Nemesis' Judgement
Last time: "And who is this someone that you found that you want to live for?"
"Hinata."
Author's Note: Hm… All I can say is thank you all for your support. I really enjoy writing for you guys who support this story and me. I think I want to expand this story, so that it touches almost every main character at least once. My goal for this story is to touch at least some people's hearts. Thanks to everyone for supporting me, and giving me constructive criticism (in the best way ever!). I'll do my best to change and make it seem more like Tsunade and Sasuke. For Sasuke, however, I wanted him to be more mature, secure, and open with Sakura. If it bothers you more, tell me, okay?
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto (the manga, anime and plot) or their characters.
- - -
All eyes turned to Neji when he spoke of the deceased person who touched many people's heart. Sakura looked down and then looked to Naruto. Eventually, everyone's attention returned to Naruto as he held his head down and didn't speak. The room was filled with tension and silence as everyone waited for the very person to speak.
Naruto had a sad smile when he spoke, "Thank you."
Almost everyone knew that Hinata meant a lot to most people who were part of ANBU. She was the one person who connected with everyone even the ones who tried not to accept her. Hinata's heart drew everyone together as one, and when she was gone, the peace between one another had broken into little fragments. Some things reconnected, other things didn't. That was the power of Hinata.
Tsunade sighed. "Since when did you find her and realize you want to live for her?"
"Today."
She had a peeved look on her face, but nonetheless, a sympathetic face. "You're all dismissed. Give my apology to Fuyuko please."
Everyone left the room as Tsunade looked out of her window reminiscing the old days where everyone was truly happy with each other. Really, together they were a composed organization, but when singled out, each and everyone had their own sad problems to deal with. That's what makes them want to bond even more.
- - -
Neji left as soon as he heard the words dismissed and fled to the top of the roof. It was the only place he went to when he wanted to be alone, but he could hear the footsteps trailing behind him as he held the door open for his follower, Naruto.
Neji chose to sit a bit further away from Naruto as Naruto remained standing. Both looked up at the little bright lights that attached itself to the dark sky. No one said anything for a while until Naruto wanted to speak up. "Why did you suddenly decide you wanted to live for Hinata? I thought you thought she was a hinder to me and for the group."
Neji put his hands into his pockets to keep the warmth he wanted to hold on to. "I believed that she committed suicide because she couldn't handle the pressure. Hinata was sometimes insecure, so it was plausible to believe that she committed suicide. I tried not to tell myself that, tut in the end, I had no option but to believe that she fell weak and escaped. The bomb artifacts that were near her body, I couldn't help but give into the fact that she had killed herself."
Naruto turned away choosing not to look at Neji when he spoke. "Me too. I really loved her, and I thought I had the strength she wanted and the courage she needed." He looked down and grinned before looking back up. "But in the end, I failed her no matter what. I failed the very person whom I loved the most and whom I vowed to protect. I couldn't live up to her expectations."
Neji remained silent before speaking again. "Did she ever tell you that she loved you?"
Naruto looked at him. "Yes."
He wasn't so sure whether or not tell the truth at the moment, but he felt Naruto needed to know. "Naruto. Hinata didn't commit suicide."
Naruto turned to him with a surprised look. "What are you talking about? I saw her broken up body with my own eyes, Neji! I saw her!" He coughed as his blue eyes blended with his blue tears. "I'm not dumb, Neji. I might be stupid and cocky at times, but I know I saw her body in separate pieces and the used bomb by her hand!"
Neji shook his head. "Someone did that to her."
Naruto couldn't speak for a while, "What are you saying? We investigated to make sure that it was her who did it, no one else. The bomb… it was right there. All used up. Her body was partially burnt too. I don't know what you're trying to saying."
"Like you said, partially burnt. A bomb like that would've exploded at least the building she was near and her body would've burned and turn into ashes. It was set up. But her body wasn't fully burned nor did the building burn down."
"Who told you this?"
Neji looked at him. "The woman at the coffee shop. She was an old friend of Hinata." Slight pause, "She's the only one who actually witnessed it. Everyone else was fooled into believing that she committed suicide herself."
Naruto couldn't believe what he was hearing. "How do you know she's not lying?"
