Chapter 3.

Kakashi was eating his early breakfast at 6 am, trying his best not to display his lack of sleep. Now, it wasn't something unusual for the Copy Nin. His position as Jounin Commander alone would ensure that late nights and early mornings like that were somewhat of a regular occurrence. Coupled with the fact that he was involved in many things outside his strict responsibilities, it was pretty much a normal thing for him to start his day like that.

What had Kakashi thrown off balance was his wife that for some reason decided to keep him company during his meal.

Hinata, who seemed far more comfortable than what he expected her to be after only a few days of their marriage, was currently telling him about her plans for the day. Despite the information being completely irrelevant to Kakashi and his tired state, he paid full attention in case she asked his input on the topic. Thus, he attentively listened to how she was going to the market, apparently for tea, food and whatnot. He listened her complain of the market getting worse, the weather getting cold and how she wondered if Hanabi was causing any trouble back at the clan compound. Mentally, he noted down that despite the subject of conversation being light, she seemed to carefully choose each word. She referred to her home as clan compound; not once said that she missed her sister, even though it was obvious from the way her voice changed when speaking about Hanabi, her gaze becoming so wistful that it broke his heart a little everytime he looked her in the eyes. While he was deep in thought about what could he do to improve her situation, he completely overheard what his wife said next. Only when he stopped hearing the soft lullaby of her voice did he realize that she was waiting for his response. So much for paying his full attention…

"I am sorry, dear wife," he started, rubbing the exhaustion out of his eyes, "I did not quite hear, what did you say just now?"

Hearing Kakashi formally addressing her and in such a tone, Hinata mentally winced. 'Maybe I should've phrased it differently,' she thought, or perhaps she started too soon. But she thought she started far enough, and the shift from one topic to another was inconspicuous. Apparently, nothing goes unnoticed by Kakashi Hatake, so the woman took a small breath and started again, tentatively.

"I'm sorry," she echoed her husband, "I just wanted to know what your plans are for today?" It did not help that her question sounded a tad bit too cautious, but then again, if her husband did not like 'Anyways, how about you?', then what she could possibly change aside from her tone.

"Work," he replied, and then, after an awkward pause, "not particularly interesting... I am more interested in your happenings. You said how it's getting cold. Don't you have any suitable clothes?"

He thought that maybe she didn't have a warm enough coat, or maybe her jacket or blouse or whatever women wear got too small or out of fashion. What he failed to think about was that he did not sound even remotely friendly.

"Ah, no, uhm… Thank you. I have my jacket, I just… I am going to wear it today?" 'Why does my reply sounds like a question?' she thought.

Again, Kakashi's not so tactful phrasing and not so empathetic tone made Hinata falter. Was it that she said something wrong? Before she could gather her wits to steer the conversation elsewhere, Kakashi continued.

"You also mentioned Hanabi… How is she?"

He tried to convey that he understood that Hanabi and Hinata might not take their separation well, but it sounded more like him asking for the sake of being polite. He noted, for umpteenth time, that he needed to work on his communication skills. It seemed, however, that Hinata understood what he meant. She also didn't seem to mind his changing the subject of conversation back to her.

"She will be fine," she said, a little smile on her face, an icebreaker of sorts between the two. "She will deny and resist, but eventually she will accept that we cannot always be together. She is stubborn that way."

Again, that wistful tone and look. Kakashi didn't know anything of value about his wife, but he sure knew that a sad look had no place on her young face.

'Though her voice is nice,' Kakashi thought. 'As is her smile.'

Seeing that smile, the first one she had since the day they married as far as he knew, Kakashi could not help but ask her more about her sister. He was sick of people glaring at him. He longed for a friendly face, and Hinata's tentative smile was the friendliest face he got since his appointment as Danzou's advisor. So forgive him if he wanted to indulge that smile for a little while longer.

The whole time she talked about Hanabi, that smile did not go away.

"Hanabi-chan is very willful. The only people she tries to listen to are Father and myself. She likes to have fun and play around, like a normal kid her age, I suppose, even though it's kind of hard for her," the Hyuga said, remembering quite a few unpleasant moments from their past that led her to such conclusion. "But she is not immature," she quickly added. "Sometimes she says something and it's so wise! I wonder if she just repeats what her teachers or Father said or if she actually speaks from experience. Anyway, she seems to understand what she is talking about, she always sounds so sure."

