Chapter Text
Hinata spent the majority of her time in her greenhouse. Haku had come by often to see her work and help her with certain tasks, and, though they seemed odd to the young boy, he never said a word, and she was grateful. Haku had split his time between being with her, Naruto, or both and going to visit Kimimaro.
The once sickly teen was making a full recovery and was now being officially held inside the Konoha Interrogation Center, but Minato had given strict orders that the boy not be harmed. He was still quite hostile and the building was more secure than the Uchiha Police building. Haku had requested to visit the Kaguya and was granted permission. He used this time to talk to him as though he was a regular teen.
He never once mentioned Orochimaru or the things he had to do and endure. He brought along books and comics—the latter sent by Naruto himself—and talked eagerly about them to Kimimaru. In the beginning, Kimimaru wasn't interested and lashed out often, but it didn't deter the Hatake boy and he eventually began making progress.
The last time Haku had visited Hinata, he told her that Naruto had gone with him to see Kimimaro. Part of her wanted to be surprised, but she just wasn't. Naruto was…bright. He had hope in everyone. He believed everyone could be good, and while she did as well, it was still difficult for her to calmly talk to someone who had dedicated their life to a man like Orochimaru. A thing she loathed.
"Perhaps we can all go next time," Haku gently suggested. He understood her feelings and wasn't going to push her, but he believed that the more people who opened up to Kimimaru, the more it would help to deprogram him. It would help him to see that there was more to life than just looking to something or someone for a purpose. That you could be that purpose yourself.
"Perhaps," she replied softly. She kept her back turned to him as she continued taking notes in one of her journals. Then she smiled back at him. "Thank you again for all your help. Are you going to stay here in the village for a while?"
He shook his head. "Not too long. I think maybe another week and then I'll return to the Land of Waves and visit Zabuza. I like to keep him up to date on my life."
"Tell him I said hello, then." Haku smiled and nodded. Part of him had thought her to be angry with Zabuza for nearly killing her, but he was eternally grateful for the kindness she exuded.
"I'll pass it along. It's getting a bit late," he noted, looking up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, streaking the sky with shades of blue, pink, and purple that complimented the yellow and orange of the setting sun.
"I'll walk you out," she said as she put her things away. She closed the door behind them and they made their way to the Hyuuga gates. "I'm sure the Uzumaki Family will be sad to see you go again, as will I."
Haku grinned. "They're very welcoming and I'm in their debt. I will miss everyone, too." They had never once spoken about Sasuke since he left and that topic weighed on them heavily. Haku had many things he wanted to say and express, but the pleading in Hinata had stopped him from ever doing so. He couldn't bear to hurt her anymore by bringing up such a sore topic.
He'd gotten a rough run down from Naruto and he couldn't imagine the heartbreak she was feeling. Team Harmony had really gone through some pain while he was gone. It hurt him.
"Let's all go out for ramen soon. Before you leave, at least," she suggested. "We normally have to drag Naruto if we suggest anything otherwise." Sasuke was always the one groaning about having to eat ramen so often, but she loved it just as much as Naruto did. She could eat ten bowls in one sitting, something that Naruto had tried beating her at often.
"Ramen sounds wonderful." He waved at her as he walked down the path leading to the center of the village.
She hadn't thought about visiting Kimimaro, but maybe she should. After all, he was a victim. He was a victim to the adults around him, like Itachi.
Her mind went to the older Uchiha brother and she had been desperately wishing that he would come see her soon. He probably wouldn't be happy about Sasuke having left the village, when he was trying so desperately to protect him.
Coming to a decision, she nodded to herself and went back inside. It felt as though there wasn't enough time in the day for all the things she wanted to get done and all the people she wanted to see.
She had spent the time since Sasuke left working on a plan. She couldn't officially infiltrate Danzo's organization, but she figured she could make herself seem desirable to him politically. She had recently met with Kakashi and learned of his background in Anbu and his trial period in ROOT. It was an overwhelming amount of information, but she took it in stride, she felt. He warned her that Danzo had been seeking a Byakugan and would pounce if he felt one was within his grasp.
She wanted to use that to her advantage.
But first, she needed to step into a leadership role. Within her clan and also in the village.
She knocked on the door to her father's office. "Come in." She slid the door open and bowed. "Hinata, what is it?" He had been in the middle of going over council and clan meeting notes and adding costs to a monthly spreadsheet. Out of all the tedious tasks of a Clan Head, financial records and budgeting were his least favorite but they were crucial to keeping the clan in the top-class bracket.
She smiled up at him and took a seat in front of him in a perfect seiza. "Father, I'd like to make a request." Hiashi put his pen down and gestured for her to continue. "I want to begin attending clan meetings, to begin."
Hiashi raised a brow. "To begin?"
She nodded. "Yes. I want to eventually begin attending village council meetings."
"What is your reason?"
"I believe it's time for me to step into my leadership role. The sooner I learn how to be the right leader, the better the clan will be once I officially step into the role when you retire," she explained.
Hiashi hummed. "I understand. I'll think it over and give you my answer before the next meeting with the Elders," he replied. "Is that all you needed to discuss?"
"Yes, Father. Thank you for your time." She bowed again and stood. "Have a good night."
"You as well, my daughter." He watched as she left and then tilted his head. He was sure his daughter wasn't being entirely truthful. A leadership position was something she had always dreaded growing up. She was too soft-spoken and kind. Now, however, he saw a different look in her eyes.
Sasuke leaving had affected her in a way he deemed useful. She was hurting but she was using that hurt productively. In an odd way, he was proud…and yet sad.
He swore to make Sasuke beg Hinata for her forgiveness. Knowing his daughter, however, she had already forgiven him. As a father, it would take a little groveling from the Uchiha.
The next morning, Hinata knocked on the door of the Uzumaki/Namikaze door. She smiled when Kushina answered.
"Hinata-chan! Are you here for Naruto? I'm afraid he's still asleep," she said with an apologetic smile.
"I'm actually here to talk to Minato-sensei about Sasuke," she said quietly. "I hope it's not a bad time."
"Oh, not at all! He's awake and going over some documents right now. Go ahead and head up there on your own since I'm making us breakfast. Would you like anything?" She asked as she let her inside their home.
"No, thank you, sensei. I had a couple of cinnamon rolls on the walk here," she admitted sheepishly. Kushina chuckled and ushered her toward the stairs.
