Sasuke was seized by a feeling of unfulfillment as if his story was incomplete. After a long and heavy silence, Hiashi, the stern and unapproachable clan leader, began to speak.
"When the massacre occurred, it sent shivers down my spine. I may have despised the Uchiha, but no one deserved such a fate. It dawned on me that you were the sole survivor, and yet I was too consumed by my own pride and animosity to extend my hand to you or offer you a place in the clan compound. Looking back, I regret not being able to do more for you…" Hiashi lamented, his voice filled with remorse. "... I was overcome with sorrow when you departed from the village. I could have saved you. If I was braver and faced the elders with joining you to the clan. Maybe even you would have refused. Perhaps it was for the best that it didn't happen. After all, you have become a remarkable shinobi, with an impressive array of abilities and an incredible strength. You, along with Naruto, saved us all during the war, and you even rescued me from certain death in the desert. If it weren't for you, I would have died alone, lost and forgotten in the vast expanse of sand. You found me and returned me to the village. I will be eternally thankful to you." Hiashi praised, gratitude in his voice. "You had the courage to save a Hyuga when I lacked the bravery to rescue you. I wanted to make amends and make you a part of my family. I even thought of proposing a union between you and Hinata, but she had already given her heart to another. I tried to persuade her, even locked her away for weeks, but her love for him prevailed. I felt I'm giving up on you several times. I am sorry, Sasuke," Hiashi apologised, a deep sense of regret evident in his voice.
Sasuke was moved by Hiashi's sincerity and vulnerability. He never expected such heartfelt admissions from the austere and reserved clan leader.
"Don't blame yourself, Hiashi-San. None of this is your fault," Sasuke said, trying to console the crestfallen clan leader. "Perhaps Hinata should tell you this herself, but she is divorcing Naruto," he revealed, his voice soft.
"What?!" Hiashi exclaimed, incredulity etched on his face.
"Hinata and I, we are drawn to each other. And as for Naruto, well, he and… my wife…" Sasuke trailed off, feeling ashamed to admit his true feelings for Hinata. The whole situation is too bizarre, even for him.
"Are you also getting a divorce?" Hiashi asked, his tone tentative.
"I never truly felt married in the first place," Sasuke confessed, his voice heavy with gloom.
"Hinata is a good girl. I wish I was a better father to her. When she was a child, she was kind, brave, and strong. I used to tell my wife how proud I was of her when we were alone, but I was also a clan leader and demanded more from her, as was expected of me as a child. I was too rigid with her, always expecting more. However, she never disappointed me as she thought."
Sasuke felt his breath hitch in his chest, and tears began to well up in his eyes. He looked down, trying to hide his emotions, but the tears still trickled down his cheeks. He remembered his mother telling him the same thing when he was a child. She used to tell him how proud his father was of him, and that he was all he talked about when they were alone. Sasuke never believed her then. But probably his father thought the same about him as Hiashi thought about Hinata. Hearing Hiashi's words made him feel a sense of joy. As much as he disliked Fugaku, he longed to see his father one last time and hug him.
Hiashi approached Sasuke and placed his hand on his back, offering comfort. Sasuke felt a strong urge to rest his head on the man's shoulder, seeking solace from someone who understood his predicament.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Sasuke," Hiashi said, his voice calm and reassuring. "I am aware of the difficult choice your brother had to make. Your clan had planned a coup d'etat, and Itachi-san acted out of mercy. He sought to protect the village from a devastating war and shield the villagers from invasion by other villages seeking to take advantage of the chaos. He wanted the Uchiha clan to retain its glory and reputation, and he wanted to save you at all costs. He wanted you to have a better life in the village and become stronger than he ever was. I know all you did was to prevent what happened to your clan from repeating. Am I correct?"
Sasuke wiped away his tears and looked at Hiashi in surprise. How did he know all this? He straightened his back and tried to regain his composure, but he was still feeling overwhelmed. He was making an uproar and didn't know how to explain what he didn't need to clarify at all.