Neji's hands pulled out a piece of cloth out of his pocket with a small letter and handed it over to Naruto. "Her name is Tenten. Remember to thank her the next time you see her." Neji stood up and walked back in leaving the place to Naruto by himself. Before he heard the door fully shut, he heard a scream and cries from the man he was with.
Naruto punched as hard as he could into the wall. He continued until his right hand became a wreck, broken and bleeding. He cried as held the letter and the cloth close to him before allowing himself to fall onto his knees.
Dear Naruto,
I'm out of time. They're coming after me right now. They told me that if I don't sacrifice myself, then you would be punished for it. I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you. I'm really sorry. I love you very much, Naruto. You are the only one who ever truly believed in me. I didn't think it was possible for me to love someone so much. But through all the pain and sorrow, I have been given good people in return. If you ever see Tenten, Sakura, and/or Ino, please give them my regards as well as everyone back at ANBU. I hear them coming. Please know that you don't need my forgiveness. You need to save that for yourself. I love you so much that words cannot explain. Thank you for everything you have given me.
HinataP.S. Deidara and Sasori– Akatsuki.
- - -
Tenten woke up to the noise of chirping birds. She rubbed her temple trying to soothe her headache. She looked out the window at the clear sky and questioned herself into the fact whether if it is right to like someone from ANBU. She attempted to think things through contemplating the rewards and consequences.
She sighed as she stood up to make coffee for the early morning. She sat down near all her photos and looked at the photo with her, Hinata, Sakura, and Ino. As she smiled, she said, "Hinata, I've finally been free from all the burden of the secrets that were held with me and you. Hopefully, what I did this time will be worthy enough of your forgiveness and partially atone for all the things I couldn't do for you." She set the photo down as she stood up to dress herself for another day at work.
- - -
It had been a long night for Neji as he walked over to Tatsu's restaurant. He went up and asked to confront Fuyuko where he was led to her room. There, he saw that Fuyuko was sitting up on her bed with a tired smile on her face. It was clear that she had been hurt badly through all the bandages that covered her.
"Good morning, Neji."
He stared at her. "Stop smiling as if everything is how you wanted."
"But it is. I didn't give in to all the pain. I didn't let you or Tenten down."
He sighed as he grabbed a chair to sit down on. "Really, you should've just spilled what you knew. You wouldn't' be in much pain."
"I've gone through worst before. Besides, Shizune is a really good doctor, so she numbed everything, and now I don't feel any pain at all. But how is everything with Tsunade?'
"Her anger is pretty high as usual. Other than that, it's the usual really." He stood up and looked out the window. "Why did you join Mr. Tatsu?"
"Because he's so nice to me. He took care of me when no one else would." She smiled. "For that I'm really grateful to him, and I will only live to serve him in this form."
"Next time, you shouldn't do something so reckless. You're part of a pretty big organization now, and you should be more aware of the consequences."
She rolled her eyes playfully, "Yes mother. Is there anything else you want to lecture me about?" She snickered at him.
He glared at her. "I think something big is coming our way soon. I'm pretty sure a lot of people will be involved in it as many people will die."
"How do you know such things?"
"We're going to war with the Akatsuki."
She dropped her mouth slightly. "Neji, that's dangerous. Sure they've messed around with us before, but really that's just suicidal."
He curled his fist, as he wanted to pound the glass window open. "You wouldn't understand what they did to us."
She looked at him in confusion and nodded. She looked out the window with him and said, "Wouldn't it be much more nice if war never existed? If we would all just get along and no one would be killed? Peace is such a value that is needed in the world right now. Yet, we can't bring ourselves to deserve it."
"People are always speaking of changing the world, but first we need to change ourselves. Secondly, without war, there would be no peace."
- - -
Tenten ran around the hospital from here to there doing her duty. During her breaks, she would sip her water and look out the window.
"Did you know that the sky is the one thing that changes from time to time, but it is the only thing that connects us with the people we love?"
Tenten turned around to face her nurse. She looked out the window again and nodded. "Yes it is."
Her nurse smiled, "You're more calm than usual today. Did something good happen last night?" She winked at the doctor.
Tenten laughed with her nurse. "Maybe. I can't tell if it's a good thing or bad thing at the moment though. We'll know in the future." She smiled as she admired the blue sky with white puffy clouds that went along with the glowing sun. "For now, I want to remain as happy as possible. But I feel as if something bad will occur soon."
