Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 35-
Cinnamon Smoke

Later that week, Mitsuyo and Sasuke drank sake and cursed Konoha for all it's worth. She could hear the drunken humms of Mitsuyo and the bitter laughs from Sasuke.

The two have gotten back on good terms surprisingly well. It was a wonder that Sasuke was the first to reach out for a better friendship. Mitsuyo was wary when Sasuke asked what the clan was like. With a twinkle that seemed too unusual nowadays was seen.

She remembers stitching and hearing Mitsuyo laugh through a smile. "We were... the staple figure for power, luxe, and perseverance... Aside from having the best and strongest members, home was our district. We didn't fit in with the rest- they had problems with the way we loved and how much we hated. Our district was the most lavish! The decorators had it all right. The fountains you'd see, the way the streets sparkled and our gardens. I've tried to recreate the public Uchiha garden here but it could never serve its purpose. We were just too great. You'd see us with fireworks during the summer. That's why I do fireworks, just for the sake of it. For an obnoxious annual challenge- like the chunin exam for the kids but solely for the Uchiha. The men would get so angry. There would be an Uchiha pride day when for three days and three nights- all of us would drink, party and cause mischief. We'd use the fireball techniques to grill our meat. If you didn't have a cousin, a brother, a family member who knew the jutsu- tough steaks for you to eat,"

Sasuke actually asked, "Any more stories?"

Mitsuyo had a lot to tell. It was like they never fought at all. They talked about Konoha with much affection, even if they say they hate it. They bond over the Uchiha's death and exchange cynical comments. It worked. Somehow, for them, it worked well.

Hinata didn't want to interrupt them and their brooding, so she stayed with a dozing Someina in the living room. The kids weren't exactly quiet or mindful of the sleeping nanny and hollered, fought and cried a bunch. Someina gave up on napping and decided to make the boys ramen noodles. Sasuke brought up the fact that their "future sensei," liked ramen and they decided to give it a try.

It's hilarious. Sasuke tried strenuously to get the kids to resent ramen but they savored it dearly, except for Hinata. She grew to dislike noodles over the span of five years. Perhaps her relinquished feelings for Naruto made her hate them or because she ate ramen too much during the year Sakura and Naruto got married. She ate Neji's favorite food every day when in morning a year after he died. Perhaps she just genuinely dislikes noodles because of the feelings associated with Naruto-

But that's not important.

Amarante was poking at the flowers in Hinata's hair, still picking at her kanzashi. She pulled the flower from Hinata's hair and smelled it. Her face scrunched up at the acute inhalation of pollen and perhaps the botanic scent. She wound up her small body, sneezed adorably and Hinata laughed, the melodic sound rising from her heart. A smile floated from Hinata to Amarante's lips when she checked Hinata's face.

Hinata adjusted the flower to be in Amarante's hair. Amarante danced in her spot. She caressed her cheek and tapped Amarante's knee to the beat of the Kumo music. Konoha music was solely based on the koto and flue. Kumo was loud and exciting with all the drums and loud percussion sounds. Or it could be soft and subtle, like the pitter-patter of rain.

She will miss the awful humidity and splendid rain. Now for sunny times!

Benjiro used a noodle perched on his upper lip and said, "Hey! Look at me, I'm uncle Rai,"

Taiyo laughed and Hiromitsu grinned. He was beside her, tucked under her arm. He mostly liked sitting quietly and observing, laughing when his siblings were being... whimsical. He was like her and Sasuke in many ways.

"I heard Konoha has dragons!" Taiyo exclaimed, eating his soba/ramen noodles on the couch. It's an adamant rule to not eat in the living room. Since it was the last night they were in Kumo, she'd have some leniency.

"Get real! They have jinchuriki which is way more awesome than dragons!" Benjiro said. "Naruto is gonna teach us how to be cooler,"

Hinata doesn't necessarily want to give Naruto free reigns when accompanying her kids. She isn't sure of his random energy spikes of determination. The kids might tire easily... The Raikage was steady and trained but... Naruto- he is the only person who could help her son...

"It's Naruto-sensei, be respectful," Hinata said softly.

Benjiro stood up and grinned. "Naruto-sensei's gonna teach me! Cool!"

Taiyo looked jealous. His depressed gaze fell on Hinata. "An' me too, Nata? Right?" Taiyo asked hopefully.

Hinata nodded. "Of course,"

Amarante looked thoughtful and she bounced on the couches with Benjiro. "Uncle Kaka-baka is gonna be happy with me," Amarante jumped, bumping into Taiyo.

"Careful now," Hinata warned.

Benjiro crossed his arms. "Hn. Why you?"

Taiyo, who stood beside the four-year-old girl, shoved Amarante lightly. "Why only you?" Taiyo snarled, unhappy with the girl's statement.

"Because I'm a hime! And a girl, so better than you stinky boys!" Amarante said.

Kaka-baka? She must have heard it from... Sasuke. Hinata felt herself smiling. Why are siblings always at each other throats? They scratch, they punch they sometimes cry... It leads to wars- paint wars, most likely. It always ends with Hinata separating them when it gets too physical. Then they're begging to play with each other. It's just... the way they work as a unit.

Before the boys could retaliate, Amarante stopped jumping and the teasing attitude was gone. "And I like Kakashi lots! He has an eyepatch! Like me an' Hiro,"

Hinata stiffened. The twins had to cover their left eyes with an eyepatch for the past months. The eyepatch has a cooling gel with cream to soothe their angry eyes. It results in them... being confused and embarrassed.

Benjiro seemed to be caught off guard with that answer and ruffled her hair, giving her an affection noogie. She didn't scream about the boys ruining her hair. "There's nothin' wrong with your eyes! They're beautiful," Benjiro said, beaming.

