Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 36-
Propinquity

September 15th. Noon.

One thing she noticed when walking with Sasuke in Konoha was that they were equal. She didn't follow Sasuke, they were companions, both leading the way.

Karin and Suigetsu decided to stay a day behind because Jugo lived outside of the village. It was just them.

Everything went on all the same. There were the motionless rocks and the chirps of birds. They have crossed the borders for Konoha yet it felt like she was not moving into another place. The unchanging landscape was easy on the eyes.

They had walked for a couple of hours. They passed some villages, stocked up and left. Sasuke had to remind her to keep calm and act like a civilian. She was too nervous.

She forgot that Konoha always smelt like dry leaves in the summery atmosphere. While she traveled the less traveled dirt roads, she watched the trees that lined the path. It was sunny and the cool breeze brushed around them like paint. Green leaves swayed in the wind, it was so pretty.

All was serendipitous. She sensed zero danger yet anyone could be hiding in the trees.

Mitsuyo was unimpressed. The kids were antsy. They were the most excited to be in Konoha. They couldn't stop chattering at the things they saw. Benjiro went back to old habits and asked 'Why?' every fifteen seconds.

But the villagers- they ruined everything. She forgot how hated the Uchiha were. It was easier to pretend that loathing and discrimination didn't exist when there was a forest surrounding you. In the mountains, along with a garden... It was just easier that way.

The whispers followed as they passed by. Something bad will happen when they find out.

The people of Konoha- she couldn't even identify with them anymore.

For one, she didn't look like them.

They stick out like a sore thumb! They were all in muted gray colors that swayed with the sweet-smelling breeze. Their clothes weren't tight and summery. They were long and draped. All of them had the Uchiha insignia on some part of their outfit. Even Someina.

And her- yes her, her thigh length silver hair was braided back with two shoulder-length strands framing her face and her bangs were pushed to the left. She wore her a collared sleeve-less black striped kimono dress with one single thigh-high slit covered by a black sheer cloak. Her wrists had Sasuke's purple wrist bracers.

Everyone stared. She admits- she didn't feel uncomfortable until she got the stares from other people- who wore color. They also didn't have their Konohagakure forehead protectors on. She felt her neck, she usually wore hers there. She couldn't bring herself to put it on. She felt prickly guilt slice through her.

She could not yet see the village or anything but she knew they were close. She didn't want to ruin the surprise by using her byakugan.

They just had to suffer through different comments by people who are also going to Konoha. Many people crowded the dusty road, sharing it with them.

Hinata thinks there will be a festival coming up- perhaps the Bara one. She didn't know. She used to. Now she doesn't.

A singular, cute family of four shared the road with the Uchihas. "Who are they?" A male villager murmured while looking at Hinata and Sasuke. "Why is her hair white?"

"That's so unusual. Who are they? She looks like death," the mother held her daughter closer. These whispers weren't rare.

In turn, she pulled Taiyo and Benjiro closer. The odds of Hinata hurting others was slim to none. Other people wouldn't bat an eye at hurting them. Sasuke looked at everything with slanted eyes, a permanent scowl etched on his face. He wasn't happy.

Benjiro asked, "Why is Tousan always mad during vacations?"

Hinata knew what but she couldn't tell them. She looked at him and tried to smile. She felt wary and scared but he was more scared, even if he didn't want to admit it. He hid it behind a mask that only she could decipher and take off. She reached out to him and squeezed his arm.

The villagers gasped. "Why are they coming to Konoha?"

Someina glared at the villager with her hands balled up. "Keep asking stupid questions and you'll lose your tongue," Someina snarled. Amarante, who was on her back, tugged on her green hair strands.

Someina had a bad rap for calling their... dissenters out in violent ways. Hinata apologized to the traumatized family and bowed. They still ran ahead and Sasuke groaned.

"Idiot Scar," he grumbled. Sasuke glared at Someina. "Did you think of why they are scared? We're s-class shinobi without identification or forehead protectors. Our presence is questionable,"

Someina threw a dark look at the scowling man. "Everyone keeps on looking at us like we're criminals," Someina yelled. "We're harmless... I mean, not that dangerous,"

Mitsuyo shook her head. "We all are criminals. It's a wonder we weren't imprisoned in Cha no Kuni," Mitsuyo muttered.

The adults sent pointed looks to Someina.

Someina shrugged. "I didn't know he was the Daimyo's brother. He just seemed like a good idea at the time. He felt good at the time,"

"It delayed our trip by three days," Hinata said, picking a crisp leaf from Benjiro's teal hair.

How did that get there? She flicked it away and checked Taiyo's hair for anything. This boy tracks up dirt and messes more than anything else. Taiyo waved her hand away, as she were an annoying fly.

After smoothening out his hair, she spoke again. "We're here now, aren't we?" Hinata asked the tired crowd. Hiromitsu grinned. "Sundances, aren't you all excited?"

The twins nodded.

Benjiro grinned. "Ka-chan! We'll see so many cool things! And we're supposed to meet Jiji-sama!"

