Chapter 4
The Kage Tower Mailroom
Hinata reported to the mail room bright and early the next morning and was greeted by a gorgeous young girl with a bright smile. The two stood awkwardly in silence, as the girl seemed to be expecting something from her?
"Oh I forgot that you don't remember me Hinata-sama… Hi I'm Saromi" the girl bowed suddenly animating herself. She had a loud and boisterous voice.
"Oh… please call me Hinata" she smiled, bowing back, "nice to meet you... again Saromi-san."
"Well if I'm calling you Hinata, you better just call me Saromi too," the blonde said with her smile growing wider and Hinata felt herself relaxing for the first time since coming to Suna.
The mailroom in the Kazekage Tower buzzed with activity, its purpose was to facilitate seamless communication within Sunagakure. The room was located on the main level of the tower so it was on a busy floor with a clear view to the bustling reception area.
Getting down to business, Hinata and Saromi spent that morning going over the mailroom flow.
Saromi explained to her that the Kazekage's office got a lot of mail as the shinobi nations still primarily communicated through letters. After breakfast the young girl took Hinata down a series of hidden stairs to the lower level of the mailroom. This floor was spacious, adorned with maps depicting various trade routes, secret passages and aerial paths. This had to be all top secret information to Suna. Hinata turned and came face to face with shelves filled with labeled compartments that held letters, scrolls, and packages.
Clerks diligently sorted through the incoming and outgoing mail recording each item carefully and above them a network of chutes and pneumatic tubes transported messages swiftly and silently throughout the tower. Wow…. this was so cool, Hinata thought as she did a 360 turn looking around.
Saromi was the supervisor here so she had a small desk tucked away in a corner where she could monitor everything and make sure daily operations went without a hitch.
Throughout the day Saromi explained to Hinata that they received parcels, letters, scrolls and reports daily and also had duties for cataloging material shinobi found while on missions. They all needed to be examined and evaluated depending on the urgency before being distributed through the tower, especially due to the recent terror attacks.
With her background as a shinobi herself Hinata knew that not all mail arrived into the Kage tower in such an open fashion. Some messages were either personally delivered or sent via summons. She wasn't sure yet how that was handled but she didn't ask in case it was beyond her security clearance. If she needed to know Saromi would tell her eventually.
"I apologize Hinata-sama… er Hinata" the girl corrected herself upon Hinata's pointed look, "I am not too familiar with your abilities so you'll have to let me know how you'd like to divvy up this work."
That wasn't surprising. The Byakugan and its abilities were not widely understood even by Konoha citizens.
Hinata explained to the girl that she could help with increasing efficiency of sorting, spotting hidden encoded messages, identifying forgeries or tampered messages and could scan objects for security threats. She had the ability to track chakra so if anything was laced with chakra in anyway or an energy signature she would be able to spot it.
"Oh that's… that's quite amazing really…" Saromi looked around at the room. "It would be good to have you look through everything in that case but perhaps to preserve your jutsu and to leverage your skills efficiently, I will have you scanning the high security parcels, as well as the objects recovered from missions. I think that is the areas where we might have the most tampering."
Hinata agreed and the two girls got down to work for the day.
"Saromi…" Hinata asked the blonde as the girl took her out for their morning coffee break. "Do you remember me from when I used to live here?"
The other girl blushed and stuttered, a surprisingly shy shift from her earlier boisterous nature.
Hinata too found herself turning warm self consciously… I guess the fact that she'd been the Kazekage's lover had been common knowledge. 'Kazakage's lover' that sounded like a romance novel, Hinata thought, chuckling internally.
"Yes... we knew each other" Saromi finally settled on saying.
"Oh" Hinata looked up surprised, "did I seem happy?"
Saromi smiled easily this time nodding, "very much so."
Hinata blinked, slowly a smile appearing on her face as well. Well that was a relief. Talking to Saromi today was the first time she'd felt that information about her previous self was coming from a reliable and impartial source even though that sounded silly.
