Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto! I do not get any profit from this fiction. I only write for fun and to improve my creativity.

Chapter Fifteen

The wise man,

Can change his mind;

The stubborn one,

Never.

Immanuel Kant

…

He knew it was reckless, and perhaps, very difficult too; but he didn't have a choice. If Hatake Kakashi wanted to protect his former students and the former heiress of the Hyūga clan, he would have to agree to the Hyūgas' conditions. The village of the Hidden Leaf would join their search for Hinata. He knew this mission would be difficult, for the team he had in mind would probably refuse to help in this search. But if he was persuasive, he knew he could convince them all, especially him.

Taking a deep breath, the Sixth Hokage readied himself to speak with the Hyūga clan leader. First, he would address this situation with Hinata's father, and hopefully, he would get a report of the status of their search. After his meeting with the patriarch, he would summon who was to be the leader of the team searching for Hinata.

Once the members of this team were all gathered, he would give specific instructions on what they were to do. He only hoped his plan worked.

With that thought in mind, the Sixth Hokage made his way to the Hyūga compound.

"This will be a busy day." He said sighing lazily.

They had been traveling in silence for the past couple of hours. The only time they had exchanged words, if a grunt counted as one, was when he had handed her food. The Uchiha didn't even try to stop her from cleaning up in the river. Instead, he uttered his famous "hn" and waited for her behind some bushes.

Hinata knew he was trying to avoid her. Since last night, after she had witnessed his vulnerable reaction to his dream, Sasuke had not spared her a glance, much less a word. It was quite unnerving if she was honest with herself. She was not the type of person to hold long conversations, but she didn't mind a word here and there. In fact, it gave her some comfort.

She also found his reaction quite childish, but she could understand, if to a certain extent, his conflicting thoughts and reaction. The brooding Uchiha never expressed his feelings. According to rumors, only team seven had ever seen that side of him. A side which Hinata found human and so natural, and yet he found it a display of weakness.

"S-Sasuke-san," She tried addressing him for the third time that morning. "A-are you upset?" She finally asked a bit nervously.

Nothing.

He completely ignored her, just as she had suspected he would.

The Hyūga concluded that Sasuke was ridiculous.

Letting out one's emotions wasn't a display of weakness, at least not to her. It is part of being human, of knowing the pain and having endured it. Of overcoming those things that otherwise would have destroyed us. That's how she saw it. Like Sasuke, she had lost loved ones. Of course, she knew her losses were nothing compared to his, but he wasn't the only one that suffered the loss of a loved one.

No, Hinata did not understand him.

The slurping sounds of noodles could be heard a mile away from the ramen shop. That's partly how the Inuzuka found the blond, the other part consisted of tracking him by his scent.

When Shino had told him that Hinata had disappeared again, the Inuzuka couldn't believe it. Nothing in her demeanor could have made them suspect that she was plotting to escape the village again.

He gritted his teeth in annoyance. How did he not see it?

It was all his fault. That stupid Naruto. Hinata had escaped the village the first time because of him. Now she had escaped a second time, and Kiba was certain she had left for the same reason.

Ichiraku was relatively empty. Their only customer consisted of the idiot blond.

This was logical, for no one but Naruto would eat ramen in the morning.

He was there, eating his ramen unaware of his surroundings. How much did Kiba want to jump him right there and then! Naruto wouldn't see it coming, but Kiba was better than that. He would give him a warning and then he'd beat him up like he wanted to.

"Naruto!" He shouted making the blond turn around, mouth full of noodles. How was this idiot becoming Hokage?

"Hey Kiba!" The blond shouted excitedly after swallowing his noodles. "Want to join me for ramen?" He smiled toothily.

Always cheerful, while Hinata went through hell and back.

"I need to have a word with you," Kiba said as menacing as he could. "Now."

"Eh?" Naruto squinted his eyes in confusion. "Is something wrong?"

"I'll see you at the training grounds." He said leaving a confused Uzumaki to follow him.

As expected, the blond followed him.

"Kiba! What's going on?" He shouted from behind, but Kiba never stopped to look at him.

He would tell him what was happening soon.

They arrived at the training grounds in only a few minutes.

"What's up?" Naruto asked once they arrived.

"Hinata…" He said menacing and Naruto paled. "It's all your fault!"

"What happened to Hinata?" Naruto asked worriedly.

