Chapter 10: A Departing Lie

AvatarUzumaki- The invasion takes place in this story right at the end of the preliminaries before the final matches can start! A different type of finals for everyone's promotion will occur at a later date! Hope that helps clarify for you and anyone else!

To all my readers, please feel free to send me any questions in a review or a private message!

-x-

"It's a midnight lie...a kind of lie told for someone else's sake, a lie that sits between goodness and wrong, just as midnight is the moment between night and morning."

― Marie Rutkoski, The Midnight Lie


Sasuke & Sakura

'Everything started at night, during a crescent or maybe a new moon.' Sakura pictures it.

The time of night when everything is bathed in darkness.

That was probably when Orochimaru first came to Sasuke with the proposal to show him how to get power from the curse seal; the promise he can get him strong enough to kill his brother. She imagines it so clearly him slinking through the shadows away from the streetlights, golden orbs pinned on the Uchiha district.

He's lured him in now enough to go to him while Konoha is in ashes, Sakura pressing her nails into her palms shaking away the thought.

In these flickers of dying flames, of orange and red streaks of fire the sun finally comes through fully awake and bright showcasing how truly destroyed Konoha is from the aftermath of Orochimaru's assault.

Sakura notes the damage, hears the low wails of family businesses gone, sobs of those knowing their loved one is lost somewhere within all this wreckage...

Her stomach tightens as she drops herself into the thick shroud of a fallen tree seeing Sasuke and the girl abruptly drop lower to the forest floor/ She blends herself with leaves, vines, and moss that curl around her arms as Sasuke comes to a stop.

'Does he know I'm here watching? Is he going to stop me?'

But Sasuke never once looks her way, focus pinpointing on something outside of her view.

The red haired girl leaps ahead of him, nodding when she deems the grounds clear to speak.

"Tayuya, you're sure the area is clear?" A voice rasps out and Sakura stiffens.

'Orochimaru is still able to talk, still able to move it seems.'

Tayuya nods, bowing.

"I made sure two shinobi who seemed to be getting close were taken out by my flute. I brought Sasuke here as requested."

A boy with two heads reports he'll guard the entrance of the forest to make sure they're not disturbed.

Sakura straightens herself slowly once she's sure the boy won't detect her, coating herself further in dew and bark before sitting forward to better see.

Lord Third did a number on Orochimaru or maybe that's Lady Tsunade's handiwork.

Either way sweat beads his forehead, fingers clutching at his chest as if every breath burns, gritting his teeth through the pain. Bruises mark the sides of his chin and neck, halfway healed from whatever cocktail of medicine he used.

"Have you made a decision now Sasuke to join me?" He questions.

Sasuke arches a brow in return, looking him over.

"I don't know. You don't like you can offer me any power in your current state."

Orochimaru gives something of a half-smile, used to his cruel or snarky remarks.

"This Sasuke is merely a...setback. Surely you don't believe Kakashi or Tsunade can give you the skills and power to kill that brother of yours; do you?" He purrs.

At Sasuke's silence he goes on, smirk widening.

"Of course my methods aren't always...ethical some would say, but they get the job done nonetheless. I'm still the only one that knows what's truly in your heart, what you really crave."

He nods to Tayuya then who activates the second level of her curse seal, Sakura taking in her darkened skin and sclerae, horns that protrude out like the monsters and demons from her childhood stories.

'But this is real.' She swallows.

And it could very well be what Sasuke wants.

She can practically feel Sasuke's twinge of desire, of interest to obtain that power for himself.

"Come with us. We'll give you the power to kill Itachi and more." Tayuya beckons.

Orochimaru holds up a hand before she can say further, coughing up a mix of blood and mucus that Sakura focuses in on.

'Pink mucus? Something's happened to his heart or lungs.'

"3 days Sasuke. That's plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. If you choose to join us, then meet us back here right before midnight hits." He reasons.

And then they disappear in a burst of wind too fast for her to follow them all. Sakura keeps still, the rush of her blood in her ears.

"You heard all that; right?" Sasuke asks, suddenly too close and Sakura can do nothing but absently nod, force her mind to get back to here and now.

