The Logical Conclusion
Chapter Four:Moments
"We're finished here, why don't you go and have the rest of the day off?"
"I still have lessons with Tsunade-sama later on though," Sakura said as she wiped her hands on the apron she used to protect her clothes from blood. Being a medic in training was hard, gruesome work. She actually saw a lot more blood now than she did when she was a Genin and doing mostly D and C rank missions.
It took far less energy to damage a body than to patch it back together.
"Hokage-sama is busy in her office," Shizune answered and this time, it was actually true instead of code for 'She's sleeping in her office'. An important person from one of the larger cities in fire country had come to meet with her and was even now, still in the Hokage's office. "Its likely she will be unavailable until later on."
"Oh…okay. So I don't have to come back later?"
"No, you can go now. See you tomorrow Sakura-chan," Shizune said as she left to do her rounds.
Sakura smiled as she took off her apron. This was great, maybe she could go find Sasuke-kun and spend more time with him. Right about this time, she knew he would be training. He always was and since Naruto was off in another training adventure with Jiraiya-sama (much to Tsunade-sama's anxiety), then she could have more free time with Sasuke-kun! Just the though of being able to spend some alone time with him made Sakura's heart flutter with excitement. They were closer now than they had been when they were still genin, they were comrades, a team and perhaps it could be the beginning of something more.
That time, in the forest of death when the curse seal had overcome Sasuke, she had been so scared that she would lose him to the darkness she could see in his eyes. Sakura hadn't been able to help her self; she'd thrown her arms around him from behind and pressed her cheek to his back crying. She'd been so scared at the cruelty and malice in his eyes, the joy and relish that she could see reflected there as he used his power against their enemies. He'd done it to avenge her.
Sakura…who did that to you?
Tell me who hurt you so I can make them pay.
Sasuke did care.
He wasn't some cold hearted, arrogant avenger like everyone thought. She saw past his mask and saw the pain underneath the cold façade and it made her love him more for it. He was so strong and even though he tries to push people away, she knew deep down that he cared.
He was so cool too and heartbreakingly handsome on top of that.
Sasuke cared for her and for Naruto.
They were a team.
They were comrades.
Sakura wanted to be something more for him and maybe in time, Sasuke will realize that.
She tucked a strand of pink hair behind her ear, smiling.
Sasuke cared.
He cared for her.
It was a start.
XXX
If there was one thing to be said for introverts, it was that they thought too much. Just because they were quiet didn't mean they didn't have thoughts or things to say. It was just that they rarely voiced their opinions if at all. Sasuke had settled himself beneath the large tree in the Hatake backyard, placing Kaori over to the sandbox to play. After a minute or so, Kaori seemed to grow bored of the sand and crawled over to sit in front of Sasuke and was now eyeing him with those disconcerting red eyes of hers. He lifted an eyebrow at her. Kaori yawned and regarded him with half-lidded eyes.
It was unnerving how the girl's expression was so similar to that of Kakashi's.
It was stupid, why was he locked in a staring contest with the munchkin anyway?
Red Eyes.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan, his black eyes bleeding into red so that their eyes were almost identical save for the three black commas surrounding Sasuke's black pupil.
A lot of people had commented how staring at the Sharingan was intimidating but Kaori seemed unbothered as she continued to stare at him lazily before she yawned again and crawled over to sit beside him. He'd drawn one knee up, his wrist resting on it while his other leg was sprawled on the ground. Kaori rubbed her tiny hands over her eyes and leaned against Sasuke, yawning and making little baby noises as she snuggled against him.
Sasuke blinked, his eyes returning to their normal black as he stared at the top of her head.
A baby.
It was strange to have a baby with you.
They were helpless and useless in battle and Sasuke could feel a wet spot on his side, probably from all that baby drool leaking from Kaori's mouth and into his shirt. It probably wasn't the best sleeping position so he picked her up awkwardly and settled her on his lap like he'd seen his former Jounin instructor do a couple of times before.
Kaori opened her eyes and blinked for a moment before settling back down to sleep, her cheek resting on his chest, her thumb inside her mouth while her other hand held on to a handful of the fabric of his shirt.
He looked down at her sleeping form and couldn't help but think how odd it was that here was this creature that had the same genes as Kakashi did. She hadn't been alive before and now, she was here and she would live and grow up and have her own life and yet right now, she was still so small and her bones were so fragile he could easily snap them with a careless gesture on his part.
That was why he was holding her gingerly, because he didn't know how to handle babies.
That was why he was there almost every week now, so he would know how to handle babies, just in case.
If he had been Kakashi, Sasuke would never have left his only daughter in his care. He couldn't believe Kurenai even allowed him to hold her. He might have come back but he was still the same. His goals were still the same and although Sasuke wasn't planning on leaving right now, he wasn't sure if it would stay that way forever.
Itachi was still out there and as long as he was still alive, then things were far from over.
Sasuke had dedicated his life to avenging his clan and he would either live with that decision or die trying.
There was nothing else for him.
Revive your clan…
How?
Get a wife, a partner that his parents would approve of? Suppose he did decide on someone (which was unlikely since most of the girls he knew were members of his supposed 'fan club' and they grated on his nerves) how was he supposed to go about making her agree to marry him? He was an avenger after all and he would, one day, leave to find and kill Itachi. He wasn't an expert but Sasuke didn't think that a lot of girls would want to get married and have children with someone who planned to leave and might very well die and end up making her a widow with kids to take care of all on her own.