And he dared to ask about her! The Inuzuka wanted to kill him. How could he be so stupid?

Without any warning, he launched himself toward the Uzumaki with all his might. Fist ready. Just when he was about to make contact with Naruto's face, his body stopped moving. Something was holding him down. When he looked up, he realized his mistake. It wasn't something, but a someone.

"Kurenai Sensei..."

"Kiba, what is the meaning of this?" She asked sternly while holding him by his shirt.

"It's Hinata..." Kiba said grimly. "She left the village again."

"Let's go to my house, we have a lot to talk about," Kurenai said gently.

"I won't go anywhere." He said without taking his eyes off of Naruto. "I'm not done talking to him."

Just when Kiba was about to rid himself of his sensei's hold an ANBU appeared at the training grounds with a message for Naruto.

"Hokage-sama has requested your presence."

"I'll be right there," Naruto told the Anbu.

Before the Uzumaki took his leave, he addressed the Inuzuka. "Kiba, we'll talk about this later." He said calmly. "It's not what you think."

With that, he left with the Anbu to see the Sixth Hokage, leaving a confused Inuzuka behind.

Hatake Kakashi was waiting for Naruto in his usual spot. Sitting lazily looking out the window toward Konoha. He knew he had felt him when he entered his office, but for reasons unknown to the Uzumaki he hadn't acknowledged his presence.

Something was wrong.

"Sensei," Naruto greeted.

After a brief silence, the Hokage addressed the young man.

"Naruto," he said now facing him. He looked tired. "I have an important mission for you."

Naruto frowned.

"What's the mission?" He asked skeptically.

"It's quite complicated. Do you think you're up for it?" Kakashi asked seriously.

Of course, he was up for it. Everybody knew he was among the strongest shinobis of the Leaf, if not the strongest and the future Hokage.

"Believe it!"

"Good" He smiled, but Naruto knew it wasn't sincere. "I need you to cooperate with Hinata's search."

The Uzumaki felt the wave of the shock go down his spine. Help with Hinata's search? That was impossible. He wouldn't do that not even if they told him they'll kill him.

"I refuse!" Naruto said sternly.

"I knew you would say that." Kakashi sighed tiredly. "I truly admire your loyalty, Naruto," He smiled. "But I'm afraid you don't have a choice."

"I won't help the stupid elders find Hinata!" He shouted clenching his fists. "You can't make me do it, sensei!"

"I sure can and I sure will," Kakashi said sternly. Tired of Naruto's whining and tantrums. He was in no mood for any of that.

He had a long day today. His visit with the Hyuūga patriarch hadn't been a complete disaster, but it certainly wasn't a success.

The visit consisted of confirming Hiashi that the village would get involved in Hinata's search, but only for a period of six months. The elders, too, were in that meeting, and promptly became outraged when Kakashi gave them a time limit and the number of search teams that would join the search. The Hyuūga elders had expected at least three teams, but the Sixth Hokage refused to cooperate any further if he was not informed of the circumstances behind Hinata's disappearance.

At least he had gathered valuable information about the search. According to Hiashi, they hadn't found the former heiress in the Land of Fire; therefore, they were making preparations to search for her in other lands.

Hanabi had been in the meeting too. She barely uttered a greeting. However, after everything was said and done, and the elders and Hiashi had reached an agreement with the Hokage, she quickly asked him if she could meet with him privately.

He had met with her in his office an hour before he had summoned Naruto.

(Flashback)

"Hokage-sama" Hanabi greeted.

"Hanabi-chan, how may I help you today?" He smiled if only noticeable by the squint of his eyes.

"I would like to request a favor."

"Yes?"

"I want to be part of the search team for my sister."

At first, Hatake Kakashi wasn't sure if he heard the heiress of the Hyuūga's correctly, but after further inspection, he realized he was absolutely serious about it.

"Why do you want to join?" He asked. Studying her.

"I don't want my sister to be sealed." She said, and he could hear the determination in her voice. "Please, allow me to be part of the team."

(flashback end)

He had denied her request of course. Mainly because Naruto and Sasuke were involved in the disappearance, and he wasn't sure how sincere she was about helping her sister. What if she only wanted to find out where Hinata was so she could take her back to the village by force? However, something in the way she pleaded him made him believe that she was, perhaps, sincere.

Now that he began to formulate the plan in his head, he wasn't sure if it had been a good idea to reject her request. She would certainly be a fine addition to his team.