Taiyo nodded. "Maybe we'll eat more ramen,"

"Perhaps," she said. "You'll see where I grew up. I'll take you to all my favorite restaurants. I'll show you the Hokage tower! The academy where I grew up and we'll visit my friends,"

"Hn," Sasuke said, "and the Uchiha district,"

Hinata nodded. "And the Uchiha district," she added carefully. She looked at Sasuke. "If you're alright with that,"

Sasuke shrugged. "Who knows what the storm will allow us to do?"

"Oh! And we'll visit the library," Hinata told the rest.

Mitsuyo laughed, mocking and loud. "Why a library, child? You are at a tourist destination," Mitsuyo asked. Someina chuckled.

"Who visits a library on vacation, Kaaasaaan?" Benjiro whined.

Hinata ruffled the boy's hair. They walked beside Hinata since she didn't trust anyone... The protective barriers on all of them were exhausting to maintain. Someina carried Amarante since Amarante became sleepy after a night of her eye hurting. Hiromitsu sat on Sasuke's shoulder, enjoying the view from up there. Mitsuyo just read a book on the way.

Hinata could be excited. The anticipation built up, ready to burst like a cork from a bottle of champagne. Then, she knew after the celebration was done and the shock of seeing her was over, they would all get drunk and upset and the good times would exchange for hurt and resentment.

She knew what was going to happen. She could feel it. She had to speak to her father first. Before anything.

More people were here and she could hear sounds of people and society. It wasn't the flutter of a bird's wing or the whistle of a blade of grass- it was people.

When they got closer to the end of the dirt road, less was hidden by the thick forest. The trees became sparse and it was finally revealed. The grandeur of Konoha.

Hinata's eyes teared up.

"Che," Sasuke said, holding Hiromitsu's legs securely.

Mitsuyo scoffed. "This place is certainly uglier than I remember," she said.

Someina grinned. "Wow," Someina whispered. "Don't be such a dai downer, Mitsuyo,"

Benjiro and the kids gasped and laughed. "It's seriously at the bottom of a hole," Benjiro chuckled.

Five years ago, she wouldn't have thought that she would be in this position.

She's seeing the tips of her village's buildings, homes, hospitals, izakayas and the Hokage monuments.

They were all tiled, brightly colored roofs. The walkways were dusted yellow and she could see lanterns and telephone pole lines laced across the village like a tapestry. Tall broad-leaved trees dotted the street with bursts of vibrant greenery. Unlike Kumo, there were many signs and marketplaces where the people come together. Everyone was busy and rushing past each other.

It just felt- so, so unfamiliar. She suddenly, horribly, felt like she wanted to see seagulls chasing each other in the oncoming rain, smell the scent of waves crashing on the shore and white cotton clouds running into her. The mountains. She missed them.

She summoned the sketchbook she had five years ago and held up the sketched version of Konoha she drew and compared it to the new version of Konoha.

Someina spotted what she was doing. "It's... so beautiful," she said.

It's different.

Hinata's lip twitched and she looked at Sasuke, who watched her expression carefully. "You good?"

"I'm fine," Hinata said, unsummoning the sketchbook.

"Hn,"

Mitsuyo folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Among all these places, where is Orochimaru?"

Someina threw a questionable side-glance to Mitsuyo. "What will you meet that idiot for?" she asked. "You can't hook up with him,"

"I will do the opposite. I will break every bone in his body and start a real battle that will reduce his miserable existence to a smudge,"

"So, you're looking for a fight?" Sasuke concluded. It was the first time he looked genuinely amused in the past few days. He's only been grunting and moaning about not being here.

Mitsuyo nodded and scanned the whole of Konoha. "If he's here- I need to destroy his lab and make him pay for all his wrongdoings,"

"Don't you want to visit your kids?" Someina asked.

Mitsuyo watched the rest of them guardedly, black emotions in her eyes. "It can wait," she said with a note of finality.

Amarante looked up and reached for Sasuke. Now both Hiromitsu and Amarante saw the same sight on his shoulders. She sighed lowly. "Pretty gakure! Mama, why aren't there any streams! We wanna fish?" Amarante said, holding onto Hiromitsu.

Benjiro tugged on her Hinata's cloak, watching Konoha down below. "They look like ants! I wanna see Konoha! It is cool!"

"They are ants and Kumogakure will crush them," Mitsuyo said.

Someina laughed. "Talk like that and you'll make people mad,"

Mitsuyo cracked her knuckles under her linked kimono sleeves, smirking happily. "The Uchiha love for conflict. It's true- we have the most jonin in our lightning country. The hidden leaf only has flowery dukes,"

Sasuke chuckled and nodded. Hinata shrugged, not feeling the obligation to defend Konoha.

Someina just marveled at Konoha, smiling.

"The Raikage will attack should something happen to little miss tea addict here," Mitsuyo said, gesturing to Hinata.

Sasuke rose an eyebrow and looked at the firey ball of the sun shining on them with affection and warmth. "Come on, let's go around. The ANBU have watch towers situated all over this place,"

Hinata touched the ground and hummed for a moment. There are chakra sensory types here. They will definitely know about the kids' large chakra reserves. It will draw too much attention.

