When they reached the gate they were greeted by 5 anbu who took the lightning nin from them and they continued onto the Kage tower.
"The prodigal Uchiha returns" Tsunade sighed and leaned back while eyeing the dark haired nin who stood with arms crossed and hmpf'd in response.
Looking to Shikamaru she said "Have the report on my desk by the end of the day, Id like to speak to the Raikage about his nins prescence in our borders before the trial begins" she looked back to Sasuke. Shikamaru sighed before asking "so you got the bird", Tsunade nodded in response and continued "All but the Uchiha, his companions and the anbu guards may leave, you're on rest until called".
Sasuke's eyes strayed to the Hyuuga who bowed and left with the rest, he then returned his gaze to the sandy blonde before him.
"Your names" Tsunade looked pointedly at Suigestu and Jugo who responded as Suigetsu proceeded to lean against the desk. "Ne Hokage-sama, how can you be a Kage, so much on your chest hehe".
All parties turned as the blurry mass of Suigetsu flew took the door of the office with him to rest in the wall outside. "Now then it was Jugo yes" he nodded in response, "well you and your friend have come to an association of a wanted nin and as such your actions in the attempted kidnapping of the eight tail jinchurikii has been noted.
That said its unfortunate but you and your white haired idiot friend will be joining Sasuke in the lovely accommodation konoha has set aside until a decision can be reached from the upcoming trial."
Looking to Sasuke she continued "I can't guess what will come of it but know that Konoha will be fighting to keep you alive and if it means under lock and key for the rest of your days we will do so" with no response she asked "what do you want Sasuke, what is it that made you come back for this, you could have kept evading us like you have done for years now but you waltz into the village like a man with a death wish".
Sasuke was glad for the simple request and answered with a face set with determination "My brothers name…I want it known what he did AND who's order he followed". Sasuke tensed at the thought of being denied when the Hokage shook her head with a smile.
"That was going to happen whether you returned or not, im sorry Sasuke, I truly am, from the information gathered I understand that even Sarutobi opposed what came to pass and as his faithful follower I will make damn sure that nothing of that magnitude will occur again".
Looking to the brooding male with a serious expression she interlaced her hands while leaning elbows on the desk and asked again "now that we have that clear what ELSE would the last Uchiha request?".
She left the air open as his mind raced. He had set his mind to one thing and that was his brother and having the facts laid before all the accusing fools that dared utter the name Itachi Uchiha.
He hadn't thought any further and began thinking over what else he had wanted from his miserably tormented life.
As he thought the image of a dark haired kunoichi crept into his mind and he could almost smile at the lucidity of his thinking. Looking back to the hokage once more the Uchiha answered and nearly had the woman choking on the sake she had begun sipping.
A wife? Was he serious' was all that came to mind as she set her cup on her desk and straightened herself.
Regaining composure she returned the Uchihas casual smirk with a questioning stare and decided to roll with it and have some fun "my I ask if you have any ideas on who the lucky lady might be" when he smirked her interest peaked.
His response made Tsunade realize that choking on your own spit was worse than choking on sake and so she swallowed what was left in her cup.
All she could say was "good luck with that" and "these four will escort all 3 of you to your housing, the trial is set to begin when the mizukage arrives which is expected in two days, until then enjoy yourselves, oh and remove that moron from my wall and don't cry to me if he has a limb removed by someone he pisses off" and as easily as that we were dismissed.
Suigetsu regained consciousness to find himself indented in a wall opposite a gaping hole with a view to the Hokages office with his two companions turning to him as the "well rounded" Kage pointed in his direction and spoke angrily.
He stood shaking his head with one hand to it remembering how he got there. He was grabbed by the arm and unceremoniously shoved forward and when he was about to curse at the offender he heard the word "No".
Having heard it a million times before he knew not to argue with Sasuke and continued rubbing his head. If he had enough warning he would have liquefied but he hadn't realized that the Hokage was so impartial to compliments.
Grumbling he thought to himself that if that's how it was then she should try a new fashion or not lean forward. Behind anbu masks three individuals smiled before directing the 'guests' to the prison for their stay.
Kakashi climbed in from his position outside the window while Tsunade sighed and thumbed her temples.
"I take it that you heard all that was said" looking at the copy ninja she swore he had a smile hidden behind his mask.
"Yes, but honestly it's of no surprise given what occurred on the way back. At first I thought it was some hidden disagreement he may have had with the Hyuuga' s that made him more attentive to her but when he went to her defence and killed one of the enemy nin before Shino intervened, it made me rethink".
"It wasn't out of reflex then?" she queried the nin who hand both hands in pockets and seemed midly amused by the situation behind his mask and hitai.
"Not a chance, he seemed more then agitated when his companion you pummelled made advances on her afterwards". This revelation made Tsunade sigh as she leaned back in her chair to take it all in.
If she thought she had any chance of allowing the last Uchiha a final wish should he survive the trial then that chance was as likely as ton-ton sprouting wings to fly.
Running a hand through her hair she exhaled and remembered that she wanted to clarify the attack . "Your both sure it was her they were after".
