Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 38-
Ice Eyes

September 16th. Morning.

The next morning was chaotic, to say the least. It was a wonder that they were all in the Hokage tower, suited up and ready to go. It was hard.

Sasuke was gone and so was Mitsuyo. They weren't in trouble or in any danger. Hinata saw Sasuke leave with his sword and his dirtied up forehead protector. He told her to go back to sleep and covered them with the blanket Benjiro kicked off in his sleep.

He just said he's visiting an old place he knows. He kept on sending small tender looks with a sad smile. What old place? Poor Sasuke.

She just cuddled closer to Benjiro and
slept.

Now, hours later, they stood outside of Kakashi's office building. The twins were hand in hand with her while she guided the boisterous boys. The twins happily behaved.

Benjiro yawned loudly, leaning his head on her side. "Ka-chan, I wanted to sleep," he commented. "I hate motels,"

"I'm as tired as a dog. Neighbors aren't supposed to be so loud," Taiyo agreed, also leaning against her hip.

Hinata sighed too. "Boys... you liked motels when we were traveling," Hinata said apologetically.

"Konoha is naturally noisy. Too bad it can't drown out the idiots," Someina said.

Benjiro and Taiyo laughed.

Later on, Hinata told Someina to wait downstairs with the twins so she could meet with the Hokage. Taiyo and Benjiro were desperate to stay with her and begged. She eventually allowed them to accompany her so they wouldn't cause any trouble for Someina. Hinata knew they were precocious, mischevious and clever... who could easily outsmart Someina with one of their schemes.

The group went up all the levels and stairs... until the top floor and headed to Kakashi's office. Hinata marched purposefully to the door and two gruff shinobi from the sand country blocked her. She could tell they were sand shinobi by their scarves and forehead protectors.

"You are not permitted to go inside, miss," One gruff man explained.

Hinata was not impressed. They waited for fifteen minutes, coming here early. "Why not? The Hokage scheduled a meeting with me and my partner at nine o'clock. It is nearing 9:15,"

The guards had no sympathy. "Being punctual is your responsibility. The leaf's Hokage-sama is meeting with a more important guest than you,"

"Who?" Hinata asked.

"Sunagakure's Godaime Kazekage; Gaara of the sand village,"

Hinata huffed. So that's why there was a suspicious amount of sand shinobi in the halls. She sent a summoning snake with a message to Mitsuyo, who also seemed to be missing. She wanted to check the stadium if Sasuke was there.

A few minutes later, a man with purple paintings on his face appeared. He turned to the guards who waited outside of the entrance to Kakashi's office. "Tell Shinki and the Godaime Kazekage that I will be at the stadium. Escort Godaime Kazekage and his son to the stadium. The fight starts soon,"

"Yes, Kankuro-sama," the guards said, determined. "We will not let you down,"

Gaara has a son? Hinata didn't know that. Was he handsome like Gaara? Was he older than Benjiro or younger than Hiromitsu?

So, Kankuro was tall and buff. He obviously had muscle under the drapes of clothing he wore. His long sable-black shirt was up to his calves. It was tied with a red sash at the waist and he had a puppet hanging by his side. His purple markings on his face made him look dangerous.

Kankuro seemed to change his mind. He swirled around on his heel and faced the eager guards. "I have important matters to discuss with the honorable Kazekage. I will escort them instead," he said.

The guards nodded.

Taiyo tugged on Hinata's kimono skirt. She decided to wear her hair down today. She braided small flowers that she found in the neighborhood into her gray locks. She thought they looked pretty, so why not?

After blatantly checking her out, Kankuro huffed and settled four or five feet away from Hinata and the boys. His scary puppet turned its head and bared its wooden spokes for teeth. Benjiro got goosebumps and Taiyo stepped closer to Hinata.

Benjiro seemed enticed. Curious, even.

Kankuro noticed the two Uchiha gawking and flicked his nimble fingers. The puppet jumped out and scared them all. So he's a puppet master jerk.

Hinata held a hand to her ribcage and frowned at the man who chuckled. She clicked her tongue three times. "Scaring my children. Tsk. That was unnecessary and cruel," Hinata said.

He checked his wristwatch under the sleeve of his black shirt. "Don't sweat it. I'm just playing," Kankuro shrugged, revealing his sly, fox's smirk.

After some silence, Taiyo turned to Hinata. "What's a Kazekage?" Taiyo asked.

Hinata thought for a moment and smiled, happy that he asked. "He's like the Raikage-"

Kankuro interrupted her with a fiery tone. "He's nothing like the Raikage brute," Kankuro yelled.

"Do not insult my kage," Hinata said evenly.

"Do not insult my kage," Kankuro said and went back to brooding.

She did not like this man.

Later on, Taiyo and Benjiro got bored of waiting for the meeting between the two leaders to be over. They began horsing around. They set their troublemaker sights on Kankuro's puppet. "That's a nice doll," Taiyo said. He looked at Benjiro and laughed. "Ben, the man wears makeup and plays with dolls. We should have called Amara,"

Benjiro reached out to the puppet and the big man swiped it away. "Kid, don't touch it unless you want to lose your hand," Kankuro grunted.