They walked for a little while and Benjiro tugged on Sasuke's cloak. "Let's go down, please?" Benjiro asked.

"Ah. Kids, we have to speak to your Hokage first," Sasuke said.

Benjiro clasped his hands together and used his puppy dog eyes. Taiyo and the twins joined in on the act. "Kids- you," Sasuke paused abruptly and said, "You feel 'em too, Hinata?"

Suddenly, Hinata heard a branch twitch and they were surrounded by Konoha ANBU.

The kids immediately got off of Sasuke's shoulders. Hinata quickly made a barrier around the four kids while she summoned her katana blades. Someina held out her preferred weapon- kusarigama. The sickle blade with a weighted chain was in her hand. Mitsuyo just yawned, unimpressed.

She made the barrier opaque so the ANBU couldn't see into it. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the male villager who asked her why she looked like death cowering behind the ANBU. Ha. So, he told on Hinata and them. Neat.

Someina clenched the wooden handle of her sickle closer. "What do we do now?"

"Try not to provoke them. They will try to kill us," Mitsuyo said, laughing. "but they are weak and we won't die because of that,"

"How can someone be so contradicting and condescending in two sentences?" Someina asked Hinata.

"Focus, Someina," Hinata ordered and looked at Sasuke. "Why didn't Ben sense them?"

Sasuke scowled like he tasted something astringent. "He did. ANBU are nice to them at our old house. He thought it would be the same here," Sasuke replied.

The ANBU's standard uniform was similar to that of Kumogakure's uniform.

Their black clothing were under grey flak jackets. They had porcelain masks of varying threatening animals with metal arm guards. Most of them had a sword. Hinata completely believed she could kill everyone in this crowd of ANBU but she wanted to go gentle into this day. No bloodshed. These shinobi were handpicked by previous Hokage based on their skill. There's no telling what they could do.

"Already three seconds in and we're getting attacked!" Someina said, already panicking. "It's not supposed to be like this, you know?"

One ANBU, ( Hinata believed to be the boss) had purple hair and was a woman. Her voice was loud and authoritative. "Uchiha Sasuke, name your companions or there will be consequences," the ANBU woman yelled out.

Hinata felt the metal in the ground shift under. She tried to contain her anger but it was hard. Why were they always singled out and surrounded like raw meat for vultures to pick at? The thoughts were like acid and her Chidori sparked up.

Sasuke just sighed. "Miyaki Eren, Horri June, Morimo Yori," Sasuke named them one by one.

Hinata's byakugan perpetuated a genjutsu Sasuke made of Hinata and company looking like completely different people.

"What is behind the barrier?" The ANBU leader asked.

Hinata stared at the ANBU woman tilting her head slightly. "My kids," she answered truthfully. "If any of you touch them, I promise death and destruction,"

The ANBU seemed to be more on guard. "Do not threat the ANBU. We will report it to the Hokage,"

Hinata couldn't care less.

Another ANBU spoke up after they realized the Uchiha clan wasn't going to do anything hasty. "Name your reason for being in Konoha," a gruff man asked.

"What other than us doing a mission for our Hokage?" Sasuke grumbled, lying smoothly. "Am I getting arrested for doing my duty to Konoha? Typical,"

The ANBU woman was on guard. "We got complaints of disruptive behavior from many villagers," the woman affirmed.

"What's new? We just came here to check in and leave,"

"Why are her children here?" The woman prodded.

"Miyaki Eren is visiting her husband here," Mitsuyo said. "The kids originally lived in Kagegakure and their father has been locked here for ages. Let's say a conjugal visit,"

Hinata nodded in agreement.

"The ANBU pardons the interruption and will leave you to the celebration," the ANBU said. They darted away, probably to tell Kakashi. Sasuke ended the genjutsu and they all stopped masking their chakra signatures.

"The treatment of Uchiha stays the same. Shrouded by hate and suspicion, no matter what generation," Mitsuyo sighed.

Someina just stared at Hinata. "Why were they like that? We weren't doing anything,"

Sasuke just smirked, a somber look in his rinnegan eye. "The sharingan is feared. Nothing is more feared than the Uchiha in Konoha. They used Itachi as a child's bedtime scare story. Go to bed, eat your dinner, love your clan or else Itachi will come with his demon eyes," Sasuke recounted. "Now... they use the story for all time, just to spread hate,"

Hinata reached up to him and pulled him close. She caressed his cheeks. "It's different now,"

He sighed, slumping his shoulders. "I hope so,"

"I know so," Hinata said after they separated.

Sasuke groaned and Hinata undid the barrier. The kids came tumbling out.

Benjiro looked confused. "Why were those ANBU so mean?" he asked while hiding in Sasuke's cloak. "Their chakra... felt cold and angry," he said, shuddering.

Hinata got down onto his level and stroked Amarante's and Hiromitsu's hair. "It's alright, okay? We're going to find someplace to stay and then we'll go exploring, okay?"

Taiyo looked annoyed. "Will those scary men come back?"