However, the important thing right now was to convince the leader of the team to join the search, and he knew that would prove difficult. Naruto was one stubborn young man.

"Why?" Naruto asked fiercely.

"Because if you don't do it." He paused to look at his former student sternly. "Who is going to sabotage their search?"

The night before continued to replay on his mind. Uchiha Sasuke couldn't stop thinking about those pale lavender eyes staring back at him in what seemed confusion and something else he couldn't decipher.

She had been scared that much was obvious. The Hyūga hadn't known he would wake up so abruptly and caught her staring at his vulnerable state.

He was upset. More than anything, he was enraged with himself.

The proud Uchiha Sasuke crying and whimpering like a child in his dreams because of a stupid nightmare. It wasn't the same one that hunted him every night. This one was different. One he had never had before.

The dream had started like they always do. With the young Uchiha witnessing the massacre of his clan by the hands of his older brother. Then it shifted to another memory of his, one that he tried not to think of. One where he killed his only family. But his memory had made it more gruesome than what he remembered it.

In his dream, he saw his brother Itachi, covered in blood, lifeless… And it hurt. Because this time he hadn't wanted to fight his eldest brother, and yet he had to. In this dream, he had ended Itachi's life to preserve his own, but not before he had begged his eldest brother not to make him do it.

But Sasuke had killed him again by the insistence of Itachi.

It always bothered Sasuke how Itachi inflicted him so much pain and claimed to love him? He didn't doubt his eldest brother love for him, but it still perturbed him.

But Sasuke understood or at least tried to make sense of it.

Itachi needed to be free from his demons, and only Sasuke could bring him closure. Only he could bring justice to a crime his older brother had not wanted to commit, yet was forced to do it for the good of the village and to save him.

Curse that hideous village!

And they wondered why he hadn't returned. They questioned why he refused to be part of a place like that. He would never belong in Konoha. Not until justice was served. Not until the name of the Uchiha's was vindicated.

"Sasuke-san" A soft voice called breaking him from his thoughts. "How much longer till we get there?"

"We'll arrive tomorrow morning."

"Oh…"

He could hear and feel her hesitation. Perhaps she hadn't expected him to answer her. After all, he had been ignoring for the past couple of hours.

"Ano…" She said once more. He waited. "You don't have to do this for me, Sasuke-san."

He then came to a halt and faced her. She gasped at his abruptness.

He looked at her impassively. His mismatched eyes scrutinized the woman before him. She didn't coward; she remained immobile.

"Again with that, Hyūga?"

"I don't want to intrude…" She said meekly.

He fought the urge to smirk. Although she was hesitant and confused by his reaction, she never took her eyes off of him. Not even when her face grew a crimson red with every passing minute from his scrutinization. Suddenly, Sasuke wanted to see how far could she keep this up before she averted her eyes to the floor. So, he stayed in place staring back at her and waited for her to look down.

Soon enough she averted her eyes, but only for a brief moment.

"I-is something wrong, S-Sasuke-san?"

He heard her say softly, almost making him cringe. Did she feel sorry for him? Is that why she used a soothing voice when she addressed him? Is that why she kept trying to make conversation? If she thought he needed her pity she had another thing coming.

"I don't need your pity." He seethed, and that was enough to quiet the Hyūga.

With wide eyes, the woman before him stared at him in disbelief. He felt a sense of achievement at the reaction he had elicited, but it was short-lived.

"I do n-not pity you, Sasuke-san." She said softly, but firmly.

Her reaction took him by surprise, but he didn't show it.

"If a-anything, you confuse m-me." She continued a bit hesitant. "One moment y-you are kind and another you are r-rude." She said blushing at her admission.

He frowned. He would be impressed if she wasn't blushing.

Ignoring her, he made to continue running, but her voice stopped him.

"A-and!... The worst p-part is that I don't know w-what I do to elicit your r-reactions." She looked at him firmly. "If... if I b-bother you so much, then by all m-means, do not continue escorting m-me. I don't need your h-help."

He studied the small woman before him. Cheeks pink, and yet she looked at him firmly. As if daring him to say or do something. This small kunoichi had some nerve, he would give her that much. She was brave. It wasn't every day that someone spoke to Sasuke like she had, much less a woman. Since he was a young boy, women fawned over him and did anything to be on his good side. But here she was, the insignificant Hyūga, defying him.