As if hiashi read his mind, he answered.
"I'm one of the council members. We know everything about Itachi-San. I spent all of last night thinking about your motives, and it wasn't difficult to understand your perspective."
"Thank you, Hiashi-san, for your understanding. I will do everything in my power to get you out of here," Sasuke was overwhelmed with emotions.
Hiashi paused for a moment, his expression sombre. "Sasuke, I need you to look after Hinata. She has no one but you now."
"I got a mission to safeguard her."
Hiashi understood what his mission was. He looked down and nodded. "Oh, Sasuke… I also left you a dwelling in the district. I told you to think about it, remember?"
Sasuke nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Hiashi-san." He scooped up Sarada and left.
Sasuke knew he had to talk to Sakura about their situation. He couldn't keep avoiding the inevitable. He made his way to the Uzumaki mansion. He saw Naruto's silhouette in the tower, which meant Sakura must be alone. However, when he arrived, no one was there.
Frustrated, he decided to head to the hospital instead. It would have made more sense to start there in the first place. He carried Sarada in his arms and trekked all the way to the outskirts of the village, for nothing. Luckily, Sakura was in her office when he arrived.
As soon as Sakura saw her daughter, her face lit up with joy. "Oh, baby, I missed you so much," she exclaimed, taking Sarada in her arms to cuddle and kiss. Sasuke despised bringing their daughter to the hospital, but he had no other option.
"Why didn't you tell me about you and Naruto?" Sasuke asked, getting straight to the point.
"Sasuke-kun, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you as soon as you returned, but you saw everything… " Sakura explained, her voice laced with embarrassment.
"How long has this been going on?" Sasuke asked, his tone low.
"It started on the day you left for your mission. Naruto came over and was complaining about his wife and her clan. We had a few drinks and … "
Sasuke was silent, processing the information. He realises that he can't be angry with Sakura for cheating on him when he himself had cheated. Sakura continued in an angry tone.
"You didn't tell me about you and Hinata, you cheated on me way before. How could you do that?" He was looking to the floor, but with her tone, he lifted his gaze to her.
"We were more in control of ourselves even when we found ourselves repeatedly consumed by our desires. We regretted our actions every time, as we thought about you and Naruto and how much we would hurt you. Nevertheless, the pull between us was difficult to ignore. We tried to be just friends as much as possible. We failed many times but now I don't regret anything. She is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I'll be sending you the divorce papers soon, and Sarada will be staying with me. You can come to the Uchiha district to see her."
"The district? I thought you sold it. "
"Yes, but I still have a dwelling there. " He replied, standing up to leave with his girl.
That is weird! He always refused to rebuild or live there. Sakura thought.
Sasuke hadn't visited the district since he went back during the war to visit the shrine. When he arrived, he found a Hyuga guard watching over the property.
"Uchiha-San!" the guard exclaimed, surprised to see him.
"Hiashi-San said I have a dwelling here?"
"Yes sir, do you need the keys?"
"hm"
The guard rattled his keys and brought out one with an Uchiha fan.
Sasuke went inside to take a look at the house. It was small, especially after living in his gigantic mansion, but it would suffice. Still, He needed more things, so he decided to go back home to rest -after the chaotic day- before starting his spying mission the next day. He knew there were enough Anbu to do the job. After feeding and bathing Sarada, Sasuke tucked her into bed and went to his own room.
…
Meanwhile, Hinata was unable to sleep.
After Sasuke's visit, she decided to go to the Uzumaki mansion to talk to Naruto. Next to the thought about her broken relationships and her detained family, she was consumed by her thoughts about her son, Boruto.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Hinata was greeted by Sakura, who appeared relieved to see her.
"Hinata, thank Kami-sama you're here. I have to go to work, and Naruto isn't here. Could you take Boruto with you? Did you stay the night at the compound?" Sakura asked.