Hinata shared a look with Sasuke. They will... just not to attack them. He will make sure of that. "No. Tousan and I will keep you safe from the monsters under the bed and the monsters here,"

She held their cheeks and kissed their foreheads. She gathered them all in a hug and Benjiro came out of the folds of Sasuke's cloak to join his siblings.

After a while of comforting them, Sasuke told them they have to go. "Someina- you and I have to speak with Kakashi,"

"Why me?" Someina asked, cheeks red and eyes a-glimmer with hope. She looked at Hinata, a bit saddened. "I thought I was going with her,"

Hinata slapped a mosquito that bit her, smiling at Someina weakly.

"Mitsuyo and Hinata will meet her daughter and son. She can track down their chakra the fastest. And- they know you, so they won't be willing to speak," Sasuke said.

Someina nodded like it made sense.

"And we're getting the motel we'll stay at," Hinata finished off.

"Actually- let's all meet the Hokage then we'll all go out separate ways," Sasuke said.

-x-

Someina was amazed. "Look at the fire kanji!"

The hawk ride to the Hokage tower was troubling and smooth. They weaved through the air, unnoticed by the people down below. Hinata just stared. There were so many more buildings and parks. She was lost... even now, in the air.

When they got onto the ground, the whole street seemed to stop and stare at them. The dust settled and they landed.

Someina was excited to see all these new things. The kids were bouncing too, ready to take on the world and explore. This place was their playground and she knew they'd love it here.

Hinata's not in the thrill of it. She's not, at least not yet. Sasuke's still in an all-work-no-play mood and she understood. She just wished he'd loosen up. They're fine.

Someina jumped off the hawk's back first and helped Hinata off with a supporting hand. They grabbed the children by the waist and they all descended. Hinata kissed the huge hawk's beak. After summoning a herring fish and feeding it to the bird, the bird left with a loud caw.

They stared at the Hokage tower's door. She felt a flash but thought nothing of it. It was probably no one.

"So... this is what it looked like?" Mitsuyo asked. "It's a lot smaller than before," Mitsuyo frowned.

Before?

It was one of the tallest buildings in all of Konoha. It is colossal. The painted white building was standing in all its glory at the heart of the village. The Hokage residence housed many forbidden scrolls and Kakashi currently lived there. The circular building at the kanji of fire on the roof, which the kids said was cool.

The academy was just down the street, beside the Hokage residence. The Hokage rock was just above them, looking over the village like Senju Hashirama envisioned.

Kakashi's office was in here. Most of the administrative work happens here, at the base of the Hokage rock. There were many shinobi simultaneously stepping in and going out, busy with missions to do and people to see. Jonin and chunin are rushing by with books, scrolls, and stacks of paper.

"All of you- cause no trouble. The Academy is nearby with hardworking children and the Jonin Standby Station is right over there," Hinata warned.

"What is a Jonin Standby Station?" Someina asked.

Sasuke heaved a sigh. "It's where the jonin go just in case the Hokage needs them. Any monkey business and we're pummeled to death by A-class defensive jutsu,"

Someina's face puckered and she regarded the building with evident fear. "Noted,"

Hinata gathered the kids in front of her and said, "Smile for the camera," Hinata said and summoned her camera for photos.

They smiled and Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Stop taking photos. We look like tourists,"

Hinata took another photo of them smiling. "We are tourists. This place looks entirely different and the streets changed,"

Sasuke sighed. "Very well,"

Before they walked in, Hinata unsummoned the camera and pushed the kids inside. She knew a lot about Konoha and its history. Sasuke does too but he denies that he does. He was at the top of their academy class with Ino, he knows everything there is to know.

She was a theoretical shinobi belonging to a tactical team, Shikamaru once complimented her after a long, drawn-out game of shogi. Hinata was very strong academically but her father couldn't care to notice. It was depressing. She struggled with what Neji could do at twelve years old when she was eighteen. She caught up.

Mitsuyo looked at the ceiling and laughed. "Jiraiya-bo and I used to sneak in here to steal jutsu," she shared, smiling tenderly at the reoccurring memory.

Hinata gasped. "They are all forbidden scrolls! Why would you do that?"

Mitsuyo seemed exasperated. "Don't be such a goody-goody. Hiruzen allowed me to read for hours in the study... with him just nearby, dispatching missions,"

Someina pointed at things for Hiromitsu to notice. "What was Hiruzen like?" Someina asked, playing with Hiromitsu's spiked hair.

"Only heaven can make a man so darned sweet. Even now, I love him so. He was a humble pervert," Mitsuyo laughed softly.

"Shhhh! You could get in trouble for saying that," Someina yelled.

"Everyone with eyes and access to a magazine or hot spring knew," Mitsuyo muttered. "He was the best sensei and best Hokage. Even though Tsunade is around, I was lucky to be in his lifetime,"

Amarante laughed when Hinata poked her ribs. Benjiro and Taiyo kept up with Sasuke.

Hinata and Someina carried the twins and expertly hid their eyes. She could hear conversations silence as they pass by. Mitsuyo and Someina continued blabbing without a care in the world.

This woman recognized Sasuke right off the bat. She was busty and curvaceous with blonde hair.

