~ I'm back...
Grey/Label
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Label 4: Hard Truths
««—•—»»
"Whaaa… He's late again." Hazel sighed, speaking on Kori's recent string of tardiness. "Is he going to be alright?" She muttered to herself with some concern.
Due to the absence, she was taking responsibility for Hinata's exercises this morning.
The girl was currently being put through an intense chakra control exercise that involved sticking leaves to several areas of her body and circulating her chakra. She did that while throwing kunai and shuriken at a target.
She performed the exercise well enough, but her aim and strength of throwing needed improvement. Keeping the leaves to her skin with chakra while throwing wasn't a problem for Hinata. The Hyuuga clan taught their clansmen chakra intensive practices from young ages. Exercises and techniques that others wouldn't bother with until it was necessary for them to.
"Do you think something is wrong? He has seemed distracted lately." Hinata inquired before throwing another kunai, striking the target dead center. She took a second to delight in the feel of a perfect hit.
"No telling, but you're right about him seeming distracted recently." The young woman huffed a bit irritably, placing her hands to her hips while in thought.
"Given the importance of what we're doing… I'd say Hokage-sama is likely discussing his concerns with Kori working with you." Hazel sighed, massaging her temples with the middle finger and thumb of her right hand.
Kori's assistant sighed, realizing she probably shouldn't have said that in front of Hinata.
Between his 'mental checkups' with Rin and personal issues with Kurenai, due in part to Kori immaturely suggesting he'd stolen her student to her face...among other things…
Matters could go any number of ways and Kori...no telling.
Kori could take care of himself, he was grown, but Hinata would be a sacrifice of any possible fallout.
She'd likely be reassigned to a non-specialist doctor who would only see to her recovery, without thought to her performance or mental concerns...because it wouldn't be his or her responsibility.
Then she would be left to the well meaning, but utterly unrelatable devices of her father, clan, and village.
Hazel knew that in Hinata's mind, that was the worse that could happen to her. Nothing would have changed.
She'd likely be branded and married off for the benefit of the Hyuuga clan's and Konoha's spread in political power and influence.
If that happened, Kori would be at fault and his downward spiral would likely continue until he completely burned out. Because he'd know it was his fault, he wouldn't be wrong, and it would be another black mark for him. That was the least of the bad that could happen to him.
Hazel got a headache just thinking about there being a possible fallout, but like she'd said a moment ago. 'I really may be overthinking this.' She silently thought.
Meanwhile, Hinata had paused stiffly at Hazel's words, but after a moment she continued her exercise, determined to not let it bother her; although her aim was now off.
Hazel sighed quietly at the sudden shift in Hinata's performance. She'd said something unnecessary because of her agitation with Kori, not having meant to say something that would affect Hinata, but that's what happened anyway.
Hazel decided it was best to drop the matter and simply continue the day's training schedule like it was any other day. She was ready to put Hinata to some real work when one of the Hokage's assigned ANBU arrived outside of the training lab.
Hazel smiled, knowing this ANBU personally and instantly recognizing the masked kunoichi by her waist length violet hair swaying down to her backside as she approached.
"Hey, Neko-san. What's going on?" Hazel greeted with a wink and a smile, knowing her disguised friend would keep matters professional while on duty. This was a rare event for her; now she was certain something was going on. I guess I can't tell him off this time, she thought with a smile.
"Hazel-san, sorry to interrupt, but the Hokage requests your presence in his office as soon as you are able." She said briskly. When Hazel nodded in confirmation, the long haired ANBU gave a nod of her own and disappeared, leaving behind a puff of residual chakra.
Hinata brought her routine to a stop and turned to face Hazel having overheard the information. Hazel sighed for what felt like the tenth time and prepared to leave - as soon as possible meant immediately when it came to the Hokage.
"Alright Hinata, you're a responsible girl so I want you to continue this exercise for another ten minutes then switch to sealing and unsealing those kunai and shuriken until you feel chakra exhaustion coming on. Rest and recover, then repeat as you're able, just don't force yourself; we don't want something to happen to you while you're unsupervised. Anyway, do that for an hour and if Kori or myself ain't back by then, do your combination taijutsu and visual awareness drills. You can call it a day when the evening hour rolls around." She informed the girl. "I'm not sure what all is going on, but I feel like this may take awhile."
Hinata nodded while giving a short bow. "Hai, sensei. I shall." She said, smiling assuringly.
"I'm hoping Kori will pop up soon enough." The blue haired trainer muttered as she made to leave the training lab. "That man is always into something..." Hazel muttered in annoyance as she quickly sauntered out.
Hinata watched her go, unable to let go of the feeling that something was off. While Kori seemed distracted and tellingly carried the weight of trouble on his slight shoulders, Hazel now appeared agitated by what was going on around her trainer and healer, pulling her into his personal issues.
However she thought about it, things weren't looking good at the moment and she couldn't help questioning what that could mean for her.
««—•—»»
I know the exact moment that I went from runner up for Rookie of the Year, second only to Itachi Uchiha, to top medical shinobi prospect apprenticed to Konoha's Chief of Medicine with possible prodigy status and training with Rin Nohara, to potential bust status... but when the hell did I earn the red flag of possible traitor/missing-nin status? I never considered that, but that was what the old leader was getting at wasn't it?
Needless to say, but Kori was feeling a little bewildered by the exchange and having a moment reflecting on old truths from his meeting with Hokage Sarutobi.
