Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 21-
Lost You

April 7th. Late evening.

Jugo stared at photographic evidence of the one he loved and lost. Jugo's hands trembled, his body became covered with demon-like scales. His eyes... were filled with rage and tears.

Jugo went insane. Someina and everyone knew he was insane but not how much during loss... A girlfriend, someone close, she doesn't know.

Soon after, Suigetsu and Jugo argued over foolishness. Jugo took his frustration Suigetsu then the village.

In Jugo's grief, he spread terror like Sasuke. However, the Uchiha wouldn't go on a revenge rampage with all that bloodlust. He rampaged through the city and killed everything in sight.

Hinata told the kids to leave at the first sign of Jugo's agitation and grief. Hinata made sure Someina fled with the kids in her arms. Someina didn't know if Hinata was fine.

Benjiro was angry to be left with his permanent babysitter. Unless his mother was there, Taiyo couldn't be bothered, not saying much unless he was really interested. Taiyo didn't mind being outside of the house because he wasn't as attached to the house as Benjiro was.

Any distance from their cottage would spark the flame of a temper tantrum in Benjiro. Benjiro thoroughly enjoyed his cabin fever that came along with his parents.

Someina regretted not protecting Hinata. Sasuke'll kill Someina once they meet again. Someina couldn't disappoint him nor give him more reasons to hate her.

All the training sessions between her and Sasuke was just the subliminal message; take care of the love of my life when I'm not there because I sort of, maybe, maybe not trust you... by Sasuke.

And she ruined that. She hoped Sasuke got to Hinata on time.

¤¤¤

It's confirmed; they are bad omens.

Finding her going after Jugo, Sasuke was affronted. He attempted to convince her to go back home. Operative word: attempted.

She doesn't listen.

Hinata and Sasuke stood in some barely lit road surrounded by houses, getting eaten by ravenous mosquitoes. Their typical evening was disrupted before he returned from a mission. When he got home, Hinata was a mess in their empty house. Hinata went after Someina after everything calmed down.

Someina left with Taiyo and Benjiro because she knew that Jugo would implode and wreck everything.

"I have to stop Jugo, heal Suigetsu... Find Benjiro and Taiyo again," Hinata whispered, determined, pacing. "Can you track their chakras? Are they in the forest? The village square? Or did they escape?"

Sasuke scowled. He didn't know.

Suigetsu and Jugo were supposed to protect his makeshift clan not cause peril. Jugo's senselessly destroying the village. Suigetsu's probably dead after attempting to halt the beast. Again, operative word; attempted. Everyone's separated and he blamed those fools.

He did sympathize with Jugo. Losing someone is painful but he wouldn't go round murdering people like this.

"Let's go back to Mitsuyo's. I'll find Benjiro and Taiyo. The Aoi will be easy to spot," Sasuke assured her, urging Hinata to stop being stubborn.

She furrowed her brows, her cloak flapping in the wind. "But Sasuke... Benjro... the people Jugo injured. They are in need of my help. Sasuke, we have to save them!"

He tugged on her hair, shaking his head. "Don't be so stupid."

Hinata's cheeks were red but she was also angry. "I'm not being dumb." Hinata protested.

Sasuke tugged on her hair again.

"Ah. Stop doing that!"

"Then don't be dumb, you dope," Sasuke shook his head, guessing her next move. "Don't activate your byakugan. It's not worth it."

She looked down. "I just feel so helpless. I have you here, we can do something!"

He tucked the strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to help. You're making our world a better place if you just get out of the line of fire. This is dangerous. You're very pregnant with a sharingan kid. With my kid. We're like sitting ducks here. Let's go back and plan for the aftermath in a smart way. I'll find them."

She found logic in his words and nodded. "Okay let's go back. Back at Mitsuyo's... I think I made the cookies right this time, I swear to Kami. Benjiro's favorites."

"The seventh batch is a charm..." Sasuke grinned.

"Oh hush up, I bet your cheese and crackers that it'll be fine... more edible than the last batch..."

"I'll tell you later on 'cause Ben'll and I'll be there to try each and every single time," he said.

"Promise me you'll get Benjiro," Hinata said.

Fuck, she's getting devastated again.

Her skin's all pearly and her eyes are huge. If she cries, he'll feel like shit- then he perked up. They've arrived. Ah. His enemies have arrived. Hold that thought, darling Hinata. Sitting ducks always get shot.

"Uchiha Sasuke!" some idiot called out.

Hinata and Sasuke whipped around.

On a nearby tiled roof, there stood a woman in Kumo shinobi draped clothing. She was of average height with mocha chocolate skin and a bandana holding chaotic red hair back. She wanted to kill. She looked back.

Sasuke had sensed the woman showing up but he hadn't expected a fight. He could fight but Hinata. Sigh. He just wanted a boring life, day or evening with the boys and Hinata. Can he have that?

The redhead was excited to kill with a monomaniac look in her eye. She glanced between Hinata and Sasuke as prizes in her delusional games.

"Okay now, who gets to be killed first?" she chuckled, loosely pointing her drawn sword at Hinata then at Sasuke.

Kill? Sasuke activated his sharingan, drew his sword and glared at the ginger. He shielded Hinata. Hinata drew her short daggers.

Suddenly, ANBU personnel surrounded them like water to an island.

Hinata and Sasuke were back to back, facing all the ANBU with hard looks. He observed everyone, guessing their capabilities and skill levels. All of the ANBU were indifferent.

The ginger was a sore thumb because she was viciously excited.

The enticed woman jumped from the roof and landed at a safe distance from him (which was three and a half meters... but closer than everyone else ever dared). He gave her some merit, that's brave. Any brave person could be acknowledged.

The ANBU readied their weapons, sent eye messages and steadied their lethal gazes on the Hyuuga.

Redhead scowled as if he soured her milk. "Uchiha Sasuke. Some said you would be caught dead if you were seen here again. Why didn't you listen? What's an S-class nin doing in Kumo?"

Living his normal life but so far, Sasuke isn't very impressed. Hinata shouldn't be stressed out.

The woman continued, "You're causing problems for me and my people. After all the drama with the mudslide, you remain in Kumo. What are you trying to accomplish? Are you planning something? Forget it, we will not become pawns in your scheme."

"I've done nothing," Sasuke winced because it was true! He miraculously has done nothing in the midst of the chaos. No one could say or prove otherwise.

Redhead shook her head. "But you are a criminal roaming my streets. I don't like it when shinobi like you come over here in my village and cause violence in a time of peace. I have to be damage control."

Hinata shifted. He could feel her thoughts; she's worried about the baby. So was he.

They shouldn't be here.

He should be eating the cookies Hinata tried so hard to make. Benjiro and Taiyo are late for their baths, he was sure. Sasuke and Hinata would be reading or talking, not fighting angry Kumo people. Hinata shouldn't be in this environment; his dangerous world.

