A Will of Namazu
Author's note 1 : Hello, I'm astonished. I didn't know that the Naruto fandom was that popular ! Believe me when I'm telling you that I was surprised to see these first reviews and those persons who added A Will of Namazu to their favorites and followers lists. Honestly, thank you ! I'll try my best to update the following chapters.
Author's note 2 : If you have any questions about the story, feel free to ask me in your reviews. I'll answer – but no spoilers !
Chapter Two : Crushed Leaves
It was silent within the Hyuuga estate. Silent and colder than usual without Hinata's presence to warm everything up. Hyuuga Hanabi shivered slightly as she lay in her bed, feeling anything but fine. True to her unusually harsh words, her older sister had done what she must have been up to lately by disappearing – and to be honest, Hanabi had nearly fallen into catatonia once the news have been broken to anyone who was worried about Hinata.
'She is gone, Hanabi-san. Hinata has...left.'
'Left' didn't mean she was 'dead'. There was still this lingering hope stirring inside her guts that was assuring her that Hinata was still alive somewhere in the Shinobi world – and hurting. Even if Hanabi wasn't the most attentive sister most of the time, she had started watching Hinata closely ; the changes were slow but noticeable around her older sister ever since they got back from the war they had previously won. It had started with short answers and curt nods instead of the kind responses everyone was so used to – to which Hanabi would sometimes let a tiny smile appear on her face before retreating back to her stoic face – and as days went by, the short answers became harsh words exclaimed with her soft voice she had grown accustomed to. Such harshness and sarcasm in her tone had been so new and violent that Hanabi had almost jerked away from Hinata. Almost. The heiress hadn't seemed to register her own outburst and had continued her way outside, ignoring the shock on her younger sister.
Hanabi felt herself tremble under her sheets and she clenched her eyes shut. She had also trembled when Hinata had yelled at her.
Yelling had never been part of you, Aneki. What happened ?
As the morning rays of sun lit the room, the thought of getting up to attend a meeting organized by the Hyuuga Elders didn't seem appealing to her ; there was no doubt they will certainly talk about Hinata's defection from the clan and the village and will try to strip her from her title as heiress and pass it down to Hanabi. A few years back it had been one of her top priorities as her skills were more valuable than Hinata's but now...she wasn't so interested anymore in ruling the Hyuuga clan. Being clan head was such a heavy and honorable responsability their father fulfilled with assurance and wisdom, albeit having been a little harsh and severe during their training together, but he has always been her model alongside with her older sister. Ruling the Hyuuga clan, being admired for her superior skills, being her father's favorite, all this has become so dull. So futile. Nothing will come back to normal after this – she wasn't going back to normal since Neji's and their father's death.
No. Hanabi wasn't going back to normal after this. The horrors of the war took her cousin and father away weeks ago and it was now Hinata's turn to disappear, leaving the stoic-father-like daughter all alone. This form of abandonment left a sour taste in her mouth and a gaping hole in her chest because for the first time, Hyuuga Hanabi wanted to display all the emotions that were building up inside. The idea of screaming her anguish had never been so appealing, so tempting, just to see how everyone would react to her violent outburst – everyone, including that idiotic partner of hers, Konohamaru. She wanted to see the stern and emotionless face of the Hyuuga show feelings, all kinds of feelings, just to see if they had really moved on with Hyuuga Hiashi and Hyuuga Neji. She wanted to see if…
She wanted to see if they were human. Just like Hinata.
'We Hyuuga, always conceal our emotions behind a stern mask. However, it is only up to you to make it unbreakable.'
Back then, Hanabi had sworn to never display any emotions. She had thought it was a sign of weakness that her sister carried around and, like the favorite she was, had laughed about it. Of course, it proved her wrong again. Once again. Showing weakness was somewhat a strenght Hanabi and her father wouldn't have understood. And what powerful strenght it was ; Hinata's courage to confront Pein in order to protect that despicable Uzumaki Naruto had been foolish, yet inspiring. Had it been Hanabi instead of her, would she have fought against the monster and risked her own life for someone she didn't acknowledge as a friend or acquaintance like Hinata ? Would she have stood her ground and fought like Hinata ?
There was still so much Hanabi had to learn from her sister. So much.