Thinking about the short meeting with the third and getting flustered about it, Kori focused on figuring out his matter of course. Trying to make sense of where he was going in his career, as well as in life was a new endeavor. He started by going over parts of his past that could've led to this, and some of his life events that pointed towards it were a lot more obvious than others.
Maybe not new, but it'd been a long time since he bothered to try driving this deep into his actions.
Despite knowing that most of his pains were self-inflicted, just as Anko and Kurenai had both told him before...was due to an overwhelming sense of pride and ego, plus a combination of wanton stubbornness - Kori still held some complaints and animosity for the village and the Hokage. Especially the Hokage. At the same time though, he acknowledged where his faults lie.
But had his actions, attitude, and petty shows of defiance risen to the level of someone that could be said to be contemplating turning on the village?
If he were going to do that, he'd have done it when the Hokage agreed with the shinobi council to restrict his movements to the village and suspended him indefinitely from the active duty roster.
He admitted that he hadn't taken the situation or the repercussions of his most egregious mistakes seriously. The consequences finally added up enough to become a serious red flag.
Kori sighed. "I fucked around too much…" He sighed, shaking his head.
Kori knew he'd have to watch himself. Straighten out and tow the line that all good Konoha ninja towed and do his part without backtalk and complaints, even if it killed him. However, he felt disdain at the thought of playing an agreeable 'yes-man'. Those types rarely thought for themselves, were followers, cowards, and annoying ass kissers.
He knew that Anko certainly didn't play that game, unless out of spite or sarcasm, either way she definitely didn't bother with it. Which was why she'd never agreed to take on a Genin team. That and she loved her work in T&I far too much to leave ANBU. However, she had an agreeable and somewhat special relationship with Sarutobi that Kori didn't.
A lot of problems could've been prevented had I acted with the village's best interests. Kori further thought as he walked through town, not really paying attention to the villagers he passed by. Some gave him angry glances, sneered, or stepped to the other side of the street when they saw him.
Konoha was able to keep everything low key and put a bow on it so too much information didn't spread to outside village's, and restitution had been a simple matter. Despite that, a few council people felt their fellow Konoha citizens should know what kind of man Kori Genya really was, and it showed.
Otherwise, I think I might've been disavowed or given over as an apologetic sacrifice. Did it cost the old man anything to keep it quiet? I can't be sure, but I do think it cost him more than a little, maybe it was just enough to finally put him or others on edge to question his competency as Hokage, or have the council breathing down his neck about another possible traitor.
A lot of Konoha traitors have been lower to middle tier ninjas with the potential to reach high tier. The worst were Itachi and Orochimaru though. I guess there's some merit to thinking I could go rogue, but what would be my motivation? He wondered.
Kori really didn't want to think about it. Then there was matters with Kurenai.
God damn woman - what is with her? She may be gorgeous and a hell of a kunoichi, but she is far too uptight! Dammit, I said the girl had great potential and that I would bring it out of her! But, no...that shrew thinks she's the only one who knows what is best for Hinata.
Now she has the Hokage believing I'll take advantage of Hinata - corrupt the poor girl or lead her astray...make her defiant. Worried...that I'll influence her too much and they'll lose their sweet, naive, agreeable little Hinata.
Worse than that...follow in the footsteps of certain bad influences. That would be quite the scandal, not only for the village but especially the Hyuuga clan. The other clans would be affected by extension due to the Uchiha clan massacre. Especially if another founding clan's heir went rogue.
Such a thing might alienate the Hokage into taking questionable or tyrannical stances to keep the village and its residents safe. After all, Who could he trust, if not the longest tenured and most dedicated clansmen of Konoha?
No Kage wants to think about suddenly having an issue with their most loyal ninja or clan heirs betraying their village left and right at any given time...who would?
For Kori though, it would make for an intriguing piece of study. He suddenly wondered what Rin would think about that? The list of reasons ninja went rogue was longer than the all time number of missing-nin.
If that happened, the village would then be at risk of ninja from other clans being negatively affected. How would the villagers respond? Would threats or punishments be enough to prevent a precedent?
Kori shrugged those distracting thoughts away, they didn't concern him or Hinata. That just wasn't going to happen.
Besides, Hinata is a sweet and kind girl. She might hold a mild animosity towards her clan and father for their treatment of her, the Caged Bird Seal, and other things - but under that shy, demure exterior I can tell that sweet little girl is damn proud to be a Hyuuga. Not only that, but she's determined to be an asset to her village. A girl after my own shady heart, to be sure.
Kori idly realized that the results of Hinata's future could have far reaching effects on the village if he did good with her. That stood true whether she took the right or the wrong path - but what was truly right or wrong?
If that determined little miss became Hyuuga clan head, then replaced or even vacated the Hyuuga elders of their power and influence, then axed the use of the Caged Bird Seal...
Kori thought. That alone could be very promising, but also ugly - maybe bloody even. He twitched and frowned, suddenly feeling the mere thought of anyone, even a Hyuuga hurting Hinata, pissed him off more than a little... For some reason.
If any of my previous thoughts were close to right, then maybe I can see why Sarutobi would scold me so strongly. It's a Kage's place to keep his ninja from spiraling out of control and causing the village or its people undue harm. Hinata and myself would be no exception.
Tired sigh… "So stupid."