"I came to take Boruto anyway, I missed him so much (kisses)... Sarada is with her father… Could you please tell Naruto I need to talk to him?"
"Of course. If you need any of your stuff, you can take them anytime. You have the keys," Sakura replied.
"Thanks Sakura."
Sakura arched her brow, not Sakura-Chan? Hinata changed so much. What happened to her?
Hinata glanced towards Sasuke's mansion. How stupid of her, to think she'll be living happily ever after with Sasuke there!
She returned to the compound and unpacked some of the items she had brought from the mansion, including books and hobby supplies. She decided to go back to the mansion to get some of her favorite clothes and Boruto's belongings but she will not allow Naruto to take her son from her again.
She changed Boruto's diapers, fed him, and put him down. With a half-drunk cup of tea in hand, she absent-mindedly attempted to read one of her novels. However, her mind was elsewhere, and she found herself spending half an hour on a single page, reading it over and over again without absorbing a single word.
She remmebered how she felt a sense of foreboding about returning to the village. Life had taught her that nothing came easily, and her idyllic love story had felt too good to be true.
She couldn't shake the feeling that this was Kami-sama's punishment for her infidelity with her husband's best friend nonetheless. If only she had listened to her sensei and avoided the trap of Sasuke's love. She didn't regret divorcing Naruto, but she did regret getting involved with his friend, who turned out to be just as much of a heartbreaker as her husband. She shouldn't have loved any of them. She shouldn't have trusted any of them. Or any men.
Men were all the same - selfish, arrogant bastards. She resolved to spend the rest of her life alone with her son, like her sensei had done. After all, being single was the most common way of life in Konoha, and she had had enough of the troubles that came with love and marriage.
But she couldn't simply sit around and read forbidden books. She was the leader now, in the absence of her father and Hanabi. She had to take responsibility and find a way to replace her father, to do the things he used to do if he were still here. She would have to talk to the elders and find out what needed to be done in the compound. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to take on the challenge.
Hinata sighed and closed her book. She had a lot of thinking and planning to do. She would start by meeting with the elders in the morning and discussing the future of the clan. She couldn't let her personal issues get in the way of her duties as leader. She had to be strong and do what was best for the clan. She had to put aside her own desires and feelings. She would have to find a way to move on and build a new life for herself and her son, without relying on any man for support or happiness. She was determined to prove to herself and to the world that she was capable of standing on her own and leading the Hyuga clan.
She already knew that her father was busy with rebuilding the Uchiha district. She went out to take a look at it. As she walked through the district, she could see that the area was still under heavy construction. Despite a guard's warning, she continued to explore the district with her Byakugan activated. She saw anbu members following her movements. She could see some bankers underground. She also spotted some new homes in the traditional Hyuga compound style and a small, modern house that she didn't pay much attention to.
Eventually, she made her way back home, Back in her own thoughts, Hinata pondered the situation with the Taketori clan. The deal with the clan was likely cancelled. Her father's condition for the settlement would not be met, and she knew that the council would do everything in their power to prevent the settlement from moving forward. Even Hanabi's marriage proposal might be withdrawn. Poor Hanabi will be heartbroken. Hinata couldn't help but feel angry at Sasuke, blaming him for everything that had gone wrong.
The next day, Hinata took her son once again to the Uchiha district, her mind racing with thoughts of how to utilise the expansive land at her disposal. She contemplated constructing rental offices or capitalising on the growing demand for single-family homes by building apartments. Her imagination ran wild as she considered how high she could build the structure to maximise living space. If only she could speak with her father and get his opinion on the matter.
Lost in thought, Hinata spotted a familiar Uchiha strolling with his daughter and carrying a large bag on his shoulder. Her eyes narrowed as she silently followed his footsteps, until he drew nearer and she spoke out in a sharp tone, "What are you doing here? I told you I don't want to see you!"
He swallowed the pain her words caused and made a conscious effort to remain neutral, hiding the effect her words had on him. "I'm not here for you. Your father left me a house here, and I am moving in today," he retorted, attempting to push her buttons in return.