Hinata knew that her missing her sister was showing, but she liked talking about her dear sister who she was so proud of. She also thought it would be good in her mission to bring out Kakashi's humanity. Maybe she could make them meet properly and have some quality time together in the future. Kakashi did not seem to mind listening to her stories about her with Hanabi's childhood. He even chuckled a couple of times when she mentioned something particularly funny or embarrassing. Not once during their conversation it felt like he was a bad guy at all.

Hinata's stories seemed endless, but Kakashi did not mind listening to them. One particular episode from his wife's childhood had especially arisen his curiosity. It was after Hinata told him of Hanabi's refusal to harm her during their sparring sessions.

"So, she just stood there, in front of Hiashi and clan elders, and refused to fight?" Kakashi asked, his tone slightly bewildered.

"Yep. Said that there was no point in us fighting anymore since we've done it so many times before. She told Father that strength anyway is not the only quality important for a leader. She made her case pretty sound for a seven-year-old," Hinata said proudly, noticing how Kakashi's surprised look morphed to one of astonishment. He seemed to be impressed by her sister so far. 'Hopefully, it stays like this,' she thought, if only to make his confrontation with her sister less hostile, at least on his part. She couldn't vouch for Hanabi's behavior after what's happened.

"Your sister sounds like a very strong person, dear wife." Truly, that brat had gained more respect in his eyes. "And her reverance of your person can only mean the highest of praises for you."

'Not bad for a compliment, Hatake,' he gave himself a mental pat on the back.

Indeed, his wife blushed a little. She found it adorable in a way, how Kakashi spoke with her. Like he's been taking Hyuga etiquette classes together with her and her sister all those years. Hinata also couldn't miss how Kakashi was much more open with his emotions this morning when talking to her.

"Thank you. You should see her when she is angry though. Not towards you, of course, but… Generally, when she is angry. At something…"

"I don't mind if she is angry at me. As long as she is honest." Copy Nin didn't want his own wife to think that he couldn't take someone's criticism or negative opinion of him.

Kakashi noticed Hinata's face betray a hint of surprise at his response, before she quickly recovered. Did he really seem that unapproachable to people? His wife, though, had already moved on with their conversation.

"Oh, she is always honest. Except for when she needs something from you, then she can butter you up a little." She sighed, "Sometimes, that brash manner of her causes more trouble though."

"Oh, I perfectly understand. I was like that when I was a kid. Though people say I am still like that even now."

Kakashi did understand. How many lectures did he have to endure from Kushina-sama for interrupting her, complaining of her loud and obnoxious behavior, or generally being a tactless twerp? "Kushina-san," he always told her back then, "it's not fair since I'm only saying the truth." She never got upset though, always returning to her cheerful self after smacking him lightly and giving him a piece of her mind. She never held his arrogance or rudeness against him, easily accepting the boorish kid that he was.

'Come to think of it, Hinata and Hanabi both remind me of two sides of Kushina-sama.'

One kind and caring, and one forceful and stubborn. Yet both are close and inseparable, really, for there were glimpses of both in Kushina at the same time. Perhaps, Hinata and Hanabi were not so different too, he mulled.

They kept their friendly chatter, and Hinata could not believe what she was being witness to. Barely a week passed, and Kakashi already talked to her and seemed like a reasonable, decent person. His eyes, although impassive, shone with honesty that she'd never seen in anyone aside from her little sister. He seemed calm, if not pensive, and when talking about Hanabi he looked and sounded genuinely intrigued. It's as if the Kakashi everyone talked about outside and Kakashi she saw at his home were completely different men. Feeling daring, she asked her husband if Hanabi could visit from time to time. She did not mean to sound so hopeful, but she couldn't prevent her wish to see her sister from showing.

After hearing her rather strong desire to see her little sister, Kakashi's face immediately changed. Adopting a serious, almost distant expression, the man sat there, elbows on the table and hands under his chin, thinking. Muttering "no"s and "that wouldn't work"s under his breath, he raked his brain for the best solution. He remained like this for a while until he noticed Hinata's expression begin to fall.

