I'm really sorry for the long wait, it's because of the exam's in school and all the programs about Star gazing and sky explorer. A lot of things happened so I'm sorry I didn't take the time to update and I swear I will try to do my best to keep you from getting bored. Authors promise!
Disclaimer: Naruto's way of the ninja is "I stand by what I say "and because of that I don't own Naruto and because of that being said "I clearly stand by what I say" and that is my NINJA WAY AS WELL or more or less my point of view in life now.
P.S. : I'm gonna change the way I spell Hyuuga with the correct way "Hyuga".
Flashback:
"Back so soon Kit?" Kyuubi laughed but Naruto didn't budge. "What are you doing here? I thought you wanted to be alone with you mate?"
"I do but..." Naruto looked down. "I don't want her to wake up. And there is something else that's been lingering in my mind for a while now."
"Kit I assure you she's a great woman."
"I'm sorry." Naruto muttered. "I never meant for you to know about what I was thinking, I was just afraid that If I slipped up you wouldn't want to be with me and that... if you got hurt you'll blame me and..."
"You s-should have trusted me more..." Hinata broke from the hug and kissed him. He kissed back, Naruto felt it all coming to him, she really did love him. She broke from the kiss, Naruto wanted more. He licked his lips and stared into her eyes.
"I will never blame you for anything, I will always stand by what I say, that..."
Naruto chuckled and wiped the tears off his eyes. "Is our ninja way? Right?"
"Exactly." Hinata giggled.
(next morning/ Konoha's street)
After a long night has ended morning struck Konoha. In the streets of Konoha, people were murmuring rumors and other kinds of gossips about their Hokage, mainly Naruto. Everyone was glad he was alright and that no injuries were dealt with from the fall.
On the other hand there was another rumor starting and it was about the Hyuga heiress, Hinata. Now that Naruto was the Hokage and a very famed person in the different countries, he was well looked after by almost everyone.
People have been keeping their eyes opened for others coming even an inch towards him without an ulterior motive. Some villagers, rather, rabid new fan girls of Naruto were watching him closely. Every step like they did the Uchiha back then.
They noticed that once the Hyuga heiress went into the hospital yesterday, she never came out. They wondered, because all the others left including Hiashi-sama.
So why not her?
There was something fishy going on and the fan girls didn't want their new found love to be taken by a Hyuga heiress. Sure they were out of their league but they sure can fight to get that title, Miss Namikaze.
They wanted to greet and give out gifts for Naruto but they were all intercepted by ANBU. They were also not allowed to enter the vicinity of the Hospital, only those that knew Naruto closely were allowed to visit him. The fan girls did not like it one bit.
And they know who they can mold their anger to.
They began gossiping dirty and horrible rumors about the Hyuga girl and all other private things around the village to make her seem worse. Think about it for a second, it just happened yesterday and a lot of things were getting out of hand.
Tsunade, still capable of being a temporary 5th Hokage again, did her job to keep peace. The one thing she was annoyed the most was the backstabbing Hinata was getting from those fan girls. After all, only a few people know about the relationship Naruto and Hinata were pursuing.
So they didn't know they were hitting a very bad spot on Naruto. Naruto was not yet told of the matter since he was still resting in the hospital, and boy, did he owe Tsunade a lot. Let's not get out of topic and let's go through the very beginning of this morning.
Sasuke was walking in the market with Shikamaru and both of them were annoyed. Sasuke was being escorted to the hospital by order of the Godaime Hokage. Tsunade chose Shikamaru because he knew about Sasuke's return.
Her first choice was Hinata, but when the ANBU returned from his trip to the Hyuga house, she was nowhere in sight. The ANBU took a lot of time explaining to Tsunade about what had happened and she was in shock. She couldn't believe that happened.
(5 am in the morning)
Tsunade paced in her previous, office, rubbing her chin and fiddling with her hair. She stomped her feet and startled the half-asleep apprentice, Shizune. She had tonton on her lap but when she stood up from the sound, ton ton went flying down her lap.
"I'm sorry tonton" Shizune apologized and picked up the pig. "Is there something wrong Tsunade-sama?"
"Of course there is, now that Naruto is in the hospital I have to babysit the whole village again." Tsunade sat on the chair. "I have to admit I miss being here but it brings back so many memories."
"I know Tsunade-sama, but we owe Naruto a favor."
"That is true, but that's not the point."
She stood up and faced the window, placed her hands on the window and opened it. The sun began to rise. She sighed and leaned against the wall next to the window to watch.