There was truth in Kakashi's words; Sasuke did have most of the female population of Konoha panting after him. Sasuke acknowledged this fact but took little pride in it. Most guys his age would love to be in his position but Sasuke was different. He didn't like it when girls squealed his name and went after him. He wouldn't want the future mother of his children to be prone to such behavior. The Uchihas were a noble clan, a family that prided itself not only on its power, skill, strength and bloodline limit but also in its dignity.
The very fact that some girls were willing to invade his privacy and personal space just to get his attention was a sign of their blatant disrespect and although he knew he wasn't perfect, Sasuke at least knew how to leave things well enough alone.
His mother was an elegant woman, contained, beautiful and refined. Sasuke had loved waking up early in the morning and going down to the kitchen to watch her work on breakfast, her long hair tied in a bun at the nape of her neck. She would smile at him and bid him a good morning and her voice would be soft and calm and it gave him a feeling of peace.
At night, he would dream of her and her voice would be shrill and her hair would be down around her face and she would be pointing a bloody hand at him and asking him why he hadn't avenged her death yet. Sasuke always woke up panting; sweat dripping down his face as his heart pounded heavily against his chest.
Lately though, his dreams, nightmares, had taken on a different theme. Instead of accusing him of failing to avenge their clan, his mother would appear with his father and they would sit by the living room and ask him when they were going to meet his wife. His mother would smile at him and tell him that she trusted him to make the right choice…to make them proud.
How in the world was he going to do that?
He didn't know about those things. Sasuke realized that outside from how to be a good Shinobi; he really didn't know much of anything at all.
Not enough hatred.
Itachi told him he wasn't strong enough because his hatred wasn't strong enough…and so Sasuke had tried to cultivate his hate, to relish and nurture it, but all he ended up doing was destroying what little pride he had in himself and what little dignity he'd manage to preserve. The curse seal was a constant, aching, burning reminder of his mistake and what it had almost cost him.
How would his parents react if they were to see him now?
He'd promised to destroy Itachi and in his quest, it felt like he was becoming more and more like Itachi. He didn't even know what kind of person he was. If asked to describe him self, the primary word that came to mind was 'Avenger'…but was that all there was to him?
Sasuke lifted his hand, his thumb wiping a smudge of dirt on Kaori's cheek that she had gotten while playing. Her skin felt so soft against his calloused finger. Her skin was so fragile and yet resilient. The more he watched and observed her, the more he realized he had nothing. Every time he saw her, she grew a little. She learned a little. She changed a little. She was discovering who she was and her place in the world.
Sasuke realized that from the moment his brother's eyes had clashed with his all those years ago and he'd seen how his family had died…he had died as well. He, Sasuke Uchiha, had died at that very moment. What had replaced him was something else, not a human being but an entity for revenge. Yes, as a ninja the experience had prompted him to get stronger and be the best…but as a person, it had stopped him from living and growing.
What was he?
Who was he?
What did he like?
What did he hate?
He didn't know.
As he watched Kaori sleeping, he wondered if he would make a good father and if, having the same blood as Itachi did, he was just as perverse, just as depraved as his older brother was. He had tried to kill his best friend after all. There were times when he would turn to Naruto sometimes and his hand would throb and he would remember just how it felt when his Chidori powered fist had almost…
Would he pass it on to his children?
Would that be his legacy?
Would history, one day repeat itself?
The feeling left something heavy in the pit of his stomach and evoked a reaction inside of him that he wasn't very familiar with. As an unconscious reflex, the Uchiha survivor retreated into the one emotion he was very familiar and comfortable with.
Anger.
It burned inside him as steady and intense as before.
Will it ever fade?
Will his quest ever end?
Not until Itachi was still alive…it wouldn't.
XXX
Hinata shifted at the front door of her former sensei's house, holding the basket of baby things she'd brought for Kaori and the arrangement of poppies she'd bought from Ino. Etiquette had been drilled into her from a young age, as much as the proper footwork of the Jyuuken was, and it seemed Hinata had absorbed her lessons in propriety better than she had her lessons in the combat arts exclusive to her family.
It was rude to show up at someone else's house without bringing something for the host.
She tried knocking again, and again no one answered.
With a shrug, Hinata slid the door open, not the least bit surprised that it wasn't locked. Konoha was a Shinobi village and although there were still a bit of crime happening here and there (especially with primary police force, the Uchihas, having been wiped out save for two) no one was foolhardy enough to actually attempt to steal from, vandalize or desecrate a house where two top Jounins resided.
It would have been suicide.
No one was home it seemed, but Hinata had already informed her sensei in advance about her visit today. Maybe Kurenai-sensei had to run out for a while to get something or they were out by the backyard in the playground Kakashi-sensei had set out for Kaori?
She had visited often enough that Kurenai had bought for her a pair of house slippers exclusively for her use. This house was Hinata's ideal home. She was welcomed here and people looked at her with smiles that reached their eyes and they were genuinely happy to see her.
Hinata liked spending her days here better than she liked going home to the Hyuuga compound.
Hinata set down the things she was holding and took off her dusty slippers by the main entryway of the house and traded it for house slippers. It was a light lavender one, not exactly Hinata's favorite color but it was a color Kurenai said she associated with the shy Hyuuga.
