Ch.20.: Dull Life
"…and I just wanted to gentle-fist her."
"You shouldn't say stuff like that, Hanabi."
"I mean, of all missions they could've assigned my squad, the had to give us the pompous brat."
Neji could faintly hear voices, as if she were underwater, a foggy feeling taking over her senses. Little by little she was beginning to hear the voices clearer.
"Hanabi…you are-"
"I am a Hyuga and I'm not even half as annoying as she was!"
"Well-"
"Nu-huh, she was something else. For being a long-distance cousin of the daimyo's wife, she sure behaved like a total-"
"I think she's waking up!" Hinata exclaimed.
White eyes slowly came into view as her eyes opened, the worried face of Hinata in front of her.
"Nee-san!"
Neji realized she was in the hospital. White walls devoid of decoration and a couple of empty beds, faint sun rays seeping through the curtains. The room was devoid of presence with the exception of the Hyugas.
"How did I…?" Memories rushed in as she remembered how most likely she had ended up there.
"We don't have all the details, but Kakashi-sensei…er, Hokage-sama told us you got injured on a mission." Hinata answered.
"How long was I out?" she asked with a raspy voice.
This time it was Hanabi who responded, sitting on her bed.
"About three days." She squinted her eyes before adding. "We weren't allowed to visit until today, what happened?"
Neji's eyes darted towards her arm which was now devoid of any sign or marks that indicated she had been poisoned and sighed.
"Don't drill her, Hanabi." Hinata scolded her little sister. "She just woke up. Here" Her cousin offered her a glass of water which she gratefully accepted. Once she felt her throat a tad clearer, she finally spoke.
"You shouldn't want to gentle-fist clients, Hanabi-sama."
"Huh?! You heard everything?"
"Bits."
Hanabi crossed her arms, a pout on her face as a soft laugh escaped Hinata's lips.
"Can't wait for the chunnin exams so I can become a chunnin and be given better missions, geez."
"D-ranked missions aren't so bad." Hinata started before Neji and Hanabi spoke at the same time.
"Yes, they are." Neji had to stifle a laugh at this.
"Okay, they are." Hinata chuckled. "But they are essential and being a chunnin won't exempt you from dealing with unpleasant clients. In fact, it's probable you'll be assigned to even snobbier ones the higher your rank is." to which Neji nodded. The number of snobs she had endured as a jounin was alarming, even if she was one kinda, those had been on another level.
Hanabi could only groan.
"Ugh, I better go tell the nurse you're awake." With that she stood up, the grim expression on her face still in place as she exited the room.
"She really is an impatient one." Neji chuckled as she tried to placate her hair. Having been bedridden for at least three days apparently, had more than likely given her a bad case of bed hair. Her muscles felt a little stiff as she stretched her arms, Hinata smiling beside her.
"Is something the matter, Hinata-sama?" She asked when she noticed Hinata looking as if she wanted to say something.
"It's just that…" she paused. "Well, I haven't seen you lately. I guess I missed our conversations."
Neji returned the smile, placing her hands on the sheet-covered lap.
"So did I." Neji had not really informed Hinata, her team, or anyone for that matter with the exception of her uncle about her joining the Hokage's ANBU ranks.
It had all happened really fast, Kakashi having been chosen as Hokage a mere two weeks after the war and having initiated his program a fortnight after. After that, almost a month of intense training and missions had followed until Kakashi had assigned her the mission of guarding Sasuke. All in all, the number of people that knew of her new status were scarce to say the least. She was sure at least Hinata was a bit suspicious but, unless she saw the tattoo on her upper arm that the hospital robe hid, nothing was certain.
"You-you've been taking care, right?" Hinata asked, a tinge of worry on her face. "It's just that…I worry. If it hadn't been for Sasuke-"
"Don't think about that, Hinata-sama." The elder Hyuga cut her off. "I've been fine, there's no need to worry. How you've been?"
Hinata nodded.
"Everything's been fine. In fact, even if it's like this I'm glad I finally could catch you." Her cousin started. "You see, Sakura's been planning a reunion these couple days."
"Is she now?"
"Yes. Everyone's been…a bit tense. Not as a month ago, but still. She wanted us to go to YakiniQ, tonight to be precise. She's been busy and asked me to tell you but, well, I have not seen you lately."
"I see, tonight you say?"
"Yes." She hesitated before saying. "I would really like it if you could come, Nee-san."
At this Neji closed her eyes, a small smile on her face.
"If that's the case then I guess it won't hurt to go."
"Perfect!" Hinata clapped her hands as a gentle smile stretched across her lips. "We'll leave at 7 o'clock."
In that moment the door opened as Hanabi entered the room, followed by a nurse. Her cousins gave her space and bid their goodbyes as the nurse quietly assessed her, finally deeming it appropriate to release her from the hospital.
She would've caught up to her cousins, really yearning some charity time with them. Instead, she knew what mattered in that moment was to inform in detail what had happened to the Hokage. As she arrived at the Hokage's office, the Hyuga only had to knock once before Shizune opened the door, letting her in.
"Hokage-sama." She bowed. "I've come to report the uh, details of my mission." Kakashi nodded dismissing Shizune who narrowed her eyes before leaving, Tonton on her arms letting out an 'oink'.
"Aww, don't make that face Shizune-san." Kakashi's eyes crinkled as Shizune was about to close the door, making her stop for a moment. "Why don't you better call Sai."
"Hai, Hokage-sama." The woman bowed before closing the door.
Neji was about to start reporting when Kakashi raised a hand, signaling her to wait.
"Before you start, Sasuke already told me everything."
Neji's eyes widened briefly before nodding.
"I honestly just want to say sorry." At this her eyebrows rose, it even going as far as her lips parting slightly, genuine surprise painted on her face.
"Uh-umm, there is no need for you to apologize, Hokage-sama. I should be the one-"
Again, Kakashi raised his hand. His eyes closed for a moment before letting out a sigh
"I should've known there were still Root lying around. Well, I knew but I wasn't aware they had been able to infiltrate my ranks." His hands clasped together. "In fact, I must thank you for saving Sasuke."
"It was my duty, sir."
"Still." He insisted. "Neji, tell me something. The autopsy states he died by swallowing a cyanide pill hidden under his molar. Did he say anything before dying?"
The Hyuga crossed her arms and closed her eyes before nodding.
"He…implied that he wasn't alone. That he wouldn't be the only one going after Uchiha to take revenge in Danzo's name." She stated. Kakashi sobbed his chin.
"I thought as much." He reclined on his seat, a pensive look in his eyes. "You were lucky to have survived, or even stayed conscious for as long as you did. That kind of poisoning spreads through the body at an alarming speed. The fact that you're a Hyuga is the main reason you're alive as he specialized in silent and fast assassination." Kakashi rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly. "I had really hoped for Sasuke's stay in Konoha to go…a lot more smoothly." He said more to himself. "Yet it really is important for him to gain a bit of the village's trust before he can go do…whatever he wants."
"Hokage-sama, I have one question."
Kakashi nodded, signaling her to continue.
"I am not aware if Sasuke mentioned it but, he actually saw my face…under the mask."
"He didn't really mention it." The Hokage mused.
"I was wondering about the status of my mission. Am I to continue guarding Uchiha Sasuke?" she questioned.
Kakashi pondered over it for a minute, his eyes closing briefly.
"You were successful in your mission's performance which was keeping Sasuke safe. He did not present any kind of complaint and wasn't even scratched so; in fact, it only proves you are more than qualified to continue your mission."
Neji inwardly sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." She bowed.
"Still, you won't continue that mission. I will deem it as complete on your part and post other three ANBU to fill in the spots left." Neji's eyes squinted ever slightly before nodding obediently. "There are more Root from his division with similar powers on the loose. I've already identified them, and it is of utmost importance to…deal with the matter." His tone had suddenly turned more serious.
In that moment the door of the office opened, letting Shizune, accompanied by Sai, enter. Realization dawned on the Hyuga's face as she began understanding what were gonna be Kakashi's actions.
"Ah, good. Sai's here." Sai gave one of his trademark smiles before bowing. "I can start giving you the details for your next mission." The Hokage's eyes crinkled.
"You know, once Ayame's back you can also come help." Teuchi said as he served Sasuke a bowl of miso.
"I wouldn't want the kitchen to be overcrowded." Sasuke responded calmly. "Besides, I doubt my help will be needed."
"It will be missed, boy."
At this Sasuke smiled as he broke his chopsticks and started eating.
"I… will make sure to visit now and then."
The man gave Sasuke a wide grin.
"Well, that's better than nothing."
Three days after the incident and it still plagued the Uchiha's mind. His insides churned with every reminder of Danzo's ghost in the village. Shimura's memory prevailing inside his loyal dog's mind, forever embroidered. A feeling of worry had invaded him the moment Neji left. She had really looked sick, another victim of Danzo's influence on the village, his hatred for the man only increasing. She had barely been able to stand up, her pale eyes feverish and cheeks red as she tried to make it look as if everything was fine.
Sasuke couldn't deny the remains of a bond that once existed still lay there, it having resulted in a night of restlessness and wondering if she had been able to make it. The Uchiha had finally been able to sleep peacefully when he asked an ANBU if the ANBU that had saved him was okay. The masked man had only informed him that she would make it.
Three days had gone by, and he still looked over his shoulder every now and then, wondering if any more of Danzo's dogs would go after him.
Having nothing else to do was beginning to turn tedious, his days in the village being monotone. He started to use a portion of his free time in the library, devouring for a couple of hours a day any piece of literature he could find. Sasuke could forget the restlessness and his hate for Danzo when he immersed himself in whatever book or manuscript, he got his hands on.
It was precisely on his way to the library when he almost bumped into someone. The person was carrying a pile of books, the only thing visible was a familiar spiky ponytail. Sasuke held the door open for the person as he was about to step in.
"Uchiha?" a vaguely familiar voice asked.
Sasuke turned around to come face to face with one of the gennin who had made it to the chunnin exams along with him. Shikamaru's lazy expression had turned into a mildly bewildered one though it quickly returned to its usual state.
"Naruto's been looking for you." The man told him. "Guess it didn't occur to him to look at the library. What a drag."
Sasuke decided to omit the last comment.
"What for?"
"Eh, I don't know but he's spent his breaks looking for you." Shikamaru answered as he balanced the pile of books he was carrying.
"Where is he now?"
"Studying at the Academy. That's what these books are for." He sighed. "I'm headed that way, if you wish you can come."
"In that case let me help you." Sasuke said as he grabbed half the books of the pile and carried them. Shikamaru let out a sigh of relief.
"Thanks."
They started walking in silence, neither him nor Shikamaru attempting to start a conversation. The Academy came into view soon enough, activity on the outside being scarce. He could feel the ANBU chakra tailing him, only noting this time there were four instead of the usual three. That made his mind wander to the previous days' encounter.
"Naruto's currently busy but he'll have a lunch break in about ten minutes or so."
"I can wait."
A grim thought crossed the Hyuga's mind when she got out of the Hokage's office. A jounin's life was a busy one, once she had been promoted, the amount of time spent with her team had been drastically reduced, the number of higher-ranked and solo missions increasing. She still had been sent to a considerable amount to missions with her team, but her spare time was mostly spent training Hinata. Nevertheless, it was nothing compared to an ANBU's life, to say she had no spare time was an understatement.
After Gai-sensei had been injured, Lee and Tenten had been practically stuck to his side, she only being able to see him a couple of hours a week. Now a new mission had been assigned and her only regret was not having been by her sensei's side during his first months after the war.
"How long is it?" Gai asked as he sipped his cup. They were chatting at a dango shop, the warm tea being a relief from the cold air outside.
"I don't know…I expect to be back before winter is over." Was her response. Her brown locks had grown longer, so she stuck a bang behind her ear to prevent it from soaking on the tea filled mug.
"You've been quite busy lately, Neji." Gai noted. "You know, we had lunch with Sasuke the other day. He's a good boy, reminds me a lot of Kakashi."
Neji only nodded, preferring not to voice how she was aware of that lunch, she having been present as one of Sasuke's guards.
"I get you have to enjoy your youth at its fullest, embrace life!" he exclaimed. "But you've just gotten out of the hospital, are you sure it is a good idea to go on a mission so soon?"
"I'm sorry for not having been around as much." She mourned, her eyes cast down before being interrupted.
"I understand. But I also am your sensei, and I am worried for you." His eyes said everything.
Neji took a bite off her dango and chewed slowly, a drop of sweet soy sauce dribbled down her chin. She wiped it before answering.
"Thank you, sensei, but there's no need for that." She paused. "I've got to go pack, why don't you better tell me how you've been."
Gai only sighed before taking a bite of his own dango.
It was seven when Sakura and Naruto appeared on the Uchiha compound, both of their faces red from the cold air and wearing coats but with smiles wider than a full moon.
His bangs flew with the wind, they were getting too long for his taste but doing a good job on helping partially hide the Rinnegan. During his lunch with Naruto, the blond had informed him of the little rendezvous Sakura had planned, not having left room for discussion on the matter. Sasuke would have liked anything but that, yet the smiles on their faces made it worth it.
If after years of sorrow attending a lame reunion with people, he barely knew would bring his teammates moments of happiness, then he guessed it was worth a shot.