Quintus is up!

I hope you like this chapter. Its my longest chapter yet.

Of course, its been revised. Again, a thousand thanks to my AMAZING beta, Tomas The Betrayer.

Oh, and, please review. Pretty please. With a cherry on top.

Standard disclaimer applies.

Chapter 5

Of Boredom, Defeat, and Glorious Eyes

Life was boring.

At first Itachi had thought that the new medic would help alleviate his doldrums, but it turned out to be otherwise. Apparently she was a fangirl of his brother and furious at being stuck with him instead. There was only so much ranting that you could take. Needless to say, he was glad to hear that he would be going back home. Finally, some solace from the vociferous foaming-mouthed girl.

But home didn't prove to be the sanctuary he imagined it would be. There was nothing but training and more training, oh, and did he mention training? His father, hugely embarrassed at his son's failure, was pressuring him to work so hard that he barely had time to sleep or eat. On top of that, no one was allowed to meet him, not even Shisui. Sasuke was still in the hospital, but he had been unable to pay him a visit, on account of his father having expressly forbidden it.

This fact frustrated him. Not only for his own sake, but because Fugaku had obviously deemed it a waste of time to visit his younger son. "What is the point?" he had said when Itachi questioned him as to whether he had done so or not. "That boy will never distinguish himself anyway. He is completely useless. Forget about him and concentrate on your training – I do not want a repeat of last time!"

Itachi had wanted so badly to reply that Sasuke was his son as well, didn't he have some compassion for his own offspring, who just so happened to be lying badly injured in a hospital? Was there no feeling in his heart for him?

But he didn't.

However, this didn't stop him from feeling resentment, and this soon led to irritation. And so, after weeks of being stuck in a house where servants bowed humbly and stared at you like you were a hero, with a father whose careless behaviour with his younger son and adamant attitude towards his elder caused the mere sight of him to be a nuisance, Itachi was very glad to hear that he had been summoned before the Council.

The Council of Elders was the supreme body of the Uchiha, and its leader the unquestioned head of the clan. Owing to a certain act of might and justice by an ancient and revered ancestor of his, the head of the council was always from Itachi's own direct family. Currently this was, of course, his own father, and he himself, being the elder son, was expected to succeed him when either Fugaku passed away, or when he declared that he was stepping down from his post.

The Council itself was made up of the wisest men and women present in the Uchiha clan. This too was a slightly hereditary position, but not an exclusive one, for the head had the power to admit and dismiss whomever he wished. It supervised many of the daily functions and trades of the clan, including the police force of Konoha, and also upheld the clan laws. The word of the Council was final, and anyone who defied it was severely punished, often either exiled (after being blinded, of course – the Uchiha eyes were too precious to let wander around) or put to death. With shinobi, however, the case was slightly different – the Council either asked for permission from the Hokage to administer 'justice', or gave the offender up to be served his penalties by the Hokage herself.

The Council met every week, sometimes more often than that when called for, and no one was allowed into its meetings without special dispensation, or when they had been summoned. Needless to say, this piqued his interest– the main reasons for being summoned before the Council were if you had committed some misdeed, or if you were a witness. And since he was neither, it should prove interesting to learn why he was called upon.

Itachi stepped through the dimly lit doorway of the room and silently crossed the expanse of flat space until he was standing in the exact centre. All around him, black eyes stared from the uplifted, tiered seats that had been specially installed to let all those present gaze down upon the intruder. The very building itself was dome-shaped; an anomaly in the Uchiha district, and especially so, made that way in order to stand out.

The grim-eyed youth bowed his head – it was a measure of supplication, or a sign that he was still under the Elder's will. The eerie silence continued for a while, and then a voice spoke, as hard and old as a rusted nail. "It seems as though your son has not yet forgotten his manners, Fugaku."

Immediately, light flooded the room, not enough to blind, but sufficient to cast illumination upon the visages of everyone present. He found himself surrounded by elderly people who were smiling at him, their prodigy. His tense posture relaxed undiscernibly – he was not here for punishment, at least.

