Chapter 19: A Reveal Of The Past
"You realize that our mistrust of the future makes it hard to give up the past."
― Chuck Palahniuk, Survivor
Sasuke & Sakura
"Tell me."
Sasuke pushes his blade forward, tip gleaming in flickering moonlight just as one's of Sakura's wasps comes to rest on his carotid pulse ready to sting at her command. A droplet of blood bubbles up on her neck, as deep red as his eyes and Sakura watches as it trickles downward without a flinch.
"You won't get answers out of me via threats or harming me any further." Sakura volleys back coolly.
She pushes his blade away slowly, knows he won't truly injure her until she gives him answers.
His impatience is growing thin though with each passing second, Sakura leaping back from him taking to the trees. Sasuke grits his teeth, beside her in a second as she climbs up towards the canopy.
Distantly he knows he should've long headed back to Orochimaru's base hours ago, that Kabuto will send Jugo or Suigetsu maybe to come find him.
"Stop dragging this out, nobody is going to hear us this deep in the woods." Sasuke admonishes Sakura.
Sakura says nothing, green eyes flickering to him before back to the surrounding forests, sliding herself between thickets of leaves and moss. "You say that, but I know Orochimaru's minions are going to come looking for us soon enough. It's good to have a high vantage point to see them before they see us."
Sasuke sighs, flames crackling to life again should Sakura try to delay giving him answers any longer.
A silence overtakes them, sound of crickets and frogs in the marshes to the east filling the void, Sakura blowing out a breath.
"In order to get these answers I've done such...such cruel things. I pushed a man to relive memories he wanted to stay buried, memories of the night of the Uchiha massacre." She begins.
Sasuke's eyes widen a fraction. 'The night of the massacre?'
"The officer's name doesn't matter, but he was assigned by Lord Third to be a part of the 'clean up crew' per say. He and his other coworkers were given the grisly task of identifying the bodies one by one. I peered into his memories and learned that the reason for the massacre was because the Uchiha clan had been planning a coup against Konoha. Itachi, being loyal to Konoha, decided to stop it before the plans truly came to fruition." Sakura continues.
Sasuke stiffens, teeth clenching together.
He already has an idea who was with Lord Third in the planning of this: Danzo.
'But why?'
Old memories arise of Father having late night meetings behind closed doors under candlelight, his Mother pushing him away whenever he tried to listen in. Anger must've been festering at Uchiha clan being constantly seen as a threat since the Second Hokage's tenure, the role maybe their kekkai genkai played in the last Shinobi World War...
"More than just that though, Itachi is sick with a rare pulmonary disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It appears to be getting worse as the years go by from what I found from his records with him choosing minimal treatment options." Sakura finishes.
"What?!" Sasuke snaps, moving to stand.
It isn't too unbelievable to say his clan was wiped out all because of rising hostility, but Itachi actively dying?
No, he hasn't exacted his revenge, illness can't be his demise.
Her wasps form an immediate barrier hearing the anger in his tone, Sakura pursing her lips.
"I know you're not going to believe me without evidence so I brought his file along as proof." She observes.
Sakura snaps her fingers, wasps dutifully flying to a hollowed out tree a few meters away, returning with a Manila envelope.
They drop it into Sasuke's hands, Sasuke instantly removing the stapled documents taking in highlighted lab numbers, bold red letters indicating abnormal results.
The clinical notes are dated from years ago ,worn to a yellow gray. A mix of appointments from during Itachi's genin days, his time in the ANBU, even right before the massacre...
'6/19/XX-Summer weather has improved some of Itachi's coughing, but he still reports night sweats and low grade 's been trying the deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometer with minimal relief.' Sasuke reads.
This is from when he was still at the Academy, would take him in the woods for target practice. Nothing about his features conveyed illness he thinks back, at least not enough for Mother to make one of her special herbal teas or soups for him.
He flips to another date and time when he's older, frowning at how much his disease has progressed within just a few years.
'8/3/XX-Scar tissue on Itachi's lungs have worsened since his last visit per bilateral X-ray exam. He reports he's been coughing up blood at night and in the early mornings with some mucus off and on. He states he doesn't want to do any major surgical intervention at this time and will continue with inhalers and steroid injections as needed. He confirms understanding that his condition will worsen without further interventions and treatment.'
