A large ball of white fluff pounced on me and sent me sprawling to the ground. I hissed at the impact of my shoulder but grinned nonetheless as a rough tongue licked up my face multiple times.

"Akamaru! You're so big oh my gosh." I couldn't wrap my arms around the puppy who used to fit on my head and instead I hugged the canine tightly as he barked happily. I giggled as he stayed on top of me, licking my cheek and I scratched behind his ears getting a happy whine. He licked at my shoulder, smelling the wound but I told him it was ok, getting another happy bark.

"Akamaru where'd ya run off to boy..." Kiba looked at Akamaru attacking me, only able to see the blue strands of my hair. He took a sniff and then another, recognizing it instantly before moving Akamaru off me and pulling me into a ferocious hug as well. Kiba was a great deal taller than me now and definitely a lot stronger. He pressed his nose into the top of my head and inhaled before laughing loudly. "I could never mistake that wet grass smell for anyone else, even if you stink of blood." He rubbed his fist into my skull.

"And you still smell like fleas, dog boy." Akamaru barked in agreement and Kiba shot him a look of betrayal. I grinned smugly, the pup has always had my back.

"Least I'm not a shrimp." I swatted at him but he just laughed jovially. "Man, I can't believe you're home. I was so pissed when you left and only gave me a damn letter."

"Kinda had no choice." I motioned to the people behind me and he nodded, his eyes narrowing into slits before turning back to me and smiling, exposing his sharp canines.

"Wait 'til ma hears you're home. She's gonna flip."

"It feels like forever since I've seen her and Hana. Speaking of forever, where's Shino?" I winked at Kiba and he glared at me, his cheeks blushing a faint pink. At least that means they are still together.

"He's on a mission with his father right now but he said he'll be back tomorrow so we can all go out! We can even stop by to see Kurenai-sensei, you won't believe how fat she's gotten now that she's pregnant."

"Heck yeah! I knew her and Asuma-Sensei would finally do the deed." Hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me behind the half-naked form of Hidan. Note to self, get him clothes that involve shirts and don't make him look like a pimp.

"Who the fuck is this mutt."/"Who the hell is this guy?!" They shouted at the same time, glaring at one another. Akamaru and Kiba both growled while Hidan's hand went to grip at his scythe. God, why am I friends with such hot headed people who think violence is always the best way to get somebody to talk.

"As fun as this testosterone fest is...both of you... Stand. Down." I swiftly moved between the two and put my hand on Akamaru to calm down the pup. He instantly relaxed when he knew there was no threat but Kiba and Hidan were still tense and glaring at one another. I slapped my hand to my forehead and pointed between the two wild boys. "Kiba this is Hidan. Hidan this is Kiba." Hidan relaxed and smirked haughtily and we all tensed to see what offensive thing was going to come out of his mouth this time.

"Oh so this is the gay-ass fucker." (Get that double meaning and no offense to anyone who is gay or anything but like this is Hidan talking and everything no matter what kind of comes out offensive) Kiba growled, already getting shit from other villagers and he didn't need some other creep giving him crap for who he loved either. I turned and punched Hidan, sending him crashing to the ground.

"Don't be an asshole, what happened to you saying things in a less dick-ish manner when you meet people."

"I was being nice dammit." He grinned up at me and slowly licked the blood that was dripping from his lip. "Shit, hot bitch I love when you hit me."

"Kakuzu." One word was all that was needed. The old geezer hit Hidan in the neck and the Jashinist went limp, I slyly handed Kakuzu 150 Ryo. Hidan was wrapped and immobilized in Kakuzu's tendrils and swung over Kakuzu's shoulder like a sack. Kiba gaped open mouthed at the display, Izumo and Kotetsu also looking on in a mix of horror and awe.

"No messing around." Kotetsu barked at us and now with a quieter group, we finished making it to the T&I department. The building was as dark and ominous as always, I could practically feel the sadistic laughter floating out of the place.

"Bye Hinata-chan, good to see you. I'm glad you're home even if you brought some..." He looked over the former Akatsuki members in confusion, "...weirdoes home with you." I laughed at the accuracy of his statement and gave him one more hug, he punched my shoulder amicably and I leaned down to let Akamaru give a sloppy lick to my cheek before Kiba mounted the dog and bounded off. We were all blindfolded, nobody putting up a fight, and led through a winding maze of hallways. My blindfold was ripped off and I fluttered my eyelids to adjust to the low lighting. There was a loud thump of Hidan hitting the floor and we all faced ahead and I jumped in fright at the very intense and accusatory glare Tsunade was sporting.