Despite having a good grasp of the situation Kori still missed an important point. He'd not only put the third on edge over the last few years, but most importantly, Sarutobi no longer trusted him...at all. That placed his relationship with his village leader in an unenviable, murky, and questionable situation. The type of which never bodes well for the ninja in question. Such a thing caused weak links, raised questions, and unknown variables. The sort that couldn't be tolerated at the risk of compromising the Hokage, the military, and the village as a whole.
If one part of the system failed, the entire foundation would give out without the support of a vital pillar.
Especially when Itachi's actions weren't far in the past, and Orochimaru's standing habit of having his name constantly in trending news thanks to his heinous escapades wouldn't let anyone forget him anytime soon.
The combined fallout of their respective actions had yet to be fully realized. Little wonder why Rin was always paying such close attention to him. He'd possibly been trending, however slightly, in their footsteps.
She was more or less right, he'd just been too stubborn and prideful to see it her way. As the medical kunoichi had said many times before, he would self-destruct if he kept it up...and for Kori, being self-destructive equated to weakness.
Not hailing from an upper class or highly esteemed clan, but rather a ninja family that had members serve sparsely in Konoha's military nearly dating back to its founding days. Would he be the one that ruined what hard earned respect his family had fought and died for?
Doing that would mean bringing shame and dishonor upon his ancestors and family, not just himself. "Death before dishonor…a set with the blade." He whispered to himself. It was one of many sayings from his family history. He needed to check himself before he wrecked himself because there would be no next time.
Leaving his thoughts he saw that he was finally back at the recovery institute. He exhaled deeply, feeling like he hadn't been helping Hinata with his full effort, and it was time to change that as well.
It was him that went to her and promised to help her heal, overcome her perceived shortcomings, and turn her into a quality kunoichi...not the other way around.
It was time to get serious lest he end up another cautionary tale of hubris in Konoha's history books as an example of what being too prideful did to a person when they didn't pick and choose their battles wisely.
««—•—»»
Kori cleared his thoughts making his way inside, greeting the front desk secretary as she buzzed him into the back of the facilities. Kori arrived at his destination to find Hinata alone, sealing away a number of kunai into an oversized scroll.
That's Hazel for you, she always knows what I want done when I'm absent. That said, where is that little blue bird? He asked himself, noticing Hazel absent.
"Hinata-chan, where is Hazel?" He inquired of the young heiress whose back was turned to him as she secreted away another kunai into the scroll's sealing array on the floor before her.
Hinata didn't jump at the sudden presence of the medic-nin. However, she'd been so focused on one task that she'd left herself wide open and vulnerable again. She'd been working hard to rid herself of her tendency for zoning out and losing awareness of her surroundings. However, a small change in her showed as she no longer jumped at every little thing like she previously had.
The diminutive girl turned to look back at Kori, gathering herself to her feet and bowing politely. As she answered him she noticed that the medic seemed different somehow.
"Greetings, Kori-sensei," she began after rising from her bow. "Ano… Hazel-sensei was called upon, but she instructed me on what I was to work on in her absence until you arrived."
"Called upon...by whom?" Kori inquired further, his right brow lifted in curiosity. He felt he knew, but he didn't like making assumptions.
"Hokage-sama." Hinata answered softly while looking at Kori closely. She still sensed that something was off, maybe even bothering him. His tone was softer than she remembered, reminding her of the night they met. He was being polite, if not a bit formal.
After that night there hadn't once been anything formal or soft spoken about this man and she would know.
What stood out to her more than anything else was that he called her by her name just now, rather than Princess. That was more telling than anything else she could've pointed out.
"I see...that's just as well." Hinata silently stood in place looking up at Kori as he suddenly went into thought.
"Alright then…" Kori cleared his throat as he spoke up again, all business this time. "Hinata, your progress has been good so far, but it's just a small start and there's still a lot more. Time ain't on our side, though - so now's the time we take your training to the next level if we wish to be successful." Hinata's eyes widened and her heart beat in anxiety at Kori's serious tone with the expression to match. "Your physical therapy will become more intensive in return. That means I will push you hard and at other times you'll be expected to push yourself without prompting. That is what's called the Mamba Mentality...to improve yourself and become better than you were the day before. As our time continues from this point, I'll be indoctrinating you to this philosophy. Understood?"
Hinata looked slightly wary as she looked up at Kori, able to hear the seriousness in his voice. Not that he didn't usually sound serious, but... Mamba Mentality... And indoctrination? There was something more going on that she couldn't give voice to and she felt scared for the direction that things could go now.
"Ah~." Softly gasping and soon blushing a soft shade of pink, the young heiress's attention was refocused as her pupil-less light lavender gaze was forced back on Kori. Hinata's blush deepened.
Kori had closed the space between them and his hand caressed her warm cheek as he stood over her.
He soon leaned down to look closely into her wide pearl eyes. Hinata's cheeks burned and her mind became a jumbled mess of incoherent thoughts - it was all quite unexpected. She was taken completely off guard, unable to think clearly, her breaths quickening with her rapidly beating heart, and her body becoming mildly hot.
Never had the young maiden heiress experienced such an awakening? No, such a...profound, yes, profound feeling. She'd never felt this way, never knew she could, and though she didn't know what it was; she knew this wasn't just nervousness or anxiety. Those feelings she knew well.
Time seemed to have slowed to a glacial pace. 'What is he…' Her mind gasped, reaching for answers that her mind wasn't experienced enough to provide. By now her heart was pounding in her ears and her face had turned red...almost like whenever Naruto tried speaking to her.