Amarante grinned, patting down her mild hair displacement. "Really?"

Benjiro nodded and jumped to the couch Hinata relaxed with Hiromitsu on. He proceeded in kissing Hiromitsu's forehead. "Your's either, kay? Don't get it twisted," he said sincerely.

Moments like these, she knew the kids would be just fine.

Hiromitsu tugged on Hinata's shirt. "Does uncle Kakashi have an eye-patch?" he whispered.

Benjiro smiled deviously, getting quiet and low. "Yep! And you know what men with eye-patches do, you know? They scare little boys like Uchiha Hiromitsu! You'll never see us again,"

Amarante gasped, near tears and Hiromitsu was frozen in fear. "Benjiro!" Hinata called out. "Never say things like that,"

Hiromitsu tensed and turned to Hinata, wrapping a trembling arm around her waist. "I-is that true?"

"No," Hinata assured him.

Benjiro shrugged then grinned at Hinata. Hiromitsu seemed to forgive Benjiro and allowed Amarante to yell at the older boy for scaring her. Amarante punched Benjiro's gut and Taiyo joined in on the fighting, all of them grinning. Laughing.

Hinata sighed and said, "Guys stop, c'mon, you'll get dirty. No broken bones before we go to Konoha,"

Taiyo was the first to push away the rest. "What's Konoha anyway?" Taiyo asked.

Interested in what she had to say, the kids plopped beside her.

She forced a smile, focusing on the positives. She felt nervous. "Uhm- in the fire country," Hinata said, smoothening out her too-long bangs from her eyes. "It's where I grew up. The buildings and izakayas where your father and I- the Hyuuga district is so beautiful. There are ramen shops and training centers. There's many of my friends. Your aunt is there,"

"But aunties- Meina and Mitsu are here," Benjiro scratched his head.

Hanabi... is uh... their real aunty. Hinata suddenly felt bad. They never got to meet their aunts. She really avoided talking about Hanabi and Neji until as of recently. They're strangers to her kids. "Yeah. You'll meet my family! They'll love you. You all are gems!"

Amarante smiled.

"And please behave nicely! No shenanigans!" She poked Benjiro's and Taiyo's foreheads.

"We represent the Uchiha clan and we're cool. Everyone else needs to know that, right? Uh, stick close together and most importantly- stay safe and have fun!"

They all cheered. She hopes it won't be so bad.

¤¤¤

Today was the day. They're leaving.

Hinata was in a new sheer black traveling cloak. Not yet strapped to her back were her katana blades and scroll paper. Her hair- was braided into an intricate design. She wanted to wash the silver out but Sasuke said to keep it. Just in case things go south and the reunion fails. She could remain as Natsukawa Momo with four beautiful kids. Elsewhere.

Taiyo was upset that they were leaving his pet again.

As she sealed away the last thing, she turned to look around at their navy master bedroom. There were loads of creams and perfumes on the bathroom counter, an array of bath toys were scattered around here, and paintings hanging. All of it was gone.

This place was astoundingly different. Bare. Mitsuyo was worried that looters would steal from their humble abode and sell her stuff. It was a real possibility but Hinata thought Mitsuyo was being excessively paranoid. Sasuke simply stayed distant, emotionally. Physically, he laid around, cuddling with her, locked in his... deep, dark thoughts. She didn't want to lose him to that obscurity. Both have been drinking more and speaking less.

Sasuke wasn't mad at her for taking them to Konoha but he is upset. She tried to be supportive but he was pushing her away. It hurt. It was understandable. She usually soothed his pain but she needs to do this. She needs to see everyone, telling them she's not dead.

Someina was bummed out. Earlier, she stared at her bracelet's cord and the clunky beads are strewn across the floor. Heartbreak showed on the face of the smiling sweetheart. Her gift that her deceased sister gave her broke.

The kids tried to fix it and she smiled.

All the kids were bundled up. They had their suitcases prepped, their backpacks ready and they were fed. Someina was checking on them and waiting for Hinata. Sasuke was in the yard, going to buy the last of the malt liquor he could get. Apparently, he likes the alcohol better in Kumo.

Karin and Suigetsu were on their way. Tsugetsu was very cranky. Kameya was sick and Tsugetsu wasn't the oldest. He was only five months old. She had an easy pregnancy. Was Hinata jealous?

Everything felt strange. Something big was going to happen. Perhaps she heard some ticking but that was just her paranoia getting out of hand.

The silence in the room teetered on an edge.

The main plan was to fly all the way to Kumogakure, stopping every once in a while getting the essentials.

The moment she sensed that chakra- the silence fell and broke.

A brief chuckle bounced off of the walls. "Lovely day to move, isn't it?" A calm, male voice drawled. Fear vibrated through her.

Someone was in the room! Right now! Using the arm bracers Sasuke gave her, she summoned fourteen senbon and launched it at the unfamiliar source of chakra. It smelled- like cinnamon-flavored smoke. Cigarettes?

She twirled on her heel, sword in hand. Her cloak settled afterward.

He dodged all of the senbon.

It was a man- smoking. A space carved around his lips allowed him to smoke, a tobacco pipe hanging from his shadowed lips. Two diagonal yellow lines streaking the black mask he wore was so contrasting to his consistent dark clothing. The loose shinobi pants he wore was overlooked when Hinata saw the black leather gloves and an old-style haori jacket hanging off of his broad shoulders.

He casually released the smoke fumes, chuckling softly. His disposition- so relaxed and friendly. Smoking away, knee jutted out while leaning on the wall and chuckling.

