Chapter 44: Martial Law
A/N: Sorry guys, school. And the chapter fought me tooth and nail but I think it works.
Naruto grunted as he came to and was met with a gasp. Karin knelt above him using her legs as a pillow while keeping a watchful vigil. She moved into his vision with a worried face, and searched his own.
"How long have I been out," Naruto asked.
"A few minutes," she said.
Naruto let a breath, not sure if it was relief or exhaustion. Things were piling up and not resolving—if they didn't start working out soon he'd be in over his head.
"I need to see Ibiki down at I.D." Naruto said sitting up with Karin's help.
"What happened, Nii-chan?"
Naruto froze, hand still rubbing his face as the images of her lavender eyes cutting into him returned. His throat started to burn and his chest locked up. But in the back of his head Kurama's words still echoed.
"Will you protect her, even if she hates you?"
"It…" Naruto sighed and finished rubbing his face. "It was the mission. Everything that happened, it just sort of caught up with me."
He looked at Karin and found a small frown etched on her mouth.
Of course. She could sense these sorts of things in people's chakra. If they were being honest or not. So he let pleading and desire for distance slip through, and Karin averted her eyes. But her frown deepened.
"I'm here for you, Nii-chan," Karin said rubbing one of her shoulders. "Please don't forget that."
A slight shimmer in her eyes began, but abruptly turned to surprise when Naruto kissed her on her head.
"I know," he said resting his forehead against hers. "And you have no idea how happy that makes me." Then he grinned, "Actually, you probably do."
"N-Nii-sama!" Karin whined turning away with a huff to hide her blush.
Naruto chuckled and stood up, trying to brush the wrinkles from his clothes. "I'll be out for awhile. Sai will be back soon. Once he is I want all of you to begin updating the seals, starting with the barrier improvements. I'll join you—"
"After you've had a decent sleep," Karin said.
"Karin, I've already had a rest."
"A drunken induced sleep doesn't count. You need real rest, and I'm not above asking Baa-chan for a suppression tag or going to Hokage-sama for a sedative to make sure you do. Got it?" Naruto scowled and tried to argue but she raised a finger. "It's not up for debate. You're of no use to us or the village if you can't think properly. Now go take care of what you need to do and then you come straight back here for some rest."
Naruto grumbled, turning for the door muttering, "Hai, Uzumaki-sama."
He never saw the smirk or small blush from the light jab. However, once the door closed it turned to a frown. Her thoughts wandered back to when Naruto had first arrived home, and the way his chakra felt broken and faded while she wandered the house. She adjusted her glasses and paced the kitchen, biting the inside of her lip.
He hadn't been lying, something about the mission was bothering Naruto. But Karin also knew he hadn't been completely honest. It was about the mission—yes—but not about the part he was trying to play it off as. Something else had happened. And whatever it was had shaken her brother to the core, nearly destroying him in the process.
Her thoughts jarred when the sound of the front door opened. "Sai, is that you?"
"Hai, nee-chan."
Karin took a breath. If anyone would know about what had happened to Naruto, it would be Sai. Karin entered the living room and crossed her arms, giving her second brother a no-nonsense look. "There's something wrong with Naruto-nii."
Sai blinked. "I know," he said, then looked away. "It's Hinata-san."
Tick…Tick… Tick…Tick...
The meeting should have started fifteen minutes ago, and her father still hadn't arrived.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
She wouldn't have normally minded the delay, except for a few facts and one glaring truth.
Tick…Tick…Tick…Tick…
Fact: to her left sat the empty spaces where the eight Elders should have sat.
Fact: 758 clansmen were not present for the meeting. Forty of them were dead—twenty-one of them possibly innocent while the rest were traitors to the village and clan. 688 were currently being held in prison—willing participants captured during the attempted coup and awaiting judgment.
Fact: the entire clan was staring at her, their expressions ranging from uncertain and doubtful to supportive and unwavering because one simple truth.
The man she declared her love for was responsible for their missing numbers. He was responsible for their deaths, their imprisonments, and their rescues. He was responsible for their sadness, anger, relief and happiness. They were indebted to the Uzumaki clan, and no Hyuuga enjoyed that feeling. Naruto was the key to it all, and now she represented him within the clan; something she felt unsure about since she hadn't finished wrestling her emotions.
A lot had happened that night, and her feelings had yet to settle. He'd lied to her, killed her clansmen, and worst of all—put her family in jeopardy. But at the same time he saved her sister and countless other members because of his actions. It confused her and frustrated her to no end, but one thing was certain. Things between Naruto and her were not the same.