Not very many people knew, but Hinata didn't have a favorite color.
Color was color and it seemed irrelevant to her which color she liked best. There really wasn't one she preferred above another. Kiba tried to convince her once that she should pick a color she liked the best because it would make it so much easier for him to pick a gift for her. In the end, Hinata had, to appease him, told him her favorite color was white.
She'd told Neji about it once and he'd smiled at her and said that her answer was appropriate. At first Hinata had thought it was because the Hyuugas were known for their white eyes and penchant for light colored clothing but her theory had proved wrong. The next day, she'd been tending to her garden because it was her day off. Neji had approached her and given her a crystal prism.
"Since you couldn't decide on what color you liked the best, I thought I should give this to you."
"What's that?" Hinata asked, eyeing the crystal in his hand.
"It's a prism," Neji said, "It looks simple and it doesn't have any color at all. You can actually see through it, like it's not actually there. It looks fragile and it doesn't really attract much attention to itself because of its simplicity and lack of luster."
He was looking right at her as he spoke and Hinata had the sneaking suspicion that Neji wasn't speaking just about the crystal in his hand.
Neji smiled at her, it was small smile but it was there, and held the crystal up towards the sun. The light passed through the crystal and refracted into a million different shades of the rainbow and bathed Hinata and the flowers around her in a starburst of color. "You have to hold it up to the light to really see how beautiful it is."
Hinata gasped in delight as she held out a hand and watched the colors played over her skin as Neji turned the prism, creating a kaleidoscope effect. "Kirei…" she breathed.
"The crystal looks fragile but it's actually very strong. Most of the time, people think that white is plain and too simple but they're wrong. They're just not looking hard enough." Neji took Hinata's open hand and placed the prism in her palm. "White is the presence of all colors, Hinata-sama. Remember that."
She'd had part of the crystal made into a pendant. It hung around her neck in a simple black cord. No one would take interest in stealing it because it did not look expensive at all, but to Hinata it was a treasure.
He was her treasure.
And he was being taken away from her.
She closed her eyes and felt that old familiar ache in her heart. It was deeper and more painful than that time when she received the impact of Neji's chakra slamming past her skin through her ribcage and right into her heart. Why did they have to take him away?
Why him?
Why Neji?
He was hers…
How much more pain would she have to endure?
How much more would her family take away from her before they were satisfied?
How long was she supposed to pay for her sin of being born weak, for being born first?
When will it be enough?
XXX
Tsunade kept her face impassive as she listened to the fat balding man talk on and on about how great the musical group Mourning Angels was and how they were the most sought after music group right now in all of Fire Country, their fame even spreading to other neighboring countries as well. Tsunade didn't really pay much attention to what the man was saying, she didn't care about the Mourning Angels or whatever they called themselves; she was mesmerized by the beads of sweat that popped up from that shining, oily forehead and dripped down the man's face just before he wiped it off with his expensive silk handkerchief.
She briefly considered helping him regulate his temperature so perspiration would not so readily seep from his pores, it would only take a simple jutsu after all and some follow up herbal medicines but he was so blatantly ogling her breasts and his tone was condescending that she though he deserved to be a slimy, fat, balding lecher and left him alone.
"As the manager, I am of course responsible for the band's welfare. Mainly they will be there to control the fans and provide some help if something untoward happens; like an accident where someone gets hurt. It's very hectic out in the road and that's why it would be great if you could provide at least three medics in the team."
"What you came here asking for is a sort of escort mission, correct? An escort mission can easily be handled by a team of Genins with a Jounin instructor."
Takahashi, if possible, started to sweat more as he shook his head. "That will not do! No, I demand more experienced ninjas. The best you have."
Tsunade lifted an eyebrow. There was more to this mission than what Nobu was saying. For artists and famous musicians who only had to deal with fans, there were mercenaries, swordsmen and samurai that were cheaper and easier to hire as bodyguards than Shinobis. "All Leaf Shinobi are the best. We are one of the strongest Hidden Villages and there is a reason why Konoha Shinobi are considered elite."
Takahashi Nobu nodded, "Yes, that's why I came to this village. The owner of the band is extremely cautious and would want to protect his investment. That is why I am requesting a team of perhaps ten ninjas. The Tour in Fire Country would most likely last from two weeks to a month depending on travel conditions. The band has already covered most of the major cities and is due to arrive here for a stopover in a few days. There's only a few more venues left to visit to complete the tour."
"Ten ninjas are a lot."
"Money is no object."
Tsunade rested her elbows on her desk and stared at Nobu, "You're not very familiar with the workings of a contract with a hidden village, are you?" she said. "You prove the parameters my Shinobis will work under but the particulars are up to us. You are staying here until your group arrives correct?"
Nobu nodded wondering how the buxom blonde could suddenly seem so frighteningly cold when a moment ago she was merely a beautiful, buxom, busty blonde. He swiped his face with the handkerchief again.
"Good. Leave your address with my assistants downstairs and we will contact you again," Tsunade stated, ending the meeting. She watched as Nobu stood up awkwardly to leave. He was too nervous, something seemed wrong and Tsunade planned on charging him atrociously for this mission. After all, he'd said money was no object.
