Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 24-
Seeing Blind

June 28th. Three years later.

Hinata wanted some tea, some koi pond where the fish swim under the watery surface of dozens of cherry blossoms but... she'd stay looking at him for life.

The panic's over. Hinata's at peace with Sasuke. The thought of him made butterflies migrate through her bloodstream. She didn't kill the butterflies anymore. Instead, she danced with them. Embraced it.

He did get taller. It was a strange notice. When he hugs her from behind, a feeling of him hovering over her, not minding the tippy-toeing and being playful soothes her. Kissing with him on the stairs or even on a chair is so much fun.

"Just let me be near to you," she said in the kiss that one night.

It was a real, toe-curling kiss. It left her wanting more and him panting. It wasn't a kiss goodbye like he claimed. It really was a kiss hello. Always.

He smells like rain and lightning, the sky and he shelters her. He smells like earth and musk then he grounds her. And with the two arms, the fascinating Tsunade danced around once Sasuke agreed to the utilization of her prosthetic arm. Tsunade used the cells of Hashirama Senju with an infusion of cultivated white Zetsu's cells.

He kept bandages the twins liked coloring on. His arm (he said was unsightly and unnatural) was white, not looking flesh-toned, which creeped people out.

He's been training with it for years. At first, the arm tired easily. Once he was a master, he slipped out of the house and went on a revenge rampage with jutsu in both hands.

Kumo was put on lockdown. All he really did was look for Bunya Jimpachi, her attacker. He found Bunya and Bunya was never found, but he wasn't dead.

Sasuke's a PTSD-affected, switch-blade smiled man.

It's a clenched jaw with her and Sasuke. They were always in a state of fragility but no one had to worry about them.

Some say she made a mistake, she's sick and others don't have time to talk. They had big enemies who talked huge conversations but who cares? People are talking but let them talk.

She only thinks; it's all for him. He's her medicine. Enemies weren't the one who kissed him. They weren't the people who made a home in Sasuke's soul. Really, Hanabi, that's why she stayed.

At the moment, with him sitting in the living room with a book she's droned on for years made her confused.

Despite smelling like fish and musky creek water, she frowned at Sasuke, who read constantly... Ever the reader, he also ignored her.

"So Sasuke, I tried fishing. I smell like dirt and algae," she announced, crossing her arms.

He left her at the creek and came inside, leaving her to bake in the sun. She woke up, alone (which was the worst thing) and hunted for Sasuke.

"No. You meditated and fell asleep. You attempted the corpse position and slept. Couple bonding exercises are what Mitsuyo suggested. I'm reading your books. They're awful," Sasuke sighed.

"It's a classic..."

"And?"

Hinata tilted her head. "And what?"

"They're still awful."

She laughed. That's an argument they've had for years but Sasuke glared at her. She really... messed up. They've done basically everything.

Hinata blushed. Guilty. "One thing I need to say is that you look really good, with glasses. The glasses are a-okay but I'm sorry."

He scoffed. "Compliments, although welcomed, are useless in this situation. You still fell asleep while doing my hobby."

"I'm sorry..." Hinata sighed.

"Do you remember when we tried cooking. You actually succeeded then you literally dumped oregano into my plate so Mitsuyo would say my plate was trash."

"I fell and I wouldn't sabotage you!"

"You would have won anyway. Do you remember how I burn water, along with you?"

"There's always an off chance that we may not make it to tomorrow after dinner. Nevermind that, anata, you couldn't have just left me out there. You left me stranded."

"Stop with the melodramatics."

"I'm never dramatic. I stayed out there and did fish, for your information."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Where's the fruit of this grueling, laborious work? What'd you catch?"

"I let 'em go. I caught trouts, rainbow fish, koi and... some Roe here and there- and oh, and I caught some feelings for you. Probably, every time... you look at me... I fall."

Sasuke paused, lowered this book then looked back at her. And laughed. That smile he gave her is how she falls when he came to her.

