A/N: Hi, Hirayana! If you've made it this far, congrats! :) And I completely understand, the wait can be agonizing. Truth is, I wasn't sure if there were still SasuHina fans out there after all these years (high five). I, for one, have been dormant for a long time. I just couldn't bring myself to delete my old fics, so I decided to share them here instead. I'm glad you like them.

Forestchee baby, sorry for making you cry! Would you believe I almost scrapped Chapter 26 because I thought it was too dramatic? But in the end, the story needed it. Don't worry, they will be happy soon :)

A huge thank you to sabotagem1969 and everyone else for your support! I try to update at least twice a week, and it's not too far from being complete, maybe upto Chapter 40? I'm not sure yet.

Thanks for sticking with me! Ja!

CHAPTER 33

The air was heavy with tension as Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura worked together to move Sasuke from the dungeon. His body, though stable, was still frail, and every movement was made with deliberate care. The weight of the situation hung over them as they navigated through the quiet streets of Konoha, avoiding areas where prying eyes might catch a glimpse of the fallen Uchiha.

They had decided on the Uchiha compound as the safest place for him. Bringing him to their house was out of the question- Sora, their son, would undoubtedly notice, and the child had a tendency to talk. The last thing they needed was for rumors to spread before they had a chance to figure out what was happening.

As they entered the compound, the silence was almost eerie. The abandoned homes, once filled with life and laughter, now stood as silent reminders of a tragic past. The weight of history pressed against Naruto's chest as they made their way to one of the least-deteriorated houses.

Naruto glanced at Sakura as they carried Sasuke inside. "Hey, speaking of Sora," he said, trying to lighten the mood, "where is he right now?"

She smiled faintly, setting down one of the supplies she had carried along. "At the Hyuuga compound. He's with Haruki."

He chuckled, his tone amused. "That kid's always there."

Her smile widened as she gave him a knowing look. "Sora really likes Haruki. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," she teased.

He rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his grin. "Yeah, yeah. Like father, like son, huh?"

The banter between them was short-lived as their attention returned to the task at hand. Sasuke's breathing was steady but shallow, his body still fragile from his ordeal.

Sakura had prepared the house earlier, cleaning out the dust and cobwebs from one of the rooms. She had brought bedding from their home, arranging it neatly on the worn mattress before gesturing for the others to carefully place Sasuke down.

Naruto wiped his forehead as they settled him into the bed. "You know, we're going to have to clean the rest of this place. It's a mess."

Sakura nodded, brushing her hands against her pants. "I noticed. It's going to take some work, but it's better than leaving him in the dungeon."

Kakashi leaned casually against the doorframe, his visible eye scanning the room. "We'll take turns watching him. Someone needs to be here at all times in case anything happens."

The three of them exchanged glances, silently agreeing to the plan.

Sakura crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "Do you think we should tell Hinata?. She has the right to know," she said gently. "He's the father of her child, Naruto. Don't you think she should be told what's going on?"

The blond hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "I get what you're saying, but if we tell her, we'd be going against Baachan's orders. Again."

She sighed, her shoulders sagging. "You're right. But... it doesn't feel right to keep this from her." She glanced at the clock and added, "I need to go and pick up Sora."

Naruto nodded, giving her an understanding look. "Don't worry about this place. Kakashi-sensei and I will stay and get it cleaned up."

Kakashi stepped into the room, his usual calm demeanor intact. "Sounds like a plan. We'll handle things here. Go take care of Sora."

Sakura hesitated for a moment, her eyes lingering on the room, but then nodded and grabbed her things. "Alright. Thank you."

The two men watched as she left, and then Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Alright, Naruto. Let's get to work."

Naruto grinned, rolling up his sleeves. "Right. Let's make this place look like someone actually lives here."

The two of them got to work, falling into a quiet rhythm, determined to make the house livable again.

Naruto wiped his brow, stepping back to admire the now-clean room. The house felt less like a prison now and more like a home- a small step forward, but an important one.

Kakashi stood nearby, leaning against the wall, his single visible eye crinkling in a rare show of approval. "This should do for now," he said, his voice calm but tinged with weariness.

"Yeah," the blond agreed, though his mind was elsewhere. He grabbed his jacket and glanced at Kakashi. "I'll head out. Thanks for sticking around, Sensei."

The copy nin waved a hand dismissively. "Go on. Get some rest. Tomorrow's another day."

Naruto walked slowly toward his home, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders. His thoughts churned with everything that had happened, Sasuke's condition, and the uncertain road ahead. Despite his worries, the sight of his house, small but filled with love, brought a flicker of relief to his heart. As he approached the front door, it burst open, and a small whirlwind of energy shot out.

"Otou-san!" Sora's bright voice rang out, his little legs carrying him as fast as they could toward Naruto.

He grinned, crouching just in time to catch his son as he flung himself into his arms. The boy's messy blond hair was unmistakably his, though his bright green eyes held a softer warmth, a reflection of his mother.

"There's my little rascal!" he exclaimed, lifting Sora effortlessly and spinning him around. The child squealed in delight, clutching his father's shoulders as they laughed together.

"Put him down, Naruto," a familiar voice said from the doorway, tinged with mock exasperation.

He looked up to see Sakura standing with her arms crossed, though the small smile on her face betrayed her amusement. Her pink hair glowed softly in the evening light, and her green eyes sparkled as she watched her boys.

"Kaa-san!" Sora shouted, waving enthusiastically as his father finally set him down.

Naruto straightened, his grin widening as he approached his wife. "Hey, Sakura-chan," he greeted playfully, but before he could say more, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"Welcome home," she said softly, but her smile quickly turned mischievous. "You stink, though. Go take a bath."

The blond's face scrunched in mock offense. "Hey! I've been cleaning all day! You could cut me some slack, you know."

Sora puffed out his chest and stepped between them, crossing his arms in a dramatic pose. "Kaa-san, don't be mean to tou-san!"

She raised an eyebrow, her amusement growing. "Oh, I see how it is. You've got his back, huh? Guess I'm outnumbered now!"

Naruto laughed, ruffling his son's hair as he crouched down beside him. "Thanks, buddy. Looks like I've got you to save me from Kaasan, huh?"

The child giggled, throwing his arms around his neck. "Always, Otou-san!"

Sakura shook her head, her hands on her hips. "I swear, you two are a riot," she muttered, though her smile softened as she watched the two of them.

He scooped Sora up again, holding him close as he hugged him tightly. "You're my little hero, you know that?"

The boy nodded vigorously, his small arms wrapping around his neck. "I know!"

Naruto felt a pang of warmth in his chest, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten in the presence of his family. No matter what challenges lay ahead, this was his anchor, his reason to keep fighting. As he carried his son inside, he glanced at Sakura, his grin turning sheepish. "Alright, alright, I'll take a bath. But only if there's food after."

Sakura rolled her eyes, but her laughter followed him as he headed toward the bathroom, their son still giggling in his arms.

Naruto stepped quietly out of Sora's room, the door creaking softly as he closed it behind him. The boy had fallen asleep almost instantly, his small body exhausted from a day filled with laughter and play. He lingered for a moment, his hand resting lightly on the doorknob. The smile on his face faded as his thoughts drifted back to Sasuke.

"Hey," Sakura's gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He turned to see her standing just a few steps away, her pink hair catching the soft glow of the hallway light. She moved closer, her hand reaching out to rest on his arm. "You okay?" she asked, her green eyes searching his.

He forced a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Sakura tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening. "About Sasuke?"

He nodded, letting out a quiet sigh. "Yeah. I was just putting Sora to bed, and I kept thinking... I wish Sasuke could feel this too. You know, the peace of having a family. The way it feels to hold your kid and know they're safe. He's been through so much, Sakura-chan. He deserves to be happy, even if he doesn't think he does."

Her expression turned thoughtful, and she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "He will, Naruto. Don't worry. If there's anyone who can find a way to heal, it's Sasuke. At least he is back now, and that's a good start, right?"

Naruto looked at her, the warmth of her words easing some of the tension in his chest. He smiled, his expression softening as he reached out to pull her into a hug. "You're amazing, you know that?" he said quietly, his chin resting lightly on her head.

His wife chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around him. "It's just the truth, Naruto."

He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. "Have I ever told you how much I love you before?"

She rolled her eyes, though her smile didn't waver. "Too many times to count. But I'm listening."

He grinned, his voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone. "I mean it, Sakura-chan. You've always been there for me- for us. You're strong, kind, and way smarter than I'll ever be. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Sakura's cheeks flushed faintly, and she gave him a playful nudge. "Alright, alright, don't get too mushy on me now."

Naruto laughed, pulling her closer again. "Too late."

Sasuke's eyes fluttered open slowly, his vision blurry at first as he adjusted to the dim light filtering into the room. His body still ached, but the sharp pain that had gripped him before had dulled to a manageable throb. His head felt heavy, his senses sluggish, but his instincts were intact.

He lay still for a moment, taking in his surroundings. The air smelled faintly of wood, a familiar scent that tugged at something deep in his memory. He could hear faint shuffling sounds nearby- footsteps, the rustle of cloth, the scrape of wood against the floor.

Alertness surged through him, and his body tensed automatically. His mind, still hazy, jumped to conclusions: an attack, a trap, a danger he had somehow overlooked. He clenched his fists, ready to push himself upright despite his weakened state.

"How are you feeling?"

The voice stopped him cold.

He turned his head sharply, his dark eyes narrowing as he focused on the figure standing near the doorway. Kakashi.

The older shinobi leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed and his expression calm. His visible eye studied his former student with quiet curiosity, though there was a faint glimmer of relief beneath the surface.

Sasuke didn't respond immediately, his gaze darting around the room. The ceiling, the walls, the furniture- everything felt eerily familiar. He recognized this place, though it took a moment for the realization to settle. The Uchiha compound.

"Where am I?" he asked finally, his voice low and hoarse from disuse.

"You're home," Kakashi said simply, his tone even.

Home. The word hung in the air, heavy with implications. His chest tightened as he processed it, his memories of this place flooding back unbidden. The compound, once vibrant and full of life, was now a ghost of its former self.

"Why?" he asked, his voice sharper this time.

The copy nin tilted his head slightly. "We thought this would be a better place for you to recover than the dungeon. Sakura insisted, and Naruto agreed. I didn't think you'd object."

He sat up slowly, wincing as his ribs protested the movement. His eyes never left Kakashi's, suspicion lingering in his gaze. "Why do you care?"

Kakashi's expression didn't change, but his voice softened. "Because you're still one of us, whether you believe it or not."

The words struck a nerve, though he didn't let it show. He turned his head, scanning the room again as he gathered his thoughts. His body felt weak, but there was no mistaking the care that had been taken in preparing this space. The bed was clean, the air fresh, and the faint scent of herbs lingered, suggesting recent cleaning.

He glanced down at himself, noting the bandages wrapped around his arms and torso. Someone had tended to his wounds. "Sakura?" he asked, the name slipping out before he could stop it.

Kakashi nodded. "She worked on you for hours. You were in rough shape when Naruto and I brought you here."

Sasuke's jaw tightened. He didn't like the idea of being cared for, of being vulnerable. But he couldn't deny the faint flicker of gratitude buried beneath his pride.

"What happened?" Kakashi asked, his tone neutral.

He looked away, his gaze fixed on the far wall. "Nothing."

"Nothing doesn't make you wander back to Konoha and leave you half-dead," Kakashi said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You don't have to tell me everything, but at least tell me why you came back."

He didn't answer immediately. His mind drifted to the letter he had found in the valley, the words that had haunted him since the moment he'd read them. He thought of Hinata, of the promises she had made and the time that had passed.

"I don't know," he said finally, his voice quieter now. "Maybe I just wanted to see if there was anything left."

The older shinobi studied him for a long moment, his gaze steady. "And did you find what you were looking for?"

His lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Not yet."

Kakashi straightened, pushing off the wall. "Well, whatever your reasons, you're here now. Rest while you can. You'll need your strength for what's ahead."

Sasuke's eyes followed him as he moved toward the door, his footsteps light against the wooden floor. "Kakashi," he said suddenly, his voice stopping the older shinobi in his tracks.

Kakashi turned, his visible eye narrowing slightly. "Yes?"

He hesitated, his pride warring with the faint flicker of uncertainty in his chest. "Why are you helping me?"

The man's expression softened, and he shrugged lightly. "Because I believe people can change. Even you, Sasuke."

With that, he left, the door creaking softly as it closed behind him.

Sasuke leaned back against the pillows, his thoughts swirling. The faint sound of footsteps and quiet voices reached his ears, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this place.

But the weight in his chest remained, heavier than ever. He wasn't sure what he was looking for anymore.

The Hyuuga compound buzzed with activity, every corner filled with the hum of conversation, the shuffle of feet, and the occasional clatter of preparations underway. Hinata moved gracefully through the halls, her lavender eyes scanning the flurry of tasks with a mixture of pride and fatigue. The wedding planning had consumed much of her time, and while she was happy to oversee the preparations, it left little room for rest.

The compound itself was being transformed, its usual serene atmosphere now vibrant with decorations and arrangements. Lanterns hung from the eaves, their soft glow promising to light the evening with warmth. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, carried by the hands of servants carefully placing them in every corner.

As she rounded a corner, she spotted her sister standing near one of the courtyards, speaking animatedly with a group of attendants. When Hanabi saw her, she waved enthusiastically, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"Neesan!" the younger Hyuuga called, hurrying over to her.

Hinata smiled at her sister, who had grown into a poised young woman over the years. "Hanabi," she greeted softly.

Hanabi looked at her, her expression turning slightly mischievous. "Have you fitted your dress yet?"

"Not yet," she admitted, tilting her head slightly. "I'm scheduled to do it this afternoon."

Hanabi gasped, her hands flying to her cheeks. "Oh no, the tailor is already here! There's been a change in the schedule. I'm sorry I didn't inform you earlier." She reached out to take Hinata's hand. "You'll need to go now. Haruki can get fitted with you."

She blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her sister's urgency. But then she smiled, allowing Hanabi to lead her toward the tailor's room. As they walked side by side, she stole a glance at her sister. Hanabi's usual energy was present, but there was an air of composure about her that hadn't been there before. The thought made her heart swell with pride.

"You've matured so much," she said softly, her tone filled with affection.

Hanabi looked at her, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're making me sound old, Neesan."

She chuckled. "Not at all. You're just... different. In a good way."

Hanabi laughed lightly, brushing off the compliment. "Well, if that's true, I owe it to you. You've always been an amazing example to me, Neesan." The sincerity in her voice caught Hinata off guard, and she felt her cheeks flush slightly. She didn't reply immediately, instead focusing on the path ahead.

"Are you excited?" she asked after a moment, her smile returning.

Her younger sighed dramatically, though her expression was playful. "Of course I am! I just wish the day would come faster. This planning is so taxing. Can't we just get married peacefully without all this fuss?"

She smiled knowingly. "You know we can't do that. This is a momentous occasion, and the clan wants to celebrate properly." She reached out, gently squeezing her sister's hand. "And besides," she added with a teasing tone, "it's not just your wedding. It's a double celebration- you'll officially become the head of the clan that day too."

Hanabi's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she looked overwhelmed. But then she straightened her posture, her confidence returning. "You're right," she said, a determined smile on her face. "I'll make sure the day is perfect. For the clan, and for me."

Hinata smiled, her heart swelling with pride once more. Her sister had grown so much, and she had no doubt Hanabi would rise to the occasion.

As they reached the tailor's room, the sound of Haruki's laughter echoed from inside. Her smile softened, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her. Despite the chaos of the preparations, this moment, a shared journey with her sister and the joy of her son, reminded her of the beauty in the present.

Later that afternoon, Haruki and Sora found their little haven in one of the gardens, their laughter ringing out as they chased one another around the trees.

Haruki crouched by a small bush, trying to catch his breath, while Sora plopped down beside him, his wild blond hair sticking up in every direction.

"Haruki," the blond boy said suddenly, his tone dropping to a low whisper. He leaned closer, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "You remember that scary place we often pass by? I heard something last night," he said, his voice filled with the excitement of a shared secret.

"What did you hear?" Haruki asked, tilting his head in curiosity, his mismatched eyes narrowing.

Sora grinned, his blue eyes gleaming. "Kaasan and Tousan were talking about a man and he's staying in the abandoned compound. They said he's hiding there."

"A man?" the dark-haired boy echoed, frowning. The abandoned compound had always been a place of mystery, "Why is he hiding?" he asked cautiously.

"I don't know," Sora admitted, shrugging. "But Kaasan and Tousan are helping him and they are talking like it's a secret. Are you curious?"

Haruki frowned, glancing around the garden nervously. "If it's a secret, then we shouldn't know about it. He might be dangerous."

The blond shook his head quickly. "He can't be. Tousan wouldn't help someone bad." He leaned closer, "Let's take a look? We're not going to talk to him. We're just gonna look."

The boy hesitated, his curiosity battling with his sense of caution. "How are we even going to do that?" he asked, his voice lowering. "Nanny is always watching us." He glanced toward the woman sitting nearby. She was always watchful, her sharp eyes ensuring they stayed out of trouble.

"She'll nap soon. She always does that when she's bored," Sora smirked.

Haruki still wasn't convinced, but his curiosity was starting to win out. He thought about the stories his mother told him about brave shinobi exploring dangerous places. Maybe this was their chance for a little adventure.

As if on cue, their nanny's head dipped again, this time staying down for a little longer. Her breathing grew steadier, and Sora's grin widened.

"See?" he whispered, nudging Haruki. "Now's our chance."

Haruki glanced at her one more time before nodding reluctantly. "Alright. But we have to be really careful."

The two boys crept away from the garden, their small forms disappearing into the shadows of the compound. Their hearts pounded as they slipped past servants and family members, careful to avoid being seen. When they reached the edge of the Hyuuga estate, Haruki paused, his unease returning. "Maybe we should go back," he said quietly.

"C'mon," Sora insisted, his voice confident. "We'll stay far away and just peek."

Haruki remained skeptical, but he followed his friend as they made their way toward the abandoned compound. The closer they got, the quieter the air seemed to grow. The compound loomed ahead, its empty streets and darkened buildings a stark contrast to the bustling Hyuuga estate they'd left behind. The blond's excitement bubbled over as he pointed toward the compound.

"There!" he whispered.

Haruki hesitated, his mismatched eyes darting nervously toward the place. "Is that where his hiding?"

"I don't know," Sora said admitted. "Let's check it out."

Haruki frowned but followed his friend closer to the edge of the compound. As they crouched behind a pile of rubble, they heard the faintest shuffle of movement above them. He froze, his heart pounding. "Do you hear that?" he whispered, grabbing Sora's arm.

Before Sora could reply, a masked ANBU appeared in front of them, seemingly out of nowhere. His presence was silent but commanding, and his voice carried a low, firm tone.

"This area is off-limits," the ANBU said, his masked face tilting down toward them.