She felt unnerved by his quietly aggressive behavior. Not the usual leeching, when men stare at her like a hungry dog stares at meat- the unsettling kind. It was more than objectification- or want. It was how death stared at life before taking it away forever.

She steadied herself. "How did you get in here?" Hinata yelled. He chuckled- it was like Hinata attacked him in an offensive way. He dodged all of her attempts. They stayed on opposite ends of the room.

"I'd figure a visit wouldn't hurt," he blew out white smoke. "Outside a cave,"

Hinata's hands sparked up with the Chidori. He... he was in the cave with her? That didn't make sense. Her byakugan showed that the kids were safe and Someina was on guard. The master bedroom was just above the kitchen. She just needed to be directly over them so she could seal off that part of the house. She shuffled around.

He seemed to take her steps as nervous movement. He sounds like he's smiling. "You offer a thin veneer of temporal happiness when near. I've imagined this moment. Under many circumstances and fantasies. Nothing compares to this truth,"

"You were Hychu Taichirou! You bastard!" Hinata yelled. "Causing my family all this pain! I cannot believe you have the audacity to step into my house-"

"It was my house before Kozakura threw me away like a bag of cigarette buds,"

What is that supposed to mean? That didn't deter her from the fact he and Akuma-oo-sama ruined her on multiple occasions. "What do you want with me? What are you?" Hinata yelled.

He brushed off his shoulder with his black gloves. "I am nothing. I am everything. I can be something that is endless just I could die. I could be infinite, not deeply but widely if I succeed," Taichirou said. "Perhaps I am about patience, the hope of redemption or being whole,"

"You're a coward who hides behind your mask. You have the sharingan and ressources to help us. Yet you stole from the Uchiha and warped reality,"

"I did not steal my power. Despite my family abandoning me, my mother being a foster parent, my father running for Hokage and losing, I still earned every single thing I have. I do not have Benjiro but I will,"

"If you're Benjiro's father- why are you punishing us for loving your child? What are you doing here?" Hinata asked.

"I need pieces to make a whole. The re-establishment of a fair society, peace, harmony, and justice within the walls of our sorrowful global community. I see that Uchiha Sasuke has told you of my existence. I protected you, through blood, water, and fire. Everything bad comes free to us but good things come at a cost. He owes me a death,"

"You're a psychotic killer,"

"No. No. Nope, my goal is to restore what once was lost. A clan if you will. Even if it costs a life. Replace all the damaged organs and shift than for functioning healthy being with me as the renewer,"

"What about the old buildings? What about the people you kill who have people in the waiting room, who loved them. What about all those things?" Hinata gritted her teeth.

He shrugged. "Buildings eventually fall like civilizations will. People disappoint. Love ceases. Everything is fleeting and weak. However, the one constant in life is pain upon others. And with that notion, revenge is eternal,"

He sounds like the Sasuke she met five years ago. He sounds... like a grieving Uchiha.

Taichirou reached his leather hand out. "We could do revenge, together. You have faced a lot of discrimination and hurt in Konoha. You could have been apart of the juvenile Sasuke's creed. Despite our combined reputations, we should take revenge together,"

It was an offer. He wanted her to drop everything she had and run away with him... to take revenge. It was just three decent nights in the rain- how could he gave.... Why does he want her so much?

"I have asked your father's hand in marriage. I was that suitor you were meant to meet five years ago before you left,"

"My- my father. You aren't a Hyuuga. How could he say yes to you?" Hinata sputtered.

"I can be charming," Taichirou said. "And persuasive. I have other methods of working. Say blowing up the Hyuuga compound was an incentive,"

"In all my lifetimes, I would refuse. I will never be with you or Akuma-oo-sama,"

He released a low sigh, amused. "Careful what you say. The opposite may happen, by force,"

"You'll never take me,"

"Challenge accepted," he whispered. His opened palm became a tight fist. His gentle tone was seething and warning. It left a pit in her stomach. "Seeing as you refuse my offer to run away with me, burn as the rest of you will,"

Burn?

He spoke with the pipe in his mouth. He was more unhinged, with a rather rude tone of voice. "You have an ultimatum. Come with me or see the flames,"

"I won't go with you and what flames?"

"Very well," Taichirou nodded. He pulled back his glove to expose his wrist. There was a radio or a communication device and he softly said, "Yes. Commence the timer,"

"What?"

"This is the consequence," he said, putting the pipe back into his mouth. Before she could say anything further, Hychu Taichirou disappeared in a pile of smoke.

She summoned two shurikens and using her metallic skills, she molded the metal to cover her knuckles. With one powerful strike, she burst through the ceiling.

She landed in the kitchen and ran to the living room. They were fine. The relief... It was better than any gift she could ever receive.

She heard another explosion not too far off. The pronounced sound was nearby. Just about thirty feet away. She activated her byakugan. There were packs of explosives with timers. The greenhouse, the bridge near the koi pond, some trunks of peach trees, the brick well Sasuke and Mitsuyo worked on had explosives.

She barely had time to make contact with Someina before they heard another one shortly afterward.

The kids!

Without a thought about herself, she threw a barrier seal around the kids and Someina. Benjiro shielded Amarante and Taiyo grabbed Hiromitsu. Someina jumped to cover all of them. Naiyo Kabe no Jutsu! The naiyo kabe seal was the strongest barrier she knows how to make.

She used her sword to channel electricity. The Chidori made a huge hole in the wall. Someina slammed on the barrier wall.

Another explosion was heard and felt. Closer.

Hinata gracefully emerged into the barrier and tagged everyone except for herself. She slipped out and said, "I'm sorry- I love you,"

She was pushing them all out of the wall, to safety. Just on time a hawk - a summoned one- the size of a bolder caught them. It flew out of range of the smoke and explosions.