A knock on her door pulled her out of her dark thoughts and she merely turned on her back. ''What is it ?'' she asked sternly, eyes fixed on her ceiling.
''Hanabi-sama, there is someone here to see you,'' the voice of a servant said quietly.
She frowned lightly. Someone ? At this hour ?
''And who is that ?''
''Uzumaki Naruto, Hanabi-sama.''
What…?
The young Hyuuga sat up quickly, her white eyes widened and showing surprise.
What was he doing here ?
The first time Naruto had met Hyuuga Hanabi was during the Sandaime Hokage's funeral. And his impression about her ?
Cold. Stoic. So different from her sister.
It was brief but he remembered her face and her words. He shuddered as he stared at the beautifully kept garden of the Hyuuga estate to occupy himself until the spoiled little brat deigned to face him. He had never been here and he had never felt the urge to come – Hinata may be one of his dearest friends of the Academy and he cared about her, but there was something that seemed off between them ever since she had confessed her love to him. Naruto had been painfully clueless about the nature of her true feelings about him and he had yet to grasp the courage to face her, fearing an emotional breakdown from the gentle kunoichi. Since the last events of the Fourth Shinobi War, he realized that he had neglected Hinata to concentrate on Sasuke's presence and Sakura.
Had it been purposefully or not deliberate he couldn't say, but he knew that he just couldn't look at her in the eyes for some reason. She had been wilful at sacrificing herself to save him – twice, in fact. Twice. She reasoned him when he was on the verge of giving up just seconds after Neji breathed his last words, haunted by Uchiha Obito's mocking words, and he couldn't have been more grateful. But after that, he didn't see Hinata anymore. It wasn't that she avoided him – he was the one avoiding her. Some could say it was guilt boring holes into him because of her cousin's death, others would wonder if it was because he wouldn't be able to tell he was sorry about Neji.
Were they wrong ?
Naruto sighed, eyes closed in anguish. Once more, he had been an awful friend to Hinata. Nobody as kind and wonderful as Hinata should be that ignored and waved off. Awful, awful, awful...
''Uzumaki Naruto.'' The voice pulled him out of his trance and he looked down.
The youngest Hyuuga stood before him with her large white eyes looking at him with curiosity and this coldness he was used to be with – he almost choked on his late friend's name and nibbled on his lip. Suddenly the atmosphere seemed heavier, unbearable ; it wasn't the fact that Naruto was intimidated by Hanabi, her mere presence was enough to creep him out, but rather because he didn't know what he could tell her. It made him wonder why he had bothered to come with an empty mind and no calculated words to somewhat comfort Hinata's younger sister – as if she really needed comfort from him all of people.
The words struggled to come out, he could tell. Even Hanabi could tell by his frustrated expression, so she just stared back and patiently waited. She still didn't understand his presence here but she hoped he would tell something worth her time – if it had anything to do with her sister, she would listen until he was done. She watched impassively as he gulped down a lump in his throat rather loudly and scratched the back of his head, eyes not meeting hers.
This lasted for at least two minutes before he opened his mouth.
''What can I say, Hanabi-san ?''
Her white eyes grew large as she stared at him incredulously.
''Excuse me ?'' She was dumbfounded.
He sighed deeply. ''What can I say ?'' he repeated. ''It's been days since Hinata-chan has left and...I don't know anymore. It seems something punched me in the stomach when Granny Tsunade broke the news. Hard. She was so cold and deadly serious that it...bothered me. Because I didn't expect that – nobody expected that and now I realized how an horrible friend I have been to her.'' Hanabi just stared, speechless. Naruto bit his lip in silent pain. ''What were her thoughts ? Was she suffering from the loss of Neji in silence, alone and without someone t-to comfort her ? Were you too crying in your sleep, Hanabi ? I-I…''
His breathing became uneven, shallow. But the young Hyuuga just stared as he trembled, his anguish and guilt now visible.
''She never said anything. She has been agonizing silently and because it's Hinata-chan, she...it's painful to finally understand !'' he exclaimed loudly.'' Sh-she is so quiet all the time a-and since the war is over...I thought I could gather the courage to talk to her and—''
''But you didn't,'' Hanabi countered.
Naruto looked down at her, his face glum. She frowned.