Later that day, Hinata was walking through the Kage tower during one of her breaks when she noticed a flash of red hair. It was Gaara!
She eagerly started moving forward seeking out that hair wanting to tell him about her successful first day, when she brought herself up short. What was she doing?
The Hyuga ducked behind a pillar but her curious eyes still lingered and managed to trace Gaara through the upstairs hallway and down the stairs and that is when she noticed that Matsuri was next to him as well.
The same Matsuri that Kankuro had told Gaara to ask out…
She didn't even realize she'd activated her byakugan until she realized she was watching the couple walk out into the city streets of Sunagakure. She saw Gaara materialize sand, and helped the brunette carefully step onto the platform. They then rose into the air and headed towards wherever their destination was.
A few seconds later Hinata realized she was biting onto the paper straw of the smoothie in her hands and had a frown on her face. Oh kami… she thought to herself quickly deactivating her dojutsu. What was she doing? Gaara could ask out whoever he wanted.
"Saromi…" Hinata felt brave enough to bring up a personal topic again later in the afternoon. "What are your thoughts on Matsuri-san?" Hinata tried to seem nonchalant.
"Oh…" the girl looked over her shoulder with a smile, "she's wonderful."
Hinata smiled back half heartedly, sorting through some reports.
"Has she known the Kazekage for a while?"
"Oh yeah… they have a loong history…" Saromi looked up at her speculatively. "I don't know the full story… but I know she was trained by the Kazekage. She learnt most of her jutsu from him… they are both a bit similar actually. Very stoic and detached. I know she is very close to Gaara-sama and his family. Probably a person he trusts very much closely followed by his family?..." her voice trailed off almost as if a question.
"Oh… I see. Is she dating or interested in anyone by any chance?"
This time around Saromi dropped the documents she had been carrying on to a desk and put her hands on her hips looking at Hinata a bit speculatively.
She didn't answer for a few seconds making Hinata squirm but eventually said a bit sadly looking at her concerned "I think you know the answer to that question…"
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Kazekage's Office
A cloned facsimile of Naruto and Sasuke stood in front of Gaara with news from the Land of Earth.
"Do I need to come out there?" Gaara asked the clones.
"Not yet, we have this under control for now" Naruto said with confidence. "but we may need you once we find the Akatsuki base."
Gaara nodded affirmatively, before taking out an auto scripting device (a Land of Iron invention) "What have you found so far?"
"There is a branch of an Akatsuki base in the Land of Earth, and it seems like there are more in the Land of Water and perhaps in Hidden Rain" Sasuke replied. "This isn't surprising ... .The Akatsuki has always been a pseudo name for mercenary groups operating across the shinobi nations."
"In terms of helpful information for you," Naruto jumped in, "We've learnt that the Akatsuki base in Land of Earth works strictly based on commissions. They don't get involved in international warfare and seem to be more focused on profiteering."
"Commissions?" Gaara muttered curiously. "Last time I was attacked by the Akatsuki, it was for the Jinchuriki… what could be the reason this time?"
"It could be a disgruntled third party or someone acting independently from a counter nation. I will ask the Hokage to relay to the 5 Kage's asking that they all investigate within their own countries for any clues." Naruto smiled and did a thumbs up.
Sasuke added more ominously, "The most likely suspects though are always those close at hand. Is there anyone in Suna that would seek to contract a mercenary organization to hurt you or perhaps someone that is disgruntled?"
Gaara was silent …. The list was way too long. There were interclan political rivalry, underworld mercenaries, business leaders lobbying and trying to amend current monetary policies. Even during times of peace there was always an undercurrent of unrest.
"Okay Gaara," the Naruto clone looked at his watch, "we'll leave you with that for now. But if you can have a team investigate into potential suspects that would be helpful," the clone smiled and waved before the two bodies vanished in a puff.
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An underground abandoned bunker in Suna.