She'd realized it the night they went to the hospital after the festival. And when they visited Shikamaru earlier she understood how bad it had become. In less than 48 hours things had deteriorated between them to the point of avoiding each other's presence. She'd cried the rest of the night after the festival, and again briefly today after seeing him for an instant when she returned home. She'd hidden the necklace in the top drawer of her dresser too —afraid that he'd appear apologizing and forcing her to talk to him. But the truth was every time she went to her room she'd end up standing at her opened dresser, staring at the necklace waiting for him. She wanted him to appear so desperately, yet at the same time didn't want to face him.
Tears pricked her eyes and she lowered her head to avoid questions from any clansmen. She had to be strong right now; her family had a crisis to deal with. But how could she focus when her mind kept returning to Naruto?
Hinata ground her jaw and forced her breathing to remain even. She needed a distraction, one that didn't send her emotions on the fritz or affect her entire clan.
The door to the hall slid open, jarring Hinata from her turmoil and she rose with the rest of her clan as her father and Yukimi, the clan scribe, entered the hall and made their way to the front. He knelt, and the clan followed suit. After a few moments of silence he spoke, though his head remained bowed and eyes close.
"Two days ago a group of people conspired and acted to overthrow this village, threatening to plunge it into chaos." He didn't project his voice like he normally did at clan meetings. Instead, He spoke softly, and in doing so everyone strained to hear. "With a complete disregard for life and prestige, they blindly chose a selfish path which threatened the very existence of this village and everything our clan has strived towards. They cast aside honor—and in doing so cast aside the honor of us all, because they not only represented themselves but the entire Hyuuga clan."
Hiashi looked up, his face openly showing emotion for the first time in years at a clan meeting. "Since the founding of Konohagakure, the Hyuuga have strived for the image of excellence and perfection. Pushed ourselves to become the example every ninja should hope to one day achieve. But in doing so we became arrogant, complacent, and—worst of all—wrought greed.
"Greed has afflicted this clan for generations now. It infects our youths where it grows and festers throughout their lives, and in doing so the seeds of hate are planted. Our clan is being choked by greed and consumed by hate. I am not immune either. My predecessors made many mistakes, and I am no different. There was a time when I pushed for the removal of the Caged Bird Seal." Hiashi watched as the first glimpses of emotion began appearing on his clansmen's faces. "But when one tragedy after another struck, hate consumed me. I was cowed and taken control of, and in doing so the road of hate and greed this clan walks continued. It is time for change."
"Hiashi-sama, what do you mean you were controlled?" It was a member of the Branch, and the look on his face suggested he couldn't accept what Hiashi had said.
"The Elders," Hiashi said. "For a long time now they have been the ones truly running the clan. It began shortly after I was declared the heir, and their meddling only grew stronger every year until I became nothing more than a figure head."
"How is that even possible?"
Hiashi frowned at the man. "I have done an excellent job painting the image of a cold and heartless leader." Everyone in the room glanced at each other and a few whispers erupted. "The truth is my greatest weakness has been my family. And when the Elders started threatening them I realized I had no choice but to comply."
More whispers, and the Branch member frowned as he knelt back.
"Forgive me, Hiashi-sama," a Main Branch spoke this time. "But it seems a little convenient to place the blame on the Elders now who are no longer here. I doubt they will take kindly to how you've spoken about them once they return."
Hinata's lips pressed together, and Hiashi's eyes hardened. "There is a reason that I'm here and the Elders are not, Hisaki-san. But I have no concern for what the Elders think of me, considering they're dead."
The clan reacted as expected. Immediate cries of disbelief and demands of when they'd been killed and by whom. Hiashi went to speak, but Hinata did so first.
"I could care less who killed them and when," she said and the clan fell silent. "They conspired to kill Hanabi, Neji-nii, Father, and myself. They're traitors and deserved to die. But if you all must really know, they were betrayed by an outside group who they were conspiring with—believed to most likely be the Akatsuki."
More mutters of surprise, and while the clan talked among themselves Hiashi gave Hinata a disappointed look. "You're not yourself, daughter. That kind of reaction is not what I'd normally expect."
Hinata looked forward to hide her blush. Why should she feel guilty for having ill feelings towards traitors and cowards? They threatened her family, was she not allowed feeling things like anger and hatred?
