and Aunt Mei know was driving her insane. I knew the Uchiha matriarch had ways to get it out of the Uzumaki, if Kushina didn't blow the secret herself as soon as they saw each other.
Riku joined us in this endeavor, his hulking figure ambling cheerfully through the compound in front of us. My relationship with the Uchiha was a continuously weird and interesting thing, which seemed to grow more and more ever since that day I had wandered into their part of the village. For sure the Hyūga elders knew about it- there was no way that they didn't know- but not once had it been brought up. It was a twofold thing; either they saw it as beneficial since the Uchiha were a prominent clan, even with our unspoken rivalry, or they just didn't care enough to deal with it.
Though, suffice to say, we earned many a glance from the Uchiha as we walked towards the clan head's home, and soon enough we were on their doorstep.
Itachi opened the door and he was immediately assaulted by the canine's affections. For being only four years old, Itachi was quick enough to not let the canine overtake him and placated Riku with a few well-placed scratches.
"Hello Kushina-san, Junko-chan," he greeted as the hound calmed down. "Oka-san is in the living room if you wanted to see her."
"Thanks kiddo," Kushina chirped as she patted his head, her hand resting there a moment longer than normal before stepping into the home.
I stopped myself from frowning at the absence of my nickname, as that could only mean one thing- Fugaku was home- and stepped in behind her, trading my sandals for slippers. I think it was because the clan head didn't like Itachi being so familiar with us. Although, it wasn't as if that mattered since Mikoto and Kushina were best friends and thus our meetings were pretty much unavoidable. The Uchiha woman was always very kind to me regardless of my bloodline and besides, I always taught Itachi something new every time I visited.
Fugaku just needed to be more appreciative.
Mikoto welcomed us and I couldn't help but stare a bit at the slight baby bump under her dress, a very obvious change from the last time I had seen her. However before we got too comfortable, I ushered Itachi and Riku into the backyard so the pregnant women could talk in peace, sending a meaningful look at the female Uchiha before leaving.
As we stepped onto the dirt with our sandals back on, Itachi looked up at me with his big eyes.
"Is Kushina-obasan alright?" he asked. "She seems a bit…different."
I smiled at his concern and kneeled down to whisper to him. Curiosity shone in his eyes as I neared.
"You'll have to keep this a secret, okay Itachi-kun?" I whispered and at his nod, I continued. "Kushina-shishou is going to have a baby."
Itachi's eyes went wide and darted to the house where the two pregnant women were no doubt talking. His eyes returned to me, understanding in them.
"Is she nervous?"
I chuckled and patted his head. "Yep, it is her first baby after all; but I'm sure that Mikoto-san can help her."
The little heir nodded.
"Now, what do you want to do?"
While the adults talked, Itachi and I worked on our shurikenjutsu as Riku rested in the shade of the raised wooden walkway. Being a Hyūga and therefore mostly taijutsu-oriented, the only times I heavily worked on my aim were when I would train with Kushina or Obito if he was around.
The backyard was filled with the sound of kunai hitting wood, and as we got into a comfortable rhythm, Itachi spoke.
"Shisui-nii said he was worried about you."
I blinked in surprise, almost missing a bulls-eye in the process.
"I worry people on a daily basis; you'll have to be more specific," I said turning to him.
Itachi threw his last kunai and turned to me. "He didn't tell me any details but he said that something happened on your mission together."
The memories came back like a car hitting a wall at a hundred miles per hour. My grip on the kunai in my hand tightened and I remembered the blood and the way the metal had plunged through the skin, bone, and muscle of his heart and how his corpse had hit the ground. The way his chakra had dimmed before going dark as the last of his life faded away.
It was worrying how easy it was to forget that I had killed a man with everything else going on.
I blinked again and when I returned to reality, Itachi was looking up at me concerned and Riku had risen from his spot in the shade to rush to my side. Pushing his muzzle away I sighed, looking at the little Uchiha whose brows were pinched with worry. I didn't want to talk about killing a man with a four year old, even if that four year old was super prodigy Itachi Uchiha. It seemed in bad taste but I also didn't want to lie to him; I respected his intellect despite his youth.
"It's fine," I said, distracting Riku with a scratch behind his ear. "We had an enemy encounter on the way back to the village and it ended in a casualty...by my hands."
Itachi's face twisted somewhat but before I could ask him what was wrong, he spoke.