Clearly, she thought he was about to refuse or was downright ignoring her request.

Despite having a strong urge to panic, he called for his years of ninja experience to properly assess the situation and put his sharp mind to use. He never ceased to be surprised at how well he could think when under pressure.

"I have an idea," he said quickly, rushing to reassure his wife. She immediately perked up and turned to him, all ears. The hopeful expression returning on her visage caused another warm feeling stir in Copy Nin's chest. Licking his lips, he started, minding his every word, "From what you've told me about your sister, she takes her education seriously but at the same time knows to take a break and have some fun. I think it would be in everyone's benefit if she visited and stayed overnight during the weekends. I could reason with Hiashi-sama and tell him that you miss each other, and also express my wish to train Hanabi-chan myself. That way," he explained, "we'll have a good excuse for Hanabi-chan to spend her weekends here and it will not affect her education, as she will be studying the rest of the week as usual. She won't be slacking off here either, since I do plan to train with her." After a little pause, Kakashi added, "Of course all three of us can train together, if you so wish, dear wife."

Kakashi looked at his wife and for a moment thought that maybe he needed to reformulate his plan, as her face was unreadable for a moment. If anything, Hinata seemed troubled. She had her hand clasped over her mouth and… wait a second, are those tears? Before he could declare his plan to be a failure, she blinked her eyes and looked at him with the most magnificent, heartfelt smile he's ever seen.

"Thank you," she grinned, all joy and relief. "Thank you, so much!"

Hinata managed to hold her tears, but she couldn't hold her joy. The prospect of being able to not only see Hanabi regularly but spend two whole days a week with her was simply delightful. Between her arranged marriage and her Father's demanding nature, she wouldn've even dreamt of spending so much time with her sister. Kakashi not only allowed her to visit (which would've been perfectly reasonable in on itself), but effectively promised to goad her father to allow Hanabi a weekend of rest every week. Kami knows her little sister deserved some carefree time in her life.

Suddenly, her mission was not so unbearable anymore. Perhaps Hinata won't be as lonely, and surely Kakashi was capable of kindness. They might even become close companions in time, or even friends. He could fix all the mess he caused, and everyone will be free of the oppressive regime that was choking Konoha citizens' freedom. Of course, that could be no more than just wishful thinking spurred by her elation, but the fact that Hanabi will visit filled her with more hope than everything so far. Most importantly, it gave her hope on Kakashi, that he was not as ruthless as the rumors said.

Noting how excited Hinata was and how she looked forward to weekend, Kakashi felt that it was the first time in many months that his plan had given him such satisfaction. Even the prospect of doing what he had to do today as part of his work didn't seem that bad after such a pleasant start to his day…

Kakashi finished the last of his breakfast and thanked Hinata for a meal before looking at the clock. What do you know, it looked like he'll be a little late for work.

He hasn't been late to anything since Danzou took over.

Hinata and Sakura were comrades. In fact, both women would like to call themselves as friends. But today, Hinata hoped that Sakura would be her ally more than anything. Two of them were seemingly lounging in a cosy cafe, with Sakura having her lunch a little bit early to accommodate her friend. That was only the surface of the matter, however, and the pink-haired medic had picked upon the fact immediately when Hinata suggested they talk privately.

"So," Sakura spoke, taking a bite of her pulled pork sandwich, "you wanted to talk about Kakashi-sensei?"

The Hyuga nodded, feeling immensely grateful that Sakura agreed to eat here rather than the usual Hospital cafeteria. That place was completely unsuited for such conversations.

"He seemed very tired this morning. Even more so than usual," Hinata started, fiddling with the straw of her milkshake, "and his exhaustion seemed to stem from not just overwork."

Sakura noted the meaning behind her friend's words. She bit her lip, deciding on whether she should say something or not. Hinata took her silence as a refusal, so she pressed further.

"I know that there are things you are privy to as his student," the statement was innocent enough, "but I worry for his–"

"It's his work," Sakura said, cutting Hinata off. A questioning glance from the woman opposite to her spurred her to elaborate, "I mean that his work is shit, is all…"

Hinata nodded, dejectedly. It seemed she won't get much today.