It the last note from his pulmonologist, afterwards came the massacre, leaving Konoha for the Akatsuki.
Or really as a spy still for Konoha it seems.
His gaze turns back to Sakura, still not sure if these papers are real until she points to Konoha's official seal, signature, and watermark stamped in the corner by Lord Third.
Sasuke's shoulders slacken, mind swirling with a dozen thoughts.
At this point, if Itachi truly pushes himself in a fight he'll die...
'That's what I want though!'
His stomach curdles in disagreement, acid stinging the back of his mouth absorbing this news.
"Sasuke, tell me. What happens after you kill Itachi; what are you going to do next?" Sakura murmurs, fingers brushing at the nape of his neck.
He startles at her touch, but doesn't immediately push her away.
And it's in that brief moment Sakura manages to plant half a dozen wasp larvae into his hair, too small for him to have noticed hopefully or feel.
The rest of her spy wasps will have to take to the ground and air, observe as much as they can of Sasuke, his associates, and most of all his current whereabouts.
At least until he catches and burns them.
And telling from his continued dark look he still hates their bond, this annoying want to be near her and push her away all at once.
Sakura watches him carefully, revenge has been Sasuke's biggest thought for years now, the reason for his defection.
Only darkness swims up when he tries to look beyond that...
After he confirms everything from Itachi's lips for himself, after he dies, then what?
'I don't know.' Sasuke realizes.
He studies the night sky, swirls of violets and blacks amid twinkling stars, pulling away from Sakura to head back to Orochimaru's base.
Orochimaru. He gets weaker and weaker with every passing day, useless to him now.
'It's time I kill him too." He decides.
"There's nothing left for you to do after Itachi's death, is there?" Sakura muses behind him and Sasuke grits his teeth, swears he can hear the smile in her voice knowing her words ring true.
Naruto & Jiraiya
"Heh, so you finally brought Hinata over last night, huh? Proud of you kid, though I'm sure her Old Man is going to ring your neck once he finds out!" Jiraiya mentions, looking up from his bowl of katsudon.
'He's even become a better chef too, no longer eating ramen all the time!' He marvels.
Naruto nearly spits out his tea, too late to hide his surprised look. He cleaned up his room and took a shower once Hinata left, how could Pervy-Sage know of his nighttime activities?!
Jiraiya gestures with his head to the scratch marks near his shoulders partially visible, lewd grin rising up taking in the streaks of red.
"What? Thought you could keep it a secret from me?! I'm an expert on lovemaking scenes if you ever want to actually pick up my books now to get advice-"
"Pass." Naruto cuts him off, holding up his hand, burying his face into his own bowl to hide his warming cheeks.
Thank goodness he came after Hinata already left, his teasing would've been 10 times worse if she was here with him...
"Anyways, why did you suddenly decide to stop by for breakfast?" Naruto questions dryly. He knows Pervy-Sage wouldn't be dropping by out of the blue if he didn't have some important news for him.
Jiraiya merely beams. "I can't visit my favorite godson?!"
Naruto rolls his eyes. "I'm you're only godson."
Jiraiya shrugs, smile dropping fixing him with a serious look.
"Okay, Okay. Just as you're about to go out on this mission to find Itachi, I'm about to head out on a mission of my own."
Naruto stops mid slurp of his broth, leaning forward curiously making Jiraiya chuckle.
"I'm going to Amegakure to investigate the Akatsuki's mysterious leader: Pain." He ventures.
Naruto sets down his chopsticks, nerves set afire by such a simple statement. He's heard rumors of the Akatsuki's leader from listening in on a few conversations between jonin at Ichiraku's, his seeming wide array of abilities that's taken down shinobi as powerful as Hanzo.
'Someone that strong could give Pervy-Sage a hard time.'
Jiraiya chortles at Naruto's worried look, brows furrowing together.
"Geez, have some more confidence and faith in me Kid! You're looking at a legendary Sannin after all!" He puffs out his chest in emphasis.
Naruto nods, tacks on a weak grin.
He's right, he knows he's right, but he's sure Jiraiya has never dealt with such a powerful opponent before in all his journeys across the lands:
Jiraiya situates himself by his side, pats at his shoulders until a true smile lights Naruto's face once more, accepting his harsh ruffle of his hair and sideways hug. At least if the worst happens to him, Naruto won't be left alone. He'll still have his old classmates, Tsunade, Iruka, Kakashi...