Hinata seethed with anger. "My father was too kind to you. He doesn't know your truth," she accused.
"Oh, but you do?" he quipped, a hint of amusement playing on his lips.
"Yes, you are a… you are a traitor" she spat stuttering.
"Thank you for clearing that up. I thought you'd never figure it out," he retorted, striding past her to his house. He felt sad but relieved in a way. All he wanted was to see her. He was about to tell Kakashi to put his mission in his a… but when he heard that it was spying on the Hyuga, especially her, he couldn't stop his beating-from-joy heart. Seeing her angry face made her look so gorgeous. He has to see her every fucking second of the day. He yearned to be by her side, even if she hated him, despised him, and called him a traitor. All that mattered was her safety and well-being
Hinata, her nostrils flaring, pivoted on her heel and strode away with Boruto wrapped around her torso. She seethed with anger, struggling to comprehend the audacity of that man. How could he brazenly move into the Uchiha district, into the house that her father gave him? And to top it off, he dares make fun of her, as if he didn't do anything wrong. The mere thought of being around him sent her nerves fraying. She knew that she had to do something to make him leave.
She went back to the compound, determined to find a way to get rid of him. She tried to come up with a plan, but nothing seemed to work. She couldn't simply force him out of the house; it was not hers to begin with. She couldn't go to the Hokage and complain, it would just cause more problems. She was at a loss, emotionally exhausted and frustrated.
She went to meet the elders and learn from them what her father was doing and how she could replace him without missing any of his duties.
"Where is Hiashi?" Her grandfather asked.
"He left for an urgent trip outside the village. He went with Hanabi and Ko-San." She lied. She will not make the problem bigger than it is. She knows how those oldies overreact. Hopefully her family will be freed soon.
"How could he leave without notifying us? The last thing he did was go to the Hokage tower. Where is this trip going?" one of the elders said.
"I don't know the details. I met him at the tower. He said he'll be back soon. He said I have to replace him until he returns." She started to have enough of the interrogations.
"How can we trust what you're saying is the truth?" another elder said.
"I understand your concerns, but Tou-sama trusted me enough to leave me in charge. He wouldn't have done so if he didn't believe in my abilities. I will do my best to fulfil my duties and make sure the compound runs smoothly in his absence. If you have any doubts, you are welcome to discuss them with me and we can find solutions together. But please, let's not waste time with accusations and mistrust. We have important matters to attend to and besides I guess you don't have a choice." she inhaled deep and exhaled, she must control her unfamiliar temper. "I just want to help the members of the clan. I want to know what father is busy doing these days."
Hinata tried to remain calm and respectful, but she couldn't hide the frustration in her voice. It was difficult enough trying to step into her father's shoes without having to deal with the constant questioning and mistrust of the elders. But she knew she had to show them that she was capable and worthy of the role they entrusted to her.
"He wants to build some kind of orphanage for the new children that came from different villages. All they had left after the war was a family member that lived here. Aunties, uncles or sisters and brothers who married one of our clan members. And our own orphans." said her grandfather.
They called someone to show her the orphanage her father was working on. She had to return to the district. She made her way around the compound to enter through the gate. Observing the towering wall separating the district from the compound, Hinata posed a question to the brunch member responsible for rebuilding the district.
"Why do we still need a wall between the district and the compound?" she inquired.
"For protection, Hinata-sama," he replied. "Protection from what? This land belongs to us now. Break it down and position additional guards at the entrance if necessary," she commanded with unwavering authority.
Hinata approached the orphanage and found that the proposed plan was a simple house in the traditional style. However, she believed that the children deserved more than just a house to live in. They required an activity space, a playground, a nursery, a large kitchen with a dining area, a dojo, and a library. She shared these ideas with the construction team and worked with them until lunchtime arrived. Boruto was left alone with the servant. She must go see him.