Perhaps she should have been nicer? She could picture Sarutobi-sensei glaring at her and admonishing her to be nice and respectful to clients but really, Tsunade could hardly stand the man. Besides, being Hokage was boring and tedious work most of the time (when it wasn't being a pain in the ass) and a girl's got to get her fun somewhere. She smirked and called for one of the ANBU outside her door. "Go get Shizune."
"Hai, Hokage-sama," the masked ANBU said just before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
XXX
Hinata placed the poppies near the large bay window in the living room. She straightened and several framed photographs caught her eye. It had been a while since she'd visited and she smiled at the new photographs she found there. There were pictures of Kaori on Kakashi's shoulders, a close up of Kaori making a face at the camera, Kurenai kissing Kaori's cheek, Kakashi with his arms around Kurenai who was holding onto Kaori.
Hinata picked up a framed photograph of Team 8.
Kiba had been in the middle, his arms locked around her neck in a friendly headlock as he grinned into the camera. Hinata had both arms up; she was blushing and trying to get Kiba to let go of her. Akamaru was standing on Hinata's head trying to get Shino's glasses from his face while Kurenai had been just about to pick the puppy up before Shino unleashed his destruction bugs on the exuberant nin-dog.
The photographer had made them take a picture again and this time they'd behaved, with Hinata smiling shyly in the middle, Shino and Kiba on each side of her with Akamaru's face peeping in from Kiba's jacket. Kurenai-sensei was leaning in over the three of them, her arms around Shino and Kiba's shoulder as they formed a sort of triangle with Hinata in the middle.
Hinata replaced the photograph and picked up another one, this time it was a picture of Genin Cell 7. Sakura was in the middle, Naruto and Sasuke on each side of her and Kakashi-sensei leaning in, his hands resting one on top of Sasuke and Naruto's head.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata said as she traced his picture with her index finger. She wanted him to be happy. He deserved so much, bless his heart. He was always fighting, always swinging his fists against the world that never seemed to give him any breaks. In a way, he was just like her but he was stronger and he fought back and that was what fascinated her about him.
She admired him and loved who he was and what he stood for…but she didn't love him. Not the way she thought she did when she was younger.
Why couldn't Sakura see how wonderful and brave Naruto was? Hinata bit her lip as she remembered Ino's words and felt a surge of dislike for Sakura bubble up inside of her. Hinata pushed the feeling down. Sakura had never done anything bad to her so Hinata really shouldn't dislike her, but when she thought about the hurt the pink haired kunoichi had (unintentionally?) caused Naruto and Ino, Hinata's protective instincts rushed to the surface.
She didn't understand Sakura's actions…it was all for Sasuke wasn't it? Directly or indirectly, everything Sakura did was for and about Sasuke.
Love was destructive sometimes, especially if its one-sided. Like Hinata had once dedicated her life to earning her father and her family's love only to fall short again and again, Sakura must still be trying to gain Sasuke's love. Such devotion was admirable, Hinata had to admit.
What do you see in him though?
Team 7.
There were times they seemed more like a love triangle than an actual genin team. It must be hard for Naruto to see Sakura, the one he loves so much, pine away for someone who didn't return her affection. If the pain Hinata had once felt at the sight of Naruto mooning over Sakura was any indication of what Naruto felt, she really did feel sympathetic towards him.
Sympathy.
Not Pity.
Naruto would hate it for anyone to pity him; he was that kind of person.
If only Sakura could see how much Naruto liked her.
If only Sasuke could see how much Sakura had given up, just for the chance to be with him.
What was so great about him anyway? Hinata had never really been one to extol the virtues of one Uchiha Sasuke but she knew a lot of girls liked him.
Why though?
Because he was good looking?
Because he was a talented ninja?
It wasn't enough.
How was he, as a human being?
Hinata didn't know Sasuke very well, but from what she'd seen, he didn't seem to be a stellar example of human compassion.
He was always walking around with that unfriendly scowl on his face, carrying all his darkness and angst like a banner when in fact he was not the only person in the world who had ever really suffered and he wasn't going to be the last one. What made him and his suffering so special? Granted, having his brother kill his entire Clan was heartbreaking and tragic, but what right had he to belittle everyone else?
Sometimes when she saw him, she could see Neji's pained face as he painfully recovered from the wound on his shoulder, the wound that almost cost him his arm. Hinata would see Ino crying at Chouji's bedside asking him to wake up and telling him that she was going to bring him to an All You Can Eat Buffet and that she won't ever take his chips away from him anymore.
Hinata sighed.
People were sometimes so blind, focused on one dream they forget to look around and they miss out on so many chances and opportunities. That was why even though her steps were slow and hesitant, Hinata always made sure that she took in every detail and she was aware of everything around her because there might be something wonderful she would miss if she didn't pay attention or look hard enough.
She felt sorry for Sasuke because just like Neji had been, he was locked in his own world of grief and revenge and anger and hatred and it blinded him.
Neji's eyes were opened now and Hinata wondered what it would take for Sasuke's eyes to be opened as well.
She felt a presence from behind her and turned. She almost dropped the frame in her hand in her surprise. Red began to seep into Hinata's cheeks as she fumbled with the picture frame she was holding, returning it to the spot where she took it from and clasping her hands together in front of her to keep herself from playing with her index fingers.