"We did nothing and she's innocent," Sasuke declared again.

"You'll never be innocent, filthy Uchiha," Redhead's gold eyes glowed as she snarked her answer.

Sasuke knew Hinata would open her mouth off and shot her a look as if to stop her.

"Do not speak of the Uchiha that way. Don't say the very clan name," Hinata said anyway.

Sasuke's still surprised- no one's ever defended his- their clan name in such a strange situation.

"I should because he is filth that shouldn't be alive," Redhead witch laughed while intentionally soiling the Uchiha name.

"Stop saying things like that about him. We have no problems here!"

"Oh shut up," the redhead hissed.

Hinata pursed her pillowy, soft-looking lips.

The women glared at each other for a few moments before the redhead turned to Sasuke. "I have a problem with you, Sasuke. You almost killed Killer B! My sensei and you walked off a free man after you sided with the enemy that waged a world war. You've always been a problem to society. It's no surprise that the moment you're in Kumo with some common whore, you start trouble."

Common whore?

Oh. Oh yeah. He did try to kill Killer B. Whatever. That was... a mere... fiveish years ago. Why can't she let it go... And besides, Hinata wasn't a whore. She was the most vanilla person he's ever met. And he probably stole her first kiss.

"She isn't a whore," Sasuke said drily.

"Are you ready to fight me on that?" Redhead challenged.

"I'm ready to kill you for it."

The ANBU had a wave of anxiety wash over them. A man with a lollipop stick poking out of his mouth emerged from the group. He had cloudy white hair and taupe skin.

He said around his lollipop, "There's no need to start drama. Sasuke, stop provoking her and Karui, we have a job to do. Raikage's orders."

Sasuke has said nothing wrong!

"Omoi, my job is to kick his ass and his little whore too," Redhead, er, Karui said and pointed her sword at Sasuke.

"Do not call me a whore..." Hinata affirmed lightly.

"Or what? You know what, you're annoying me," Karui lifted the sword at Hinata.

Sasuke flinched. The ANBU activated their jutsus, ready to pounce like a venomous cobra stalking for a chance to strike.

"Don't move another inch or I'll kill you," Karui said, her arm and gaze even and steady.

As if she could come close...

"Stop. We're innocent. Please."

Karui looked incredulous. "Oh- don't you know who you're affiliating with, lady? He's Uchiha Sasuke- the Sharingan wielder. He's a cold-blooded killer who didn't know when to quit! He almost killed one of the jinchuriki- my sensei and you're defending him- with all of the crimes and wrongdoings he's stacked up in his life? You're so stupid to stand by his side like that."

"Your vendetta is pathetic like you," Hinata hissed.

If I weren't in this situation, I would have clapped. But she's getting ruder and I admit, that's my fault- she's corrupt, Sasuke vented, internally sighing. I've spoilt you, Hyuuga Hinata. In a good way? Bad way? I dunno.

"Calm down. All of you," Omoi ordered. He looked at Karui. "I want nothing more to do than kill him but the Raikage doesn't want more damage to be done."

"Stop dragging this out because of your personal vengeance and let us leave. We've done nothing that obstructs the law," Sasuke argued. Hinata nodded staidly.

"We have reason to believe that you, Uchiha Sasuke, has been a part of the numerous attacks going off in various parts of Kumo," Omoi informed numbly.

"Why would that be linked to Sasuke?" Hinata asked nervously.

"Because the assailant was on the team with the man who attacked citizens. There are different witnesses stating that Sasuke was seen with these men. There is photographic evidence to support the claims. Sasuke can be a part of this planned attack on Kumo."

"You think he's attacking Kumo?!" Hinata pieced the puzzle together and frowned.

"Sure," Karui rolled her eyes, tone sardonic. "It's nothing surprising, considering his past."

"I'm a free man in Konoha and I didn't do that," Sasuke shrugged.

"But you're always going to be a murderer on Kumo grounds," Karui hissed, clapping back. "Nevermind that, we are containing you both so not as much damage can be done. You're both considered as a hazard to Kumo."

"We won't do anything."

"That's what they all say and they all end up dying at the hands of the ANBU, isn't that right Omoi?"

Omoi shot her a stern look. Karui turned away, having a shark's smirk.

Omoi waved to the both of them. "We need to take you both in for interrogation," Omoi sighed.

"Why are you punishing us for things that we haven't done or had any intention of doing? We are innocent. Uchiha-san is innocent," Hinata said firmly but there was a plea something in there.

Karui's jaw fell open. "You did not just use those two words in the same sentence," Karui sounded thoroughly enraged.

"Stop arguing, Karui. We have a job to do. Looks like to me the only reason you came on this mission is to kill Sasuke and we can't do that," Omoi muttered around the lollipop.

"Yes and if I can't kill him, I'll kill the one he's with!" Karui said.

"Leave your personal business out of this, Karui. We have to escort them to get them to questioning," Omoi was being the voice of reason.

Sasuke looked at the crowd of shinobi, gesturing to Hinata. "Don't treat her badly. If any of you do anything, I have no mercy to offer. Simple as that, you die at the hands of the only sharingan user in the world." Sasuke said loudly.

All the ANBU looked at Hinata.

Sasuke glared at the woman, Karui with obnoxious red hair and gold eyes. He could make his features red too. "And you, the one that goes by Karui, you will be special. If you even glance in her direction, you won't die. I'll torture you until you beg for death," Sasuke hissed. "I promise you that."

Karui masked her horrified expression and jumped back two steps. "As if I would let that happen."

She tried to keep her voice even but it didn't work. She failed and resolutely looked at her polished sword.

"Sasuke! Stop talking to her in that way, you bastard!" A stupid man yelled and charged. He reached out.

Hinata threw her senbon at the ANBU's hand's pressure points, effectively paralyzing his upper body temporarily. Then, he guessed, she sealed away the ANBU's shinobi weapon. Sasuke gave her a surge of chakra that she pressed into the masked shinobi's tenketsu, burning his chakra pathways from the overload. He let out a strangled wail. The ANBU collapsed after his mask-covered face but revealed eyes shone blue. Everyone paused and stared at the woman standing near to Sasuke.

"Do not tempt me to do anything of that sort again," Hinata said.

Immediately, people were on guard around Hinata. They hadn't believed her as a threat because of her low chakra quantities and her meek stature. That's how she messed people up. She's doing it again; being a lion in a sheep's skin. She's impressive.

Omoi rushed over to the knocked out man and pressed a finger to his neck, verifying his pulse. "You almost killed him," Omoi whispered, hate in his tone, turning to her. "Just what did you do to him?"

"His chakra has secrets that I know. I can't let him hurt two people. He was about to harm me or Uchiha-san," Hinata looked at the rest of the shinobi. "Please do not make me do worse. I do not want to cause problems."

"Too late for that," Karui whistled. Sasuke shot Karui a dark look which she returned.

