Chapter 24: The Kazekage's Involvement
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Yami stood before the Hyuga army. Next to him was their captain.
He watched everyone's form carefully as the soldiers trained, his mind slowly drifted to the morning's debrief. Hiashi announced that the elders had conspired against Hinata, and kidnapped Hanabi. Hinata had stepped down in the process, for unknown reasons.
Where people saw uncertainty, Yami saw an opportunity. After all, Hinata had spoken her wishes, and Yami knew what the next move would be; Eliminate all apprentices and leave none alive.
It was easier said than done. Their Captain belonged to the main branch.
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Gaara stopped to remove his Kazekage hat. Sweat beads had collected around his forehead.
He had nearly crossed the desert within a day with little incident. With one quick swipe, with the back of his sleeve, he dried himself off ever so slightly as he stared ahead towards the winter terrain of lands and mountains.
Opting to delay the inedible, a short break by a rock had provided sanctuary from the scorching sun, while also shielding him. Under the shade, he withdrew Hinata's letters, giving them another read, before putting them away. She had apologized, on behalf of her clan, going as far as stepping down over her failure to control the internal situation which ended up in the death of two of his precious students.
The lack of information all pointed to one thing. It was likely something else was being covered up, which she had refused to state in the letter. He came to that conclusion when the stated facts didn't add up. Not everyone could hope to control the actions of others, so why did she take accountability?
Just as he was about to move, he received an update on Naruto's team. They had decided to split up. Naruto was on his way to Suna, with two culprits. Sasuke and Sakura were on their way to Konoha to treat Hanabi, who was injured and in critical condition.
"It could've been worst," Gaara murmured to the desert wind. At least her sister was alive.
Gaara stepped away from the temporary checkpoint, his hat back on. His crimson cloak moved violently against two opposing winds as he approached the border leading to the Fire Country.
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"Did you receive Hinata-san's letter, brother?" Gaara asked. They had met up after day two of traveling on their own.
He gave a slight nod.
Gaara studied Kankuro for a moment, before looking away toward the phenomena happening all around them.
As it snowed, thick feathery ice covered the trees. The freezing air was cold enough to redden their tanned cheeks. Their breath took form, the condensation creating white clouds, smoky as they breathed.
Kankuro gritted his teeth.
"Most of is bullshit," Kankuro believed Toneri would never try to hurt their people, their village. There is no way in hell he would ever order Matsuri's assignation. He wanted to talk to him. "I'm certain he's innocent,"
As Gaara stared at the lump of snow above them, threatening to fall, he recalled a certain feeling he never wanted to experience again. He remembered what it was like to have everyone against him, before a stranger, a child of the sun, had saved him and his existence. He had done unspeakable things in the past. Yet, Naruto had placed his trust in him, which is why he had been willing to give Sasuke a pass.
Toneri, however, was another matter. He didn't know much about Toneri to form an opinion. He was also skeptical about siding with his brother's view.
"Make sure to compose yourself before we arrive," Gaara said, before leaping off a tree branch in time to avoid a falling avalanche of snow. Even as he said those words, he understood his brother's feelings very well.
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Sai glanced up from his drawing and placed it down the moment Lord Kazekage's visit had been announced.
"How was the trip?" Kakashi asked as the two sand siblings strolled inside the office, both soaked in melted snow. "Unpleasantly cold, I imagine?" Kakashi tipped his Hokage hat slightly as the Sand siblings walked inside.
"Let's skip the pleasantries and get to the point. My brother and I must return home soon to Matsuri's funeral," Gaara replied, while completely ignoring Sai's presence.
Sai picked up on the hidden cue sent his way. Kakashi didn't need him.
He exited the room to give them privacy and went from one room to another as he instinctively barged into Naruto's office.
"Naruto-" Sai paused. He had almost forgotten that Naruto was probably in Suna by now. He raised a curious brow in Sasuke's way as he found him rummaging through Naruto's desk, searching for something.
"What are you looking for, Uchiha-san?"
"Naruto has something of mine." After finally finding what he was looking for, Sasuke shoved the Konoha headband into his pocket and moved away from Naruto's desk. "What's the situation? I saw Gaara and Kankuro standing outside," Sasuke said as he motioned towards the window.
"The situation is unknown. Whatever their reason for being here, it's not like the last time. Gaara-san seemed very displeased for obvious reasons," Sai replied.
There was a silent understanding between the two. Their future-Hokage wasn't present to help deal with peace talks. Their plan at splitting up had backfired.
Sai took in Sasuke's appearance, he had an intuitive realization about the Uchiha's uniform.
Yes. It might just work. "Sasuke-san, You may be of use to Lord Kakashi,"
As Sasuke listened to the Shinobi artist, he picked up on some resemblance of reasoning.