Both boys yelped, scrambling backward.

"We weren't doing anything!" Sora blurted, his earlier confidence replaced by nervousness.

Haruki's eyes darted toward the compound, then back to the ANBU. "We were just looking," he said softly, his voice trembling.

"Leave now," the ANBU said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Before they could respond, a second ANBU landed silently beside the first. "They're children from the Hyuuga and Uzumaki families," the newcomer said, his voice calm. "We should inform their guardians."

The blond boy's face paled. "No! Don't tell Kaasan!"

The first ANBU crossed his arms. "You shouldn't be here in the first place." He nodded at the second ANBU. "Let's escort them to their families," he said firmly, before turning to lead the way.

Sasuke awoke with a start, his sharp senses immediately alert. Even in his weakened state, he could feel the unmistakable presence of ANBU surrounding the compound. Their silent vigilance pressed against him like a suffocating weight, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

He exhaled slowly, his body protesting as he pushed himself up to a sitting position. Every muscle ached, and the faint sting of healing wounds reminded him of the meticulous care Sakura had provided. He glanced down at the bandages covering his torso, his jaw tightening. He'd be damned if he reopened any of them, he wasn't in the mood for Sakura's reprimands or Naruto's incessant concern.

Both of them seemed to exist purely to drive him insane with their constant chatter.

With deliberate movements, he swung his legs over the edge of the bed, planting his feet on the cold wooden floor. He paused for a moment, letting the dizziness pass before standing. The faint creak of the floorboards beneath him was the only sound in the otherwise silent house.

The air inside felt stifling, the walls closing in on him despite the quiet and relative safety they offered. He made his way to the door, careful not to overexert himself. When he stepped outside, the cool evening breeze greeted him, brushing against his skin and carrying with it the faint scents of the village beyond.

He inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air calm the restlessness coursing through his veins. The stars above twinkled faintly, their light muted by the faint glow of Konoha in the distance. He leaned against the wooden railing, his gaze sweeping over the compound.

It had been years since he'd stood here, yet everything felt frozen in time. The houses, the streets, the silence- it was all the same, untouched by the passage of time. And yet, it was different. The emptiness weighed heavier, the echoes of the past louder.

His thoughts drifted to her.

Hinata.

He could feel her presence nearby, though he knew she was unaware of his return. The thought of her, so close yet so far, twisted something deep inside him. Part of him ached to see her, to explain, to hold her again. But another part, the larger part, held him back.

Not yet. Not like this.

And besides, she is getting married. He thought bitterly.

He glanced toward the direction of the Hyuuga compound, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't leave. The ANBU stationed around the Uchiha compound ensured that. Their presence was constant, a silent reminder that he was under watch, that any misstep would be met with swift action.

He smirked bitterly, his fingers curling around the wooden railing. It wasn't fear that kept him compliant, it was strategy. He wouldn't give Tsunade any reason to think he was rebelling, not when he was still so weak. For now, he'd keep quiet. He'd wait.

The faint sound of footsteps broke his thoughts, and he turned slightly, his eyes catching movement in the shadows. A conversation just loud enough caught his attention.

"What's the commotion about?" one of the ANBU asked, his voice low and muffled.

"Two kids were found sneaking near the compound," came the reply. "They were escorted home."

Sasuke's ears perked up, his curiosity piqued.

The first ANBU continued, "Cat Mask should be back after escorting Hinata-sama's son home."

He tensed, his breath catching. Hinata has a son? The realization hit him like a blow. First, she's getting married, and now she has a son? His mind raced as the pieces fell into place, and he found himself wondering what had changed in the years he had been gone. The thought of Hinata, once so gentle and reserved, now having a family of her own was unsettling.

The second ANBU's voice cut through his thoughts. "Okay, stay alert."

Sasuke's brow furrowed. He leaned back against the railings, his gaze distant, caught in the whirl of unexpected revelations. He wondered if he was already too late.