She was about to jump out of the house until she felt thick arms wrap around her waist. She heard Taichirou's chuckle and smelled his cinnamon-scented smoke.

What the fork! "Let go of me!" Hinata demanded. He was a building compared to her.

"No can do, lady," the man with a deep voice said, stroking her hair.

That's when she struggled for a few moments before electrocuting the hands that entrapped her.

She heard the scream of the beefy, wide-chested man and his burnt hands were raw. She kicked his sternum and he stumbled backward. Gentle Fist Art: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms was shortly used after. Like a sack of potatoes, he fell, chakra-less and disabled.

Her palms glowed with chakra and she focused her gaze on Taichirou. "What is wrong with you?" Hinata's eye twitched as she felt the metal in the earth wait for her command.

"You," he answered simply then laughed. "The winner is back,"

Suddenly, she felt Sasuke's embrace envelop her own and Taichirou gave a nod of respect to Sasuke. "I will meet you all again," he said before disappearing. "I always get what I want,"

Sasuke grabbed her by the waist and jumped out of the house. Hinata used her cloak to shield her eyes from the last explosion.

Suddenly, they were being levitated, high above the scene. She couldn't stop staring at the remnants of their burnt house, standing like a skeleton. The wind whistled past her ears. They were on a graceful hawk weaving through clouds, out of the smoke and soot.

Its- it's all gone. All their stuff! Their life! And- kami, it's gone. That sole place of security and shelter was no more! Just a mass of crumbled bricks, book pages, and foul-smelling plastic. The chandelier they recently installed twisted, grilled and melted.

It was an unholy temper tantrum from a man who was too stubborn.

She felt Sasuke pull on her shoulders. "Ocha. Look at me," She couldn't tear her eyes away. He faced her and slid his hands to hold her cheeks. He wiped away the tear from her eye with his thumb. "Come back to me, here," Sasuke said.

He pressed their foreheads together and waited for her to calm. Her head swirled with images of what could've happened.

How are the kids? Are they safe? Are the seals working? If something happened- she wouldn't know what she'd do. "Kids?" Hinata asked, reduced to monosyllables. She tried to dismiss all the thoughts...

"They're with Mitsuyo and Someina," Sasuke said, looking deep into her eyes. "Safe. They're safe,"

Hinata gulped, swallowing the lump in her throat. "You?" Hinata asked. Is he okay?

He smirked. In contrast to her trembling form, he was remarkably calm and cool-headed, if not a little thrilled. Her anxiety reduced when she saw his stoic composure. "These idiots Hychu Taichirou brought were pansies. I'm okay," Sasuke said, proud of himself. "I'll get his ass next time, now... you. I focus on you,"

She grabbed his hand and kissed it.

"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked, noticing the tense knots in her brows. "Did he do anything to you?"

Hinata shook her head. Not to her. Her house, her stuff, her sanity- he did quite a number of those things. He grunted slightly and gathered her into his strong arms. She was so grateful to Uchiha Sasuke. Everything immediately feels better when he's there. Like it can finally go right.

His fingers were tangled in her hair and her breathing slowed. Her wild heart came back to earth. "I... almost lost you," Sasuke said lowly.

She inhaled the lovely scent emanating from his neck. "You have me," Hinata whispered back.

"The koi fish! They- were so harmless. And they-" Hinata yelled. "What about them?"

Sauske's mouth formed a line and he seemed unimpressed. "Why is it that you solely care for those damn koi?" he asked. "While you were walking down memory lane, Mitsuyo sealed them away in a pool she bought this morning,"

Hinata smiled, that's a sliver of light. After she stopped hyperventilating, they checked if there were more explosives. After doing three or four scans of the horizon, they concluded that Taichirou and his men were officially gone.

Hinata and Sasuke dismounted from their personal, smaller hawk and onto the bigger black hawk with Mitsuyo and Someina.

Her lip quivered when she met the children again. She began weeping. Tears leaked from her eyes as a river. "You're alright! You're all alright!" Then, she checked them for injuries. Mitsuyo already healed them but she just wanted to make sure.

They all piled around her, hugging her. Hinata rocked Hiromitsu back and forth, swaying gently while she hummed a nursery rhyme that seemed to pacify the children. Amarante hummed along to the song while sitting at Sasuke's feet.

Sasuke usual state of irritation shone through. "Che. I liked that house. It always ends the same... flames," Sasuke put his cloak back on and watched the disaster below with a scowl. "Curse you, Taichirou,"

"Our house was kinda lame," Benjiro said. "No offense, Mitsu,"

Mitsuyo shrugged, not offended. "It was drafty and the roof leaked too much," she said, melancholic and still. Sasuke grunted in agreement.

Hinata kissed Hiromitsu's forehead and quickly looked through a sealed book to remember a certain seal for this situation.

Someina's gold eyes darted from Hinata to Sasuke. "That was the only real home I had and you guys don't even care!" Someina said loudly. "He- he just blew it up,"

Mitsuyo concentrated on her nails. "Pipe down... Things explode all the time,"

"No, they do not,"

"In this Uchiha world of ours, yes they do," Mitsuyo argued. "Change is constant. Nothing is the same twice,"

Someina shook her head and crossed her arms. "You are all war-numbed freaks," she turned her nose up.

Sasuke shrugged. "Shinobi, actually,"

Taiyo pulled on Sasuke's cloak and asked, "Can I hide in there? It's kinda cold,"

"And we're safe there, with you, Tousan," Benjiro whispered, shivering a bit. The kids nodded.