And most of all: Hinata.
'Cherish your red thread Naruto, no matter what happens next.'
He wishes for the hundredth time he'd been here for the moments Naruto truly needed him, the lonely seemingly endless nights and the times he needed pep talks before a match.
'I'm going to keep doing my best for Naruto moving forward. Minato. Kushina.' Jiraiya silently promises them.
"When we get back from our respective missions, I'll treat you to Ichiraku's! In fact, I'll even add in some advice for dealing with the Hyuga for free!" Jiraiya decides.
Naruto winces, he'd been trying to put the clan's harsh rules and practices to the back of his mind.
"Alright, though I hope it's actually good advice." He snorts.
Jiraiya huffs, moving back for his own tea.
"I never give bad advice!"
Hinata & Hiashi
"Uncle is waiting for you in the garden." Neji guides her.
"I used every excuse I could think of for your absence last night Big Sis, but Father saw through them all." Hanabi adds apologetically.
Hinata shakes her head, squeezing her hand gratefully.
She knew this moment was coming from the instant she picked to stay at Naruto's apartment versus returning back to the manor. Under a milky yellow-pink sunrise she returned to the night guards whispers, harsh stares at her unbecoming behavior as the elder sister.
The Elders have probably been in a frenzy with Father trying to decide a fitting punishment for her.
Neji forms a seeming barrier keeping the nosy eyes of their younger clan members from staring, surely looking for telltale signs at where she could've been they can use as gossip or blackmail. Hanabi gives a stink eye to every last attendant and family member who dares to catch her gaze, Hinata stifling a laugh as most hurriedly look away from warpath she'll create.
'It's fine, I made my choice no matter what Father says.' Hinata knows.
Certain marks she couldn't fully hide, the remnants of passionate kisses with Naruto she wears now like a badge.
Hiashi dismisses Neji and Hanabi from her side as soon as they come into his full view, patting the grass beside him for her alone.
Hinata hesitates, pushing herself forward despite the dull thrum of her heartbeat swishing throughout her body. He smells of cedar and moss making her wonder how long he's been waiting for her to return home. The garden slowly comes to life around them, white daisies slowly unfurling in coming sunlight.
Hiashi sighs at her silence, gestures to the tea and assortment of baked goods and fruits he set out for them. It's a lavish display he probably had the head chefs working on from before dawn, bowls and plates of rice, soups, eggs, steamed fish, and veggies set before them like a banquet.
"Are you hungry? When's the last time you ate?" He questions.
'This morning. At Naruto's before I left, we made some onigiri and tamagoyaki.' She thinks.
"One more kiss for the road!" Naruto exclaims.
"I'm late though!" Hinata remarks back, but she lets his arms loop around her, takes in his warmth and the smell of spice on his breath.
He twirls her back so that they're face to face, kisses her until she nearly melts and almost, almost decides to stay.
"I had an onigiri earlier, but thank you." Hinata answers honestly enough, nibbling on a cinnamon roll. Her favorite food sits bitterly on her tongue. Father is trying to placate her, a salve before he drops news he knows will upset her.
Hiashi watches her, blows out a breath.
"It isn't that I don't understand what you're feeling Hinata. I know just being near one's red thread can cause an influx of...hormones and feelings. I was young once too, you know. I used to take your Mother on long walks in the forest, even skipped out a few times on training with your Grandfather once I knew for sure she was my match. Ah, he was so mad once caught me looping around a grove that he forced me to meditate for the rest of the day without lunch and dinner." He carefully words himself, chuckling at the memory.
Hinata glances up from her tea, it's rare to hear Father talk about his days of youth, let alone Mother.
'Does this mean he understands my relationship with Naruto?'
Hope sparks to life in her chest, straightening herself.
"So then, you're okay with Naruto being my match?" She can't help but ask.
Hiashi clears his throat, shaking his head and Hinata feels her chest sink, foolish to let have her thoughts get away from her...
"You must understand Hinata, Naruto is and always will be Konoha's weapon; the jinchuriki. Jinchuriki aren't meant to have red threads, they serve the purpose of being their village's weapon in times of war." He explains.