''You didn't seek my sister as a friend. You weren't there to comfort her as a friend.'' At this point, Hanabi knew this bubble building up into her chest was related to anger and she glared at the Jinchuuriki through narrowed eyes. ''I may not have many friends as Hinata does – do I even know the concept of friendship ? I sometimes wonder – but there is something I understand here while listening to your stupid rambling.'' Hanabi stalked towards him, didn't mind when he backed away from her as if intimidated and came to a halt mere inches before him.
Who was this man in front of her ? From the little she knew about Uzumaki Naruto, he was this loudmouth, a few years back, who made himself hated by all villagers for reasons he couldn't understand as a kid. He was this vessel of the infamous Nine-tailed beast known as the Kyuubi who, for reasons she still couldn't really understand or admit, made himself renowned because of his actions towards the Kazekage and the help he provided to bring him back. He was this shinobi who happened to swear he would protect everyone, out of the blue, even if he had to be killed during the battle. He was this man, stupid and boisterous as he was, who was trained by one of the Sannin to get stronger over the years and confront the Akatsuki. He was this man who, in spite of his own self-delusion, swore and made a promise to his teammate that he would bring Uchiha Sasuke back in Konoha, even if he was a traitor to them. He was also this man who had defeated Uchiha Obito and Uchiha Madara. Hanabi had sometimes very secretly admired those actions but would have never admitted it. But seriously...seriously…
Hinata couldn't have loved someone like him. There were so many differences between her hardworking older sister and this revolting blonde man and, to be incredibly honest, Hanabi was starting to hold a grudge against Uzumaki Naruto. As she stared at his wide blue eyes of his, she began to count the times Hinata had talked about him, defended him against her insults with such confidence in her eyes and her tone and couldn't help but think that he wasn't worth it. He wasn't worth the time to think about – not anymore. All this time after the war was over Hanabi had watched closely her older sister interact with others, silent and sometimes wishing she could help her move on like the Hyuuga had, but had always recoiled because Hinata would plaster that soft smile on her face, telling her she was fine. Her eyes were lying, her smile was lying, her words were lying – everything from her screamed lies ever since Neji and her father were dead ! And he – that Uzumaki Naruto...he…
Veins appeared on her temples as Hanabi snarled angrily at the blonde. ''YOU. WEREN'T. THERE. TO. COMFORT HER !''
A defeaning silence followed after the first outburst. Which didn't last more than four seconds when the second followed.
''And Kami knows Hinata would have appreciated – loved – if you had come here to talk to her, to make her smile – to comfort her !'' she shouted, fisting her hands over his stupidly orange shirt. ''But you didn't show up, never ! For weeks I have watched her fading without having the chance to fix her and it had hurt to see that nothing I would have done would have worked...and because of what ? Because their deaths were too much for her, for me ! Father, Neji...they were everything to us ! They were family ! You don't deserve her tears, you don't deserve her friendship, you…'' she took several breaths before continuing, her powerful Byakugan still active in anger. ''You don't deserve my sister's love, Uzumaki !''
Damn. It feels good.
''You're right : you are an awful friend ! If you were a good friend you would have been here all the time trying to help her instead of trying to rebuild a friendship with a traitor who doesn't even want you around him ! If you were a good friend you would have stayed by her side each day trying to make her smile as you always did in the past ! If you were such a good friend you would have made it up to her by honouring Neji's memory and reminding her how such a good friend our cousin was to you and maybe – maybe...she would still be here, smiling and being the Hinata I love so much ! You favoured spending time with the traitor Uchiha Sasuke than spending time with Hinata – was she that repellent to you ? Was she really your friend ? Did you consider her as such ? Where were you all this time, Uzumaki ? Where were you, hero of Konoha ? Huh ? Answer me !''
But he didn't. He couldn't anyway. Uzumaki Naruto didn't have any words to say out loud and Kami, Hyuuga Hanabi was right.
What kind of friend was he for Hinata ?