Omoi stood up, sighing. "Alright, I allow that. No one touches her."

Good. But Karui still stared at what Hinata did to the weak ANBU. She had confusion and something close to concern dancing in those worry lines of her expression. She's carefully learning from the misfortunes of others. Sasuke steadily kept his eyes on Karui.

"Redhead, don't feel left out. You're next." Sasuke whispered, his voice slightly dangerous. Karui visibly flinched. Sasuke smiled.

¤¤¤

Sasuke and Hinata got escorted through the cobblestone night roads under light but poison rainfall. The shadows that were cast and the smell of smoke made it seem eerier than it was supposed to be. On nights like these, Hinata would force the kids to catch fireflies or do some familial activity...

Hinata was allowed to walk beside Sasuke. She ignored every stare of the villagers, the height of the buildings and the awful, nagging sense that something was going to go wrong.

Hinata looked up at him. "Why- why are we getting taken? We did nothing- it's illegal."

"Because people are dicks," Sasuke said mildly.

If Sasuke acted better, less manic, less vengeful- it wouldn't be like this for her. Always on the run, looking over their shoulders. It was all dangerous.

If only he could build a world for her. If he were normal, he could provide a place that wouldn't be so dangerous. He bets Naruto can provide a sanctuary/nirvana she'd like. He promised he'd make it good- so divine, like how they wanted it all the time.

He leaned beside her ear. "I never meant to put you through this. But damn, even I wouldn't like me if I met me." he said silently.

"Uchiha-san..." Hinata said in a way that made Sasuke know she's hurting for him again. "You are not-"

"The sins I have committed are atrocious. I deserve this treatment. I don't know why they're hurting you... but here," Sasuke smiled a bit, handing over some dried apricots.

Hinata squealed but got hushed quickly. She popped some in her mouth and smiled graciously. He packed them for her. She's always eating too much or too little. A lack of balance in between the extremes troubled him.

Karui noticed her smiling and the bitch said, "No talking or eating or having whatever those are!"

Karui stole the apricots and threw them onto the ground, stomping them into the dirt. She gave Hinata a pointed, triumphant look before walking back to her spot in front of them.

Sasuke watched as the first scowl to have ever been made by Hinata appear on her face. She was scowling! It was strange- but, but he agreed. What a bullying harridan who didn't know her fruits. If Karui were twice as smart, she'd still be a moron.

"Hurry up, we have one more Uchiha grave to dig. Don't keep the crowd waiting," Karui said.

Steam poured out of Hinata's ears."You cannot say things like that about Uchiha-san because you don't know anything about him or me!"

"Just shut up," Karin groaned.

"Make me!" Hinata challenged.

"You asked for it."

Accessing the situation, Sasuke asked calmly, "And what is that?"

"Death," Karui stated, gold eyes glowing.

That struck a chord in Sasuke so he caught Karui's attention, sensing what came next. He could at least stop the carnage before he heard the violence. That's enough.

"Don't take things out on her, take it out on me," Sasuke said, shielding Hinata.

"You and I have business. Don't think for a moment that I'm scared of you," Karui threatened Sasuke. "Let her fight and lose."

The ANBU surrounding them didn't mind the trash talk and kept to themselves while escorting them through twisted and dark roads. They didn't care whether or not Hinata was injured. They only cared that she lived long enough to face punishment. This was the common bad treatment for criminals.

Hinata whispered confidently, "I will fight you and win."

"Wanna play?" Karui said, steadying her sword. "All bark and no bite. All big talk but nothing to show for it."

"You promise that?" Hinata said, gravely quiet but had brewing anger for the girl.

Karui nodded.

Hinata looked like she would tear Karui to pieces. "If we ever meet again, I'll have so much more to say but dead people can't hear or make promises."

Sasuke paused, sighing. The ANBU were still indifferent at the blossoming altercation. Sasuke's spoilt her and given her his sharp tongue... He turned back to the fuming cinnamon girl. He got real close to her and leaned beside her ear.

"And you... what are you doing? Calm down, will you?" Sasuke asked.

"She just makes me so mad!" Hinata admitted. She raised her voice purposely so Karui could hear. "And she's ignorant!"

Karui growled like a rabies-infected animal. "I heard that!"

Hinata flinched.

"She probably is, but who cares about her? What about all that zen?" Sasuke asked.

She looked away. He tugged on her hair again.

"I'm not being dumb!" she protested.

Sasuke sighed. "Think logically. Are you trying to die? That's a perfect way to lessen our chances of getting out. Co-operation is key. Remember our responsibility? Do everything they tell you to do and we'll last a day longer. The miracle will last a day longer," Sasuke reminded her roughly. "I've said a million goodbyes but I still don't like them. Don't make me say it cause you're the last person I want to say goodbye to. So don't be dumb."

Hinata looked guilty, avoiding his gaze. "I'm... sorry. I wasn't thinking. I'll be there. That was the shinobi part of me acting, not the mother part-"

"Aww. Cute. The dog getting reprimanded by its owner," Karui intoned, listening into their conversation. Omoi laughed, ignoring the glares sent by Hinata and Sasuke.

Hinata's eye twitched. "Dog? She just called me a dog! Ugh- nevermind... What will happen to you?" Hinata asked, wondering and sad. "They never treat you right."

"You're just worried." he rolled his eyes.

"Always," she murmured.

He sighed, looking assured, put together so she wouldn't have to. "Don't be. Not much will happen. Maybe a few interrogations, few punches and a lot of nothing. They won't give you hell. They're not that kind of monster." Sasuke promised.

At least, he hoped.

Karui privately gagged until she clapped loudly. "Okay... let's split them up. Be on your best behavior, criminals but don't expect another rendezvous unless it's at a cemetery."

Hinata gave a small, linear smile that didn't translate to any happiness. She looked at Sasuke. "Meet me again, promise?" she said and it wasn't like she was asking.

She was demanding it. Not seeing him again wasn't an option. It made a warm ache rock through his stomach.

The back of his throat was dry. "We'll meet again, yeah. I'll meet you there. My word is good." he said, swallowing.

Hinata nodded. "Meet you there... without the air of finality. I'll miss you. I wish you the best in the mayhem and the distress and red bloodshed." she smiled.

"I wish you the best in the quiet and the sunset and the good silence," he finished the poem.

Her eyes lit up in a way he liked. It got quiet and they knew it was because they didn't want to feel any pain. "I'll meet you there," Sasuke said again, breaking a bit.

She was calm yet depressed. She still gave him a good vibe but her words had sad meanings.

"Yeah... meet you there cause for us, it's never goodbye. It's always, always see you later. Wait- I got it! The perfect name for a boy! Be alive to hear it..." she whispered, beaming a bit and got real close.

They were split up for three days or more. The days really had no meaning. It may not have been a goodbye but this was a 'see you later' was a blanket of delusion made of depressing silk.

¤¤¤

April 10th.