"What is this about?" A hooded figure known as Larke asked cautiously as they entered the abandoned outpost on the outskirts of Sunagakure's northern walls. The atmosphere was suffocating, heavy with a sense of doom. "Why did you reach out to me?"
The white beings' eerie smile widened, sending chills down Larke's spine. "Surely when the attack on Sunagakure occurred, you must have wondered if Oto was behind it," it whispered, voice laced with humor.
Larke stood up straight, their fear giving way to curiosity. "Who are you?" Larke demanded, trying to regain their composure.
"You don't need to know who I am," Zensu hissed. "But you do need to know that I was sent by Oto to deliver a message. He knows you imprisoned him in the Blood Prison, and he wants you to set him free... or he'll reveal your entire secret to the Kazekage."
Larke's mind raced, attempting to formulate a defense. "How can he go to the Kazekage from inside the prison?"
Zensu's smile grew wider and wider with a wicked glint in its eyes. "Oh, he can't leave his prison cell, but I... I can go anywhere I please," it taunted, taking a step closer to Larke, who involuntarily took a step back.
The situation had spiraled out of control, far beyond Larke's intentions. They never anticipated it would come to this. Sweat formed on Larke's forehead, and they were thankful that the mask they had on concealed their trembling expression.
"Oto had a simple task," Larke replied, voice shaky. "He failed, so he rightfully belongs in prison. He's nothing more than a common criminal."
Zensu tsked, their demeanor unsettling. "I'm not privy to your agreements with Oto, but he's currently paying me to deliver this message to you. However… desperate souls can always make counter offers, can't they?"
"Pay you?" Larke scoffed. "You must be fucking joking."
Zensu's expression turned sinister, while it turned to inspecting its fingernails with a macabre fascination. "Watch your tongue," it warned, suddenly standing right in front of Larke, its movement silent and swift.
Larke's heart raced, swallowing hard.
"Out of the goodness of my heart, I offered my services as a contract mercenary to you, should you require them... at the right price, of course," Zensu's smile twisted, sending shivers down Larke's spine.
Desperation consumed Larke, their options were dwindling.
The sinister figure continued with an unsettling grin, its voice dripping with malice. "Oto may be willing to pay for his release from prison, but... I find myself rather fond of you... for now.
Anyway, I'll be in touch," it concluded, waving a chilling goodbye before vanishing into thin air.
As the reality of their predicament sank in Larke sank to their knees as the figure disappeared in shock.
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Kazekage Mansion
It was around midnight when Gaara returned home that day. He walked out onto the rooftop garden of the mansion with a cup of tea and quietly admired the space.
This was a hidden treasure in Sunagakure that only a select few had access to. It had been designed by Gaara along with Suna's head architect, but the space has come to life under Hinata's direction and landscaping. The garden had lush greenery spilling over the edges of intricate stone planters, creating a vibrant tapestry of foliage. Delicate vines climbed throughout the walls of the rooftop space intertwining with ornate trellises adorned with hanging baskets of flowers. There was a few small palm trees here and there, and many stone benches with plush cushions offering spaces for comfortable respite.
Gaara sighed relaxing until he noticed Hinata leaning against the balcony to his right. He immediately turned to walk back inside soundlessly when she looked over her shoulder at him and called out a greeting.
Fuck... he thought in his head as he turned back trying to ignore how she was... glowing in the moonlight. He swallowed…
Hinata was one of those women who looked like a goddess under the moon or some sort of nymph-like ethereal creature- his brain struggled to find the appropriate comparison. But it had no trouble of course cataloging her shiny blue hair falling around her in an artful dishabille and how she had a white nightgown on with a fur wrapper around her shoulders concealing most of her figure from him.
"Why are you going back?" She asked, half turning towards him from where she was leaning against the balcony rails. Her naturally pale skin shimmering like a moonstone…. And those lips… he thought distracted.
"I…. didn't want to disturb you" was all he could manage to say back tightly. He swore he could see the curve of her ass through that translucent nightgown.