Staring dumbly at the angry white eyes the younger kunoichi, Naruto couldn't find himself able to think straight. Hinata was gone. She was gone and, when he thought about it, ignoring her by staying around Sasuke and Sakura had helped urging the young Hyuuga heiress to leave. His heartbeat fastened as he widened his cerulean eyes in an extremely painful realization. It was mostly his fault if his kind friend had left Konohagakure without anyone noticing she was missing, had he been more attentive to her and not concentrated on bringing Sasuke back he would have noticed that something was amiss. Would he have ? This ignorance, this painful ignorance of his had been eating her, gnawing at her kindness, devouring her sanity and he, as the idiot he was for not realizing her feelings for him, had been avoiding her for no reason. He had never mustered the necessary courage to look for her and talk about them, about Neji and her father, about anything at all. While she had always found her courage to be his friend, to see the good in him, to defend him and to confess to him, he had waved her off once the war was won and hadn't bothered to seek her in order to comfort her.
'Where were you all this time, Uzumaki ?'
Hanabi's words echoed in his blank mind like a mantra. Hinata had always understood him. What she saw in him he couldn't know, but he knew that she wasn't like the others ; she stood out for him, she defended him, she worshipped him for his determination to get stronger and his courage to stand his ground, she looked up to him to also get stronger – she just understood him more than the others. More than Haruno Sakura who must be still pinning for Sasuke even though she confessed to him, more than Hatake Kakashi who only spoke when he feels that his precious pupils are falling apart. More than anyone else, probably.
Naruto didn't feel anything. He was numb, limp. He didn't even feel the hot tears streaming down his face as he stared into oblivion in painful guilt. Hanabi didn't care as she whipped around, Byakugan still active and not holding him anymore. He sank to his knees, unable to stand.
''You may leave,'' she whispered, her throat sore and voice hoarse from screaming. ''I'm tired.''
So was he. Tired and so sorry.
Outside and resting on the rooftop of his apartment, Uchiha Sasuke still stared. He was frowning.
The Hyuuga brat had more backbone than he thought. Yes, he had seen and heard everything.
''Well dobe ?'' he muttered. ''What are you going to do ? Bring her back forcefully and selfishly like you did with me, without understanding ?''
He snorted, closing his eyes. And snarling.
''Only you can do that.''
Days passed. And the more time passed, the further Hyuuga Hinata was getting from Konoha – from them. They knew it but couldn't do anything because the Hokage had forbidden it. For a friend, shinobis of Konoha would do anything – look out for him, stand by him, kill for him. Even if it cost anything. Friendship was something so strong that it could go to the impossible and the unforgiveable – it could match love in some domains, but nothing so drastic. Naruto had always looked up to Sasuke even though they were rivals back then, as his dream of becoming Hokage was to protect both his village and everyone he held dear. Such typical dream he had, some would say with amused chuckles.
Except that their hero wasn't this typical shinobi. He was something even more incredible.
And this naive to think that Uchiha Sasuke would be delighted to be back. He loathed everything about this village everytime he recalled Madara's words about the truth and played them in his mind, but the more he thought about hunting down the Elders responsible for the Uchiha massacre all those years back, the more his fingers itched to reach his katana and—
And what ? Murder anyone because he couldn't stand Konoha ?
Why yes. Konoha was the reason his whole clan had been murdered and those soon-to-be dead Elders had planned everything, tasked his older brother to murder his parents and their clan. Konoha was the reason Sasuke had nourished the goal of murdering his brother so he could – blindly – avenge his clan for reasons he couldn't have even imagined. Konoha again was the village which had betrayed his family and hid the truth like a common coward. For what he could care less, this village could have burned down to ashes he wouldn't have looked back with regret. So Naruto and Sakura could stuff their selfishness and so-called 'love' for him and go fuck themselves, they never understood. They had never understood his hunger, like he felt the need to explain himself. It wasn't recognition for what he was Sasuke had been looking for, it wasn't stability either he had been craving about, it was…
He didn't even know.
One evening, Sasuke found himself leaping rooftop after rooftop towards the Hokage Tower, where he would see this busted blonde Sannin and see what the hell she wanted with him. Using his extreme speed to reach the building without being spotted by eventual – and annoying fan-girls – he began to wonder about a potential assignement he could be given. If it was an escort to a far away country with some annoying, rich client, Sasuke would just walk back to his apartment and hole up in there, not caring if the Hokage would throw a fit at his arrogance. It woud be simple as that.
However the second he opened the door of Tsunade's office, he slammed it back shut with a death glare and was already walking back to his apartment.
Of all thrash in Konoha, did that 'woman' have to choose them ?
The door opened again and Sakura peeked her head out. ''Sasuke-kun, wait up ! We have a mission together !''