"Do not speak to my child that way," Hinata said.

"Why don't you speak to your child and tell him to respect his elders?" Kankuro snarled.

"They're mostly well behaved and you are being a bully. What do you have against my children?" Hinata asked.

"I hate children. These brats are no exception. They're pitiful," he said. "and grabby,"

Benjiro gritted his teeth and mimicked the Sasuke-glare and pointed its powers to the puppet-user. "Stop being rude to my Ka-chan. She's the best in the world. Stop being mean or our dad will mess you up!" Benjiro warned, frowning.

Hinata turned to the boys. "No. He will not get involved. Benjiro, Taiyo- behave now and apologize,"

Taiyo shook his head and Benjiro crossed his arms. "No,"

Kankuro was offended and stood taller. He was already too tall. "I bet I can beat his ass in a matter of minutes. Who's your father?"

"Uchiha Sasuke," Benjiro announced, narrowing his black eyes. "and he's gonna beat you in moments,"

The whole room froze. She sighed. Here we go again.

With eyes as saucers, Kankuro nodded. "Oh. That's why he must not get involved," the man said like it made sense. "They're Uchiha brats. Shoulda known,"

Hinata shifted in her place, wondering if Kakashi would forgive her for killing him. The ramifications were complex.

Kankuro leaned in close and smiled sardonically. "Guess what, kids, your daddy isn't always going to be there to save you," he said gruffly. He turned to Hinata. "Tell your hubby Sasuke that Gaara-sama never forgave him for the stunt he pulled in Sunagakure. Watch yourself,"

"I apologize for the behavior of my clan but you will not be excused for threatening them all the same," Hinata said. "There, we can fight,"

"I feel the most you could do is sew me a sweater," Kankuro yawned.

"With needles?" Hinata asked with a coy half-smile. Hinata summoned one hundred iron senbon and pointed them all at Kankuro. "I can make that happen with your muscles and tendons as the thread,"

He just cracked a smile, impressed with her. "I'll be damned. No one I know controls metal except for you and Shinki,"

She tilted her head. "Perhaps I can kill you in a unique way should you hurt my family. Let's see, Kankuro-san of the gold sand, who will win? The doll or the needles that can move faster than Kumogakure's lightning?"

Kankuro growled and held his puppet higher. "Don't call it a doll!"

Steps were heard. Gaara.

Hinata unsummoned the needles and Kankuro still glared at her.

The wooden door swung opened and the Kazekage walked out. The regal Gaara was accompanied by a child. The child held Gaara's hand and lit up at the sight of Hinata. The child had the same facial paint markings as Kankuro but was surrounded by a barrier of black... iron sand swirling around him. It was like mist that hasn't dispersed yet or a dark, nightmare-filled blizzard.

This child... can do what she did. Kankuro stared a bit before looking away. Kankuro's jaw tightened and he bowed deeply. "Kazekage-sama," he said, all subdued and respectful.

His puppet wasn't on the defense anymore though Gaara could tell Kankuro was ready to hurt Hinata.

"Kankuro," Gaara said in a slow, deep raspy way. His voice was like sand moving over each other on hot, baked desert dunes. "We came here to make peace with Konoha, not cause conflict with other shinobi from... Kumogakure,"

Hinata was amazed that the Kazekage took her side. She bowed in his presence and her boys followed suit. Gaara seemed pacified and leader-like, compared to his militant brother still glaring at the side of her face.

Seeing him after ten years changed her avis. He didn't look so... murderous and unhinged. He looked dare she say- normal.

With striking indigo-colored eyes, spiked auburn hair and broad shoulders, Gaara was handsome. He had a crimson trench coat with many darker, red colored buttons. His kanji tattoo for love stood out on his fair, creamy skin. He had tanuki-like black rings around his eyes. He looked... refreshed but tired at the same time.

"Thank you for your kind words, Godaime Kazekage-sama... but I am at fault for this situation," Hinata said. Her mouth twitched as she stood upright again. She had to say it. "I... originate from Konoha... sir,"

Gaara didn't seem to mind the minor correction but he quenched his astonishment. "Oh... yes. My mistake," he hummed sagely. He looked at Kankuro and back at Hinata. "I apologize for the defensive behavior of my people. Tensions between Konoha and Suna are lessening and I intend to see it through,"

The boy, Shinki, was not much older than Hiromitsu himself. He tugged on Gaara's hand. "Otousama, that woman... she's like me," he whispered, blushing furiously. "and she's pretty,"

Hinata smiled and Kanuro narrowed his eyes at his newphew. "Small crush, eh Shinki?" he teased jovially. Gaara looked at Kankuro for confirmation. Kankuro nodded stiffly, reluctant to answer. "She can control metal too. Iron,"

"You have mastered the magnet release technique?" Gaara asked.

"What... is that, if I may ask, Kazekage-dono?" Hinata asked. There's earth release, water release, wind release and fire release. There is no such thing as magnet release. It's impossible.

Kankuro growled. "And now she plays dumb?" Kankuro jeered. Both Gaara and Hinata sent dark looks to him. He waved the looks off and gaped at Hinata. "Go on... do what you were doing with the metal,"

Hinata moved her hand and some of the sand that levitated around Gaara's son was concentrated in her hand. She swirled it around and made a sand/mineral flower, a violet.