Because Sasuke straightens her up out of the foliage, could've easily given her away, though chose not to for reasons she's sure she wouldn't get an answer to if she asked. Perhaps he only knew she was here because of their bound thread considering Orochimaru and his bodyguard never noted her presence.

"Orochimaru, he's desperate right now. Whatever Lord Third did to him has damaged his body in a way that's irreparable." Sakura notes.

She curls her hand with his, wonders if her touch is reaching him when Sasuke merely gazes to the forest floor blankly where he once stood a moment ago.

"Sasuke, say something! This is more than just taking your body; he'll tear out your heart if it means he'll be cured once you're strong enough to his satisfaction or-"

"That won't happen Sakura. I've told you a variation of this before." He cuts her off, onyx eyes looking up again tearing into her.

Sakura bites her lip, changing tactic.

"If you do this, I will find a way to keep track of you, especially if you become a threat to the village." Her voice darkens.

"I'll just have Orochimaru dampen the effect of our thread. Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, all the best tracker nin, and not even you will be able to find me then." He sharply retorts.

Verdant eyes shimmer then in amusement at the challenge, match the greenery surrounding them that she so easily blended into a moment ago.

"Oh really? You don't think I'll have ways to get around that? Ways to get your attention? Revenge won't take away the pain Sasuke, not fully at least."

Even covered in all that sweat, ash, and dew he still picks up on that annoying lily scent of hers, still gets this uncomfortable lurch in his chest knowing Sakura can see all his weaknesses...

Sakura brushes at his cheek and the knot tightens, giving in for a second leaning in to her.

'No. Don't lose focus now.' The bitter reminder of that fateful night surges forward; the sting of memories.

He breaks their handhold, sighing and stepping back from her.

I'm an avenger Sakura...I can't let you or anyone else make me forget that."


Naruto & Hinata

'Should I let her keep sleeping?'

They're both exhausted, but surely Hinata's neck will be sore once she awakens from this awkward position.

And while Naruto weighs with the idea, Hinata curls against his side and he reddens as her chest presses into him, wondering where to place his hands when all Hinata has on are these thin hospital gowns and pants...

'No, don't think about that!'

Wait, what happens if he needs to go to the bathroom though?!

"Don't look so cozy." Neji warns and Naruto stiffens, looking up to meet steely white eyes.

Right, he's still here.

"I-I wasn't! I mean, I'm not going to do anything to her right now, you know!" He sputters.

'Ugh, that came out completely wrong!'

Neji's stare hardens and he quickly decides silence is a better option.

"Don't pretend to actually care for Lady Hinata when you're only acting this way because of your tied connection. She had feelings for you even before then. Whatever that perverted mentor of yours told you won't work in changing the ways of the Hyuga clan." He icily reminds him.

Naruto snorts, bristling at his bossiness. No way can he just stand by and act so high and mighty!

"Like you're one to talk. You had no qualms about trying to kill her a week ago or did you conveniently decide to forget that? I know I didn't know Hinata that well before finding out she was my red thread, she was always so quiet and I thought it was weird, but that's why I'm trying to now, you know! Your clan doesn't make that easy." He grunts.

Neji says nothing in return, stepping back when Hinata appears to stir.

"You have a point, but it will take more than just talk Naruto. You and I both know that. Uncle sees you as only the jinchuriki of our village and a beast lies within you that you have little to no control over. It's a danger to Hinata and yourself, red thread or not so choose wisely from here on how you pick your battles." He mutters before slipping out the remnants of the doorway.

Naruto glowers after him, words bubbling up itching to deny it, prove him wrong somehow.

But he saw that rage consume him directly with his own eyes, anger take away his reasoning...

His face drops back to Hinata, evening light falling against her hair in a violet-orange glow.

He brushes a strand from her cheek and her eyes crack open slowly, peering around dazedly.

"Ah, I dozed off! Sorry, sorry! I know you need your rest; I should head back to manor." Hinata rambles out at seeing their current position.

Naruto chuckles, grabbing her hand before she can scoot off.

"No, stay! I mean, it's easier to sleep in all this mess knowing I'm not alone you know."

He knows Pervy-Sage said he'll be back before night shift to keep him company, but that sounded more just because he wants to see which woman would be on night shift he could flirt with.