"They were trying to kill you, right?" The question took me off-guard and I stared at him in silence before nodding. "So you had to defend yourself and your team; it's only natural."
I stopped myself from gaping openly at the boy. How could he be thinking like that already?
"What makes you say that?" I asked, somewhat afraid of the answer he would give me.
He seemed wary to answer at my reaction as he met my gaze almost guiltily.
"Otou-san took me out of the village, to see what the real world outside was like because I'll be attending the academy this year."
As soon as his words processed, my blood turned cold then burned within seconds. If showing Itachi the 'real world' meant what I thought it did, I knew I wasn't going like the answer to my next question.
"What happened Itachi?" He blinked in surprise at my equally icy tone but continued.
"There was an enemy shinobi from Iwa who was gravely injured, asking for water," he explained. "I tried to help him but he attacked me and so...I killed him. When I asked otou-san why the man had done that, he said it was because it was the way of this world."
My mind went blank as my skin burned with my anger. I understood that child rearing in this world was questionable when it came to ninja clans, but bringing your four year old to a battleground was straddling the line of absurdity. But besides my anger, there was grief at the loss of Itachi's childhood as he stared at me, looking for reassurance. He wasn't even in the academy yet and had already spilled the blood of another.
I closed my eyes and breathed, the cool air helping dim the heat in my core that threatened to take my common sense and make me do something I would regret. Still, part of me was proud of Itachi; his first instinct had been to help the man and not simply kill him because he was an enemy. The fact that the boy seemed cautious of what Fugaku had told him signified that the boy's psyche wasn't completely ruined from what he had seen and done.
I would have to be careful with what I said.
"Yes, Itachi. There are those who would hurt us because of the current state of the world, and we must protect ourselves and those who are important to us," I said, and like always his big eyes locked onto mine as I spoke. "But if we continue to simply kill those who oppose us, all we do is perpetuated the cycle of hatred."
His little brows furrowed and I remained silent as he processed my words.
"Is that why the world is the way it is now?" he asked, quietly as though not wanting anyone else to hear.
It was hard to see the desperate expression on his face, wanting a solution to the world's evils- an answer I did not have.
"Who can really say?" I sighed heavily and sat on the ground, target practice long forgotten.
With all these incarnations and the supposed curses in this world, it's a wonder that the entire thing hadn't imploded on itself already. You add all that to natural human greed and you end up with a whole assortment of problems that couldn't be solved by rational means.
Itachi sat beside me and Riku laid down at our backs, wrapping his large body around us.
"People fight for many different reason, be it selfish or selfless. But it's never as black and white as adults want you to believe and it is certainly never as simple," I began after a moment, thinking over my words. "People may fight for revenge at the loss of a loved one, or for honor and the protection of their land; Konoha has done so many times in the past. However, because of this fighting, grudges have been formed which only continue to fuel tensions for generations."
"Which will lead to more fighting and more death," Itachi concluded, and at my nod, looked down.
"The things I saw were really scary," the Uchiha admitted and at the slight quiver in his voice, Riku turned to rest his large head on the boy's lap, lending his comforting presence. "I…I don't want to see anything like that again but…as ninja, we have to fight, don't we? Isn't it necessary to protect our happiness?"
There was no answer sufficient enough to placate his worries, and so I simply nodded again solemnly. His words reminded me of what I had said to Shisui all that time ago, when I had first met the little heir to be exact. Who knew he'd remember it even being that young, having doubled in age and size since then?
Itachi frowned and went quiet, seemingly lost in thought. I felt so sorry for him; despite all his skill, he was still just a child trying to make sense of a world that wanted him to grow up way too fast. I leaned back against Riku, looking into the sky as I waited for him to speak. It didn't take long.
"Then how do we stop the cycle?"
I hummed lightly at his weighted question, a response already prepared.
"I'm not sure," I answered and he immediately deflated. I gave him a half-hearted smile. "It certainly won't be easy and may require even more fighting as a result. The world is a complicated place Itachi-kun; the only thing people across all lands respect is power but that has the potential of corrupting even the most loyal of people."
Of course, I knew a future where things ultimately changed for the better but many, many deaths, tragedies and hardships happened that could've, should've been avoided. And as I had worriedly thought several times before, the future I'd try to create could be a thousand times worst.
But I had to take a chance. It would've been different if I hadn't met them and they weren't ingrained into my new life so intimately. I could've just ignored plot and just lived but now that they were so very real to me, I would do everything I could to save them.