The boy's eyes darted from the flower to her face and reached for it. He smiled at it tenderly as he held it close to his heart. "Thank you," said the shy, smitten boy.

Gaara looked at her hands then his soft gaze landed on her face. "This release is fairly rare. Only four people I know have been able to properly control the metal without grave internal damage. You and I need to speak," Gaara said. "Later today, after the competition,"

An invitation- from the Kazekage! Wow. She never thought this would be happening. "I will gladly meet you, Kazekage-sama," Hinata said, bowing. "I will not squander your time,"

The black rings around his eyes crinkled happily. "What is your name?" Gaara asked kindly.

Momo Natsukawa- ugh. No. It's... "M-Hinata..." Hinata said. She couldn't say "Uchiha," or end off with "Hyuuga," because she felt like neither of those things. "Ji-Hinata of the leaf," she managed to say.

"Ji-Hinata of the leaf," Gaara rearticulated. "We shall meet again,"

He looked at Benjiro and Taiyo, who eyed Shinki. Taiyo looked away. "Your sand is cool," Taiyo commented, not meeting Shinki's eyes.

Benjiro stayed blasé and bored. "True. You can make sick sand castles with us, sometime..." he offered. "If you want... to... yeah,"

Shinki smiled softly at the compliment. "We could. It would... be lovely,"

Gaara seemed surprised at the boys' combined actions. Kankuro didn't look pleased at all. They are charming and friendly. Hinata crouched a bit and gave the little boy a handshake. She stood to her natural height, turned to Gaara and smiled sweetly. "Thank you for your time, Kazekage-dono and Kankuro-sama,"

Kankuro huffed as they left with an entourage of guards.

Hinata shook her head at the boys. "Do not talk to strangers like that. That was the Kazekage's brother and personal bodyguard. Do not act like that around people- it's extremely disrespectful,"

Taiyo kicked imaginary dirt and avoided her gaze. "Sorry," he said.

Benjiro nodded. "Me too,"

"Good behavior is what we raised you with, ano boys?" Hinata asked. They nodded. She smiled and patted their heads. "Let's go in, yeah?" They grinned at her.

She opened the door to Kakashi's office and looked at the Hokage who sat at his desk. "Rokudaime Hokage-sama... I was wondering if you knew where Sasuke was,"

"Sasuke dropped by before seven... asking for places to train. The directions to different locations," he asnwered, reading through some files.

Hinata nodded, looking confused. So, he just left without a morning kiss? Before she could go over battle attack plans? Spar? Without saying goodbye to the kids? How dare he? It's also a big day... what is wrong with him? Where is he?

Before she turned on her heel, she heard Kakashi ask for her to stay a little more. Hinata didn't want to stay. She wanted to find Sasuke. But she did.

Kakashi cleared his throat. "Hinata, I must say... It is nothing personal- not allowing you to compete. I believe that it is for your own safety to not compete against the opponents. They are very dangerous but they make a good show. We already have plenty of Hyuuga versing. There was no space,"

He made space for Sasuke. "I understand, truly," It's just not fair to me, Hinata thought. She is worthy. She can make a good show. She could really win. "Besides, it is time for Sasuke to rise,"

"Alright. If you say so," he said though he didn't seem very trusting of her reaction. He just pursed his lips and his dark grey eyes got darker with sympathy. "We didn't see you or Sasuke at the feast. We were expecting you,"

Hinata looked at Kakashi, listless. "I felt sick... perhaps that is another valid reason for me to not compete,"

He sighed, defeated. "Hinata... it is my job as Hokage to unify the clans... I honestly want you to reveal your children to Hiashi and the Hyuuga. I want for you and Sasuke to feel welcome in Konoha,"

"Welcome?" Hinata chocked out. That gave her a heart attack. "It's hard to feel warm in a place so... cold to him," she said, too quickly.

He watched her carefully, perceptive eyes catching every nervous movement. "This place isn't only cold to him, is it, Hinata?" he concluded.

Hinata nodded, trying to smile. It didn't work. Her throat had a lump. She couldn't look at him in the eye. "Don't worry, Hokage. I'll be prepared for wild responses to my presence,"

"I wish you the best," he said sincerely.

Hinata nodded and rushed away. Where was Sasuke anyway?

¤¤¤

Both Sasuke and Mitsuyo shared an open bottle of shochu on the roof of a random Uchiha home. They stared at the sky, reminiscing deeply about life and the Uchiha themselves.

Maybe it's a ruse or just nostalgia but he could smell the gardenias and fresh baked cookies his mom used to make.

It's probably just a ruse. Sitting in this emptiness, when everything is desolate and abandoned wasn't as hard as it should have been.

Sneaking in, finding Mitsuyo here on the tiled rooftop was a strange sight. Instead of fighting, he also drank with her. It was fitting.

They've been here for hours. Drunk and more than drunk.

"We used to have the most populated clan in all of Konoha. Now... it is just us," Mitsuyo said. "All that's left to do is get drunk,"

"True that," Sasuke said and drowned some more alcohol.