"They don't suit you," Hiashi said. Hinata blinked and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "You're special because you rule your feelings with compassion on kindness. I'd hate to think that on the eve of our clan's entrance into a new era, my daughter would finally give in to the blight of our clan."
"Hiashi-sama," Aido, a Main Branch, said as the talking subsided. "We must elect new Elders in lieu of this recent news."
"You are correct, Aido-san. Hyuuga law dictates that we elect new Elders to fill the empty spaces. However," Hiashi's eyes rolled over his clan and his lips quirked just at the corners, "I've decided to dissolve the position of Hyuuga Elders."
Even Hinata's eyes shot wide at her father's declaration, and on his other side Hanabi mimicked her.
"You can't do this Hiashi-sama. You have no right," Hisaki said. "The laws apply to everyone—including the clan head."
"I believe I can, and I just did," Hiashi said. "Are you hard of hearing, or are you so deafened by greed you did not hear my words?"
"Such accusations…" But as the rest of the clan turned to look at Hisaki he lost whatever confidence he had.
Hiashi looked over to the clan scribe, twelve year old Yukimi who had just earned her position not a month before, and gave her a soft smile. Her nerves showed on her face, and the confliction between following her clan head or the clan laws left her near tears.
"Yukimi-chan, please note that Hisaki-san opposes my attempts to better this clan and help regain some of its lost honor due to our Elders actions."
Yukimi hesitated, but nodded and began writing when she realized that her leader was only asking that she make note of what had happened.
"Now wait just a moment," Hisaki stood. "I will not be painted as a villain. I have no intention of inhibiting the clan; I'm merely stating the laws must be followed."
"Laws created by corrupt leaders are just as corrupt," Hiashi said.
"The law requiring clan Elders to help keep the Clan Head in check was created nearly two centuries ago," Hisaki said. "You have no evidence to support that the Clan Head who created the position was corrupt. One could even argue that it was done for the greater good of the clan."
"Good intentions do not translate into the right course of action," Hinata said. The clan's focus shifted to her. Her speaking out of turn catching them off guard yet again. Even more surprising was the way she held herself, hands folded in her lap, back straight, chin up—she had the perfect poise of a calm and confident leader. "We are in a compromising—as well as embarrassing—situation because of our Elders' folly. If we wish to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the villagers, other clans, and the Hokage, then we must take action to rid ourselves of the bindings holding us back."
"My daughter speaks true," Hiashi said, and Hinata noted the tinge of praise in his tone. "Our clan now stands on the precipice of demise. If we do not shift our views as well as the inner workings of the clan, then we will tumble off the edge and never regain stature within the village."
"But by ridding our clan of the Elders permanently all the power shifts to you," Aido said frowning. "It seems rather convenient for you, doesn't it?"
"We are the only clan to still utilize the Elders as power check in the village," Hiashi said. "It's not only an outdated system created during the Warring States Era, but it's also unnecessary in this day and age. We have the Hokage whom we answer to, that is the only power check we require."
"But the Hokage is not permitted to interfere with clan affairs," Aido said.
"Given recent events, don't be surprised if that changes soon," Hinata said. More murmurs echoed through the hall, the unease of having an outside source dictate their clan workings obviously not sitting well.
"Be that as it may," Hisaki said, "but we must follow what the clan law dictates. We can elect the new Elders and then, with their consent, choose to dissolve their positions."
Hinata frowned. Things would go nowhere if that happened, and judging from her father's expression he felt the same way. Once elected the new Elders would cling to the power they'd gained—this was nothing more than a filibuster. The new group of Elders would never agree to dissolving the position.
"This conversation is moot," Hiashi said. "The question isn't whether or not you agree with my decision; it's whether or not you can follow my orders. The Elders will be dissolved, and that's all the more I'll say on the topic."
Hinata felt the shift in the hall. These meetings always had an undercurrent to them, a nonverbal battle for dominance. But there existed etiquette as well, and her father had just breached it to gain the upper hand.
The question remaining now: could he maintain it?
She watched him from the corner of her eye, and glimpsed his lip ghost up for a moment before disappearing. He had something else planned. She refocused on the clansmen, unable to stop her heart from quickening. The excitement her father had stirred had become contagious, and now the entire hall hummed with it.
"Hiashi, you can't seriously expect us to sit by and allow you to take full control of this clan," Aido said. "The rules—"
"I am the rules, Aido," Hiashi said and the room held a collective breath. "The sooner you realize it—you all realize it—the soon we can press on."