"It is well that he has not," a low voice, unmistakably female, intoned. He recognized it as belonging to Uchiha Sumire, a lady old and wizened in appearance, but a lion at heart. "Rise, son," she continued, and as he followed her instructions he looked up to see her smiling kindly at him. "It is imperative that he is a polite young man."

"Absolutely true!" exclaimed Uchiha Tensei, Shisui's grandfather. "His very nature to obey makes it clear that today's topic of discussion will go without a hassle."

"Do you know why you are here, Itachi?" a voice brusquely cut in, that of his father.

'Why, don't you?' Itachi fervently wished to reply in this manner, having been asked that same stupid, high-handed and pointless question practically every time he was forced to attend these meetings.

But it simply was not done. Instead, bowing his head ever so slightly, he said, "No, Father."

"Some time ago, eleven years to be precise, a contract was drawn between two of the most powerful clans in Konoha, supervised by the Third Hokage himself. It was an arrangement which was not to be taken lightly, since it included a never-before-attempted experiment, a combining of the two strongest kekkai genkai ever seen. The Third's pupil, especially, was very enthusiastic about it, and worked endlessly to bridge the differences in thought that occurred among our own clan and the other participant, the Hyuuga."

His eyebrows almost rose up, almost being the keyword. An agreement between the Hyuuga and the Uchiha? He had not been aware that one existed, for the two clans bitterly hated each other and aimed to outdo one another on each and every occasion. The reasons for this were numerous – not only were both afraid of the political and monetary changes that would come about if one triumphed over the other, but the Uchiha also severely condemned the 'division of status' in the Hyuuga clan. The system of the 'Main House' and 'Branch House' was highly discriminatory, and one of the most oft-cited points of contention. Needless to say, the possibilities of there actually existing an agreement between the two clans, moreover supervised by the great Third himself and supported by his pupil – from the timeline he could tell it was either Jiraiya-sama or Tsunade-sama – was unexpected, to say the least. Moreover, to find that it affected him was slightly unsettling.

Curious now, Itachi masked his features and continued to listen closely to the monologue.

"You yourself are directly concerned with this matter. The statement which was finally agreed upon is such: 'Under the supervision of the renowned Third Hokage, Sarutobi-sama, this document has been brought to life. It details the union of the Hyuuga and Uchiha clans, with the hope of discovering a kekkai genkai which utilises the power of both the Hyuuga Byakugan and the Uchiha Sharingan. This document, which is a culmination of the wishes of both the Hyuuga and the Uchiha clan heads, Hyuuga Hiashi and Uchiha Fugaku, states that for the above to happen, a marriage of convenience must take place between Uchiha Itachi, heir to the Uchiha clan, and Hyuuga Hanabi, the younger daughter of the leader of the Hyuuga clan. The council chooses these two individuals because, if an heir with a merge of the Sharingan and the Byakugan is born, then he will lead the Uchiha clan after Uchiha Itachi. If such an heir fails to make an appearance, and one with only the powers of the Sharingan is born, he will also lead the Uchiha after Uchiha Itachi. However, if an heir only with the power of the Byakugan is born, then the leadership will be stripped of Uchiha Itachi and will pass onto his younger brother, Uchiha Sasuke. This marriage of convenience will take place immediately after the coming of age of both the individuals concerned. Signed, Kazuhiko Sarutobi.'

To say that this was a stunning revelation would not be adequate. There were no appropriate words for what Itachi was feeling. Married? At twenty-one? How could his father, of all people, even consent to this? Fugaku was the one who insisted that he himself should ignore everyone – Sasuke, Shisui, and so many others – and simply focus on his goal! To declare that he take a wife? Did he not know how big a responsibility a wife was? How much time you had to devote to her, how you had to treat her kindly?

On the other hand, maybe he didn't, considering his treatment of his own wife. Itachi could remember all the pain and suffering his mother had to go through, and very early on, he had decided that if he ever did marry, he would treat his own spouse much better than that. To do so at this point of life, where he was being constantly expected to excel, would be a complete turn-around from his former vows. He couldn't allow that to happen, especially when –

"The words of the document, sealed and signed by the Third himself, were to be followed implicitly," came a growling voice from above, which he found to be Tensei. "But what do you expect of those Hyuuga? Always wriggling out of every situation, even if it's not needed, showing contempt to holy deeds. Now, after eleven years, they have decided that they want to change the terms of this document."