Hinata pinkens and he tries to find the right words to say he'll gain control of the Nine Tails someday, that he'll be strong enough not just for her, but the rest of the village too, to no longer be thought of as something to be feared or ignored.

She tilts her head slightly at his expression, sitting up straighter leaning back against their shared pillows.

"Everything okay?" She asks.

He thinks of Neji again annoyingly, the coldness of his words.

'A beast lies within you that you have little to no control over; a danger to yourself and Hinata.'

Naruto tacks on a grin, nodding despite Hinata's skeptical look.

"Fine!"


The Dandelion Room-Jiraiya & Tsunade

"Did we really have to meet here of all places?!" Tsunade hisses.

Jiraiya merely grins, holding up their plum wine sake to clink his cup with hers ignoring her rising ire. It's a warm night, moon bright and full making their liquids shine silver. He got them the fanciest booth in the corner away from prying eyes and ears, his toads situated around the bar and lounge areas for extra intel.

"Hey now, you did say I could pick the location! Plus, you said you wanted to try out some Nigori sake and Rose petal sake, so here we are!" He cheers.

Tsunade slams a fist down making a fissure form in their oakwood table. This is a damn brothel and they both know it, no matter how he tries to spin it! She supposes it at least has the privacy she wanted, though it's hard to focus when scantily clad women dressed in flower motifs parade around just a few feet away.

"Alright, let's get down to business then." She grunts with a sigh of giving up.

Jiraiya nods, smile fading.

"When is the funeral set for?" He asks quietly.

Amber orbs soften, swirling at her glass, ice glittering under the fluorescent lights.

"This coming Sunday. Most businesses wanted to ensure they could be closed so that they could attend the memorial service."

It was difficult visiting the Sarutobi household to get appropriate photos and flowers of choice, Asuma reserved and distant throughout the entire planning session saving the major details for his brother to give her.

Jiraiya hums, he isn't sure if he'll even attend considering Orochimaru is still prowling about.

"And regarding Sasuke Uchiha?" He pursues.

Tsunade rubs at her forehead then, that is a whole other issue she has yet to solve no matter how much Homura and Koharu keep pressuring her to act.

ANBU were able to at least find out the identities of his two remaining bodyguards who go by Sakon & Ukon (conjoined twins) and the other a woman who goes by Tayuya.

Sasuke, if he showed his face, disappeared just as fast from their last known meeting spot.

"He remains a high risk for defecting. Kakashi has been saying so for weeks, but we can't hold him against his will here in the village without proper proof. More than anything he wants the power to kill his brother no matter how he has to obtain it seems. Orochimaru, from what a patrol officer reported, had been seen near the Uchiha district often in the middle of the night or near dawn giving him said promises of power." She frowns.

A woman with hazel-gray eyes approaches before she can say more on the matter, sunflowers and tulips the colors of pink and yellow interwoven in her auburn locks as she sets down plates of karaage and dumplings, nodding.

"Enjoy!" She beams, gaze lingering more on Jiraiya than Tsunade with a wink.

Tsunade arches a brow as she sashays away, Jiraiya revealing nothing except a cheery grin ogling her assets.

"You're a regular here; aren't you?" She snorts.

Jiraiya shakes his head, though he doubts Tsunade would believe him if he told her Old Man Hiruzen was the one who knew about this place before him!

Underneath the petal décor of the plates are his real reason for coming here. A rolled up note thin enough to not be noticeable, unfurling it to reveal a simple message.

'3 nights from now. Midnight. The forests to the east.' He reads.

"It would be better to say that this place isn't just a fancy bar, but a place where people like me exchange information." Jiraiya explains, looking back up to her.

Tsunade leans toward him then, reads the note before Jiraiya burns it to ash.

"That's regarding-" Jiraiya nods, not letting her finish, popping a piece of the garlic soaked chicken between his teeth.

"While there's little Orochimaru can currently do physically, his underlings can still cause some mischief." He scowls between chews.

Tsunade straightens, grabbing a piece of gyoza and harumaki.

Neither settle this sour ache rising in her chest.

'This will hurt Sakura.'

Or maybe she's been prepping herself for this moment without telling her, not to tear her thread like before, but to live with it soon being hindered.