"There are laws to abide by, Hiashi," Hisaki said raising his voice. Even from the distance she sat, Hinata could see the rage in his eyes. "Not even you are exempt, did you forget? Not unless—"
"Martial Law," Hinata said. The room itself sounded like it had gasped as everyone breathed in at once. Hinata turned to her father, staring at him wide-eyed and mouth slightly parted. "You declared Martial Law."
"W-What," Hisaki asked. "When?!"
"Before the meeting," Hinata said. "That's why you called for an Elders meeting before the general assembly. They're the only ones that can stop you, and since they're dead you only needed a witness," she turned her head to look at Yukimi, "which would be you."
Yukimi's eyes darted around the room before she licked her lips and gave a rusted nod. The excitement permeating the air of the hall threatened to take over, so Hiashi raised his hands and quickly brought order back to the meeting.
"I decided to steal a page from Hokage-sama's book and take control of things," Hiashi said. "Now that I have, I may begin with the transitions I've waited so long for."
"Transitions, Hiashi-sama?" Aido asked, lips pressed together.
"Apart from the dissolution of the Elders, I will begin the process of stepping down and preparing Hinata to take control of the clan." Hinata expected outcries or some form of dissent—so she blinked when she saw nothing but head nods. "I expect the transition to reach completion in one month's time—however she will not gain full control until after the war. I believe that will require more experienced hands."
Hinata couldn't argue there, but it didn't stop her heart from slamming in her chest. The idea that she was next to lead the clan didn't surprise her—which in itself was surprising. What caused her stomach to flip though was the fact that in a short amount time she would be filling her father's shoes.
"Until then," Hiashi said, "the clan will also prepare for the next change—which my daughter has advocated for quite some time as well as I in my younger years. However, due to my actions in the past I think it only right she leads this next task—which involves the removal of Caged Bird Seal from all Branch members, and the destruction of any instructions on how to apply it."
Silence held for only a second before the hall lost all poise and erupted into shouts of You can't do this, Is he serious, and It's the end of the clan!
Hinata's eyes widened slightly, and through the din the sharp intake of her sister's breath and Neji muttering "Uncle…" reached her ears.
But her surprise didn't last long, and she braced herself. She'd spent her entire life learning how to read her father. There existed a line she learned, so much he would tolerate before his anger broke through his mask. If he was in a good mood like today, it took longer than usual. But the masked had been thinning ever since the meeting started. And this latest outcry just cracked the man's calm exterior.
It rolled over them, closing their throats and numbing their limbs, his pressure so intense many sweated. He didn't look angry. His face expressionless and eyes closed, he sat there allowing his unbridled fury to cow the clan. Not much was more terrifying than a silent rage.
"I understand that some of you might feel…unease…with the way things are progressing," Hiashi said. His voice had lowered again, and Hinata noted the clansmen listened on with trepidation. "But if this clan is to save itself then we must all be united. We are a clan, but above all else we are family. And families do not enslave one another. Am. I. Clear?"
No one spoke. Instead, a wave of nods rolled through the clansmen. Many did not look happy, some even frightened, but a few she saw could barely restrain their smiles and had to blink rapidly.
"Hiashi-sama," Aido said after a moment. His voice level matched his leader and the rebellion in his tone had vanished. "If I may ask, how do you plan to remove the seal?"
Hinata's eyebrow lifted, and her head tilted slightly as she looked to her father. How would he remove it? All her life she wanted to rid the process of branding her clansmen, but it was common knowledge that once branded the seal couldn't be removed.
Hiashi only said one word. "Neji."
Hinata's brow furrowed, and she looked to her cousin who reached up to his headband and untied it. "The seal is permanent once in place," he said. "That is what we are taught. It's what we believe."
The metal plate clinked to the floor and the entire room gaped at Neji's bare forehead.
A fluttering began in Hinata's stomach.
"Jiraiya-sama was the one who removed my seal at the request of Uncle."
Her throat dried and breath quickened.
"What we need," Neji said, "is a seal master."
Her hands grew clammy and Neji's voice boomed in her ears.
"What we need is an Uzumaki."
The urge to get up and run from the hall screamed in her mind, but Hinata couldn't. She couldn't because every single eye in her clan now weighed her down with an intense stare. If she wanted to finally free her clan of their wretched curse, to fulfill her goal she'd striven towards ever since she'd been a little girl, she'd have to ask him for help.
He could help. She knew he had the ability to do so. He made the impossible possible, it's what he did. But she wasn't ready to face him. Not yet. Not when her emotions were so erratic.