He brushed a strand away from her eyes, lacing his hands in her locks. "How long have you been holding onto that one?"

"Years. Since the first time I went fishing with you when I fell into a stagnant pond. There was the taste of algae in my mouth for days, four years ago. Exactly... October 8th."

"I imagine that... the line was reserved for Naruto."

She smiled. "No... actually not. It is for you. I called it a hypothetical. Something, romantic to say if we were... what we are now..."

"Hn."

"Do you trust it?"

"As much as a house of cards."

"Mind you, if Naruto were a lake, then you're the ocean I sail on happily... wind that keeps me sailing," she said.

"What, would you have gotten with me? I've never asked, how do you look me in the eye? Through all... that darkness. Why haven't you left me yet?"

Hinata burst out laughing. I... see in the dark and you're so sweet. Don't even deny it, anata. You're always getting me from worrying, being a good father and you're always in a state of perpetual relax to my neuroticism, Hinata thought.

She looked at him. "I don't like you because Naruto's not there. You have me, lifetimes upon lifetimes. Don't go rogue on me and be insecure about that. Trust me, cause you're the foundation on which I built my new life on."

"I'm not going rogue," he said slowly.

She sighed. "When the mistakes get too much, I believe in you. I'd never up and leave. It's you and me evermore."

They kissed for a long time and Hinata recoiled. "I'll go take a shower..." She feels dirty.

"Without me? That's no fun," Sasuke said, scrunching his tall nose up.

"Let me go. I smell like creek water," she said, eyes sparkling. "Bye, bye."

"What you scared of me leering? You're still so shy, Hyuuga."

Hinata blushed. "And you're too proud, my good man. Off I go."

¤¤¤

June 30th.

Hinata and Someina laid down in the grass, looking at the sky with Hinata's head on Someina's stomach.

Someina held up photos of Sasuke that Hinata took months ago. "Sasuke has duck hair, don't you think?" Someina squinted.

Pause.

They burst out laughing. He has a sinless smile in the photo. That mouth with its own sweetness, Hinata smiled.

Someina pouted. "I want someone that would be bad but turn good for me."

"He didn't go good for me. He did it for himself. He's not a mess to fix. I was only there to help him. Guide him."

"You did, really."

She blew raspberries. "We fight too much to say forever. We don't go to sleep angry but we stayed up for a week once."

"Heartaches and heartbreak? The one guy I'm seeing at the hospital is boring... allergic to cats. He thought that Sasuke was my boyfriend."

"What?"

"I know. Imagine what Karin would say..."

Hinata thought for a moment. Karin has attempted to claim Sasuke on multiple occasions. Sasuke's dating Hinata, not Karin (who likes to think that sometimes). I get the sleepy morning talks and the late midnight moonlight walks.

Hinata shrugged a bit. "You're young. At twenty-two, you'll find love."

"All's fair in love in war but I want what you guys have. He's your first kiss, first love, first date, your first everything."

First kiss? I've kissed two people before him, I think. I don't think of them, though. Is Sasuke my first love? Nope... he's something better, Hinata thought. Sorry Kiba, I don't remember our kiss...

"What do you think my love's like?" Hinata asked.

"If your love had a texture, red velvet would be jealous..." Someina nudged Hinata. "What's up with the shower you both took the other day? It was steamy, not only because of the hot water..."

Hinata blushed. "He just came in! Naked..."

"And you let him. Also naked."

"It was a bath. The bath was big enough for two, it's fine."

Someina giggled. "If you guys have more kids- let me name them."

Hinata laughed. "I want three, the perfect number. Kings and queen of my heart. Someina, why would I have another kid when I have you, missy?"

Someina gasped. "Hey! Rude."

"Actually, you're more of a sister to me than my own."

"Do you miss your brother? How did you move on?" Someina asked quietly.

"Of course I miss him. I used to bring him white lilies, and he loved them more than any other girl I've met. Including Ino..." Hinata gave a small breathy laugh, full of air and longing.