"They want to change the girl," Sumire supplied, probably noticing the almost-confused look on his face. After having being one of Itachi's mentors for nearly 15 years now, she was apt to notice the slightest mood shifts, even if they were not expressed on the surface. "They think that the one mentioned in the document, Hyuuga Hanabi, has a prosperous future before her, and they do not wish to deter her. Anyone who marries you, of course, will not be allowed to continue their ninja career."

He understood that. It would be heinous if the leader's wife was going on missions – not only was it a matter of safety, but it was also a slur on the name of the clan. There was no way that his future wife could be allowed to continue her active service as a shinobi of Konoha.

"They have decided to substitute her," Sumire continued, "with a girl from their so-called 'Main House', not knowing that it does not matter to us which house she is from. Although it would seem a slur if they sent a girl from a house that they consider 'inferior' to marry the most important person in our clan." She smiled fondly. "Anyway, not to tease you any further, I will reveal the identity of your future bride. The Main House, as you know, is very small, and girls there are precious few. Since Hyuuga Hanabi was outlawed, they had to choose another one. The girl that they are talking about is supposedly 'useless, unable to uphold the honour of the clan, and good for nothing except for this', in direct quotes. Kind of harsh, I would think, considering that they are talking about their own heiress."

He almost, but not quite, caught his breath. The heiress? But if he married the heiress, and his descendants were supposed to lead his clan, then how would the Hyuuga succession line continue?

The old woman gave him what truly seemed to be a coquettish smile then. "The girl you will marry is Hyuuga Hinata."

As Itachi digested this information, his father took up the remainder of the discussion. "In her place, the aforementioned Hyuuga Hanabi will take up the role as heir. Hinata, the elder sister, will come here. A fortunate development, I think, because she is only 4 years younger than you, whereas Hanabi is 10 years so. However, in further defiance against the words of our agreement, the Hyuuga have decided to delay the marriage by one year on purely personal grounds. During that time, you are expected to treat Hyuuga Hinata as your very highly esteemed fiancée."

Fugaku crossed his arms and looked down his nose at his son. "The official ceremony will take place after a week. Tensei's grandson, Shisui, will be helping you to make the adequate preparations. That is all. You may leave."

Silently, Itachi stood up, bowed his head, and then strode out of the room. No thought was given as to how this peremptory departure might be taken as an insult. After all, he did have a lot to contemplate.

Oh well. At the very least, he would still have Shisui to help prepare him for this ordeal.

Hinata was disturbed.

Although not an emotion commonly identified with her,and rightly so, for the past few weeks it had become almost omnipresent. The behaviour of Uchiha-san was scary, to say the least, and the very thought that she had to go and visit him twice a day made her shrink back in fear.

She had been positively ecstatic to know that he would be dismissed after the next day. The guy had been getting progressively ruder as time went on, and would often sneer at her and make hurtful comments when she was doing his check-up. It had gotten so bad that she had contemplated going to Tsunade-sama and requesting she reassign her to some other, preferably more placid, patient. However, out of sheer determination, she had not – the very purpose of her life now was that to show that she was not weak, and to give up at this stage would be nothing but a sign of weakness.

Another reason was the fact that the date for Hanabi's official christening was set. Her own day of christening she could not even remember, since it was done when she was barely two weeks old, by the rightful title of firstborn. However, her father, true to his word, had officially announced that Hanabi would be christened as heir two weeks later.

So Hinata persevered.

Even more perturbing was the fact that she had not yet managed to find a trainer for herself. She had briefly contemplated asking Naruto, but her courage had failed at the last moment, and she had slunk away like a kicked dog. Her teammates were also out of the question. Both Kiba and Shino's method of fighting contained a lot of cooperation with their family attributes; namely, dogs and bugs. And while she got along well enough with both, it was not sufficient to the point of utilising them during fighting. She had also considered asking Kurenai, but then realised that her devoted teacher was in Suna, helping out with the reconstruction and defence of the city.