With a nod he explained "while single nin's engaged every other member present in the escort group the rest had her surrounded before anyone realized what was happening. She had also made it known that whoever they were knew the limits of the byakugan as they had kept back at the average sight limits before moving in. Its lucky that she has a larger then normal sight capacity for a Hyuuga as it gave us added time to plan. "
The hokage went on to ask "And the technique? What did you make of it?". The copy nin cupped his chin in his finger tips as he thought "Deadly, that's one thing, it seems to be a water based technique that turns water drops into blades that literally tear apart anything that surrounds her. She puts her chakra into a wall like the Eight trigrams vacuum wall but has added nature manipulation. Superbly efficient if a little messy and it seems that team eight has seen it before, they moved Naruto and Sasuke back moments before it came into effect.
Tsunade nodded "our shy little Hyuuga has become quite formidable, even her missions give evidence to that" sighing she collected herself and was still thinking when she spoke "make sure you have it in writing and on my desk by morning. This attack from lightning nin may just be what we need to keep Uchihas neck from the noose".
Tsunade was smiling when she added "and make sure Naruto and Sakura are kept busy, I don't need either of them in my hair given im gonna lose it with everything going on".
After Kakashi had left Shizune entered bowing to her mistress and awaited instructions while Tsunade wrote furiously and handed her a note.
"Have Hinata Hyuuga posted to prison duty for Sasuke and his friends and if questioned its in an effort to keep her closer to home and notify the kages present of the mizukages eta". As Shizune went to exit Tsunade added "and have a crate of Sake sent to up" as she thought its going to be a long couple days.
Naruto wandered the streets alone, with Sakura at the hospital with duties and Kakashi writing a report for the Hokage he found himself without company.
Feeling the notion of nostalgia build as he pondered Sasukes return and without realizing he headed toward where it all began, the training grounds.
With the sky darkening he kept mulling over the upcoming trial and Sasuke's future he heard the sounds of something contacting with wood and grunts of effort.
He headed towards the sounds but stopped when he sighted the shinobi at the training post. She had her back turned to him as she pounded the post and left red smears on the wood.
His breath caught as he realized that she was the female that he couldn't forget. Her face had been haunting him and he paused to simply watch her train.
Her hair was long and had a silky red glow from the fading sunlight and he had the the want to run his hand through it.
He frowned at himself thinking of Sakura and decided this indescision had to end. With both hands in pockets he broke the clearing and approached the only Kunoichi and possibly the only person who had always loved him.
She became aware of his presence as he got within meters of her. Mentally smacking herself for losing her awareness in training she stopped to gather her belongings without a glance back in the hope to continue her avoidance of him.
Before she could turn to move away he appeared beside her with a hand on her forearm. Looking up to his face her heart wrenched as she saw the confusion and heart ache written on his features.
"Hinata" was all he could say as he looked at the kunochi who he knew wanted to run from him. Standing at full height her eyes were even with his mouth and she choose to stare at them instead of meeting his eyes.
As the silence set in she felt herself crumble and stuttered out a response "H-hai Naruto-kun". The sweat that had poured from her had caused her bangs to cling to her forehead but she swore it increased tenfold as they stood looking at each other in an awkward silence.
He could see the blush spreading through her checks like wildfire and felt her tense the moment she knew he was there. Smiling he released her arm and rubbed the back of his neck he looked at her and realized he hadn't thought any further then getting her attention with hello. He looked up briefly in the hope of inspiration as he gathered his thoughts when she spoke.
"Naruto-kun you don't need to…" he cut her off, moving without thinking he found his lips softly pressed to hers with his eyes closed. She fought the urge to faint as the boy come man she had adored and admired kissed her.
She was fighting to keep conscious as he broke away and she looked to him stunned into silence. She didn't know what to do or say but she knew if she felt she could move her legs she would have run.
He gulped as the reality of what he'd done came back to him and looked at her guiltily. He began to speak when she stopped him in his tracks. "You didn't have to do that" she had her eyes glued to the grass as she stood statue still and continued "I don't know why you did that and I would hope I know you well enough to know it wasn't to apologize, I had waited so long for this moment and all I feel is shame, shame because you waited until Sakura said yes to see me".
He knew he should apologise for not acknowledging her, he knew he wanted to apologise for not remembering what she had said to him. Her words hung in the air as a knife twisted in his heart, he knew she was right and the shame was ripping him apart.
"You have been the light in the darkness, the one thing in this world that told me to keep going and never give up. My nindo of never going back on my word was the first gift you gave me and I will always hold to that".
She looked up, into his eyes as he silently absorbed her words as she continued "Naruto Uzumaki, no matter what anyone says, said or thinks you will always be that guiding light and if I could ask one thing it would be to not pity me, please, if you should ever feel that way then please fight me instead, that way, I can become a ninja more like you, the shinobi I have always wanted to be. I-I meant what I said to y-you when I faced Pein and again I will always love you, I w-will always seek to walk with you and I will always admire who you are….. but I will never seek to harm my comrades and I will never break another's heart even if it's at the cost of my own".