I just couldn't sit by and watch as the people I loved died.
"Then I'll become the strongest ninja in the world so I can eliminate war everywhere."
Itachi's words were so sudden and said with such honesty that I sat up straight and looked at him. There was pure determination in his eyes but the longer I stared at him in stunned silence, the more unsure he became. He looked down, absentmindedly scratching Riku's head.
"It's a childish dream isn't it?" He sounded dejected, as though expecting me to disregard it but my heart swelled at the pureness of his goal.
That was one of the problems you found when expected to lead a clan, as I knew from experience. Your dreams and aspirations, feelings and insecurities didn't matter in the necessities of the clan. You were not yourself; you were the face of the clan, embodying its will to the public eye. The clan tried to take away your individuality so you could be molded into their image of the perfect leader.
Itachi should be allowed to dream like the child he was, if only for this moment.
"Not at all, Itachi-kun." He looked up at me and I smiled sincerely. "I believe in the dream you made for yourself; never let anyone take that from you."
His dark eyes sparkled at my words, hope shining in them.
"It's going to be difficult but don't worry," I said winking at him. "I, and I'm sure Shisui, will be there to help you."
Itachi nodded, a renewed resolve in his body.
"We're going to make the world a better place."
In the grander scheme of things, it was rather childish and even naïve. Two children talking about plans of ridding the world of fighting. However, it was also a solid foundation for making good on the promises I had made to myself and the people of this world. I poked him on the forehead.
"It's a promise."
Kushina and I would've stayed for lunch but one look at Fugaku coming out of his office highly annoyed and tense, and we bid our hosts a swift farewell. The Uzumaki looked much better than she had before, a bit of a skip in her step and an excited gleam in her eyes, much better than the bundle of nerves she had been the week prior. So I was not surprised when she led me back to her abode to resume planning the surprise for Minato.
But it appeared that we were too late for that as we entered to find the blond's dirty pack on the floor of the genkan. The sound of the shower running rang through the house and Kushina and I froze at the door. I could clearly see what was going through her head as she looked down at me, the question 'what are we going to do?' clear on her face. But I pushed her further into the house, an excitement of my own rising.
"If he just came home, he might be hungry," I advised helpfully, not bothering to be quiet as I was sure he had heard or sensed us come in already.
I had planned only to help her cook and leave so the husband and wife could share the good news together by themselves but one look at Minato's face gave me pause. He looked completely haggard but even still he tried to don a smile for the both of us as he stepped into the kitchen, running a towel through his blond hair. There were bags under his eyes as though he hadn't gotten enough sleep and there was a heaviness in his shoulders as if burdened by something.
Kushina went to him quickly, seeming unsure whether to tackle him in a hug or keep her distance.
"Welcome home Minato," she said, eyeing him worriedly. "What's the matter?"
He smiled a little more genuinely at her concern, and after he finished toweling off his hair, returned her greeting with a hug and a kiss.
"I'll be fine; it was just a rough mission is all," he said. "Hello, Junko-chan, Riku."
I returned his greeting while scrutinizing his face. Had something bad happen on his mission? There was something I was missing, something that should've been on the tip of my brain, but for the life of me I couldn't remember. It had to be important though; over the years I had known the man, he had never looked this tired after a mission. It wasn't just fatigue either; it was something mental from the way his normally bright blue eyes seemed duller than usual.
"Did something happen to the team?" Kushina asked, before trying to be lighthearted. "Did Obito end up falling into a swamp and stretching the mission again like last time?"
Despite her tone, Minato's blue eyes became a little duller and my blood froze as my mind clicked.
Obito.
The Kannabi Bridge mission.
Once again I was hit by the realization of my faulty memory.
Oh no. Oh no.
Things were happening all at once. Had it occurred so soon in canon? Was there anything I could've done to prevent this? Was there anything I could still do? Saving Obito from Madara's brainwashing would be difficult as I could barely make a move without the clan knowing, and leaving the village on my own was next to impossible. And now with Kushina pregnant, the next time I would even leave Konoha was uncertain.
But I have to do something...!
My thoughts were derailed as Riku whined loudly in my ear, pressing his large head against my own. I found my breath again as thin as it was, though my heart continued to race in my chest. A hand came down on my head, different than the usual, and I looked up to find Minato staring down at me with a comforting smile on his tired face. If Riku's intervention didn't completely break me from my panic, what Minato said next was even more startling.