"I'm worried about the decision Naruto made in bringing back that cold bratty Uchiha." Tsunade bit her lips. "I don't even know if he's trustworthy anymore, he's lost my trust long before he even left. That man should be placed in jail."
"Yes..." Shizune bowed her head. "But that would make Naruto sad, with all his accomplishments this was his goal. We'll be ruining his life if we send Sasuke to jail."
"What am I suppose to do then Shizune?" Tsunade rubbed her temples. "I wasn't able to confirm for myself that Sasuke is still one of us. He's been with Orochimaru and Madara Uchiha! I don't know what to do to him, the only human thing I saw him do was save Naruto from that fall! I don't even know if it's worth it!"
"I understand that Tsunade-sama." Shizune looked at the door. "But we could at least give him a chance."
"Fine, I'll give him one chance to explain himself to me, but I want Naruto to be there just in case he might want to add something." Tsunade walked to her desk and sat on top of it. She took a deep breathe and called out an ANBU.
An ANBU with black hair and black cloak with a mask of a humming bird appeared. He looked around and stopped to stare at the 5th Hokage. He nodded slowly and waited for her command.
"Find Hinata Hyuga and tell her to fetch Uchiha Sasuke in the Namikaze estate." Tsunade said in a low tone. "I don't want any questions coming from you and I don't want word getting out or you will have your time with Ibiki! Understand!"
"Yes, Godaime-sama." The ANBU sweat dropped but nodded anyway and disappeared.
He jumped from building to building to see the villagers setting up their stands and opening up their shops. Women getting ready to shop and kids running down the streets. Men getting ready to rebuild other houses.
It was definitely a peaceful village once more. Although it can't stay that way forever, it's better to feel it before you suddenly loose it. The ANBU had no time to reminisce about the early days, he had work to do. He stopped when he reached the Hyuga compound, he wasn't allowed to enter so he knocked and waited.
Neji came out of the Hyuga estate barely awake. He wore white robes and his hair was a bit of a mess around the tips. He had an annoyed look on his face, clearly because of being woken up.
"I have strict orders from the Godaime Hokage to speak with Hinata-sama." The ANBU stated.
"You can get her when you ask permission from Hiashi-sama." Neji frowned. "I'll show you to where he's staying." He gestured the ANBU to come inside as he lead the way to a room in the far insides of the compound. Neji stopped and raised a hand to the ANBU, telling him to wait.
The room had Hiashi seated in the middle with his eyes closed. He was meditating of some sort, Neji knocked gently on the door and Hiashi immediately opened his eyes and turned to face them. He had a calm look in his eyes. He nodded at Neji and the ANBU.
He raised an arm to Neji and without any word he quickly left muttering in silence at the end of the hall. Hiashi had to laugh at the sight of his nephew walking down the hall annoyed by being woken up. Not much of a morning person now that there isn't much to do in Konoha.
"I apologize for that sudden burst of rudeness." Hiashi gestured for the ANBU to sit down. "Please. Sit."
The ANBU did as was told and the ANBU felt rather awkward and uncomfortable with the sudden kindness. There was a great deal of change from Hiashi over the years. He was a grumpy man but when his daughters and Naruto brought him back to reality he had changed for the better.
Nobody understood how or what exactly changed Hiashi's point of view but they were happy all the same. The ANBU tried his hardest not to show off any signs of emotions whatsoever. He was ANBU after all.
"Hiashi-sama, I'm sorry to intrude at this time of day."
"Don't be, I've been awake for mostly an hour now." Hiashi shook his head and took one of the tea from the small desk near the door. He blew it to cool it down. "Would you like some tea? I know I don't offer much to my fellow shinobi's but for now, would you like some?"
"No thank you Hiashi-sama, but I am glad for the offer." ANBU spoke. "Please, I would like to speak with you."
"Fine, I know you are in an urgent mission, now tell me. What is the purpose of your visit here, ANBU?" Hiashi wondered as he looked at the sunrise from the open window and took a sip of tea.
"I am here from the Godaime Hokage's order. She wishes that... Hinata Hyuga see her at once for a special mission. I cannot delay any longer, I wish to escort her to the Hokage."
"Can you tell me what is this mission?" Hiashi wondered. "I have my rights as her father."
"I cannot tell you because it is highly classified and it is only for Hinata-sama's ears. The Godaime Hokage stated that I only tell her about the situation. May I see her?"
"I'm afraid that can't happen." Hiashi chuckled.
"What do you mean Hiashi-sama?" The ANBU stared at him with intensity, Hiashi shook his head at the seriousness and cockiness of the ANBU.
