Its up! This is a revised chapter but not too much changed.
LuvHina - Really am sorry I let this drop off but youll get the ending if it kills me!
Beru-wang 1) Naruto doesn't get the girl, he gets the pink haired banshee lol 2) even writing this im torn cause I love Gaara but I love the complexities and comical relief that can come from the Sasuhina pairings
Saki - I cant give spoilers lol
Anon - If I can incorporate a better explanation of her new techniques in the coming chapters I will!
Ashley - I don't have any other accounts or any other stories so im guessing you got the wrong writer, pm if you need
Thanks for reviewing peeps, the feedback helps me get better at things I love knowing what you do or don't like and it makes it worth the late nights and headaches.
To all that have read, fav'd, followed. Same to yous aswell. hope yous like the latest chapter! LAUGH, SQUEAL AND MAYBE CRINGE? ;)
The Kages meeting had convened for the trial, the discussions became heated at many points and was concluded after ten hours of mediation with no successful outcome.
The Tsuchikage had taken point from the Raikage in the possible dangers of releasing the three into society while the Mizukage and Kazekage supported the idea of reform by punishment.
The Hokage had used the point that Sasuke had already successfully routed all possible threats from the Sound village which had fallen apart after Orochimaru's demise but had been re-organized during the war effort was pillaging villages surrounding their self proclaimed borders.
The Raikage voiced the idea that allowing the Uchiha to live was not only a way to remove the guilt of the clan's massacre, which had been disclosed to all present in the meeting, but also a way of ensuring the famed bloodline is not lost to Konoha's ranks.
When the Kages learned of the horrific mission tasked to the then young Itachi Uchiha every brow rose. The Kages had sat in silence as they processed the new information and all present felt the weight of the shinobi world on their shoulders and even the Raikage withdrew himself from comment.
Since the dawn of the Ninja way of life pain and suffering had accompanied the love and joy of protecting that which you love. They understood that giving your life for your village was often enough a possibility but both Itachi and Sasuke were not given the peace of death.
All present had taken time to reflect on what they sought to achieve. The balance of peace had been maintained with death and the Kages had sworn to change this the day the war was won. The hardest part was knowing how to do so and this had swayed the Mizukage to the Uchiha's cause.
…
The Tsuchikage who had said he would retire at the battles end hadn't done so and had contemplated the position the last Uchiha had been given. He was torn between the empathy he had for the young nin and yet had no reason to believe that his path of vengeance would end with punishment.
He sat in his quarters provided to him in Konoha and pondered the problem. All Kages understood that this trial would not be a simple matter to be dismissed after only a day and he wondered its length realizing that it was a 3 vs 2 verdict thus far and the outcome required a consensus from all.
He knew that both the Hokage and Kazekage would not budge but hadn't thought the Mizukage would be so easily swayed to the Uchiha cause. He knew that the details of Itachi Uchiha's final mission had stirred the resentments each Kage held for their positions and responsibilities as shinobi.
Thinking of the Raikage he knew that the boisterous male was staunch in his belief due to personal aspects but consideration of the Uchihas hardships had atleast stilted his argument.
He contemplated what he would have done had he been in the position of Sasuke Uchiha and realized for the extreme horrors and betrayal he faced in his life he could only expect extremes in response. Grimacing at the ideology 'for every action there is an equal reaction'.
Dismissing his efforts to reach some kind of conclusion he decided that hearing the Uchiha provide his side of the story would aide deciding his final standing.
The Hokage was seated at her desk with a rather childish Raikage before her. His arms crossed over his enormous chest and pouted lips raised with his chin she grew more frustrated at his behavior.
She had sought to broach the subject of the lightning nin that had attacked the Uchiha retrieval squad. The Raikage however had thought that this was yet another effort to change his mind on the execution of the young nin.
Having had enough Tsunade slapped the desk with an open hand, "I've heard your damned arguments about the Uchiha already and I didn't call this meeting to have you pout like a kid, I want to know why your ninja were actively hunting the eyes of a Hyuuga you idiot."