A commotion drew everyone's attention to the entrance of the hall. Muffled shouts slipped between the double doors, and ever clan member strained to hear without resorting to their Byakugan. The voice sounded familiar. And angry.
Very angry.
The muted response from one of the guards silenced the visitor and confrontation ceased. Hinata's brow creased and she heard Hanabi mutter "Is that…"
"Oh no," Neji paled.
Hinata cocked her head slightly, and jerked when the doors slammed open as one of the guards flew threw them with a cry. The entire hall jumped to their feet in an instant, hundreds of Byakugan activating at the same. The only ones who remained calm were the four kneeling at the front of the hall, and Hinata watched as confusion rippled from the entrance to the back of the hall.
"You're arrival here is rather well timed," Hiashi said smirking. The crowd of Hyuugas parted allowing the visitor to stalk towards them. "We were just talking about your clan, Karin-dono."
"Save it," Karin said her eyes cutting to Hinata. "I'm here to talk some sense into your daughter."
"Karin-chan, we're in the middle of meeting," Neji said. "Can't it…"
Karin's head grated towards Neji and her glasses glinted.
"I'd like to motion the end of this meeting," Neji said.
"Seconded," Hiashi whispered, reliving the horror of Hinata. "This meeting has ended. The clan will reconvene when I have new updates."
The hall emptied quickly, it seemed like no one wanted to be around for whatever the troubled Uzumaki had to say.
"What is this all about," Hinata asked when the last Hyuuga had shut the door behind her.
"Don't play stupid," Karin said. "I want to know why the hell you're giving Naruto-nii such a hard time."
"I don't know what you're talking about." The look on Hinata's face shifted from calm to defensive. "I haven't spoken to him since the festival. How could I give him a hard time?"
"So nothing happened at the hospital today?"
Hinata opened her mouth then closed it. A small frown forming as she looked away. "Nothing happened."
"Bullshit," Karin said stepping closer to her. "I don't buy it one bit. The way he was when he came home…something happened between you two. What do you have against him?"
"He put my family in danger! He killed when he said he wouldn't, he kept me and my family in the dark about so many things, and worst of all, he knowingly let Hanabi run around when enemies were so close by." Hinata looked down; her teeth bared and fists shaking. "He always kept his promises to everyone else. Why not me? I thought…I thought I could trust him."
A sharp crack echoed through the hall and Hinata flinched from her stinging cheek. Then she jerked forward as Karin grabbed the front of her robes and raised a shaking fist, struggling to form the words she wanted while shaking her head.
"What right do you have to whine about trust? Or your family being in danger? You think Naruto had it easy that night? Do you?! What about me? I was there too. He sent me after your sister when he knew she was in danger. Want to know how much information he shared with me? None. He told me to not trust anyone and sent me on my merry-goddamn-way. And Sai? He nearly fucking died! You hear me? He almost bled out trying to save your clansmen while fighting the leader of the Akatsuki. Not to mention Baa-chan was busy disarming bombs all night, and that ramen guy who's always taken care of Naruto-nii died three times before he finally pulled through.
"Naruto-nii had just as much riding on that night if not more. He didn't have to take the mission, but he did because of you. He was all in, Hinata. Every person he held precious was in danger, and he was willing to sacrifice everything for you."
Hinata blinked. She hadn't thought about how much Naruto had riding on the mission. She'd been so focused on Hanabi and her clan she hadn't considered what Naruto sacrificed to pull everything off. Hinata's throat throbbed and she bit the inside of her lip. Nausea clenched her stomach and her limbs numbed. Had she really been so quick to demonize the one person willing to put it all on the line for her? And yet still…
"It's not that simple, I trusted him and he refused to share anything with us," Hinata said pulling away and turning. "I would have been fine if it had been just me, but Hanabi, father, and Neji…I can't forgive him for putting them in danger like that."
Karin's face started turning as red as her hair, and she took a step forward. "Why would he tell you?"
"W-What?!"
"I had no idea what was happening. The Anbu had next to no idea what was happening. Hell, even Tsunade was in the dark about most things. So why would he tell you, the heiress to the clan planning to revolt and a target, about his plans to stop a coup and psychopath." Karin's scowl deepened. "You were so far down on the list of people who needed to know that you have no right to be angry. You're acting like a damn child!"
"So I'm not allowed to feel, is that it? I'm just supposed to duck my head and be a grateful helpless princess?"