The next days were incredibly annoying.

Sasuke sat in the corner of the interrogation room (meaning cell) legs crossed and eyes closed. The cell was cold, monotonous and underground. He meditated, being small and quiet. He did get tuned up but his threshold for pain was sadly high. Emotional, physical and mental torture didn't work and it destroyed them.

"Your chakra cuffs are on the highest level possible. You're sitting on a chakra drainer seal yet you're still acting like the bastard who won't cooperate. How long till your surrender?" an interrogator asked.

"Shinobi are said to have survived off of tea leaves for months at a time. Meditation-" Sasuke started.

"I hate those words in that particular order. You're not being cute, you're being a pain in the ass. You've been at this for three days. Just stop with the damn meditating," the interrogator said.

Sasuke shrugged and continued with his determined mantra. Remember, reflect, release.

"You've assaulted over twenty of our finest shinobi and you haven't taken any food or water. Your only demand is to see her but we're not giving you anything."

Sasuke hummed. "Shinobi are said to survive off of tea leaves for months at a time. Meditation is a way to be one with the universe-"

"You've said that two hundred and fifty-six times. For the love of Kami, shut up. You've attacked another prisoner- Bunya Jimpachi and tortured him through genjutsu for hours and you've said nothing of substance," the interrogator slammed his hands on the table.

He broke them. A smirk on curled on his face. Sasuke shrugged and continued humming.

"Here she is," a gruff shinobi said.

Hinata. Time stopped a moment. Finally. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, yet too much of it. He didn't like too much peace because he let down his guard.

"Is she hurt?" Sasuke asked.

He sprung up and five shinobi were on guard. The stale air got stirred.

"Ah. Nice to see you have a variety of words in your vocabulary, Uchiha. I don't want a visit from your Hokage and Konoha-dogs," the interrogator muttered sarcastically.

As soon as Hinata saw him, she fought the guards, pushing them away.

Hinata ran into his arms.

It felt like a victory. After the waiting drove him mad, it was a win. Oh Kami, having her there made things better. She's the one you see on Monday mornings because she brightens your day since she's light...

While trapped in his embrace, he held her tightly. He wanted to keep her safe, keep her warm. Mostly to keep anyone from taking her away again.

"Oh, Uchiha-san! I thought something happened to you," she reached up, caressing his cheeks. She laughed with happy tears. "I thought something happened to you. You had the best in the mayhem."

"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked Hinata, letting her hold his cheeks.

"I'm fine. Never mind me, are you alright?"

"Whatever about me. When was the last time you slept?"

"How can I?" she said. "I miss him- you. I miss him so much Kami and our other sunbeam!"

She widened her eyes when he started giving her chakra, to heal her.

"Wha- Uchiha-san! Don't you dare give me your chakra or do what I think you-"

He pressed a pressure point that he knew would knock her out swiftly and efficiently. Painlessly. He caught her. Sleep well, you wondrous insomniac, Sasuke thought.

A man gulping coffee did a spit take. "Did that just happen?"

"I bet your mom's ass that it did. What the hell? Why did you do that?" the interrogator replied, fuming.

"She's a liability," Sasuke answered slowly.

"And I thought I was heartless," the interrogate yelled. "You wouldn't cooperate for three full days and you lasted without water, food or light and your only demand was to see her. And you knock her out. That's just a class jackass! Take her away."

Sasuke held her away from them.

He sent more of his chakra through her, replenishing her. I assume that she didn't get anything. Her food and water that she received are probably meager, in comparison to my nothing, he thought. He put her in a genjutsu.

"I'll only cooperate if she gets doubled what I am supposed to eat." Sasuke nodded.

"No, you're the prisoner, we don't negotiate with prisoners." the interrogator said, eyes shining with anger.

Sasuke shook his head. "I am a suspect. How is it human to deprive a pregnant woman of food, water and sleep? I'm supposed to take all the hate and the torture, not her. Do whatever the hell you want to me. Leave her be."

"Why should we cooperate with you?" The guard with coffee seethed.

"You don't want an international incident, you will do as I say. She probably hasn't slept or eaten anything either. Her chakra quantities are so low and she has been fighting/resisting help and or treatment. She probably thought it was smart to not cooperate. If you hadn't noticed, she is heavily pregnant," Sasuke said.

"Why does Uchiha Sasuke give two shits about a pregnancy? Is it your child?" the interrogator asked.

"It is my responsibility to take care of her at all times. Just give her the proper necessities and I'll cooperate to whatever your torture is. But I watch her eat. She eats and I tell you what you want to know."

The interrogator eventually agreed.

¤¤¤

In his imaginary chakra world, Hinata, Benjiro, and Sasuke were in their lush backyard. Under their peach tree with the spirit of the Kumogakure sun in them. Their portable wooden decked table stood between them with the small radio buzzing a soft song she recognized.

Benjiro and Hinata sported the same floppy blue hats in the shade. Sasuke watched, wondering how heaven was so close.

When his lady doth sleep in a genjutsu, Sasuke thought about how time passes slowly whenever Hinata wasn't there... It was all a genjutsu he put her through while answering questions... It's strange... Can he just stay here forever?

The citric lemonade scent wafted around in the verdure scene, adding to the flowery smell. The world was theirs in their little forest. It was just them with the occasional reminder of the baby. The breezes were gentle and rather soft while they exchanged casual remarks and laughs were plentiful.

Sasuke watched her, then shifted his gaze to the grass cushioning them. He wanted a moment to enjoy this. It was a stolen moment.

Hinata sat up, tossing cards onto the small table, spent. She laughed, Benjiro at her side. Benjiro peppered her face with kisses and pressed his hands to her stomach.

"I wanna feed the koi! Can I feed guppy?" Benjiro asked.

"We'll do that later. It's fine here," Sasuke smiled.

Benjiro crouched to press his ear to her valley of a stomach. Benjiro stilled, listening to her stomach. "Sasu! Wanna help me feed 'em?"

Sasuke nodded. "Yeah."

He brightened, his cheeks pink and his teal hair brushing over his eyes. "We'll fish! Cool! I felt it! Sasu, Nata! Baby Nata moved!" Benjiro trilled.

Hinata shuffled cards. "Yeah. He always looks so surprised whenever he feels the baby move but it always is like that," Hinata commented, chuckling a bit.

"He's just a good brother. Don't worry," Sasuke agreed.

He felt defeated. A breath he was taking came out as a loud sigh. He hid it because she was happy and he didn't want Hinata to crumble. It was quiet. This is all fake... Just because Jugo couldn't control himself. Now, they're in jail- separated from everything they liked.

Hinata watched him carefully. "Sasuke? What's wrong? I know that face. Are you worrying about me? Heh, I'm fine," she assured him with an encouraging smile, setting the cards down.

Sasuke looked away. Hinata ran her fingers through Benjiro's hair. "We're at home, and Benjiro's fine. Have no wild thoughts, we're fine."