Sakura, being her rational self, didn't want to keep Kakashi's own wife in the dark. But she wasn't sure if she should say anything on the matter, seeing as her teacher was the one having a shitty job. Suddenly, an idea came to her.

"Hinata-chan, how about you help me today at the hospital?"

Hinata would've jumped at the opportunity to improve at medical jutsu and expand her knowledge either way, but something in Sakura's tone suggested they will be doing more than that.

"I would love to," she replied, "thank you!"

'No need to thank me yet,' thought the pink-haired woman, hastily shoving the remains of her sandwich in her mouth and beckoning the Hyuga to follow her out of the cafe.

Five minutes into her field trip, and Hinata couldn't help but notice the state of things in the facility. Konoha Hospital was heavily understaffed and underequipped: doctors and technicians were rushing off somewhere all the time; pharmacists constantly busy, often having to multitask; even the patients seemed like they were in a hurry to leave the place, likely scared off by the overbearing atmosphere.

"Outragious, isn't it?" she heard Sakura say. "Since Danzou took over, the funding keeps getting cut. Not to mention that we've lost many qualified professionals in the war." There was a storm behind those emerald eyes when Sakura talked about the hospital, and Hinata could feel just from her friend's tone alone that things were very bad.

"Do you think it's okay for me to be here? I'm happy to help, but if you guys don't need any distractions…"

"Pfft, as if our performance reports are going to change much if you are here to learn," the young Head of Hospital said. "If anything, you are going to be of much assistance here."

As if to prove her point, Sakura gestured towards the utter chaos that was their main hospital and only shinobi-treating facility. Hinata cringed at the amount of stress the staff there had to endure. The numbers of medical errors would probably be at an all-time high had there been no Sakura to supervise it.

"So, are you ready to enter hell?" the pinkette asked playfully.

Hinata only nodded in response, determined to do her best.

Hospital work was uneventful for the most part. Hinata helped with conducting health checks and treating minor to moderate injuries, something that she would've never been allowed had the situation not been so dire. Thankfully, her performance was more than adequate.

She had been left under the care of another doctor as Sakura worked in her office. Thus, Hinata was surprised to see her friend approach the counter where she'd been checking patients' charts unitl now.

"Let's go," was all Sakura said, before she sharply turned around and started striding towards the exit.

The Hyuga understood that what Sakura had really invited her for was about to start, so she hastily followed her friend outside.

"We are going to Kurenai-sensei's former house," Sakura said when Hinata caught up with her. "There is something you need to see for yourself."

A powerful sound of explosion echoed across the village just as the woman finished her words. Hinata and Sakura lifted their gazes to see the smoke coming from the village center, and that's where approximately Kurenai's old apartment complex was located.

Hinata didn't ask any more questions.

Sometimes Kakashi hated Konoha.

It was the kind of hatred an unruly child would convince himself of towards his older sibling or parent. He would be sure to resent them for an hour or so, until his frustration dissipated. After that, things would go back to normal. This feeling was similar to Kakashi's current case.

Except that the village hated him in return, and that hatred had more substance than just mere lack of communication.

He would've sulked on it longer if the municipal representative wasn't being in danger of getting eaten alive by the angry citizens. Poor man had to put his neck on the line for the higher-ups to get away with their dirty deeds. Kakashi had a hard time blaming the low-rank governors, even though many of them were not particularly courageous or honest. They were, afterall, hostages to the likes of Danzou and him.

For that reason, and because some of the Root agents stationed around seemed to start getting anxious, Kakashi decided to step up to the scene.

"I would ask for your restraint," he commanded as loud as it could be done without shouting, releasing a hint of killing intent. Mentally he felt like an utter monster for threatening his own people.

That's not to say that his method was ineffective in calming down the crowd. Everyone immediately quietened, all eyes turning from trembling municipal official towards him. He took notice of their scornful expressions, the few shinobi who were in the midst looking the angriest.

"As your municipal representative said, your house will be unavailable indefinitely, until the investigation is over."