The blades of grass became knives against her exposed skin. Looking at the sky helped.

"Who's Ino?"

Hinata smiled a bit. "A beautiful flower. You'd love her... Anyway, I didn't move on. Peace... Silence... Beauty. They... all help."

Someina held her bracelet. "My sister gave me this. I absolutely hated it but it's all I have for her. It's painful. I always think she'll come in and talk to me. But, she's somewhere with the bugs and dirt. My mind says there's no room for those thoughts but my heart saved a spot," Someina checked Hinata's expression. "I'm... sorry about calling Sasuke... all those names."

"Don't forget a bastard serial killer," Hinata added.

Someina coughed awkwardly. "Yes... that. Doesn't his past bother you? He's crippled by his past actions..."

"If fall for someone, I fall for someone. Good, bad, or crippled."

Someina looked thoughtful then winced. "I don't want to kill him. Anymore. I'm always on the verge of killing him. It was worth it... to get to know him because he's wonderful."

Hinata laughed. "Careful now, don't get a crush on him, Ikeda-"

"Excuse me! A crush?! Wh-why would you say I have a crush? On. Sasuke!" Someina had a heart attack right there.

"Relax. It's easy... it took me months for me to realize," Hinata hummed.

Sasuke's cool, conversational, detached. Like salt on ice then sunshine on concrete with roses... or sunshine on white sheets.

"Ah. My sister. I'm starting to forget her voice. How can my own mind... betray me? It was like nirvana with her. Sometimes... seeming like hell but... mostly nirvana," Someina said.

"Yeah. They are," Hinata sighed, thinking about Hanabi. "Grief mends you. Death mends you. Hope mends you. Just wait. Alright?"

"Alright. Alright, I will," Someina promised.

And the blades of grass weren't so cutting anymore...

¤¤¤

July 3rd.

Hinata stood in the house library, where she saw Sasuke and Benjiro across from each other, a chessboard between them.

Years ago, seeing Sasuke talk and joke with a seven-year-old would have been a laugh. A good one. Sasuke was very active in their lives. He loved spending time with them. He was there, for all the moments... all of the birthdays, first smiles... lost teeth and the riding bikes alone.

He was a damn good father. She's lucky to have him but he shouldn't teach her children chess.

"Anata, you shouldn't teach our kids how to play chess, shōgi or gō. Or mahjong," Hinata frowned. "They get very competitive."

It gives her flashbacks of the Hyuuga house.

"Like they should."

Hinata and Sasuke stared at each other for a moment.

"What? Siblings shouldn't have rivalries... They cannot grow up like Hanabi and I did. At odds."

"That won't escalate. Chess has metaphysical elegance," Sasuke shrugged. "You teach them poetry and flowery subjects, I teach them hardcore stuff like chess, sword throwing and mastering their genjutsu."

"Chess is not hardcore," Hinata snorted, looking at Benjiro. "A lot of the things that Tousan does is hardcore but chess is not."

Benjiro grinned. "Gō is more fun than anatomy. Tousan teaches cool stuff."

Hinata jumped a bit. "Medical ninjutsu is cool! You get to see blood and gore. Isn't that the best?"

"You heal the wounds and Tousan gets to give them. That's badass."

The boys both shared a nod.

"Don't swear," Sasuke muttered.

"Sorry," Benjiro sighed.

"I used to be the coolest thing in the world to you," Hinata frowned.

Benjiro's dark eyes flashed. "You still are, Ka-san. But this is cool too. Uncle Suigetsu taught me how to play poker, isn't it fun?"

Hinata's eye twitched. "Uncle Suigetsu did what? When did he let you play poker?"

"Ben, you know those things we don't tell Ka-chan... That's one of them," Sasuke hissed.

Benjiro's eyes widened, looking at Sasuke. "Uh, actually, Ka-chan, Uncle Suigetsu didn't teach me poker. It was Someina."