"Hinata," Kori sighed just then, his bold eyes showing disappointment as he held her delicate cheek…
Hinata's mind reeled and suddenly sobered up a bit. 'No...I know that look! It's disappointment…' She thought. 'He's not...disappointed in me, right? Have I done something to disappoint him?' She tried to think.
"You know, whether you realize it or not, there are many that would rather see me and you fail. It is truly in our hands and our hands alone to create our own successes, our own world." Hinata could only hold her medic's deep gaze in silence as he spoke, his voice soft yet deep - pulling her into a calm focused lull. Kori's hand gently grazed over Hinata's soft, blushing cheek again causing her a light shiver and she unconsciously nodded in agreement to his words.
The disappointment dissipated from his eyes before softly lighting with hope. "I asked you once before to trust me. I have to admit I haven't been giving you my full dedication and after all my promises, Hinata...you deserve better. For that I apologize… So, now I ask again, will you continue to trust me? Even when you're hurting, even when you're too tired and it's too difficult, even when it seems like none of this is working...will you trust me to get you to the finish line?" He asked Hinata.
The girl couldn't help feeling surprised when Kori's tone filled with a hint of desperation. Something she was intimately familiar with and something she never expected to hear in the voice of someone so confident. As much as she'd placed her trust into him, he respected her enough to make the decision for herself to continue to trust him.
She didn't have to think about it, of course she would. Kori's easy admission of his faults only unlocked another level of Hinata's trust for him. She could never have done the same so unflinchingly and that only made Hinata see that much more faith and strength in him than before. He was...He was amazing!
Kori wasn't thinking too much about what he was doing right now, touching this young girl's cheek in a manner he shouldn't have been. It was utterly irresponsible of him, or so he felt, and Hazel would likely agree.
But feeling quiet desperation welling up inside him, the sudden realization of things he'd previously ignored or buried so deep they drowned in a matter of course, he knew he needed Hinata. He needed this girl more than she needed him.
He spent years bring God for a sign, another chance, and when he received it despite not deserving it...he hadn't changed at all, took it for granted, and was so close to throwing himself away again. Only this time he'd be bringing sweet, little Hinata right along with him.
He couldn't. He wouldn't. Allow that to happen. So here he was...earnestly begging the girl's forgiveness the only way he knew how. Desperately...
He cycled back on the thought of Hinata getting hurt by someone else. He knew it was real when he thought he'd destroy himself if he caused her undo harm. That was when he realized it...He was already causing her undo harm!
Hinata blinked, her gaze never once leaving his. She found his gaze was so intense, his eyes held an intensity that Hinata felt she could never achieve and she found the thought of that actually hurt her physically. Where was her heart?
Hinata could so easily see the promise of a greater future in his eyes, just as on the night they met. Of course, for her, nothing had changed and she hadn't once doubted this man's words or abilities. How could she when he was so genuine and earnest?
She knew her options outside of Kori-sensei were next to none, but that had never factored into her decision. She never doubted Kurenai-sensei, but she just couldn't give Hinata the sort of attention she needed and running a Genin cell, she couldn't show favoritism towards one student or another. She witnessed a lot of that with Team 7 and it wasn't pretty.
It wasn't even a question in Hinata's mind. She nodded firmly as she slowly and hesitantly raised her hand, placing it over Kori's as he held her cheek. "H-hai." Light pink lips parted as she answered in her usually soft voice.
Kori eyed Hinata closely for a moment, during which Hinata's heart pounded even harder in her chest, then released a relieved sigh and lowered his hand to his side and stood straight again. He was frowning now. "Say it like you mean it, Hinata-chan." He demanded.
The young girl looked shocked at first, but then frowned determinedly, her blush fading as she answered again. "Hai, Kori-sensei!"
Kori chuckled. "Good, it's a good start." Hinata didn't show it and she certainly wouldn't say it, but she somewhat missed the feeling of his hand just then as she smiled up at the medic-nin.
"Then let's get to it. First, wrap up that exercise, then we have a meeting with the Light Training Area. Quickly now!" He demanded, clapping his hands.
"Hai!" Hinata agreed as she went back to sealing the throwing weapons in the scroll just as she had been before Kori arrived.
He nodded to himself. He was no different than before, he reassured himself. It was everyone else's low expectations of him that drove him. As he watched Hinata quickly work at his insistence, he felt he'd gained his edge back. An edge that he would use to cut Hinata into an ideal kunoichi that would be just as sharp, no, sharper than himself.
This, this will do. He thought to himself.
««—•—»»
"It may be something, it could be nothing. Simply keep in mind what we've discussed here. Be certain to keep everything between us for now." Sarutobi explained to those in his office.
"Does everyone understand?" He inquired, taking a pull from his tobacco pipe and calmly exhaling aromatic smoke.
A three person chorus of, 'Hai Hokage-sama', chimed together in answer to the third Hokage.
"Very well, I'll trust you three to be discreet in helping me. I know what I'm asking may be a bit worrying, but look at it another way - you'll be able to help Kori as well."
"I understand, Hokage-sama. I've been attempting to help him during our meetings and will continue to do so. Nothing's changed there." Nohara Rin spoke up, smiling as pleasantly as she ever did.
"And I'll continue with my responsibilities and work as his assistant. That's the best way I can help." Hazel said next. She turned to glance over at the third person.
"I shall do just as you asked, Hokage-sama. No worries." Yuhi Kurenai promised, also bowing to her village's leader.