"Bringing home just Itachi-san, stopping the Akatsuki from their evil deeds, huh? Is that why there are 4 Jinchuriki residing in my village on your orders?" She crossed her arms and tapped her fingers impatiently against her green jacket. I fidgeted in my spot, giving her a sheepish smile.

"Well, uh, you see Master..." She brought her fist down on the table next to her and it was crushed into pieces. She glared down everyone else with me and they just stared back, humored by my demeanor and impressed with her strength.

"I trust your judgement Hinata-chan, but if they pose even the slightest threat to the village, you are dealing with the repercussions. I've decided on plenty of new ways to make you useful since your mission." Her glare shifted and her pink lips curled into a devious smirk.

"Of course Lady Tsunade."

"Hinata Hygua and Itachi Uchiha, follow Inoichi into a separate room." I moved to grab Itachi's arm and lead him to where Inoichi was standing, his normally kind face was stone cold. Tsunade turned to the other members and narrowed her chocolate orbs menacingly. "You S ranked rogue ninjas are going to be interrogated thoroughly and that will determine whether or not you can receive solace from this village. It will be easier for all of us if you tell the truth." She spun on her heel, her cloak billowing behind her. "And somebody wake up the sleeping brat." Ibiki came out and cracked his knuckles as Itachi and I were escorted to another room. There were two chairs placed in the center while Anko and Tsunade were standing in the corner. Anko winked and I gave her a grin back.

"Long time so see kiddo. Glad to see you finally grew into that big mouth."

"Yeah, I'm sorry you didn't grow into yours." She chuckled and flipped a kunai in her hand and Itachi and I took our seats.

"Cheeky little shit."

"Hinata Hyuga, your mission was to halt the Akatsuki's ability to collect all 9 tailed beasts and bring home Itachi Uchiha so he can be pardoned of his crimes. What do you declare your mission?"

"The mission was a success Master." A smile played on my face as I answered, time to really fuck everything up.

"Glad to hear. From this moment forward, your undercover mission is declared complete and you are free to re-join your place in the village. You will be given your next mission later today." She was stern and commanding when she talked but there was also a warm twinkle in her hazel orbs.

"Thank you Master." I bowed my head slightly and Tsunade chuckled.

"Now that all that crap is done...come here brat." I grinned and wasted no time to let her ingulf me in a bone crushing hug. Even with my shoulder being sore, it didn't matter as I laughed happily into her chest. I was ever so thankful my head was no longer right at her bosom and wouldn't be suffocated by her. She moved my hair to the side slightly and smirked at the seal on my forehead."You did good kid. I'm happy to have you back."

"I'm happy to be back."

"Now, while we take care of the rest of your... friends. Go home, I'm sure you're itching to see your family. Be back here no later than one hour from now." She released me from a hug and pointed towards the door. I smiled brighter and bounced on the heels of my feet in excitement.

"Thank you!" I turned to Itachi and put my hand over his. "I'll be back and we can go find Sasuke together." He nodded his head and relaxed back into his seat.

"Hn." I left in a rush, spouting out a promise to go get Dango with Anko and Zabuza as soon as possible. When I left Tsunade stared down Itachi who still had his eyes closed.

"Itachi Uchiha, former ANBU, declared rogue after the massacre of the Uchiha clan. However, after finding out that Danzo Shimura was the one to orchestrate the entire execution as well as the attempted murder of Shisui Uchiha for the sake of gaining power. I, Tsunade Senju the 5th Hokage, declare you innocent of all charges against you and reinstate you as a Shinobi of Konohagakure. Before you can announce your return to the village, you will under go a psych evaluation."

"Aa. I understand. Thank you for your generous acceptance back into my home. I will do my best to protect and serve my home." He bowed his head cordially and allowed them to knock him out without so much as a flinch. Inoichi placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder and entered into his minds cape that for the first time, Itachi left fully open so they could explore his memories.

When Inoichi pulled out of Itachi's memories, there were tears in his eyes. Even as a hardened warrior, the things Itachi was forced to go through because of the village and his family was devastating. However, the love Itachi held for his brother and the place he should despise is so great, he truly embodies more than the will of fire, he embodies the spirit of peace. A verbal statement form the Yamanaka was given and Itachi was cleared as an asset to the village, if he could be healed from his sickness. That was the most worrisome thing but Hinata said she has a plan so they will have to hope it will work. Itachi doesn't deserve to die from something like a sickness after he has already had so many struggles. They woke the Uchiha up and Inoichi put a comforting hand on Itachi's shoulder.