Sasuke nodded, discreetly raising giving Benjiro a big thumbs up.

"Sasuke, cut it out. Someina hates board games. Lying on top of playing poker is not okay."

Benjiro pouted.

"Che, Benjiro doesn't seem to mind it and he already won against Suigetsu. It's fine," Sasuke said.

Benjiro grinned. "Aunty Karin let Suigetsu and I don't mind it. I'm gonna win! Tousan says that playing the game'll get me a later bedtime. Maybe even my own sword."

"Sasuke... Ben- not so fast- you're not going to play poker! Poker is for adults and old men at beer tables. That's not what we agreed on."

Benjiro got up, smirking. "It's fun, Ka-chan! Wanna join?"

"Benjiro- I've got a better idea. It's more fun than chess and mahjong. Who wants ice cream with blue waffles?"

Benjiro jumped up into her arms. "I do! Can I pleaaaase have some?" he said, laughing in her arms.

"Then come on, love," she said, twirling him around. "It's my treat."

Sasuke scowled at the scene. "Not cool, Hinata. Not cool."

"It is so cool, Tousan! It's the coolest!" Benjiro said happily. "Ka-chan's the coolest."

¤¤¤

Forty-three minutes later.

Benjiro looked at the koi pond, mouth dirty with melted ice cream. "Why can't I swim with the Koi fish? Ka-chan, can't we go to the ocean?"

"Soon," Hinata said, cleaning his mouth.

"Can I swim with the fish?"

"No, baby. Don't."

In the backyard, Benjiro was cuddled into her side while chewing on blue waffles and vanilla ice cream. It was a hot day. They dipped their toes into their well-preserved koi pond. Amarante and Hiromitsu didn't want any ice cream, so they played with Sasuke at the peach tree.

Sasuke let her monkey children crawl all over him.

Hiromitsu wriggled onto Sasuke's shoulders. Sasuke tossed Amarante in the air and caught her. Her laughs.

Amarante liked pretending to fly, being at high altitudes then hugging Sasuke when she got scared. Sasuke took advantage.

Amarante was a daddy's girl.

Hinata didn't even mind.

Sasuke loved it, even though he was scared to death of her. Amarante's first words were "Dadda" and that was alright. Hiromitsu loved the parents equally and favored Mitsuyo more than them. Which, was... not as alright.

Amarante grinned, laughing, "Oka-san! Hiro! Hewwwwlp. Tousan-"

Hiromitsu slapped Sasuke's ear. "Stawp," he said, pulling on Sasuke's hair. "Ama, Hiro save you !"

Amarante kept on giggling.

"Amarante, you're not in trouble, you're just getting tickled," Sasuke rocked her in his arms, kissing her cheek.

Hinata gathered Amarante in her arms. "Amarante-hime. Is Tousan being mean to my baby?" Hinata cooed, stroking her cheek.

Amarante nodded.

Sasuke scoffed.

"Tousan needs to be nice, Ka-chan is nicer!" Amarante laughed.

"Yeah!" Hiromitsu slapped Sasuke's ear. Again.

"Ka-chan! Can I pleaaaase jump and swim with the koi? They like me!" Benjiro whined, still staring at the Koi pond.

"Do not do it, no."

Sasuke winced. "Easy on the hair, Hiromitsu."

Hiromitsu bounced in his spot and played the drums on Sasuke's head. For a while, he clutched the spiked locks of his father's hair and used it as a steering wheel.

Hiromitsu saw Someina. "Tousan, kaki-kaki! Ama, Hiro see kaki-kaki!" he cried.

Amarante laughed, suddenly aware. "Kaki-kaki?"

Kaki-kaki in adult talk is kakigōri.

Someina came back with six Kakigōri cones.

Kakigōri was a Kumo delicacy with shaved ice topped syrup that tasted delightful. Someina got green tea flavored kakigōri for Hinata, lemon for Amarante, blue winter for Benjiro, cherry for Sasuke and strawberry for Hiromitsu.