Everyone else whom she was on friendly terms with also had some problem – Ino utilised her kekkai genkai of mind control, Shikamaru of shadow control, and Chouji of body expansion. While Sakura did not have a kekkai genkai, she was accustomed to fighting using pure brute strength enhanced with chakra, and apart from the fact that Tsunade-sama had already told Hinata that such a style was not right for her, she had to consider the fact that, apart from super-human cases like Tsunade-sama and Sakura, brute strength always failed in front of the Hyuuga clan's Gentle Fist technique.

That actually led her back to her own native training grounds. One of the strongest candidates that could be of help was Neji-nii-san, for not only was he accustomed to the Gentle Fist, he was also a genius at it. She had even worked up the courage to ask him, and he had looked at her in a sort of pitying way, then agreed. However, the next day, her father had summoned both of them and expressly forbidden him from being her trainer. Hence, a month had already passed, and she had still not managed to recruit anyone to her cause.

And to put the cherry on top, she was again being called before the Elders. Thankfully, this time, she was at least appropriately attired in a gorgeous kimono with a leaves-in-autumn pattern chosen by, of all people, Jiraiya-sama himself. The old man, despite being a notorious pervert, had a very good eye when it came to formal dress wear such as kimono and informal such as yukata.

So, more confidently this time (but not by much) Hinata glided gracefully down the long corridor towards the Elders' room, artfully acknowledging servants who bowed to her. For the past few weeks, a great deal of people had stopped to stare as she passed and furiously whisper among themselves, courtesy of her father's announcement. It was highly disconcerting, to say the least.

She gently knocked on the door, and then slid it open to reveal the Council sitting within. As quietly as possible, the timid maiden stepped inside, closed the door, and made her way directly in front of her father.

The Hyuuga Elders were a group of wise counselors, all from the Main House, who supervised and controlled the dealings of the clan. They were lead by the heir and leader, currently her father. Their main function was to advise the clan head on the important matters concerning the family, and attempt to make his job as easy as possible. Hinata had formerly been expected to succeed Hiashi in this post, and had cringed at the thought of being at the mercy of these vicious, power-hungry old codgers. Now, however, the responsibility of dealing with them – a delicate and dangerous game – had been handed over to Hanabi.

She could not believe she was trying her hardest to earn it back. What a complete turn-around.

The Elders scrutinised her as she sat on the tatami mats in front of the raised platform where they reclined. Keeping her eyes lowered, Hinata knelt in a bow, and then slowly sat up.

To one side, Hyuuga Kiyoko was obviously overjoyed that Hanabi was going to replace Hinata as heir, utterly convinced that she could not beat her younger sister. "Do you know what you are here for, girl?" her crackling voice came, almost jubilantly.

'Yes. Can I go now?' It was hard not to make that comeback. She really hated that question. How was she supposed to know why she was here when she had come to be told why she was here? Hinata had heard some variation of that tedious query on every occasion of being in this chamber, and she was starting to wonder if it was a ritual tradition of some sort.

"No, Kiyoko-sama," she demurred.

"Stop it, Kiyoko," said Hyuuga Fuu. The old man was the only one who had ever been kind to her. He was actually her great-uncle, being her mother's uncle, but she had grown up looking at Fuu-sama as a grandfather since her real maternal grandparent had died very early. "Can't you see that you are making the poor child uncomfortable?"

"What right does she have to be comfortable?" spat back Kiyoko, beady eyes narrowing. "It is not like –"

"ENOUGH!" a voice thundered. The entire hall quickly grew silent. An angry Hyuuga Hiashi was a sight they never wished to see again. However, their fear was unwarranted, for his wrath today was directed towards his elder daughter.

"The reason you are here is because we have an announcement to make concerning you. As you know, a month has already passed since I informed you of the decision of the Council to substitute Hanabi for you. Preparations for Hanabi's christening have also already been sent out. Leaders from as far as Suna will be attending, despite the recent attack. This shows the prestige of the Hyuuga clan."

Hiashi drew himself up in an imperious manner and spoke as though he were declaring war. "With the state of matters as such, we cannot delay any further. Your inability to find a trainer has been duly noted. Stop!" he said, raising his hand when Hinata opened her mouth to speak. "I do not want to waste my time on your flimsy excuses. We are busy enough as it is. It does not matter to us if you manage to find a trainer or not. You will still fight with Hanabi at the end of the year, and whoever wins will be the heir. That was our agreement, and it will stand. I have no more to say on that matter. The reason why we are gathered today is for a completely different matter."