"I'd expect nothing less, thank you ladies. You're dismissed." Sarutobi smiled, pipe held between his lips as the three departed his office. He wasn't completely sure what to expect from this little request, but he was honestly hoping for the best.
He knew Kurenai would act responsibly and it wasn't that he didn't trust Rin or Hazel, neither one of them had ever shown signs of disobeying an order, but he worried their close relationship to Kori would cause them to have a blind spot. He thought about it again and was soon dismissing Rin from the equation as well. She knew her duties and was trained by Minato as well. Just like Kakashi, she'd never shown any signs of dereliction; he knew he could trust her. He realized it was truly Hazel that he wasn't so sure about.
She hadn't been trained by nor was she trained up under Kori, but they did gather amongst some of the same circles and had been working together for some years now. He knew that she and Kori were somewhat alike, at least before Kori started showing dire and somewhat concerning personality changes.
As the three women found themselves outside of the Fire Tower Hazel decided to break the uncomfortable silence that permeated between them since departing the Hokage's office. "So what do you two think about this? We've all known Kori for a long time, some more than others… Do you think Hokage-sama has cause to worry about Kori doing something reckless?"
Kurenai shrugged nonchalantly. "Whether he has just cause or not doesn't matter to me, I've been given a task by my leader and I'll see it through without question. However, I will say that you need to take this seriously - Kori has been walking a very fine line these past few years and he's even stepped out of line a few times as well."
"I'd expect to hear something like that from you, Miss High and Mighty, still holding a grudge and all. I'm curious though, when you say you'll 'see it through', is that in the same light as when you 'helped' Kagura Yakumo?" Hazel couldn't help prodding the genjutsu specialist.
"You know...well you probably don't, but Rin and I know that Kori had a way to truly help that girl—"
Rin's eyes widened and she tried to stop Hazel, not believing her animosity for Kurenai ran this deep. "Hazel don't, you know Kori doesn't want anyone knowing about that. He made us swear!"
However, Hazel shrugged. "She needs to know she's not as good as she thinks." Hazel narrowed her gaze back on Kurenai's angry but curious face. "Yeah. Surefire, to borrow a phrase from Kori. But, to cut a long story short - Kori had a way of helping Yakumo with her 'you know what'... However, the third stated having unwavering faith in your abilities...then ordered Kori to turn over the research to ANBU to be destroyed!"
Rin sighed, shaking her head. "Haze, I didn't know you could be so hot headed. You're causing a mess." She mumbled in disappointment.
Hazel just grinned and placed her hands to her hips while staring down Kurenai's glare, electricity seemingly shooting between them.
Rin looked to see a small group of onlookers passing by, mostly civilians with a few ninja lingering around. Some were even starting up with catcalls and whistling at the two kunoichi.
Meanwhile…
"How dare you say that to me, I did everything within my power to help that young girl! Nevermind that I was asked to do so by Hokage-sama. So far as Kori goes, it's his own fault that Hokage-sama didn't trust him or his so-called surefire plan. So don't think you're going to guilt me into feeling sorry for him because Hokage-sama doesn't trust him!" Kurenai shot back, feeling more than a little insulted by Hazel's words.
Hazel's smug grin never disappeared as she ignored her words about Kori. "Everything in your power, Including keeping her from ever realizing her potential as a kunoichi, something I thought you stood for; kunoichi empowerment. You hate that genjutsu is so underestimated that you rid the village of one of its most promising genjutsu artists. Personally, I think it was jealousy!"
Kurenai blushed deep red at Hazel's words. "Jealous? You have some nerve, you don't know anything about it. And this coming from a woman with a biased position to play. How is that going for you lately? Does that man even notice you? Face it, he's more likely to take an interest in me before you, and we're far from each other's type." Now Kurenai smirked, knowing she'd likely hit a soft spot.
Hazel laughed, "I don't know where you got that from, but..." Hazel denied Kurenai's accusations, but the embarrassed blush across her face as well as the stunned look that preceded it spoke volumes.
There were 'oohs' and 'ahhs' coming from the gathering of onlookers now and Rin realized she needed to stop this before it came to blows or someone seriously got their feelings hurt. Hazel wasn't even supposed to know about Yakumo! Nothing good ever came from animosity amongst fellow shinobi.
"The both of you, stop this now! You're bringing unnecessary attention to yourselves and taking cheap shots at each other over nothing! This is becoming a shameful display, you're fellow Konoha kunoichi and as such you're embarrassing yourselves as well as all kunoichi, and you're doing so in front of the Hokage's tower no less!" Rin scolded as she forced herself between the two bickering women. "There are two ANBU less than twenty feet away from us. What if they report this to the Hokage!" Rin said seriously, never having felt so worked up outside of fighting or medical work.
"Nevermind that what Hokage-sama tasked us with is bigger than us, but this isn't like either of you, Kori is grown - He can take care of himself!" Rin continued. "Hazel you never take cheap shots at people for their perceived mistakes or missteps and Kurenai you never engage in petty arguments or unnecessary gossip. Get yourselves together!" Rin huffed, face red, and nearly out of breath.
After Rin gave the two women a thorough dressing down, Kurenai and Hazel had the decency to look both ashamed and embarrassed, trying to ignore the small gathering of people grinning, whispering to each other, shaking their heads, and watching them. Especially Kurenai, being the most self-conscious about ladylike behavior. She felt especially guilty for doing something so outside of herself and showing a bad side.