"You are in a genjutsu. When you went to 'sleep' I put a genjutsu on you." Sasuke said. He let things come out of the woodwork, explaining why he behaved abnormally.

Hinata unconsciously held Benjiro closer. "No way! But this is perfect," she said, her gray hair flopping about under her blue floppy hat. "It's all so real."

He ruined things with homemade dynamite. Always. "I'm the best genjutsu caster in the world. It has to be real," Sasuke said, cutting himself off. "Don't get out of it yet just stay... with me."

Hinata looked like she would fall apart but he was the one who left her smile in shards.

Tears welled in her eyes. "Is Benjiro safe?" she asked. There wasn't any fear, just concern in her moonstruck eyes. Benjiro's messy teal hair was unruly and his eyes were still black and reflective.

"I'm right here, Nata, safe," Benjiro said, grinning at her.

"I hate it but I don't know... We're heading for troubled times," Sasuke said. He hated that he gave her his best lies.

Quietly, Hinata started to cry. Benjiro crawled onto her lap, cuddling her.

"Don't cwy," he whispered in a three-year-old way.

Hinata composed herself and offered a smile. "I'm not. It's not right for a mother to cry in front of their kid. In front of whatever you are, Sasuke," she looked at Benjiro for a really long time. "My beautiful boy. Just... Just make him call me "Mama" at least once. I-I thought I would be around to hear him say it," she swiped her hand under her eye.

"Don't cry," Benjiro reached up and kissed Hinata's face. "Mama."

"Yeah... Benjiro- if anything happens- I'm your mother. Don't forget about me," Hinata laughed tearfully. Benjiro pressed his forehead to hers. "You're my sun."

Sasuke shifted away, guilty. This was kind of a goodbye for mother and son. Ah. Now he feels worse. If Sasuke hadn't brought her to Kumo none of this would happen. Instead of him thinking she'd shun him for losing her kid, she got up and made her way over. It was her choice- not him orchestrating her movements.

"Sasuke... this is so melancholic," she said, her voice as soft as ever.

Hinata settled on his end of the table at his side. She let him drape his arm around her shoulder and allowed the train wreck to happen. How had she made him crazy over her touch?

"We can stay in this genjutsu... or leave. I can't relax unless I know you're alright," Sasuke suggested.

"Don't leave me a second time. Let's just stay here forever," she said and allowed herself to hold Benjiro who followed her over to them. "On melancholy hill... you and me. We'll see him again. We will."

"People are jerks," Sasuke smirked a bit. "I think we're better than everyone else."

"We're looking down on them? That's pretty sad."

"Isn't it?" Sasuke sighed.

Hinata laughed into his shoulder.

They stayed in tbe genjutsu for two whole days but that might have been just a second, not even a moment that passed for everyone else. He lived for these moments just as he would die for these particular moments.

Yeah...

¤¤¤

4 hours later.

In a hospital bed, Hinata woke up. The feeling of the scratchy sheets were uncomfortable on her skin. She's used to softer and nicer sheets... Not linen. Saauke hated linen.

She remained in place, not hinting that she was conscious. She was in an underground hospital where shinobi who are a threat go. A nice window and access to a hallway was a luxury not for criminals. The windows and some utensils were for decoration and just a shimmering genjutsu.

A genjutsu- why does that remind her... In a moment of brilliance, she realized what happened. She pounded the blanket with a closed fist. Darn it!

He knocked me out! That jerk! It was nice to be in that genjutsu- but I am s-still mad... I got to see Benjiro again... That was sweet. He still knocked me out, Hinata thought, rubbing away the sleep from her eyes.

Why did he always do that?

She would've slept- actually, she knew herself well enough to know she would go crazy if he weren't with her... Would she sleep?

Before this bed, she was stuck in a cell, which was cold and she tried to refuse food. Then, she got too hungry or something and ate the tray the guards provided.

Is she even thinking about the baby? She was being... weird? Ugh. She's always hungry and her breasts hurt.

Karui just ground her gears! How dare she say those things about Hinata and Sasuke. Hinata wasn't a whore! She was trying to not make them go to jail. Angering Karui wasn't a smart move and it wasn't diplomatic at all...

She acted like a child but... she doesn't know... All the stress was too much.

Suddenly, the baby moved. Kicked. She smiled at the baby's movement. She will always be catty for that little miracle.

Finally, she sat up and stroked her stomach.

She blinked at the woman.

Hinata didn't notice her...

A doctor with mousy features and frazzled hair wrote things on her chart beside Hinata's bed. She was hunched over a defibrillation machine. Hinata fought the urge to snap at the woman to not use it as a pseudo desk but let it go. The doctor seemed fed up with other things...

"Do you have a history of twins running in your family?" the doctor asked, having no patience for Hinata. She seemed annoyed.

Hinata thought about her great-grandparents and her uncle and father... Twins were everywhere in the Hyuuga district. It was actually quite amazing and terrifying. Double births... She shuddered. Her body will be torn apart if she were to go through that- cause she won't. Right? It was just a casual question. A query. A casual query.

"Rampant." Hinata nodded, quite detached to the question and words.

The doctor adjusted her glasses perched on her nose. "Well, two heartbeats may not be a surprise." the doctor gave a minimal shrug. "Your twins are alright. Your boy is slightly bigger than your girl but they're not in distress."

Boy and girl?

"Wai- what?! TWINS?" Hinata shrieked.

Hinata widened her eyes, tears brimming her lids. You hear that Neji? Sasuke and I are having twins! A boy and a girl! How joyous, Hinata thought.

Twins?! Wait- what? It really hit her. Then-... Then her mind worked and started engaging in the conversation. Wait- her body will be torn apart and oh Kami- that will hurt!

Oh, Kami! What will she name the miracles?! She hadn't thought of that possibility. She... She always wanted no kids and now she had three...

Woah. Woah. Oh. But she's crying because there this loud, odd happiness beaming through her. Twins! Twins! She'll have two babies and she'll get to have two scrapbooks at the same time! Wow!

She looked over to her side. "Sasuke, we'll have twins-" she stopped and looked down. Sasuke isn't there... How could she forget they're separated? "I'm glad." Hinata smiled, tears wetting her palms as she held her burning cheeks.

She wished Sasuke were here to hear this. Mitsuyo and Someina would be happy. Hanabi... What would Hanabi say?

"Stop looking so proud. Ma'am, it's not in the best interest of your babies to get arrested. Under your care, it's better off aborted," the woman snorted.

Without thinking, Hinata lunged at the woman.

¤¤¤

27 minutes later.

Hinata finished the tea the nice interrogator gave her. He was the only one who took the fact she was pregnant into account. Hinata hated this hospital gown she was forced to wear. The cuffs were a bit much, though.

Hinata was in another plain interrogation room as he came back from washing her teacup. The seats had some cushioning since she was pregnant and needed more support.