"Itachi Uchiha, you truly are a hero and I want you to know that you have the support and thanks of the entire Yamanaka clan. We will stand behind you and make sire the rest of the village hails you like the hero you are." Itachi, humbly arrogant, didn't believe that he was a hero. He felt unworthy of the title of hero, he felt like a coward and deserved more hate. A manic depressive thought process that no matter what he couldn't get himself fully out of that mentality. Yet, with his supposedly limited time left in life, he would aid those worthy of being a hero to bring about a peaceful world for his little brother and the generations to come to live in.

"Your words are too kind Yamanaka-sama."

***

I moved quickly across the rooftops, my heart palpitating quicker and quicker the closer I got to the Hyuga compound. I was nervous, excited, happy. I had a slew of emotions and I all revolved around how much I loved my family and I couldn't wait to see all of them again. I scaled the wall to the compound and silently made my way to the center where my home resided. My chakra was suppressed, not that it would help with anybody using the Byakugan but hopefully I'd be able to make it inside before anybody tried to stop me. When I reached the front door I applied some of my chakra to the seal and the door slid open. One of the brach family members, my head maid Rukia, came to greet me at the door, probably expecting something else and her small placid expression moved from horror, to shock, to excitement.

"Hinata-Hime, is that really you?" She was breathless and smiling softly towards me, still in disbelief that I was home. It felt surreal to me as well.

"I'm home Rukia-san." She pulled me into a soft hug.

"You have grown into such a beautiful young lady. Your mother would be so proud." She released me and then brightened up. "Oh my gosh, I need to go alert Hanabi-hime and Hiashi-sama. They will be thrilled to know you are home. Neji-sama is out training with his team right now but he will be happy to have you home as well. Hanabi-hime has been waiting for you since you left." She clasped her hands and prepared to leave but I stopped her.

"Wait, please don't tell them it's me. Just make sure they come find me." I smiled excitedly, unable to contain the fluttering in my chest.

"Ohh how exciting. I will fulfill your wishes Hinata-hime, just wait here." She rushed off and I waited for a second before the almost silent patter of feet tapped against the tatami flooring. Hanabi stepped out of the hallway, composed as always. She was dressed in a training kimono decorated in lovely pale purples and tans of our clan. When she saw me, the simple smile she had on shifted completely.

"Hi hime. I'm home." I smiled, grinning at my beautiful little sister, she was gorgeous and tears pricked my eyes at seeing her in what felt like forever.

"Nee-chan?"Her entire face lit up and she rushed at me. I dropped my bag on the floor and held my arms out. She jumped into them and I pulled her tightly into me. "Nee-chan. Y-you are finally home." Her tears wet my shoulder as she sobbed happily into my shoulder. I kissed her cheek over and over, rubbing her short brown hair softly as to not mess it up.

"I missed you so much. I missed you Hime." I mumbled over and over. "You are so beautiful and grown. Truly a princess." The tears I was holding back finally fell and I couldn't stop them. My face had a dopey smile for sure as I continued to hold Hanabi in my arms. Another chakra entered the room and I looked up from Hanabi to see my dad. He had a diagonal scar running the length of his face but other than that, he looked healthy.

"Hinata-chan?" his Byakugan activated as he studied my chakra briefly, seeing if I was an imposter or not.

"Otousan." He breathed out a heavy sigh, his shoulders seemed to relax and he engulfed Hanabi and I into his arms and we all sank to the floor. His hand was cupping the back of my head and the other was wrapped around the both of us, pulling us tightly to him. I pressed my head into his shoulder and cried more. The last time I had saw him I could only remember his face, him saving me and for a minute I thought I had lost him. But now, here he is holding us to him showing affection that was unusual for the Hyuga clan.

"You have a lot to explain."

"I know."

"You are in a lot of trouble."

"I know." I smiled at the familiarity, letting out the softest of laughs. Hanabi giggled as well.

"That being said, I am glad to see you home safe." His arms tightened around us and he pressed his forehead to mine before pulling away.

"Me too."

"Was your mission a success?"

"Yes Otousan."

"Good. I will have Rukia take your things and make sure your room is prepared for you to sleep in as well as alerting the elders of your return." The unspoken this is going to be hell made me laugh.

"Thank you Otousan."

"Of course my daughter. Did the men who returned me to the village come with you?"

"Yes."

"Bring them for a proper thank you."