"... I can not allow you to do that. I would never dare to ask the same of you, Gaara-san-" Kakashi had said just as Sasuke barged inside the office, unannounced.
As Sasuke walked further into the room, his cloak parted with movement, revealing Suna's patriotic colors underneath.
He had caught enough of the conversation to know what was happening.
"If you do not want the Kazekage to interrogate Toneri-san, let his brother do the talking instead," Sasuke said. "He's technically here just to see a friend,"
Kankuro's eyes lit up as he looked at Sasuke with gratitude.
Gaara's rare smirk gave the impression of smugness. He was surprisingly pleased with Sasuke choosing to still represent Suna, even in his native land.
Kakashi also seemed to be having his interpretation of the current events. From his perspective, Sasuke seemed to be executing a cunning form of diplomacy. The silver-haired leader sent a nod of approval in Sasuke's way.
"Alright. I'll allow it." Kakashi replied.
At the time, Sasuke was well aware of how much Hinata hated Toneri. However, he wanted to atone for getting involved in the situation in the first place. He knew he couldn't bring Matsuri back. Having been in Suna, long enough to begin to care, he wanted to help bring closure to Kankuro and Gaara while possibly preventing trouble from brewing between the two countries over something he had done.
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"I'll be outside," Sasuke said after he dropped the sand sibling off outside of Toneri's dungeon cell.
Kankuro had been in similar places before.
The place reminded him of a tomb, dark, small, and confining.
When the two siblings entered the dungeon, Toneri's eyes flickered past Kankuro, eying Gaara long enough to come up with inferences as to why the two were even there in the first place.
However, he never dared to hope.
"What the fuck, dude?"
Instead of answering, Toneri spent his time in thoughtful silence.
"What are you both doing here?" He finally said.
Gaara didn't know what he had been expecting as he looked at Toneri. His hair was just like snow, glowing even in the dimmest place. Just like winter, Toneri was able to freeze the environment with one glare. He blinked and looked away, from his brother, and remained silent; as per the agreement that allowed them to visit the Hyuga in the first place.
"You have to talk to us. Did you order the assassination of two of our Chunin soldiers?"
Toneri took a deep sigh before speaking.
"I admit I took part in the logistics of Hanabi's kidnapping,"
"I asked you a simple question,"
"My answer has everything to do with your question. I lost my memories because my psycho cousin attacked me. And the crew I hired began to act on their own once they didn't hear from me. I know it sounds all too convenient, but no I had nothing to do with Matsuri-chan's murder."
Kankuro seemed all too pleased as he gave Gaara a look.
See brother? I knew it. He didn't murder our Shinobis!
Gaara's thoughts were also loud at the time. He gave his brother a look of slight skepticism.
That does not mean he's innocent in all of this, Gaara's expression seemed to have been conveyed, before turning to Toneri.
"Can anyone verify the validity of your memories?" Gaara asked, not caring he was breaking an agreement just by breathing.
"Yamanaka-san can verify it," Toneri replied.
"I'll see to it that Ino-san is present at the meeting," Gaara said as he turned towards the exit.
Kankuro turned back to Toneri, once his brother was gone.
"We'll get you out of here," Kankuro said to Toneri. "My brother is a powerful connection to have right now,"
"You're a strange one," Toneri commented to his own friend.
"Huh? I should be saying that to you! Like what the heck, Toneri?! You're in a dungeon!"
Toneri shook his head. "No one else would've gone out of their way to try and save me,"
"Ah, right. I can kind of see that since you're a jerk. Otherwise, this is normal. You would've done the same,"
The feeling was mutual. Toneri was sure he would've done the same.
"You kept saying your cousin wants to ruin your clan, but why would she want to do that?" Kankuro said as he reminisced.
Toneri sighed. "That cousin of mine is another baffling thing. I've come to realize she was simply born in the wrong clan. I believe her DNA is not the same as ours,"
"Ouch. That's kind of harsh,"
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The next day, the sand siblings requested a meeting. They demanded the presence of Ino Yamakana as she was technically a witness. Kakashi and Hiashi sat around the round table with the Konoha councils, which were made up of two high-ranking politicians.
"We understand you were unsatisfied with how things were handled." A Konoha council said the Sand siblings. "We're sorry for your grievances. It's most unfortunate that your loved one, Matsuri-san, and her teammate have passed,"
"Naruto Uzumaki delivered the two Hyugas responsible for the murder. You may punish them as you see fit, but you must return their eyes," The second Konoha council added
"It's not enough," Kankuro said.
"Then what do you propose as a means to preserve peace?" Kakashi asked.
"We intend on taking Toneri back with us and helping rehabilitate him,"
Hiashi cleared his throat.
"Let's not pretend that there isn't any conflict of interest. Or do you also mean to take the rest of the elders and rehabilitate them as well?" Lord Hiashi responded.