"As you can see, my daughter isn't in the compound at the moment, and I have to say she didn't come home last night either. So I cannot lead you to her, it is better if you tell the Hokage that she has to go to Naruto to find Hinata."
"Excuse me Hiashi-sama, I'm afraid I don't..." ANBU was confused. "I don't understand, is she missing?"
"Let's put it this way, if you find Naruto then you will find my daughter. She did not come home yesterday so I cannot tell you where her whereabouts are, but I can assure you that you will find her soon enough. Tell the Hokage to find someone else than my daughter for a mission."
"But the Hokage's orders are very important and..."
"My daughter has done enough for the village, tell the Hokage that." Hiashi smiled at the ANBU, stood up and walked to the window. "She will understand just fine, so tell her to find someone else that isn't busy for the job. Now thank you for the message, you can leave now."
Without turning his back to the ANBU, the ANBU disappeared with a puff. When Hiashi noticed the ANBU's chakra leaving the compound, he immediately sighed and chuckled. Hanabi came walking inside the room.
"Why didn't you tell the ANBU about Onee-chan's whereabouts?" Hanabi wondered."Father?"
"I see you are here for an early morning training, isn't that right, Hanabi?" Hiashi did not turn to look at her but continued sipping his cup of tea. He stared at the early morning sunrise. "Is there something wrong, my daughter?"
"You were the one that allowed Onee-chan to stay at the hospital. So why not tell them?" Hanabi asked and made a quiet stance behind her father. "You know father, that you disobeyed the Hokage's orders."
"Who cares about the old hag." Hiashi's vein popped. "It is Naruto that's the Rokudaime Hokage, I don't follow orders from her anymore, besides, it is personal."
"Personal how?" Hanabi smiled behind her father, although he didn't see it, he could feel it.
"You're sister has her own business to attend to, now I realize what she meant when she tried telling me who she loved. If only I noticed sooner and If only I didn't judge on what others had spoken of, then things would be different. I have misjudged and treated Naruto, rather poorly."
Hanabi grinned and it because much wider. "So that means you...?"
"Now is the time to repay them the favor." Hiashi bowed his head and looked at his tea. "It's one of the things I can do for her and for him."
"So basically you're approving the two of them?"
Hanabi jumped to attack her father. Hiashi placed the tea down on the window and defended himself from Hanabi's attack. She threw a blinding kick but Hiashi grabbed her feet and twisted it and threw her aside, but she managed to stay on her feet.
"So what is it?" Hanabi made a stance. "Father?"
"If he is fit to be with her, then I will see to it myself. For now..." Hiashi smiled, then made his own stance as well.
"We leave them be."
The ANBU went back to Tsunade, he told her about what happened and you could clearly see that Tsunade wasn't happy about it. She slammed her hands on the desk, not realizing she applied chakra on her fists, the desk shattered to pieces. Paper's flew off the desk and on to the ground.
The ANBU sweat dropped and tried to flee before he could get injured. Shizune moved her hands and motioned the ANBU to stay or else he'll have the worst day of his entire life. The ANBU was sweating feeling the dark aura spreading across the room.
"If Hiashi won't let her daughter do the mission then find Shikamaru Nara!" Tsunade grumbled. "DO IT NOW! I WON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER THIS TIME! Whatever that little annoying Hyuga planned for I will not tolerate. Something has happened to Hinata so we will see to it we get to Naruto"
"Hokage-sama?"
"GO NOW! And hurry up, I don't want to keep waiting. I want to speak with the Uchiha and I want to know what it is going on with the Hyuga's. UNDERSTAND!"
The ANBU nodded and left the office, Shizune sweatdropped. Tsunade breathed in and out until she managed to calm down.
"Tsunade-sama..." Shizune whimppered slightly pointing at the desk.
"Naruto's not gonna like this." Tsunade face-palmed.
(reality)
Sasuke was walking in the market with Shikamaru. Him with his blue hooded jacket and white pants while Shikamaru had his normal green vest outfit. Sasuke was fuming about something Shikamaru didn't understand and Shikamaru found it a drag that the Uchiha won't explain it to him.
"Stop fuming!" Shikamaru didn't look at the Uchiha. "It's such a drag to feel your chakra boiling. If it's me you're annoyed about, just tell me and I'll leave."
"It's not you." Sasuke gritted his teeth. "It's me and... Naruto.. but mostly..."
"It's about what happened yesterday isn't it?" Shikamaru looked into Sasuke's eye. Sasuke was in a bit of shock, he knew Shikamaru catches on quickly but he didn't think it was this fast.