The Raikage was taken aback but the abruptness of the Hokage but more so by her words, "What do you mean 'hunting a Hyuuga'?" A's mind began racing as he thought of the name, he was well aware of his predecessors actions and the bad blood that had been spilt.
When he paused Tsunade took it as her chance to continue, "We have three in custody, all have been interrogated and it turns out that they received their orders from your hierarchy and were instructed to claim the Hyuuga during the retrieval mission. They were told to return with her dead or alive and none of them could give details on how they knew her whereabouts or the details of the mission save that it was provided to them before they embarked on the mission."
Pausing Tsunade came to the realization that the Raikage was truly ignorant of any of this and sighing she continued to reveal what information she had gathered.
"They attacked while my squad was returning but they had intended on attacking while they were on route to their target. They somehow knew that the Uchiha would be involved and had decided they would try for both the Byakugan and Sharingan. The fools didn't realize it had been a voluntary move on Sasukes behalf and had thought that a battle would wear them down making it a possibility to escape with the two genetic keys."
Tsunade interlaced her fingers before her face as she took in the stunned expression of the Raikage. She knew he was processing what it this meant and the peace that wavered gingerly over the shinobi lands. The surprise for her was the lack of response, she had expected denial or loud annoying arguments but it seemed that the Raikage had cause to contemplate the actions of his own shinobi.
Looking at Tsunade he asked himself if this could be a ruse to let the Uchiha off but her stern eyes betrayed sighed when he decided to pursue the issues at hand , "What evidence do you have to prove this."
"Well as I said we have three of your own in custody at the moment aswell as the testimony of ten separate nin that will testify to a large group of lightning nin attacking and their concentrated efforts in disabling the Hyuuga Heiress."
Running a hand down his face he breathed before a question came to mind, "You say large group and yet only three are in custody".
Tsunade held back a smile as she recounted the details of Hinata's attack in her mind, "Turns out the rest bit off more than they could chew, they were wipedout by the one they tried to capture and by wiped out, I mean there was nothing to bring back, the details are all here, I'll leave the reports with you. They have had details omitted for reasons you can understand but I'm sure you'll have more than enough to make your own conclusions".
She let the silence hang as she held a large file before her. Taking the documents the Raikage was struggling to come to a conclusion before standing and asking, "The Hyuuga, have they said anything in response."
The Raikage wondered at the implications when Tsunade continued , "As of yet they have not provided me with any requests however given the sacrifice they made in the past I cannot see this going smoothly, fortunately for you the clan member who would be the most volatile has been undertaking an extensive mission and isn't due back for another month."
The Raikage turned with the documents in hand before Tsunade added, "my suggestion, find those responsible and show us that you are capable of making sacrifices for the sake of peace like the rest of us."
Frowning at her words he responded "aah" and left the room, the frown didn't leave him even in his sleep.
...
Gaara felt the beginnings of frustration as his siblings continued their tirades and pestering but the mistake was his. After retiring from the trial for the day he made mention of a possible visit to the Uchiha's prison, not realizing his tempestuous sister had already committed to stalking one Hinata Hyuuga and was thus aware of an alternate motive for the visit.
After taking a calming breath Gaara explained, "My efforts to prove Sasuke's search for redemption have failed, speaking to him directly before he stands before the other Kages may aide my arguments".
Both Kankuro and Temari held their stomachs while tears streamed and they rolled around, not exactly the response he had expected, Baki on the other hand just smirked on the couch facing away.
Temari raised herself from the floor, wiping a stray tear from her eye and chuckling, "nice one Gaara, that really was a good one, hahaha". Offering a hand to Kankuro, she said, "why do you insist on lying to us, both me and Kankuro saw AND heard everything that happened with Naruto."
Both siblings lost their smile when they simultaneously put a hand to their heads while looking around, greeted by the sight of spinning balls of sand. Taking the hint Temari left through a window and Kankuro bolted for the door as Gaaras sand returned to his Gourd.
