Mari Makinami
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Sorry for the long delay. I couldn't update for the last few weeks due to some important reasons.
The good news here is that I've already finished writing 3 chapters ahead from this one, which means there's going to be a month of weekly updates just like the old times
Enjoy!________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 16. Completing The Circle
The confusion caused by the woman's sudden appearance quickly turned into a collective laughter, and Hinata totally didn't understand what everyone around her found so funny. Even Sasuke who usually preferred to not show any emotions was smirking now, gazing at the blonde with apparent relief and something else that was difficult for Hinata to grasp.
Did he know her? Was she someone from his past he never had mentioned to her?
It was a very rare occasion to see Sasuke that happy – even though the others probably didn't notice it, there clearly was some unique glimpse in the Uchiha's eyes as he gazed upon the woman with a … smile?
Hinata frowned. Sasuke didn't smile often to say the least – a smirk was his usual way to show his satisfaction, or a sneer at best, but not a genuine smile. On top of that, it seemed like Orochimaru recognized the newcomer as well, seeing how the sannin had giggled at her last line. All that made Hinata conclude that the woman probably was someone from the Sound bunch.
The Hyūga sighed, lowering her hands. Apparently she'd made a fool out of herself in front of everyone, just like she always used to do in the past … but this time was different, wasn't it? After all, they've just won a very important battle, and she had managed to execute her part of it just fine. Well … perhaps not as good as she would prefer, but still …
She blushed, lowering her head in silent defeat. Now that she thought about it, to say that she did great would be a huge exaggeration. Actually, she nearly failed Sasuke. If only he didn't show up just in time...
Once again he had to go over himself and do something that was very unpleasant to him in order to save her – Hinata was more than aware that he was very much against the idea of using force against his possible surviving relatives. Yet he did it – because she was about to die. It was only natural to assume that he was angry with her now, and seeing this beautiful woman who he obviously had some history with...
Hinata quickly shook her head, trying to collect herself and fighting the urge to sniffle. What on earth was wrong with her? Why the way Sasuke was looking at this woman irritated her so much?
Was she … jealous?
Hinata blushed at the realization, but, to her slight relief, apparently nobody really noticed her embarrassing reaction. Sasuke slowly walked toward the mysterious blonde, carefully eying her up and down before finally saying, "Apparently you didn't waste these five months for nothing … not bad. If you didn't behave like a retard as usual, it would probably take me a while to become suspicious of you. The chakra cover up is nicely done, too."
The woman scratched her nape, smiling widely at him, and the gesture looked pretty awkward given her refined appearance. It just didn't fit her at all, but at the same time, it seemed very familiar.
Hinata frowned. Just was going on there…?
"Ow-w, but that's whatcha like me for, isn't it?" she gave him a sheepish smile which made Sasuke snort and roll his eyes before turning away and stepping towards the main entrance of the hall. "Orochimaru … Yutaka. I'll be needing your assistance upstairs. We must calm the citizens down now that it's all over."
The sannin smirked, moving to follow his former student.
"Hm-m … are you preparing a show for everyone, Sasuke-kun? I'm looking forward to it," he said as Yutaka joined them without a question – apparently the man still was deep in his thoughts concerning everything that had happened that night, but it was clear that he already had developed some kind of loyalty to the head of his clan just enough to trust him without second guessing his decisions.
"Yeah, sort of," Sasuke turned his head to look at the huge beast who now looked bored, nearly napping in the middle of the hall, but still, for some reason. gazing at the blonde through the half-closed eyelids. "Kyūbi, you'll have to wait a bit more. As for the others," he turned to face the rest of them, "You guys are free to repose for now. Yutaka, these were your headquarters all along, is it correct?"
"Yes," the man answered immediately, as if he saw the question coming.
"Then I suppose there are some living rooms around. Can we settle ourselves here in the Tower for now?"
The older Uchiha narrowed his eyes, as if trying to estimate something in his head, and then he turned to quickly count everyone before giving Sasuke an affirmative nod, "Yes, I think so, if some of you don't mind sharing rooms, at least for a while. I don't think there are enough of the ones that are comfortable enough. But that can be arranged if needed. After all, we control this village now."
Sasuke smirked, and Hinata already knew what he was about to say – the Uchiha never was the one to crave comfort and facilities.
"We are ninja. We can endure," he then turned to face his student, and Hinata finally was able to met his impassive eyes – his hair was pretty tousled after the fight, so everyone could see his usually covered Rinnegan. "Hinata, I suggest you go and wash yourself, and then have some rest. After all, you took more damage than anyone else … you have a new set of uniform, don't you?" it was sealed along with the other stuff she kept with her as they traveled around the war, so she nodded distantly, still trying to see through his face to figure out what he was truly thinking about her performance and what was there between him and the blonde woman.
But then Sasuke turned away again, and just when Hinata lowered her eyes in defeat again, he did something that instantly turned the Hyūga's world upside down, rendering her absolutely speechless and shocked.
"Fine … dobe," Hinata gasped, quickly raising her eyes to look at Sasuke again, as if he suddenly went insane, making no sense at all. But … he was looking directly at … the blonde? What …? "I believe the two of you need to share a talk. Take your time, just make sure she goes to rest afterwards. It was a rough night, especially for her. I'll catch up with you later, we need to discuss something as well."
"Yeah, yeah, sure … no worries, teme!" the woman replied cheerfully, turning towards Hinata and stepping closer to her.
The former Hyūga heiress couldn't believe what was happening. This was fallacious, this couldn't be real … it just had to be some kind of a twisted nightmare, without a doubt. She probably was dead, or near dead, or in the purgatory, for otherwise it didn't make any sense at all ...
But at the same time, it seemed too real. The tall woman came close to her, giving the girl the now so familiar, cheerful smile that had been stalking the Hyūga in her dreams for so many years.
"Let's go, Hinata-chan … or else Sasuke will kick my ass really hard, y'know … besides, you wouldn't wanna miss the show, would ya?" she sneered and winked at her before gripping Hinata's hand firmly and pulling the girl towards the other corridor that led out of the hall.
She gave Sasuke the last perplexed gaze as their eyes met one more time before she stepped into the dark passage, and Hinata could hear his voice in her head clearly.
This is your final challenge. After you pass it, I won't be your master anymore. You mast face your past on your own. Go. I believe in you.
And then the relatively weak genjutsu he had casted upon with his left eye dispelled the very same second the darkness of the hallway consumed her and the blonde.
The Hyūga blindly followed the woman … or rather the man in disguise, not asking any questions, too shocked to say anything. She totally didn't see that coming, especially considering how much had already happened that night, but she also didn't want to stay in denial – never again. Sasuke had acknowledged this person. It was Naruto … no matter what he was up to, it was him nonetheless, that was already settled. It was clear now that she thought about it, and there was no other choice but to deal with the situation accordingly.
But then again … what was she going to say to him? She ran away from the village right after he had broken her heart … had crushed her dreams. All this time, she believed that he was one of those who had obliterated her past self … but on the other hand, it wasn't that she could complain about it now, seeing how everything turned to be in the end … and on top of that …
The more she thought about what happened, what he had done to her, the more she realized that it wasn't nearly as dramatic as it had felt back then. At least it was nothing compared with her clan's horrid betrayal. And, sure, Naruto was pulling her somewhere now, and she was following him again – that same Naruto Uzumaki she once admired so much ... but something was different now. Her hand was being held by his just like it was back then, after Neji's death, and even though this time the circumstances were completely different … the feeling was familiar to her. His hand was as strong and warm as before. Yet still … it didn't bring the same emotions to her it once did. Her heart wasn't trembling at his touch anymore. She wasn't about to faint, not even close to it.
Was it over …?
They finally stopped on the last floor, coming close to the edge of the broad balcony with broken railing. It was when Naruto finally let go of her hand, forming a ram seal and turning back into himself, though still wearing the Akatsuki coat identical to the one she herself had on her at the moment.
"It's been a while, eh?" he asked, sitting down on the floor in the lotus pose, not looking directly at her.
And what was he going to tell her? Hinata could only keep wondering, because she now realized that she didn't really have anything to say to him. So, after what seemed like an eternity, the girl finally answered, calmly and clearly, "Yes."
He slightly turned his head so that she was only able to see the corners of his left eye and his mouth. Naruto was smiling, but it was far from his usual wide, shiny and inspiring smile she remembered.
"You sure have changed a lot since the last time we talked," the boy said, not nearly as cheerfully as he was speaking just a minute ago.
The girl frowned a bit, hesitating to reply, or rather not knowing how to react to his remark. Why did Sasuke let her go and talk to Naruto? What for? She didn't want to talk to him. Not that she was mad at the man, or afraid of him, or anything like that, she just … basically saw no reason to talk to him. What was the point? There was literally nothing connecting them anymore. Or, well … of course, he still most likely was the future leader of her village, but their speech clearly wasn't going to be what they call a formal conversation.
"A lot of things have happened," she finally said, realizing it way too late that she was basically excusing herself by replying to him like that. She certainly didn't want to make such impression … she didn't need his compassion or understanding, nor did she need his approval. Sasuke was right – Naruto was her past. And even that past had existed only in her dreams – it never was real to begin with.
And by now, it ceased to exist long ago.
"Yeah, I can see that. And I feel it, too," he sighed, as if the jinchūriki was hesitating to get to the point of this conversation himself. And seeing him like that was pretty awkward, because since when Naruto was ever hesitating? Something was off with him. And she didn't quite understand what in particular.
And then Hinata distantly realized that she didn't stutter in front of him anymore. If anything, she could talk to him normally, or even be mean if she wanted. Like he was a normal person. Or a nobody. Was there any difference at this point …?
"Why are you here?" she suddenly asked, feeling herself frown. It wasn't what she initially intended to say, but this also was the question that really was bothering her among a few others.
"Are you asking me why have I joined you guys, or why did I take you here?"
"Both," she snapped, thinking that it probably sounded rude, but in reality she didn't mean it to be so – perhaps it was because of the months she had spent with Sasuke that her manner of speech changed and became more laconic, just like the Uchiha's own was with other people.
With everyone but her.
Naruto sighed, lowering his head slightly. His behavior seemed weird. Surely if anyone was supposed to feel uncomfortable there, that would be her ...
"It's a mission I've been assigned to by Kakashi-sensei … as for the second part, eh … well, I kinda feel like I owe you an explanation after what happened between us back then. At the fest, I mean," he replied honestly, and she appreciated that – at least he now respected her enough to not come up with something lame or funny like he did before, clearly taking her serious this time, not daring to talk to her like he did in the past.
Finally he acknowledged her.
Coming closer to him, she sat down next to the boy, hugging her knees and looking at him with curiosity, as if trying to get a better understanding of her own feelings more than actually listening to him.
"I thought you made it pretty clear back then, Naruto," his head turned to her and the blond teen eyed her thoughtfully, without any sign of a smile this time. This was the first time when she didn't add any honorifics to his name, but it came out so … naturally. She clearly did it unconsciously … and it seemed very similar to Sasuke.
Again.
"I loved you. You refused to accept my feelings. End of the story," she eyed him carefully, too, watching as he scratched his nape again, just like he always used to when he felt embarrassed or baffled.
But she didn't find it cute anymore. In fact, she felt nothing but slight curiosity.
Both of them were silent for a while, and only in a minute he finally opened his mouth again, "Well … that's not entirely true," the boy finally uttered, making her heart skip a beat. What did he mean by spurting this nonsense now …?
"Care to elaborate?"
Now that certainly sounded rude of her. Naruto sighed again, turning away and lowering his head as if he truly was feeling ashamed. Perhaps he actually did feel so? Pretending wasn't something Naruto would do.
"You see … thing is that I wasn't completely honest with you back then. Perhaps I was confused, or somehow I felt it was a right thing to do at the time… but …," she didn't interrupt him, eying him patiently, without blinking, as if he was about to reveal some secret that would change her life once again.
The girl clenched her fists and teeth.
She wouldn't let that happen, at all costs.
"I lied to you back then, and now I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry that it had to come to this," he finally uttered, raising his head to look at the roof of the building on the opposite side of the street – the one where Hinata had stabbed his other clone with her bone a few days ago.
"I don't understand," she replied, impassive, not moving her gaze off him for a second. She partly expected her heart to stop, or her hands to start shaking like they usually did when she was nervous around him, but … none of that happened.
"I told you that I liked Sakura-chan, but that wasn't true … well, not entirely so. And, well … I made you think that I didn't like you … but that's not true, either."
Her gaze became sullen, but not because of his words – rather because of her reaction.
Nothing. She felt nothing. What was happening to her? It was meant to be a life changing revelation, without a doubt. Yet still...
"Thing is, eh … I liked you in that way ever since the moment when you woke me up from Obito's speech … back on the battlefield, when Neji–" he didn't finish the sentence, turning his head once again to face her instead, meeting the girl's white eyes. Hinata didn't think she could remember him ever being as serious as he was at the moment. "And I liked you back when you approached me at the fest, too. Damn … I like you even more now that I see how much you've changed and how strong you've become, though still remaining the same Hinata I remember … deep inside. I can feel it, too. Though the others probably wouldn't. You really seem different now, y'know."
After a moment of silence, she wanted to lower her eyes shamefully, but decided not to – Sasuke was right, she needed to face her past in order to move onwards, not to hide from it like she did up to this moment.
Sasuke... even in a situation like that, she couldn't get him out of her head. What was he thinking right now ...?
"Why?" it was all she managed to squeeze out, desperately trying to focus. It was unbelievable … her life could be entirely different now if only she knew the truth. If only she could see through his lie back then, she could ask him to help her with her clan. But … come to think about it … what would've awaited her in this case? She'd still remain the same weak, fragile girl who would be used by everyone including Naruto, only deepening in her illusional, kind, nonexistent world. And Naruto himself … would he be able to make her as strong as she was now? Would he even be able to protect her from her clan? From receiving the seal?
Would he be able to make her truly happy? To make her feel alive …?
He sighed, giving her a sad smile as if in response to her thoughts.
"Because my feelings were, well ... fresh. They only kinda started to bloom recently, when I was already seventeen, during the war. And, well … Ero-sennin told me how this stuff works. I knew that you felt something for me ever since our childhood … since that time when I protected you from those bullies, remember?" he smiled at the nostalgic memory – and he was right, she still remembered that. "Didn't you think I'd forget what you said to me when you tried to save me from Pain? Hell, no! But I also know that our childhood crushes vanish with time. It happened to my own feelings for Sakura," his smile then disappeared, and for the first time during their entire conversation Hinata finally felt something clench her heart. "I just, well ... wanted you to get past that crush. To see you overcome it, and then … perhaps … to let something different grow in your heart," she finally looked away from him, gazing at the noisy crowd on the street underneath them. What was she supposed to say to him now? Naruto was honest with her at last, and she wasn't going to lie to him either, no matter how painful her words could sound. After all, they fought the war to prevent being forced to live in the world of illusions Madara intended to create. Neither of them wanted to be delusional anymore, at least of that she was sure.
"Well, then I guess it worked out just as you had planned," Hinata finally said, once again without trying to make it sound rude, yet she could feel … no, see that her words were hurting him.
He looked away as well, staying silent for a while.
"So you love him now, don't ya?" he finally asked, raising his eyes again, this time to look at some particular point in the sky directly above the roof of the building in front of them. "I can sense a bit of his chakra inside your body, too," he suddenly added casually, making the girl give him a baffled look before blushing for the first time during their entire conversation, finally getting what he tried to imply with this weird remark. But she wasn't going to try to make an excuse by showing him the seal on her neck – Naruto could think whatever he wanted, she didn't really care.
There was another long moment of silence. Hinata didn't want to respond quickly, as if snapping it just to make the Uzumaki feel more hurt – she was going to mean what she was about to say, and the girl wanted him to get it right.
He was correct. She loved Sasuke with every fiber of her being. Now that she knew what kind of person the Uchiha truly was deep inside, under the cold shell of indifference and harshness, after everything he went through ever since he was a child, it was hard for her to understand how it was even possible to not love him. Within just half a year, the man managed to become everything to her. He was her only true friend, her master, her inspiration. He changed her, but at the same time he didn't break her – she didn't realize it in the beginning, but what Sasuke really did all along was just showing her the right path, allowing the Hyūga to choose herself if she wanted to walk it or not, not forcing her to.
The path she always failed to find through her whole life before she met him ...
He also was the most selfless person she knew – and at the same time, he wasn't weak like she herself once was, misunderstanding the reason of her weakness.
He taught her to be strong and caring at the same time, something she never imagined to be possible thanks to her father who always told her that her selflessness actually led her to weakness ... but Sasuke had proven him wrong long ago. In reality, her only weakness was her insecurity. From her very childhood, Hinata had been convinced by literally everyone that she was weak. Nobody really believed in her. Everyone made her think that a caring, weak person like herself always needs to be sheltered. Even Naruto … he always inspired her, and he still partly did, but what she always failed to see that there was a very huge difference between the two of them. Sure, he also cared for his friends above everything else, but at the same time, he always had his own goals he wanted to reach, for nobody but himself.
To become Hokage. To create bonds with other people. And to do these things, he needed to prove himself to the others. That was his way of becoming strong, but also his great weakness, because he really depended on people and their opinion on him.
And she … she never had any desire to do anything for herself alone, nor to prove anything to anyone, and the lack of such intention led her to think that she couldn't really do anything on her own. That it would always remain like that, no matter how hard she worked in her attempts to change it. And she believed it, because there really was nobody to make her think otherwise, so she remained weak until Sasuke finally made her see it herself – she was strong because she didn't really need anyone's approval. And looking at Naruto's misguiding example, Hinata misconceived the cause and the consequence, starting to believe that perhaps it was her way, too. Perhaps she just needed to prove them all wrong.
But it was never really about power or chakra, though she had enough of both now. Obito was much stronger than them when he was the jinchūriki of the Jūbi, yet his will gave a crack, so they managed to defeat him despite the huge difference in power.
After all, power didn't matter that much – will did, and her will was strong. The only thing she really needed was to realize and to accept it. And once she did, it allowed her to acquire the power she never even dreamed of … even being in the same league with infamous Akatsuki members nowadays.
She suddenly recalled the phrase Sasuke said before they parted down in the hall.
We are ninja. We can endure.
The Uchiha … he could endure everything, for his will was unbreakable.
The one they called a monster, a merciless murderer, the second coming of Madara … no matter how much pain the man suffered, no matter how hard his life became, even if he was completely alone and had nothing at all, he still wanted to do everything in his power for the others.
Never for himself. Never caring what people thought of him.
He wanted to avenge his clan, and then his brother's ruined life without really caring for his own fate.
He wanted to start a revolution, locking himself in the darkness of solutide forever, just to stop people's suffering and to maintain peace.
He had allowed her to go with him with such ease, as if it was nothing to him, though it was obvious that it went totally against his initial plans.
He was so careful teaching her, being there for her even when the girl was about to give up, never wavering or losing his patience with her ...
He risked his life to save her quite a few times, including this night, never asking anything in return, as if it went without saying.
And in the end … he rejected her feelings because he didn't want Hinata to sacrifice her life for him. Because he cared about her and about his clan, never about his own happiness.
What Uchiha Sasuke had yet to understand that she was just like him in that sense – kind, caring and selfless. The only difference was that he always was strong enough to not allow anyone to confuse him, and he always had his own way of doing things, never listening to what the others said, never wanting anyone's admiration, approval or even simple understanding.
Fortunately enough, now she was there to care for his happiness, and there was no way Hinata was going to let him stay alone anymore, no matter how stubborn her man would be about it. It was different now, because he had made her strong, too. Perhaps he didn't realize it yet that he needed her just as badly as she needed him, but Hinata saw that he already could feel it sometimes, though Sasuke was reluctant to admit it to himself due to his natural stubbornness.
But that was going to change, sooner or later. She would make sure of it.
"Yes, I love him," she finally uttered, catching herself on realization that she nearly forgot about Naruto's question as she was reflecting on the past and on her own feelings – the answer was obvious to her by now anyway.
Naruto sneered happily, though with a small glimpse of sadness, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Then I guess I just have to deal with it, eh … perhaps it was ought to happen, after all. Fate is a strange thing, y'know. They called me the dead last, and look how it all turned to be …," it didn't sound like he was proud of it – more like he was deepening in his thoughts on the matter. "Well, anyway … the older brother should beat the younger one more often than the other way around, and we had a draw after the last time. So that's only natural, don't ya thing so ...? After all, you finally managed to see it yourself – he's a cool guy, even though a douchebag sometimes," he mumbled, and this remark seemed strange to her. Brothers? She knew for sure that Sasuke and Naruto weren't related by blood.
Then what …
Hinata frowned, finally realizing what was going on. He was talking to his tenant, the Kyūbi, not noticing that he was voicing his thoughts out aloud now.
"Brothers? What are you talking about?" she asked as her curiosity overweighted her tactfulness. Of course, the Hyūga never imagined to have this conversation with Naruto instead of Sasuke, but … wouldn't it be the best time to confirm her deductions? He seemed a bit lost in his thoughts and feelings at the moment, and Naruto always was far more talkative than Sasuke anyway, especially when it came to delicate issues...
He blinked, looking at her with confusion before making an embarrassed grimace.
"Eh ... that … to be honest, I'm not quite sure if it's my place to–"
"Is this about Indra and Ashura?" she just tested her luck by asking it bluntly, but apparently it worked – Naruto stared at the girl with a shocked expression now.
"How do you know about it …?" he asked, looking at her with disbelief and a bit of... awe, and suspicion at the same time. Despite being a pretty artless guy, he wasn't a fool. If she didn't understand the part about the brothers, then she obviously wasn't quite familiar with their past.
Hinata simply shrugged, trying to make it look like it wasn't a big deal to her.
"I know that you and Sasuke are somehow associated with these names, as well as with the Sage of the Six Paths. That's all I'm aware of. I never dared to ask him about it, but I thought I could ask you now that you've mentioned it... if you trust me enough, of course. I'll understand it if you don't, especially after … everything," looking away sheepishly, she felt amazed by her own suddenly appearing cunning by pushing his buttons like that, but apparently it worked.
Naruto frowned before quickly replying,
"Well, y'know, that's some complicated stuff … these powers we have, his Rinnegan and my Rikudō Sennin Mode … we've received them not just 'cause we're so cool and everything, eh …," he smirked, but then his expression quickly changed to a more serious and thoughtful one. "We're … well, he and I … we're kinda incarnations of Indra and Ashura, the two sons of the Rikudō geezer. That's why this power have awakened in us back then, when Madara had killed us. We've met the old man in some weird place between here and the afterlife, and, well, he told us everything. Sasuke is Indra's incarnation, and I'm Ashura's. We're ones of many, though. Madara was Sasuke's previous one, and the First Hokage was mine–" he suddenly stopped, raising his head to gaze in the clouded night sky once again. "Looks like he didn't lie about the show ...," the blond whistled, smirking. "That's Sasuke-teme for ya!"
Hinata quickly snapped her head to look up and see what was there and gasped – she'd never gotten to see the Uchiha's Pefrect Susanō clearly before, and now it was there, floating above the village on its huge chakra wings, not too far from them. It looked absolutely magnificent and demonic, not to mention that it was immense – in a way, it reminded her of Naruto's Kyūbi chakra avatar, but somehow it looked much more frightening, even though the fox was actually well known as a demon. Perhaps it was because Naruto's chakra always was warm and calming, and Sasuke's usually was icy cold and dark.
She then noticed the the crowd downstairs became silent – people were pointing at the giant chakra construct, lowering their voices to cautious whispers.
And then it started.
"People of Amegakure," Sasuke's voice was incredibly loud, and it also sounded a bit different than usual – not only because of the slightly different timber, but it also was much more emotional than his usual impassive speech. Quickly activating her Byakugan, Hinata could see Orochimaru floating near both surviving Uchiha clan members inside the jewel on the Susanō's head and channeling his wind chakra to increase the volume. Sasuke himself wasn't fluent with Fūton, for as far as she knew, he never cared to train using this element despite having the affinity thanks to the Rinnegan.
"Your god has returned. My name is Indra, and I am the one who you've been waiting for throughout all these years of hardships and humiliation. But that time is over," he made a rhetorical pause, allowing the citizens of Ame to comprehend his words which, without a doubt, sounded shocking for them to say the least.
"The man you knew as Pain, that self-proclaimed 'god', was merely my wannabe - a priest who had received my blessing and had attained a small piece of my infinite power, insane enough to believe that he could actually rival me. I entrusted him with leading you into the bright future, and he utterly failed, deciding to go after his own petty desires … but now I'm here to control it all by myself," he paused again, and both Hinata and Naruto could hear the hum of voices downstairs. "I'm back with my loyal followers to lead you this time. I'm giving you the blessing, as well as the warning. The blessing is the ten people you know under the name of Akatsuki," he quickly whispered something to Yutaka, and his older clansman nodded, looking a bit nervous. "From now on, you are to consider them angels I've sent to save you. The rings they are wearing are holy – whoever attacks someone wearing the ring, or tries to impersonate himself as one of my angels, is to be killed on spot without mercy."
"Ain't he overdoing it a bit, though ...?" Naruto drawled, narrowing his eyes at the pretentious speech of his friend.
"Not really … most people in this village are brainwashed zealots who can't live without the presence of their 'god', in one form or another. The lack of it caused the stagnation and tension that was increasing up to now … that's why abusing their religious feelings is the best way to control them," she said casually, not moving her eyes from Sasuke, making Naruto stare at her with his mouth open.
"You're not trying to tell me that you were the one to come with this plan, are ya?" He asked, amazed by both her indifferent reaction to Sasuke's words and her own cynicism. Of course, he wasn't a naive boy anymore, but it still sounded … wrong.
Hinata simply shrugged.
"We studied them for a while, and decided that it's the best way."
He waited a few seconds before turning away, not saying anything for he found it hard to believe his ears, but not seeing any valid reasons to complain.
At the same time, Sasuke continued with his speech,
"You're going to see me again soon enough. Until then, my angels will lead you into the promised future that has been stolen from you. The man who was leading this village up to now was misguided by Pain's twisted teachings. Just like all of you, he had been a victim of a liar, but he has redeemed himself in my eyes. I entrust him with your well-being and leave him in charge of everything while I'm absent, for from this day on, he follows the will of the true god."
Sasuke, or rather Indra went silent, letting Orochimaru use the voice increasing jutsu on his relative instead.
"I won't fail you, my people! I swear on my life, and may the god himself be my witness!" Yutaka's voice sounded a bit different as well, but he seemed to be quite inspired by Sasuke's speech. Or was it more because of Indra's immense power …?
The Susanō's chakra dispersed, and Hinata could see Sasuke grabbing Orochimaru and Yutaka's collars midair, teleporting them away instantly before someone could spot them.
The crowd was silent for a few seconds, and the the incredible collective howl of cheering came, repeating Indra's name again, again and again, to the point when it seemed that even the walls of massive buildings around were about to start shaking.
"He's quite impressive, isn't he?" Naruto smirked, standing up from the floor of the balcony.
Hinata gave him a thoughtful look, as if remembering something from the past, before replying,
"His power and his looks is not what makes him who he is, neither does his ability to be impressive. I don't really care about it all," she said, standing up from the cold floor as well and wiping dust off her – or rather Sasuke's – coat.
Naruto smiled empathetically, getting her point.
"I know right … I can feel it in your heart how deeply you're attached to him now, after all that happened. It's nothing like what Sakura used to feel for him … and nothing like what you felt for me, too," he added, sounding a bit jealous this time, but quickly adding, "Just kidding. I'm happy for ya... both of you, actually. Sasuke deserves an awesome girl like you to care for his sorry-ass. I guess my girl is still waiting for me to meet her! Do you think she's cool? I bet she's strong enough to beat the crap outta me, just like mom was …!"
Hinata couldn't hold a sincere smile this time, hearing his careless jabbering. Even though her feelings had changed, sometimes the blond jinchūriki still was just too adorable.
"Thank you, Naruto. I truly appreciate it. And …," her face became serious again, but unlike before, her eyes remained warm. "I'm glad to see you again. I'm glad we talked and settled everything."
He smirked, scratching his nape.
"Yeah, me too! I missed both of ya! It's kinda cool that we now can hang out like the old times, eh? Well, though not quite like that, but still! I can't wait to talk to Sasuke! Did he get stronger? I bet he'd learned some super cool badass jutsu to show off, but I've got quite a few new tricks myself, too! Believe it!" He kept jabbering, and Hinata could only shake her head, smiling. Even though he'd changed over time just like her and Sasuke, it seemed that some parts of them were going to stay intact forever. Naruto was still Naruto, though more serious and understanding. Sasuke was still Sasuke, though more warm and open to the others now. And she...
She was still the same Hinata, but now she was strong and could stand up for herself, not doubting her capabilities for a second. She didn't care what the others thought of her anymore. And, more importantly, she had finally stopped living in illusions.
"By the way," she suddenly interrupted him, and Naruto gave the Hyūga a puzzled look, distantly noticing that she turned to be about five inches shorter than him now, after half a year of her and Sasuke being away from Konoha, "Why did you look like a woman when you came here?" she asked curiously, because it didn't make much sense – he hadn't even tried to hide his true personality from anyone in Akatsuki.
"Ah, that," he smirked, looking self-satisfied and proud. "That's a jutsu I've been practicing with Ino-chan's help all along … she taught me to, well ... kinda imitate split personality with my shadow clones and Henge no Jutsu. Basically, I can create a shadow clone and make it behave like a completely different person, and you won't be able to see through it! You heard him, even Sasuke-teme couldn't! Cool, eh? That woman was a kunoichi from this village whom we had captured a few months ago, just prior to the start of my training. She was the prime test subject, like Ino-chan said … meh, it sounds kinda creepy, but she killed our civilians. I think it kinda serves her right," he said, and Hinata smirked. The doubt in his voice was clear. Apparently he still didn't fancy the idea of revenge, but at least he could understand that it was a natural desire that would never cease to exist while they were still humans.
"Sounds impressive indeed. Are you going to use that woman's personality to hide the fact that you're a part of Akatsuki? I don't think it's an appropriate position for the future Hokage."
"Yeah!" Naruto visibly brightened at her mentioning of his dream. "That was Kakashi-sensei's idea! Though I couldn't come up with a name for her yet... any ideas?" he looked at the Hyūga, making a begging gesture.
Hinata thought for a second before replying,
"What about Ashura? Sasuke is now calling himself Indra in front of the villagers anyway … and it sounds cool enough, doesn't it?" she suggested, noticing Karin who was waving to them from the end of the corridor.
Naruto slapped his forehead, moaning in embarrassment.
"Of course! You're a genius, Hinata-chan! I should've thought about that!" he laughed, making her feel a bit embarrassed herself – Karin clearly could hear them from that distance.
"Yes, but you're going to call me just 'Hinata' in front of everyone in Akatsuki from now on," she stated in a tone that wasn't tolerating any objections.
Naruto's eyes widened as he pointed at her accusingly, "Woah, now you're bossy just like Sasuke! Damn that teme and his influence …!" he moaned as they approached the redhead who looked impatient, wearing the female Akatsuki uniform without the coat.
"Hey, Karin. Long time no see," Hinata finally managed to properly greet the girl, giving her a warm smile.
Sasuke's former teammate smirked, looking at the Hyūga with amusement.
"Awhile indeed. I can sense Sasuke's chakra all over you. You didn't waste any time, did you?" her smirk was devilish, and Hinata blushed for the first time in awhile. She just had to say it in front of Naruto again to confirm his previous conclusion about them!
Damn it … still, Hinata reminded herself, I don't care what she believes.
"Well, not entirely so …," she lowered her white eyes sheepishly, and Karin laughed, winking to the blond boy who seemingly didn't understand what the two of them were talking about.
"Sure it isn't. Well, I just wanted to show you guys your quarters. I've decided that you and Sasuke could share the same room – not that you haven't done it before," Hinata groaned, and Karin laughed again, making Naruto smirk and laugh himself, finally showing that he got what she was talking about. "And you, my dear cousin," she turned to the jinchūriki, making him stop laughing and gasp, standing there with his mouth open, as if he was afraid to move under her piercing stare, "You're going to share the next room with Suigetsu the moron. Personally I don't advise you to change your gender while you're alone with him – he's become much of a pervert lately. Anyway," she turned to face Hinata again, ignoring the now embarrassed Naruto. "Geez, you really look bad. Go take a shower or something, wash the gore away. I'm gonna go with you and check your condition – I'm a medic nin, after all. And no complains," she grabbed Hinata's sleeve and pulled her towards the room that was meant for her an Sasuke.
"Wait ... what do you mean COUSIN?" Naruto suddenly yelped, but the door had already closed.
"Damn, teme... she's become quite an arse, just like you," muttered Naruto, gazing at the horizon.
He and Sasuke were sitting on the small observation platform on top of the Tower, and it was already nearly dusk. People of the entire village were still celebrating the miracle Sasuke had performed for them, and the members of the new Akatsuki were resting in their rooms for a good hour by now. After all, it was a tough night for each of them.
But for the two brothers, this meeting was the best possible relief after all the hardships they withstood on their ways, though none of them would ever admit it.
"You're just jealous, that's it. I've read her memories with the Human Path. I know it all, so cut the crap," Sasuke smirked, lazily trying to mock his old friend.
"Well, I can't deny that I'm … wait … how could you get the stuff about my own feelings through her memories, you jerk?" blurted Naruto, pointing his finger at the Uchiha.
"Hn. I never said I did, I just guessed. Too easy." Sasuke closed his eyes, still smirking mockingly. Both of them realized that this was merely an act of tribute to the old times, but they still enjoyed the opportunity quite a lot. Sometimes they just really wanted to be carefree children again... by now, they nearly forgot that feeling.
"Well, anyway," Naruto mumbled, looking at the slowly rising sun – the rain had stopped the moment Sasuke finished his speech to the villagers. It was supposed to be another fake 'miracle' for them, some sort of testimony of his power. "I think I've managed to make Sakura-chan realize that she has to get over you. At least she said she understands, and I could feel that she wasn't lying."
Sasuke turned his head slightly, giving Naruto a questioning glance.
"If that's true, then it's good. Sometimes I nearly started to miss her constant annoying yelping," he smirked. "After all, it turned that she wasn't as bad as I thought she was."
Naruto gasped, pointing at him accusingly again.
"Are you trying to tell me that you like her now? After all the effort I'd put into making her give up on her obsession with ya, teme …!"
Sasuke sighed, shaking his head.
"No, you idiot … unlike you, I don't only think about the opposite gender. There are more important things."
"What about Hinata-chan, though?" hearing the question, Sasuke gave a deadpan glance to his knucklehead friend who suddenly looked much more serious. "She told me she loves you when we talked an hour ago. Not sure if you're even aware–"
"She told me, yes," he snapped, returning his gaze to the horizon, annoyed by Naruto's reluctance to change the topic.
"And?"
Sasuke closed his eyes, thinking for a while.
"What do you want me to say now, dobe?" he asked, trying to maintain his usual calm tone.
"I dunno? Like, that you love her too? Or something among those lines?" said Naruto with sincere confusion in the voice, as if such claim wouldn't be a big deal.
The Uchiha looked at him as if his friend was a hopeless idiot, though sometimes Sasuke was sure that he actually was.
"It's very far from being that simple, and you know it."
"Eh?" the jinchūriki barked, leaning forward.,"How come?"
Sasuke gave him a very serious glare before patiently saying,
"I don't want her to become my incubator, and at the same time, I want to revive my clan. Isn't it clear? I'm sure even a dumbass like you could figure it out."
"Oh–" Naruto stopped, suddenly frowning. "You've got a point here... but wasn't that Yukaka or whatever's his name guy your relative? You're not alone in this shit anymore, teme! You can just relax and enjoy being with yo girl, y'know! Unless you want me to steal her from ya, of course!"
"Try it. I'm sure I'll enjoy visiting your grave on holidays."
Naruto giggled, smirking at his friend... or his brother – he couldn't distinguish at this point, and he didn't really care. Sasuke was both.
"Just kidding, relax … still, since you've found the dude, why not just tell Hinata-chan that you love her and everything? I don't get it."
Sasuke sighed, closing his eyes. In a way, Naruto had a point there – after Yutaka agreed to cooperate, there was no point in avoiding Hinata anymore. And if she even told Naruto, her former obsession, that she loved him – Sasuke … that was quite a reason to do something at last, wasn't it? At least she had passed her final test brilliantly...
"I guess you're right," he finally replied.
"See? It's not that hard!"
Sasuke lowered his eyes, looking at the street. He still hesitated to do that, the teen wasn't going to deny it – but it wasn't that he was afraid of Hinata's response or anything like that. More that he didn't like the idea stepping onto the uncommon ground of this kind of relationship, especially when they really were in the middle of something that could bring the entire world down to hell.
But then again … he was a man, and she was a very pretty woman. Even if he didn't count the deep bond that had formed between the two of them … he was attracted to her, without a doubt. And despite being a perfect shinobi, and an incarnation of the certain nearly almighty immortal being … unfortunately, right now, he still was a human. On top of that, he was a teen. Damn it, even if he'd never admit it – especially to Naruto, of all people … it was ridiculous, but sometimes it was hard to even stay with her in the same accommodation at nights. He barely was able to sleep, seeing her lying next to him, sometimes barely dressed … that was partly the reason why they constantly were on the verge of conflict for the last few weeks, for the two of them were forced to spend twenty four hours a day in the same room, frustrated and incredibly bored. It had been driving him nuts... and he was sure it went for her as well – it couldn't miss his eye that the girl always lingered at his touch, especially after that kiss on the roof …
Sasuke quickly shook his head, nearly cursing.
And Naruto just gazed at him with his eyes narrowed and his face expressionless.
"Damn, teme … you two really need to get laid."
"As if you know anything about that!" he snapped much more quickly and emotionally than he wanted to, finally exploding for the first time in a very long time. Perhaps Naruto was the only one who could annoy him to such extent...
The Uzumaki giggled, turning away and smirking at the rising sun.
"Well, not really … but you wouldn't want to lose to me on this field as well, would ya?"
"I'm not going to discuss our personal life with you, dobe, period. And tell the Kyūbi that my emotions are private, they don't concern you. Now then … what were Kakashi's instructions for the next part of the operation?" now he really felt embarrassed and pissed, but on top of it, he felt aroused by the thought about doing that with Hinata, and it didn't make the whole situation any better. Not that he hadn't imagined that before … but he couldn't tolerate Naruto, of all people, mocking him like that.
The blond blinked.
"Kurama has nothing to do with that, it's all written on your face. But, if you say so …," he smirked at Sasuke's murderous glance. "We still need to find the tenth member … but Kakashi-sensei said Orochimaru has an idea on the matter, I guess ya better ask him about that."
"And afterwards?" Sasuke noticed Naruto tapping his coat thoughtfully – apparently the teen wasn't very fascinated with the idea of being a part of the very organization that hunted him for years.
"Our intel says that Kusa is preparing to launch an attack against our country – they want to support Ame at that, since they obviously have no idea what happened here yet. We – as in Akatsuki – are to counter it by striking them first whenever we're ready, as soon as we find the tenth member and settle things here in Ame. But we should do it as soon as possible, I think. As far as I understood, our ultimate goal is to force all the neutral countries join the Land of Fire, using Akatsuki to do so ... thus creating the superpower our world have never seen. With me and you by its side, and the protection granted by the neutral countries we'll conquer and then give up to Konoha, we'll ensure the safety of our lands and people, and the others will be forced to cooperate," he nearly quoted Kakashi, though clearly being unpleased with the orders he had been given, but obeying them nonetheless.
Sasuke raised his eyebrow in confusion, for a second refusing to believe that it was Naruto saying it to him at the moment. It seemed so out of character, and, well...
"Apparently you don't really like his plan, do you?" He wasn't going to comment it yet – it was probably hard for the Uzumaki to finally start realizing that he couldn't just create an utopia, and that Ninshū was merely an unrealistic teaching created by a naive man whose mistakes nearly drove their world to its end more than once. Such perfection could only exist within the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and they both defied the idea. They just had to fight for what was precious to them, that's all there was to it.
And It was only natural, just like hatred, love and pain. Naruto needed to understand and accept it.
The blond just shrugged – his face remained impassive, but there was a visible hint of sadness written on it.
"I s'pose we can't help it … of course, I'd like everyone to cooperate as it is, but it doesn't seem to be possible …" Naruto flinched as he felt Sasuke's only hand on his shoulder – turning to face his friend, he couldn't help but find his confident expression quite reassuring.
"Don't worry. Kakashi was a shitty teacher, but he's not an idiot, and I can understand his reasoning. We need to protect Konoha above everything else, and it would be foolish to hope for everyone to forget all the old grudges and claims after the end of the war. You know," he let go of Naruto's shoulder, coming closer to the edge of the roof and inhaling the chilly morning air, "I've been traveling a lot, and the more I saw, the more I came to realize that neither of us was right back then …," he looked down to the street that was still filled with people celebrating 'the god's return'. "It's true that we can't hope for everyone to just suddenly want to unite when there is no enemy force to unite against … but at the same time …," he turned around and faced Naruto, "Perhaps the world just isn't meant to be changed? Perhaps we just need to protect those dear to us, not waste our energy and time to try to reach everyone? And something tells me that Konoha is dear to you, as to the future Hokage …" he could see the weak smile appear on the jinchūriki's face, and it made Sasuke smirk in response.
Ever since the day when the two of them lay there at the Valley of the End with their hands destroyed, he hoped that eventually, some day, they'd be able to truly understand each other.
And right now, after the passed night, he really wanted to have a …
Sasuke frowned, looking at Naruto perplexedly – the blond suddenly started to look for something in his pockets with a focused face.
"What are you doing, dobe?"
"Just a sec ... oh, here it is!" he took a small scroll out of his coat's pocket, and, channeling his chakra into his fingertips and touching it. The Uchiha stared at him suspiciously, feeling confused – such scrolls were commonly used by ninja to contain food and drinks on the missions, as well as other tools and weapons, allowing to take a huge amounts of supplies even to a single person.
Did the idiot suddenly decide to make his mood better by a portion of instant ramen …?
There was a small cloud of smoke, and then Sasuke could see a bottle of familiar shape in his friend's hand.
"Wanna drink, teme?" he smirked, already knowing the answer and undoing the second seal.
Sasuke smirked as well.
Perhaps the day of understanding would come sooner than later.
"Woah … I can't believe you haven't pushed him down from the roof for doing that to you! Really, how patient can you be?" Karin blurted, wrapping Hinata's newly grown arm in the bandage after putting some anesthetic salve on the limb – it was the first time when the Hyūga had to actually regrow it, so she had yet to get used to the annoying phantom pain that could last for a few hours, or even days, until her brain would get used to the idea of losing an arm or a leg being a normal thing from now on.
The girl herself was lying on the simple yet broad bed, staring at the stone ceiling with her white eyes, enjoying Karin's company and the dim light of the torches on the walls. And, most of all, she enjoyed the comfortable and peaceful place to rest she needed so much after the eventful night, especially after the brutal fight she had barely survived.
"Not that he wouldn't just use his Shunshin to get back if I did. Besides, I understood his reasoning. At least he has no arguments anymore," said Hinata, smiling with the corners of her mouth.
Karin shook her head, clearly disapproving her acquiesce.
"Well, I suppose that's why he fancies you in the end. Me and you are nothing alike. Besides, he actually kissed you!" she let out a dreamy sigh, rolling her crimson eyes. "That must be much better than being stabbed with his Chidori for sure."
"Oh?" Hinata looked at her, unsure if she actually meant Sasuke's technique or something else …
"Yeah! He nearly killed me back then! But I couldn't stay mad at him for too long. After all, I can regenerate, sort of like you. And it was needed for him to kill that bastard Danzō anyway. He took me hostage and Sasuke had no choice ... well, no matter," she waved her hand dismissively, clearly not willing to remember the painful experience.
Hinata gave the girl a long, thoughtful look. Apparently Karin truly got over Sasuke, but the ease she did it with was pretty surprising, especially considering everything that the Uchiha told her about this woman. But at the same time, Naruto's cousin was pretty similar to the blond – she wasn't a good actress, and it was clear that she couldn't plot something so complicated that involved such flawless acting and pretending. After all, apparently she had some dignity to stop pointlessly stalking him. She also was getting along with Hinata pretty nicely, and the Hyūga didn't mind to have a female friend for once. After all, she never had one to begin with.
"You're not really jealous, are you?" she decided to ask it anyway while Karin was gathering the medicine from the small table near the bed.
"Eh?" the girl fixed her glasses before suddenly making a serious, nearly offended face. "Nah. I can imagine what Sasuke could possibly tell you about me, but ever since the war, I thought about it at all for quite some time, and I kinda figured that we wouldn't fit each other anyway. I still wanna be his friend, and yours, too, for you seem to be a cool, and cool girls should stick together. But I'm not going to ruin what we have as well as his happiness just for another hopeless attempt to get to him. Besides," she smirked mysteriously, looking away and slightly blushing, "I already fancy someone else."
"Oh–" Hinata blinked in surprise. She didn't expect her answer to be so straightforward, but apparently Karin indeed was a lot like Naruto – perhaps not in every sense, but at least in her bluntness and honesty, "I see. That white haired man with the sword? Suigetsu?"
Now Karin blushed terribly, raising her voice and slightly stuttering,
"T-that's … no, not him! Like I'd ever date that piece of shit! It's that cute man Sasuke brought outside along with Orochimaru. Yu... Yuka..."
"Yutaka …?" Hinata smiled at her new friend's reaction, and Karin began to nod quickly.
"Yea, yea, that guy. Anyway, I gotta go. Pretty tired, you know, but I'm sure you're not feeling any better. You should rest and sleep, otherwise your body won't recover as quickly as it should. Want me to extinguish the torches?" she asked, getting up from her chair.
"No, they don't bother me. Thank you very much, Karin," the dark haired girl smiled warmly, and the other kunoichi winked at her, raising her thumb.
"Anytime. See ya," She walked out of the room, closing the door and leaving Hinata in complete silence, as well as in the very good mood. Perhaps she really could get along with this girl … she was indeed very nice.
Of course, she couldn't just fall asleep after everything that happened that night, no matter how tired the Hyūga was. It seemed like an hour or even more before she finally stopped reflecting and started to nape, and then she flinched as the door to the room opened quietly, the sound being followed by light, uneven steps.
Too lazy to activate her Byakugan, Hinata slightly turned her head to confirm her assumption – just in time to see Sasuke dropping his shirt onto the chair Karin was sitting on not long ago, and then he fell down onto the bed next to her.
She flinched again as she felt his arm wrap around her waist, pulling the girl closer to him and lightly kissing her shoulder.
"Hina-ta … g'night …," she could hear him mutter, burying his face in her hair and making the young woman shudder as she felt his hot breath on her neck, but at the same time, Hinata could clearly see that something was off with him – he sounded funny and very unlike himself.
"Sasuke … is everything alright?" she whispered, not really suspecting that something was wrong but rather because she wanted to hear him talking like that again.
"Yeah … had a drink … dobe … recalled the old times," he mumbled again, and Hinata let out a quiet laughter, finally realizing what happened.
"I can see it went great, didn't it?" she whispered, but his only reply was quiet snorting.
Smiling to herself, Hinata closed her eyes and took his hand in hers, slightly rubbing it with her gentle fingers before quickly falling asleep as her mind was finally in peace.
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