Sasuke looked down and tilted his head. He sighed and resigned himself to it. "Very well,"

The kids were all relatively shaken up and traumatized. Both Amarante and Hiromitsu were too scared to leave Sasuke's orbit. Taiyo and Benjiro hid with the twins. The two clutched his legs and talked excitedly under the folds of his cloak. They thought the explosion was cool and the hawk was awesome.

Mitsuyo casually filed her nails with a scowl. "That marks the era of mine and Renji's home. Goodbye, old friend,"

For the past minute, Mitsuyo looked at the blazing house, neither upset or disappointed. There was just apathy. Hinata just sighed and thought about Taichirou's words, also sighing time from time for the death of the house.

"Aren't you mad that your house is on fire?!" Someina yelled at Mitusyo, not the calmest. She was outwardly freaking out. Hinata and the rest dealt with it... silently. Someina couldn't even form sentences.

Mitsuyo sighed. "My koi are alright. I never cared much for the places I lived. However, this is just cold... or firey hot, I suppose,"

Someina rolled her eyes. "I can't believe you guys are acting like this is normal!" she cried, running around on the feathered back of the black hawk.

"As shinobi of Konoha, we're built, mentally and physically to respond to the tragedy," Sasuke shrugged.

Hinata nodded. "This happened a few times in Konoha... Burning buildings from attacks... are common. Just not to my house," she added dismally.

Mitsuyo rolled eyes. "What do we have to return to? There is a reason why there is a forest for about fifty feet around- sweet isolation. These Kumogakure morons are hard to get away from," she sighed.

Benjiro cracked up and pointed to Someina. "Ha. Mitsu just called you a moron,"

Someina shot a dirty look to Benjiro. Sasuke looked down at the children. "Be nice," he scolded though he was amused.

Taiyo snickered along with the Aoi until he swallowed a gasp. He elbowed Benjiro and looked at Someina's wrist. "Look, dude, it's not there," he said quietly.

Benjiro rose his teal brows and deflated. "Wha- oh... We forgot to give it back to her," Benjiro bit his knuckle.

"She's going to kill us!" Taiyo whispered back. "Celery sticks!"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Someina shot a dirty look to Benjiro and reached for her wrist. "My bracelet! It's- it's gone,"

Mitsuyo rose a shoulder. "We could get another one, dear. There are a dime a dozen, at the store,"

Someina's mouth fell open and she looked like they suggested to kick a puppy. Her mocha cheeks became red with fury. "It belonged to my sister! It's in the house. I have to- I've got to get it!"

Mitsuyo looked at the burning house below and back to the fretting girl. "They're plastic goop. Don't be sad for something that's halfway evaporated now,"

Hinata shook her head, brushing the wild strands of hair away from her eyes. "You're not going to-"

She was!

Hinata acted fast and stood up, grabbing for Someina's slender wrist. Someina batted Hinata's hand away and launched herself into the depths below.

Hinata stared at her red hands. Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. "What a weak soul," Mitsuyo sighed aloud.

Before she could say anything, Sasuke gently removed the kids from his cloak and followed Someina.

¤¤¤

About thirty seconds later, Sasuke got Someina out of the house just before another bad thing like death could happen. "You saved me," Someina said, eyes brimming with tears. She coughed and panted, happy for the air they breathed.

Sasuke scowled. This girl was insane! Stupid and insane. Just for a bracelet? Stupid!

Instead of looking incredibly happy, she sighed. She should be thrilled she's alive but she isn't. She looked completely spent and disoriented. "Why go back into a burning building for me?" she rasped.

"You shouldn't get more scars," he said quietly.

She grinned. "I thought you were going to yell at-"

Of course, he's going to yell. He shouldn't have to save comrades from idiotic things like this. What the hell is wrong with her? "You're not off the hook, Ikeda. You and Hinata are usually reckless, not dumb,"

She shrugged. "At least I got it," she whispered, eyes closing and opening. She's on the brink of passing out. Maybe all the smoke inhalation.

"You're incredibly stupid, did you know that? Running into a burning building? For a bracelet?!"

"It's all I have left of my sister," she shouted.

"So what?!" Sasuke asked.

"I also got your mother's portrait. You know the one you talk to every Friday night?!" Someina said loudly.

Sasuke paused. She did that for him? He thought... it was... in his back pocket. He checked his back pocket. Oh. So he doesn't have it. He took the photo from her hands.

Someina shrugged and rested her head against his chest. "Yell at me. Whatever. There are things worth dying over. Okay? Sentimental things," she said, yawning.

His expression softened. Perhaps she wasn't completely reckless. Someina loved her sister or the memory of her more than she loved herself. "You're still an idiot," Sasuke said, poking her forehead with two single fingers.

"I know," she laughed. It turned into coughs.

"Hn," Sasuke said. "Aren't you going to ask where my manners are? If I'll say 'thank you,'? Annoy me with twenty-one questions?"

Someina shook her head. "No... it was... implied... but I am so tired,"

Someina smiled then promptly passed out. Sasuke peeled her off of him and stood up, staring at the sky.

The hawk lowered enough for Sasuke to carry her while jumping onto his summoning animal. Hinata laid the sleeping girl's head on her lap.

Yeah. She doesn't like who her sailor is.

Hinata saw the scene down below, how happy Someina was to see Sasuke come to her rescue. She didn't know what to make of it- but she didn't like it. Instead of plaguing herself with more stress, Hinata stroked the green hair sprawled all over Someina's face.

-x-

Hours later, it was safe enough to come down. Mitsuyo went on three trips to the nearby Giragira river. Using a vacuum seal Hinata taught Mitsuyo, she got over seven tons of water in the seal and dropped it onto the area surrounding the house. The flames were doused.

Hinata wanted to salvage through the wooden beams charred and blackened.