"I said you had no right to be angry at nii-san, I didn't say you couldn't feel upset. God knows I would be in your situation. But you can be damns sure I wouldn't be angry at the one person who risked everything he held dear just for my sake!"
Hinata's head fell a bit lower and her shoulders slumped. Too much was happening at once. She needed some space to collect herself and think, so she moved for the door.
"I thought you loved him!"
Hinata froze with the handle in her grasp. Her body shuddered, and a hand came to her mouth. The door was thrown open and she hurried out.
"Hey," Karin said chasing her. "Get back here, I'm not done with you!"
"Yes, you are Karin-san." Karin's head jerked to the side to see Hanabi leaning against the wall on the other side of the hall. Despite being shorter than Karin, she still managed to create an imposing image with the way she frowned and crossed her arms. "Thank you for speaking to my sister, I'll take it from here."
"You…feel the same way," Karin asked. "I thought you were afraid of Naruto-nii."
Hanabi paled and her frown deepened. "I'd be lying if I said he didn't frighten me. The power he possess borders on the stuff of legends. But there are two things I'm sure of." She pushed off the wall and looked up at Karin. "The first is that he saved my life the night of the festival. And the second is he loves my sister. Those two facts give me more than enough reason to defend Naruto-kun."
Hanabi gave a short bow and left in the direction her sister went. After she turned the corner, Karin's eyes shifted to the side as she felt the calm and comforting presence she'd come to enjoy so much stop behind her.
"Do you Hyuuga make it a habit to eavesdrop, or is it more of a sibling thing?"
His arms wrapped around her waist, "It'd be more accurate to say we do it when someone we care about is involved." She leaned into him. "How bad is it?"
Karin frowned, and her eyes started shimmering when she remembered her broken brother's form. "If he wasn't in such bad shape I wouldn't be here Neji-kun. Just for a moment I felt what he felt…"
Neji's arms tightened and nuzzled her ear, "And?"
Karin turned to see concerned white eyes become more so when he saw her face. She bit her trembling lip and shook her head slightly. "I don't know how he's still going."
Naruto rubbed his face with a sigh. The meeting with Ibiki hadn't exactly been enlightening. While Sasuke answered all the questions, the information they got was useless. They either knew it already thanks to Sakura, or it was outdated. Whether Sasuke wanted to admit it or not, he didn't have a clue as to what was really going on. They were back where they started, and the only information gleaned from all of this was the Akatsuki had a way of making perfect clones.
Naruto opened the door to the interrogation cell holding said Uchiha and met his rival's gaze. After a moment Sasuke finally looked away saying, "Here to give me the date of my execution?"
"Hardly," Naruto said dropping a file on the metal table between them and taking a seat. "More like a check-up to see if there's any information you might have forgotten to pass on."
"So you're here to torture me," Sasuke said.
"Nope, as far as I'm concerned you've got nothing left to give. How ya holdin' up?"
"Peachy…And you're right, I've got nothing else."
"Oh come on. You may have landed the high profile suite, but it isn't exactly five stars."
"But it is cozy," Sasuke said. Naruto raised an eyebrow and he smirked. "I've spent years underground Naruto, this isn't anything new to me." He scanned the room then shrugged, "Well, maybe the bars, but that's it."
Naruto shook his head chuckling. "Who'd have thought the teme would find a sense of humor during his little excursion outside the village."
"And who'd have thought the dobe would expand his vocabulary from 'believe it!' and stop rushing headlong into battle."
"Touché, teme, touché."
"But seriously," Sasuke said leaning forward. "I'm impressed. I didn't really think you were capable of all this."
"While I appreciate the backhanded compliment," Naruto said folding his arms and sitting back, "I'll tell you right now you've missed a lot."
"Obviously…" Sasuke muttered. "What are you here for? I hardly think it's because you've missed me and wanted to catch up."
"While I'd love nothing more, you're right. I've been tasked with your evaluation. Depending on what I report, you'll be released, imprisoned, or executed."
Sasuke's lips thinned. "Isn't that something that should be left to the Interrogation Department?"
"Normally, yes. But since you've been deemed a high profile prisoner, and you and I have a history, I was chosen since I had the highest probability of actually getting you to talk."
"They seriously thought you'd be best," Sasuke asked. "Aren't you biased since you swore you'd bring me back?"