Her nurse looked at her strangely, "How can you say that when the sun is shining as bright as it can for you especially during this winter season?" She nudged Tenten. "Will you be optimistic? It's the holiday season after all. Many things will end good this year for sure."
Tenten turned to her and nodded. "Yes." She did her best to believe despite the gutting feeling within her heart as if it knew something was going to go wrong, very wrong.
- - -
A knock on his door, "Come in."
In came the only girl with pink hair. "Good afternoon, Neji."
He looked at her. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
She nodded. "May I please have Tenten's number?" She put a smile on her face, "I want to talk to her please."
He looked at her. "What makes you think I have her number?"
"Because I know you have some sort of deep relation with her. You've never cared for any girl other than Hinata. I would like to believe that you have her number, after all, you do seem like her boyfriend."
He had an irritated look on his face. It took him awhile to say,"the cell phone is on my desk."
She grinned. "Thank you very much!" She quickly ran over to his table and copied down the number. "If I can set up a date with her, would you like to come along? We can make it a double date with Sasuke!"
He noted that he never saw Sakura smile as brightly before unless it was Sasuke or Naruto. He didn't answer her question. Instead he asked his own question, "What if things don't go as well as you expect it?"
She did her best to hold her smile. "All I want is her forgiveness and redeem myself in her eyes. I'll do whatever it takes, so I won't give up." She looked at him with determination. "Besides, won't this be a bargain for you? You'll be able to see her without Tsunade suspecting anything."
"Tell Naruto to come along. I want him to meet her."
She had a puzzled look on her face, but nodded. "Okay."
- - -
Her cell phone rang as she looked at the new number that called her. "Hello?"
"Tenten, this is me, Sakura."
Tenten held the phone close to ear but didn't say anything for a while. "Hello Sakura."
"I was wondering if we could meet later on. I'm really sorry for all the things I've done in the past, but I have many things I want to explain to you. Would you mind if I brought along my date, Neji, and Naruto as well?"
Tenten wasn't sure whether to accept or refuse. Sakura really sounded like she was sorry for what she did. "Okay."
Although Tenten couldn't tell, Sakura was happily jumping up and down. "That's great! We'll meet you at 9P.M at Ichiraku's, okay?"
Sakura heard an okay and see you later before the phone lines clicked. Sakura's smile gradually turned to a frown. "I don't think she'll ever forgive me." She turned around to face the man lying on his bed looking at him for some advices or support.
He looked back at her. "What do you want me to say? That everything will be okay?" He sighed. "What you did would be considered unforgivable to many people. To pretend you're dead and then join a hated organization. Really, you should be lucky she still talks to you. Hopefully, she'll notice your sincerity and perhaps forgive you."
She crawled onto the bed next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "I really hate it when you're telling the truth and yet I refuse to believe it."
"Honesty is part of the key to healthy relationships, no?"
She looked at him in his onyx eyes as he smirked. "You're an asshole."
"I know." He rolled on top of her and began kissing her neck with butterfly kisses. "But I also know you want me."
She bit back a smile and tried to put her pride before him. She stopped him from kissing neck as she used her hands to bring his face over hers, but still keeping a small distant. She smiled as he had an irritated look on his face when she stopped him. She held back for a while, but eventually she brought him down onto her, fully kissing him.
- - -
It was nighttime as Tenten sprinted yelling 'shit' and 'fuck' in her head. "It's 9:30P.M! I can't believe that they held me back!" Tenten pushed herself through crowds of people as she kept saying 'excuse me' to random people on the streets.
When she arrived in front of the restaurant, she panted and brushed her clothes first before walking in. "I'm looking for a table by the name of Haruno Sakura." The lady pointed the way and led her to the table of four other people.
"I'm sorry I'm late." She bowed and looked up. She spotted Sakura with her 'fake' tears.
"I thought you wouldn't come at all!"
Tenten smiled at her, "Now, why would I do that?"
Sakura grinned as Naruto stood up from his seat. "Thank you very much!" He bowed the lowest possible way he could.
Tenten and Sakura stared at him before Sakura looked back at both of them. "Why are you thanking her?"