"As Hokage, I can't just let Sasuke defect if I can find a way to stop it." She mutters into her gyoza.

Jiraiya shrugs, things like this are why he could never take up said position!

"He wants to leave, his mindset has already become that of a rogue shinobi."

Tsunade brushes a hand through her hair, shuffles up her blonde locks into disarray.

There's always the chance too that Orochimaru thinks she'll help heal him for a price and that's why he's lingering around the village still, but whatever jutsu Hiruzen used isn't one she can break or would even want to break...

Jiraiya lets out an abrupt cheer beside her as neon lights of greens and yellows rush towards the center stage suddenly, parade of girls of all sizes stepping forward all dressed in sparkling dresses and jewels fitting of royalty.

"I think Lady Rose or Madam Dahlia are a shoo in to win the costume contest tonight. What do you think?!" He asks excitedly as a woman who must be Lady Hyacinth struts in wearing a tight fitting blue-purple gown laced with said flowers' petals.

Tsunade rolls her eyes restraining the urge to deck him into the nearest wall when random patrons glance their way at his pure giddiness, ignoring him to focus on the menu and wine list. Their main entrees better be here shortly and they better be the best damn seafood and meats in the world to keep putting up with his antics!

"How's Naruto?" She asks in desperate need of a topic change.

Jiraiya peers away from the stage, lecherous grin relaxing.

"Kid heals quick, you know that! Ah, but I suppose we need to go on a journey too."

Tsunade perks up. Jiraiya's barely been back now in a continuous period of just three months, he can't leave now when the village is in shambles, when so many of their active duty shinobi are dead, missing, or too injured to return to regular missions so soon. On top of all that, one of their best up and coming shinobi is about to go rogue.

'You're leaving me now too?' The venomous thought sneaks in before she can stop it.

She clenches her teeth before the words can spill out, it's not like he'll listen to her anyways...

Konoha needs their spy network and he's the best they have no matter his methods of gathering and retrieving information.

"What's going on this time?" She manages out breezily.

Jiraiya hums, patting at her shoulder with that gentle affection that always makes her chest lurch, pivoting herself away from him avoiding his gaze.

When he speaks again his voice is soft, just barely loud enough over the banter of music, laughter, and clinking drinks.

"Training. Because sooner or later Naruto needs to learn to control the Nine Tails."

Tsunade takes a sip of the rose sake, sweetness tingling on her tongue.

"And what else?" She pries.

Jiraiya chuckles. Tsunade could always read him so easily, schooling his features into further seriousness.

"The Akatsuki. They're starting to become a lot more active as of late."


Sakura

Sakura heads back home from the hospital just as the streetlights come on, sky the shade of violet-pink that reminds her of summer mornings. The back of her head dully pounds even with two aspirins and a cup of expresso swishing in her stomach.

The days have blended together since Lord Third's funeral, ANBU guards patrol and question pharmacists and doctors every shift to ensure they aren't keeping extra medicine on them with Orochimaru still at large.

'Still so much construction needs to be done.' She sighs.

They've had to turn what remained of the lobby into the ER and had to clear out all the damaged or dirty supplies from the upstairs units.

And all while handling reports of patients coming in with broken or infected limbs to children without their parents...

Her parents have been talking late at night in particular, whispering when they think she's deep asleep, delaying her from wanting to return back too soon.

"I could stop by Ino's." Sakura mutters to herself in consideration, but then Yamanaka Flowers has been closed early every evening she passes by for repairs.

Ino will know anyways that's she's just trying to delay the inevitable.

Because tonight is the 3rd night; the final night.

She's been able to keep Sasuke out of her thoughts, engrossed in cases of anemia, broken bones, GI infections, and joint pain in the young to the elderly from the start of her shift until the handoff report. Part her wants to be back amongst the smell of antiseptics and antibiotics, the perfect distractions from this brewing storm that awaits her at home.

An uncomfortable soreness runs down her as she reluctantly gets closer to the Haruno household, wondering what her Mom has made for dinner.

She fishes out her key just as she hears her Dad's voice come from the open window.

"We need to talk to her when she gets home."

Gone is his usual joking demeanor, chills racing up her spine.

"First, we'll eat; then talk. You know how precious a red thread is to a girl Dear." Her Mom sighs.

"It's better this way for her knowing it's connected to Sasuke." Her Dad volleys back.

'Ah, so they've heard the rumors too.' Sakura muses.

Of course they would, it's all people can gossip about after the funeral services that the last Uchiha has apparently spent an awful lot of time near Orochimaru's presence to the point there's talk he'll defect.

And poor Sakura tied to him, how much pain must she be in?

She balls up her fists, calming the butterflies in her stomach.

Sakura steps forward, twisting the key in.

'Let's get this over with.'

Kizashi stands to greet her, smile brightening his face Sakura almost forgets the upset roiling about in her gut.

"There's our rising too cool to fool superstar doctor!" He chirps, waving her forward to the table.

Mebuki rolls her eyes beside him, green eyes warm seeing the collection of liquids upon her white scrubs. Normally, she'd brightly describe where each stain came from, but her stomach is too much in knots to think of doing that banter tonight.

"Ignore your Father Sakura. Once we're done eating I'll get those scrubs and white coat of yours all cleaned up and fresh for you."

Sakura smiles, nodding as she takes her usual spot at the table. She won't need her uniform for at least a week with the mandatory break Lady Tsunade forced upon her, but she intends to use this coming free time to build her other skills.

Skills she'll need if Sasuke truly leaves...

She takes a better look at the meal options. It's all her favorites from barbecued meats and vegetables to a variety of plums, sweets, and anmitsu for dessert.

Her stomach tightens, keeping her grin in place.

They get halfway through their meals before they finally get to the topic they've danced around all night.

Sasuke. Her red thread.

"Honey, I know you've had a crush on that boy and were so overcome with happiness when you found out he was your red thread, but I'm sure you've heard the...darker rumors swirling about him, right?" Kizashi begins.

Sakura nods. "I know Dad, however-"

Mebuki holds up a hand. "Let your Father finish Sakura."

Kizashi chuckles weakly that he really didn't have much else to add and Sakura blinks back a wave of tears seeing his pained look.

No, she can't cry right now, won't cry right now.

She sighs, clearing her throat.

"I tried to cut our thread before." Sakura announces, both of them startling in surprise to hear such news.

"And? Don't tell me you asked Madam Fifth to-" Mebuki gapes, Sakura shaking her head.

"No, I went to a Heartbreaker Woman. Don't worry, Lady Tsunade repaired the damage done. Heh, silly of me to take such a risk on my own! Though I knew after that I wouldn't try such a measure again even if I learned how to cut my thread myself." She explains.

Kizashi's depressed look switches to sympathy, reaching over to squeeze at her arm.

"Oh sweetie, we never want you to do such a thing on your own. You know you can come to us for anything; right?"

Sakura nods, not willing to speak any lie aloud just yet that there are certain things she never wants them to know about, things she plans to do on her own no matter how dangerous...

"I-I don't know what Sasuke's going to do and how it will affect our thread/relationship moving forward. However, I'll face it head on!" She proclaims, hoping her voice didn't wobble too much throughout that spiel.

Because her parents still look unhappy, this whole situation is unhappy.

She pushes back from the table, appetite completely gone now.

"I'm just going to get an early night. Thank you again Mom and Dad for the meal."

She takes to the stairs two at a time, ready for a shower then bed only to see her window open, dark eyes watching her.

"Sasuke?" Sakura mutters, clamping her mouth shut not to curse, scream, or cry.

He gestures with his head to join him on the rooftop, Sakura pausing before slipping off her shoes and crawling out.

"How did you slip by my parents?" She questions suspiciously making Sasuke's brows furrow.

"I came from the rooftops Sakura." He answers after a minute.

'Of course. He keeps to himself and avoids the crowds now. I haven't seen him since Lord Third's funeral.' The reminder makes her food settle like stones at the bottom of her stomach; churning faster.

They sit in silence then, Sakura taking in the rise of the moon through a swath of clouds and stars, the low buzz of cicadas and fireflies in the air.

"I'm going Sakura; I came to say goodbye." He states so quietly she could maybe pretend it was just the wind.

Sakura bites her lip, scrunching her legs close to her chest. She shouldn't have ate dinner, it feels like it's close to coming back up to greet her.

"And Naruto and Kakashi-sensei?" She pressures.

Sasuke shrugs. "They have their hunches. Even that idiot glared at me in knowing from his hospital window the other day."

Salt hits her tongue and she rubs her eyes before the tears can build up, reaching forward clutching at his sleeve.

"Don't go. Isn't there anything or anyone that could keep you here in the village?" Sakura implores, turning to him fully.

"I don't care anymore about you or the village if that's what you mean." He lies.

Sakura's eyes turn that passionate stormy he loves and hates all at once.

"That's one thing I know you're lying about." She mutters under her breath.

Sasuke shakes his head, all his lingering ties have been buried away. The memories of their time as Team 7, of her...

"No, I-"

His words are cut off by the rough brush of her lips upon his own.

She tastes of sugar, of some cream confectionery she always loved to get after a successful mission.

'This was stupid; idiot! What are you thinking?!' Her thoughts scramble.

But then briefly, Sasuke wraps her close, lips pressing faintly back against hers.

He pulls back from her just as fast, Sakura opening her eyes slowly to see his eyes have melted into a scarlet red.

"Thanks for everything Sakura." Sasuke mutters to her, Sakura's fists tightening in rage before her features glaze over. A sharp twinge of pain hits the side of her neck, too late for her to dodge.

He catches her as she stumbles down into darkness.


The headache from yesterday returns with a vengeance upon morning, Sakura taking in her bloodshot eyes, hair in knots, scrubs she never changed out of...

And the smoky taste of fire upon her lips.

She glances down to her hand, head throbbing twice as hard when she tries to look for her red thread.

'Gone?'

No, it's still there, but so faint she can hardly see it or sense it.

Must be Orochimaru's work.

Sakura sighs before popping down a Tylenol and water, forces herself to hop in the shower and swallow down a breakfast her stomach protests with every bite.

'Time for Plan B.'

The village is already fresh and alive, Sakura taking the backroads and alleyways to avoid conversations and pitying stares.

There's no time for any of that, shaking off her shivers she's really doing this.

Ino will deem her crazy once she finds out, but seeing her fight with Shino has given her some ideas.

Shibi Aburame greets her outside their clan's residence and she forces herself not to gaze at the myriad of ants and beetles upon his face and neck. She knows about their symbiotic relationship, but up close now she truly sees just how much these insects bond with their host.

Shino walks up beside him, equally curious why she's here.

"Did something come up with Hinata?" Shino inquires, Sakura shaking her head quickly.

"No, err I actually wanted to see you two! Sakura chimes out with a grin.

Neither smile in return, or at least she can't even tell if Shino ever smiles or shows emotions.

'Like Sasuke.' She notes before chasing the thought away.

Shibi arches a brow. "Interesting. We rarely get visitors. Most people find our insects too...uncomfortable to be around."

Shino nods his agreement. "People often forget about us unless we're needed for a mission."

Sakura feels her grin nearly fall, she technically was one of those people.

'You can do this Sakura. You came here for a reason!' She pumps herself up.

"You're Tsunade's student. Sakura Haruno, right? So what brings you here this early in the day?" Shibi asks to redirect the conversation.

Sakura swallows. She still has much to learn from Tsunade and Kurenai-sensei, but she's sure she can handle this being added to her plate.

Especially if her theories are correct this can help her both medically and in combat.

"I have a request. I would like to, with your permission of course, start studying the techniques of your clan's use of insects."


Naruto & Hinata

"So, what do you plan to do?" Hinata breathes out.

Their secret grove was the only place they could think of to talk without people overhearing or interrupting them, choosing to head deep enough in until they reached untrodden paths, everything covered in deep layers of moss and vines.

And even then Naruto keeps a clone posted near the entrance to be sure.

It's been less than 24 hours since Sasuke defected, the signal announced to all available shinobi to be on alert.

Hinata had taken the news with little fanfare knowing what Sakura's told both her and Ino, heading instead into the deep parts of woods to get away from her clan's mutterings for opportunities to rise in nobility and power with this latest stain now upon the Uchiha clan's legacy.

Naruto huffs, wrapping his hands behind his head.