"Tch," Kankuro looked away displeased. They all knew those old geezers were way beyond the point of rehabilitation. Toneri, however, was young and had a future. His mind could still be molded.
The door opened and closed. Pairs of eyes followed the newcomer as he took his place next to Ino.
As Sasuke sat down, Kakashi took note of the subtle change in appearance. He wore his old Konoha headband. The slit across the Leaf insignia was never repaired. Gone was the Suna uniform, replaced with dark and pale palettes of colors. But even in his blazer, Sasuke appeared just threatening.
Ino Yamanaka's attention was immediately on Sasuke Uchiha.
What was he doing there, pretending he hadn't been involved?
"We heard he might be going for the advisor position," Gaara said, while Kankuro had a slight smirk on his face. "He's here for the experience,"
Sasuke nodded slightly as confirmation once the attention was back on him.
"I'm glad that you joined us," Kankuro said. The twinkle in Kankuro's eyes never left his eyes.
Red flags should've gone up when he was invited by the Suna siblings to sit in the meeting under the guise of attaining experience. Sasuke had a feeling the invite was orchestrated for a purpose. He shouldn't have accepted...
"Uchiha-san is the perfect example of what happens when you place your trust in someone, while the whole world misjudges and questions your decision. Did he not wreak havoc? Helped cause a war? Almost murdered and kidnapped a Kage? Almost murdered his friends? Yet today he's a different person. Uchiha-san is reformed enough to make us forget our mistrust that we once had." Kankuro said.
Sasuke took a controlled breath, as he did not like that he was being used as an example to excuse the actions of another criminal. Yet, the way Kankuro cared about Toneri reminded Sasuke of how Naruto tended to be there for him.
"Compelling speech, assuming Toneri-san has something grand to offer us should he fully reform," Kakashi replied. "What's your opinion on this, Lord Kazekage?"
Kankuro gave his brother a pleading look.
"I wager Toneri-san is going to surprise us all," Gaara said, as he felt slightly pressured to stand by his brother's beliefs.
"Yamanaka-san, you were the one inside Toneri-san's head. What's your analysis on his psyche?" A council member asked.
"As a means to be accepted and treated justly, Toneri was coerced by the rest of the elders to commit a crime. He wanted high praise and to belong. He hired some colleagues to kidnap Hanabi-san, but never ordered anyone to commit murder. His perspective highlights his humanity. He didn't wish physical harm on anyone. I conclude rehabilitation is possible," Ino replied.
Hiashi sighed. This wasn't good, the sand siblings were a Toneri-sympathizer.
"Mere rehabilitation is not enough," Hiashi said.
Their entire conversation continued in similar circles until a decision was made.
"On behalf of our village, coming from a decision based on no precedent, Toneri-san will have to perform unpaid community service of 50,000 hours,"
"Sounds reasonable," Gaara replied.
"Are we to assume that you will continue to work closely with us?" Kakashi asked.
"This is merely a great start as a means to heal our damaged bonds. We value family, and would like to see less conflict in the future," Gaara replied, sending a nod in Hiashi's way.
"Then it is settled," A council member said as he made a motion to rise. "This meeting has concluded,"
Yes, finally. It was over. Everyone moved to leave, including Sasuke.
"We glossed over one thing. There's still the matter of Hinata-san's punishment for her crime." Kankuro reminded them, as he was the only one who remained seated. "What do you think, brother? What should her punishment be?" Kankuro asked Gaara.
Having worked with the two before, Sasuke sensed where things were headed. When Kankuro was out of ideas, he would lean to Gaara's merciless, yet, creative solutions.
Even though the brothers advised him to draw negative attention to himself, he didn't mind giving his input in an attempt to do some damage control.
"May I suggest that Hyuga-san spends 2100 hours of reflection while under house arrest?"
Kankuro rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Sasuke's suggestion gave him a better idea.
"My dear little brother is still in need of a wife," Kankuro said while rubbing his chin. "What do you say? An arranged marriage to strengthen Suna and Konoha?"
Gaara sighed, his eyes darkening. Why did everyone automatically defaults to looking for a reason to marry him off? He was almost inclined to side with Uchiha's idea, however, if the goal was a reflection, he didn't find it necessary to punish Hinata. After all, she had stepped down as a means to acknowledge and own up her to mistakes. Thus, no additional punishments were truly necessary.
"That's preposterous! My daughter is already spoken for and is due to marry very soon!" Hiashi cut in, surprising everyone.
Gaara's eyes lit up.
"Send Hinata-san my regards. We'll take our leave now," Gaara said as he rose from his chair, feeling petty that he had won their wager of possibly staying single forever.