Someina also got melon for Taiyo, who didn't like spending family time with them. It worried Hinata, how antisocial Taiyo was since Miyana went missing.

Both Amarante and Hiromitsu jumped from their parent's arms and ran to Someina who greeted the kids with kisses.

The twins sucked on their cones, talking baby talk. Hinata wiped their mouths with her thumb. Be clean, babies. Someina said she'll get napkins and see if Taiyo wanted to join them.

Hinata nodded with the cones for her and Sasuke.

"Hey, don't give them too much sugar. For every half bite of ice cream, two bites of vegetables," she said, giving Sasuke his cone.

Benjiro and Hiromitsu groaned. "Ka-chan, no veggies. Not!" Amarante snapped.

"Not! Ama right! Not!" Hiromitsu yelled.

Hinata smiled. "Kids, vegetables are so good. It's a party in your tummy! They're scrumptious and healthy-"

Hiromitsu and Amarante shook their heads, scowling the Sasuke scowl.

Sasuke paused and asked; "Hinata, do you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

He smirked. "The sound of every kid in Kumo falling asleep."

"Rude," Hinata elbowed his side. "You're supposed to be on my side. Vegetables are good!"

Sasuke slung an arm around her shoulders. "Don't spoil their fun, babe," Sasuke warned playfully.

"But-"

He stuck the tip of her kakigōri cone in her mouth, effectively shutting her up. "Shhh, just don't worry."

Hinata took the cone from him, a sparkling, flirtatious look in her eye. "Do you like the flavor of green tea?"

"Perhaps. I can give it a try," he said, making a move for the cone in her hand.

Instead, she pulled down his collar and kissed him. His breath was hot but she kissed him like a lover. "How's the flavor?" Hinata asked.

"I think I want to try some more," Sasuke leaned in for another kiss but the kids gagged, including Benjiro.

"Gross!" Amarante grimaced, a ring of melted lemon syrup residue staining her lip. Hinata just smiled at them and laughed into the crook of Sasuke's neck.

Benjiro yelled, "Cannonball!"

When Hinata turned around, she saw Benjiro grinning, dripping wet. A lily-pad was on his head and he ripped it off.

"Awesome!" he shouted, get out the koi pond.

Hiromitsu and Amarante clapped, saying they had the coolest brother ever.

Amarante helped Hiromitsu up and they trailed toward the koi pond. Sasuke shook his head, scooped up the twins and moved beside Hinata, much to their chagrin.

Hinata sighed.

Something pulsed in Benjiro's shirt.

He squirmed and panicked until a huge koi jumped out of his pant leg. He picked up the fish by the tail and laughed.

Hinata's eyes widened. She thought Benjiro's heart exploded.

"Can I go to the ocean now?" Benjiro asked, holding the flopping fish.

Someina came to the backyard, beside a disgruntled Taiyo.

"Sasuke 2.0 has arrived." Someina nudged the grumbling Taiyo.

"Shut up!" Sasuke said.

Someina stuck out her tongue, proudly holding a stack of measly napkins. "I got some napkins."

Taiyo broke out of his shell and jumped into the koi pond which inspired Benjiro to join. The kids all played in the pond. Hinata sighed.

"Or I can get some towels," Someina sighed.

Sasuke laughed into Hinata's hair.

¤¤¤

July 6th. Noon.

Days later, Hinata went to the door, finding Suigetsu. "You," she snapped.

"Oh fuck!" he yelled.

Suigetsu ran in the opposite direction of her. He ran through the clearing in front of the cottage house, at full speed.

She summoned her swords, inazuma, and ikazuchi, to slice him up. He dodged her, his back on the ground.

Hinata stood over him, pointing to his Adam's apple with the tip of her sword. "Explain yourself."

Suigetsu grinned apologetically. However, his pointed teeth made it hard to believe him to be genuine.

"Oi, long time to hear, Miss Momo," Suigetsu saluted.