"Thank you for keeping him company while I'm down here!" Then she disappeared into the kitchen for a brief moment before popping her head back out. "I heard Tsunade-sama accepted you as an apprentice! Congrats!"
Hinata bowed. "Thank you. I believe hearing that you were also one of my teachers really helped, so thank you."
Kushina waved her hand. "You're talented, Hinata-chan! It was all your hard work." Then she grinned, one that she could see Naruto had inherited from her, and disappeared back into the kitchen. Hinata smiled to herself, grateful to have so many wonderful people who believed in her before heading upstairs.
The bedroom door was open and she could see Minato's leg as he sat at a desk that wasn't there during her last visit. She knocked on the door frame and bowed in greeting when her sensei turned to her.
"Hinata-chan, it's good to see you. Are you here for Naruto?" He asked kindly. On his desk was an assortment of papers and scrolls.
"I wanted to talk with you about something if you have some time. I don't want to take you away from anything important."
He shook his head. "I could use a break. Come in and take a seat," he assured her, gesturing to the bed. "I'm sorry for not having an extra chair."
She took a tentative seat on the mattress. "I don't mind. Um, I wanted to ask for your opinion on something. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks now," she began, looking down at her hands and fiddling with her fingers. She was nervous.
Minato focused his full attention on her and patiently waited for her to continue with his usual easygoing smile.
"I'd like to eventually start attending village council meetings with my father. I've already asked him to allow me to begin attending clan meetings, and I believe he's going to say yes," she explained.
"I don't see why that would be an issue if you're there to learn about your future position. What is it that's got you so nervous?"
Finally, she looked up at him with steady eyes. "I'll be there to learn and to get the attention of Danzo," she admitted. His eyes widened and he immediately wanted to protest. "I have no intentions of attempting to infiltrate his organization, but Kakashi-sensei has told me how he operates and I believe I can use his desire for my doujutsu to my advantage."
"If Danzo believes he can obtain your eyes, then I think he'd stop at nothing to get them."
"Yes, that's what I'm hoping for. If he truly believes he can manipulate me and use my doujutsu, then he'd be willing to bend his own rules to ensure that. Jiraiya-sama mentioned taking his organization down from the inside, but I wasn't sure how to go about it. I was wondering if you had any suggestions?" She asked.
Minato leaned forward with a serious expression on his face. "Hinata, do you realize how dangerous that will be?"
"I do. But I've been thinking about it. I'm useful in this situation. Danzo would be guarded around you, Jiraiya-sama, and even Kakashi-sensei. Me, however, he will think I know nothing of him and can be manipulated by him. I can act the part and do what I have to do without compromising my morals by using my clan and elders as a shield. But I will need help," she explained.
"What is it you want me to do?"
"Allow me to attend the council meetings and play a concerned teacher. It'll make him trust me more if you look like you don't agree with him and I getting closer and I'm doing it anyway. He'll believe that I would be willing to follow him despite your concerns."
Minato sighed and ran a hand down his face. "I really don't know if this is the right approach," he muttered. "But you're right in that there's nothing any of us can do without tipping him off. We'll talk about it more in-depth but in the meantime…" he grabbed a scroll off his desk and handed it to her. "You're going to start leading missions as a Chuunin."
Hinata's eyes widened and her heart began pounding. "L-leading?"
Minato chuckled. "You're perfectly calm talking about taking down an official and putting your life in danger but get nervous at the thought of leading a squad of Genin?"
Hinata took a deep breath before shaking her head. "I'm okay. I can do it."
"Yes, you can. And you will. You have to get more comfortable in a leadership position if you want to impress Danzo, and it'll also help you as an heiress," he elucidated.
She allowed her shoulders to slump before she nodded, accepting the mission. "I won't fail," she assured him.
He smiled. "I know. I trust in your abilities. I know it will be difficult without the team you've been with since you were a child, but branching off like that will be beneficial as well."
She opened the scroll and read over its contents. "I'll be leading Sakura, Tenten, and Shino?" It was an odd pairing to her, but with Kiba, Akamaru, Choji, and Lee out, it made sense to her. Reading more of the contents, it was a simple C-rank mission that involved escorting a wealthy woman and her child to their home village.
"That's right. It's a relatively easy mission, but you must always be prepared in case of any attacks."
Hinata bowed her head. "Yes, Hokage-sama." Then she looked up at him quickly. "Ah, I'd actually like to ask you one more thing."
He tilted his head curiously. "What is it?"
"I'd like you to teach me your space-time jutsu. You taught me the basics in the past, but I think learning it in its entirety would come in handy."
"Hm, it's an advanced technique. Not everyone is capable of learning it, but we can give it a shot. Because I am not allowed to use any chakra, I'll have one of my guards train you whenever a chance arises. Between your missions and meetings, and such."
Hinata smiled happily. "Thank you, sensei!"
"You're already familiar with one of them. He was the proctor for the final stage of the Chuunin exam, Genma Shiranui. He's laidback most of the time but very strict with his missions and training. I think you'll get along with him," Minato assured her. "The training will have to be away from prying eyes, so I suggest using your family's training grounds and taking along a trusted Hyuuga member."
"I understand. I have someone in mind." She wasn't going to bring Neji in because he'd become suspicious, but there were plenty of members who had privately pledged their loyalty to her and her father over the Elders.
She had felt uneasy when it began to happen as she didn't know if it was a trick or not, but they were all branch members who had been subjected to the punishment of their curse marks for questioning their Elders. Due to this treatment, she had reason to believe that they would work under them and decided to thank them for their loyalty. Having her own following in the clan lately, especially after hearing some details about how she so bravely underwent painful surgery to aid her comrades in bringing down an escaped criminal, had been odd at first. Now, she would put that to good and just use.
Hiashi had noticed some changed behavior toward his daughter and had secretly shown her how to activate the curse mark should she find herself in a position to have to use it for her protection. She took it in stride but requested that he not teach Hanabi.
"May I ask why?" He questioned. He wasn't against it and had intended to not teach his youngest, but he wanted to know his eldest's reasoning.
"The technique shall die when the last Elder passes on. Seeing it on their foreheads, branded and afraid of making mistakes… it is not what the Hyuuga should stand for. I apologize for speaking ill, but it never should've been made to punish. Everyone should have been branded to protect the secrets of the Byakugan," she explained.