''And I couldn't care less,'' the Uchiha answered back, not even bothering to look at her.
He heard her running to catch up and her hands latched onto his arm. Tightly.
''P-please Sasuke-kun,'' Sakura all but pleaded, tugging him with her. ''We don't want to make Lady Tsunade mad because you refused to participate.''
''Again, I couldn't care less,'' he repeated, about to shove her aside rather roughly. ''Tell your Hokage I'm not interested in running around for this village. I'm going back to sleep.''
''But…''
''Yo, Sasuke !''
You've got to be kidding. He turned to glare at Kakashi's form leaning on the wall behind them, a hand holding an Icha Icha Paradise volume. Still reading that damn garbage ? He inwardly snarled. If I set that thing on fire, maybe his brain would be functioning with more acuity.
Kakashi's only eye smiled up at him. ''The Hokage has summoned us four for another mission, so we better get in there before she starts throwing things through the wall.''
''You're aware the door is open and I can hear you, right Kakashi ?'' Tsunade half-joked, half-growled in irritation. ''Come in here, Uchiha boy. Don't make me stand and drag you in this office because I will do it with that stack of hair of yours.''
He was sure she will. Silent, Sasuke began contemplating the different ideas swirling in his mind. Should he use his Tsukuyomi to trap them in a deadly illusion until their minds are destroyed or the Susano ? Truly, this shouldn't be that hard to escape them and the ANBU – he could outrun them in a matter of seconds if he wanted to. The real problem would be Naruto. Sakura wasn't even a blip on the radar for all he cared. But he was stuck, forced back to being a shinobi from this dreaded and loathed village because of this blonde idiot, and he had to cooperate in order to stay sane.
But he wasn't sane anymore. The nightmares plagued him.
Gritting his teeth and shoving Sakura out of his way, the Uchiha traitor stalked in the office with a scowl on his face and stopped in front of the smirking Tsunade. He didn't even acknowledge Naruto's presence nor did he notice his unusual sulky look on his tan face – where did that come from, anyway ? Not minding the unusually silent blonde on his right and completely ignoring the pink-haired medic on his left he just scowled, feeling already irritated by the whole ordeal.
''What the hell do you want ?'' Sasuke was far from pleased to be here.
''Language, insolent boy !'' Tsunade admonished in a growl. ''Just because Naruto and Sakura pleaded for you to remain alive and in this village doesn't mean you can have your way here, that's not going to happen while I'm still Hokage. So you better behave before I smashed this pretty skull of yours.''
''Hn,'' was his only reply. He was still scowling, unimpressed and in a foul mood.
There was a long moment during which the proud Hokage and the murderous avenger engaged a staring match, both ignoring the three others who were observing the display with unease – Naruto, for his part, was still deep stuck in his state due to his previous 'talk' with Hanabi days ago. He hadn't even seemed to react to Tsunade's outburst at the Uchiha as he just stared at nothing in particular, his blue eyes dull and blank.
Hanabi's words still echoed in his mind harshly, like a reminder of his failure towards Hinata.
Lady Tsunade finally sighed, eyes closed. Five seconds later she opened them and regarded the four shinobis. ''All right, let's get started with your mission : you are to steal back three sacred scrolls in a temple in the Snow Country. They were stolen from a wealthy family by thieves very skilled in setting traps,'' she explained when she saw their confused looks, save for Naruto's. She handed them a map with a red 'X' indicated on it. ''The Shion family is waiting for you in their mansion where they will explain everything. You have a week. Any questions ?'' she defied, looking expectantly at everyone – especially at Sasuke, though her gaze lingered on Naruto a little bit.
His scowl deepened. ''Do you expect me to work on this mission without my complete Sharingan ?'' he almost barked. ''Even if I can manage very well on my own with half of its powers, do I really have to remind you that you had me sealed ?''
This was part of the several reasons he wanted to go back to his apartment and never see their faces as much as he could ; as soon as the Fourth Shinobi War was over and the two crazed Uchihas dead, Uchiha Sasuke was immediately apprehended by many ANBU from several villages. Some wanted him to be executed in the spot, others wanted to put him on trial because of his past crimes, his association with the criminal organisation Akatsuki, his attempt on abducting the Jinchuuriki of the Eight-Tailed beast and other crimes he was guilty of, whether he has helped them winning the war or not. With many bargains proposed, screaming from an enraged Uzumaki Naruto who had seemed to have pretty much forgotten his 'best friend's errors' and an annoying and upsetting Haruno Sakura who had taken over the responsability to make sure that he would receive the proper punishment for his crimes, Sasuke had ended free from execution but that hadn't come without another bad surprise.