There, standing right in front of her was Uchiha Sasuke…
Uchiha Sasuke holding a sleeping Kaori-chan in his arms…
The picture he made was so incongruous that Hinata's mind was having a hard time believing it was real. "Uh…U-Uchiha-san…" she finally managed.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Hyuuga."
XXX
Kakashi settled his daughter inside her crib, extracting her fingers from their hold on his hair. Really, Kaori never grabbed on to her mother's hair, why was she so fond of his? He kissed his daughter's cheek as he settled the blankets around her, making sure she was comfortable for her nap before he left, the baby monitor on to alert them if Kaori made the tiniest noise of discomfort.
"Sleep tight sweetie," he said feeling a bit silly but not caring because he loved her so much. He smiled beneath his mask as he remembered seeing Sasuke and Hinata staring at each other across the living room, looking like they were about to square off or something. He hadn't wanted to interrupt the little moment, curious as who would speak first, he was betting on Hinata who looked about as uncomfortable as anyone could get, but Kurenai had elbowed him in the stomach and announced their presence to the two silent brunettes.
Hinata had sagged in relief when she saw her sensei and Sasuke had tilted his head to acknowledge their presence before thrusting Kaori in Kakashi's arms and announcing that he was leaving.
Kakashi forced Sasuke to stay for lunch, he needed to help him better control his Sharingan anyway. Sasuke's training with Orochimaru had no doubt left him strong but he was still a bit behind with his Sharingan. Since Orochimaru himself did not possess the special eye technique, he couldn't teach Sasuke how to best utilize it to it's fullest potential.
Kakashi, to some extent, can.
He went into the living room where he found a very uncomfortable looking Hinata concentrating all her attention on the floor. Sasuke sat across from her on the sofa, his arms crossed over his chest, his face turned away, expression blank.
"Having fun yet?" he asked with a smile as he strode in.
XXX
Sasuke scowled at Kakashi, who in his old age, seemed to be getting even stranger. Hinata's blush intensified but she smiled a little at the Jounin and stood up to bow and greet him. How someone could blush on top of a blush was something Sasuke couldn't fathom. The entire time they'd been in the living room, he'd watched in semi-amusement how Hyuuga Hinata had tried to formulate some sort of sentence to initiate conversation but ended up just uttering 'A-Anou…' clearing her throat, mumbling 'Uhm…' and then turning away before starting the process all over again.
How annoying.
The Hyuuga was as shy and pathetic as he remembered, probably still mooning over that dobe too.
Sasuke really, really wanted to leave but the lure of improving his Sharingan techniques was too much for him to turn down. Besides, he needed to work harder now than he ever did before. The curse seal was proving more a hindrance to his improvement. He needed to learn to be stronger without activating the seal, which was hard since it still activated automatically sometimes, when he was running low on chakra.
He needed to be independent from the power of the curse seal. He needed to be strong and rely on his own power so that he can push it to its limits of growth and potential. Kakashi had been right, as much as Sasuke hated to admit it. His former sensei had told him that the curse seal will give him a huge amount of chakra but it would also stunt his growth. The chakra given to him by the seal was vast but it wouldn't grow, it wouldn't improve past level 2, it would stay stagnant and Sasuke's potential would remain stagnant as long as he relied on it. Sasuke hadn't listened and now here he was, trying to work around another inconvenience standing in his way.
Sasuke sighed and stood up, "I'm going to go outside to train a little," he said.
"We'll call you when lunch is ready," Kakashi replied.
XXX
Things were rarely as they seem. That was why he was so adamant about his students looking underneath the underneath. Sensory perceptions were a good basis for first impressions but you have to think and to analyze critically before stating your conclusion on any given situation.
Complete assessment must be made.
Looking at Hyuuga Hinata, one would never think she would go very far as a Shinobi. She was a slight girl, pale skin, dark hair and white eyes. She was shy, introverted and it was obvious she wasn't made for violence. Shy, gentle people, people like her, didn't make very good ninjas.
There seemed to be nothing extraordinary about her save for her Hyuuga eyes and the bloodline limit she possessed. Kakashi had been surprised at how she'd stood up again and again despite the odds as she fought her cousin in the Chuunin exams.
It had given him a glimpse of what Hinata was capable of.
Sakura had surprised him during the exams too. While he'd been monitoring Naruto and Sasuke's progress as the two got stronger, he hadn't been aware Sakura had gotten so much better as well. He'd been proud of her even though her fight with Ino ended at a draw.
Look underneath the underneath.
Things are almost never as they seem.
Kakashi had found that Hinata was actually very nice to talk to, when she felt comfortable enough with you to actually speak in sentences. It was surprising for her age how much knowledge she had and on a variety of subjects. Contrary to popular belief Kakashi didn't read Icha, Icha Paradise exclusively. He also read other types of books but found that the books written by Jiraiya were the ones that helped pass time the quickest.
In the beginning of his relationship with the genjutsu specialist, Kakashi had tried to get to know Team 8 a bit more (his team had already been disbanded by then) and he'd found that Kurenai's team had a level of teamwork that far surpassed his own team. They utilized each other's potential in their missions and in training they worked hard to improve themselves and each other. No one was ever left behind.
Hinata sort of reminded him of Rin, one of his teammate during his genin days. She'd been a medic too and although Rin was more outgoing and extroverted than the Hyuuga heiress, they were both the glue that kept the group together. He and Obito hadn't gotten along at first and Rin had forced them to (under threat of major bodily harm, of course). Kakashi had observed that Hinata was sort of the same way with her teammates.