Hinata looked at the man across from her. He was unimpressed. He had to deal with Sasuke and now her...

"You're just a maverick trailblazer, aren't you? Christ. You can't attack staff that is supposed to help you. Now, Nabe-sensei's in the hospital because of your antics! We'll have to keep you longer because of this," the nice interrogator hissed at her.

Nabe was the women who insult her.

"Nabe-sensei said-"

"I know what she said but that doesn't give you the right to dislocate her shoulder, sever her knee tendons and give her a concussion."

Hinata shook her head, not minding how tight the cuffs were or that the cramped concrete cell room was deathly cold. She thinks she acted perfectly.

Say that to a mother- any mother and you'll get the same response and rage all across the five nations. She said I should abort my child. How rude, Hinata looked down at her bound hands.

"Do you regret it? Not the baby- attacking the doctor," the interrogator asked, hoping to see redemption.

"Not all of it. I regret not doing more damage," Hinata admitted, shaking her head. She should have hit harder.

The man popped a brow up. "You fought off six nurses and two shinobi all the while hurting her."

"I wanted to do more damage to her. They took the focus off of the one I was supposed to hurt," Hinata explained.

The interrogator rubbed his temples. "You and that Sasuke are both are the most destructive people I've met. Causing trouble left and right. Gives me headaches." The interrogator looked more annoyed with her then leaned in. "You're a piece of work, indeed but you did the right thing. I'd want a wife like you."

Hinata beamed.

Two men walked into her cell. The lankier one spoke in a casual, languid way. Beside his quiet partner, the first man looked bored.

Her first interrogator, who spent an hour lecturing her seemed exhausted then relieved to see his fellow colleagues. "I shall take my break... now."

Hinata bowed slightly. "Thank you for taking care of me."

He just huffed, pushing away from the shiny gray table. He made it for the door. "Good luck," he said, sighing. He turned back to Hinata, looking over his shoulder. "Try not to bite anyone again while I am gone. The name's Noritaka..." Noritaka said.

A nice name for a nice man... It won't be that hard. Hinata stared at the two men, narrowing her eyes. Shouldn't it be easy not to get bulldozed?

"This is Shimizo," the man pointed to Shimizo, a rugged shinobi with paper white skin, a grim look in his brown eyes and a gleaming bald head.

Shimizo looked like a no-nonsense man with a gruff exterior. He did seem to be the boss because he presented himself that way.

Then the man introduced himself.

"I am Akiyama," he said.

Akiyama's lime-green eyes and blonde hair over tanned olive skin reminded her of Naruto...

Just a lot more green and- older. It made her heart skip a beat. Akiyama had glasses and was taller, spindlier with a slightly mischievous glint in his eye. He also had a studious look to him.

But... Naruto always looked dignified. And his spiky hair was... wow. They looked similar.

"What?" Akiyama snapped, noticing her staring.

"Nothing... You-" she threw quick looks at him. "You look like someone I know."

Not knowing how to respond, Akiyama looked at her with an incredulous expression. He didn't say anything at all. They proceeded in sitting across from her at the metal table.

"Your name is Natsukawa Momo. You are twenty years old, pregnant and you are the companion of Uchiha Sasuke," Shimizo said, getting to the point. "You are the daughter of the alive Natsukawa Nikaio and the deceased Natsukawa Toru. You live with Natsukawa Mitsuyo, the adopted sister of Nikai. Anyway, who was at Mitsuyo's residence the night of the attack?"

Hinata sighed, "Jugo and Suigetsu. My son, my kid cousin Natsukawa Taiyo, Ikeda Someina-my caretaker left hours before."

"Why were Suigetsu and Jugo guarding you?" Shimizo asked.

Hinata looked at her reflection on the shiny table. She looked like a mess. A mess that is answering dumb questions... "Uchiha-san left them to guard me in his absence. Suigetsu and Jugo were in the living room while I baked. Suigetsu and Jugo had a disagreement after Jugo learned his girlfriend had been killed," Hinata flinched at the memory. "They promptly fought and Suigetsu told me to leave the house. I couldn't go so I hid in the kitchen..."

"If Jugo was dangerous, why did Sasuke purposefully leave them to protect you? Very reckless of a sophisticated man and killer." Shimizo asked, eyes narrowed.

Hinata scowled at them. "Uchiha-san is not reckless. They've known each other for years. However, I couldn't run. Jugo found me. I reminded him of my baby as to stay alive. To show him I was worth something. Human. He ran out and I fled to the woods..."

"Which direction?"

"West, to the village center," Hinata sighed. "Uchiha-san found Suigetsu and they both fought Jugo. Jugo seemed fixated on hurting me and my kids. Suigetsu took the blow for me repeatedly. The man almost died for me..."

"Jugo was the one who ravaged through the city. Not all four of them?" Akiyama concluded, pushing his glasses up his nose.

Hinata nodded to the Naruto look-alike, blushing a bit. "Only Jugo. J-jugo is arguably the strongest when an...gry. He turned to the village after injuring Suigetsu. Without our intervention, all the inhabitants could have died. Uchiha-san returned from a m-mission..."

"Am I making you nervous?"Akiyama asked.

"N-no!" she said way too loudly. Akiyama was unconvinced and she looked down. "Yes. Very much."

"Why?"

"Y-you look like someone I used to know..." and love. Hinata looked back at her hands. "Just ask your q-questions."

Akiyama sighed. "Sasuke wasn't the one who caused it?" Akiyama asked. Oh Kami, he even scrunches up his nose when he doesn't understand. Ah- she's... She couldn't look at him.

"No," she looked at Shimizo. "What about Jugo? What's happening to him? Suigetsu is getting extensive care, right? Please!"

Shimizo didn't seem moved by her questions nor was he eager to answer. "We do not have that information. Even if we did, I wouldn't have told you. We still are in question and you are part of an investigation. You do understand, we have the power here. We choose whether or not you see the light of day,"

"I couldn't have possibly done it! Look at me. Mobility is a dream now," she gestured to her bulging stomach.

"Age is just a number, gender is as useless as looks and faith don't matter once one is brought to justice. We will find who is guilty..." Shimizo shrugged without sympathy.

"But I'm not guilty," Hinata cried.

"In your case, it's guilty until proven guilty," Shimizo said.

Hinata's jaw dropped. "That's not how it works, mister... You're supposed to help me." Hinata gulped. What is he trying to do or prove?

Shimizo's already intimidating aura became noticeably colder and heavy. "Don't be self-entitled. I want the hard truth. Now let's go over the story again."

"But-" Hinata protested.

Shimizo didn't care. He glared at her and his voice became soaked with superiority or something. "I don't like being disobeyed, go over what happened with fine details. Now, who was in the house?"

He should calm down, she'll do what he said. Hinata stared at him blankly then sighed. Hinata did what was told and spilled her guts.

"It was..." Hinata started until she went into an unless cycle of answers and confessions.