After a while of being motionless rocks on the creaking roof, near collapsing under their weight, they spoke again. "The solution Obito saw was to end the world when he got friend-zoned by a woman," Mitsuyo said. "He was weak,"

"Itachi had a sort of girlfriend. He killed her first during the massacre," Sasuke admitted. "If I'd been in that place, I'd have asked her to run away with me. I'm weak in that way,"

"It's alright," Mitsuyo responded. "Maybe we're all weak but I think there are stragglers who survived,"

"Like us?"

"No... you fool. Just... others... Uchiha scattered around the world, wanting nothing to do with us as a clan,"

"Perhaps. Anyway, alcohol is great company," Sasuke said.

Mitsuyo nodded. "Alcohol is, indeed,"

"You're not too bad company, either,"

Mitsuyo passed the almost empty bottle back and smiled. They stayed silent, watching the blue, blue sky. There were no clouds. It was a perfect day. He missed the sea breeze.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Sasuke asked.

Mitsuyo was sluggish and her cheeks were red. "No... tell the sky because only the gods can judge you. Yell loud enough so the gods above hear it. There is no one around for miles. Who would visit such a desolate place?" Mitsuyo reasoned.

Sasuke, kind of drunk, saw the faux logic and kept quiet.

"Here... I'll try," Mitsuyo took a swig and looked skywards, where it was so hazy. She cleared her throat. "I'm sorry Kokoro and Kaito... the nights before you were conceived, it wasn't love... I was just drunk," Mitsuyo yelled out.

They were met by the sound of leaves rustling and no change.

"I'll try," Sasuke sighed, took a deep breath and let go. "I heard you say you loved me... I didn't say it back. I wasn't sleeping, sorry,"

"Now... all is left is to be forgiven by ourselves for our sins," Mitsuyo said seriously.

There was a pause before they felt the humor. Sasuke and Mitsuyo laughed a bit until they were full blown wheezing because they couldn't breathe.

"We should... forgive eventually," Sasuke said. "For the better part of our life... we've hated ourselves,"

"Well... yeah-" Mitsuyo's words were interrupted when Suigetsu landed on the roof and kicked Mitsuyo's leg.

Mitsuyo kicked him back. "Never touch me," she said roughly.

Suigetsu brushed the comment away and scoffed. "What are you guys doing? The competition starts in like ten minutes," he looked at the drained sparkling bottle and sighed. "Shit, you guys are drunk?"

"Not yet since you rudely interrupted. So go away," Mitsuyo said. "Your weight will cause the roof to collapse,"

Sasuke nodded. "I'm more content while drinking and there's so much to drink for," Truthfully, drinking this shochu was not enjoyable- the liquor in Kumo was way better.

Suigetsu stomped his foot. "You guys are idiots,"

An idle bird landed on the edge of the weak tiled roof. And the three shinobi fell through two floors until landing on the concrete surface of the basement. Both Mitsuyo and Suigetsu groaned. "My back," Suigetsu said.

Sasuke landed upright.

"Serves you right, idiot. Why'd you come here anyway? I told you not to stay," Mitsuyo said, sitting up and rubbing her tailbone.

Suigetsu shot her a forlorn look and clicked his tongue. "That wasn't showing any caring towards me. It was just rude. I was hoping you landed on my sword and cut your head off so I wouldn't have to hear your nagging,"

Sasuke groaned. "Shut up, both of you. Tell Kakashi I don't want to compete," Sasuke ordered.

"So that's what we're doing?" Mitsuyo concluded. "Stalling,"

"It wasn't stalling. I'm not fighting,"

"It's no skin off of my back," Mitsuyo shrugged and stretched her bruised arms. She stood up. "Bozu, we go to another roof and drink and reminisce there,"

Suigetsu shook his head, having a different opinion. "C'mon man. It'll be cool," Suigetsu said. "There's popcorn, Jugo's sitting with Karin and you get to kick major asshole's butts. Maybe I should take your place," he said, grinning at his beloved sword.

"What makes you sure you'll win, sprinkle-toes?" Mitsuyo asked.

Suigetsu scoffed, insulted. "Because I'm not drunk," Suigetsu said then grinned. "I like that you're a drunk, you know? I hope the cumulative hangover kills you,"

"Oh, you wish," Mitsuyo said and then pulled Suigetsu's cheek. "Don't hurry to die, okay? We walk into trouble... no more running,"

He pushed her away. Sasuke stared at the sky. No more running into trouble. Got it. "We're late," Suigetsu said.

"Who cares?" Sasuke said, honestly.

The two other criminals looked at Sasuke, shocked. "You hate being late," Suigetsu said.

"That doesn't matter today," Sasuke sighed. None of this matters. "Let's get takeout first... That'll sober me up. And there'll be no one in sight and I'm hungry,"

¤¤¤

They lost Karin with her two kids. Unfortunately, the Konoha stadium was stupidly full. She didn't know where to go and her kids were confused at the noise. Kumogakure was never this noisy. The only things that could pacify the children in this situation were Kakigōri cones and holding her hand.

The twin's shaved ice treat dripped onto her shirt but she didn't mind. They did look panicked and Amarante, usually so comfortable and bold, gave everyone the mean eye and buried her face in Hinata's hair. Hiromitsu seemed calmed until he started seeing random people giving them the side-eye.

All these shinobi... all these colors people wore to show their allegiance to their countries. She wasn't sure what color to wear or what forehead protector to wear. It was all too confusing.

All she could remember here is the fight she and Neji had... all these years ago. On that dirt, she almost died because of her brother. Funny how time passes by. She suddenly wanted to see Kiba and Shino. They protected her when no one else would. She felt like a burden but now... she knows she could protect herself.

She wished she was stronger... perhaps her father and the whole of the Hyuuga clan would have respected her more..

She suddenly made eye-contact with Someina. "If push comes to shove, we don't attend until we see Sasuke,"

Someina nodded then looked at Taiyo and Benjiro. "Is this where you became chunin?" Someina asked. "I know you competed here... like ten years ago,"

Hinata shook her head. "Ano, this is where I found my fighting spirit,"

There were three large buildings. Two were identical in structure, with many cement seats for civilians. Many had to stand because the places to sit were taken, despite people being squeezed in. It wasn't this full the last time she was here for the chunin exams.

She smiled, feeling the conflict. Will Sasuke or the Raikage win?

Someina looked around and saw people whispering. She widened her eyes and swiped a floppy hat from a woman wandering by. "Excuse me. I need to borrow this," Someina said.

The woman turned around and yelled, "That is my hat,"

Someina shrugged. "Sorry, it's mine now. Do you want 100 yen right now for this discussion to end?"

The woman was surprised. "100 yen?" she gasped, eyeing the fabric hat. "For that old thing? Really?"

Someina waved the money she had on her person. "Just shut up and take my money," Someina ordered.

The woman did exactly just that. Someina gave the hat to Hinata. "Wear it. It'll cover your eyes and lessen the suspicion,"

Hinata put it on.

Benjiro tugged on her arm. "Ka-chan, when are we gonna sit down? I'm tired," he whined.

Hinata smiled and nodded. "Benjiro, my Aoi, we will. I don't know where,"

Taiyo scratched his chin, observing the people that pushed past them. "I thought old man Raikage would be here," he explained, frowning.

"Me too," she said. "I do not know where your father is,"

Where are they? She sent Suigetsu to find them. Now he's gone too. It confuses her. And Sasuke is fighting... in a while- so there was no rush. It wasn't like him to be late at all. Even when he tries to be. He hates being late.

Hinata nodded and said, "We must find spots,"

"The Hokage invited us to sit with him over there," Someina pointed at the tallest building that overlooked the arena.

Hinata hesitated. She didn't want to hear the snooty Daimyo and other Kages. She was fine with not drawing attention to themselves.

"I don't want to sit with the Hokage," Hinata admitted while Amarante rotated in her arms to see where her siblings were pointing to. "Perhaps we could-"

"Uncle Rai!" Amarante yelled. "I see uncle Rai!"

The Raikage made eye-contact with the kid. He looked... crossed. He wore his usual white Kage haori and hat without a shirt. His hulking appearance made him stand out with his bulging muscles and tightened jaw. He was wearing a gold belt with a boar's face that glinted on the sunlight.

The only aspect of familiarity here. She spotted C and Darui beside him, his left and right-hand men. Under the brim of her hat, she saw C's cheeks redden.

Hinata smiled and offered a small wave. Oh, thank Kami.

¤¤¤

Once they got to the diplomat gallery where all the important people were, Hinata put down the kids and they grinned in his presence. It was natural that they missed him. They spent so much time together over the past few months.

"Uncle Raikage-sensei," Amarante cried and the kids crawled all over him.

"Oh, children," he said.

"My dear Raikage. I haven't seen you in ages," Hinata smiled and he grinned down at her. He suddenly didn't look so sullen and dour.

Everyone around her was surprised. "You know this woman and her kids?" A daimyo asked.

"Yes. She is practically like family," the Raikage said.

The daimyo hummed, without protests. The rest averted their gazes.

"I kept it! Look! We kept the chains!" Benjiro said, pulling out his military necklace.

Taiyo punched the Raikage's abbs. "You still aren't flabby,"

The Raikage laughed deeply and richly. They proceeded in asking questions and joking around. They got familiar with each other once again. She trusted it.

"I trust the voyage to Konoha wasn't too bad," A said.

Hinata shook her head. "It was wonderful. Konoha... however is not," she lowered her voice. "I miss our house and I wait for it to rain,"

The Raikage did a double-take and leaned down to look her square in the eyes. "My dear Hinata, Konoha is your hometown, yes?" he asked. Hinata nodded. "You will return to loving this place... it will come naturally,"

"But... I worry about... the lack of inclination towards Konoha," Hinata admitted.

"You have the will of fire. You belong here," he assured her by clapping her on the back. His hand was bigger than her shoulder blade.

She nodded and they went to sit down. Someina finally came back with fresh popcorn and street food. She smiled at the Raikage, bowing her head. Once the Raikage turned away from her to focus on the jubilant kids, Hinata smiled simply at the left-hand men of the leader. Darui and C were at the wooden railing overlooking the battle area.

Hinata could see the appeal in the view below. The arena was updated. The cement walls were cleaner. The trees with many leaves lining the edge of the stadium were more plentiful and there was more grass.

Darui seemed bored but a little less so when Hinata greeted him and stood beside him. "Darui... hello," Hinata said and he nodded to her, with respect.

"This place is dull," he said. "When will this start? The people are restless,"

Hinata didn't know. It was nearing ten o'clock and she didn't know why there was a holdup. Darui and Hinata began talking about trivial things and he made her laugh. He got serious and looked at the crowd. "This place is militant... look at all these men and women who want to see violence,"

"It's a show," Hinata shrugged. "This is how it is,"

Darui scratched the back of his neck. "At our expense," Darui said. "I have to fight and despite what C says, you all have talented shinobi in Konoha,"

"For all its worth, I am rooting for Kumogakure shinobi," Hinata admitted.

"I will feel your support, yeah?" he asked.

"Always. For you and the Raikage, always," Hinata grinned.

He leaned forward and his muscled forearms rested on the railing. "If you stayed another year, you would have been able to be on the Kumo council. We all recommended you. You would have been one of my partners," Darui shrugged.

The Kumo council consisted of the strongest shinobi in the village, looking out for the safety of its inhabitants while making big decisions. On the team. Trusted. "Really? Me?" Hinata smiled and he squeezed her arm.

"I am rooting for you as well," Darui said and he tipped his head over to C. "He is as well,"

Then there was C on the left side of Darui, who looked at everything other than her. He turned away and focused on something else. Someina squeezed in between Darui and C.

Hinata looked confused. "Is he avoiding me?" she whispered.

Darui noticed and chuckled. "Sorry 'bout him. He's just a little depressed," he revealed.

"Why? Avoidance is so daft," Someina said, mouth full of bean paste from her snack.

Darui's slow eyes peered at Hinata for a long second. "Nothing I can think of," Darui shrugged.

Someina laughed. "Of course,"

Once C noticed them looking at him, C coughed and Someina nudged him. "Aren't you going to say hello, stranger?" Someina asked, eating a bite of her imagawaki pancake.

C nodded and smiled, a bit reluctant to. "Greetings, Hinata and Someina,"

Both Darui and Someina moved away so Hinata and C could be beside each other. C shifted in his spot and was jittery. "You look nice," he coughed. "The flowers... nice,"

Hinata smiled. "Thanks,"

"Yeah," C responded.

It was quiet. She felt awkward. "Is it awful being in Konoha?" Hinata asked conversationally, knowing just how much he detested the leaf country.

"I can't hate any place you're in, right?" C said. "It's surprisingly good with dull food and rude shinobi," They all chuckled.

The brim of her hat nodded with her laughter.

He nudged her. "How long have you been in Konoha?"

"Long enough to miss Kumo," Hinata said sadly. However... it needed to happen.

"Where is Sasuke?" C asked. "I expected him to at least glare at me by now,"

That is the question of the century because she has no idea. He is expected to fight against the Raikage, however- he is not here. Hinata frowned and looked at her fingers. She is trying not to be worried. She couldn't use her byakugan and it was hard enough to mask her chakra signature.

"He will be here," Hinata finally said.

C hesitated, not satisfied with her response. "He should be there for you," he frowned.

Hinata sighed. That's such a strange comment full of longing and care. "He is very much there for me," Hinata said.

He just narrowed his eyes.

"Are you fighting?" Hinata asked, changing the subject. She spotted Darui and Someina laughing and pointing. Many of the Kumogakure people she knew ridiculed Konoha extensively. They were probably doing the same thing.

"Nope," C shook his head. "Darui is fighting. He is at Kage-level so the win is his for the taking,"

Hinata nodded. Darui is as talented as he is loyal to the Raikage. Untangling himself from the kids, the mountainous Raikage got a message from a Konoha shinobi. The Raikage said goodbye.

C gazed at Hinata for a while and leaned in closer, gazing at her lips. "Hinata- I have to tell you something-"

"C, Darui, we must go," the Raikage ordered.

He was about to finish his sentence until he heard the announcement that blared through speakers. "All fighters report to the cabin, the fight will begin,"

C says goodbye and Hinata blows a kiss to the Raikage after a quick hug. They are off to fight.

Then the introduction happens. To get the gist of the long, long speech it was; "Greetings, greetings people from far and wide who have come to see their village succeed! Our candidates will win... blah, blah, blah,"

Hinata tuned the person out. But the rules were obvious.

Rules

1. Do not fight to kill

2. No cheating or forbidden jutsu

4 . The last candidate to be left standing wins

5. All fights must end before the 30-minute mark

6. Any countries found using unlawful techniques will be disqualified from the competition

7. All candidates must be of jonin level of higher-

Soon, it all faded to nothing when she felt someone staring. It wasn't the occasional, simple glance, a shred of human contact- no, it was a long, drawn-out power stare.

Hinata felt winded when out of all the thousands of people there- they manage to catch each other's stares.

Nor was it just any blank, staring eyes. It was the green staring eyes of the one and only Haruno Sakura- staring at her.