"Don't worry Junko-chan, everyone is alive."
I stared at him wide-eyed and every other thought screeched to a halt as I repeated his words in my head. Everyone was alive. Everyone. My brows furrowed, some semblance of hope rising in my chest.
Had things changed?
Minato sighed, rising to his full height. "Obito and Kakashi were seriously injured on the mission. It will take some time, but I believe that they'll make it through alright. They're stable at the hospital right now."
My emotions were all over the place but the relief was overwhelming. Obito may have been seriously injured but he was alive, and not only that, he was inside the village far from the hands of Madara. I breathed.
"It is good to hear they're alive at the very least," I sighed as well, though I knew that until I saw him with my own eyes, I would not be able to rest.
Just how was this happening?
"I'm going to see them," I said with a weak smile and turned to Kushina who had a grim expression on her face.
"I'll let them in on the good news," I continued and Kushina's eyes widened in remembrance. "You should let Minato-sensei know as well."
At my words, the blond raised a brow and a real smile returned to my face at the confused puppy-dog expression on his face. Things hadn't happened in the way I expected, and that very fact sent both relief and apprehension down my spine. But if Obito was here, and he was alive… then everything had to be fine.
It had to.
…
I was anxious as I approached the hospital once more, two bundles of flowers in my arms courtesy of Yamanaka Flowers.
Would it be another instance like Father's return from the front lines? I had thought that had been the worst I had yet seen in this world, but considering what Minato had said and how he had looked, it was probably going to be much worse.
More than that, how did things turn out this way in the first place? If things had transpired as I believed they had, according to my hazy, unreliable memory, then why didn't Obito get trapped and why wasn't he in the 'care' of Madara? Not that I wasn't grateful for his return but I had many questions that would remain unanswered until I saw him.
I entered the lobby and unfortunately Riku had to stay outdoors as the receptionist on call, Kana, shot me a dirty look from behind her desk. It wasn't as though I came to the hospital often, but during those rare occurrences when I had the chance to see Father to his rehabilitation sessions, the black-haired woman didn't exactly like to see the hound in the hospital. I could only really get Riku pass Ms. Aina as she adored the pup.
Nevertheless, I didn't make it a point to be at the hospital unless I really needed to.
"Hello, Kana-san," I said, putting on the stops with an innocent smile. "I am looking for Uchiha Obito's room."
She seemed to want to ignore my request but at my continued stare, she grumbled and looked down at the open book in front of her.
"Uchiha-san is currently in intensive care and has a strict no visitor policy," she said haughtily.
That was disheartening but at the level I had anticipated. But if she thought she could get me out of here that easily, she didn't know who she was dealing with.
"Then can you tell me which room Hatake Kakashi is currently staying in?" I asked, smiling never waning.
With another grumble, she peered at her book again and could make no excuses. Bidding her an overly cheerful 'thank you', I made my way to his room with the information at hand. The trip was short but long enough for my pessimistic mind to come up with several scenarios, which came to a halt as I stepped up to the closed door.
I knocked lightly and hearing a muffled reply, stepped into the room.
Although the room had several beds, the Hatake was the only one present, taking the last bed near the window. Kakashi looked about how I expected which was as relieving as it was worrying. His mask was in place and a bandage covered his left eye, though that wasn't the only bandage he had as his right arm was wrapped in a cast, any others hidden by the blanket that covered his lower half. His visible eye widened in slight surprise at the sight of me as it left from the book in his hands.
I gave him a lighthearted smile as I approached.
"Hello Kakashi-senpai," I greeted. "I am glad to see you are doing alright."
He was quiet at first as I reached his bedside and busied myself with arranging the flowers I had brought for him- a batch of daffodils which immediately brightened up the room. When I turned to him, his visible brow was raised questioningly. While they also meant joyfulness and mirth- fairly unfitting for the mood and situation- daffodils could also represent respect for the person you gave them to.
Kakashi simply shook his head and sighed, moving his book to the side to regard me with a bored expression. But I would've been a fool to miss the dullness within his eye, or the weight that burdened his shoulders.
"I thought you would've visited him first," he said, resting back on his pillows.
He nodded over to the bouquet of peonies that I had left on my lap as I sat down on a nearby chair. They were a symbol of good fortune, bravery and honor, something I was certain fitted the clumsy Uchiha.