"I will...just be warned. Hidan is a bit...eccentric." I laughed at the thought of the two large and uncouth men coming to have dinner with my family. That will surely be a fun time, I can only imagine the hilarity of Hidan talking to sweet little Hanabi. As long as he doesn't say anything bad to her, it will be great. I'm sure the elders will be pleased with my choices in friends, Naruto was already an uproar. I fear that Neji would be the one to punch him in the face for his...language choices and never ending flirting with me.

"It does not matter."

"Never thought I'd see the day we have rogue ninja over for dinner."

"R-rogue...doesn't that mean they are bad? Are t-they scary Nee-chan?"

"They are not necessarily good and Kakuzu is kind of scary but he and Hidan won't do anything to hurt you. Kakuzu just likes money and Hidan has a big mouth." Hanabi let out a soft giggle smiled sweetly.

"They sound fun Nee-chan."

"They are." I only had about 30 minutes before I needed to go back to the T&I department and dad left to go speak with the elders which left Hanabi and I together sitting in her bedroom. At 11 Hanabi was much bigger than when I'd left but she was still small enough that I could hold her in my lap. She told me stories of the academy and how she still had a crush on Konohamaru. Although she wasn't the most outgoing and she was shy, she was still ranked at the top of her class. Neji was also training her in clan techniques and like him, she was extremely talented at it. She also continued her lessons with Lady Seiko and was extremely perfect at everything having to do with grace and being a 'proper' lady. She loved her time with Lady Seiko and really enjoyed getting to dress up and do tea ceremonies almost as much as she loved her training as Kunoichi.

"Ino-nee lets me go to the shop with her and I get to help with the flowers. She has been really nice. I'm glad you are friends with her. She even helped me make bouquets for father while he was in the hospital and made sure Neji-nii and I had foods to eat."

"Ino really is awesome isn't she. I'll have to thank her. Would you want to help me make her something special?"

"Yes please." She caught me up on a few of the more important details of life before it was time for me to leave.

"I love you Hime. I'm so proud of you."

"I love you too Nee-chan." I kissed the top of her head and promised to be home as soon as possible then left the compound.

***

"So what is the news Master."

"You really brought some interesting people into our village. None of them are loyal to Konohagakure but they are all loyal to you, well mostly. That blonde terrorist is the issue as of now, he seems to harbor some sort of resentment with you." I winced at that. Deidara really was mad at me and I can only hope I can fix it. "You sure have an interesting group of friends, they almost make Naruto seem normal. Their special set of skills will be beneficial to the leaf and as long as nobody decides to attack, I have granted them solace here. They are going to be staying at the Uchiha compound with Itachi-kun." I grinned, knowing they were able to stay was fantastic news.

"Thank you Lady Tsunade."

"The sickness plaguing Itachi-san is very serious. I have never seen somebody survive this long with a disease that pressing. I can only guess that it is because of his will to see his bother once more, but I do not know if there are any counter measures. Any procedures need to be done within the week. I don't believe he will make it past that point."

"Sasori and I have a plan for that." I explained what we had come up with and left room for her expertise to put in her two sense.

"That might just work. I will help you with whatever you need. I'm pushing back your mission briefing until we have the Itachi-san situation solved"

"Thank you."

"Now leave me and go take your friends to their compound, the silver haired brat is annoyingly loud. I'll let Shisui-kun and Sasuke-kun know you are home, they will meet you there. And for the love of god, go find Naruto. If that brat shows up in my office another time asking about you I will send him to the hospital...and by that stupid look on your face, you are just as excited to see him as he is you."

"I am." I can just imagine the bright and foxy smile of his already, his verbal tick, and how he's probably taller than me now. Tsunade brought Itachi to us and together we went into the room I was first in when our blindfolds were removed and everyone was sitting around, some looking more ruffled than others. Deidara refused to meet my eye and still had a frown on instead of his usually energetic expressions.

"You are all welcomed as residents and protecters of Konohagakure. If you turn against the village you will be killed. Now, get the hell out." Tsunade slammed the door and left, probably to grab a drink against Shizune's wishes. Kisame grinned.

"I like your Hokage little Orokamono, she's feisty."

"Yeah, she's a badass." I nudged Suigetsu to get him to stand up. "Ok so time to go see your new home and you guys can meet the rest of my most favorite people in the world."

A/N: FIRST ONE WAS KIBA!! None y'all expected that I bet.. Anyways we're finally going to reunite with Sasuke, Shisui and the rest of the gang in the next two chapters so be ready. I added some family moments because those are always good.. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and more fun and fluff to come especially with the boys....and some angst and fluff with Hinata an Deidara since he's still pissed. Love you all thank you so much for reading