"You must be Tenten. I can't thank you enough for saving the letter and the cloth. You don't know how much it means to me." He looked back up, "Because of you, my faith has rekindled." Tears started to come to his eyes as he continued to speak, "I will now fight even more for what I have lost."
Tenten smiled. "I'm glad you will. Hinata would be happy and pleased if she heard you."
Naruto quickly wiped away his tears and grinned when Sasuke said, "Some man you are. Crying in front of two girls."
Naruto quickly responded, "Oh yeah! Well, real men aren't afraid of crying and showing some emotions!"
The two quickly got into an argument as Neji refused to join in the 'futile' argument. "May I talk to you before we eat?"
Tenten nodded as they both walked outside to a quiet area. "I really thought you were dead. You don't know how much it broke my heart to have everyone leaving. First, Hinata left. Then, Ino chose to follow her dreams. Lastly, you left as well."
"I'm really sorry. I know it was bad of me. But I was involved with ANBU, and I had to cut all ties. The only way was for me to compose a dead body of myself." She stopped walking and bowed really low. "Please forgive me. I know what I did was wrong, and it is a betrayal to you and our friendship."
Tenten looked at her, but pulled her back up. "Please don't bow like that. You're not an underling." She continued to walk in front of Sakura. "I lost everyone whom I cared deeply about. I couldn't even bring myself to keep in touch with Ino. I was afraid that I'd become closer to her and lose her as well. So, I did the same thing. I cut ties with her. I refused to talk to her or keep in contact with her knowing that I would lose her. I thought it was best for me to let go of her before she could let go of me first."
Sakura nodded. "So, you really haven't been keeping in touch with her?"
"We send each other pre-written cards on birthdays and Christmas along with flowers. Other than that, that's about it. I only see and hear her on television now. I have her cell phone, but we never call each other. The only time I did was when your 'death' happened. Your funeral was the last time I spoke with her.
Sakura sat down on a nearby bench. "It was hard for me too. I hated ANBU as much as you did. Because of them, I believed, that they took away all my freedom. And they did. They took away all that I once believed in. But I met many people who are part of the organization. They're really nice and good people at heart. All of them joined because they had a purpose. What my purpose was, I didn't know. But I found it now. My purpose is to heal everyone and give them hope for survival."
Tenten looked at her and sighed. "And what about Ino and me? What happened to us?"
"I prayed for the best for both of you. I could watch Ino on screen, but I couldn't make contact with you. But I promise you, everyday I kept thinking what my life would be if I never left. If I just went on with my daily life keeping you and Ino."
"But then you wouldn't have met that guy right? Sasuke?"
They both laughed a little. "He's a bit arrogant. But I know he cares deeply for his friends and me. Although it doesn't look like it, he's very good friends with Naruto especially."
Tenten smiled. "And what about us? Are we still friends?"
Sakura nodded. "Of course. I would've never doubted." She smiled back at Tenten. "Let's go back now. I'm hungry!" Both held each other's hands and swung it. With each swing, forgiveness was given and accepted, and all losses were won.
- - -
"Is that the girl?"
"Who?"
"I'm growing really impatient with you. Of course the girl with brown hair," growled the man behind a puppet mask. "She's the one who witnessed the death of the Hyuuga girl, right?"
The golden hair man zoomed in using the special eyeglass. "Yes, I believe so. She's still the pretty darling. It looks like she hasn't aged at all – still young and beautiful. She would be even more beautiful if she became part of my art."
"She's going to be part of your art tonight. You'll make sure of it." The man started walking back. "I'm tired of waiting. Let's go back for now. But tonight, you better not make me wait."
"Yes, yes. I'll make sure she'll be part of my art for at least a couple of minutes."
"No. Make it seconds. I don't like waiting, so don't toy with her. Just end it within a second."
"No promises. I'll try, but I highly doubt I can do that." He snickered.
- - -
Author's Note: My thumb hurts ): Another chapter completed! Yay! I hope that you like the story so far. Let's see now. In the story summary, I put that only ANBU is the murderer (or so it seems), but like the anime/manga, Akatsuki was never quite known to people. So, I applied this to my story – many people think it's only the ANBU who are doing the works of homicides, but really it's Akatsuki too. I don't think I'll involve every member in my story though (it'll practically drag on forever!). We'll see though. Please tell me if you think any of the characters are OOC. I'll do my best to set them straight. Thank you very much (: