Chapter 10
.
.
As the conversation between Neji and Shisui continued within the group, an unsettling feeling began to creep over him. The nagging question that had been lingering at the back of his mind, refused to be ignored. Why was he so accepting of Hinata's sudden departure? Why wasn't the topic of Kyuubi being discussed? A veil of confusion hung in the air, leaving Neji with a sense of unease within his thoughts.
Sensing Neji's growing suspicions, Shisui Uchiha, known for his mastery of the Sharingan, poured more precision into his power, further warping everyone's perception throughout the entire conversation. And so it remained hidden that Sasuke and Itachi were never truly there. The illusion served to distract and misdirect, buying time for the Uchiha brothers to carry out their plan to check in on Kyuubi's state.
And so Neji quickly let go of thoughts that went against the reality being presented, lulling his mind into accepting that in the span of a few short weeks, he had rapidly come to understand the quirky and impulsive nature of Kyuubi. This understanding led him to believe that there was no cause for alarm in the guardian taking Hinata on a ride. As such, he continued his conversation while guiding them toward the tearoom as they discussed the details of organizing the celebration.
As they approached the tearoom, the faint sound of traditional music emanated from within. Hiashi slid open the paper doors, revealing an elegant and serene space adorned with tatami mats and delicate teacups. A warm and inviting atmosphere enveloped them, and they stepped inside, ready to continue their discussion and savor the exquisite teas that awaited them.
.
.
Itachi was the first to return, his footsteps silent as he slipped inside. He found Shisui maintaining the illusion, keeping up the facade that they were still engaged in conversation. Itachi nodded to his best friend.
"Where's Sasuke?"
"I left him to deal with the situation and mitigate any potential risks. I don't think he would've taken kindly to how we originally intended to handle things."
Shisui smirked. "Is that so? He sounds like he's getting attached to her."
A few minutes later, the door creaked open and Hinata stepped inside, her eyes searching the room until they landed on Neji. Sasuke stood by the door and watched from behind as she hesitated for a moment, guilt evident on her face at the sight of her family, who had fallen under Shisui's influence.
"That's enough Shisui. Let them go."
Sasuke nodded over to Shisui, who then suppressed the power of his Sharingan, allowing the vibrant red hue to fade away until his eyes returned to their usual dark shade. The illusion that had held Neji and her family captive dissipated, and they emerged without a hint of fog or confusion.
Hinata's hands trembled at her sides, and she clenched them tightly to quell the urge to reach out. She took a deep breath, willing herself to stay composed. There would be a right time, a perfect moment, to reconnect with her cousin. But for now, she would content herself with being more careful not to have something like this happen again.
"I'm sorry if I worried everyone. Kyuubi-sama tends to be a bit eccentric…"
"No need to apologize, daughter, it's not yours or the guardian's fault,"
"It's getting late," Sasuke began.
"I'm glad we were able to coordinate a day to celebrate," Neji said while slightly bowing their way.
Hinata had asked him to show her who he really was. And the way his family navigated situations was also part of him and his identity. Sasuke hoped, for her sake, that she understood that it wasn't just him, and that this was just how Uchihas tended to move. Those with the power to control time and space, as well as reality and perception, were able to bend things their way.
.
.
In the busy streets, during the later hours of the afternoon, Nenma found himself drawn to the enticing aromas emanating from a quaint ramen stand. After ordering his favorite menu, he settled onto the creaky wooden stools, the steam rising from their steaming bowls of ramen enveloped him in a cozy warmth. With his chopsticks poised, he smiled in ritualistic appreciation before eagerly digging into the savory broth and tender noodles. His taste buds certainly danced with delight.
Amid the slurping and chewing, his ear twitched at the not-so-profound conversation that began to unfold between the two shinobis right next to him. His ear perked up at the mention of the Hyugas clan being oddly close to their benevolent Guardian. Drawing from his own experiences as a shinobi, he knew what Kyuubi's interest looked like, or manifested as. Whether the conversation next to him was prompted out of admiration for Neji's cousins, or concern, it didn't matter to the dark-haired Uzumaki as he left behind some payment, leaving completely dissatisfied. If he hadn't been messing around, and playing games, maybe the demon-sealing scroll would've already been inside his hand.