He paused for a while, then continued. "As you know, your engagement to Uchiha Itachi cannot be kept in the dark forever. It would arouse comment if we did so. Hence, we have decided to hold a formal engagement ceremony at the end of the week. Shizune-san and Jiraiya-san will be helping you to make all the necessary arrangements. All kimono in the house are at your disposal, for you do not have time to order a new one. I trust you will not do anything to sully the reputation of our clan. That is all. You may go."

Numbly, Hinata took her leave, walking like a zombie down the corridor towards her room, ignoring the many people who greeted her and stared after her listless form in confusion, for it was not the custom of the (ex) Hyuuga heiress to ignore those who wished her well. Ignorant of their concern, she walked to her room, not caring who she bumped into, or even bothering to apologize. After all, what was the need?

She was going to be betrothed to Uchiha Itachi. It was final.

Confusion was an emotion that was seldom found in Sasuke Uchiha. He was always confident, purposeful, with a goal in mind. But not today. Today he was completely and truly at a loss.

The reason for his current state had still not appeared, despite the fact that it was a whole 1 minute and 30 seconds after she was supposed to arrive.

It was not that he wanted see her or anything. There was no reason to do so, was there? So why should he? He didn't want to see her bite her lip ever so gently as she checked over him, a small crease between her eyebrows. He didn't want to see her eyes, soft and full of compassion, and yet alive with suppressed fire which was contained within that small, frail body that probably couldn't even fight properly. No, he was simply wondering as to what had delayed the ever-punctual Hyuuga.

He was not fascinated.

Not at all.

Sasuke had always been terrible at lying to himself.

Anyway, his concern – it was not concern! Why should he be concerned? – for his medic's wellbeing and unusual tardiness was not entirely unfounded. She had come in the morning, with her well-worn bottom lip and shy stuttering, those glorious (glorious? Since when did he start using words such as glorious?) eyes slightly pensive.

And now she was late.

He wanted to know.

The door suddenly opened. Startled, he whipped the kunai he kept hidden under his pillow towards it. He had been so preoccupied with thoughts of his medic that he had failed to notice the soft footsteps that were approaching his door.

The kunai was stopped an inch away from the face of said medic, caught between her fingers. Startled, she let out a dismayed, "Eh?" before realising the implications and letting out a much louder, "EH?"

Sasuke relaxed. Looking at the panic-stricken face of the person he was so eagerly awaiting – he wasn't awaiting her! Why would he be awaiting her? – he felt slightly guilty.

"Sorry. Reflex action," he stated, and then immediately rebuked himself. Why should he be feeling guilty for scaring a Hyuuga? Still, it was a good catch, he had to admit.

The girl stared at him like he was mad, then seemed to recover herself. She stepped forward and quietly made her way towards him. The way she looked at him left Sasuke somewhat apprehensive, and in no way more inclined to further explain or apologize for anything. Instead he held out his arm towards her and opened his mouth, and she placed the thermometer inside it.

Something was wrong. He could see it in the defeated way she held herself. Those beautiful eyes, filled with far too much emotion for their own good, were glazed over, scared.

They had given up.

He didn't want to see them defeated.

Sasuke watched her carefully as she redid his bandages – just a formality now, his wounds were completely healed – and was disturbed to see that no emotion whatsoever crossed her face.

The door suddenly opened, and both of them turned to see Shizune standing outside.

"Oh!" she said, obviously surprised. "I didn't know that you were in charge of his upkeep now, Hinata-chan." Her eyes flickered back and forth between the two of them. "I just needed to give the patient a final once-over before he gets released, you know?"

"Of c-course, Shizune-san."

She stepped back, and the shinobi lady came forward smiling to take over his tending, all the while asking him silly questions such as, "Does this hurt?", "Does it hurt if I do this?", and "Are you in any sort of pain?"