"Well, the receptionist on duty said he wasn't allowed to see visitors, so I had to come see you instead," I said lightly.
It had the desired effect and an annoyed spark came to his eye, giving it much needed life.
"That's just great for me then." He rolled his eye, before turning to face me fully.
I nodded. "I couldn't agree more. You are a very lucky person to be graced with my presence."
He scoffed and looked away. "He needs to get better soon 'cause you're already bothering me."
From his injuries, Obito must've either fallen into a coma or had been medically-induced which only made me more anxious.
But he's alive and here and that's all that matters.
"How could I?" I said innocently, trying to keep the mood light. "I just got here."
"Out of all your skills, annoying me is one you have him beat at," he retorted.
I smiled. "I do try to keep every skill in my repertoire very sharp."
He rolled his eye again but didn't speak again, sending the room into silence. Though our banter reassured me that he at least wasn't suffering from any brain damage, something was off. It was worrying that Kakashi wouldn't say Obito's name.
"Kakashi-senpai," I said, seriousness in my tone, and he returned his gaze back to me. "Just what happened on your mission?"
He stared at me before looking away- very unlike himself.
"Didn't Minato-sensei tell you?" he said, weariness in his voice. "That's why you're here isn't it?"
"He didn't tell me anything specific, that's why I am here," I retorted lightly. "Although we are not officially a team, I consider you, Obito-senpai, and Rin-senpai my teammates. I was and am still concerned about your wellbeing."
Considering how regulated my life was by the Hyūga and the ninja lifestyle in general, I never had the opportunity to go and meet new people. Even more than that, there were very few that I trusted besides the handful of friends I did have, relationships I had built up during my time at the academy. And even though I considered Haru as another one of my friends, our meetings were limited to checkups for Riku at the Inuzuka kennels due to our schedules.
My circle was very small and so I truly did appreciate the company Team Minato gave me.
Even if Kakashi was a bit of a prick sometimes.
As tame as my words were, almost heartening even, Kakashi flinched as though I had hit him. My brows furrowed deeply; just what had happened to invoke that kind of response? I remained quiet as I stared at him, trying to recall anything from my past memory. Even with my notes, I only really remembered Rin being captured and the boys going after her, Obito risking his life for his teammates to get to safety.
But now the Uchiha was alive, lying comatose in a bed somewhere in this hospital- completely deviating from what I had expected. Who was to say their encounter hadn't gone differently as well? It was silent for a long minute before Kakashi spoke again, refusing to look at me.
"Well, your concern isn't needed," he said shortly. His voice was cold. "We're shinobi; things like this happen all the time outside the village. Worst even. Though I doubt a kunoichi as sheltered as you would know."
I blinked.
Yeah, he was still a prick, and I would be lying if his words hadn't stung. It wasn't as if I had a choice of what missions were handed my way, that I didn't get as many missions outside the village. And of course he didn't know of my most recent encounter, but considering how I had almost been killed on my very first mission and our talk afterwards, I had thought the two of us had come to an understanding.
Apparently not; maybe my pranks with Obito had dwindled our already strained relationship.
But his tough act spoke volumes of what he was actually feeling. Overly defensive. Passive- aggressive. So unlike himself. He was lashing at me as though my words had struck some kind of nerve, some kind of memory directly related to what had transpired. If past memory remained correct, he had been the leader of that mission. Perhaps the fact that he and Obito had gotten so injured had hurt his hubris, though if that was the case- having experienced Kakashi's slight narcissism in person- my respect for him would diminish significantly.
I knew Obito's sacrifice in canon had made a significant impact on him emotionally and mentally, shifting him from his lone-wolf mindset, but maybe the Uchiha's survival had an effect I had not foreseen.
I certainly hoped not for the worst.
"Fine," I said, rising from my chair. "I will leave and let you rest."
I paused by the door on my way out.
"And by the way, Kushina-shishou is pregnant." I didn't miss the way his eye darted to me. "So you might want to check your attitude by the time she comes and visits."
I left the room.
"Recover soon, Kakashi-senpai," I said as I closed the door behind me.
Omake: An Autumn Day
There were very many times when Kakashi regretted ever meeting Junko Hyūga.
He had little choice in the matter when he learned that she was the goddaughter and student of Kushina who was his sensei's wife. It was only a matter of time before they were in the same space more and more until it seemed as though she was a part of their team as well.