Breathing deeply his expression turned to pain at the last of her words, he looked at her with a raised brow, "You know if it wasn't for my idiot brain not reminding of what you did that day we wouldn't be having this conversation?.I-I know I shouldn't of kissed you and im asking you for forgiveness, It took me a long time to realize whats been lost to me, you never did doubt me did you" shaking her head with a timid smile he couldn't help but return it.
"Hinata I don't know why I kissed you and while I feel just as guilty for it, being honest I don't regret it. What I regret is not having done it sooner and I promise this much, I'd be proud to have you walk by my side…..even if its only as a comrade". Even with the turmoil rolling in his stomach he felt a weight lift from his chest as the smile on her face grew. "
She grew light headed and steadied herself on his arm, him holding her shoulder to aide her. Everything aside she was relieved, she had presumed his rejection would cripple the strength she had gained from her toils. This confession had only served to strengthen her more and the realization that her first kiss was from the person she had dreamed about all her youth was making her swoon.
Thinking of the cherry headed female brought her back to reality and she snapped to attention. Looking at the blonde she became stern and placed her hands on her hips. "You have a lot to apologise for N-nar-ruto kun but its not to me" he was slightly scared by the sudden coldness of her demeanor.
He never imagined the quiet and shy nin would ever scold him and he took a step back while waving his hands in front of him. "You kissed me a-and what about Sakura?". She was leaning toward him as she raised her voice "I promise you if she cries her smacking your head won't compare to what I'll unleash".
Laughing nervously he spoke quickly "I didn't mean to, honest, it just happened and I'd never hurt Sakura on purpose, Im going to tell her myself what happened and apologise for it and I swear I didn't plan or mean to do it and, and, and…".
By this point he had his hands beside his head and was starting to sweat when Hinata giggled sweetly and shook her head "I know Naruto-kun" raising a hand with a pointed finger she proceeded to prod him in the chest "Just remember what I said, don't hurt her and remember to cherish her always".
As she crossed her arms across her chest that he realized was covered in mesh and a black tank top he quickly averted his eyes and scratched his head in his childhood habit. Chuckling he added "Promise, you know Hinata-chan you can be kinda scary when you want to be and whoever you marry is gonna be a lucky guy".
Smiling and blushing she responded "Comes from time spent with my father an Neji-nii" and with a shake of her head "I have to leave now Naruto-kun, im expected back at the compound by my father and his anger is something best avoided".
She looked away awkwardly not knowing how to continue when Naruto spoke up "ne Hinata thanks for, um, speaking to me and I'll see you round yea" she smiled again with a "yes Naruto-kun" and she turned to leave.
"Hey Hinata" she looked back "you are an exceptional Shinobi" and with tilt of the head he disappeared. Hinata slowly turned and began walking, her head was in a cloud of joy at being acknowledged in ways she only dreamed by the person who had only been a dream to her. With that in mind she picked up speed to get home before she suffered Hiashi's wrath.
As both nins left the clearing, neither had noticed the single eyeball suspended in mid air watching them.
Naruto had plastered a smile on his face as he walked through the village heading toward his favourite eat house. He felt lighter and more free then he had in months and had convinced himself that the moment he saw Sakura he would come clean and explain all.
As he approached the ramen stand the blood red attire of the Kazekage was perched on a chair inside. Naruto ran up and with volume yelled a greeting to his friend. "Gaara! What are you doing here" as said nin turned slowly to look at him with an eyebrow raised "I mean I know why youre in Konoha but here, here" pointing to the ground suggestively.
Gaara raised a corner of his mouth in greeting "I had thought it the easiest place to find you given the information I received, after my initial findings I guessed you would pass by here at some stage". The Kazekage look at him with a questioning glare "where have you been Naruto". Recalling the moments he shared with Hinata he laughed sheepishly before replying.
"Nowhere" and he felt a small object connect to the back of his head, rubbing it said said outloud "what the…?". "I'll ask again Naruto, where were you just before" and Naruto repeated "no…." again he was hit with an unknown object and winced, looking around he was astonished until he looked to Gaara who had a small ball of sand suspended in the air before him. Naruto pointed and it the offending ball and questioned the red head with a "huh".
Gaara lowered the sand ball before saying "I didn't think you would lie when asked such a simple question" aiming the ball for Naruto's head again he continued "you do realize by now that I know what occurred with you and the female and also youd realize im aware of your status with your team mate".
Ayame and her father both watched in fascination as Naruto moved seats, dodging and running to avoid the sand ball while tripping and running into a wall twice. He was shouting and yelling before finally getting out "it wasn't what you think".
The ball froze in its tracks as Naruto adjusted and righted himself looking at Gaara with disbelief and one hand on the spot the ball connected to too many times with too much precision.
Gaara had his arms folded over his chest as Naruto spoke "Can I explain over ramen". With a nod both males sat down and Naruto requested two bowls of miso with pork and began his tale from when he had seen the Hyuuga at the post.
Not once did he notice that the ball had drifted towards and away from his head at certain points of his recollection, notably when he described kissing the female nin.