Hiashi refrained from smiling proudly. "Hanabi will never know how to do this technique. You will be the last person to learn it. I am only teaching you as it is still an unsteady time in our clan history. Do not worry, my daughter."
"Perfect," Minato said, getting her attention.
With the curse mark in her mind, she decided to go for it. "Sensei, you're…exceptionally talented in Fuinjutsu, right?"
"I know my way around a seal here and there," he chuckled. Truthfully, while Kushina had taught him what he knew, he seemed to pick it up naturally and surpassed her along the way. "Why do you ask?"
"I'd like to do something about my family's curse mark. Do you think you could help me design something that will protect our eyes but…" she looked away, ashamed at knowing that her family could do something so cruel to the very people they were designed to protect. "Something that could not be used to inflict pain?"
He looked at her with eyes filled with understanding. "I'll look over some scrolls and get back to you. Do you think your Elders will agree?"
Hinata shrugged, something she didn't usually do but she felt comfortable with her sensei. "I'm not sure, but I will fight them on it. Even if it takes years."
Minato smiled proudly. "You're going to be a great leader for your family, Hinata. I know you will."
She smiled brightly at him and bowed her head. "Thank you, sensei." She stood up. "I should let you get back to work. I will inform you of anything I learn."
"Be careful and make sure to take it slow. Danzo is a crafty man." he squeezed her shoulder and went back to his scrolls. "You leave in three days for your mission. The others will be informed later today."
Hinata bowed her head and then left the room. Kushina was coming up the stairs with a tray and smiled when she saw her. "Hey! I still made some extras if you change your mind, sweetie," she said. Hinata saw the bags under her eyes more clearly with the help of the single light right above the stairs and felt for her sensei. She was exhausted and scared of Minato's condition and tried to do her best to help however she could.
"Thank you, sensei. if you don't mind, I'd like to wake up Naruto and spend some time with him," she suggested. "I was thinking we could go visit Mikoto-sama."
Kushina smiled sadly. "I think that would be a great idea." Hinata stood off to the side as they shared one last smile and the Uzumaki left to attend to her husband. She looked over at Naruto's shut door and giggled to herself. She was about to do something unlike her, but she wanted to provide only happy memories for Naruto to look back on while he was traveling.
She opened his door and stifled a laugh when she saw him sprawled out on his stomach as he snored with a puddle of drool underneath his face. She flicked the lights on and quickly ran and jumped onto his back. "Time to wake up!" She exclaimed.
Naruto let out a yelp and flailed at the sudden light, noise, and added weight. He quickly sat up, causing Hinata to fall off of him and onto the foot of his bed with laughter. "Hinata?!"
She sat up and smiled at him. "C'mon, let's go out today," she said. Then she noticed that he was currently only in his boxers and wanted to look away but couldn't help but giggle when she saw frogs on them.
Naruto looked down and pulled the sheets up to his chin. "H-hey! Don't ogle me!" He spluttered with a bright red face.
Hinata covered her face. "I was not ogling you!" She squeaked. "Just get dressed so we can go out for some ramen. Ichiraku should be opening soon."
At this, Naruto brightened up. "Yes, ramen!" He cheered.
She stood up and smiled at his eagerness. "I'll be waiting for you downstairs." She left his room and shut the door behind her. She fanned her face with her hand as she walked downstairs. She knew Naruto had taken his physical training seriously, but seeing the fruits of his labor really put it into perspective for her. She looked down at herself, envisioning what her own core looked like.
It made sense to her that a man's muscles would be more pronounced, but she was oddly proud of her own set of abs that rested high on her abdomen. They weren't as prominent as Naruto's but she worked hard and felt pride in herself.
They left the Uzumaki/Namikaze household as they talked about Naruto's future travels.
"And I promise to send you souvenirs, too!" He exclaimed. "All the pretty things you want. I promise I'll take care of you!"
Hinata tilted her head at the words he was using but decided not to bring it up by the look on his face. He looked pained and she didn't want to add to that.
Naruto, stuck in his own head, didn't notice the shift around her and instead was focusing on Sasuke's words from a few months ago. To take care of her in his place, if it ever came to it. He never thought it would but Sasuke always seemed to surprise him. He hadn't asked about their contract but he assumed it was still applicable by the official reason Sasuke was gone and not the real one.
"Thank you," Hinata said instead. "I'll take care of you, too."
Naruto smiled tightly at her. "We're in this together. It's just us two for now, but that bastard will come back before you know it."
She looked at him seriously. "It's…time to visit his mother," she said. "With him gone, we have to take care of her. I will do it once you leave, but we should do it together before then."
He sighed. "Yeah," he agreed. "We have to make sure she's gonna be okay until he comes back with Itachi. And hopefully, we can kick his dad into gear, too."
Hinata hummed in agreement. "It shouldn't have been all on Sasuke's shoulders."
Naruto went silent for a few moments before he stopped walking, causing Hinata to follow suit. "Sasuke said he was…terrified to go home sometimes, terrified to find her lifeless body because it all came too much. He was dealing with a lot and I wish he had let us in before it got to this point."
"Sharing personal things like that is never easy, especially when you're from a very noble clan where it's looked down upon to have issues such as that."
"You don't even talk of your clan," Naruto noted. "You change the subject when it comes up. I don't want it to reach an unbearable point, so will you promise me that you'll come to me—or anyone—if it does?" He asked.
She smiled at him sweetly. "I promise. I won't leave you either, okay?"
Naruto stared at her for a moment before sighing wistfully. "Don't give me that beautiful smile of yours so early in the morning," he mumbled, ignoring his pounding heart.
"Hm?" Hinata questioned.
He shook his head with a grin and they continued to Ichiraku's in silence.
Hinata frowned just a bit, but she had to start taking this more seriously. Tsunade was right. She needed to maintain a certain distance from Naruto, which is why she pretended not to hear what he said even though it was as if he whispered it in her ear. So close and so heartfelt. So genuine…and so gentle.
She loved her best friend wholeheartedly, but if keeping her distance was going to help him then she would do it.
Her smile appeared back on her face.
"Do you think we'll be turned away?" Naruto asked.
"We can talk our way in there," Hinata assured him with a shrug.
He laughed. "It feels like I should be saying that to you!" Though there had been a change to Hinata that was noticeable, he could see how much more determined she was. He could see her holding herself in a way that called for respect; the way an heiress would. He was both proud and concerned, but he trusted her enough to not question her. Unless she gave him a reason to worry.
Hinata knocked on the front door and was greeted by Mikoto. "Oh, hello, you two." The older woman smiled warmly but they noticed it didn't reach her eyes.
They bowed. "Hello, Uchiha-sama. We wanted to come by and see how you were doing," Hinata greeted.
Mikoto looked confused. "Well, I'm fine, dear. I hope Sasuke won't be gone too long. I worry about that boy, but I'm okay."
Naruto grinned. "We promised Sasuke we would check in, is all."
Mikoto suddenly looked ashamed, avoiding their eyes. "I see." Their family took care to not let outsiders know about her condition, but she knew it was only natural for him to tell his two best friends for support. He was too young to be dealing with it alone and she felt guilty for it every day, but she just couldn't seem to snap herself out of it.
"We're also here so Naruto can say bye," Hinata quickly added. "He'll also be leaving for an extended mission."
The Uchiha's eyes went to the blonde. "Are you going where Sasuke is?" She asked.
He shook his head. "No, I'm sorry." Frankly, that was all he could give her. Locations of long-term missions were held secret, especially to family members.
Her eyes turned sad. "No, I apologize for even asking." Then it was as if she suddenly remembered herself and quickly stepped to the side. "Forgive me! Please come in and make yourselves at home." As they walked into the genkan, they removed their shoes and stepped into the home. Mikoto quickly led them to the kitchen and gestured for them to take a seat.
A quick, subtle glace to each other, Hinata and Naruto noticed the state of the kitchen and kept their expressions soft. The sink was filled to the brim with dirty dishes, some of which were starting to pile on the counter and the stove. Small bits of food were scattered around the cooking area and even over the table they were currently sitting at, and if they moved just a bit, they could see the shiny reflection of grease splattered. To the side, an overfilled trashcan with trash spilling over the side and onto the floor.
It was heartbreaking. They had been in here for two minutes and already felt suffocated by the silence and the mess. Had Fugaku Uchiha been home since Sasuke's departure? And, if so, why had he not done anything?
They watched as Mikoto moved about the cluttered kitchen to get a pot of tea ready. "Please, um, excuse the mess. I wasn't prepared for guests." The shaky tone of her voice made it evident she was on the verge of tears.
Naruto immediately grinned and waved off her apology. "You should see my room if you think this is anywhere near bad," he laughed. They saw her shoulder relax just a bit as she kept her back to them.
"The tea will be ready in just a moment," she said.
"Distract her somehow while I clean up," Hinata whispered. Naruto nodded and stood up.
"Uchiha-sama, I was wondering if you could take me to Sasuke's room. There's something I let him borrow and I hadn't gotten a chance to get it back before he was summoned. I wanna take it with me," he lied easily.
Mikoto turned to him with an apologetic smile. "Sasuke doesn't like others in his room without his permission, I'm afraid."
Naruto urged her. "It'll be okay. Besides, there's nothing he's ever hidden from me. We've been to the hot springs together, you know!" He laughed.
Mikoto's face went red. "Oh, dear." Then she chuckled. "Okay, I'll show you."
"Would you mind helping me look for it, too? I would ask Hinata, but she's his fiancée and I'm sure it's, like, inappropriate or something for her to be in there."
"But—" She looked back at the kettle and Hinata was already standing.
"I'll prepare it. Don't worry," she assured her with a gentle smile. She hoped Naruto had actually lent Sasuke something that he could now retrieve.
As soon as she couldn't see them anymore, she took off her jacket, rolled up the mesh armor to her elbows, and began organizing the dishes as quickly as she could. She had been helping the cooks in the kitchen for a few years now and she had to learn how to wash quickly or the cooks would all but kick her out of the kitchen for holding them up. It was nice to see it pay off in such a way.
She cleaned the now-empty sink before filling it with soap and water. She shook her leg as she impatiently got to work once the water was hot enough. Pots, pans, utensils, cups, plates. It almost felt neverending as she would occasionally hear Naruto laughing but could never make out what was being said. She just prayed Naruto held her up long enough for her to quickly clean everything.
Suddenly, the kettle was whistling and she quickly took it off the fire before Mikoto could try to come rushing back for it.
Once she was done with the dishes, she wiped down the sink and the mess she had made with the water, using that opportunity to clean up the bits of food. Then, she moved on to the stove, cleaning the grease and oil as best as she could do it with the unknown time limit. Finally, she cleaned up the trash, pushed it down further into the bag, and then pulled it out of the can. She quickly replaced it and left the filled bag outside by the front door.
"He might've accidentally taken it with him, then," she could hear Naruto saying. She used the body flicker technique to move back to the kitchen to prepare the tea.
She heard Mikoto gasp when she came back down and registered the clean kitchen. "Hinata, honey, you didn't have…do that," she said, trailing off sadly.
Hinata set her cup of tea on the table. "It's an honor to be of use to my future mother-in-law," she said with a light blush.
Mikoto giggled. "Aww, you and Sasuke are going to be so cute!" Then she sighed longingly. "I can't wait to be a grandmother."
This caused Hinata to squeak as she was filling Naruto's cup, flinching when a splash of hot water hit her hand. "U-Uchiha-sama!"
Mikoto laughed. "I know, it won't for another few years but every mother's dream is to next be a grandmother." She turned to Naruto as Hinata attempted to respond but was unable to due to her pounding heart and bright red face. "What about you, Naruto? Have your parents set you up with anyone yet or do you have a girlfriend?"
Naruto, who had been wiping the water off of Hinata's hand, turned back to her with a sheepish smile. "They haven't, and I don't have a girlfriend either. Romance isn't really on the table for me right now since I'm so focused on training. I'm not really interested."
The Uchiha Matriarch sighed wistfully. "Time sure flies. You and Sasuke will be getting married before you know it." She chuckled at the Hinata's flustered state.
All of a sudden, the front door opened, and in walked with Uchiha Clan Head. He was surprised to see Naruto and Hinata but greeted them. "It's nice to see you both." Stoic as always but all three shared a secret they were hiding from the woman in the room and that made them accomplices.