She wasn't unskilled Kakashi had to admit, nowhere close to his level despite their spars but at least on par with his other two teammates. She could be frustratingly clever and Kakashi wouldn't have minded her company if not for her camaraderie with Obito, which was more than a little annoying.
When he had learned that the pair had frequent training sessions together without the rest of the team, Kakashi couldn't help but peek in on more than a few. At first it was to get ahead of any trick they were trying to plan against him, but most of the time they would just train or talk about things that were asininely simple like the Uchiha's crush on their female teammate.
However, out of all the things they talked about, the child's status as an heiress was the most interesting to the Hatake. Her routine was ridiculous to be sure, probably the only thing him and Obito would ever agree about. Even with his background, Kakashi was glad that he'd never had that sort of weight on his shoulders.
Still, on one autumn afternoon, Kakashi was sure that even all the intense training she received couldn't have made the little girl into the prodigy she was. There was something definitely different about her.
Junko and Obito stood in the latter's not-so-secret training grounds, his teammate standing perturbed by the Hyūga's request.
"You want me to do what?"
"I need you to throw all of your kunai at me as hard and as fast you can, as if fighting an enemy," the Hyūga repeated calmly.
Obito gaped. "I can't do that! What if I hurt you?"
At that, Junko gave him a flat look; Kakashi had seen many a time when his clumsy teammate would inexplicably injure the girl on accident during their sessions. Whether it was a poorly thrown shuriken, or running over the little girl with his missteps, most of Obito's 'wins' against the Hyūga were purely accidental. The Hatake would admit that the little girl was very fast, and could evade most of Obito's faulty ninja skills, but she must've lost her mind if she thought outright ordering the Uchiha to aim at her was a good idea.
The girl placed her hands on her hips.
"You've been keeping up with the training plan I made for you correct?"
Obito blinked at her then rummaged in his weapon's pouch and pulled out a slightly wrinkled notebook. Kakashi had seen the boy read through the notebook many times when they trained with Minato-sensei. It had a silly little drawing of the Uchiha on the cover but on the inside- as he had peeked when curiosity got to him- were pages of detailed analysis of Obito's skills and what he needed to work on and how to improve said skills. It was surprising how in-depth they were and when questioned about it from Rin, the Uchiha would bury it away, saying that it was a secret.
Kakashi could only assume the boy was trying to impress the Nohara with his improving skills, and the silver haired boy could admit he had seen some progress. However, he was still skeptical that a little notebook could solve all the Uchiha's faults.
"Well, yeah but…"
"Then I need to reevaluate your skills so I can rewrite the schedule," the little Hyūga continued. "If you want to be Hokage, you can't take it easy now."
From his position in a nearby tree, Kakashi couldn't see Obito's expression but from the slumping of his shoulders, he could tell that the Uchiha was not pleased at the notion of more work. Still, the boy straightened himself and nodded.
"Alright, fine. If you say so."
Kakashi straightened himself as the pair got into position a few yards away from each other. The Uchiha pulled out several kunai as the little girl activated her byakugan and lifted her hands up in her normal jūken stance. There was only a brief nod from the Hyūga and then kunai were flying through the air with surprising speed coming from the Uchiha.
There was only the slight tensing of her muscles before the Hyūga heiress moved, her hands flying fast and efficiently. If there was one thing he was impressed by, it was the Hyūga's ability to clash with the blades barehanded. There was no fear on her face as she swatted the flying kunai out of the air, her feet placed steadily on the ground.
Seeing that the girl was unmoved by his onslaught, Obito seemed to push himself to go faster, faster than Kakashi had seen him. Junko smiled encouragingly before she ducked down and jetted towards him, her palm aimed right towards his core.
Obito's onslaught paused for half a second, precious moments lost as she neared closer and closer before it renewed with vigor, the Uchiha hoping back in order to put more space between them. Junko narrowed her eyes as she pursued him but even as kunai sailed towards her, she did nothing to stop them.
Yet not a single one hit.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at the scene. Obito wasn't the best but he wasn't abysmal when it came to throwing kunai. In fact, it looked like a lot had cut into the girl's sleeves but no blood appeared on the lilac fabric. He even watched as one came startling close to the little Hyūga's face, almost head on, but it seemed to divert ever so slightly as she moved ahead, only cutting a few strands of her hair.