The group marched to the tidy, immaculate front desk. Instead of formalities, Sasuke demanded, "Kakashi. Meeting. Now,"

Hinata shook her head and passed a laughing Amarante to Mitsuyo. The later hung back with Someina to let Hinata and Sasuke sort out the meeting with the Hokage.

"Oh, hello Sasuke!" The girl said flirtatiously, completely disregarding Hinata. Hinata wasn't invisible. "You look hotter every time I see you,"

Hinata felt offended and scoffed at Sasuke. Sasuke seemed exhausted as well. Hinata and Sasuke look like a couple. They do. They are. They're wearing matching cloaks with the Uchiha crescent. Did this woman not see?

"I'm not doing this again. Just stop talking and call the Hokage to set up a meeting," Sasuke said.

"Only if I get your number," the woman drawled.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "No, and lay off. There are children here," Sasuke said, gesturing to the wildly disgusted boys. "My-"

The secretary's pink tongue licked her lips as if Sasuke were some tantalizing meal. "Soon, there will be yours and mine," the secretary whispered, purring. She bit the edge of her pen and stared at Sasuke with big chocolate brown eyes.

"Okay. Enough of that. Tell me where the Hokage is," Hinata said.

"Sorry, girl. He is in a meeting unless Sasuke wants to make time for me," the woman laughed. Hinata pursed her lips and they were locked in a staring contest. "The Hokage is in a meeting. Go away now,"

"I sense his chakra signature," Hinata said. "Why would you lie about that?"

"I can't focus when Sasuke is around. He's just so distracting," the secretary whispered.

Hinata narrowed her eyes and she said, "Stop talking like that or else-" Hinata will seal her in a barrier.

"Or else what? Actually," she said loudly and she leaned in close. "Why don't you punish me, Uchiha? I've been a real bad girl,"

Hinata just sealed the woman in a barrier. The woman tapped on it before panicking and banging on the border. "What the hell-"

Hinata made the seal soundless. There was air flow so she won't suffocate. Her co-workers rushed towards her.

Mitsuyo gave Hinata a high-five while Someina roved her golden eyes to Hinata. "Why'd you do that?"

"She was talking too much," Hinata shrugged when the other grown-ups looked at her in question. "We shan't dwell on such things, ano, Someina?" Hinata patted the taller girl's cheek and took Hiromitsu from the nanny's arms.

-x-

Kakashi was in his office. His office was nowhere near how large the Raikage's was. They both had the same large window that allowed their leaders in office to view their entire separate golden cities. The office was oval in shape with a brown desk. The kanji for shadow was plastered on the front part of the desk stared at them.

Kakashi had a closed laptop out and he faced the window. He wore a full-length kimono with the kanji for sixth fire, denoting he's the sixth Hokage. With them closing the door, he turned around and slipped into his seat.

Sunlight streamed in and illuminated the office. Kakashi's spiky silver hair leaned towards the left. He looked relaxed, having a heavy-lidded expression. Most of his handsome face was covered by a black mask.

Someina gasped and her jaw dropped. She was starstruck by his attractiveness. She was practically drooling. Mitsuyo pushed her jaw upwards and Someina stopped ogling.

Hinata stood beside Hiromitsu and Taiyo hid behind Hinata's cloak. Amarante and Benjiro stood tall with Sasuke.

Upon him acknowledging them, they all bowed except for the small Amarante, who waddled and gave Kakashi a huge hug. She was also so bold.

"Hello, Kaka-baka!" Amarante said loudly and hugged his leg.

Surprised at the burst of affection, Kakashi's eyes darted to Sasuke as if asking, "This is your child?" Amarante jumped and released him but remained in his space.

Kakashi chuckled lightly and patted her hair. Amarante waved to Hiromitsu to come over. Hiromitsu ran over to join his twin and they fawned over the Hokage.

"Mama!" Amarante said excitedly. "Look! Look! He's a pirate like us," she reached up to her covered left eye.

"Pirate?" Kakashi asked.

Hinata shook her head, apologizing a bit. Someina quickly scampered over to get Amarante and Hiromitsu. They stayed beside Hinata, smiling.

Kakashi looked at Hinata and she believed, smiled. She couldn't see his lips through the thick fabric of his mask but his eyes crinkled in a way that suggested happiness.

"Greetings Hyuuga, it's been years,"

Hinata smiled and nodded. "Yes... Rokudaime Hokage, it has,"

This... is where her first mission was given. She remembers it. This is so surreal, being in this building again. Five years ago, she was pregnant with the human beings standing beside her. Now they're grown. Her hair is longer and she doesn't cower.

She never had a relationship with Kakashi. All the other Konoha chunin of her class could sit with him in a dango shop and perhaps even read and eat with him. Not her. The most she could remember doing with him is hearing Sakura complain about him. That wasn't even direct contact.

So, she was just as much of a stranger as Someina and Mitsuyo were to the sixth Hokage.

Sasuke looked at Mitsuyo and Someina. "They're safe," Sasuke muttered. "I trust them,"

Sasuke gestured for Someina to introduce herself. She was too caught up in Kakashi that she just looked desperate.