"Our conversation is proof enough that I was the best choice," Naruto said resting his elbows on the table. "The banter started as soon as I arrived. You've spoken more about nothing than you have about the information you've provided. About me being biased," Naruto shrugged, then narrowed his eyes, "I would love nothing more than to welcome you back with open arms, Sasuke. But if you think for one second I'll overlook any potential threats to this village then you're in for a rude awakening."
"You've changed."
"And you're ability to point out the obvious is mind-blowing."
"That's not what I mean," Sasuke said shifting his head slightly. "Your eyes have seen things. You've experienced things not many have. What happened?"
Naruto clasped his hands. "We're here to talk about you, not me."
"Well as part of my evaluation I'd call it an old friend concerned about his former teammate."
"Clever, but maybe some other time? How about why did you surrender now of all times?"
"You're dodging."
"And so are you," Naruto said smirking. "Why did you surrender?"
"I had my reasons."
Naruto sighed. "Come on teme, you really think that's going to cut it? That's an answer which leaves a lot to the imagination. And with your current situation—trust me—that's a bad thing. I'm gonna need a clear cut answer."
Sasuke said nothing, instead averting his glare to the corner of the room. Naruto's eyes narrowed, and he picked up the file in front of him.
"Switching to 'Avenger Mode' already? Fine," Naruto said. He skimmed the file and his mouth thinned. "You know, with the amount of shit you've gotten away with it's a miracle you weren't executed on the spot."
"I guess that means I owe you," Sasuke said.
"Doesn't mean much coming from a man in prison," Naruto said. Sasuke said nothing, so he found the file entry he wanted and read it aloud.
"Sasuke has changed so much since I last saw him. So much of his thoughts are driven by a thirst for vengeance, and an insatiable need for punishment. I've succeeded in temporarily gaining his trust, but I wonder if I'll be able to save him after all."
Sasuke's gaze snapped back to Naruto, but he ignored him and continued.
"Sasuke's sleeping rhythm is non-existent, which might explain why he can seem so unstable at times. He was reluctant at first, but after some coaxing he admitted to having night terrors about his past, and nightmares of what he might do. I've started him on a sedative, but until he resolves things himself it's only a temporary fix. I've warned him of the side effects, but he was more than happy to take the medication."
Out of his peripheral Naruto caught Sasuke's knuckles turn white.
"The sedative has done wonders for Sasuke. His mood has changed drastically and he doesn't have such a haunted look about him anymore. I can only hope his progress continues. I've halved the dose of his sedative without him knowing just to be safe. With any luck he'll begin resolving his inner turmoil and get some natural sleep."
"Stop…" Sasuke said clenching his teeth.
"Since I arrived, Sasuke's anger and hatred seems to have faded into depression and sadness. I've only just realized he's exhibiting signs of dysfunctional grief, which he's been repressing and allowing it to fester for years. Adding to the truth about his brother, Sasuke doesn't realize he's so close to falling over the edge. In fact, he may have already fallen and is now just barely hanging on…I'm so scared I might lose him."
"Naruto…"
"I'm making progress, I'm sure of it. Just yesterday I caught a glimpse of him smiling—a genuine smile. He's been showing a rather protective side lately, and in his own little ways done things to help me feel at ease. Maybe the old Sasuke is buried somewhere inside, just waiting to break out. Maybe I can save him."
Naruto looked up at Sasuke and raised an eyebrow, but the Uchiha only glared so he continued.
"We made love last night—"
Sasuke's fist slammed onto the table causing the metal to groan. He ground his teeth in an attempt to placate him, and if Naruto wasn't mistaken Sasuke's eyes looked ever so glassy.
"Something you'd like to say," Naruto asked setting the file down.
"You're an asshole."
Naruto barked out a laugh, "So I've realized. Care to tell me why you surrendered now? This report isn't finished, but so far it sounds promising for you."
"Then why don't you just use that in my trial," Sasuke said.
"Because this is not only biased but also subjective," Naruto said waving report. "We trust Sakura to fulfill her duties to the village, but your opposition will have it thrown out for those two reasons right there. So we need a reason Sasuke. A reason to believe what Sakura has written here. We need to hear your own words for why you came back."
Sasuke looked away and folded his arms. Naruto may not have seen him in awhile, but he knew the Uchiha well enough to know that would be all he would get out of him for the day.
"Fine," Naruto said standing up. "I'll be back later. It'll give you some time to think over what you really want."
Nothing was said as Naruto gathered the file and moved to the door.
"Why were you in charge of the operation that night?"