"Forget about the damn house!" he heard someone from the crowd yell. "What the hell happened just now?"

"Yeah!"

"We need an explanation!"

Kakashi's jaw tightened as he watched citizens of Konoha shout at him, last billows of smoke rising from a partially destroyed apartment complex at the background. He made sure any fire was promptly neutralized and the explosion itself didn't hurt anybody. Yet, it still didn't feel like he did enough for his people. And now he had to reap what he sowed.

"We were lucky nobody was killed," one shinobi yelled, one of the few who weren't afraid to look the Copy Ninja in the eyes. "But how do you expect us to continue like this? Without any explanation we are being told to vacate our homes! Just like that? What about the explosion?"

There was a wave of concerting murmurs among the people gathered, and it seemed to spur their boldness. Some were beginning to give up on the explanation, their anger only fueling their agression, while others still tried to get an answer from him. Kakashi watched how Root operatives changed their stances ever so slightly, the familiar tenseness obvious to his trained eye. That ninja who started this whole mess also seemed to notice, as his eyes widened and turned to his in a silent accusation.

Just when things couldn't get any worse, he saw Sakura arrive. That pink mop of hair easily stood out from the crowd. At first, he was relieved that she arrived; even though nobody was killed, it still was worth to take additional precaution. His relief, however, immediately turned to alarm as he saw dark blue hair follow his student.

Hinata couldn't believe her eyes. Even as she stood amidst all the destruction, it simply couldn't register that something like that could happen in her village during times of peace. But the explosion had been real, and if she were less politically savvy, an accident would be her first guess. However, it was no accident. That much was clear to her as soon as she saw her husband and a whole platoon of Root agents at the scene of explosion.

"As I said, we are conducting an investigation. Until the investigation is over, everyone who lives in this block will be asked to vacate the premises. Any injured can address our medic who is on sight, she will tend to your wounds," Kakashi spoke with professional dryness all the while looking Hinata straight in the eyes.

It was as if he was trying to tell her something, to convey a message with his eyes. She couldn't waste time thinking on the matter, however. Angry mob, disgruntled by his tone more suited for a scientific report than reassurance, started to advance towards him. Their actions were perfectly understandable, and she doubted that they wanted anything more than proper answers, but she wasn't sure they were getting them in such a manner.

"No," Hinata heard Sakura mutter beside her, "Root."

As if on cue, the 'peacekeepers' of their village started to tense, no doubt readying themselves for action. She was about to race there when Kakashi lunged into the crowd. It felt like time stopped, and Hinata could see with complete clarity how her husband punched some random tenant in the stomach. Luckily, he seemed to be a ninja, and even though the force of the punch could be felt as far as from her with Sakura's position, he took the punch well. That still didn't prevent the poor fellow from cowering in pain, clutching his stomach and gasping for air.

An absolute silence took over. People just stood there, comprehending what just happened, while Kakashi rubbed his knuckles. The Root – relaxed as ever – stood back.

The spell was broked when Hinata rushed to the poor man's side, all thoughts beginning to jumble in her head. With slightly trembling hands, she started checking up on the fallen ninja, performing first aid. Sakura too was able to shake off her shock; she immediately went about her business tending to whatever needs the injured had – Hinata was capable of helping that guy.

"Clearly, this village's security is inadequate, eh, Kakashi?" Hinata heard someone from Root say, probably their commander. In her haste to help the injured man Hinata forgot that Kakashi was still standing a few feet away from them.

"People are just rattled by the explosion, nothing more," her husband replied. "The threat is easily contained."

It was clear that by 'threat' Kakashi meant the people of Konoha. Bile rose in Hinata's throat at the implication. How could they discuss their own countrymen with such indifference?

"Oh, we'll see what Danzou will have to say about that…" was the nameless official's reply, before the sound of Shunshin carried Kakashi and the Root members away.

Hinata concentrated on healing the man in front of her, trying to calm her nerves. You can't perform a healing jutsu with anger swirling in your mind.

"You have a broken rib," she finally relayed her diagnosis, "the punch seems to have reached the bottom of your chest as well."