"No, I don't understand Father. It's cruel to say that Naruto should live a life without love! It isn't like he had a choice in being Konoha's jinchuriki and the same can be said for the jinchuriki of all the major shinobi nations!" Hinata counters.
Her nails dig into grass drawing up blades and dew, watching as Hiashi's eyes harden akin to ice.
"Hinata, it's for your own safety that you spend less time around Naruto. Consider all the moments you had together to be just precious memories from now on."
Hinata shifts back from him making her tea tip over, staining the blanket in brown, matching his glare with her own.
"What is it you intend to do Father? Use a Heartbreaker Woman to tear at our thread? Matchmake me with someone you deem worthy?"
Hiashi waves off her questions, scoffs at her stubbornness.
"I don't need a Heartbreaker Woman. Though I ignored Hizono's desires to get into my good graces, he came back to me many nights ago with a suggestion I couldn't pass up."
"I have no intentions of tying Hinata to a lower branch member, let alone a man not even up to par with her skill." Hiashi scowls. A cold breeze drifts over them from the mountains to the west, reminds him just how late in the night it is taking in the dusky blue on the horizon.
It was a waste of his time to meet him at the Hyuga's gates, but Hizono is a persistent man.
"Please, just hear me out Hiashi. If you don't want to use this scroll, then fine! Burn it or tear it apart and we can both pretend this night never happened!" Hizono mentions hurriedly before Hiashi can turn away.
"Should we escort him away Master Hiashi?" Hazami asks keeping his tanto blade closely pressed to Hizono's chest to which Hiashi holds up a hand to first hear him out.
"This is your last chance." He warns.
Hizono breathes a sigh of relief, pulls out the scroll from his sleeves.
"What exactly is contained in that scroll? Something that will paralyze Hinata or harm her mentally?" Hiashi asks wearily.
"No, no! It's nothing like that! You're not going to get Hinata to sever her tie from Naruto on her own nor are you going to be able to convince Naruto I imagine to break his thread bond to her unless worse comes to worse in him losing control of the Nine Tail's power."
Hiashi sighs and Hizono smirks, knows Hiashi's heart despite his stoicism, his deepest worries for his eldest daughter.
"Listen, all you have to do to ensure Hinata's bond with Naruto becomes forever strained is to seal her red thread." Hizono explains quickly.
Hiashi considers it, too long of a second for Hizono not to see his interest.
"Seal her red thread with the trap within this scroll when the time is right." Hizono pushes, gesturing to the bound scroll again.
He shoves it into Hiashi's hands before his guards can properly assess it, pearl eyes glittering in the dark.
"Just know, it may cause Hinata some pain once it's activated! But it's for the her own good, right?"
Now isn't the right time, not when Hinata gazes at him so suspiciously...
"Hizono?! What has he been whispering in your ears or putting into your head?" Hinata asks, words tumbling out in a near shout.
"I just want what's best for you Hinata; I'm sure you'll see it too once you're a bit older." Hiashi responds, avoiding her answer; calming himself.
Hinata bristles, moving to stand quickly with the soft excuse of needing rest.
Hiashi watches her go, doesn't miss the sparks of sapphire flames that danced across her fingers briefly, the way her white orbs darkened with ire directly on him.
She'll understand his decision someday, nodding to an attendant at the garden's edge they can pack up the food now. He studies his reflection in his green tea while the helper quietly packs up crushed pieces of bread and cold rolls of omelets, carefully avoiding his gaze all the while.
'It's fine, today is just a minor setback.' He reminds himself.
He wracks his mind for when the right opportunity will be to unleash the seal before Hinata is called away for another mission. Her team will most likely be assigned to provide aid in pursuing Itachi before that brother of his gets to him first.
'I have to act soon, before she truly endangers herself.'
Naruto & Hinata-Konoha's gates
Kiba doesn't need Shikamaru's brains to know something is up between Naruto and Hinata.
He sniffs the air absently between them picking up just the usual scents of ramen coming off of Naruto and Hinata, her favorite sweets mixed with hints of jasmine. It's clear their dynamic has shifted though even being red threads as they are, Naruto sneaking glances at Hinata every 5 minutes practically while Hinata sends him a smile back each time she catches his gaze.