Nenma's feet levitated off the ground, as he took to the rooftop. It has been his second day back, and yet it had been Shisui who had reached out, asking where he was staying and how he was. And now, with every step, his impatience grew, which fueled the sense of urgency that propelled him forward. It was a short trip, as he quickly arrived at his destination: the Hokage Tower.
.
.
Sasuke closed his eyes.
It was not a compliment to be called soft by someone who's a pacifist to a fault. And yet, Sasuke has kept the truth of himself hidden so well. His mission reports and his mission statistics were constructed in a way, to hide the possibility that he might've been born, lacking in something he can not name, but had learned the same.
His brother was the best moral compass there was. His guidance helped him see what society considered twisted, terrible, or rotten. He had learned the unspoken rules of what should be avoided when in front of a group colleague, or his clan. He had understood why Uchihas worked so hard just to sit and hide their powers. It wasn't until he was paired with Nenma that he got the taste of letting loose. With Nenma, it was so easy to not care sometimes, because he also had power and was never afraid to use it.
"...Why does Nenma call you the Grim Reaper?"
Just how exactly does she view him, that she's able to ask that after she had experienced it firsthand, as well as witnessed it. Or does she not remember what he had almost done to her in the Rain Village?
He lazily opened his eyes and yawned.
"Little brother, are you listening? My girlfriend is waiting outside-"
"Yes, yes, I heard you. Have fun." Sasuke replied with a sigh.
.
.
When Nenma reached a window, there was a moment of hesitation, as he threw himself through it, landing silently on the floor inside the Hokage's office.
Sasuke, in the midst of delivering his speech, couldn't help but cast an annoyed glance in Nenma's direction. His expression conveyed a mix of exasperation and disapproval, silently reprimanding his traveling partner for his disruptive entrance. His sudden appearance through the window caused a momentary pause. The room, which had been filled with the usual aura of seriousness and professionalism, shifted into heated comments, insults, and maybe even hints of joy as the shinobis present shifted toward the intruder and crowded around him. It seems, despite the unexpected manner of his arrival, it was hard to ignore Konoha's dark prince as he was punched on the side, high-fived, or glared at by the Shinobis surrounding him.
"Shit, Nenma! Are you seriously back, buddy?"
"Ya' done moping around 'cause you didn't get the chair-"
"Nenma! I miss your craziness man!"
"Please don't encourage him and stroke his ego," Sasuke's brow twitched as he took in a deep breath and raised from his seat. Target assassination was not the best course of action here with so many witnesses around. Thus, Nenma has successfully evaded death. Sasuke made a hand gesture they all knew was the command to dismiss.
After they were alone, the seconds ticked by, as Sasuke analyzed the situation. It was clear that Nenma had something important to convey, but the timing and method of his interruption was most inconvenient, because sleeping on the sofa, not far from them, was Kyuubi. His eyes widened when Nenma approached it with a carefree smile, scooping the sleeping guardian and lifting it.
"There's my favorite nine-tail cat~" He ignored the claws viciously trying to swipe at his face, as he dodged his head and body left and right, revealing that it was, in fact, not sleeping at all. After effortless attempts, Kyuubi managed to escape his hold, backflipping into Sasuke's desk.
Crossing his arm, Sasuke came around his desk and stepped in between the two.
"Guess you don't care to egg it on because it's not your village you'll be protecting,"
"Will you relax, I was checking its sign and making sure it was still breathing and alive."
Checking its vital signs? Screw this. Kyuubi did not bother to react and decided to remove itself from this situation and seek out a more suitable environment to sleep! It leaped out the window and left.
"Bye~ bye~" Nenma said while waving with a smile that never reached his eyes. He then plopped down in the middle of the sofa and crossed his legs as if he owned the place. "I heard some Shinobis talking about something that they saw last night. Is Hinata alright?"
"Is that all you came here to ask?" Sasuke snapped, evidently mad over something.
"'da fuck? Did someone tick you off?"
"Has it occurred to you that your actions were uncalled-for when you entered here and tried to rile Kyuubi up. Are you insane or something?"
The only seemingly viable path to an audience with Sasuke worked out just fine. Thus, Nenma ignored him and looked around, before settling his eyes back on him. "Where's Itachi"
The door opened and closed behind him.