Finally satisfied, she stood up, scribbled something on her clipboard and walked towards the door. "The patient is fine now. He may be released tomorrow morning. Just administer the last dose of the medicine, okay?"

Nodding, Hinata watched as she walked out of the room, but suddenly Shizune turned back and said, "Oh, by the way, Hinata-chan, I know that it is none of my business, but have you found a trainer yet?"

"N-not yet, Shizune-san," the girl mumbled, averting her eyes while turning back towards her patient. She picked up the bottle of medicine, and Shizune, her face suddenly concerned, closed the door behind her.

Hinata came close and administered his injection, then cleared the area with sanitizer, disposed of the needle, and made her way out. Just as she reached the door, however, it was swung open yet again by someone outside.

"Oh! I didn't expect to see you here, Hyuuga-sama."

Shisui's black eyes curiously flickered between the two of them before he stepped out of the way and allowed Hinata to pass him. He watched the diminutive girl depart, then closed the door and sauntered to the bedside to take a seat on the stool there.

"So," he said. "I heard you're getting released tomorrow?"

"Yes," answered Sasuke. Shisui had always been with them, noticed or not. He was forever by Itachi's side, and had supported him and cared for both brothers as a loyal family retainer.

"Good for you, kiddo, especially with what's brewing in the clan now. Well, at least you'll be able to attend the ceremony. I was worried I was going to be bored to death! But fancy, I surely didn't expect to see her in here."

"She's my medic," he said, curiosity gnawing at him to find out which ceremony Shisui was talking about. Before he could do so, the older man let out a great guffaw of laughter.

"Well, fancy that! Your sister-in-law-to-be is your medic!"

SHOCK!

"Excuse me?"

Shisui's laughter abruptly stopped and he leaned forward, his narrow eyes suddenly widening. "Good God! Nobody told you, did they?" Seeing him shaking his head, he sighed. "Why am I surprised? This was completely expected. It's exactly what they would do. Marry the elder brother off and not even inform the younger one."

"Itachi hasn't been by to visit either," replied Sasuke sulkily, now highly affronted. What on earth was going on?

A friendly grin adorned that boyish face. "He wasn't allowed to, kiddo. Your father's got him locked up in that mansion of yours, probably training day and night. Even I wasn't permitted to meet him. Anyway, should probably tell ya now. That lil' medic of yours is engaged to Itachi, see. The ceremony I was talking about? It's their official engagement, which is takin' place later this week. Would've told you earlier, 'cept I didn' know that you didn' know. Don't blame Itachi – he's just as surprised as you are."

As he digested this information, the second-born son of the Uchiha felt something more defined than confusion.

Sasuke was fucked.

Hanabi was hiding.

She didn't want this, never wanted this, so why was onee-san not listening, not doing anything to protest? Why on earth was she allowing this to happen? She was the one who was supposed to be the heir, not Hanabi, so why was she sitting back calmly and allowing this to occur, why wasn't she saying anything to stop it?

How could onee-san not save her imouto from this harsh sentence? Didn't she love her anymore? Was she really such a horrible child that nobody loved her?

Her father didn't for sure. He pretended to, but she could see that it wasn't love that motivated him. It was greed and pride. Two of the seven deadly sins. He was guilty of all of them. Every single one. He wanted a strong heir so that people would praise him for training his daughter so well. Nothing else.

The elders, all those people in the hall, they didn't love her either. They just saw a rising star, and, as is human nature, they flocked to it, petted and coddled it, hoping to receive returns some day. Nothing but money-mongers.

Even Neji-nii-san, who loved Hinata so much, did not care. How could he, after she had tortured him using the Caged Bird Seal like that? He would never know that she had only done it because her father had forced her, that she was fighting tears the whole time, that the sound of his agonised screams had kept her awake at night for years afterwards, and still did.

Hanabi had thought that onee-san loved her, but she had been wrong. Onee-san did not love her, or she wouldn't be letting her fall into this predicament. No reason to believe she would, after Hanabi had snatched away the only person who had loved onee-san. Onee-san probably hated her.

And so, the miserable child curled herself in a ball, putting her fist in her mouth like an infant, and, smeared in filth, cried for everything that she had lost, and for the love that she had always desired and would never receive.