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After the meeting was over, Kakashi, Hiashi, and Sasuke stayed behind. And for the first time, Hiashi almost let out a sigh of relief. His daughter had gotten away with a mere slap on the wrist.
"Do you realize what you've done?" Kakashi said. Due to Hiashi's lie, the Konoha council might soon be asking questions as to who Hinata was engaged. "You can't possibly find a Hyuga candidate in such a short time without any elders,"
"And without any elders, I have a window of free rein, however temporary that may be," Hiashi said.
"Ah, so you can approve any external contract that's sent your way,"
Sasuke leaned back into his chair, feigning a lost of interest in the conversation going on around him. While sitting there, Sasuke finally heard the strong resemblance between the father and daughter. He understood a little where Hinata got her love for ruling from.
"Do you mean to imply that a certain clan leader may have a chance?" Kakashi asked knowingly as he thought about his previous advisor.
Hn. So in the end, Hinata was getting what she always wanted.
After Hiashi exited the room, Sasuke turned slightly to Kakashi as they both rose from their chairs.
He felt mentally exhausted for some reason. He didn't particularly believe the meeting had drained him. Not only that, but he wanted a break, from all of this. As a cue, memories of Naruto's recent promise flooded his mind.
"I may be taking Sakura and Naruto away from you for a while. They complained to me that need a vacation from this place,"
Kakashi chuckled as he walked up to Sasuke and stared down at his student.
"You never intended to take the position, did you? Why did you lead me on?"
"Should the position still be available when I get back, I might consider it," Sasuke replied honestly as they both exited into the hall.
"Just know that not everything is set in stone now that I know you wish to indulge in frivolous things," Kakashi said. Yet deep down, he was jealous he could not go.
Sasuke rolled his eyes as the two split ways when they reached the end of the hall.
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The sand siblings had been waiting for him as he exited the Hokage Tower. Next to the Kazekage stood Toneri. He was inches shorter than the rest.
Sasuke had to hand it to Nara, he had made the right call. They had avoided war just by not killing Toneri.
"You won't be coming back with us, I presume," Gaara said as his eyes briefly gazed at the leaf headband around his forehead.
"You're correct in your assumptions," Sasuke replied.
"Kakashi mentioned several other applicants applied against his expectations, most of them pleasing to the eyes. Competition must be rough, huh."
"Hn, whatever happens, happens," Sasuke replied, while half of his attention was on Toneri, who seemed to be looking at him with a purpose.
Toneri took a few steps and withdrew a scroll from his person. However brief, he caught the look of confusion in Sasuke's eyes.
"If you're going to apply for such a tedious role, you might as well introduce yourself to my devil cousin who causes occasional problems-"
"That's called slandering, Toneri-san. We have much to teach you it seems," Gaara said with a glare.
"I was trying to be kind with my words," Toneri said over his shoulder.
"Come. Let us go."
When turned away, his Kazekage hat obstructed his eyes as he walked away. Gaara frowned. It hadn't even been that long since Toneri was released, but he was already trying to spread his anti-Hinata agenda on others.
"You've been warned. Keep away." Toneri whispered to Sasuke before he rejoined the siblings, who had already walked away.
Sasuke turned away to stifle a laugh. Toneri reminded him of someone he knew. Hinata might've had similar things to say about him.
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Without having to open her eyes, Hanabi knew where she was. Over the past year, this place had become her second home. The scent which lingered in the air was unmistakable. She was at the hospital.
The first person she saw was Hinata. She was slightly passed out on her side of the bed, while Sasuke and Sakura talked amongst each other in silent whispers, by the heart monitor.
Hanabi tried to speak, but felt a pain like no other, as if her throat had been split apart. She instinctively touched the bandages around her neck and panicked. The heart monitor went haywire.
"Hanabi-chan, thank kami that you're awake!" Sakura said, as Sasuke moved away to give Sakura some space to do her work, just as Hinata woke up.
"Hanabi!"
Her eyes looked scared.
"It must be a lot to process right now. When they found you… you were already bleeding for more than a few minutes." Hinata looked toward Sakura and Sasuke, before continuing. "Sakura-chan did what she could. We were lucky we didn't lose you too..." Hinata explained while Sakura injected Hanabi with a sedative.
Realization kicked in. When Hanabi moved her lips, her sister had been the only one who understood her at the time.
'Matsuri-chan is gone...'
"We're sorry for your loss…we've all been grieving."
'I want to go home. Where's Father? Where's Naruto-kun...?'
"I'm sure you'll go home soon," Hinata replied. "Father is dealing with some clan issues...and Naruto had to travel to Suna," Hinata glanced over at Sakura, her eyes silently questioning her.
"If everything checks out well, you should be able to leave soon," Sakura said, as if trying to distract her student away from asking too many questions.
Hanabi lifted her gaze and finally stared at everyone in the room for a moment. Her eyes trailed to the IV injected into her, she slightly pulled at it with a question in her eyes.