The man wheezed in acknowledgement and tried to sit up. Evidently, the hit was hard. When she's done all she could, the man just disappeared with a Shunshin of his own. The only thing left behind him was a stretch of purple band. She picked the thin material, surprised that one side of it was sticky. That was when she remembered the purple markings on the man's face.

"What's that you have there?" she heard Sakura's voice behind her.

"Oh, it's just this strange patch the man who was hit by… he wore it on his face, I think…" Hinata replied, handing the purple thing closer for Sakura to inspect.

"That's not a patch…" her friend said, before adding, "I suggest you keep it. Who knows, maybe it's important and you'll need to give it back."

Hinata doubted that it was important, but shoved the material in her pocket anyway.

"How could he do it?!"

Hinata asked that question for what felt like millionth time this evening. As soon as she came to their with Kakashi's shared house, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't as it seemed. First off, Sakura, with her secrets and arrival to the sight of explosion. She knew that something bad was going to happen, but she seemed equally surprised when the explosion occured. This could be easily explained with the fact that Kakashi wasn't letting anyone completely in on his plans.

Secondly, and more importantly, Kakashi himself… It was obvious that he knew about the explosion, and it was a perfect explanation for his worrisome state this morning. Also, nobody was seriously harmed as a result, she reminded herself. How could a house full of apartments explode with no casualties? Not that she wasn't glad there weren't any, but coincidences like that were extremely improbable.

Hinata replayed the events of that afternoon in her head, remembering the large building with a gaping whole in it left by the blast. All the people who stood amidst the ruins…

That's when it hit her!

"There were far too few tenants compared to the capacity of the building itself!" she nearly shouted.

Maybe they were made to leave after the explosion? Or maybe new tenants weren't allowed due to nepotism, like Kurenai…

'Wait a minute, Kurenai-sensei!'

Kakashi didn't allow Kurenai to live there, and her apartment was in fact somewhere near the blast area. Earlier, he also explained that he had a reason to prevent Kurenai from settling there.

'No.'

No-no-no-no! Could it be?

'Yes!'

It made sense now! If her theory was true, then Kakashi was at least looking out for his friend. And the fact that nobody was killed only proved his capacity for kindness in her eyes. He knew that there was going to be an explosion, so he promptly removed all the potentially affected tenants. There were still a lot of things Kakashi needed to explain, a lot of unanswered questions, but Hinata was patient. She will get to the truth no matter what.

Just when her determination surged, there was a creak at the porch followed by a sound of footsteps in the hall. Hinata turned around with such a speed that even Lee would've been impressed.

There, at the foot of the table, stood none other than her husband.

"I'm home," he calmly said, brushing off at his chest.

"W-welcome," Hinata replied with a bit of a lag, before remembering that in her state she forgot to cook anything for dinner. "There is no dinner yet," she said rather lamely.

Kakashi nodded, making a move straight to his study room, only to have Hinata block his path.

A curse died in his throat after he saw his wife's expression. Instead of the accusation that has become so familiar to the Copy Ninja, there was a question. And it wasn't the one of confusion either, because she looked like she had specific questions to ask. Kakashi remembered how Sakura and Hinata arrived together at the scene earlier that day.

'Figures.'

Kakashi relaxed his posture, letting her know that he was listening.

"What happened today wasn't an accident and we both know it," Hinata said, tone gentle, no hint of blame in her voice. "What I don't know but think that you do, is why?"

Once again that question.

Why?

If only more people asked that question before jumping to conclusions of their own. That simple word was like a breath of fresh air everytime it left Hinata's lips. Kakashi was at home, with his wife, for Pete's sake! Could he for once tell her the complete truth?

Hinata saw the struggle within her husband, and decided that half-an-answer now is better than a full answer when it might be too late.

"It's okay if there are some things you can't tell me," she prodded cautiously.

"Alright," Kakashi cut, swallowing, "remember what I told you about Kurenai? What happened today was precisely the reason why I did it."

Alright, Hinata thought, that was one thing she got right. "Nobody was killed," she said meaningfully, leading for a broader answer.

Kakashi nodded. "That's also me. Everything was me. The explosion, that guy, I did it! Danzou–"

His mild outburst was interrupted by a wince of pain. Almost imperceptibly, Kakashi's hand went to his chest, before he could stop himself mid way. Hinata still noticed everything.