After nursing Boruto and laying him down for a nap, Hinata desired a refreshing shower but realised that she did not have her handmade soaps. She used Hanabi's soap to cleanse herself. As she searched for ingredients in the kitchen to make more soap, she discovered that she lacked a few key items. She made the decision to go shopping.
...
From his balcony, Sasuke noticed Naruto walking towards the compound. The balcony had a strategical vision on the Hyuga compound entrance, the street and the uchiha grounds.
"Naruto-Kun, we have to talk about our divorce." Hinata said.
"I know Hinata, I've been thinking about it too. I'm sorry for everything that happened. It was wrong of me to marry you while still harbouring feelings for Sakura. It was unfair to both of you. Furthermore, I allowed my anger and jealousy to get in the way of our relationship."
"I apologise too, Naruto," Hinata replied, her voice choking with emotion. "I regret letting my attraction to Sasuke cause you pain and jeopardise our marriage. I want to make things right, and if possible, start over as friends. I don't want us to hate each other and make it difficult for Boruto to have a relationship with both of us."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's begin again as friends. I promise to be a better father to Boruto and make it up to you and him. I'll ensure that the divorce process is amicable and smooth. I don't want to cause any more pain or hurt for either of us."
Hinata's tears began to flow, "Thank you, Naruto. I'm glad we can speak like adults and move forward. I wish you could find happiness and love again, but this time with the right girl. I am genuinely happy for you and Sakura."
Naruto embraced her, holding back his own tears. "I will always care about you, Hinata. I'll be there for you, no matter what. You'll always be an essential part of my life."
"Let Boruto stay with me," Hinata said, freeing herself from his light embrace, her voice trembling slightly. "You and Sakura are both busy, but I'm his mother. He needs me…"
Naruto nodded understandingly. "I was going to suggest the same thing. Sakura and I tried to take care of him, but he was so demanding. He wouldn't eat or sleep well without you. I don't know how you managed it."
"Oh Thank you Naruto-Kun. You can visit him anytime," Hinata replied gratefully.
Naruto's expression turned grim as he asked, "Are you still with that bastard? Are you going to marry him?"
Hinata shook her head, her eyes downcast. "No, I'm not marrying anyone. He's in the district, probably on a mission to observe me."
"In the district?" Naruto's brow furrowed in concern.
"Yes, my father left him a house there… How is Tou-Sama doing? And Hanabi and Ko-San? "
"They are all fine, don't worry," Naruto reassured her.
"Do… Do you have an idea when they will be released?"
"I don't know Hinata. But Kakashi-sensei is doing his best to gather more information about the damn scroll. If he's certain it doesn't exist, he'll release them. He doesn't want the council to find out about their detention."
"I know," Hinata murmured, her voice heavy with worry. "I even lied to the elders, telling them that my father took Hanabi and Ko-san on a trip. I hope they don't find out I'm lying."
...
Naruto had been curious about Sasuke's new home in the district and decided to pay him a visit.
"So you left your castle to live in this cottage, bastard," Naruto quipped, taking in the modest surroundings.
Sasuke eyed him warily. "What do you want, Naruto?"
"Nothing, I just thought you hated it here. You said many times you would never rebuild it or live within its walls."
"I'm on a mission," Sasuke replied curtly.
"So Hinata was right! You're spying on her," Naruto accused, crossing his arms.
"None of your business," Sasuke spat.
"When are you divorcing Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, changing the subject.
"I sent her the divorce papers today. You better do the same," Sasuke replied, his tone cold.
"Why the hurry? Hinata said she's not marrying anyone," Naruto prodded.
"Go away, Naruto," Sasuke snapped.
"I guess you're very unlucky with women, my best friend!" Naruto teased, a mischievous grin on his face.
Sasuke only glared at him.
"Fine, see you tomorrow, bastard," Naruto said, turning to leave.
"Don't come here again, idiot," Sasuke shouted after him. He hated being provoked and losing his temper, and Naruto always managed to push his buttons.
Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.