Different methods…same result.
They helped make the group a team.
Sakura was…well Sakura had been different. She had liked Sasuke, had been so focused on him that she ignored Naruto's existence. Maybe not always, but Kakashi could see that it would have been perfectly fine with Sakura if Naruto just went off on his own somewhere, so long as she could be alone with her Sasuke-kun. It didn't foster very good camaraderie at all.
The reason Team 7 had been grouped together was that they thought it would be a balance. Sakura could help Naruto tone down his boisterous nature since he did like her after all, she could be a very good influence on him. She might also be able to help show Sasuke that there was more to life than revenge and power and that there were people out there who loved and cared for him.
It was a good plan in theory, but the reality had crashed around their ears. Kakashi thought he could make it work, all three of them had unlimited potential and they were still kids after all. Perhaps in time they would grow and mature and realize that working as a team, together, was key. Maybe they could move past their differences, prejudices and goals and become one as a unit.
Sakura would stop pinning for Sasuke and start working on being stronger.
Naruto would learn to be less loud and more focused. He would realize he didn't need to rush headlong into fulfilling his dream, that being strongest doesn't immediately make one a good candidate for being Hokage.
Sasuke would know that there were people who cared for him in the Leaf. There were more important things than just getting strong on your own. Revenge was not everything.
Time, unfortunately, did not allow for that to happen.
Neither did fate, it seems.
Sasuke left becoming Orochimaru's 'apprentice', Naruto left under the tutelage of Jiraiya, Sakura became Tsunade-sama's apprentice…Team 7 as a group had gone their different ways.
Now, his team was all back in Konoha and all of them had grown up and made mistakes and hopefully learned their lessons. Life was full of lessons, some you had to relearn again and again before it finally sticks to your head.
The Hokage had asked him to take in a new genin team this year and Kakashi wondered if they were going to past his test.
If they did pass…was he going to be a good enough instructor?
XXX
Sakura had looked everywhere and hadn't been able to find Sasuke and she was worried about him. She was always worried about him, she was always scared he'd disappear again and never come back. She crossed her arms over her chest and made her way to Kakashi-sensei's house.
She loved going there.
She loved playing with Kaori.
A gust of wind flew past and Sakura's hair, which had grown longer again, began to sway and dance with the wind. She reached up a hand to brush the stray strands of hair back in place and found her thoughts straying towards Hinata and the ribbon she wore.
Ino gave me the ribbon.
Ino.
When had Hinata and Ino become so close?
Sakura touched the Hitai-ate she wore on her head. It doubled as a sort of headband to keep her hair in place even though she really didn't need it. Her hair was long, full and silky and it was beautiful. Sakura had several male admirers and most of them said it was because they liked her hair and because, like her namesake, she was beautiful.
She was a flower now, in full bloom.
It was gratifying, after Sasuke's rejection, to see that other men found her attractive. It would have been so much easier to just fall in love with one of them, Naruto, but she couldn't. She was fixated on Sasuke for some reason and she only wanted him. He was her childhood dream and she wanted him to like her back: to like her as much as she liked him.
She turned a corner that led to Kakashi and Kurenai-sensei's house. It was a pretty house, comfortable and a bit away from town. It was surrounded by trees and the house had a large backyard too where Kaori could play and train when she was older. There was also a training area a little way away from the house where Kakashi sometimes lets the former Team 7 train together.
Sakura made a detour when she heard a noise coming from the woods. She hid her chakra and came upon the training area to see Sasuke training with several of his clones. Kunais in hand, one Sasuke leapt into the air and twisted his body backwards in a somersault to avoid the attacks the three other Sasuke's were making. He launched the kunais towards the clones.
Each one hit accurately despite the clone's attempts to evade the weapon and then upon contact, the kunais exploded, causing the clones to disappear in a puff of smoke.
Sasuke landed almost soundlessly and he straightened. "I know you're there Sakura…"
Sakura emerged from behind the tree and smiled, "Hi. I was on my way to visit Kaori-chan when I heard you. What are you doing here?"
"Training," Sasuke said with a shrug as he walked over to retrieve his shuriken. He brushed back the damp locks of dark black hair that fell over his eyes.
"I thought you usually trained near the area by the forest of death…"
"I needed to work on my Sharingan techniques," Sasuke replied. "I thought you were going to be training at the hospital today?" Naruto had sough him out earlier that day to remind him to fetch Sakura after her shift since Naruto was going off on some training thing with Jiraiya.
Sakura blushed; smiling at the thought that Sasuke cared enough to know her schedule. "Yeah well, the Hokage was busy today and there wasn't much to do so Shizune-san gave me the day off."
Sasuke gave Sakura as speculative look.
Revive Your Clan…
She was the only girl he actually knew…
Maybe…?
Giggle. Giggle. Squeal.
Sakura and Sasuke both turned to the source of the sound. Hinata was standing there at the edge of the training ground, her back to them. She'd been sent by Kakashi-sensei to fetch Sasuke for lunch but when she'd seen him and Sakura talking, she felt that she needed to wait because they seemed to be having some sort of 'moment'
Unfortunately, the baby in her arms wasn't quite so considerate.