She still loves the red qipao dress style but it exposed her belly button. This dress had sleeves and she wore light-colored pants and shinobi boots. Sakura's bright pink hair is shorter. It's been that long. The straight hair swished with every sure, powerful step. Her form was lithe and slender but she looked so strong and mighty.

Oh no. She looks pissed. She felt like she did something horribly wrong- like she kissed Sakura's ex-boyfriend and had children with him. It is... exactly what Hinata did.

Hinata just looks down. Sakura cannot notice Hinata's distinguishing features from here. There are millions upon millions of people at first gaze, why is Hinata not blending into the crowd of many?

After a few minutes, Hinata saw Kakashi come into the diplomat gallery.

He was tired and looked annoyed at all of the doting company he seemed to be getting. The daimyo complained. The kids talked to Kakashi, keeping him company. He seemed pleased and it was a distraction from the harping daimyo.

Someina said, "Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Hinata asked.

"Sasuke's voice and... is that the Chidori," Someina said.

"What? Someina hearing that is near unbelievable-"

Then, right at that moment, she saw the chaos of them. They burst through the arena wall. The crowd was bewildered. There was an explosion of cement dust and debris shooting everywhere. The dusty fog was too thick to see through but she used her byakugan. Sasuke was suspiciously ungraceful while steadying himself with a sword and Naruto glaring, jaw-clenched at Sasuke.

He was saying something. She didn't know what... but from her years of experience of lip reading, it was something along the lines of, "You killed her,"

"Looks like this competition will start with a bang! Our first competitors- the child of prophecy, Uchiha Sasuke of the sharingan verses our saviour of this world, hero of the hidden leaf and the boy of miracles- Uzumaki Naruto," the announcer said in earnest.

Once the dust settled, everyone was silent.

Then the roars and cheers were deafening.

Kakashi rubbed his eye and crossed his arms, appearing beside Hinata. Kakashi seemed terribly annoyed when she looked back at him. "What are they fighting about?" Hinata asked, breath quickening. "I thought they were okay with each other,"

"You, most probably," Kakashi said. "Sasuke hasn't spoken to Naruto since the end of the marriage,"

Oh. No.

Naruto looked near perfect.

He wore civilian clothing today (she saw those type of loose orange clothing and a black shirt) and some sandals. His chakra was warm and bright. Blue eyes, tanned skin, broad shoulders and lighter, golden hair then... She hated herself because he looked just as wonderful as the day she left him.

¤¤¤

Fifteen minutes before.

Sasuke felt very bad about leaving Hinata to watch the games alone but he didn't want to face his mistakes. Call him a coward. Call him a loser without a spine but he just couldn't.

He hasn't seen Sakura, which is somewhat of a godsend itself.

He has done a lot of bad shit when he was sixteen to seventeen. He can't remember why he thought of everyone as tools. He thought of himself as a tool of revenge.

He cared for Jugo, he remembers that. He doesn't remember how many times he attempted to kill Naruto. He tried to kill Karin once. He tried to kill Sakura three times. He contemplated killing Mitsuyo four times, Suigetsu twice and even Hinata once, with the rinnegan, before he started caring about her. There's no need to fancy the word up; he's a fucking psychopath without bonds.

What was going through his mind? The guilt was enough to bring him to his knees and make his throat burn with bile. He thought he forgot about the guilt but here it is.

He was unstable and abusive... and Sakura saw the burnt of that.

He shouldn't have come back to Konoha.

Mitsuyo was the first to nudge him. "Get out of your head. The worrying is Hinata's job," Mitsuyo said, watching him closely. "It brings down the mind,"

Sasuke looked away. Where should they go? They can't avoid the stadium forever. He knows Hinata's chakra signature is nearby. Hinata was too scared to go to her brother's grave, too scared to visit her father and tell the truth and she was too scared of leaving.

"It's unusually quiet," Mitsuyo said.

"Like seventy-five percent of the population is at the arena," Suigetsu said, swinging around his oh-so prized sword.

Suigetsu and Hinata cared enough to find Gato and retrieve his sword. Their harmonious union was a month ago and he's still in the honeymoon phase. Gross.

"Will Orochimaru be there?" Mitsuyo asked him.

"He doesn't like this kind of event," Sasuke said drily. "If he did, all those people would be dead for his temporary sick amusement,"

"Then I have no reason to go," Mitsuyo muttered. "Konoha is of no use to me. All my friends are dead. My clan is dead and not to mention my children hate me,"

Sasuke pursed his lips. The daughter- Kokoro was annoying. He still did need sharingan users to procreate and have more sharingan children. He just wanted to make a statement and bring them up as strong people. However, the woman just didn't cooperate.

"Did your purpose only surround serving Orochimaru?" Suigetsu asked Mitsuyo. "You're kind of like the Kabuto cuck,"

"My purpose surrounded surviving. Staying with Orochimaru and Danzo just helped my chances," Mitsuyo said.

"Orochimaru honestly helped all of our chances of survival," Sasuke said.