The two teens stood and bowed respectfully. "It is a pleasure to see you, Uchiha-sama. Forgive our intrusion," Hinata spoke for them.
He waved it off. "I'm glad you're both here. I was actually hoping to have a meeting with you soon. I wanted your opinion on something involving our clan, Hinata. Hiashi-san has informed me that you will be taking on a bigger role in your clan," he explained.
Hinata didn't miss how he did not greet his wife, nor did he even glance at her. She also noted how her father didn't waste any time in talking to Fugaku. They must have interacted much more than she thought. She almost wanted to smile at the revelation that they were truly friends now and probably would have been from a young age if not for the hate that was passed down to them.
"Yes, I would like to begin preparing for my future role. Thank you for being patient with me," she replied, bowing again.
"Let's talk in my office." He gestured to the hall and waited for her.
"If you do not mind, I would like to request Naruto to join. He will be Hokage in the future and I believe it is important for him to learn how clan meetings work while he can," she requested.
Fugaku thought for a moment before eventually granting his permission. The two bowed to Mikoto before taking off after the Uchiha Patriarch. When he closed the door behind them, his shoulders instantly relaxed.
"There is a jutsu placed on the room. No one will be able to hear anything we say," he assured them, knowing they were anxious around his wife. "I'm glad we'll have a chance to talk before you leave, Naruto." They took the seats they were offered in front of his desk. "What can I help you with?"
Before Hinata could speak, Naruto sighed loudly. "I respect you as the Uchiha Clan Head and the fact that you're Sasuke's dad and all, but…" he trailed off.
Hinata cleared her throat. "We're here to speak with you about our altercation with Sasuke. It was…brutal."
"Yeah, he tried killing me," Naruto mumbled, ignoring the look Hinata shot him but quieting down as he didn't want to anger her.
"Uchiha-sama, I hope you'll forgive me for being so blunt, but your wife's condition. You are aware?" She asked.
Fugaku refrained from sighing and reminded himself that they were just children, barely entering the game of politics. "I'm aware."
"You left it all on Sasuke's shoulder because of shame, right?" Naruto asked. "He was suffering in silence because of that shame. No one is supposed to know or it could make the foundation of the Uchiha Clan seem shaky and unstable, but I refuse to believe that you think it was worth Sasuke's well-being." Hinata was surprised at Naruto's articulation. She knew he was smarter than people gave him credit for, but politically was a different story as he was the kind to always say what was on his mind without properly thinking of the repercussions. "He said…he was willing to do anything if it got him out of this suffocating house."
Fugaku's eyes widened at this. He knew he had put so much on his youngest son's shoulders but he was once again blinded to how badly things were going. The same mistake he made with Itachi, he had repeated with his remaining son.
"It is not too late, Uchiha-sama. Perhaps someone you trust can come by the house every day to make sure Mikoto-sama is taken care of, prepare meals, clean up, and do anything else she could need. A friend as well. I will also stop by as often as I can between training and meetings if you would allow me," Hinata suggested.
After a few moments of silence, Fugaku gave them something akin to a smile. "Thank you both for caring about Sasuke and our family. Hinata, you have my permission to come by any time you'd like. And, Naruto, you're right. It wasn't worth his well-being. It's time for me to stop running away from my own guilt and be a husband to my wife once again. I'm only ashamed it took me this long to make a move to improve our family."
Naruto and Hinata smiled at one another. "I'll ask my mom to come by when she can while I'm gone. It probably won't be very often because she staying by my dad's side."
"I was sorry to hear of your father's condition. The Police Force will do whatever it takes to assist him," he said solemnly. "I hear Tsunade-sama is working on a cure?"
Hinata nodded. "Yes. Unfortunately, it will not apply to Minato-sensei but it will save the lives of others who may fall victim to it in the future." She looked at Naruto with their silent promise to get stronger hanging between them.
"I see. There is something I wanted to talk with you about Hinata, concerning our clans." She waited patiently for him to continue. "Hiashi-sama told me how you vouched for us, for the contract to remain for the next three years. I understand you did it for Sasuke, but I wanted to thank you," he said, bowing his head. This shocked the two chuunin and Hinata instantly bowed her head as well.
"Uchiha-sama, while a part of me did it for Sasuke, I did it more for the future of the Hyuuga's relationship with the Uchiha. I do not deserve such gratitude," she admitted.
The older man rested his elbows on his desk and sighed softly. "My only two sons have personally wronged you and, while it should be an offense to the entire clan, you asked your father to keep the nature of Sasuke's departure a secret…to give him time to bring his brother back home in his own way. Any other clan would've seen that as an offense, one big enough to start a war. Especially concerning the past faults of certain Uchihas. When Minato-sama took the hat, the village finally saw us in a better light. More trusting and dependable. Even more so with our contract with the Hyuuga, who were seen in a slightly better light than us."
"Uchiha-sama, have you considered letting non-Uchiha into the Police Force?" Hinata inquired.
"I haven't. This job was given specifically to us as a gift from the Nidaime."
"Forgive me for speaking on matters that do not concern me, but perhaps that is something you should consider. Not only will it allow your own men to loosen up, but it'll also show the villagers that not the Uchiha are enforcers. It does not have to be solely on their shoulders while also painting them in a better light," she explained.
He raised a brow curiously. "Is there someone you have in mind?" He asked.
She pretended to think for a moment. "What about shinobi who were once Anbu? With the Anbu disbanded, I believe it would be better to once again utilize the talented shinobi. Perhaps even chuunin or Jonin who are interested in a career in police work," she answered.
Fugaku took a moment to think about it. His clansmen were pulled thin and extra hands would make things easier. He would talk to the Hokage about the possibility of it. He nodded. "I will take it into consideration. It is an excellent suggestion, Hinata. You've done very well. I'd say our clans are in good hands with you," he praised, a small smile on his face. His son was also in good hands with two friends such as the ones sitting in front of him.
The two chuunin bowed and stood. "Thanks for your time," Naruto said. "Have a nice lunch with your wife," he said, pointedly looking at the Clan Head.
Hinata chuckled sheepishly. "Ah, he will be better at this in the future, Uchiha-sama," she apologized, bowing her head again. "Please forgive our inexperience."
He stood up and nodded. "You have done much for our family. Looking past things like inexperience is the least I can do. Besides, I take no offense either way."
He waved them off and they were gone after saying goodbye to Mikoto. Fugaku looked at his wife. Seriously looked at her for the first time and years and couldn't ignore the bags under her eyes, wrinkled clothes, oily hair, and pale skin. He'd been hurting his wife, and it was time for him to be a husband again. He put his hand on her shoulder and smiled down at her when she looked up at him curiously.
"Will you be leaving again soon?" She asked quietly. His heart just about broke at how small this once powerful woman sounded. He wanted to look away at the damage he'd done, but he owed it to her to keep his gaze right there locked with hers.
He shook his head. "I've taken the rest of the day off." He grabbed her hands and pulled her up into an embrace. "How about we go on a date tonight?"
He felt her tense. "Out…outside?" He shut his eyes tightly at knowing she hadn't left their property in years and he'd somehow seen nothing wrong with that. The Uzumakii boy had been absolutely correct. It wasn't worth Sasuke's well-being, and it shouldn't have been worth his wife's…the love of his life.
"We can stay here if you'd like. We can do whatever you'd like to do," he assured her. "We'll get dressed up, and have a nice dinner. I'll do the cooking. You won't have to worry about a thing."
Mikoto slowly reached up and clung to his robes. She shook for a few moments before pushing her face into his chest and sobbing. He held her tighter, whispering apologies, and sinking to the ground with her.
Naruto and Hinata were about to leave the Uchiha area when they were stopped. Hinata felt a pit in her stomach at seeing Izumi. She had seen glimpses of her out in the village, but never more than a second. If she had appeared now, it was because she wanted to, and Hinata had a feeling of what the girl was going to say by the look in her eyes.
Naruto raised a brow at her in question but she didn't know how to explain it to him. Hinata bowed her head in greeting, causing him to do the same. His was more halfhearted due to the way she was looking at Hinata. He didn't like it one bit.
"Good afternoon," Hinata said.
"I heard Sasuke left," Izumi replied, getting right down to it.
"Yes, he's on an extended mission."
The girl rolled her eyes and scoffed. "I'm not an idiot! I know he probably left because of you. Just like Itachi," she spat.
Naruto glared. "Only an idiot would say something like that. And only a shitty ninja would express such emotion to a stranger," he defended.
Hinata put her hand on his arm. "It's okay, Naruto."
"Oh. This must be your actual boyfriend," Izumi chuckled sardonicly. "It makes sense you'd go after someone's best friend."
Hinata refrained from expressing any emotion that could be used against her. "Sasuke is on a long-term mission, working hard for this village and our clans. It is distasteful to reduce his departure to something so juvenile. I understand this has been difficult for you, Izumi-san, but you know nothing of me," she explained.
"How about we take this on a training ground?" Izumi hissed, taking a step forward.
"It would be lovely to spar when we become friends, but I will not fight you maliciously. One day, it will be my job to protect you and every Uchiha and Hyuuga clansman. It is a job I'm going to take very seriously." Hinata bowed her head again. "Have a good day." She grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled him away and past her, knowing he would fight Izumi without hesitation.
"You shouldn't let her talk to you like that," Naruto grumbled.
"One day I will put her in her place, but it is not any time soon," she explained. "She is not a part of my clan yet."
He sighed heavily. "This politics crap is exhausting. You sure you want a life doing this?"
She giggled. "Well, I've been learning about all this since I was a child. I've known what to expect my whole life." Naruto sighed, humming in agreement. "Are you ready to leave?" She asked.
Naruto shrugged. "Sorta. I'm not psyched about being away from all my friends and my parents, but I'm also really looking forward to it. Promise me you'll visit my dad often, okay?"
"Of course. And you'll ask Kushina-sensei to visit Sasuke's mother when she has a chance?" Naruto nodded. "I wish I could visit more, but I'm going to be starting medical training with Tsunade-sama later this afternoon."
"Is your arm healed enough yet?"
She nodded. "Yes. We're waiting until it's completely healed before I start physical training with her. Are you going to see Kakashi-sensei before you leave?" She knew their sensei had also taken it pretty hard when Sasuke left. She'd spoken to him about his trial period in ROOT and they had briefly touched on Sasuke leaving and what that meant. Of course, now, Kakashi knew more about the situation than her two teammates. She wished to tell Naruto as well, but she couldn't. She wasn't positive he could refrain from telling Sasuke should they cross paths before his fight with Itachi.
As it was, she was hoping to get everything solved before their fight but she wasn't sure three years would be enough time. She could only hope and do her best.
"Yeah, I'll take him out for ramen or something," he replied "I'm gonna miss him, too. We didn't spend a whole lot of time together as a team, not even a year actually, but he was a good sensei. He should know that."
Hinata smiled knowing that the gray-haired man would appreciate that. "He'll love hearing that." Slowly, she came to a stop. "I'm really…going to miss you," she said. She spent most of her life seeing her best friends every day and now they were going to be out of the village.
Naruto stood beside her with a sad smile before reaching out and pulling her into a tight hug. "I'm gonna miss you too. But I'm gonna write every day and I'll be back before you know it!"
Hinata wrapped her arms around his middle and smiled. "I know. I just…wanted you to know that I'm going to miss you no matter what."
"Three years seems like a long time, but I think it'll feel like a lifetime not seeing you. I'm gonna be so clingy when I come back, you'll be wishing I was still out of the village!" He joked.
She pulled back to look at him seriously. "I'd never think that," she said seriously.
Naruto stared at her for a moment before his eyes darted down to her lips, and realized how close their faces were. He caught himself, pulled away completely, and turned away. "You say that now!" He laughed loudly, overcompensating. Hinata raised a brow, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
He nodded but still couldn't look at her. "Yep! Let's…get going."
"Did I do something wrong?" She prodded. She didn't want to leave things like that when they weren't going to see each other for years.
He finally looked at her and she hadn't seen his face so red. "You didn't do anything wrong. I'd never be mad at you, okay? I can guarantee that."
She studied his face for a few more moments before smiling wide and nodding. "Okay. I would've hated for you to leave if we had a misunderstanding."
"You've got nothing to worry about." They began walking again. "What are your plans now?"
"It's Shikamaru's birthday today, so I'm going to see him before I head to the Hokage tower for my training with Tsunade-sama. What about you?"