Looking to Baki who was still chuckling to himself Gaara spoke, "As my adviser I would have hoped you'd be the more mature of my companions and discourage them and their antics."
Sighing and standing Baki responded, "I am the more mature Gaara and that's why I'm going to tell you that denial in front of those who know you is useless…and that you couldn't of chosen a more precarious interest."
"How so?" Gaara didn't realize his mistake as he voiced his unwilling admission.
"The Hyuuga are a clan with a long line all of which have been tied to Konoha only, I have never heard of any Hyuuga that had resided anywhere but. That said the fact that you have taken interest in the heir to the clan means that any likely chance of a future agreement is unlikely to impossible."
Letting his words hang in the air Baki watched the blank expression of his Kage twitch slightly, Gaara had never given consideration to his situation, nor the implications behind it.
Gaara had in that one conversation torn down the façade he kept over his infatuation and realized the truth of the matter. The one female that had called his attention may be the one woman that is out of his reach. Coming to that conclusion Gaara turned without a word to Baki and went to leave when Baki spoke.
"I'm sorry Gaara."
Turning Gaara could only nod at his adviser before leaning with a head full of melancholy thoughts before smiling slightly and thinking, 'just because she is difficult to attain, doesn't mean I should give up, after Naruto never did and look at him now.'
...
Hinata took a deep breath as her feet found solid ground, raising her head to face her opponent who had flitted behind her. She quickly spun to brush aside the palm aimed for her neck and struck for her opponents chest.
He brushed her arm away and smirked as his hand moved back toward her face in a fluid motion. Before his hand could land the blow he felt something connect to his legs and in a sweeping motion found himself on his back with two fingers pressing on his jugular and a surprised Hinata panting above him.
She had out maneuvered him and he would have smiled if he wasn't so surprised himself. His eldest daughter stood and held out a hand to help him stand and they both dusted off the excess dust they accumulated.
"I think our session is at it end Hinata," Hiashi drew himself to full height and looked at his heir. She encompassed everything about her mother that he had loved save her eyes.
The same hair and smile, the shy demeanor and childhood stutter. He would never admit to her having the same physique but would genuinely smile when he would observe her quiet character because he mirrored the woman he had fallen in love with.
His smile always faltered though, when he realized that as the oldest she needed a harder personality and he spent years seeking to do just that to honor his duty as clan head. In recent times he felt he had failed in his duty as a father in doing so but remembering his brothers sacrifice always hardened his resolve.
Looking at the woman he once cradled in his arms he realized that she had indeed endured and succeeded in becoming the prime candidate for the role she was born to and he allowed a sense of pride to overtake him.
If he was anything but a Hyuuga he would have told her his feelings, instead he nodded at her and walked away.
Hinata had accomplished the impossible and had grounded her father, effectively beating him in a training match and she was still at a loss for what to do.
She had known that should it ever occur she would never receive glowing reviews or the warm embrace of a parent filled with pride but acknowledgment in the form of a nod was enough to stun her.
She slowly turned and mechanically found her way to her quarters. Bathing and dressing in clean clothes she was still feeling amazed when she set out into the village.
Inwardly she felt like jumping and screaming to release the adrenaline that had taken over her senses but instead with her head down she smiled with a hand clenched over her heart, the other hiding her smile. She didn't know where she was going but simply allowed her feet to move as she let her mind recall every detail that lead to her father's defeat as her heat raced at the conclusion.
Looking up from her musings Hinata realized she had taken herself to the lake that rested in the western end of the training grounds. A place she had often visited when her mind would not settle but with the aid of the still water it would calm. Her smile grew as she watched the suns descent behind the ranges streak the sky with red.
She stood there and watched until the sun had disappeared and the stars blinked upon the dark blue. Her head turned to the heavens she hadn't noticed her silent observers presence.
...