He had been sealed when they brought him back to Konohagakure. Branded.
At first he hadn't been entirely sure of his feelings about it – although the destroyed brick walls of his prison pretty much showed his true thoughts about the sealing ordeal he had been the victim of – and he might have been quite stunned when he hadn't been able to feel the exquisite sensation of power swirling in him when his Sharingan was active for weeks. Then when Naruto had showed up in his cell with this unnerving wide fox-grin of his, Sasuke had gone wild.
''What the hell berated the both of you, thinking that I would want to come back to this fucking village that murdered my whole clan and manipulated my brother into doing this ?'' he had yelled at Naruto without hesitation. ''Did you seriously think that I would have agreed to come back here and play the good shinobi of Konoha and your supposed friend or something ?''
Not even waiting for an answer, he had lunged at him.
Sharp brown eyes narrowed slightly at him. ''That's exactly why I have brought you here, Uchiha.'' Then she called a name and seconds later, an ANBU appeared into thin air at her side. ''You've shown good behaviour during these past days and as a reward, I managed to convince these bunch of old bastards – if you dare to repeat it outside this office your life will be at stake – to remove certain parts of the seal. You will be able to use your kekkei genkai to some extent. Consider yourself happy and lucky, brat.''
Such a benevolent Hokage – but what a bitch. ''I'm so 'happy' and 'lucky' I could scream,'' he drawled sarcastically, his onyx eyes not leaving the ANBU walking towards him.
The masked shinobi nodded and performed many hand seals in front of Sasuke, who in return felt a burning sensation in his head. He clutched his eyes shut for several seconds until the pain faded. As the gasp from Sakura resoned near him he knew that his famed and powerful Sharingan must be glowing with energy, so he smirked with little satisfaction.
It might not be fully recovered, but it will do for this mission.
Tsunade nodded, her gaze serious and somewhat dark. ''Good. Dismissed !''
''Why the hell are you quiet, dobe ? Not that I don't mind it but still, it's irritating.''
The sound of Sasuke's voice didn't really seem to pull Naruto out of his trance as he didn't spare him a glance, making the Uchiha muse about decking him behind the head – which he did (with the unnerving urge of unsheathing his katana and just behead him on the spot). He felt somewhat satisfied when the blonde finally reacted and glared at him.
''Hey, what gives ?'' Naruto exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head.
''I asked you a question, idiot,'' Sasuke replied through narrowed eyes. ''Answer it.''
It has been four hours since they left Konohagakure and the beginning of this journey had been surprisingly – and peacefully – quiet. How many times Sasuke had craved this peace when they were still Team 7 on a mission ? Between the exuberant and loudmouth Naruto who would complain about anything but ramen, the annoying and squealing thing – Sakura – who would always look at him with those lovestruck green eyes and their mysterious sensei who would always have this disturbing orange book in one hand and his sole eye reading its content greedily, young Uchiha Sasuke had so much headaches he would have liked to avoid. Now going back on a mission with those three, all grown up and somewhat matured for some, was kind of odd. Very odd. Sasuke was so used to have Suigetsu, Juugo and Karin following him around that he had completely forsaken the feelings about Team 7.
Hn. Annoying memories.
The blue eyes of his 'best friend' quickly lost their animosity as Naruto lowered his gaze to the ground and looked...crestfallen.
''I've been thinking about...Hinata,'' he said, low.
Ah. The dreadful subject that everyone seemed to try to forget even if succeeding in doing it was impossible. Hyuuga Hinata, the kunoichi who had run away from the village. Remaining impassive, Sasuke kept pace with Sakura and Kakashi in front of them and looked anywhere but them – but Naruto knew better. He was listening and attentive. The blonde sighed heavily as he rubbed his eyes.
''I still can't believe that she left the village without telling anyone of her plans. She didn't even tell Shino or Kiba – not even her sister ! But I'm also to blame into this : I didn't spare her one glance after this because I...there was still that moment when she tried to protect me from Pein and got beaten up as if she was a mere dog – to this Sasuke cast him a curious and almost incredulous look – and I…''
The blonde idiot seemed to struggle with his words.