"Those have to stay in you until I say it's time to take them out. Kami, I'm sorry for explaining this to you, you already know all this,"
'Who did this to me?' She mouthed.
Hinata looked away. Her lips nearly trembled. The guilt she felt was overwhelming. It was not easy to just admit everything had been her fault from the beginning.
"I'll explain everything when we're in private," Hinata replied. "I'm going to write to our father and let him know that you're awake," Hinata said as an excuse to leave the room to compose herself.
"I'll walk with you, since I have to put together a list of prescriptions for Hanabi," Sakura added, almost as a way to excuse herself as well.
"Is my sister going to heal?"
"She might be able with time, but we should assume that to be the only best-case scenario." Sakura silently began to sob. "I'm sorry Hinata, I did try-"
Hinata threw her arms around Sakura and hugged her. "Stop apologizing, and thank you for everything that you've done." She said before releasing her. Yet this time, it was her that had her doubts about something. "Do you think Hanabi-chan is going to hate me when she finds out how all of this became so messed up?"
"Nobody blames you," Sakura replied while placing a hand on her shoulder.
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Back in the room, as Hanabi stared at Sasuke she recalled the first time she had a meaningful conversation with him. The conversation had been about Konoha, and how the peace and Naruto's ideals may not last forever. Had this been what he meant?
Hanabi wiped her eyes with the side of her arm and wiped the tears before they fell. She remembered what it was like before it all happened. The world was her playground and nothing and no one could touch her because her sister's influence always reached way outside these walls. But now, she realized she had been wrong in assuming she could stay safe and protected forever.
She had to get stronger.
Hanabi looked towards the desk next to her. Sakura had forgotten her clipboard with notes. Hanabi reached out and flipped through pages until she eventually found a blank one. She began to write.
Sasuke approached the empty sofa Hinata had once occupied and glanced over as Hanabi wrote a note.
Who kidnapped me?
"Hn. As much as I would like to tell you everything, it's not my place to speak. I just know it was thanks to your sister's efforts that we found your coordinates. She was able to narrow down who was responsible. You could say it was a team effort."
My sister has always been strong.
"I've been told I'm not the best at making anyone feel better," Sasuke began, as he pulled a deck of cards out of his pockets, no doubt an influence from being in Suna for some time. "This game might just be enough to take your mind off of things,"
Hanabi stared at the cards in his hands as if considering something.
'No,' She mouthed to him, slowly enough for him to understand.
He seemed to ignore her wish since he continued to shuffle and silently dealt her some cards. She immediately recognized the game he had chosen, it was Gaara's favorite. Hanabi winced in pain as she slowly sat up to pick up the cards.
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A few hours later, her hospital room had gone through an extreme transformation with large arrangements and centerpieces displayed on any imaginable surface, along with fruit baskets. It was like a garden-themed gathering.
Hanabi looked down on her lap and petted a puppy Kiba had brought along.
She tried not to frown.
Most of the people were not there for her. Even though brief words of 'get well' were communicated to her, Hanabi noticed most of the hidden cues of sympathies and sentiments seemed to be aimed towards Hinata.
"Anything your family needs, we're here for you," Kurenai said to Hinata as she hugged her while holding Mirai.
"If your father needs to hire us again to protect you, don't hesitate to reach out," Kiba added as he stood close to Shino.
Yoshino and Shikamaru had also dropped by with well-intended gifts. Shikamaru had brought a small beginner's shogi board for Hanabi. He realized he didn't know much at all about Hinata's little sister and made a note to try and spend some time getting to know her more.
"Do you know how to play?" He had asked Hanabi.
She gave him a decisive nod.
An echo of "Aws" was said by the females present in the room. Hanabi witnessed her sister being hugged from behind by Nara. She looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed towards their open display of affection, as she was not used to it. She stared at the puppy in her lap and rolled her eyes.
The next day, Hanabi found herself surrounded by co-workers and ex-patience who were there the moment her father had lifted the heavy restriction on visitations. Still, Anbu lingered in the perimeter of the vicinity.
No one is talking about what happened. Hanabi wrote on a piece of paper and handed it to one of the other nurses that were off-duty.
Everyone had looked around at each other, as if hesitant to be the first one to gossip. The older Hyuga sister had made it clear not to delve into any information during their visitation.
"You were kidnapped, and Team seven teamed up to valiantly save you. We don't know much aside from that." It had been a lie. Everyone in the room knew enough because word quickly got around. It was easy to pick up on gossip since they had Shinobi family members who served Lord Hokage.
Hanabi's lips formed into a disappointed 'Ah' upon hearing the same things she's already been told.