"Now that you both seem to understand... Apologize to each other." The medical kunoichi demanded with a frown as she crossed her arms and sternly stared down both women, a bit of killing intent leaking off her. The crowd began to disperse seeing the fight was essentially over, plus the killing intent was getting stifling although it was aimed at Kurenai and Hazel specifically.
Neither Hazel nor Kurenai had ever seen Rin like this. She was probably the most mild mannered person each woman knew, with a few exceptions. Hatake Kakashi and even Kori had made mention of Rin being 'scary' in passing, but never went into specifics about it. Now they were seeing a bit of it for themselves.
Hazel turned to Kurenai looking slightly reluctant but still remorseful. "Rin's...right, we shouldn't be fighting, but supporting each other. I know you did everything you could to help Yakumo and with good intentions. I was wrong to suggest otherwise."
Kurenai smiled sadly as she accepted Hazel's apology. "Thank you for saying so, that…means a lot to hear..." Only known to a few, Kurenai took her failure with Yakumo extremely personally. Since then she'd taken it upon herself to find a solution, but it was a nonstarter. There was nothing she could do and she had yet to find anything that could resolve Yakumo's unique situation. "I…also, I shouldn't have made such insinuations, and your personal life is none of my business. I sincerely apologize."
"It's fine, I was the one who started it. I have no problem with you." Hazel waved it off nonchalantly, but Kurenai had hit on a bit of a sore spot. Kori and Hazel would both say they had a good relationship if asked, but Kurenai was only partially right. She did feel something for Kori, but she wasn't ready to say what that more was, and right now that could be anything other than an intimate type of love. Hazel's disappointment came from failed attempts to identify it.
With things as they were now, working with Hinata and now with the Hokage, it didn't look like any answers would be forthcoming any time soon.
"Good, good! Now that's settled, let's get something to eat. I had to cancel all my appointments for that sudden meeting with Hokage-sama." Rin chimed in, smiling brightly and back to her usual sunny self.
"Sounds great, your treat right?" Hazel asked, grinning conspiratorially as she put an arm around Rin only to have her nudge the younger girl away.
"Don't push your luck. If anything you both should be treating me!" Rin replied with a smirk making Hazel cringe.
Kurenai just giggled and shook her head at the two.
««—•—»»
Light Training Area:
Meanwhile, training was not at all going the way Hinata thought it would, because her performance was downright terrible.
Compared to the first time she stepped inside the LTA on the first day of her starting training and therapy, this was absolutely ridiculous. She was beginning to think she'd taken a step or two back.
Hinata was struggling to say the least; not only from the parameters she had to meet this time, but also the increased difficulty she was expected to meet. She was expected to stay in one place, within a four foot perimeter of space that Kori called a 'pocket'. Hinata was sure she'd faulted on that more than several times now. She next felt her body twitch painlessly in three separate areas meaning she'd just taken three more direct hits from her hologram opponents before dispatching them.
She was breathless, her arms were getting heavy, ears ringing, and sweat was getting into her eyes blurring the lights representing the enemies as she took out five more with more precision than she thought.
Finally, the buzzer mercifully sounded off and the simulation ended.
Hinata let out a deep gasp as she began taking air into her lungs almost desperately and wiped the sweat from her forehead with the sleeve of her sweat jacket.
Kori-sensei is going to kill me by exhaustion, I just know it! He refused to hear me when I told him it was too much. I wasn't making excuses, damnit! She thought in frustration, waiting for whatever came next.
An errant thought came to her, sown from doubt, one that was deeply worrying for her. This is just how training with my father began when I was younger. Demanding and pushing too hard, followed by verbal abuse, and then just giving up on me and cutting me loose…
Only a few knew, but before Kori made that agreement with Hiashi, via the clan council and her father in particular, she was likely to be voted out of the clan. Not even banished to the secondary branch but instead, to be made the official ward of her Jonin sensei, Yuhi Kurenai, once she signed the paperwork. All of which was now on hold.
Her father likely thought it more merciful or compassionate, rather than disowning and sealing her to the secondary branch, and staying around the clan as a painful reminder. However, she was cut deeply by his lack of love and concern for her wants and that would've been the case either way.
She'd never pined for her mother more than in that moment and not just for herself, but her father too, because he'd been a completely different person after her passing. This also worried her that much more because it was plain to see that Hanabi was growing up affected by it and learning some bad habits and mannerisms because of it. She was already beginning to think all Hyuuga were superior to everyone else anywhere.
Then, a small ray of light, a little bit of hope showed itself in the form of Genya Kori. He'd thrown her a lifeline, another chance to get it right. One more shot at staying with the clan she was so proud to be part of, another shot at one day leading that clan properly as heiress, and another chance to make her father proud. A pure chance to prove all her doubters and naysayers wrong.
He'd iterated all that and more to her while also making sure she knew she had a long, trying road ahead of her, and that it would take a lot of hard work and struggle. Hinata wasn't bothered by hard work, she pushed herself hard on her own and she tried twice as hard to get it done. But for some reason that escaped her that hard work never showed itself, similar to how she felt now, leaving her feeling daunted, empty, and ever more doubtful.
Hinata shook her head, trying to banish those repetitive, negative thoughts and feelings building up inside of her. Hazel-sensei had long since worked to get her out of that negative cycle once she noticed it, teaching Hinata to look for solutions and the things she got right rather than focusing on perceived doubts and failures.