All without moving her hands.
Just how had she done that?
Junko closed the distance between herself and Obito quickly. But she didn't strike him as Kakashi thought she would. Instead, she slid underneath the boy and stopped on a dime, turning and kicking him in the back. The boy let out a yelp as his momentum was stopped and he was sent flying onto his stomach.
It was silent as the girl rose to her feet, a smile on her face.
Not even her own comrades were safe from the mischievous little Hyūga prodigy.
Obito was still for a moment before he jumped to his feet, glaring down at the little girl.
"What the hell Junko!?"
She shrugged. "I never said I wouldn't move."
"It was implied!" He huffed.
Obito sighed heavily when all she did was smile cheerfully at him and then glanced her over.
"I didn't hurt you, did I?"
She shook her head. "Of course not, because you weren't going all out like I told you too Obito-senpai. That's why I dashed towards you in the first place."
The accusation was clear in her voice and the Uchiha scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"You noticed that?"
Junko crossed her arms over her chest.
"Senpai, the purpose of this exercise was to find out your baseline so that we can work harder on the aspects that you're still weak in. If you hold back, we can't know. And if I was an actual enemy, you could've been seriously injured."
"I know, I know!" The boy sighed again. "I just didn't want to hurt you. I don't even want to think of what Kushina would do to me if she found out."
"What about my elders or my parents?" Junko asked amused and Obito paled significantly causing her to laugh lightly.
The Hyūga shook her head then lifted her long sleeves into view.
"Still, you did very well all things considered," she continued. "If I had lacked the concentration, I'm sure that it wouldn't just be my sleeves that got cut up. Your reaction time has increased exponentially since the last time we sparred as well."
The Uchiha seemed to inflate a bit at her praise. He placed his hands on his hips and Kakashi fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"Well of course! I'm no slacker."
Junko simply hummed. She walked over to him and lightly kicked at his ankles.
"You did so well in fact I think we may have to increase the weight on those seals," she said.
Instantly, Obito threw his hands up in defense.
"No, no, you don't have to do that," he stuttered. "I'm still getting used to these!"
Her smile adopted an quality that wouldn't go amiss on a cat stalking its prey.
"But Obito-senpai, you're not a slacker are you?" she asked with an innocent voice. "Considering how fast you got away from me, I think you're well accustomed to them. Don't you want more of a challenge?"
The Uchiha seemed to struggle for an excuse but fell short, his shoulders dropping dramatically.
"Yes, Junko-sensei."
The little Hyūga clapped her hands happily, instantly reminding Kakashi of her redheaded mentor.
"Good. Let's get cleaned up," she said. "Nice work for today."
Obito shook his head but there was a smile on his face as he reached out and ruffled Junko's hair. He dodged her retaliation strike with a grin and went to pick up the kunai left scattered across the training ground. The Hyūga glared at him half-heartedly before moving to help, a smile of her own on her face.
It was all typical of their training sessions and Kakashi was decidedly unimpressed by the outcome.
However, his mind drifted back to what had transpired with Junko and the kunai when his senses warned him of something nearby, accompanied by the sound of metal slicing through air. He rolled from his perch against the great tree and a kunai embedded itself into the trunk with a solid thud. In the span of a millisecond, the Hatake had his own kunai out and ready.
Considering the trajectory, it had to have come from…
Kakashi turned his eyes back to the training field. While Obito was crouched down trying to grab a kunai stubbornly implanted into ground, Junko was staring up at him, her pale eyes seeming to stare through him. When they met eye to eye, even with the distance between them, the Hyūga shot him an amused smile and a nod then turned to help the struggling Uchiha.
Kakashi stared before returning his kunai to his pouch.
There was something undeniably different about Junko Hyūga and it was just interesting enough for him to want to find out what.
Author's Notes
Posted: January 31st, 2018
As always, thank you all for your lovely reviews, and thank you for taking the time to follow and favorite my story!
Apologies for the wait; combining holiday shenanigans and general real life matters didn't give me a lot of time to write or edit.
I've been trying to get this chapter edited for weeks and every time I reread it, I added parts and erased others and overall it's been a headache but I hope you guys enjoyed it nevertheless. This is the point in the plot where things will begin to diverge from canon, and it can only get better (but probably worse) from here.
See you next time.
Next time on For a Chance at Happiness
Chapter 31: Of Deciphered Mysteries