Hinata narrowed her eyes, pressing the sword closer to his neck.

Suigetsu chuckled nervously. "This isn't about Sasuke accidentally needing one of Tsunade's arm replacements because of me? Or about me getting Sasuke drunk? Or taking him to a brothel? Or is it about how Hiromitsu might, might have eaten a worm after Kameya dared him to?"

"No. Wait- Hiromitsu ate a worm? He kissed me... Did you take Sasuke to a brothel? With prostitutes?!"

"Your body was a wonderland compared to theirs. He only gave three ryo. That's how much he missed yours. I would miss your body too," Suigetsu scratched his head. "I thought he told you about that," he grinned. "It was a fun time. Aside from those, eh, what did I do now?"

"Why did you teach Benjiro to play poker?! He's seven. He's already won twenty-three ryo according to Sasuke."

"He got that good?" Suigetsu said wonderingly. "Come on mama bear, the kid loved it and he's not going to turn into a double-d gambler."

"Suigetsu..."

"Alright." Suigetsu sighed. "I'm sorry. Sasuke was fine with it. Seems like you and Karin are always mad at me for something. Karin forgives me."

"She's your wife, she has to forgive you."

"She usually offers me sex, would you-"

Hinata flinched. "Don't even finish that sentence or I swear to Kami, I will rip out your spleen."

"That's what Karin always says. She's corrupted you too?" Suigetsu groaned.

"Momo," Karin said, waving her arm for Hinata to notice her.

Karin's kid was hand in hand with her. Kameya, Suigetsu's daughter, was adorable. She had Karin's naturally spiky hair but it was white with blue highlights. Kameya had Suigetsu's face and a wonderful personality.

Beside them were Hinata's twins.

"Ka-chan. Aunt Rin here!" Hiromitsu called out, holding hands with Amarante.

They always held hands. Hiromitsu always picked two everything and Amarante always spoke about Hiromitsu. They went everywhere together.

They're so cute!

"Hello my little princess," Hinata said, running up to Kameya.

Amarante shook her head. "Mama, I thought I was a princess."

"Hime, of course, you're my princess," Hinata smiled.

Hiromitsu stomped his foot. "Me? A Prince?"

Hinata nodded, picked him up and kissed his cheek.

"Look at 'em, they're so tall. Even the kid version of Sasuke is adorable. You've seen Sasuke with a small towel. Sasuke's sexy," Karin said to Hinata.

"You can't keep calling him that."

"What? Can't a girl look but not touch?" Karin laughed when Hinata smiled. "We wanted to drop by. Kameya wanted to speak to her best friend," Karin grinned. "I've so much to tell you."

¤¤¤

Karin and Hinata were laughing in the kitchen about something they saw on T.V. They've been fawning over the latest weather reporter.

Suigetsu and Sasuke watched the news again on the couch in the living room. Since the rock slide that happened years ago, four other ones have occurred. Two of those times, both Hinata and Someina were put under a genjutsu. However, they just chanted; "May you counter our destruction? Cities yesterday, countries today, worlds tomorrow."

It made no sense.

"Momo almost killed me," Suigetsu said bitterly. "Again."

"What's new?" Sasuke said. "Karin near bit off my head the other day for accidentally giving Kameya a plastic sippy cup. Pathetic. According to her, it had some dangerous toxins that aren't supposed to be in her baby's system," Sasuke sighed. "But we pick and choose our battles."

"I live for the day when Karin is wrong. I guess marriage is about annoying each other until you die. You haven't married Momo yet but it's going to be the same with you," Suigetsu shrugged.

"Trust me. It already feels that way..."

"We still haven't found my sword. I want to find it again. Kameya is old enough now and I need your help."

"You want me to go on an impromptu mission?" Sasuke concluded. "When we have kids and significant others who'll kill us for leaving? Why?"

"Yeah. Karin will get over it. Momo can handle herself," Suigetsu reminded him, looking eager to escape.