Sasuke quickly took the reigns and spoke for her. "That's Ikeda Someina, the kid's nanny since birth,"

Someina bowed again, unable to form words.

Sasuke pointed to Mitsuyo who stepped forward. "I am Uchiha Mitsuyo. I am their full-time care-takers," she said, bowing deeply. "It is pleasant to meet you,"

He observed the individual children. "Are those the byakugan and sharingan wielders?" Kakashi asked casually.

"Don't call them that, Kakashi. They have names," Sasuke snapped.

Hinata shot a warning look to Sasuke. He should be nicer. What's up with him?

Kakashi seemed taken back by the sudden irritability Sasuke displayed. "Introduce me to your successors," he said.

The tension was still in the room and Hinata looked at the twins. "Rokudaime Hokage, uh. These are our kids," Hinata said, pushing them forward.

Taiyo hid behind Hinata and waved shyly. "My name's Taiyo. I'm eight. Uh. My hair looks like yours. That's cool,"

Amarante jumped in place and smiled. "M'Amarante. I'm four and I'm a hime,"

Benjiro moved forward and said, "I'm Benjiro. I'm eight. I'm almost a senjutsu master,"

Kakashi didn't even blink an eye.

Hiromitsu grinned. "I'm Hirom..." he faltered off, losing confidence and hiding.

"He's Hiromitsu, yes," Hinata said.

Kakashi seemed surprised at them. Hinata gathered him in her arms, picking him up. "He's four. They are all excited to meet you. The twins were especially excited... he's just shy," Hinata added, Hiromitsu hiding his face in the crook of her neck.

"That is your Hokage, kids. Be respectful and wave," Hinata said kindly. They all waved and Hinata held Amarante back. "No hugs, alright?"

"Nice to meet you all," Kakashi said to everyone. "It is an honor meeting again," Kakashi's dark grey eyes landed on Hinata and Sasuke.

Hinata suddenly felt awkward and smiled. "It will be great serving Konoha and its people once again," she said in a hushed tone, unable to think of words to say. She was never close to the man. Some of her Konoha friends said he came off as condescending. Kurenai sensei believed that to be true and mouthed off about it often.

Kakashi nodded. "You are not obligated to do any missions. I would rather you remain in Konoha and have a low profile," Kakashi said. "There are handfuls of shinobi better suited for missions this time without danger,"

Both Mitsuyo and Sasuke scowled and shared a look.

Better suited for missions? Better suited for missions?! She felt the metal things in the room heat up.

She's a jonin- not here. She's simply no better than a genin in everyone's minds. She barely has any skills in their eyes. Better suited for missions? This laughable fact. She protected the Raikage on a three-man mission with the other soon-to-be Raikage.

She cleared her throat and nodded. "I accept. I will stay in Konoha without performing any missions,"

"Thank you for your understanding,"

She could remain in the hospital. Yes. That could be boring because at her heart- she is a jonin. A shinobi. Mitsuyo facepalmed and rolled her eyes. Sasuke looked mildly depressed at her submission to that.

Someina's jaw locked. "Excuse me for speaking out of turn Rokudaime Hokage-sama... but Hinata is-"

"No, no," Hinata said, smiling tightly. Someina was scandalized when Hinata interrupted. "The Rokudaime Hokage's thoughts are always in the best interest of the village. His orders are my will,"

Kakashi caught her eye and nodded. "We have a lot to discuss," Kakashi announced.

Sasuke just shrugged. "We need to talk about us being in Konoha,"

-x-

She has many tattoos- she's badass. This is hell. She wants to scream the truth but she's falling into the habit of being subversive.

The kids were outside of Kakashi's office. Hinata secretly looked pissed but she held it together for the sake of not offending Kakashi- which was not okay in any way. That's just demeaning her as a jonin who served the Raikage closely.

She knows they think she's weak. She doesn't know how she'll prove them wrong but she doesn't want them to be scared of her strength either. Sasuke hasn't exactly seen the Raikage keep a detailed file of her shinobi skills nor have they been uploaded online- for Kakashi to see. So... at the moment, no one but the people of Kumo and the Raikage knew her strength.

Sasuke sighed and clenched his fist. How often will this doubting come around?

Suigetsu and Sasuke didn't actually meet Kakashi during that two week period after they figured out Mitsuyo was an Uchiha. He skipped out and just fished and drank copious amounts of alcohol by a lake. He watched fluffy clouds make their tour around Kumo for two weeks, trying to clear his headspace.

Sasuke didn't say anything nostalgic so Hinata looked between the two and broke the ice. "Konoha is immensely gorgeous, Rokudaime Hokage. It is booming," Hinata said, gazing at the wondrous Konoha through the window.

Kakashi nodded. "It is nowhere near its former eminence but we will return there,"

Hinata smiled. "I'm confident you will,"

"Optimistic," Sasuke said casually. "There are lots of ramen shops. What's up with that?"

Kakashi chuckled gently. "After the fourth shinobi war, we experienced a population boost and many visited because of Naruto, the leaf's hero,"

Hinata nodded with a listless expression. Now in Naruto's proximity, Sasuke knew that he'd have to deal with the aftermath of her feelings for him. He shouldn't worry, they're both secure in their affection but a man has to worry.

"There were always parades on his birthday," Sasuke said. They have been making money off of people like Naruto for a long while. "Marketing ploy?"

"Our economy hasn't been the best but it's slowly getting to Kumogakure's level,"

Hinata beamed when Kumo was mentioned. She never looked that way when she spoke about Konoha. She had actual pride in Kumo.

Kakashi focused on Sasuke, looking relatively blown away. "Sasuke... I didn't know you had four children or a prosthetic arm,"

Sasuke looked at his bandaged arm. "Yes," he said, not elaborating. He should've said something- send a postcard? Nah. He doesn't want them to delve too deeply into his life. It's personal.

"Isn't it neat?" Hinata smiled and spoke in Sasuke's place. "Benjiro is adopted. Taiyo is staying with us until his mother returns and the twins are ours. All of them are ours, really," Hinata said.

"Do they all have dojutsu?" Kakashi asked.

Hinata nodded. "Yes, Rokudaime Hokage. All the boys have some variance of the sharingan. Amarante is the only one who has the byakugan,"

"I'm glad to hear that the pregnancy went smoothly considering all the threats of the DCA," Kakashi said to the pair.

Hinata seemed perturbed by that statement but covered it with a believable smile. "It certainly did not but it is peaceful now," Hinata nodded.

"The children... Are they trained?" Kakashi asked.

"They trained with the Raikage every day for the past year and three months," Hinata said. "They were spoiled by Kumogakure's politicians and Raikage,"

Kakashi looked at Sasuke. "Were they trained by you?"

Sasuke nodded. He cocked his head to the left, where Hinata was. "And she did most of it as well,"

"I imagine it was Hinata who wanted to return, not you, Sasuke," Kakashi concluded.

"What tipped that off?" Sasuke drawled sarcastically.

Hinata nudged the Uchiha. She looked upset and frowned, narrowing her eyes. "I was believed to be dead for the past five years. There was a funeral and my grave is somewhere around here," Hinata said.

"By the request of the Hyuuga clan and your team-mates, your clone has been buried beside Neji," Kakashi informed her.

Hinata's face became a cocktail mix of sadness and appreciation. She bowed and nodded. "Thank you, Hokage-sama,"

Sasuke eyed Hinata. She's acting so weird and formal. Sasuke was a stiff cardboard box but she was a kiss-up. She never acted this way in Kumo. She never acted this way. Period.

It wasn't whatever.

"While we are here, I expect the ANBU to lay off. They cornered us in the forest earlier. Scared my kids by pulling a sword on us," Sasuke said. "That's unforgivable,"

Kakashi nodded. "I wanted to confirm that it was you and Hyuuga Hinata," he looked to Hinata. "You both look quite... unrecognizable and your chakra signature is... different,"

Hinata's fingers brushed her white hair and her gaze swept to the floor. She looked hot and mysterious. Sasuke is recognizable but... Hinata- not so much.

"You could have just shown up, we'd have accepted that," Sasuke said. It would have been better for the kids to meet Kakashi in a carefree, less ceremonious environment. It would have made them more encouraged to open up. Believe it or not but Sasuke does want them to like Kakashi.

Kakashi shook his head. "I was advised to leave the Hokage tower at pre-determined times to make the crowd feel more spirited for the event tomorrow,"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. For some reason, everytime someone saw the leaders of their village, they became inspired and they'd cheer and grin and wave. It never made sense to him. Hinata understood.

Kakashi spoke, filling the sudden silence with sound. "I expect that you have not been in contact with your clan during these years. So... you both are staying in one of our motels?"

Hinata nodded. "Preferably one near the Hokage monuments. The kids want to have a picnic on top of it, overlooking Konoha,"

"It is quite high. Your kids will not be afraid?" Kakashi asked.

Hinata giggled at the Hokage's statement. It made her smile and look away. "They are most happy hundreds of feet off the ground. They grew up on mountains. It would be where they are most comfortable,"

Kakashi awkwardly scratched his gray hair. "I apologize. Most of the motels will be booked. The Bara festival always attracts attention from its traditional parade schedule but add in shinobi entertainment... and the tickets are sold out and streets are full. It grew in popularity and attendees,"

"What's the show for?" Hinata questioned, asking what was on Sasuke's mind. He didn't really know how this all worked.

Kakashi nodded. "We pushed the Bara festival's date back to accommodate the lateness of the shinobi who will fight to represent the strength of their individual countries. No one will be promoted, it will just be a small, friendly competition between adversaries of the Allied Shinobi Force,"

"Small?" Hinata asked, wincing. The roads are packed and it was troublesome to maneuver through the streets.

"Knowledge of the competition became more widespread when it was leaked by one of Sunagakure's shinobi that Naruto and Gaara are versing. I believe that many people are paying to see that," he flicked his eyes to Sasuke.