"Danzou," he continued after a few calming breaths, "he wanted to use the explosion as an excuse to increase the military presence in Konoha. I suspect significantly more Root will be patrolling the area, and they might even start breaking in people's houses if things continue going that way."

Hinata was stunned to silence. What her husband was saying meant that they would have to be even more careful in the future if they didn't want to get under Danzou's repressions. Suddenly, Kakashi's conversation with that Root member emerged in her mind.

"That Root commander," she said, eyes flickering to Kakashi's upper body in worry, "you were talking about it, weren't you?"

"Yeah," he exhaled, forcefully relaxing his posture, "he's no Root, though. Some mercenary Danzou hired on a whim. Probably to use him as a proxy to harass other Shinobi Villages. He likes that strategy."

Hinata nodded absently, her interest in that mercenary fading to the background compared to her worry for her husband's health.

"What happened? Your chest…"

She stretched her hand in an attempt to see the injured area when he stopped her by the wrist.

"It's fine," he dismissed, "just some intense training. I already received medical aid so it's fine. Just need to wait until it heals by itself.

Hinata could see from the expression in his eyes that he was putting his foot down on that subject. Not that she didn't trust her husband, but his explanation was too vague and guarded to be completely honest.

Kakashi passed her over, disappearing behind the door of his study before she could tell him that dinner will be ready within an hour.

"I have a report for you, Danzou!" a loud voice boomed, following an equally loud bang of his office door slamming open. "Sheesh, you really like dark, do ya?" the same voice asked, allowing his eyes to adjust to the room's dim lighting after the contrast of bright corridors of the Hokage Tower.

"Out with it," Danzou hissed, not one to tolerate attitude so late in the day.

"A'ight," said mercenary said, not bothering to kneel before his master. What impudence. "Me and boys did as agreed. I'm sure you could see the big boom from your drum."

Danzou let a hum of approval. "What of Kakashi?"

"Seems fine ta me," the loud man scrunched his face in confusion. "A little intense, but ya know, to each their own."

"What about the villagers?"

"Now, those fuckers are feisty, I tell ya!"–the mercenary chuckled, looking around the study in curiosity, as if in a trinket shop–"I'd tighten things 'round here if I were you."

"Luckily, you are not me," Danzou sighed. "Leave."

The man had enough manners to get out of Hokage's sight when told to, at least. Danzou had some time to ponder before retiring. One particular event kept resurfacing in his mind during those times – his battle with Sasuke Uchiha.

"Why, you, insolent boy!"

He stood so close to the Uchiha brat that the smell of ozone almost made him believe that he was amidst of a rainstorm. Except that the pitter-patter he heard on the ground was from their blood, not rain. Danzou felt the lightning sword disappear from his enemy's hand and with it the static that made the hair stand on the back of his neck.

"You are the one who will meet Itachi, Danzou," the boy spat, tumbling back. Such a bold claim for someone who could barely stand.

'I have a couple more Sharingans left, my Izanagi will keep me alive,' raced in Danzou's head while he was falling to the ground. 'At least long enough to get rid of the pest.'

Sasuke Uchiha was coughing up blood of his own, and his hesitance to strike only proved that he was at the brink of exhaustion. That red-haired girl who stood uselessly aside was now coming up to heal the bastard.

He couldn't allow that.

Summoning the last vestige of his strength, Danzou lunged forward, knocking the girl out cold. He hoped she'd die from the head injury, annoying little snot.

His sudden action seemed to startle the Uchiha brat, as he stumbled further away, falling on the ground. His heavy pants resounded in Danzou's head, or maybe they were his own? No matter. He'll finish the boy and get back to Konoha to recuperate. He lost nearly all his Sharingans and it seemed his enemy's own pair would be the consolation prize for Danzou.

Just when he stood up, he heard someone appear behind him. He had enough to turn around and see a blur of orange and black before everything went dark.

The next morning, he woke up in Root headquarters in Konoha.

Danzou rewinded that fight over and over in his head, and all the time came to the same conclusion.

Sasuke Uchiha could be alive.