"Tell him I said happy birthday! I'm gonna see Kakashi-sensei and then spend some time with my parents. I…I'll be gone by dawn, okay? I don't want anyone to see me off, especially you. I wouldn't be able to walk away from you, so please don't come," he said quietly. He felt ashamed for saying it and Hinata could see this. She smiled and nodded.
"I'll be waiting for your letter patiently." Naruto smiled that bright smile of his. The kind of smile that could save a person. The one that was currently saving her.
They came to a point of separation and Naruto engulfed her in another tight hug. They clung to each other for a few moments before parting with a smile. There were no words left to say as they went in their respective directions.
Hinata bit down on her lip as she kept her back to him, trying to stop it from trembling as tears began to prickle at her eyes. Her hands gripped tightly at the seam of her pants and just as she decided to turn around, she heard someone running toward her. She whipped around only to see Naruto's chest in her face before she was squeezed tight and picked up off the ground.
"I love you, Hinata," he said, voice trembling as though he was holding back emotions. And she understood how he meant it. It was the same way she meant it and that meant the world to her.
"I love you, too," she gasped softly, breathless from the strength of his hold. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and desperately wished she was strong enough to openly shed tears for him. "Come home soon."
He nodded against her shoulder. "I'll be home before you know it. We can show off how strong we've gotten first thing!" She laughed, smiling widely. It was just like him to make her laugh in these situations.
"Whoa, are you okay?" Shikamaru asked as soon as he saw her. She rubbed at her red eyes again, irritating them even more as she nodded. "Naruto's leaving soon, huh?"
"Very," she replied. They had decided to meet up at the training grounds close to the Nara residences. "How has your birthday been so far?" She asked as they took a seat beneath a tree. The breeze in the shade felt much more pleasant but it was beginning to cool down. They were entering autumn, her favorite season.
Shikamaru sighed heavily. "Well, my parents dropped a bombshell. I guess it's making me wanna ask some questions." Hinata waited for him to continue. "What's it like being an older sibling?"
Hinata's eyes widened. "Is your mother expecting?!" She asked excitedly.
"Yeah, they told me this morning as a weird birthday present of some kind. I don't know how to feel about it. I'm gonna be 13 years older than the kid. What could I possibly do for them?" He grumbled and flicked a pebble that had been between them.
"Being older than them means you'll be much stronger and you're able to properly protect them. I'm only five years older than Hanabi and she's very naturally talented. She doesn't need me to protect her, and your sibling might not either but knowing that you'll be there if they do is a wonderful feeling. You can teach them everything you know and listen to them, offer advice, and you'll have another person who was raised by the same people. Someone who will understand that part of you," she explained. "They'll be someone you'd run into danger for. Someone whose happiness and life you'd fight for. It's a feeling that you'll never be able to properly explain."
Shikamaru chuckled. "You love being an older sister, don't you?"
"I love being my sister's older sister," she corrected. "I can't see anyone else in her place and I wouldn't want to. "It may feel weird but those who come after us are the future. They're the ones we fight so hard to protect."
Shikamaru smiled at her. The way she talked, it was clear to anyone that she held her sister over just about everyone. While he was frustrated and honestly a bit upset at hearing that he wasn't going to be an only child, part of him was now looking forward to experiencing the emotion Hinata was trying to explain to him.
They sat in silence for a while before Hinata turned to him and unsealed a small wrapped gift from the seal on her wrist. "Happy birthday, Shikamaru," she said with a bright smile. His favorite smile.
He took it from her and carefully unwrapped the box before opening it. He pulled out the handkerchief and turned it over to see his name and clan symbol hand embroidered on it. He looked at it closely and could see the care she had put into it. Some parts were clumsy, but those were his favorite parts. She wasn't a professional, but she still did something so tedious for him. He unwrapped the first one she'd given him that he never left home without and stared down at them.
He did his best to take care of his first one, but he could still see through it. It wasn't as full of life as the new one but it was filled with both of their feelings. He could retire this one, tucking it safely away in his drawer and his heart while this one took its place. He handed the new one to her with a grin.
She took it and wrapped it where the old one had once been and tucked the ends in. "I promise I'll get better at it and give it more character," she chuckled.
He grabbed one of her hands that had been straightening out the handkerchief and shook his head. "I like these best. Thank you," he said, squeezing her hand. He was pleased with himself when he saw her cheeks redden.
Hinata grinned, happy that he loved what she had put her all into these past few days. "I'll keep them coming. I suppose the next one I give you will be in another five years when you turn eighteen," she promised.
"Sounds like the start of a great tradition. What should I give you for your birthday?" He asked, knowing it was coming up in December. When she was about to open her mouth to protest, he interrupted her. "Don't say nothing. I want to give you something."
"Then I'm not really sure. There's nothing I necessarily want," she admitted. "How about just some of your time?"
"You just want to spend time with me?"
She nodded. "Just like we're spending time together now on your birthday. I know it's common knowledge that Naruto and Sasuke are my best friends, but so are you." She realized she'd never told him that. And judging by the shock in his eyes, he didn't know. "I hope that's okay."
He laughed, something akin to a goofy smile plastered onto his face. "Of course that's okay. You're one of my best friends, too. I know it'll be weird not having either of your teammates in the village, so how about we make a promise to meet up at least once a week?"
Hinata perked up. "I'd love that! I'm going to start training with Tsunade-sama with medical ninjutsu and then physical training once my arm fully heals, so I apologize in advance if I show up looking unkempt," she giggled sheepishly.
"Wow, you're gonna be training under a Sannin? That's pretty cool. You're gonna be able to kick all our butts by the time Naruto comes back." He thought about her punching Tayuya's arm off every day. It was awesome and terrifying and he could only imagine what else she could do under the proper guidance.
"How about we work on your stamina?" Hinata suddenly proposed.
Shikamaru blushed at the implication. "Wh—what do you mean?"
Hinata tilted her head. "You should be able to last a long time! I won't settle for anything else," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "How about we work on it now?" She unzipped her jacket and Shikamaru's eyes widened as he gulped, staring as she pulled her jacket off in such a graceful manner that only she could manage so naturally. He sat there as she got up after setting her neatly folded jacket off to the side and tried not to let his jaw drop as he watched her stretched in the sun. He'd never seen her without her jacket and though the thought had never really (maybe) crossed his mind, he couldn't help but try not to stare at her large chest.