This land was so green and luscious. So vernal and the vivid description of summertime. Now, when she pulls back her hand, it's charcoal grey. She can't touch anything.

She heard Suigetsu whistle behind her. She rolled her eyes until she felt him draped his arm across her shoulders. "This sucks," he whispered. His hair was cut short and no longer hung near his ears. He slurped a drink through a thick straw beside her ear.

She shoved him away. It doesn't suck. It's catastrophic. Where will they return to? When will they come back? Why is this always happening? She wants to visit Konoha- not live there.

Hinata stared at the house, all burnt to a crisp. Flowers, papers and random pieces of debris fell onto the ground. "Suigetsu... Our whole life. Ruined!" she said quietly.

He drank some more before choosing to answer.

Suigetsu shrugged under the cloak Karin probably made him wear. "Relax. You're being melodramatic. It's just a burnt down house, a pot of hot ash now," Suigetsu said, looking at the same depressed sight. "It's not the house that makes it a home, it's the people you're with," he said sagely.

Hinata stared at the ash-covered ground. Perhaps he was right. She couldn't be optimistic. Sasuke still carries the philosophy of not getting too attached to things, so he doesn't care. Mitsuyo believes in that omnipotent reminder.

He looked around. "No one came to help us, not even pretty boys C or your precious Raikage. Face it, we're pushed around and used like lab rats. Karin and I swore never to live this way again but you're forcing Sasuke under the same circumstance," he slurped his drink.

Hinata gasped, actually seeing the truth in his words.

"In Konoha, people would be all over this fire- actually caring and helping us. I'd take that any day over here," Suigetsu sighed. "We get to leave and do criminal activities with a slap on the wrist. Don't you want to kick Orochimaru's ass? You can't do that from here,"

Hinata found herself laughing she got sad again and Suigetsu looked thoughtful. "Yes... That's the thing. I'd hate to actually be back there," Hinata admitted. He reached behind her back and took her sword Inazuma.

"The Hyuuga won't be so hard on you. I mean, they've all been grieving," Suigetsu shrugged, observing the lightweight blade.

Hinata jumped back, unable to look him in the eye. "You know I'm a Hyuuga?"

"Karin told me and I figured it out," he shrugged, scoffing at her aghast expression. "Why're you so worrisome?"

Hinata just hugged herself under the cloak, staring at the sun that beat down on their brows. "They might not want to see me," Hinata admitted. Her father will not accept her children and oh- gosh, everyone who believes she is dead will see her alive. That's one part of the problem.

Suigetsu shrugged, talking easily. He flicked his wrist, practicing rounds of different moves. "They'll be glad to see you. Besides, if they really missed you, they'd not care that you're gone- only that you came back," he eyed her before clearing his throat. "You should be happy it's safe where you grew up, with lots of needy people who you have to apologize to for being gone so long,"

"Where did you grow up?" Hinata asked, realizing she hasn't heard his story.

Suigetsu slurped from his water bottle, looking bored. "Nowhere and everywhere. Mostly at a lab but on the road. Kirigakure's village center. Shit place, you know?"

Hinata narrowed her eyes. "Why?"

"Two words; Yondaime Mizukage. My country was named the Village of the Bloody Mist because of that legend Zabuza Momochi. Unlike you noble people of Konoha... our leader wasn't kind and nurturing. Instead, he was ruthless and straight up evil, causing a bloody, violent episode of our history,"

"Why- why would that happen?" Hinata asked cautiously.

"They continued that practice until Zabuza Momochi killed the entire graduating class. Over a hundred students- dead because of that psychopath. I wanted to be just like him," he said, smirking. He looked smug at his confession.

Hinata took her sword back and pointed it at him. "What?! Why?"

Suigetsu took umbrage at her standoffish reaction and spat out the straw in his mouth. "Relax," he said roughly. "I'm not eleven anymore. I don't want to be like him anymore,"

Hinata scratched the back of her neck. "Oh," she echoed, unsure of what to say.

"Oh," he repeated, in a mocking voice. Her cheeks reddened and she offered the sword again.

He took it and looked back at the decayed house. "My reputation was the second coming of Zabuza- the reincarnation of him. At the academy, people expected big things, legends. I didn't want to be homicidal- just a legend. My brother and I dream of being the strongest of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist,"

"Did you become a legend?" Hinata asked, crossing her arms.

He laughed sarcastically. Barked, really. "To myself, my wife and my kids, yes. To the rest of the world- definitely not," he shrugged.

Hinata smiled at the thought and quickly paid attention because his aura became dark.

He rubbed his chin with his thumb. "I did cruel, cruel things on ninety-four missions. All of them grittier than the last. I'm no stranger to death or causing death for my swords. I'd never apologized for my dreams or ambitions. My brother beat me to being a swordsman,"

Hinata widened her eyes. "Why doesn't he ever visit? He really could have taught Sasuke a thing or two or taught at your dojo," Hinata said.

Suigetsu kept his eyes forward. "He died 'bout the time my dreams did. I got sloppy, captured by that slut Shigeko and taken to a hideout... Despite going to the hideout and being tormented by Kabuto and Orochimaru for a year or three..."

"Nothing can compare to the horrors I saw in Kirigakure. People starving. Officials taking advantage of woman and children. Getting prosecuted because you had a kekkei Genkai. If anyone saw me doing my liquify technique... I would have been killed on the spot,"

"Why was it so bad?" Hinata asked, afraid to hear it.

"When I lost my oh so precious baby sword, I did some research on my cursed village," Suigetsu whispered, shivering.

"What... did you find?"

"The teen Mizukage actually was controlled by Obito during his reign with his sharingan and genjutsu,"

Hinata gasped. "He was? For how long?"