After three or four hours, Hinata hated those men. They were awful! They asked her the same questions over and over again, waiting for a confession. They tried to mess her up and get her to say the wrong things! She was burning the wick on both ends.

It was nice to look at Naru- she means, Akiyama... Not that it meant a lot. She just felt really guilty, for some reason.

¤¤¤

April 14th. Afternoon.

Despite Shimizo's words, Hinata was released. It wasn't guilty until proven guilty... People in positions of authority shouldn't have such corrupt mindsets going into court. They're trying to find and defend justice... Help people.

Hinata got her normal clothes again, her cloak and saw Sasuke again. Being there with Sasuke felt like reaching into the night sky, touching the moon while her name was stitched into the cosmos.

After at least a week of separation, they were once reunited in the underground tunnels of Kumo jail. Noritaka, the nice interrogator, smirked while Sasuke glared at him.

"Sasuke... Sasuke! Please. Just listen! I'm having twins," she whispered then looked up into Sasuke's handsome eyes as hers filled with tears of joy.

"Twins?" he asked uncertainly.

She nodded. "Twins."

"Really? Twins?" he asked again, excited.

"Twins! Really twins, darling, they're twins!"

He picked her up and twirled her around. "Twins!"

"I talked with a doctor. There'll be two of me or you walking around," she smiled. "It explains the harshness! It explains all the bumps and rolls and kicks, the random contractions. And... it felt like doubled a single pregnancy. The heartburn, exhaustion and I threw up like twenty times a day and- Sasuke! They're twins."

Noritaka sighed. "You're getting shipped back to Mitsuyo's house, sorry dear."

"You son of a bitch," Sasuke whispered, throwing daggers.

"It was going to happen anyway, wasn't it, Uchiha? Now you'll never leave," he sighed.

Hinata was confused. "Noritaka-san-"

"I can't say more but if you don't hate me, we'll have tea again."

Hinata nodded uncertainly.

What? Never leave where... Those words weighed heavily on her as they were once again escorted through the Kumo streets. With a dozen sullen but secretly smirking ANBU on the trip was annoying.

The whole village dished out their best glares and some managed to boo them and shout profanities. They were publicly humiliated while Sasuke glared at the ANBU. They made it back to their house. It was a disaster. Karui wasn't there. Thank Kami.

¤¤¤

34 minutes later.

"Open the barrier in a smooth procedure so we could either inspect the home Uchiha Sasuke occupies. We must surveil the area for any other threats and traps. Lady, remove the barrier and allow us safe passage. We will not cause too much disruption." An ANBU tried to explain.

Safe passage?! Surveil? Why did they want to enter her home? This place was sacred. She had earned the right to a safe home. Hinata was getting reprimanded loudly by all these men at one time but she didn't cave.

She sat in the middle of around fifteen ANBU all shouting; "You have to open the barrier!"

Now, the government and the ANBU all want Hinata to open the chakra barrier wall that encompasses the house and pine forest of Mitsuyo's mansion home. Benjiro might be there. She can't risk any of their safety or positions.

Sasuke leaned on the chakra barrier wall, sighing. It's been over an hour of this.

"I didn't know she was a master at Fuinjutsu. Stop and open the barrier. It is under the Raikage's orders. What's wrong with you? Just listen to us," An ANBU snarled.

Hinata didn't have to listen to him or any of them. Her son's in danger because of the government.

A brave ANBU grabbed her arm and Hinata twisted his hand, officially breaking his arm. The hand's crushed bones made an unflattering sound.

"Don't you dare touch me," Hinata snapped.

"Don't talk to the authorities that way," One ANBU scowled, unimpressed. He was the leader with a monkey styled porcelain mask and the least patience.

"You'll kick a pregnant woman with twins when she's down?" Hinata asked truthfully.

The man crouched down to face Hinata at eye level. "If it were for the sake of the mission, then I would perform and hit anyone to the best of my ability," he whispered menacingly.

"So you'll all abuse three people with one hit," Hinata concluded.

They all nodded silently. "We would all take pleasure in eliminating you from the face of this earth for the village, Natsukawa. Tread lightly or your babies die. I would terminate your pregnancy the messy way but that's up to your behavior, isn't it? For the sake of your punk ass, release the seal so they can both live another minute."

Hinata and the man were locked in a staring contest. "No."

"We will not hesitate to terminate your pregnancy," An ANBU with a crow designed mask said. "Don't be surprised when all your witnesses and loved ones keep turning up dead. Your essence will be erased along with the scumbag who impregnated you. You're on a bridge to nowhere unless you open the seal."

"I won't break the seal. We all have things we don't hesitate to save," she said, surrendering.

"I've had enough of your bratty act-" Two ANBU escorted her to the edge of the chakra barrier and she sighed. "Release the seal," the monkey-masked ANBU ordered.

The crow-masked was beside her. He seized her arm, grabbing her roughly. She then swung around and punched his nose. A satisfying crunch of broken bones behind the almost shattered porcelain mask played.

Hinata's back was to the seal's barrier. "Don't ever tell me what to do. I'm never opening that seal," she whispered menacingly.

"We can take you back," One ANBU called out.

"Take me then," Hinata shrugged. She will gladly go back if it meant protecting her home. Why are they so interested?

"Without hesitation, huh?" the monkey mask repeated grimly.

Hinata was talking with the confidence of a man who's been to jail but wasn't afraid of it. Sasuke was quick to act, maneuvering himself in front of Hinata, prepared for an inevitable battle.

Sasuke shot her a conflicted look. "Not going to happen. I don't remember you being aggressive. I'm impressed. I'm rubbing off on you," Sasuke tilted his head.

Vise versa... She was more worried than thrilled.

"If I were you, I'd be scarred by her crass behavior," an ANBU snapped. "Tape her mouth shut before she ruins you."

"I'm not you, so keep suffering. Keep the tape. You might great use of it yourself," Sasuke muttered under his breath.

Then, Hinata heard; "Nata? Sasu!"

Hinata knew that angelic voice and those chakra signatures. Thank Kami. She turned around, seeing Benjiro, Taiyo, Mitsuyo, and Someina on the other side of the barrier. Hinata kneeled while staring at a blurry Benjiro.

My love! Benjiro! Taiyo- you're alright. I'm blessed to see your faces again, Hinata thought. It took everything in her to not cross the border and scoop her little boy in her arms. Benjiro was still fine! With charcoal eyes with slightly tussled short teal hair and all her love.

"I've longed for you, Benjiro. All this time," Hinata said, eyes filling with happy tears.

"So... the devil has tears," the monkey-mask hissed.

"Nata! Sasu! Dat's Nata 'n Sasu! Alive," Benjiro cried happily, running up to the edge of the chakra border.

"Don't go through- the barrier- please," Hinata said, tear tracks anew. "Boys... Promise me- do not go through the seal."