He'd been curious before, as a young boy growing up into a teenager with changes happening, but he also never really gave it any thought. Ino didn't really have a chest that caught his attention, nor did Sakura, or Tenten, or any other girl he encountered. With the baggy jacket Hinata wore, he wondered once or twice what she looked like without it, but it was never enough to bother him. Now, however, he found his face getting hot and having to turn away.
He was excited for whatever stamina training she had in mind. He would do his best to please her as a man should! He promised himself. He also stood and stretched. He would do this with all his might.
"Ready?" She asked.
She spoke with such confidence, as if she'd done this before and he suddenly felt shy. He hadn't thought his first time doing anything…explicit was going to be out in the open, but he was sure hardly anyone came to this training ground since it was so out of the way with other ones much closer.
"Y—yeah. So how do I… What do I do? Take off my shirt?" He asked.
Hinata's face went red. "Um, if—if you'd like. The sun is pretty hot today," she said, gesturing to her jacket. She wasn't in the habit of taking it off around others, but she trusted Shikamaru with her life. She averted her eyes as he took off his cropped shirt cover and mesh armor underneath it. She'd only seen Naruto shirtless, so it was hard for her to adjust to someone else so soon. She exhaled softly and looked back up at him.
"Okay, I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," he said, walking toward her with a chest and stomach full of nerves.
"Put me in your shadow possession jutsu," she said. He froze and his jaw nearly dropped. He didn't pin her as the type to want to use jutsu for pleasure but he certainly wasn't going to judge nor deny. He now wanted that as much as she seemed to.
"I didn't take you for the type to be into that," he grinned, putting his hands up in his family's shadow seal.
"Into what?" She asked as their shadows connected. "I'm gonna try to break out of it now. We're gonna make sure you never forfeit a match ever again." The sensation of their shadows being one felt strange to her. If she hadn't been expecting it, she would've never have felt it. Her body felt slightly tingly now that she was aware.
Shikamaru didn't know a heart could stop, drop, and race at the same time but now he did. "Wh—what?" He asked, letting his hands fall back to his side and watching as she tried to fight against it but wasn't able to. "This is the stamina training?"
"Of course," she replied, shaking with the effort. It felt strange to her for another person to have control over her body, but she was calm because it was him. She wanted to flinch at the sound of Shikamaru suddenly bursting out into a loud laughter, louder than she'd ever heard him be, and could only mimic his movements while he still had her caught. It was a very strong jutsu and she wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to break out of it. "Why are you laughing?"
He felt embarrassed but also relieved since he hadn't actually done anything embarrassing. It took a few minutes until he was able to calm down. "I just…I'm having a great time with you. There's no way you're gonna be able to break out of this, though."
Hinata took that as a challenge and steadied her breathing before she began to push back. Shikamaru could only smirk and think her cute for even trying to get out of his hold.
Maybe she knew the shadow possession jutsu. With the hold she had on his heart, he supposed anything was possible.
Hinata met with Tsunade in the Hokage's office. She had temporarily taken the seat as hers to organize paperwork for Minato and would speak on his behalf for missions until he felt well enough to come back to the building.
"Hinata, it's good to see you," she said. "Why are you so sweaty?"
"I was helping Shikamaru with his stamina," she explained. Tsunade's eyes went wide. "What's wrong?"
"How…were you doing that?" She thought the Hyuuga was head over heels for Sasuke.
"I had him put me in his shadow possession jutsu while I tried to break out of it. His chakra levels are lower than I expected," she replied. The Nara had barely managed to hold onto her for an hour.
Tsunade sighed in relief. "Oh, I see. That's very smart." She clapped her hands together and stood. "Are you ready to get to work?"
Hinata nodded eagerly as she followed the Sannin to a different area in the building. She couldn't help but stare in awe at all the books and medical equipment that littered the room.
"This is where medical ninjas study until they're ready for rotations at the hospital." Tsunade set out a few scrolls and unsealed them. Each of them held different injured fish and animals. "Now, I want you to heal all of these. I'm going to time you. I need to see where exactly you are. Begin!"
Hinata sprang into action. She began with the injuries she deemed more serious looking. She wanted to use her doujutsu, but she realized she relied too much on it while healing. Her mistress didn't have an ocular jutsu and she was the greatest in the shinobi lands. Hinata could do it, too.
She kept her heart steady and took deep breaths as she healed them all, one by one. Kushina had taught her well starting from a young age and she was confident in her abilities. Whatever Tsunade found wrong, she was confident she could improve beyond expectations.
When she finished, she stood off to the side and waited patiently for Tsunade to look over her work.
"This is pretty good work," she praised. "You did well. Have you ever treated a critical condition on a person before?"
She shook her head. "I haven't. I worked on Choji-san for a few moments before sending him back to the village, but his condition was severe. I didn't have the tools or the ability to heal him at that time," she explained.
Tsunade took it in. "I see. What do you know of medication?"
"I'm knowledgeable in naturopathic and holistic ideas. I have a greenhouse where I tend to a multitude of plants that allow me to make salves, eye drops, tablets for joint pain, headaches, pain, and so on. But I don't know anything about how the medication administered in the hospital is made."
"Then that's where we'll start. Because you've been training in medical ninjutsu from a young age under another talented pupil of mine, we don't need to worry about basic or even intermediate skills. Have you ever worked in the hospital?"
She shook her head. "I had to study it on my own at home or the library because my Elders disapprove of me having this skill."
"No offense, kid, but your Elders suck and they get on my nerves. I'll send them a letter myself, so you don't have to worry about them. Once you get used to the hospital, I want to see if you're capable of doing surgery. But that won't be for another few months, at least. I want to work on your physical training first. I noticed that you nearly had my moves down, so I know what you're capable of," Tsunade explained. "I'm not going to take it easy on you. You may end up with more broken bones, bruised bones, regular bruises, and concussions, but you will be ready by the time Naruto comes back. I can guarantee that."
Hinata smiled excitedly and bowed deeply. "Thank you so much for taking me under your wing, Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade smiled gently. "A bet's a bet, but I think I would've trained you either way. You're talented and the right person to be a medic. You've done great work on your own up until now." She put her hand on Hinata's shoulder and squeezed. "I'm proud of you." Though Hinata had declared it herself, it wasn't until now that Tsunade would agree.
Hinata Hyuuga was going to surpass her, and she was going to help her get there.