Hinata smiled a bit awkwardly. "A-Anou…Sumimasen…"
Sakura was surprised to see the white-eyed Hyuuga standing there, an awake Kaori wearing white cat suit pajamas complete with tail and cat ears on her head, in her arms.
"Uh…Kakashi-sensei said to call you…lunch is going to be served in a few minutes…"
XXX
Kurenai turned when she heard Kakashi enter the kitchen. "So, you sent Hinata to fetch your student? How lazy of you!"
Kakashi grinned and hugged Kurenai from behind. "Kaori's awake again. Hinata dressed her up in one of the new pajamas she wore. It's a cat one with ears and a tail. It's very cute."
Kurenai smiled. "I bet. We should take a picture. Have Sasuke hold her…that's something that doesn't happen everyday."
"Good idea, maybe we can blackmail him with it some time…"
Kurenai laughed. Kakashi may have been considered a genius ninja but he could also be one of the silliest people she'd ever met. Who ever heard of anyone naming their plant? Not only that but Kakashi used to have a sticker on his old bedroom apartment that said Warning! Gorgeous Bishonen Alert. Proceed at Your Own Risk.
"Doesn't Sakura have a thing for your student?"
"So does almost every female in Konoha," Kakashi muttered dryly.
"You think he'd pick her…as future bride material?"
"I don't know. Sasuke's never really shown any partiality to any type of girl so I don't know if he likes Sakura or not. Knowing Sasuke, he's going to want his children to be strong. He wants to revive the Clan and bring it back to its old glory so not any normal girl would do. He's probably going to go after someone from a good family, like him…perhaps someone with a bloodline limit also."
"Well not very many people in Konoha have bloo-…" Kurenai trailed off and turned to glare at Kakashi. "Is that why you sent Hinata off to fetch Sasuke while carrying a baby?"
Kakashi shrugged, looking innocent.
"Kakashi!"
Just as Kurenai was getting into her 'scolding' mode, a flash of pink caught her attention from the corner of her eye and she and Kakashi both turned to see Sakura peek walk into the kitchen with a sheepish smile.
"Kakashi-sensei, Kurenai-sensei, hope you don't mind I dropped by…"
Kurenai smiled, "Not at all. Have lunch here too, there's plenty for everyone."
"Can I don anything to help."
"You can set the ta-" Kakashi's voice tapered off when Kurenai gave him a glare. He smiled at his student and made shooing motion with his hands. "That's okay Sakura, we can handle it. Go join Hinata and Sasuke."
Sakura raised an eyebrow at their weird behavior but smiled and shrugged. "Okay. Thanks."
Kurenai turned to Kakashi when Sakura was out of earshot. "What about her? She actually likes Sasuke, what are you going to do with Sakura?"
"So next time we'll make Sasuke look at Sakura carrying Kaori, it's no big deal," he shrugged.
Kurenai shook her head, "Sasuke and Hinata…? It won't work. Aside from the fact that I think Sasuke would be annoyed by Hinata's nervous nature and that Sasuke would only add to Hinata's anxiety and self-esteem problems, Kiba's very protective and possessive of Hinata, he won't want to share her with Sasuke. Shino is protective of her too and he doesn't trust people easily. Neji would never allow Sasuke near Hinata if he can help it."
"I can understand Inuzuka and Aburame, but the Hyuuga genius?"
"Neji's grown very protective of Hinata over the years."
"Hn…I've always wondered who would come out the winner if the Byakugan were to square off with the Sharingan. Interesting…"
Kurenai rolled her eyes and cracked a smile at her husband's antics. "What am I going to do with you?"
"I have a few ideas…"
"Yours or Jiraiya's?" the female Jounin asked dryly.
Kakashi chuckled. "Well…a little bit of both I guess…"
XXX
A/N: Not much SasuHina interaction but I am trying to make the transition as realistic as possible so it would take time for the two of them to start to interact and talk. Neji's gone on a mission but he'll be back next chapter for some drama. I guess this is kind of turning into The Kakashi and Kurenai show huh? Sorry, I'm just having fun with the two of them and they are helping the story along. Next chapter there will be more NejiHinaSasu action and another one of the Rookie 9 will show up. Thanks to all who reviewed, I really appreciate it. Please review this chapter too cuz it's the only way I'll know if you guys are still enjoying this story or if I've ruined things and should let it drop. Thanks!
Hokai Amplifier – Oh absolutely. I hate her too. She grates on my nerves and I have no idea why other people like her. When the part with Ino and Sakura was shown in the anime I was like, 'Oh traitor! And all for a guy?'
Deity of Roses – Thank you for the long review again! I love reading those the best! Oh you like NaruHina? Well I guess some NaruHina are okay, I've read some really good ones but there are also the annoying bad ones too. Definitely, Hinata rocks way more than Sakura who is just so annoying for me. (Sorry, I really don't like her though I know you do) I love writing SasuHina and NejiHina cuz you really have to work to make the relationship transition believably and I think the relationship would be more poignant that way. I love developing characters and their relationships so that's why. As for the plot, don't worry something will come to you! Plot bunnies can be a pain but I'm sure you'll find one soon.
MegDeity – The real pairing, actually I have a plan for that but don't worry in the meantime this fic will be chuck full of NejiHina and SasuHina moments. I hope you liked this chapter!
Kuro Shi- love, love your story and thanks so much for the E-mail. I can't wait for the next chapter of your story, it's so intriguing! I'm very happy that you like my story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter also.