"Can't say. Years leading up to the war," he said, he crushed his plastic water bottle in his hand. Hinata watched the clear liquid tumble to the ground. "To make matters even worse, Kirigakure was abused by famine, political unrest and not to mention immense corruption,"

Hinata suddenly felt bad. She didn't know why- but she did.

He looked at her, his purple eyes sincere and cheery. "I'm not saying that Konoha is corruption free... Just be glad it's never stooped as low as my hometown's level. Be glad you have a safe home,"

Hinata sighed. "Yeah... I should," she looked at him and said, "We will get your sword back, I promise... I'm sorry about your past,"

"Sorry 'bout yours," Suigetsu shrugged.

They were quiet until Suigetsu grinned at her sword. "Yeah. I'm still waiting to collect all the swords so I can create a new league of legends... A new generation of swordsmen of the mist with me as the leader. I have to start by getting back my sword after Orochimaru rudely took it away,"

"Why'd he do that?" Hinata asked.

"Ha. Ha. 'Cause I killed his bitch girlfriend," Suigetsu laughed loudly. "Perhaps Kumo is too dangerous now for all of us and we should go back the Konoha. So kid, chin up and stop whingeing about a petty house,"

She smiled at him and took back her sword and unsummoned it. "Fine- no more whingeing," she agreed.

He held out his fist and said, "Bring it in,"

"Bring what in?" Hinata asked, getting cautious.

He reached out for her hand and bumped their knuckles. "That wasn't so bad, was it, Hinata?"

She shook her head. It really wasn't. People in Konoha would have helped them. Everyone probably saw the smoke for miles and miles but they didn't care. Perhaps she was keeping Sasuke locked up here.

"Onto the leaf?" Suigetsu asked.

"Onto the leaf," she nodded and grinned.

¤¤¤

Hinata terminated their monthly subscription to the Kumogakure's Gazette and other magazines. She stopped by her workplace and sent a letter of resignation. Some nurses cried and they made her take a picture! She was going to their hall of fame. She made Sasuke make clones of himself to visit the kid's favorite restaurants and order their favorite meals.

The last thing they had to do before leaving into the undergrowth of Konoha, was to have one last encounter with the sullen kage.

When they got to the Raikage office, the Raikage was already depressed with her news. He usually showed no other emotion than electric strength. Now... he sat on a melancholy hill.

Hinata and Karin were quick to break up a fight between Darui and Suigetsu, who seemed to hate each other after doing something at the prison. Rumor has it that Suigetsu paid for Jugo's bail in change and coins. It escalated from there.

C was nearby in the Raikage's tower, she felt his flickering chakra. He just didn't say goodbye. She didn't know why- they have become close during the past year. The kids liked him and Sasuke began to slightly tolerate the medical-nin. He just stayed far.

The kids finally said goodbye to the Raikage. Although reluctant to shake the lightning kage's hand, Sasuke did it. He didn't thank the Raikage for all that he's done. He really taught the kids different techniques, making them honorable, strong toddlers. Sasuke did say he would gladly lay down his life to protect Kumo, its people and the Raikage.

Suigetsu and Karin left with their kids, after being kicked out by C. Someina and Mitsuyo got nervous in government buildings so they left. The kids wanted to be on the roof with the Raikage one last time, where they trained with a view for over a year. It was nostalgic but they were the most excited.

Both Taiyo and Benjiro got special military keychains. Amarante got a kanzashi that she now discovered was worth more than a pile of gold. Hiromitsu- however, got his gift now.

After handing the Raikage some dango, the hulking leader chuckled and ruffled Hiromitsu's navy hair. He pulled something from his pants, smiling softly. The mysterious item was a scroll.

A kunoichi that was present tapped Hiromitsu's forehead. She smiled, prettily and Hinata had none of it. When the woman spoke, it came out all garbled and unintelligible.

Hinata threw a cryptic side-glance to the Raikage. What was he up to?

The woman had the unqiue ability to teach someone a forgotten dialect used in the olden days. She tapped on Hiromitsu's forehead to transfer her knowledge from her mind to his developing brain.

The scroll the woman offered was a written version of the Raikage's secrets to his jutsu. Only Hiromitsu could understand it.

It was a gift that was unexpected but welcome. She'll seal it away until he is of age. Hinata finally said goodbye in the way they met, they had a short tea date. All was well. All was good.

¤¤¤

Hinata looked for the missing shadows they were supposed to cast.

The weather... was nice against her face. The sea breeze wind just warmed them up so tenderly, in the right places. Hinata was always addicted to the climate and the feeling that the city gave her. It surely somewhere Hinata would want to be.

Sasuke and Hinata rested against a tall brown rock, reposing in the intense heat. The mist-like clouds below them were everywhere, coating Kumo like a blanket. Over in the distance, she spotted a developing thunderstorm. Over where they were, it was pure sun. It seemed metaphorical for Sasuke and Hinata and all they've been through.

She shifted her head resting on his arm while they stared at the at least hundred-foot drop. The narrow cliff wasn't wide. Rocks shifted and hearing about the rockslide was met by a collective yawn from Hinata and the public. One mighty gust of wind could send them vaulting to their death.

This elevation was terrifying and it was so dangerous. It was unsafe but the Hinata of five years ago would be terrorized to be relaxing so high up. She wasn't afraid of falling, even if she got hurt.

This was what life was. To an observer, they'd say she was insane, so comfortable way up high. To them, this was perfect.

She hung onto Sasuke and they watched the ever-changing wind carry the breeze and smell of fish and sea salt.