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On the third day, when Hinata arrived at Hanabi's hospital room, she paused by the door and looked inside. Sakura was next to Hanabi, on the bed, while Sasuke shuffled some cards. Hinata listened to Sakura's lighthearted jokes as Hanabi responded with a smile.
"I'm happy to see that my sister is finally smiling," Hinata said, genuinely, as she walked across the room. She gave Hanabi a brief hug before joining Sasuke's side. She sat on the armchair of the sofa, even though there had been a free empty seat on the other side.
"Hinata-chan, you missed it," Sakura said with a grin. "Hanabi-chan was trying her best not to lose so she used her Byakugan. It was cringy to watch her be such a sore loser." Sakura said as she giggled.
Hinata gave Hanabi a side glance while smiling, before giggling.
"That doesn't sound like Hanabi-chan at all. So how are you feeling today?"
Hanabi gave a nonchalant shrug.
"She's been a little cranky lately. But what else should we expect?" Sakura replied on Hanabi's behalf.
"Isn't it nice, Hanabi-chan, to be surrounded by people who care a lot about you?" She sent a smile in Sakura's way, then playfully nudged Sasuke's shoulder.
'Yeah.' She mouthed half-heartedly towards the two brunettes sitting side by side.
As the card game progressed, Sakura briefly focused on Sasuke's body language as he allowed Hinata to gaze at the cards in his hands. The way he leaned slightly towards her, their shoulders slightly brushing, as if he didn't have space to be apart.
Hanabi, who had noticed the same thing, didn't particularly care to address it, since she had always known the two were close. Her older sister tended to have that effect. Kiba, Shino and Nara were proof of that.
"How long will you be staying in the village?" Sakura asked.
Something about the question made Sasuke lean away from Hinata as he rested his elbow on the free armchair.
Hinata sent a questioning look in Sakura's way before finally remembering that Sasuke was not there to stay.
"Did you already forget Naruto's promise?" Sasuke asked, and he could see an expression of realization and happiness in Sakura's eyes.
They both turned to stare at Hinata with intent. Sakura's eyes suddenly appeared wider and more innocent as her emerald orbs pleaded for something that had yet to be asked.
"What?" Hinata asked.
What did Naruto promise this time?
"Well, after Hanabi-chan gets out of the hospital we were hoping to travel together with her," Sakura said.
Hinata slowly rose from the armchair and made her way to a floral arrangement nearby.
"Do you think right now is the right time to ask that?" Hinata pulled a sunflower from an arrangement and began to pet the petals.
Sakura and Sasuke placed their cards down and looked her way.
'I wanna go!' Hanabi had said, but no one had been looking in her direction, thus they missed the light and excitement in her eyes.
Even in her docile act, there was something rebellious about Hinata's aura. Sasuke knew Hinata, well enough to know, for instance, that she was screaming inside.
"It's going to be a fun, relaxing trip," Sakura said as she looked towards Sasuke, who had given her a look of disbelief.
Is that really how you're going to pitch it? His eyes seemed to convey to Sakura.
"Why should I allow Hanabi to go?" Hinata asked.
"Alright, I lied. You see, the real goal is to train her." Sakura said, making it up on the spot. " Hanabi-chan is probably going to be a legendary sage after we're done with her training,"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
Seriously Sakura? You're overselling it, his eyes silently spoke on his behalf.
The pink-hair shinobi seemed exasperated as she glared his way.
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"I'm sorry Sakura-chan, I know you mean well," Hinata said as she fidgeted with a sunflower. She had plucked at the yellow sunflower petals one by one, allowing them to flow away outside the window. She kept at it until the sunflower was left bare of its flowers. "But my sister needs-"
Hanabi, who had taken a glass of water from the table next to her, dropped it on the floor as a way to get their attention. The shattering noise did the job.
Sakura presumed it was an accident.
"Hanabi, be careful. I'll go get something to clean this up." She left the room to get a broom and a dustpan.
'Onee-chan.' Hanabi's eyes finally looked like they had some resemblance to fire in them. 'I'm going on this trip with them. I'm going to get stronger and then finish my apprenticeship with Sakura-sensei. I don't your permission,'
"Then I wish you luck convincing our father." Hinata brushed past Sakura as she had been on her way back with cleaning supplies.
"Sasuke, you could've tried a little bit harder to convince her to let Hanabi go."
"Hn. Must I do everything?" There was an undertone of a complaint as he approached the window.
"Since when have you ever done anything?" Sakura called out as he jumped outside.
.
Sasuke made it to the ground in a few seconds and waited outside the hospital just as Hinata was coming out of the lobby.
"You can't keep her here." He said just as she walked past him.
"I don't want Hanabi out of my sight ever again," Hinata said.
"She'll resent you."
He noticed her eyes take on a new form of understanding as if she had some moment of clarity.
"Are you going to train her?"