"Well, that's the thing. I want to stop Sasuke from going to Orochimaru considering he only wants him for his body, but on the other hand, he made the choice to go to him knowing that."

Hinata's gaze turns to the mountains in the distance, wondering how far Sasuke's gotten overnight. The particular harshness of last winter had iced over much of the fauna and surrounding trees making travel harder for any merchant or shinobi. Even now deep into spring the fauna is just now sprouting back up, trees slick with dew and melted ice creating mini bogs of mud in the dark.

Hinata brushes her fingers against a patch of growing wildflowers, buds of whites and greens reaching for the warmth of the sun before frowning at a sudden thought.

"Naruto, you don't have to join the Retrieval Squadron. I know Kiba is itching to help though, his sister and Mom have been on him to take new opportunities to test his strength with Akamaru." She notes.

Naruto chuckles, turning to her then.

"Well then, he'll need all the help in the world to make sure he doesn't screw this up!"

Hinata smiles, Naruto could be just as boisterous if not more so than Kiba.

He leans towards her, fingers intertwining with her own.

The smile starts to fall from her face, laying back with him.

"Father wants...Father wants me to do private training with one of the elders in Kusagakure. Neji is supposed to be joining the Retrieval Squad as well and Hanabi is to take on more heiress duties in the coming months. He thinks a change of scene would be good for me to get stronger and not be so...distracted."

"When a girl comes of age and they're without a red thread like you, it can cause lonely old men and middle aged officials to start sniffing around wanting a 'backup wife' or one to replace the one they lost." Hiashi explains.

Hanabi lets out an unladylike snort getting everyone's attention.

"What? Big Sis is strong enough to ward off pervy old men and not be suckered by poor bleeding hearts stories!" She scoffs.

Neji brushes at her shoulder before the elders grow further annoyed, clearing his throat.

"With the current scandal regarding Sasuke Uchiha going on, we have an opportunity for our clan to take part in further excursions and missions outside the village that I'm participating in."

Hiashi nods. "Neji himself has been assigned to the Sasuke Retrieval Squad, though that Uchiha boy has made his choice to abandon the village just like his traitorous brother."

Hinata's skin crawls, glancing to Hanami. She keeps a straight posture avoiding her gaze, but her opalescent eyes narrow a fraction in the candlelight.

"How long would my training be in Kusa? Could I return back to Konoha at any point in time?" Hinata questions, ignoring the way her Grandfather and the women beside him frown deeper at her questions.

"Lady Hinata deserves to know. After all, she still has obligations to her team here and the volunteer efforts she's done at the hospital." Hanami adds in agreement at the long stretch of silence.

Hiashi sighs, uncrossing his arms.

"At least a year; maybe two if we need to prolong our business with the smaller regions. You'll get a thorough knowledge and understanding of your nature affinities and find a suitable match to continue the Hyuga name."

Hinata blinks, bile seeping into her throat, moving to stand.

"That's all you see me for now that I'm not heiress?" She asks, unable to hide the tartness to her voice.

Hiashi rubs at his forehead, she's taking this the wrong way.

"You know what I mean Hinata-"

"No, I don't. Red thread or not does not mean you can dictate who I'll be with!" She interrupts, tone as harsh as the one he uses for her.

"I'm trying to protect you!" Hiashi hisses.

Hinata purses her lips, it will always be like this she realizes, he will always think these ways are the best option for her safety and her future unless he learns the truth...

She peers to Neji whose features stay carefully blank save for the slight arch of his brow guessing what she plans to do. Hanabi leans forward expectantly, smile creeping up.

"I'm not without a red thread Father; I never was. I've been lying to you all this time."

Her blood is thrumming, muscles coiled at ready, daring anyone to question her.

The elders tsk at her behavior, expressions a mix of shock and anger while Hiashi looks at her momentarily as if she's a stranger, unsure what to say. Hinata twists to leave, clasping her hands together to keep anyone from seeing the way they shake.

"You won't get stronger like your peers simply staying in the village or being a liar." Hiashi calls out to her before his voice is buried by the click of the door.

Naruto twists their hands upward towards the sky, breaking the memory.

"As much of a jerk your Dad can be, he's right in a sense. There's so many other nations to explore outside Konoha." He points out.