"Taking a much-deserved lunch break that his girlfriend imposed on him," Shisui said as he entered the room and sent a friendly smile his way. "Nenma, long time no see, what are you doing here?"
"I came to collect Sasuke so we can map out our next move. I also wanna go to a pub,"
"Collect me? You know, I can't just walk out when I'm still catching up on things."
Nenma got himself more comfortable in the room as he laid on his side. Where the hell did he think he was, a therapist? Sasuke shot a look his way as Shisui seemed to find amusement in having him around. He grabbed some stack of documents from Sasuke's desk and hung around.
"Ne, Sasuke, what if I told you that I've been hearing voices inside my head ever since I came back? I feel it sneaking in, even closer."
Shisui stopped grabbing some documents as he shot Nenma a concerned look.
"Are you…are you serious?" Shisui asked, but Nenma just laughed.
Sasuke's lips pressed together in a thin line, indicating that Nenma's seemingly innocuous words had taken on a deeper, more personal meaning. Despite the seriousness Nenma tried to mask, Sasuke didn't hesitate to walk past him, delivering a smack to the side of his head. With graceful strides, he made his way towards the door, reaching out to open it.
Turning to Shisui, Sasuke's expression softened. "Hey, Shisui, would you mind staying behind? If I don't grab a drink with this idiot, he'll never stop yapping."
Nenma, not taking kindly to being called an "idiot," shot Sasuke a mock glare. "Oh, come on, teme! You know you enjoy my company," he retorted, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, a faint smile betraying his amusement. "Yeah, right. As if,"
Shisui, caught between the two's antics, chuckled lightly. "Well, guess I can stay behind," he offered a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "But you better make sure you don't get into too much trouble with the ladies without me."
Nenma grinned, a glint of mischief in his gaze. "No promises," he replied, a playful challenge in his voice.
With a nod and a knowing smile, Shisui stepped back, allowing Sasuke and Nenma to exit the room. As the door closed behind them, the sound of Nenma's laughter echoed down the hallway, leaving Shisui to wonder what kind of adventures the two would embark on this time since Sasuke had left his Hokage cloak and hat behind.
.
.
In the quiet confines of her room, Hinata found herself reclining in bed, propped up by a few soft pillows. She was immersed in the pages of books and articles that detail the recent activities of the leaders in the Moon village. The gentle rustle of paper accompanied the occasional creak of the floorboards, as her family moved about the house, creating a sense of disconnect that her heart easily mistakes for loneliness.
She continued to read. Her fingers grazed the edges of the pages as her eyes scanned the words with meticulous attention. The articles recount tales of diplomatic negotiations, technological advancements, and cultural exchanges that have shaped the Moon village. She skimmed briefly through the pictures of the landscapes and faces mentioned in the texts, each description being invoked into memory.
"Lord Kakashi Hatake and his advisor, Shikamaru Nara…" Even if her group were to never cross paths with them, it was better to do research now, than be ignorant later. She gripped the book. Would Kyuubi let her leave the village though?
.
.
As they walked through the Leaf Village, Sasuke couldn't help but question the sudden change in direction. Their destination lay in the opposite direction.
"Why are we heading in the direction of the Hyuga clan?" he asked, glancing at his companion. "The pub is in the opposite direction."
Nenma chuckled softly. "The truth is, I'm going to talk to my dad today," he replied.
Does he want us there? The two continued walking in silence for a few moments before Sasuke spoke again.
"That's surprising. You don't think you can handle it?"
Nenma shrugged. "I've been enjoying the normalcy. You know how it is. I was waiting for the right time because once I ask, there is no turning back. You're going to be there as my human lie detector. Use your eyes and see if he lies."
"Not gonna happen. Is Kushina going to be there?"
"My mom left on a mission."
"I see. So it's happening today,"
"Yeah. I'm just glad it's been kinda quiet," Nenma said, sounding relieved.
"Quiet?"
"With the way Kyuubi was actinging yesterday, I was ready for something to happen."
"I hear you," Sasuke said, choosing not to mention the intense encounter that had transpired the previous night at the Valley of the End.
"Alright, we're here," Nenma said, coming to a stop.