Questions were fine so long as they were constructive and not deconstructive. Hazel realized early on that thanks to her father and clan, Hinata had fallen to shaming herself at any perceived wrong or slight. That was why she used to apologize so much before.
It was good advice that she practiced wholeheartedly, although this was by far the most she'd been challenged since being here, and she really didn't want to think Kori would be so cruel when he'd taken a strict, but fair approach with her since the start. Hinata reminded herself that Kori was the sort of person who wouldn't waste his time on someone that was hopeless or just didn't want the help.
Then there was that…exchange not long ago, she didn't know what else to call it. She blushed lightly to recall his touching her. However she soon realized what she saw in his eyes. He was scared and desperate, so much so he'd shown her the vulnerable side to him. She didn't know why he'd chosen to show that side of himself, but he had and she found she didn't hate it. That showing meant he trusted her, truly believed in her.
He'd asked her again if she trusted him and she meant yes when she told him yes. So...she asked herself, why was she still questioning this? Hinata decided she needed to commit to not only her words, but his. Kori was here, working with her, for her betterment. She reminded herself that she needed to hold onto those words, those feelings...to see the truth in his actions and stop the doubting.
Hinata's thoughts were interrupted as she heard the door to the LTA room open and close behind Kori as the lights dimmed on. When in use the area went dark and utilized bright lighting of various shades. She didn't know why, but she gasped when he entered.
Kori looked up from the few freshly printed pages he carried in hand and set his gaze on his young, tired charge with a small smile gracing his features. "What's the matter?" He asked as he stepped over and handed her the water bottle he carried from his other hand.
Hinata nearly squeaked, but she was beyond that now. She had to remind herself he couldn't hear her thoughts as she shook her head negatively. "No, sensei. I'm fine." She said, still a bit out of breath, her chest quickly rising and falling as she accepted the water bottle from him. She blushed a nice shade of pink when she noticed he was eyeing her rather closely. Feeling self-conscious as she was very sweaty at the moment.
"Well, if you're sure." He shrugged it off after looking at her skeptically. He noticed the girl had been blushing from the moment he stepped into the room, but shrugged it off as teenage angst or body temperature from the exercise. But then she'd also looked like she'd gotten caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
"Well, anyway..." He proceeded, "These numbers are pretty good, Hinata." He smiled again. "I expect this sort of performance from here on out." He said, giving her a soft pat on the back. "Good work." He winked and grinned, looking back at the papers in his hand.
Hinata blinked blankly, surprised. Here she'd been worried, feeling lacking and as if she weren't even putting in effort and here Kori was congratulating her for a good performance. The girl's heart swelled with joy and a pleasant feeling filled her, the feeling of a good job and hard work being acknowledged. She'd reached a milestone and didn't realize it! From now on she would continue to give her all while relying on Kori to guide her.
She bowed deeply. "Hai, thank you Kori-sensei! It's thanks to you and I won't let you down." She said sincerely. Hinata held her bow a moment to guide the big, pleased smile on her face until she was able to hide it and stood straight again.
Kori blinked and looked at the girl as she stood again, thinking over her words. "I know you won't, Hinata." He grinned. "You're the one that put in the work, after all. Don't be so eager to give me all the credit." He chuckled, feeling much better than he had that morning. Hinata's performance just now had restored his confidence that they really could get this done.
She had no idea how impressive she'd been! She didn't even notice he'd added another full twenty minutes to the program. She also didn't seem to recognize she held a second gear when exhaustion set in. If she could see her own face... The solid determination, unblinking eyes, finer control...it was like she'd undergone an Awakening! Her form hadn't broken once that entire time.
However, he didn't want to give her too much encouragement so he would keep this secret a little while. He couldn't wait to show Hazel the footage though! He mentally giggled excitedly like a school girl.
"Anyway," Kori cleared his throat and continued, not letting on what he was thinking. "We'll go over everything in detail a bit while we take a short break. I have a protein bar and a restorative supplement drink prescribed for you that'll help keep your levels up, so we'll rest in the breakroom for the next fifteen minutes."
"Hai," Hinata responded, taking another drink of water but being careful not to drink too much or too quickly. Lest she end up with a cramp.
Kori folded his papers and placed them into a side pocket of his haori. "How do you feel, are you tired?" He asked her softly.
Hinata shook her head. "Only a little winded and light headed, but my body does feel somewhat heavy." She admitted.
"Focus on steadying your breathing. The heaviness in your body will disappear with the light snack and rest. After that we'll return and take another shot at it." Kori explained matter of factly.
"I understand." Hinata responded as she returned the water bottle to him.
"Alright, let's hit the break room and get you sorted out." Kori said as he led her out of the LTA room. He was still trying to get used to having such an agreeable patient to work with, she'd only once spoken up in any form of protest and that was today.
She didn't think she could handle the parameters he'd set for the LTA session, but she was in for a surprise. That aside, his typical patient would have been complaining that it was too much or in the case of the eager and the showoffs, that it wasn't enough… Which usually led to them trying to do too much, which then led to reinjury or even aggravating a new injury.
Kori's regimens were made specifically for each patient for various reasons and were never used twice, not for the same person or someone else. He always explained that, but for some reason he always had to deal with whining and complaints. Hinata was the one pleasant exception that trusted his words and expertise, as well as worked hard on her own.