"We've wasted enough time, let's continue." He said finalizing their small talk.

Without another word, the Uchiha continued their journey with the Hyūga following behind him.

Oh, how he wanted to dump her here and leave her on her own. To let her find her way around. To hell if she was found and sealed. He had done enough for this woman. More than what he'd do for anyone else.

Yet, he had made a promise to his best friend. He couldn't leave this woman here even if she begged him. Naruto's orders were precise, and his best friend was counting on him. So, Sasuke would follow them until his mission was complete.

Dobe…

"You want me to do what exactly?" Naruto asked confused.

Kakashi sighed.

"Naruto," he said. "You do understand you're in a dire situation, right?" The Sixth Hokage studied his student. "If they find Hinata, chances are they will find out who helped her escape too. That would put you in a difficult situation."

"Difficult?" Naruto frowned. "How?"

"You'd be considered a traitor." He said sternly. "In other words, your dream of becoming Hokage ends there."

Wide blue eyes stared back to his former sensei. Did he say his dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage would end there? After everything, he has done? After all the work he has put on? His dream would end… just like that? No! That was not possible. Not his dream. He wasn't a traitor! He was only helping his friend from those bastards that wanted to seal her and take away her freedom.

Kakashi's voice broke him from his troubling thoughts.

"Naruto, I need you to tell me who helped you with the escape plan."

"I can't do that, sensei." He said closing his eyes. "I can't betray them."

"Naruto," Kakashi said softly. "Understand that if you don't tell me, I can't help them either." He paused for a second. "This is important."

He couldn't betray his friends. Kurenai… Hinata… Sasuke… His best friend would never forgive him for that.

He would never forgive himself if something were to happen to them.

"You... you won't punish them for helping me?" Naruto asked carefully.

"Have I punished you?" Kakashi looked at him pointedly.

"No" Naruto reasoned.

"Then what makes you think I'll punish them?"

The Uzumaki stood there pensively. Unable to utter a word. He couldn't trust his former sensei. He knew it was ridiculous. Kakashi had done so much for him and for Sasuke. He had gone against the council and the village to obtain full pardon of the Uchiha's crimes and sins. And yet… And yet… He couldn't bring himself to tell him what they had done. That Sasuke had helped him too.

"Naruto, this is important." His former sensei said breaking him from his reverie.

"If something happens to them, I will never forgive you."

"Very well," Kakashi said. "You have my word."

"Kurenai-sensei"

Kakashi looked at his former student in shock.

"So, she helped Hinata escape too?" He asked for confirmation.

"Yes."

"I see." Kakashi reclined lazily on his seat, scratching his mask-covered chin. "Who else?"

Naruto looked up, torn in between telling his former sensei or not. After some hesitation, he finally gave in.

"Sasuke"

Author's Note: Thank you all so much for the continuing support. For your reviews, follows, and favorites, they mean so much to me! As a writer, (whether it is a fanfiction writer or an actual writer) it feels great when your work is appreciated and liked so much. It only makes me wanna become better at what I do, so thank you!

Important: Due to life and circumstances, I won't be updating like before, which was every week. I've become very busy with work, school, and other responsibilities. However, that does not mean I won't be updating at all. I'm really sorry guys!

I know the development of their relationship had been painfully slow, but I don't want it to be too quick because I think that would be OOC for their characters. Things are going to get better starting next chapter. So do not become desperate my faithful readers!

Answer to Reviews:

I want to start by thanking every one of you that shared your wonderful reviews with me. To those guest readers, thank you for your awesome support. I hope you continue to enjoy this story. Also, thank you, my wonderful readers, for worrying about me and wishing me to get better soon. It worked! I feel fantastic now haha.

Viralvera: Thank you so so much! Your comments are always so sweet. I know, I know, the slow burn it's painful, but it will be worth it! Or so I hope you find it worth it. I can't say anything else, but I think you'll like the next couple of chapters. I'm excited for you guys to see what I have in store. Also, thank you for worrying about me. I'm doing great now, no more virus!

UchihaYumiko-chan: Muchas gracias por tu comentario y por desearme que me mejorara. Estuve enferma, pero ya estoy bien. Eso es lo que importa! Por otro lado, me alegra mucho que te guste la historia y la estes disfrutando. Gracias port u apoyo!

See you next week!