Hinata nods, rolling so she's close enough to bury her head in his shoulder, take in the scent of pine and ramen upon his jacket.

"I know. I just don't like how it all boiled down to him just finding a way to hide me in a sense from anymore potential kidnappers. Find an 'appropriate' match when I have you."

Her face burns saying this all aloud, Naruto studying her with a silly grin.

He squeezes her hand a bit tighter.

"You stood up to him you know!" Naruto remarks proudly, tugging her close into his chest eliciting a giggle and squeal.

"N-Not really! I mean, he's going to bombard me with questions once he gets the right chance to catch me alone." Hinata laughs.

But that won't be until they're well into this journey, confronting her when he'll feel her guard is lowered...

She leans into the rush of Naruto's heartbeat, the warmth of his lips pressed into her hair and head.

"Pervy-Sage wants us to go on a training trip too, but he didn't say exactly when." Naruto mentions.

Hinata sighs at that, peering up to meet his gaze properly.

It means they'll both be out of the village in just a few short weeks, their thread soon to be stretched out like a pulled ribbon from the sudden distance between them.

"I'll be much stronger when we see each other again!" Naruto promises as he sits them up.

Hinata smiles, though she notes the shakiness in his voice, gaze falling to the pulled up blades of grass and dirt beneath them.

She says aloud what he's probably thinking.

"You may run into Sasuke in your travels."

Naruto nods, tacking on a weak grin. He knew what was running through his thoughts when he passed by the hospital and during Lord Third's funeral...

Revenge and power.

"Yeah, but I can't think about that! I have to focus on getting strong enough to face him should he try to destroy the village on Orochimaru's behalf or maybe beat the sense back into him you know!"

Right now he feels things would be at a stalemate, they've both gotten stronger yes, but Sasuke has been tapping into that curse seal more and more now.

He tugs Hinata forward so that their fully face to face again, breathe fanning her cheeks.

"I also, err well, I also have to learn to control this." He grumbles, patting at his stomach.

Hinata follows his gaze, confused.

'He has that seal there. I've heard Jiraiya say offhandedly to Lady Tsunade it's in regards to the Nine Tails.'

And then she recalls the heat of her thread back then at the hospital, the way it pulsed and ached in a way it never had before akin to singe of a burn...

She looks up to meet his gaze, blue of his eyes a shade darker.

"When I'm training to control this Tailed Beast, you may feel it too, even from far away. I'm sorry for that." He quickly explains, scratching at the nape of his neck nervously.

Hinata perks up, shaking her head.

"I understand."

Naruto leans close to her then and she's sure her face is darkening to a bright red, Naruto smiling uncertainly as his fingers twirl with the ends of her locks.

"I don't want to accidentally hurt Pervy-Sage or any of my teammates." He mutters, the thought having played over and over in his dreams/thoughts of both day and night.

"They know you wouldn't hurt them on purpose." Hinata assures him.

Naruto merely hums in response, closing the distance allowing their lips to brush.

He presses a bit deeper than last time, warmth pooling in his stomach when Hinata tentatively leans into it, fingers damp and jittery resting against his chest equally unsure if they're still doing this wrong.

"I don't want to hurt you either." He states with more conviction when they pull apart.

"Me?" Hinata asks because Naruto has been training himself prior to the chunin exams sometimes to the points of fainting without it really affecting her too bad.

So far.

Naruto nods, thumbs pressing at her warmed cheeks, brushes at her swollen lips.

"Especially you."

-x-


Happy Labor Day Weekend to my American readers! This is the last chapter for now that was ready for posting, I just did some editing over this past week to extend it out.

This story is going to go on a short break now so that I can finish A Single Effect because I have the outline for the rest of that story pretty much done, I just need to edit everything that I've put on the back burner I feel for too long now, plus there's my MHA story as well.

The next arc won't be The Sasuke Retrieval Arc per say, but more a mix of that arc and my own arc that I've chosen to call 'Training, Discovery, and Exploration!' I know it just rolls of the tongue there, right?! Lol. It will focus on each character's training and travels during the time period that covers Sasuke's departure into the 2.5 years Naruto is off training like in canon.

Thoughts?!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!