Sasuke gaped when Nenma deftly navigated his way towards a hidden entrance of the mansion. It was likely a secret passage that few knew about, but what bothered Sasuke was the "how and why" Nenma would be aware of its existence. Silently, Sasuke followed closely through the narrow, concealed corridor. Nenma seemed unfazed by the voices and faint conversation they heard along the way. With each step closer to the mansion's interior, Sasuke's heart raced with a mixture of apprehension. How did he end up here? He was the Hokage for kami's sake.
And the longer they navigated through the hidden passages, the more Sasuke realized it was as if Nenma had done this multiple times before.
The creaking of floorboards under Nenma's cautious steps had them both pause.
"Did you hear that?" A Hyugan guard said.
"It was probably just the wind."
The wind my ass! How the hell did they get to that conclusion when it was the floor creaking without wind chimes going off?
Eventually, Nenma paused and motioned to the other side of the wall.
"And we're here," He said, as they both came out, close to her window.
They found her in the confines of her room, reclined in bed, propped up by a few soft pillows with her knees drawn in and a book in hand.
As if summoned by one of Hinata's most heinous thoughts, Nenma gracefully hops into the room. A soft breeze wafted through the open window, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers. The gentle caress of the wind caused the curtains to dance delicately, casting dappled shadows across the room. With a soft thud, she dropped her book.
Sasuke had ducked out of sight before she could see him. He stayed leaning against the wall, listening to the scene unfolding before him.
"Nenma, can't you use a messenger bird like a normal human being?"
"You know those birds be taking forever to get a message across."
"That's not the point. We're not school kids like before, and you can't just cure boredom like this anymore,"
"Hinata, don't be cold. After I've come all this way to collect you and hang."
Nenma, with a mischievous grin, revealed his true intentions and pointed outside.
She followed Nenma's blue eyes as they glanced next to where he stood. Hinata ventured closer to the window, her fingers grazing the windowsill as she positioned herself precariously halfway through.
Her gaze drifted downward, her attention drawn to the dark head covered in a thick mass of hair. He looked too relaxed for someone trespassing, as his arm rested on each of his knees.
Perhaps influenced by Nenma's presence, Sasuke remained composed and unfazed as he raised his chin, his hair cascading down past his shoulder. However, his composure wavered when he noticed her presence above him. Her blue locks shimmered under the sun's rays, with strands gently grazing his shoulder with her inverted appearance.
Nenma's eyes were elsewhere as Hinata moved back inside the window while Sasuke rose from his spot on the ground. This wasn't the first instance where Nenma had experienced a wave of secondhand embarrassment while in the company of the two individuals. However, if Hinata was truly as serious as she claimed to be, Nenma was prepared to endure this awkwardness for their sake.
"Don't you have anything better to do than entertain his antics?" Hinata asked, while motioning to Nenma as if he was some kind of object.
"Nenma is going to start asking Lord Minato some questions today. He thought you might want to come."
"Ah, um, then I'll meet you outside," She replied while pushing Nenma back out the window.
.
.
Minato carefully set his teacup down on the table as the door to the study slid open, revealing Nenma, accompanied by Sasuke and Hinata. His blue eyes momentarily met those of his son, noting the accusation in them. He had been expecting this confrontation and knew it was long overdue.
Nenma's expression remained serious as he took a seat opposite his father. Sasuke and Hinata positioned themselves nearby, offering silent support.
"Lord Minato, I find it interesting how all of us here have experienced similar phenomena. Dreams, visions, nightmares and lapses in the way we remember things. We've all been touched by extraordinary occurrences that transcend the boundaries of our waking lives. Stirring things in us that defy explanation. I don't believe you were exempted from this."
With a nod of acknowledgement to Sasuke and Hinata, Minato turned his full attention to his tea. "I never thought you'd end up crossing paths with Sasuke this way."
"Heh, so it's just as I thought. I've felt it for some time now. You haven't been entirely honest with me," Nenma said. "I need to know the truth. What are you hiding from us?"
Minato sighed, knowing that this moment would arrive sooner or later. He had been grappling with the weight of his secret for too long, and it was time to unburden himself. He met his son's gaze without flinching.