"It's going to be brutal," He said as he approached her. "Blood and bruises. I'll make her suffer. She'll wish she never left your side."
Hinata laughed. "Then I suppose she'll be in good hands,"
She looked at the time, it was late, a little past ten.
"Sasuke," She said as she turned away. "... walk me home?" That is what his ears managed to catch.
He sent a questioning glance as they passed a street that they should've taken. She had decided to turn to the left, the deserted part of town. After passing the last street lamp, the view immediately darkened as there was less and less light around them as they entered what used to be Uchiha territories. He stared at the woman, who was preoccupied with staring at the moon. Her eyes were no longer just lavender, as they captured a silver color. She was the embodiment of the moon itself. He wondered if she was aware of her eyes, and how they glowed and looked beautiful in the night.
"Why are we here?" Sasuke asked.
They stood in front of his lands. There were no longer large gates that once housed a ghost town. It was an open field, a work in progress.
"It won't be long before investors hear of my clan's situation," Hinata said. "They might pull out from future investments, so it may take a while before I can do what I set out to do with your land. In the meantime, the place will just be a memorial park until I know for certain what's in store in the future."
"Why are you explaining this to me? You're the owner now." Sasuke replied.
"It's not how the public will perceive it when they find out." She was aware the lands would never truly belong to her and felt a duty to explain to him the situation.
"Hn. Alright, I get that. But why are you explaining? I won't-"
"A credible source once told me you will return and stay," Hinata said with confidence.
Sasuke chuckled. "Is that so? You're implying there's someone out there that knows me better than I know myself? Doesn't that sound a little ridiculous to you?"
"Perhaps. But I like to think that's the truth." She half-turned to him. "You belong here,"
As Sasuke stood by her side, he wondered if he would lead a satisfying life here if he were to ever stay. What sort of change can a single person do if their name wasn't Naruto, and their last name wasn't Uzumaki? What could he truly offer to this tiny, pathetic village that had the most influence and power out of all the others?
And if he stayed, would this be enough? Hinata tolerated him when he was this way; always restraining himself from demanding more from her. But he was not like Inuzuka or Aburame who were willing to settle as friends forever.
So if he stayed, he might not be able to control his words and actions.
This wasn't enough.
He would get sick of her, and this friendship.
Solitude was the better choice.
His thoughts were interrupted by the random motions happening from the corner of his eyes. Hinata's arms were outstretched as she smiled.
"I promise you, this project will see completion!"
The look in her eyes might've been a little too overly passionate even as her hands were confined, in the way she held them towards over her heart.
Suddenly, his lips felt very thin. It was easy to forget that her heart beats differently from another. It was so very easy to forget, especially when she was this way towards him.
"Hn, is that so?" Sasuke replied as he shoved his hands inside his pockets as his winter cloak hung around him, swaying with the wind.
She sent him a questioning look his way.
Her energy slowly died down when his demeanor changed to a serious one, making her look away.
"What's with the look, Sasuke?"
"Did you know that your father has free rein now?" Sasuke asked.
"No,"
"Find out when he'll be choosing the next elders. That will be your window of opportunity to get what you want," His eyes were back on her. He could practically hear the gears turning in her head.
Free the branch members? Abolish arranged marriages? Hinata couldn't believe it would soon be within her reach. She sent him a smile of gratitude and didn't even question why he was privy to that information. After all, he had been a spy before.
Sasuke moved to the side after he opened up a portal to get her home. He no longer wanted to walk her home.
"Thank you truly, for everything." Her words sounded further away even as she stood in front of him.
It was during her absence that he remembered Toneri's letter inside his pocket.
It was late. Perhaps another time.
.
The very next afternoon, Hinata sat around Yoshino and Shikamaru as they were lounging inside the tearoom.
"I've been banned from going to the trials," Hinata said as she stirred the tea in her hand. She had wanted so badly to see the look on their faces as they were put away. "Something about wanting to keep my involvement in internal knowledge. I thought honesty was the new policy. But I guess only chosen ones get to know what goes on." Hinata complained.
"I'm not surprised the council agreed to that," Shikamaru said.
"So what's the next move?" Yoshino asked.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow as he stared at his mother. There shouldn't be a next move or plan. They had all agreed to lie low and wait.
"I'm glad that you asked. You know, I was willing to be patient, but I think it's time to start planning again. I've recently come to find out my father has free rein right now until the new elders are chosen." Hinata said while looking directly at Shikamaru.
"When is the deadline?" Shikamaru asked.
"My father was vague. He said, in a few weeks. Until then, he gets to make all the decisions concerning the clan,"
"I'm going for some fresh air,"
Hinata stared at him curiously as he pushed his tea away and made a movement to rise. Shikamaru exited the tearoom while avoiding their stare.