'Yeah, something big happened, can't put my finger on it though.'
Well, rather as well just ask!
"What's up with you two?" He asks point blank once he manages to drag Naruto a few feet away from the group. They're still waiting on Sakura to arrive and of course Kakashi-sensei is always late.
Naruto startles, silly grin instantly fading into a frown.
"What'd ya mean Kiba! I'm just smiling at Hinata, you know!"
"Kiba, don't hassle Naruto!" Hinata calls out to him.
"I'm not!" Kiba chimes back, covering Naruto's mouth before he can loudly voice his disagreement.
Kiba snorts, lowering his voice by a fraction. "You're a terrible liar."
"Hinata is different, she's less shy around you. Bolder even." He goes on, listing examples of her casually holding his hand in public, talking back to the Hyuga guards, leaning against him while out at the park.
Naruto shrugs, though Kiba doesn't miss the flicker of amusement that passes across his features.
"Geez, don't follow us around Kiba! And of course Hinata's more confident, that's my effect on her, you know!"
"Yeah. Yeah. So you say, however that doesn't explain that red mark she missed covering on the side of her neck!" Kiba persists, victorious grin etching up as Naruto scrambles in looking away.
'I knew it! It is something big!'
But before he can grill him for more questions, coral pink hair comes into view.
Sakura.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm not as late as Kakashi-sensei, am I?" Sakura questions with a half-smile as she approaches the group.
Naruto shakes his head, pointing with his thumb back towards to the gates.
"Nah, you know sensei is always last to arrive for big missions like this!"
Kiba hums thoughtfully watching as Sakura adjusts her cloak, the way she focuses to cover her neck and arms while adjusting her gloves. Her wasps dance around her, maybe tired or frustrated with her from their loud buzzing.
"I know, I'm sure next time it will go differently. I promise." She whispers to them in that same weird way Shino does himself to his beetles.
She rings her hands as if they sting and Kiba absently wonders how his own red thread is doing so far away from here.
'I guess it isn't a surprise she talks to her wasps since she trained with the Aburame clan. Wait a minute though, was she just coming back from another solo mission?' Kiba wonders.
Come to think of it, he hasn't seen Sakura making rounds at the hospital or clinic as much except for in the late evenings or early mornings...
Always when less people are around.
Ino might know what's going on with her, though she's protective of Sakura's secrets and vice versa.
He sniffs the air again with Sakura's presence now here, arching a brow in surprise.
It's her usual favorite soaps and lotions, but mixed in is the distinct scent of grass, bark, and...fire?
She must've came from deep within the forests, impossible to fully wash away the scents so soon. She was with somebody or near someone who may or may not specialize in fire-related jutsu.
Someone like Sasuke.
'The traitor. Red thread or not I would think Lady Tsunade would be against that.' Kiba considers.
He glances to Akamaru, gives him a silent nod in agreement.
'Looks like Naruto and Hinata aren't the only one keeping secrets.'
Though without proof, he keeps himself quiet watching as Sakura skirts herself between him and Naruto to chat with Shino over the coming rain.
Sai observes her too, though Kiba can't tell what's on his mind with that creepy plastic smile and wave in his direction.
Kiba looks back over to Naruto prepared to pick back up on his teasing only to see him by Hinata's side again with Yamato as well.
"We're going to be splitting off into groups soon. Our group will consist of me, you, Hinata, and one of Kakashi's ninken dogs. There's various towns and hideouts we'll need to explore thoroughly to catch Itachi's scent. Hopefully before Sasuke reaches him first." Yamato explains.
Naruto huffs, crossing his arms.
"Yeah, but why with you though? You always stare at me with those creepy dead eyes of yours, you know!" He asks point blank earning him a sharp jab from Hinata.
Yamato takes no offense, used now to Naruto's up and down moods.
"Because you're a jinchuriki too; or did you forget that crucial detail?"
Naruto avoids his sardonic gaze. Even with Hidan incapacitated along with Sasori and Kakuzu's deaths, with all he's learned, the Akatsuki are still capturing the Tailed Beasts one by one...
He'll always be on their radar, will eventually become their next target.
"Everyone, gather close so you can hear my directions!" Kakashi announces to their left taking him out of his thoughts.