"How'd you?" Sasuke was interupted.
"Simple, you have that face plastered on." Shikamaru sighed. "You and Hinata took the liberty of taking the paper to Naruto, but he ended up getting hospitalized. You managed to deliver it to him and save him but then Sakura showed up."
"Hn..." He replied as he placed his hands in his pocket.
"Still not satisfied with the information I'm giving?"
"Where are you getting all this?" Sasuke stared at the sky while he continued to walk with Shikamaru.
"It's a drag to tell but... " Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck and also stared at the sky. "It started when I was walking near the hospital, I saw Sakura coming in storming the whole place looking for Naruto. I sat at the bench near the window of his room. I heard the screaming, and I saw her storm off."
"That's it, and you figured that out all because of the screaming." Sasuke glared at him. "Do you honestly think I'd buy that?"
"No, I don't." Shikamaru sighed. "I saw you come after her but I hid myself in the shadows when I felt you might come after her. When we gathered to Naruto's room after, Sakura wasn't there and neither were you. It's not that hard to think about."
"Hnn..." Sasuke grumbled and kept his hood firmly down. They were nearing the hospital where Kakashi, Tsunade and Iruka were waiting outside.
"What do you think they want you for?" Shikamaru whispered but firmly had a tough face on.
"Probably for interrogation." Sasuke glared at the 3 people in front of him. "I honestly don't care."
Flashback:
Sasuke ran to her, but she managed to slip away from the crowd. He jumped from building to building trying to search for her but he just couldn't find her. It took him an hour before he realized something. That's when it hit him, Sakura was at that small outside hallway near the park from the Hokage tower.
It was the time that he knocked Sakura out so he could make his escape to get to Orochimaru. It was one of the harshest memories he could think of and he thought otherwise why she'd go there but he couldn't care less. He regrets everything he did to her.
He quickly ran to that direction but stopped dead at his tracks. He could see her sitting on the rock bench, the place where he left her. She had her head down and her body limp. Her expression would be considered colder than usual.
Tears were falling from her cheeks down on the concrete floor. He walked silently near her, he was glad nobody was around. The cherry blossom trees nearby were also shedding, not tears, but petals. Pink cherry blossom petals blew to them filling the concrete floor.
It was windy and Sasuke could see Sakura's hair blow upward and he could see her eyes completely wet and blank. He had no clue on how he would approach her.
"Leave me alone." Her cold voice rang through his ears.
"Sakura..."
"I said leave me alone." She shouted as she raised her head. Sasuke practically froze from her look, it was colder than his. She stood up, raised her fists and pointed at him fiercely.
"You shouldn't have come back at all." She shouted. "I had my hopes and dreams on the line, waiting for you to change, trying to do everything I can to get you back. But what happened? Nothing!"
"Sakura..." Sasuke tried to come near her but she backed away. "Hear me out... I..."
"You tried to kill me." She emphasized the strength of her voice. "You tried to kill Naruto, You killed your brother, you hurt your friends, you destroyed the village, joined Orochimaru and Madara and ruined our friendship! I only wanted to be close to you because I loved you!"
Sasuke stayed silent, it was best not to get her anymore agitated than she already is.
"What makes you think I will listen to you now?" She frowned. "You never once listened to me and Naruto, so what's the difference from now and back then."
"I didn't think before, I never realized what I realized now. Just hear me out, I'm trying to change. To make up for the wrong that I've done. I'm... "
"You can't change, we've established that before." Sasuke stopped dead at her words, sweat slowly forming o his face. How would he make her listen, make her understand that he's different. He was the real Sasuke, the Sasuke that was raised with parents and a brother.
"I'll tell you this now, I loved you when we were kids and now I'm not sure that I still... love you... but... I can't feel it anymore... all I feel is pain.. and suffering.. it's just... empty. I tried to be someone that's not annoying so I trained for the best and did everything I can to make you like me.~
She sniffed as tears continued to fall as well as the wind blowing softly and those petals moving it's way between them. She breathed hard trying to restrain her sobs, but she can't.
"I trained as a medical ninja, trained to be a strong kunoichi so I won't be useless like you think I am. I don't want to be a burden anymore. When you left, I was no longer your burden but I became Naruto's but he showed me something that you couldn't."
"Are you saying he's better than me?" Sasuke frowned and bit his lips, he wasn't going to like the outcome.
Sorry for the long update, I'm sorry! There's just too much work being a 4th year highschool student. I will try and update again as soon as possible.
If there are still readers and reviewers, please feel free to review.
~please review~