Benjiro nodded, kicking the dirt, his happy tears pouring. Taiyo shrugged, following the rules.

"Thank you," she whispered to Mitsuyo and Someina. "With all of my heart, thank you for keeping them safe."

Someina looked embarrassed. "Of course... We gladly serve to your pleasure, don't we?" Someina said, her green hair flowing in the wind.

An ANBU caught the attention of Someina and she rushed in front of Hinata. "You'll have to kill me to get to her."

Mitsuyo immediately pushed the toddler boys behind her. Mitsuyo, as usual, looked stern and calculating as she critiqued the scene.

"What do you bozus want?" Mitsuyo asked.

"Under strict orders from the Raikage, we need to investigate this home due to the suspicion that Sasuke rests here. The attacks on Kumo have rendered Sasuke in a delicate spot. The Raikage wants to protect his people and village from this dangerous figure. You must open the chakra seal to align yourself with the desires of your supreme leader and ultimate boss, the Raikage," the monkey mask said.

Mitsuyo looked thoughtful then nodded. "Fine. This has gone on far too long," Mitsuyo announced and released the seal.

The chakra barrier that glowed blue, thin with the rainbow pattern of a bubble's distorted rainbow disappeared. Almost unceremoniously. The amount of chakra to maintain this barrier was immense. It was almost quite romantic just how much work came and went into making a complicated seal like this. It only took a moment to break apart, though.

And she... just enabled the ANBU to storm through...

"Now that's the stupidest thing you've ever done. Who cares about the Raikage and his whims? Sasuke is innocent!" Someina yelled. The ANBU suddenly infested her forest, heading for their cottage. "Mitsuyo! Why would you do that?!" Someina snapped.

"I like to solve problems, unlike you bozos who add to them," Mitsuyo shrugged.

"You've only made it worse," Someina waved her arms. "You jerk!"

Benjiro rushed into Hinata's arms and cried frantically. She peppered his face with kisses and hugs. She traded Benjiro for Taiyo and held him. He didn't seem fond of hugs and recoiled away a bit.

Sasuke looked over at the defiant child when Benjiro eventually went to Sasuke with the same frantic behavior.

Sasuke picked him up and said, "Relax. We're fine." Sasuke rocked him.

Benjiro finally calmed down. He stopped his stitched breathing, returning to steady inhales and exhales. "Don't do that again. Don't go like that," he panted, hugging Sasuke's neck.

"You have done your part in serving the village," The ANBU leader said to Mitsuyo. "Kudos."

Mitsuyo's scowl deepened. "Don't you dare think of hurting them. I allow you to investigate and probe as long as the dignity of my house is maintained. Meaning none of my items are compromised. It is my husband's legacy."

"We don't give a damn about your dead husband's legacy if it hinders the safety of the village. The village comes first," the monkey-mask ANBU said.

"Language! There are children around here!" Someina yelled.

"Well shit, I messed up again," he said, deliberately swearing.

The kids widened their eyes, storing the words away in their brains. She saw them get interested. When the mood's right, your death will be the swiftest... If they so much as learn to curse, your death will be that much more painful, ANBU captain, Hinata fumed. Hinata tried so hard to keep their minds fresh... Please don't be thrown away but this man!

"Nata? Sasu? What 'damn' mean?" Benjiro asked.

"Yeah! And sh-" Taiyo asked.

"Someone will die if you repeat it. That's what it means; it's a bad word." Sasuke supplied sternly.

Benjiro gulped and sighed into Sasuke's shoulder. "Oh. Not a good wod."

"Oh eat your hakama and sword and flak jacket!" Someina said to the ANBU leader.

"Hush up Someina," Mitsuyo turned to the leader. "The Raikage only permitted you to check if anything is a threat. If my scrolls are touched, you will be trapped in a genjutsu that no one, not even the Uchiha is capable of breaking."

"We do not have any obligations to you nor do we have to accept your terms of the agreement. We have a job to do."

"I will not hesitate to let Sasuke slit all of your throats. You are all replaceable but my things are priceless. Priceless. You all are less than the dirt on the ground. Tasteless freaks," Mitsuyo hissed.

The ANBU captain didn't react. "We will be investigating Sasuke. We are concerned for our people and Sasuke is a threat to you all. We are trying to keep you safe. That is our job."

Hinata paused and looked at the ANBU who stayed. Threatening to terminate Hinata's pregnancy is such a strange way of promising to keep her safe.

"How long will you guys be monitoring us?" Mitsuyo asked callously.

"However long Sasuke remains in Kumo," The ANBU leader said.

"Her real question is, how long will we be your prisoners? When will the twenty-eight ANBU stop watching me and my family?" Hinata asked.

"We are all attempting to keep you safe. Containment is the best route."

"Why didn't you just say that? How long before we're allowed to leave?"

"As long as Sasuke stays in Kumo, that will be the appropriate time span we will be keeping you safe," he repeated. "You all are not prisoners, you are all persons of interest. The Raikage is a busy man but he would like to discuss topics with both Natsukawa Momo and Uchiha Sasuke."

Taiyo also went to Hinata and tugged on her dress. "What's happened?"

Hinata looked at him and said, "Our home will never be private ever again. These men were sent by the Raikage to monitor Sasuke's activity. As long as we are in Kumo, these men will be watching us."

Taiyo scowled at all the men. "Why?"

"Sasuke's a bad guy that's why we have to keep the civilians safe. We did not know that he was affiliated with Kumogakure women and children or that he lived here to terrorize our inhabitants," one ANBU woman piped up.

"You're dumb! Sasu, not a bad man," Benjiro yelled vehemently.

Sasuke held Benjiro tighter, sighing. "Benji, Momo... it's better to keep quiet."

"Move out," the female ANBU ordered. And all the ANBU except for two were gone.

"They're our babysitters who wouldn't mind breaking our necks before giving us back," Someina said. "This is way above my pay-grade,"

"Any idea of peace is dead. Is this the end?" Hinata asked, sighing into Taiyo's hair.

"Don't be dramatic, we'll get through this how we get through everything," Mitsuyo shrugged.

Sasuke said, looking at the ANBU's leader. "Just take me into custody, you don't need to observe them," he gestured to all the others around him.

The ANBU just stayed without emotions. "Your Hokage stands by his citizens with the manipulation of nepotism. However, note that the Raikage has allowed you to remain in Kumo via a special invitation that your beloved Hokage signed and accepted. Uchiha Sasuke... You are a citizen of Kumo and we can do whatever we'd like with you until next October,"

In other words, he means- we are never leaving Kumo ever again... Hinata sighed. Why are they allowed to do things like this? Why? They thought he was responsible for the attacks Jugo committed and now they think they have the right to search the house?! She sighed.

"Here is your citizenship certificate," the ANBU leader handed him a sheet of paper. "Congratulations. You are now one of us."

Sasuke crumpled the sheet. "Keep your congratulations, you prick."