"It's your house" she said self consciously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Gaara nodded, sweating and turned to leave... feeling his ears... among other things heat up.
"Why" she asked in a hurried voice now fully turning towards him and he paused again…"Why do you not sleep?" she finished asking in a quieter voice now that he had stopped walking away.
What about sleep?… he thought dumbly, his mind whirring.
"Are you okay?" Now she seemed concerned and started moving towards him.
Oh god.. he thought taking one, then two steps back as she stopped within arms reach of him.
"Ummm...yeah" he said distractedly looking at her… trying to avoid really looking at her. Keep your eyes on her forehead… he said to himself. Too late… he felt his gaze skim her body mentally undressing her. His heartbeat accelerated.
She furrowed her eyebrows, noticing that his color was high. This would be a lot easier if he had lost his memory as well, Gaara found himself thinking desperately.
"What's going on?" a feminine voice asked, walking out onto the terrace.
Thank god for his sister! Gaara mumbled something unintelligible to the girls and walked into the house- taking his 'stiffness' with him.
Hinata blinked. What had just happened?
"Temari-san" she smiled in the way of a greeting turning to Gaara's sister.
"Hey" she turned, watching her brother over her shoulder.
"Is the Kazekage-sama okay?" she asked, concerned. "Maybe we should go check on him?"
"I have a feeling I know what's wrong with him," the older kunoichi said sarcastically.
Hinata dropped the subject. There were many moments like this since her memory loss where she felt that she didn't understand what was going on. It was best in these circumstances to leave things as they were instead of making it worse is what she had learned over time. So instead of probing with questions, she waited quietly. She hadn't gotten a lot of chances to talk with Temari-san over the last year… despite the fact they had lived in the same city.
Hinata didn't have much memory of this kunoichi from the chunin exams either... and she supposed they hadn't been very close over the years.
"How are you settling in Hinata-san?" Temari asked in a neutral voice.
"A-ano… just fine," she smiled. "I… I don't know if you know" she mumbled.
"Of yours and Gaara's history?" Temari asked with a smile.
Hinata looked up embarrassed.
"It's not a secret in Suna" Temari said by the way of an explanation. "Don't worry… we are more relaxed here than Konoha. We are a LOT more relaxed especially compared to the Hyuga" Termari laughed with a quirked eyebrow.
Hinata blushed. Yes… her family could be quite intense.
"I can't help but feel everyone knows more about the Kazekage and I… except for myself."
Temari nodded, "It must be frustrating" the older woman said sympathetically but offered no additional explanations. Do you think he still cares about me? Hinata wanted to ask. Does he miss me? Is he happy? Why doesn't he sleep? The questions crowded in her chest but she kept quiet, smiling.
"Why does he have love in kanji tattooed on his forehead?" she finally ended up asking.
Temari looked at her in surprise. "It… it means a demon who only loves himself," her voice grew in confidence as her surprise wore off, "he tattooed it there himself."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock.
"That… has changed," Temari continued with a watery laugh. "He loves his people, friends, family and Suna quite a lot."
Hinata nodded. "Were you there… when I left Konoha?"
"As a missing nin?" Temari asked and continued at her nod. "Not quite… Shikamaru and I didn't get married until about two years ago. But I know it was quite a shock to the country. You were probably the least likely to be thought to do that."
"I don't understand why I would have left just because of Naruto to come here."
"Hmmm… well Naruto may be one of the factors you left, but I think your clan was also pressuring you to get married. Despite the rejection, Naruto does care about you and he helped you get settled in Suna. I know because I was the Head of Defense here when you came over."
"Oh" she nodded solemnly. She supposed she owed Naruto, Temari and Gaara and perhaps many more people in Suna a huge thank you for helping her back then…
"Temari-san, it's no secret that Gaara-sama probably would have preferred I was sent back to Konoha instead of stationed here on this mission. Why did you let me stay?"
At that Temari looked amused, almost as if she couldn't believe Hinata had actually gathered the courage to ask her this question.