Naruto peers back over to Jiraiya and Tsunade who've come to see them off, grinning at Jiraiya's failed attempts to hold Tsunade's hand.
"Stop it you pervert! She hisses.
"I thought Lady Tsunade was giving him a real chance?" Hinata questions softly while watching them.
"Guess Granny isn't in the mood for Pervy-Sage's advances now of all times." Naruto concludes.
Jiraiya catches his gaze, beams despite the throbbing slap mark to his cheek.
"Good luck!" Naruto reads from his lips.
"Same to you Pervy-Sage!" He cheers back.
"I didn't forget." Naruto mentions to answer Yamato's earlier question, looking back in his direction.
He catches Hinata's gaze next with a nod.
There's too much at stake to have forgotten.
Elsewhere-Amegakure
"It's unusual for a jinchuriki to have a red thread, but no matter. It won't get in the way of our goals." Nagato confirms.
Konan studies the curtain of rain outside, the miles of endless grays and blacks.
She's glad that Nagato is still confident in their plan, believes in it's success when she herself is nagged with prickles of uncertainty.
Kakuzu and Sasori are dead. Hidan though immortal, is buried deep underground and will eventually starve to death she imagines.
'Deidara is crafty, but impulsive. He may pick a fight that he won't be able to win...'
The Akatsuki is crumpling right before them.
Again.
"You're worrying, aren't you Konan? Itachi and Kisame just collected the 4 tails. They'll be cautious." Nagato reminds her.
There's also Tobi to think of as well, no matter how much it seems he has his own personal goals that may go against their own...
She nods, studying back their notes only for a gust to sweep through the room, metal whistling in the air gazing back towards outside.
Deva Path, Animal Path, and Asura Path follow her stare; at ready.
"We have an intruder in the village." Nagato observes.
Konan nods slowly, not just any intruder telling from her paper butterflies' analysis.
Master Jiraiya.
Konan looks back to Nagato, both his real body and the 6 paths of Pain.
"He intends to learn of your true identity." She remarks.
But no civilian or shinobi has ever seen his real face, it's doubtful he'll learn much.
They watch him for awhile via her paper butterflies and cranes scattered about the village, Jiraiya first visiting a club to ask of Ame's leader before pinning down a shinobi in an alleyway for answers.
"Some things about him haven't changed." Konan muses, recalling Jiraiya's silly and perverse attitude towards women.
Nagato shakes his head, each path surrounding him forming a barrier.
"He won't get in the way of our goals. We'll finish things here and now."
He moves the Deva Path forward, heading out with Konan.
"Oh, is this my welcoming committee?!" Jiraiya grins as he returns out of the alley.
He takes the pair in before snapping his fingers in surprise.
"Yahiko? Konan? Wow, boy have you two grown! Konan especially, I see you've become quite the beauty!" Jiraiya chuckles.
It could be just like old times, memories arising of their rundown base on the outskirts of the village; the hop-in, hop-out door. Where is Nagato, though? Had he passed on in a previous skirmish or battle?
Their guarded looks keep him from asking, paper wings white as snow encompassing Konan's back lifting her upward.
"Turn back sensei, you have no business here anymore." She warns.
Jiraiya puts his hands to his hips. "Now that's no way to act after we're just now seeing each other again for the first time in years!"
Konan ignores his playful banter, paper butterflies floating down turning sharp as blades aimed for his head.
"Toad Oil Bullet!"
She immediately unleashes a second wave as the oil sticks to the first batch, paper drizzle raining down creating a sea of white.
"Your paper is durable, but not so much I can't handle it!" Jiraiya mentions, sucking in another breath.
"Fire release: Flame Bullet!"
Konan clicks her tongue as her paper attacks turn sticky and to ash, skirting back in the direction of the underground tunnels.
Nagato halts her before she can go further into the dark, shaking his head. The rest of the Paths land beside him, await his next command.
"I'll deal with Jiraiya, make sure no other intruders come in the interim."
-x-
Sorry this chapter is a bit shorter than usual, couldn't think of a way to stretch it out without it seeming like it was dragging!
We all know what's coming next, but expect some changes to canon, especially for all the major sad and dramatic moments! That's all I'm going to say to not spoil anything! The Pain arc is now in motion!
Any thoughts/feedback is always appreciated!
Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!