Sasuke's question halted Naruto's fist from knocking on the door. He said nothing, but glanced over his shoulder at the Uchiha.
"The Hokage should've placed someone more appropriate in charge, not you," Sasuke said. "It should've been the Anbu Commander, or someone skilled in leadership like Kakashi. So how did you end up in charge of the operation that night?"
Naruto's neck felt knotted, and somewhere in the back of his mind a voice told him he needed to get out of the room.
"The Hyuuga are a very traditional clan—much like how mine used to be. Which means the only way you could've become involved was if you'd been there when the information first came to light. But that still gave you no reason to be the commander for such a large scale operation. A squad captain maybe, but the commander? No. There had to be another reason."
"I have a clan now," Naruto said. His voice sounded tight, even to him. "The given circumstances ruled out Anbu—as you know—and by placing an Uzumaki in charge it gave the village an edge."
Sasuke scoffed, "An Uzumaki. Not you, any of your other clansmen would have done. No. You were placed in charge because you wanted to be in charge. And the only time you ever act so vehemently is when someone important is in trouble."
Naruto's lungs froze, and he turned slightly to look into his friend's eyes. They bore into him, and he realized he'd forgotten just how well Sasuke could read others. "…What are you getting at Sasuke?"
Sasuke's voice lowered and his eyes drifted to the side. "It hurts doesn't it? Placing it all on the line for someone, just to have them betray you. Just when you think there might be someone in this wretched world you can trust they end up doing the same thing everyone else does. And yet…it's only human nature. The world is addicted to reacting to their initial emotions involving the what and never think more about the why.
"Why did he spare me? Why didn't he find another way? Why didn't he tell me?" Sasuke looked back to Naruto. "Why did he break his promise?
"But you get it too—sometimes it's necessary to do those things. To become the villain in the eyes of the ones you love. It hurts. It hurts so damn much. But if what you did really was for the sake of the greater good, then one day they'll understand. At least that's what I tell myself, it's the only way I can keep going at this point. And the worst part? You can't hate them for reacting the way they did despite the hole they leave behind, because you know exactly how it feels to be on the other end.
"You want to know why I surrendered that night," Sasuke asked. His eyes tightened and he looked away. "…It's for the same reason you took command."
Nothing else was said. His knuckles rapped against the door, he needed to get out of there. It opened and he moved through it so fast he nearly knocked the guard over.
"Take him back to his cell," Naruto said without looking back. He needed space. He was too close to losing control again. His chest hurt, and the tightness in his throat threatened to close off completely.
"Naruto," Ibiki called catching up.
"Make it quick," Naruto said.
"What did he mean?"
He wanted to tell him it was none of his business, but again the voice in his head told him that—actually yes—it was. So taking a breath he chose the best words he could.
"Uchiha surrendered because of his deep relationship with Haruno Sakura. These feelings developed during the month long stay she spent with him as an undercover agent for us. It's because of these feelings that when she asked him to forfeit he complied."
"He did it because he's in love?" The tinge of disbelief in Ibiki's voice caused Naruto to jar to a stop.
"Yes, Ibiki, because he's fucking in love with Sakura. Thank you for that astounding observation. In fact, next time I see Baa-chan I'll be sure to put your name forward for a commendation. It's like this department breeds goddamn detectives or something!"
Ibiki blinked—then lowered his brow, "All I'm saying is the opposition will tear his reasoning apart at the trial."
"Sweet Sage of the Six Paths riding the Juubi in ass-less chaps—you must read minds Ibiki-san. Say, can you tell me what boxers I wore today?" Naruto didn't wait for a response, instead moving down the hall. "Of course they're going to tear it apart, which is why during the trial you'll give the most stirring speech heard since the founding of this village. You understand me? I'm talking planets aligned, the gods decreed, and so much red thread was used tying the two together that there was a fucking continental shortage. Whatever it takes to paint Uchiha Sasuke as the tragic hero. Get. It. Done."
"You're asking me to lie for the sake of your friend?"
"No," Naruto said stopping once again. "I'm asking you to trust me, the Hero of the Hidden Leaf, the Child of Prophecy, the head of long-since-thought-dead clan, and next in line to the title of the Fire's Shadow."
"I…" Ibiki straightened and his chin rose just an inch. "I understand."
"Good," Naruto said striding down the hall. "I'll leave the rest to you then."
"And where will you be, Rokudaime-sama?"
"What, my sunny disposition isn't enough of a clue," Naruto asked over his shoulder. "Taking a fucking nap!"