He took in her presence with a quiet revere and smiled at the simplicity of her beauty. Arms folded and leaning against a tree he felt no need to move as he adored her from afar. Unfolding his arms he decided to make his presence known as she turned to him with Byakugan raised.
She let her eyes relax as she realized she was gazing at the Kage who's features were hidden in shadow until he stepped from the tree line and approached her.
She had always noticed the blood red hair that covered his head and second came the bright red tattoo meaning love, third she would see his eyes, a deep turquoise so much hers, pupiless and deep. She always fought to avoid his eyes on the occasions that they would meet for fear of losing herself too them.
She had been alarmed when she finally realized someone was watching her but had realized almost instantly who it was. His quiet demeanor had initially put her ill at ease but after consistent interaction she had became used to it. His gracious and kind treatment had allowed her to effectively put aside her first experience but she held some apprehension whenever around him for no reason save the strange feelings that stirred whenever they spoke.
That same apprehension was growing as he approached, it wasn't a physical fear, but it was heat that spread from her face and consumed her and she couldn't place the stem of it.
Gaara had watched her every movement as he walked and could see her grow more and more unsettled and nervous. He smirked in response feeling like a wolf approaching a deer and realized this was the closest thing to exhilaration he had experienced in an age and he had become absorbed in his prey.
He pulled himself up as they were within a meter from each other and looked her in the eye, she turned away unable to hold his gaze and looked to the water that sat like satin sprinkled with diamonds and smiled. He followed her line of sight and smiled with her and thought that like her the water was natural beautiful with a depth unknown.
She spoke to end the silence that seemed to press upon her, "Kazekage-sama it is good to see you again."
His brow rose as he hadn't expected her to speak first and responded, "aah, as it is to see you Hyuuga Hinata, I hadn't expected to see you here."
Her sweet laugh echoed on the cool night air, "In the middle of Konoha you mean."
He understood her teasing note and realized that for the first time she was engaging in something other than the normal formal interaction. He also realized as he chuckled that she was the first person to make him laugh and as the warmth spread through his chest he looked at the woman who had stolen his heart.
He couldn't describe what he felt and found he couldn't speak when she turned to him still smiling.
"Kazekage sama if I may ask what is it that brings you out at this hour."
Looking back to the still water, he contemplated his answer, "seeking some peace from my 'loving' siblings, yourself?"
Hinata nodded "Some quiet, this is one the few places I am guaranteed to get it."
They continued to stand and stare at the sky until Hinata sighed and looked back to Gaara once more, "I thank you for your company Kazekage but it's time for me to leave," turning to leave she felt a hand at her wrist.
"Kazekage?" She held a surprised look as she faced him and he let his hand fall.
"My apologies Hinata, but I would like to ask you something?" His face was half in shadows with his body turned from the moons glow. Nodding for him to continue she became aware of her heart beating faster.
"Do you have any…" Gaara's sentence was left unfinished as he contemplated what he wanted to know but unskilled when interacting with people in general. Hinata was staring at him expectantly and he answered in a rush "romantic interests?"
Hinata could have sworn that her face exploded in red when he had finally aired his query, she had thought he'd ask for a good eatery or even her opinion on a political topic but this had caught her off guard.
She stuttered "a –ah n-no Kazekage sama...can I ask why you want to know?".
Gaara knew he had put her on edge with such a personal question. "because I have an interest of my own, but I've kept you from your departure so please do not let me delay you any longer."
Hinata nodded at the cryptic response and turned to leave, her mind wandering on the complexity of the question and its origin and more importantly the person that posed it. She had always found the Kazekage a mystery but this only deepened the mysticism that seemed to surround him.
Gaara on the other hand watched her departing form with a smile, he hadn't been able to stop his lips from turning up in her presence tonight, and he thought over his own actions.
Brash and forward were two things he was not but the woman that consumed his thoughts made him think of things he had never put his mind to and he wondered what his 'subtle' hint would lead to.
As he turned to leave he mentally slapped himself thinking of what would happen if Temari ever found out about his lake side meeting with THE Hyuuga.