Kanamey – I really am trying to make the SasuHina part of this fic transition realistically, hence not much interaction between them yet. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, its always so good to hear from you!
Ayumi-dono – I'm glad you like my portrayal of Hinata's character and I hope you enjoyed this chapter too. Hinata is my favorite female in Naruto and I think she's got great potential! As for the whole cousin thing, hopefully you won't be so turned off by the NejiHina part of the story. You can enjoy the SasuHina parts. I hope you liked this chapter!
Hiei Jaganhis Flame – I'm glad you like the last chapter and I hope you enjoyed this one too. So did you like my story recommends? Era is one of my favorite stories. Not much SasuHina action in the first parts but as the story goes along it gets more and more interesting, neh?
Muchachangisariray – I'm so glad you like my fic! Thank you, thank you so much! I love Kurenai and Kakashi together too. Right now, not much SasuHina action since I'm trying to make it as realistic and in character for them as possible so yeah, it will be gradual. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
NanamiYatsumaki – I love tea too, it's very soothing. As for Kaori, I'm glad you like her and think she's cute! I hope you liked this chapter and it wasn't a disappointment!
Unknown – Aw, thanks so much. I'm glad you love my story and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.
The Gandhara – Hi! I'm glad you like the character development in the story. I enjoy developing relationship slowly because it sort of gives it more meaning. I don't like it very much if the attraction is very sudden, somehow it just lack depth I think. As for Two Halves, I've read it and have fallen in love with NaruHina pairing there. A Minute With You is also a good read. I'm actually kind of tempted to try my hand at a NaruHina myself.
ALS – Hi! Not much SasuHina interaction, hopefully you aren't disappointed. Don't worry, more SasuHina and NejiHina to come soon. I'm glad you liked the last chapter, did you like this chapter too?
Khmer Shinobi – Yeah, I kind of like my oc character too! Yup, he likes Hinata and he's going to feature more in the story in the upcoming chapters so look out for that. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Lady SilveRose - Yeah, we sort of have the same thought. When I saw them, I thought that too. They would be so perfect for each other. Asuma and Kurenai? No way! Hi Kabayan!
Noname – Hopefully, I haven't made a 180 degree turn for the worst…what did you think of this chapter? Honestly? Not much SasuHina cuz I wanted to make it as realistic as possible and if they start talking now, it might seem a bit rushed and too contrived. I'm glad you found last chapter humorous, I loved reading your review so thank you!
Endless – You know in my other fics I usually write up to like, ten pages or so but in this fic I can't seem to help myself and the chapters always end up long! I'm glad you found the story funny and sweet in some places. Oh you're addicted? (grins) thanks so much and I hope you enjoyed this update!
Arte73 – Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the update. I hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Also, please, please update your fic, I wanna read more! (puppy eyes) You're a very good writer too, thank you for the encouragement.
Audriel – Thank you! Thanks so much for the lovely review I'm glad you like my story. Yeah, I think Sasuke would make a pretty cute daddy! He'd be all fumbling and not knowing what to do but trying anyway! Kawaii!
Frosted Shadowz – In most fics, Sasuke is featured as this angst ridden avenger so focused on his dream. He's also mostly portrayed as this perfect, unflappable guy so I wanted to bring him down a peg or two and make him a bit more 'human' hence the whole gay thing. I couldn't resist. As for Kaede, the OC who has a crush on Hinata, yes he will be appearing in the story and it will be funny how he does it. (hopefully)
Kimochi – Wow, thank you so much for writing the review. I'm glad that you liked my portrayal of Hinata enough that you read about a pairing you don't particularly care about. I am trying to keep Hinata and all the character developments gradual and believable. Hopefully, you liked this chapter and will keep on reading this story!
Lesha – thank you, I'm trying very hard to keep them as much in character as possible! I hope you liked this chapter!
Ganymede – I so agree with you! Hinata has tons of potential and Ino is sweet and she's strong too. I really don't like Sakura that much but she's a key character in the story so I have to write her. (sigh) I think Hinata is just afraid of her potential. There's the Naruto PS game where you unlock the Inner Hinata and the true power of the Main House Gentle Fist or something like that. It's so cute!
Random Reviewer – Hi! I'm glad you liked last chapter and hopefully, you enjoyed this chapter as well. Not much interaction between SasuHina because I thought it might seem too contrived if they start getting close so soon. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review!
Lily – Thank you! I'm glad you think they aren't too OOC and I'm so happy that you liked my story. So did you enjoy this chapter as well? Please review!
Lidiana – I'm glad you think Sasuke is cute. Its really fun write him all embarrassed! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. More SasuHina and NejiHina goodness next chapter, I promise.
Fractured Wings 01 – Yeah, I think Hinata would look really cute with long hair too but there's a reason I'm keeping her hair short for now. I'm so glad you liked this chapter and hopefully you enjoyed this chapter too! Thanks for updating Covet Contract. I love that story, please update soon!
XXX
Please Review, I'm a review hog so yeah, reviews inspire me and prompt me to update sooner.
Thanks Everyone!
For NejiHina fans check out Finding The Sun by ThyLaSlain
For SasuHina fans check out No Turning Back by Kuro Shi. (Not exactly sure what the pairing for this story is but there's lots of great SasuHina moments, especially since the chapter entitled Hinata)