"I apologize for not being fully transparent with," Minato began, his voice filled with remorse. "There are things from my past that I have kept hidden, but it's time for you to know the truth. Just as Sasuke said, these phenomena are not mere figments of our imagination. They hold keys to our innermost selves, to the unexplored corners of our minds. To dismiss them as mere chance would be a grave disservice to the profound mysteries they embody."
In a somber revelation, Minato divulged what he had been keeping to himself.
"Shortly after coming into possession of a piece of artifact, I began to experience haunting visions. These visions depicted a tragic event where both me and my wife would suffer harm on the same day as the birth of our child. I had visions of my son growing up without us."
And haunted by these premonitions, Minato took every measure within his power to avert this ominous fate. He tirelessly sought solutions, exploring various avenues and attempting to alter the course of destiny. Through his persistent efforts, Minato managed to prevent the occurrence of any further visions.
"So then, it's real. The actions we take can help avert things from happening…" Hinata said, more relieved at being validated. "I-I used to have dreams of Onii-sama's death, and lately they just stopped…" She had honestly thought her visions stopped because Sasuke was nearby.
"Then perhaps you have already averted a calamity." Minato explained.
"So dad, is that why you handed it down to me? To help me?"
"Yes. When you first announced that you would be leaving the village, I envisioned you would be embarking on your own unique journey, forging your own path with a piece guiding you throughout life until you no longer have use for it. It was my silent prayer that fate would weave its magic once again, untwining the threads of your life in ways to avoid harm to come your way."
In the aftermath of Minato's words, a palpable silence settled over the room. Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on Nenma, as if pondering the implications of what had just been said. The weight of their shared experiences seemed to press upon them both, a reminder of the journey they were navigating together. But one truth remained the same. Nenma's vision, as well as his own, hadn't been averted. The looming destruction of the village, as well as Nenma's-
"Why does Kyuubi-sama believe that its existence, and its memories, are connected to it to the tapestry…?"
"Because it is. Originally, it was nothing but a relic entrusted to each successive Hokage, a sacred duty to safeguard the memories of Kyuubi. But one day, the weight of this responsibility became too much to bear," Minato confessed. "In an attempt to absolve themselves of the burden, one Hokage sought a drastic solution—to destroy the tapestry and sever the connection to Kyuubi's enigmatic past. But as you can see, they failed."
"Is Kyuubi's past truly so malevolent?" Sasuke inquired, his voice laced with concern.
"Well think about it, a creature that old must've endured suffering, betrayal, or the loss of loved ones. It was theorized that's why it's memories were sealed, to prevent it from abandoning its mission."
Nenma frowned. His father sounded so wise and enigmatic, as well looking the part, with his contemplative expression. But Nenma came to realize he did not possess all the answers, because as they speak, Kyuubi's only wish is to rid itself of its role and be free.
.
.
Hinata gave a courteous bow as soon as they were Nenma's door. By then, the sun was gradually sinking low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. She turned to Sasuke who was waiting at a distance.
"That was…a lot to take in."
"Hn. It puts so much in perspective." It made him feel even more worried about his task of saving the village while all Kyuubi wants to do is walk out…
"Lord Sasuke, can I ask you a question?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Wouldn't it be so much easier if we just…work together with Kyuubi-sama? No matter how pushy it can be, it seems like above all else, it hates deception."
"I'm already a step ahead. Kyuubi told me that the first person to ever make a contract knew his name. If it could refrain from causing harm to anyone within the village's confines, should its memories be restored, then maybe we could all work out something and move forward. It may sound too idealistic."
"Lord Sasuke, I really like this idea. In fact, I support it." Her serious tone and support seemed to win her a smile.
"Not sure if my brother will agree with this, but I'll be handling things my way from here on. Afterall we can't leave the village if our guardian is still mad at us. And can you stop calling me "Lord Sasuke" like we aren't friends?"
She smiled. "Why? Does it bother you?"
It does. It completely bothered him. He kinda hates it when it's coming from her.
"Whatever, do as you like,"
Sitting atop a light pole, Kyuubi's diminutive form radiated satisfaction as he heard Sasuke and Hinata acknowledge that they should all work together. It didn't think to concern itself any longer with the conversations that might've been had inside Minato's home. Maybe things are going to go well after all.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.