Break Room:
The two ninja sat in complete silence since entering the break area. They were the only two present. One went over the results from his patient's recent thirty minute LTA grind session. The other tried to finish up eating a cinnamon flavored protein bar and drinking down her special made, slightly lemonade flavored water.
"Alright, Hinata..." Kori spoke up, breaking the monotonous silence from their being the only two in the break room as he placed the few papers in front of him on the table.
Hinata finished her drink and protein bar as she gave her full attention to Kori, but…
"Now..." Kori trailed off just then, pausing completely as he went from gazing at the young lady to suddenly staring off into space. He was just thinking about how to reward Hinata when a deep memory he'd quickly forgotten came back to him suddenly.
Thoughtscape: A Few Weeks Prior...
"Kori! Don't you dare try to sneak out of here! I really need to talk to you!.."
Kori withheld a sigh as he slipped on his medical coat and wiped the last remnants of sweat from his forehead with the sleeve. He'd just sent Hinata to her room for recovery and meditation after the girl put up a challenge against him during their end day spar. It seemed she was catching on to his fighting style and he was feeling worn out.
"Fine, just be quick. I need to go home so I can shower and get a change of clothes, maybe something to eat. Lotta work left to do."
"I know that, you think I don't have work to finish up?" Hazel frowned sharply at Kori as he stepped over to her.
"Hai hai, Haze...so, what's up?" Kori muttered tiredly. Meanwhile, Hazel just crossed her arms under her breasts, glaring at the man.
Kori blinked at the woman blankly before briefly closing his eyes. "What have I done now, Hazel?"
The blue haired woman sighed out a frustrated breath and looked up at him. "It's not what you've done, but what you have failed to do."
"Say again?" Kori raised an eyebrow, not understanding what she meant.
"That girl is working herself to death for you-..."
"And herself as well. I'm not forcing her, if that's what you're getting at. The girl knows what she wants and is working towards that." Kori responded easily.
"No… But you are pushing her extremely hard and for little reward. We're both well aware of her mental struggles, Rin even advised us about this…" Hazel added.
"O-kay… Hazel, get on with it. What are you getting at exactly?" Kori inquired, not understanding what she was trying to tell him. He was doing everything within certain set parameters. Parameters that he'd set at Hazel and Rin's advising. He hadn't gone beyond that once.
"You are so blind!" Hazel nearly snapped. She stepped closer to Kori, closing the distance between them as she poked him in the chest.
"I'm talking about you constantly calling her 'Princess', never acknowledging her by her name. That's hurting her, but more than that, you barely give her any praise for her hard work or speak to her outside of it!" Hazel accused, beginning to feel emotional about this topic due to Kori's show of indifference.
"Ah, I see." Kori looked thoughtful. "I was wondering why she was asking so many questions and sticking so close recently."
Hazel looked taken aback. "Y-you see?! How can you-..."
"Don't misunderstand," Kori again cut Hazel off, raising his hand to silence her. "Relax, I get what you're saying. I get your concern, but I have a specific way I want to go about this. You gotta let this play out and put your feelings aside, even if you see a lot of yourself in her. I explained this to you at the start."
Kori sighed and ran his hand through his braids. "See you tomorrow, Hazel. Be easy." He placed his hand to her shoulder as he stepped by her and left.
««—•—»»
'Ah... Looks like I owe Haze an apology. At least I know how to reward Hinata now.' Kori thought to himself.
Hinata blinked, her head tilting slightly as she watched her therapist/trainer zone out before her. "K-K-, Ko... Kori-sensei?" She hesitated, wondering what he was looking at while also silently cursing herself for getting worked up into a harsh stutter.
She breathed a sigh of relief when it seemed Kori hadn't noticed, but that brought her back to...
Following his line of sight, Hinata turned in her chair to peer over her shoulder. He's not even looking at anything, the only thing there is the wall, but he's staring as if he can see through it. She thought with some concern as she turned back to look into Kori's dimly lit eyes.
Maybe...now is a good time? Hinata did ask me about it before and I sorta refused. Kori further thought before making a decision.
"Hinata…"
The girl nearly jumped when his eyes suddenly shifted back into focus and he said her name. "Ano, I mean, yes!" She said quickly when he called her, sitting up straight.
"I'm aware there's a few things you've been wanting to know about me. Matters that concern my past or my rank. It's not something I'm in the habit of doing, but for reasons I won't say, I'm willing to tell you." Kori explained. "You've put your trust in my hands and so,I believe you deserve to know. Go and get cleaned up and changed, be quick. We're taking a field trip."
He stood from the table and turned to leave as Hinata looked at him with wide eyes. This was the last thing she expected and at the same time she'd been dying to know since talking to Hazel about it.
"Now, Hinata! Quickly!" Kori called, causing Hinata to jump from her seat.
"Hai! Coming!"
««—•—»»
AN: Brief note, in this I have Itachi and Kori at the same age and yes, going through full academy graduation. I think Canon Itachi was 20 or 21 pre-Shippuden, for this fic they're both about 18/19. That's due to how Kori and Hinata's relationship plays out...on that I haven't made any form decisions, but I'm open to suggestions.
Itachi will still be a former Konoha ANBU Captain, just think of his doing so for fewer years. Itachi is meant to serve as Kori's former rival since they're both a couple of troubled high flyers. Their rivalry will play in this story, but likely not anytime soon.
Reviews are always appreciated and questions always welcome!
If anyone is looking for a Beta/Editor/Sounding Board, I'm also available...