Their peace was disturbed. "Oi! Lovebirds. Come down, we've got to go," Mitsuyo said, loudly. "We're not staying here forever,"

"Oh hush up, Mitsuyo. We're reminiscing," Hinata called out. "Let us live,"

Mitsuyo growled, saying vulgar things. Hinata and Sasuke softly laughed and returned to saying nothing at all, enjoying the longer daylight.

Sasuke bumped her delicately. She gazed up at him. "Hm?"

"Remember what you said to you the first night we were here?" Sasuke asked, looking entertained. She wrapped her hands around his right arm, not minding how heated up the rock against their backs got.

Hinata shook her head and chuckled, feeling the chortle vibrate through him. "How could I remember? I'm not that good,"

Sasuke seemed skeptical of her honest reply and craned his neck to look at her. "You always know where the boy's socks are, so I thought you'd know," he scratched his head.

"I'm a mother- that skill is a given," Hinata laughed.

"I was stingy about buying you a certain type of perfume and you called me a cheap man. When I challenged that, you threw my sword into a pond. We spent like an hour looking,"

She laughed. "I don't remember that,"

"Well I do," Sasuke lamented. "Swords don't belong in ponds,"

She laughed into his bicep. "I'm sorry I did that..." she laughed.

"Did I waste your youth?" Sasuke asked, gulping. That was the first time she heard him sound... this unsure of himself. Vulnerable. He wasn't even looking at her.

She laughed and saw little pebbles go over the edge, into oblivion. She finally let her hair down with him and got lost with him in this nirvana blue.

"Never," Hinata said then she smiled. "I hated my past before I met you. You know, I thought perfection had no depth... it does, here... with the kids,"

"After my stuff went into the pond, you said, 'You'll be giving me stars soon enough,' and I wondered... Have I given you a good past five years? Are you happy me?" Sasuke asked.

Hinata laughed. "What a dumb question," she said, catching her breath. She reached up and caressed his cheek. She couldn't communicate all the thoughts that pointed to the word yes. She wouldn't have much time.

She stood on his shinobi boots and wrapped her hands around his neck, staring at his beautiful eyes. His hands migrated to her hips and one wrong move could make them unbalanced and fall. The ledge was too short and she smiled. He's keeping her up.

She trusted him enough to catch her and to steady her.

She nodded and kissed him deeply. He got his answer. That look, that touch, those kisses, they weren't words. They meant something to her and to him and that was all that she could ever ask for.

After those kisses, they separated and stood at each other's shoulders. She sat in hell with him and ditched all of her friendship. He improved his life, made it gold. She skinned her knee, got broken bones and felt hurt but to hell with injuries. This was the height of happiness in her life.

Their gazes met. "You ready?" Sasuke asked, his eyes glinting with a sense of mischievousness. She loves him. She loves him so much. "Ocha, we're heading to the belly of the beast and you can't scrapbook or make tea,"

She shoved his shoulder a bit and he poked her forehead. "Don't' go rogue on me, for whatever,"

She looked out for a moment, heart pounding against his chest. She didn't know what would happen. She didn't care where they went, honestly. She didn't know if she were ready- all she knew was that she wanted to do this.

After some reassuring breaths, she nodded and smiled.

"Join me in this?" he asked.

"Don't ever worry about that," Hinata said, shifting with nervous energy. She could feel it blooming. She really could taste her anticipation. Maybe it was the oncoming rain or the sweat but- she could almost taste the sweetness of the moment, of her new future.

She took his hand and squeezed three times. With a combined nod, they jumped into the clouds, ready for anything.

¤¤¤

A month later.

Hinata realized they all spoke with a certain accent, which Mitsuyo was proud of- but no one else except for Someina shared the sentiment.

The next month was a wild ride. They went everywhere and did everything. It was a blur of hikes, fish and sun-dyed roofs they stood on.

Firstly, they traveled from smaller village to village. They saw new animals and felt the current of life shift dramatically.

Hinata saw the ocean for the first time. Instead of being in fear, she leaped right off from the hawk they flew on and into the currents. The shock was exhilarating.

Unable to stay away, they spent the first night in Kumogakure- not too far away from their old home. Right beside the east coast. The sun was going down, people were drinking and lighting paper lamps that got released into the air, illuminating the sky.

The sights, they agreed, weren't ever going to be as breathtakingly beautiful as it was on any of Kumogakure's mountains.

They spent so much time in nature. It wasn't all pretty in the undergrowth. The ticks they found, the swamps they suffered through and the occasional encounter with bears and other wild beasts all diminished the morale of the group.

Then- life could be very beautiful. They become happy when saw night twirling stars and ate roasted pine nuts. Her kids loved the last rays of the summer sun. The clean botanical scent filled her mind and the animals chattered peacefully, rustling through the dewy grass.

The food they ate was better and improved the second time around. She got to experience so much more and watch her kids enjoy it too. Benjiro fell in love with fried cabbage- which was supreme to his taste buds.

Sasuke and Suigetsu lived their lives on the road, so they had the most fun with village-hopping and nature walking. They mostly wanted to revisit places they saw when traveling as a teenage unit, almost eight years ago. They mostly discussed their past and looked for new swords, a thrill. They liked being regarded as saviors to small towns they stopped and dined at.

Hinata and Karin weren't too keen on the children being out in the open for an entire month. Kids get tired a lot more easily than Hinata initially thought. Night-time camping angered Hinata the most. The kids wouldn't sleep and were nightmares to wake up.

It made no sense! It frustrated her and Karin.

They were a dream!

The people- once they found out about Sasuke or Suigetsu, completely became different people. It baffles her how quickly they could hate them.

After all the nights spent in Kumo, soon enough, they were near the greatness of Konoha.