"That's dumb. It would most likely cause tensions between villages," Sasuke said, perplexed by this "friendly competition". Shinobi are violent creatures who are willing to kill for the title of strongest shinobi. "It could lead to a war,"

Kakashi shook his head. "The kages will become diligent in watching the mood of their people should they lose or win. I assure you, there will be no war," Kakashi said indifferently, certain of what the reception to this friendly fight will be like. "If you fight, then most likely everyone would want to see you verse Naruto,"

Sasuke shook his head. If they fight- Sasuke knows it won't be friendly. The last time they saw each other, they attacked and punched. A very distraught, jealous Sasuke ruined things by crashing into the Uzumaki marriage unannounced.

The last words screamed were; "Fuck you and your dead clan!" It wasn't needed but it was said. Then to add insult to injury, Naruto still considers Sasuke a baby-killer. Naruto is positive Sasuke killed Hinata and her unborn child to get out of his paternal trap. So... if they meet again, he knows it will be with a grieving, angry and strong Naruto.

Then... Fighting and winning, in general, won't be good for Sasuke and Hinata's combined reputations. Everyone is scared of them. They will gain nothing by Sasuke winning or losing. If Sasuke wins, morale will be low because the leaf's hero lost. If Sasuke loses, no one will take them seriously as real power holders.

Hinata didn't think of that part. Instead, she bobbed in place, admiring all the possibilities. Her milky lilac eyes were huge and she radiated happiness. "The kids would love to see you. We'd be in the stands, cheering you on. Probably the only ones in the crowd but... That would be so lovely," she said in an animated way. "You'll win,"

Kakashi nodded. "There are shinobi from all over but most came for the grand finale of Gaara-sama and Naruto, the jinchuriki brothers. As the Raikage is the leader of the supreme Shinobi Allied Force, he will attend. However, the Raikage hasn't confirmed whether or not he will be there,"

Nonetheless, Hinata smiled broadly. She didn't look dissuaded by the likelihood of the Raikage not being there. "A-sama will be here?" she clasped her hands together in excitement. "Sasuke! The kids miss him so, ano, perhaps they will sit with him in the stands because you have to fight, perhaps A-sama will appreciate it!" Hinata said, making a game plan. "I can't make t-shirts, can't I?"

Sometimes, she could talk real quickly if she gets motivated. He called them compound sentences. She never paused to breathe.

Sasuke's brows furrowed together. "No," he said, a chuckle threatening to escape. "Don't do that. Besides, the Raikage would like to fight me. Not watch me win," Sasuke grumbled.

Hinata laughed lightly. "Oh, you. The t-shirts won't even be that hard to make!" Hinata said. "I mean, there must be a store that can print out the photos,"

"Don't make that an actuality," Sasuke said.

"I won't if you fight," Hinata grinned.

"Hinata-"

Kakashi watched them banter.

Sasuke knew he couldn't say no to Hinata but fighting... Naruto. It was... stupid. That will have a definite effect on his kids. His reputation has never been worse. It mellowed out but there are those who detest him to the ends of the moon.

Kakashi cleared his throat. "We can arrange for the children to sit in the diplomat gallery, where the Hokage and other high-level daimyo will be seated," he added, for a bribe. Sasuke knew Kakashi knew that he couldn't say 'no,' to Hinata. Curse him.

Hinata pushed his arm lightly. "Those are the best seats for the kids! You have to. For the kids,"

Sasuke groaned. Hinata seemed thoughtful. "Fine. I would like to verse someone in the competition. Just so the kids can see how I am as a shinobi," Hinata said, shifting in place.

Kakashi rose a brow. "You would like to compete?" Hinata nodded. Kakashi chuckled awkwardly and Sasuke clenched his fist. "We wouldn't know who to place you within the ranks, all the high-level shinobi... are versing their rivals with equal skill... and you," He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to. The message was already heard. "I want to keep you safe,"

He thought she would be hurt by the big baddies everyone's fighting.

It's tiring to see his girlfriend get pushed around. He hates it. She would have stood up for herself in a heartbeat had they not been in Konoha. It's detrimental- the way they treat her. It's a perfect place to showcase her skill and throw the equivalent of rotten eggs in everyone's ramen if she won.

"I'll only fight if Hinata fights," Sasuke said. "Equality,"

Kakashi darted his eyes from Hinata to Sasuke.

"No one will verse me without holding back. Besides, it is Sasuke's moment to shine. We will support you from the stands," Hinata smiled, even though she seemed devastated.

A pregnant pause was left in the room and Kakashi folded his hands at his desk. "You both will be seen at the feast to celebrate the commencement of the competition?"

Hinata nodded when Sasuke's look threw daggers at Kakashi. "It has been five years... Times have changed. You will be able to meet everyone again," Kakashi said. "Understandably, they will be angry but not so much if you explain the dire situation,"

"We do not... know. Perhaps we won't be attending the fight unless Sasuke wants to fight," Hinata said.

Sasuke gritted his teeth and felt stiff. "I will fight," Sasuke said, nodding. Is this how it's going to be- they have to make a name for themselves. They have to.

"We will be there," Hinata shared.

"Tomorrow. Meet us here at nine o'clock. Sharp,"

Hinata nodded. Hinata left without bowing or a second glance.

-x-