''She confessed her love to me,'' he finally said.
He had a very hard time believing what he has just heard. Hyuuga Hinata had confronted Pein alone ? The Hyuuga Hinata he remembered back then at the Academy ? He guessed he had missed very much during his time away from the village and as it was expected, everyone must have improved after these years – he remembered the young heiress as an introverted, shy and meek-looking girl who stuttered and always blushed around the dobe. He had always thought her as pathetic and unfit to become a capable kunoichi and a heiress to such important clan as the Hyuuga but if he were to compare the Hyuuga Hinata he remembered as a kid and the Hyuuga Hinata he had seen fighting during the Fourth Shinobi War, he would never admit that she had somewhat impressed him by her skills. Although she mustn't be near her cousin's level he saw that she could very well manage on her own and effectively repelled the Jubi's attacks.
Sasuke snorted when he remembered Naruto's words and mentally cursed his obnoxhious personality labeling him as the oblivious idiot he was. Hyuyga Hinata's feelings for him were so obvious that it was painful to watch years ago and, if he were to be honest, the Uchiha didn't understand what she saw in him. And he certainly didn't care.
''Her sister blames you for having been an asshole and ignoring her.'' Sasuke guessed. He ignored the surprised look on Naruto's face and he sighed in annoyance. ''I heard the brat screaming her head off at you.''
The blonde idiot gaped at him for another three seconds before recovering, returning back to his saddened face. ''And...what's your opinion ?'' he timidly asked, as if afraid of Sasuke's bluntleness.
''I don't care,'' was the cold reply.
You've always been an idiot, won't ever change.
In front of them, Sakura's shoulders had a slight tremor.
Hours later they found themselves in front of a beautiful mansion, with an exquisite garden that could match the Hyuuga's. Almost. While Sakura and Naruto gushed over the decoration, forgetting their manners, Sasuke just scowled and snapped his head at Kakashi who looked indifferent as always.
''Can't you tell them to snap out of it ?'' he almost growled. ''They're getting on my nerves.''
Kakashi only chuckled low and went to knock on the doors, unfazed by his former pupil's glare. The door opened to a servant – a girl with short brown hair and large dark eyes – who smiled up at them but once Sasuke saw the corners of her mouth lift a little more and a blush appear on her cheeks when she noticed him, he considered using a genjutsu just in case. Just in case she tries anything funny.
He heaved a sigh, feeling the beginning of a headache.
'Hyuuga eyes are precious and offer their user very powerful powers. That is also why we always seal them when we are about to die, so no one can use them. Remember, Hinata : if you are on the verge of dying, remember to seal your eyes so you can die with all your dignity.'
What was fundamental for every Hyuuga was their eyes ; they attracted too much attention and greed from most of shinobis from many villages – Hinata had her little own experience during the chuunin exams and had decided, from the moment she had entered her home, that she will work harder to get stronger in order to manage more on her own. Having been saved by her beloved cousin had made her think on one particularly eventful evening and, eventually, she had started to take Neji as another example to improve herself – besides Naruto. The Uzumaki had to be forgotten and thoroughly banished from her mind in this journey. For good. He had forgotten about her after the war, she will just do the same. Her Konoha headband rested in Tsunade's office, a sign that she was shutting herself and cutting all bonds with this village.
This very same village that had been gnawing at her until she finally snaps.
Looking down at the robbers she had incapacited – and also killed silently – she crouched down, ripped a piece of cloth from the sleeve of one of them whose limbs were mangled and stared at it. Her bright, white eyes were too much recognizable – if anyone saw them, she would instantly be deemed as a Hyuuga and would become a potential target for anyone wishing to obtain the Byakugan. Her dojutsu was just too powerful, too unique – too precious.
This can't happen. This won't happen.
She wrapped the piece of cloth carefully around her eyes, let her long hair fall down again and then slowly stood up. She couldn't see with her eyes closed and blindfolded but her other senses could lead. They could be intensified, they could work for – they could see for her. Her hands, her ears and her instinct had to be sharpened, more acute. Hinata took a huge gulp of air, then released it.
Stronger. Faster. Forget everything behind.