"I believed the last time you were here after losing your memory- it was quite a shock to both yourself and my brother. Perhaps things between you two weren't resolved quite neatly or even pleasantly. I thought you both deserved a chance to make peace."
Hinata thought about that answer for much of the rest of the night…
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A couple of days later - Anbu Coffee Room Kage Tower
"How are the border patrols going?" Kankuro walked into the cofee room.
"Good, no incidents reported today" Matsuri looked up from the newspaper she was reading and paused with a half smile.
"Just what I like to hear" Kankuro nodded, "I have to take my squad to the southern wall today, there is reported damage to the dam and our irrigation systems" he continued, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Matsuri had grown up around Temari and Kankuro ever since Gaara had become her teacher years ago when she'd been a teenager. They were all like family to her.
"Kazakage-sama" various voices choired around her as fellow shinobi and Anbu snapped to attention standing up. Speak of the devil, she thought fondly, standing as well.
Gaara nodded to everyone, and went on to have a hushed conversation with Kankuro. Matsuri waited patiently as the brothers chatted. The Sabukano family was very close even though they weren't outwardly affectionate as some of the other clans were. She knew that they were fiercely loyal to each other.
After the two finished their chat Gaara looked over at her cocking his head and she nodded understanding his unsaid words. Gathering her stuff she followed him upstairs to the Kage office, where upon entering she was surprised to find piles and piles and piles of files.
"What…" she muttered in surprise. Gaara was usually a very tidy person.
"Oh I'm doing research on the Akatsuki" he said offhandedly. "You don't have any free time to help do you?"
She smiled at the rhetorical question.
"How are you feeling now by the way?" Gaara leaned against the desk coming to stand next to her.
"Oh Sakura-san took very good care of me… I feel good as new."
"Good" he tapped his fingers thoughtfully, seeming to be deep in thought.
This was unusual. Gaara didn't beat around the bush, and he usually sat on the other side of the desk on the Kage chair… not next to her where the visitors sat.
"What...is going on?" she asked cautiously.
"I wanted to ask you…er... a question. That is, I wanted to ask you...-" Gaara was cut off as a knock came at the door.
"Were you just… trying to ask me out?" she guessed with her eyebrows raised. They had been dancing around this forever. She'd had a crush on him for as long as she could remember and just when she had turned 18 and looking forward to doing something about it, Hinata had come to Suna.
And the rest as they say- had been history.
"Well were you?" she asked when an answer didn't come and her heart raced.
Gaara's lip quirked in amusement at her reaction, but he sighed and looked at the door as another knock came. "Later" he said softly and called out "come in," muttering about how he had no peace.
Matsuri rolled her eyes as Hinata walked in. It was comical how quickly Gaara's relaxed expression turned into a frown.
"Oh… h-hello Kazekage-sama and Matsuri-san," Hinata bowed.
They both nodded back at the girl who was looking furtively between them. Hinata was older than Matsuri… but she really didn't come across that way sometimes. Like right now for example she looked like a lost puppy.
"Am I interrupting?" Hinata asked worried.
"Well… the Kazekage was just about to ask me out, were you not?" Matsuri turned her gaze up to Gaara who was still leaning on his desk next to her.
Gaara turned to Matsuri with a surprised expression. But Matsuri was proud to be a shameless kunoichi, she really didn't mind strong arming the Kazekage into the date she'd been waiting eight plus years for. It was her turn now, she had waited long enough… and they were meant to be together.
Hinata turned a deep purple color at the announcement but she continued to look at both Gaara and Matsuri.
"Er, let's continue this discussion later shall we?" Gaara asked Matsuri firmly, quickly regaining control of the situation.
The brunette nodded with a smirk and looked down at her watch. She had places to be and things to do. Gaara understood and dismissed her with a promise to find her later and that worked just fine for Matsuri.
Plus the message she had intended to get across to the other Konoha kuinochi had landed. So all in all she felt pretty satisfied for the first time in years.
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