Hinata blinked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, dear, he was just craving for his lungs to get poisoned."
Hinata sighed. "He's stressed, isn't he? But why?"
Yoshino giggled. "I have a feeling that I know why. But I can't say with certainty,"
During his absence, most of their conversation circled this window of opportunity, which they had to seize. Their conversation stopped momentarily as Shikamaru returned inside the room.
"Mother, send Lord Hiashi-san an invitation to dinner for this evening."
Hinata paused and glanced up, surprised.
Yoshino smiled. "Yes. Of course," She said knowingly.
.
Over dinner, Shikamaru sat across from Hinata, while Hiashi sat across from Yoshino.
"I wish Hanabi-chan was here with us," Hinata said.
"How is she doing?" Yoshino asked.
"My youngest is almost ready to come home."
"That's good to hear," Yoshino replied.
"Hyuga-san, why do leaders in your clan retire so early?" Shikamaru asked curiously.
"Once we retire as a clan leader, that's when the real job begins. Our main goal is to train and guide the minds of the next generation of elders, as well as manage the clan's overall wellness,"
"Ah. I see," So the longer he remains a clan leader, the less influence Hiashi will have on the next generation of elders.
"It's imperative I try to retire early,"
After dinner, Hinata joined Yoshino on a stroll around the garden, while Shikamaru invited Hiashi inside his office.
The two settled by a shogi board and began to play.
"I know what you're trying to accomplish here, Nara-san. I'm not blind. If circumstances had been different, then perhaps I would've allowed it. But I'm afraid Hinata needs to stay within the clan," Hiashi said as he made the first feigning move.
As Shikamaru glanced down at the board, something became clear to him. He just wanted to be with Hinata and didn't mind sacrificing something in return.
A Nara heir could wait.
"If you allow me to marry your daughter, the firstborn will be raised as a Hyuga. You'll have your heir,'' Shikamaru said as he placed the next piece down.
Hiashi didn't falter in his next move as he captured one of Shikamaru's pieces.
"If I were to agree to such absurdity, do you realize what my grandkid will be subjected to? A half-blood?"
His clan was merciless.
"That's why we will all be there for support,"
"I'll consider it. There are still other candidates to interview,"
Other candidates?
"You've seen it yourself, of what your daughter is capable of if she doesn't get her way," Shikamaru reminded him.
"Do you presume me to be afraid of my daughter?"
"Father," Hinata's voice was heard from outside the door as she lightly knocked, interrupting Hiashi's intense glare. "Isn't it getting a little late?" She asked nervously from the other side.
"Daughter, we're discussing an important business transaction. We'll be free shortly."
Shikamaru blinked and tilted his head. "Why are you calling this a business transaction?"
"If you wish to marry my daughter, you must also take on her financial burden."
Shikamaru blinked. "What kind of financial burden are we referring to? Is she in debt?"
"Hinata's beloved projects lost all funding after the elders were sentenced and put away. Their families took control of their assets and pulled out funds. I'm not sure if she yet knows. I haven't had the heart to tell her yet. But you can break it to her, once I draw up the contract." Hiashi said emotionlessly.
Shikamaru suddenly froze and remained still, even as Hiashi rose from his seat to leave.
Had he won?
On his way out, Hiashi stopped by the tearoom. Nothing about his expression gave anything away.
"Daughter, I'll see you at home," Hiashi said.
"What did you think about tonight's dinner, Hyuga-san?" Yoshino asked.
"You may address me as Hiashi. Thank you for the excellent meal, Yoshino,"
Yoshino, not Yoshino-san.
Yoshino smiled to herself before sending a slight nod in Hinata's way.
Hinata quickly rose to her feet. Her legs took her to Shikamaru's office once more.
"Shikamaru-kun," Hinata said as she hesitantly entered the office.
However happy she felt, Hinata knew deep down that the only way her father would agree to them being together, was if Shikamaru offered him something he wanted in return.
"You proposed, didn't you? My father has a bitter way of describing marriage as a business transaction. Isn't it silly?" Her nervous stream of sentences stopped when Shikamaru motioned her to have a seat across from him.
"Hinata, we need to talk,"
After he detailed and laid out the clause of their contract, she seemed lost in thought.
"Why did you offer him something like that?" Did Yoshino put him up to this?
"I had taken your sister into account when I made my offer. Should Hanabi find a partner and give your clan an heir, then we won't have to honor the contract,"
Hinata forced a smile. "You think of everything."
"You don't seem happy,"
"I'm very happy." He didn't seem to buy it.
"Tell me what's going on in your head,"
Hinata rose from her side and settled next to him. She didn't say anything else regarding the subject as she leaned forward into his arms and hugged him.
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A/N: Edited:
8-1-21 Grammar
9-24-21 grammar
12-5-21 grammar
9-8-22 grammar and title