"He gave away my sword. I will slice him up until he's unrecognizable. I spent time away from Karin and we didn't get married earlier because of him," Suigetsu said. He threw a side-glance to Sasuke. "and because of you and Karin's schoolgirl crush,"

Mitsuyo rolled her eyes at Suigetsu's statement. "Let it go. She married you, yes?" Mitsuyo said, scoffing. Suigetsu huffed. "And you will not kill Orochimaru. He's my kill,"

"Will you two shut up?" Sasuke grumbled. "Let's just get Hinata and leave Konoha,"

Mitsuyo was not impressed by the news. "But the kids- they were so excited! And we have nowhere to go," Mitsuyo argued.

They can figure it out. And they'll stay in a motel on the outskirts of the village. "We don't have to be here," Sasuke shrugged.

"Shame on you for not facing your demons," Mitsuyo scoffed. "You of all people should overcome them,"

"There are too many demons to have tea with, Mitsuyo," Sasuke shrugged. "Stop bothering me with this,"

"If you won't make peace then make a flipping war. Sit down and burn all of them with the hot water. Not carry them around. You have a family who will love it here,"

"And I will be miserable?"

"We all sacrifice ourselves and our desires to provide the ones we love with something," Mitsuyo said. "You put their happiness atop of your own and operate that way until death,"

"So just get out there and fight. For Hinata's happiness. I mean, she couldn't fight, so why won't you do it?" Suigetsu clapped Sasuke on the back.

These obligations. These stupid familial obligations. Sasuke groaned. These issues. He didn't want to go but his kids were waiting for him. Hinata was waiting for him. He was drunk, his sword wasn't sharpened and it was all a hard.

Why is it all so hard?

He just constantly gets stares- no talking. He knows what they are thinking- it's all over their faces.

Suigetsu gulped loudly and stopped walking. "You know that time when I said if Naruto is around- I won't bother actually staying?"

"You've never said that," Sasuke gritted his teeth. "Why are you even saying that?"

"Because he's here! And angry- at us," Suigetsu said. "And I don't want to die prematurely,"

What? Oh. Now he understands. This will not end well.

"Oh dear," Mitsuyo said and patted Sasuke's cheek. "This is something I never wanted to see. If you are hurt- I'll heal but I cannot defend you in this one," She scampered off into a tree and pulled Suigetsu along with her. They took refuge in the foliage.

Naruto is... exceptionally good at hiding his chakra signature. Perhaps he wasn't useless and a dead last anymore.

Sasuke turned around and was hit by a Rasengan. Correction; he allowed himself to be hit by a Rasengan. It was wildly blue and hot. The jutsu felt like fire, compressed into his stomach. All of his insides twisted and the friction was searing his skin off. By the sheer impact of the Rasengan's strength- he flew through the air. Winded, Sasuke landed on a sidewalk, making a crater.

He'll feel that in the morning.

Two furious-looking kage bunshin stood around their ringleader, with Naruto in the middle. He looked so goddamn angry- his eyes weren't blue, they were a morphing into an orange color. His fist clenched and he infused chakra, absorbing Karuma's strength. Sasuke could hear the fox chuckling madly in the recesses of Naruto's mind.

He looks better.

"Sasuke! You teme! How dare you come back to Konoha after you killed Hinata!" Naruto shouted.

Sasuke didn't say anything. Suddenly, Naruto was over him as he landed another punch on Sasuke's jaw. He pulled on the collars of Sasuke's shirt.

"Answer me!" he shook Sasuke.

Naruto slammed him back against the dirt. Each hit against the paved ground made cracks in the cement.

Sasuke smirked though he knew he would pay for it later. He slipped away. Once at a safe distance, Sasuke crossed his arms, not going to fight. He knows how easily that could change.

"You have no idea what you're talking about, usuratonkachi," Sasuke said.

"Why do you always call me that?" Naruto huffed.

Sasuke shrugged. "It's fact. You must call a cat a cat,"

He heard Mitsuyo snicker in the umbrage of a tree. Naruto gritted his teeth, making his usual happy, proud disposition distort into one of anger. They seperated.

They stood about fifty yards away from each other, glaring.

Sasuke didn't want it to escalate. He knew Naruto said stupid, demeaning shit that made Sasuke so angry. Sasuke could kill many people in a murderous rage- so he is controlling himself. Fights between the two shinobi could ruin Konoha, depopulate cities and the stadium the kids were in. So fighting- it was a hard pass.

Naruto wasn't having any of Sasuke's pacified tendencies. Sasuke was itching to use the Chidori, the rinnegan to make Naruto feel pain and arouse terror but he couldn't.

Naruto narrowed his eyes and stared at the ground. "Sasuke, I thought you changed," he said simply. He was quiet, plaintive... He bathed in pain and regret. "You apologized to Sakura-chan and you went to jail without problems. You wanted to help Konoha then you disappear off the grid, make an innocent, timid Hinata pregnant and kill her. I knew you were a bastard but you weren't merciless,"

Sasuke felt the Chidori spark up in his fingertips. He couldn't keep calm. Why does everyone think that?! "Che. Learn your stuff before you throw around accusations, Naruto before someone gets hurt," Sasuke said, clenching his teeth. He had to elude conflict. Make tea, not war. His nails bit into his palms, making blood stream. Resist.