Sasuke's not an outlet. "No. I don't want to go," Sasuke refused.

"Jugo would go with me and say yes in a heartbeat," Suigetsu scratched the back of his neck, sad.

"I'm not Jugo."

"I know. Everyday. I know. It's been four years since I've held Kubikiribōchō. She was so beautiful. Being able to cut through anything, regenerate by using the iron in my victim's blood and the sheer awesomeness that she was. I want my sword again."

"You put Momo in danger for a damn sword. I'm not helping you," Sasuke snapped. "Besides, the DCA hasn't done anything for three years, except for kidnap Kabuto, take some jutsu and get Orochimaru's past experiments. They're just recruiting new members for their lame after-school Gō club."

"That's still freaky; the DCA going 'round, branding people and stealing jutsu," Suigetsu pointed out, rubbing his chin with curiosity.

"They're not a threat and they won't attack us or our kids. So, it's not our problem."

"Yeah. Orochimaru hasn't killed me either. Now that I think about it, I don't think Shigeko's dead..."

"But you go around, all the time, saying you killed her..."

"She deserves to be shredded but she was trying to find his failed experiments and to find sharingan users-"

"Which, despite my belief, aren't any. Not even in Kumo," Sasuke grumbled.

"Maybe after the war... I got soft. I wasn't rough. I didn't dismember her," Suigetsu admitted. "I just dumped her unconscious ass in some obscure place..."

"Perhaps she was taken by someone else. Did Orochimaru burden you with the task of finding the experiments with the subtext of finding Shigeko?"

"Perhaps. Now that I think of it... he maybe was. I failed that as well. He wants to get revenge on us."

Revenge? Sasuke sat up.

Suigetsu clicked his tongue. "I mean we all left him alone. Karin moved up here to be with me, the killer of his girlfriend. I left because I killed his girlfriend," he sighed.

Sasuke though for a moment. That's still really fucked up.

Suuigetsu groaned. "Jugo's also the reason why we all cannot leave and Orochimaru has no way of killing us since the security is so tight."

"Don't forget about Itachi..." Sasuke added.

"Itachi put Kabuto into that unbreakable genjutsu. Kabuto broke out but was stolen by the DCA because Hychu Taichirou was trying to protect you and Momo... and Sasuke, you killed him."

"He should want revenge. I don't blame him," Sasuke wilted.

"Me neither," Suigetsu shrugged. "Orochimaru is going to get us killed. I would tell you I told you so but we'd all be dead..."

Sasuke looked at him. "When it's quiet, that's when the destruction is the loudest... Perhaps we should find your sword. I bet the DCA actually has it..."

Suigetsu was triumphant. "So... road trip?"

Sasuke smirked. "Yep. Roadtrip."

Suigetsu punched a fist in the air. "Hell yeah!" he yelled.

¤¤¤

July 7th. Unknown.

The tunnel loomed on forever while his steps echoed. The low ceiling made him trapped. Levels below the surface of the earth, Kabuto found himself and a dozen surly men with weaponry there.

The recycled, humid air left a bad aftertaste, like tang that stuck to teeth. It smelled like iron blood and dirt.

Just for fun, someone broke his arm and a rib this morning. Kabuto's cheek burned, exploding with pain. An iron, slippery substance oozed from his mouth. Blood. Another bruise and more healing time.

Kabuto stared at the goddamned tunnel walls. He's been here for over three years. The only reason why he survived was the focus on his hatred for Sasuke and Hychu Taichirou. Kabuto will kill Sasuke, whoever Sasuke knocked up, Akuma-oo-sama and his stupid favorite Bunya Jimpachi.

Now he's being taken to Akuma-oo-sama...

Kabuto entered the main area, the pit he called it. It pit was huge, the walls were high. An actual pit where Akuma-oo-sama overlooked fights his gnarled shinobi servants would have.

Small children, older adults and shinobi all fought and died.

Those who won would be named pawns and they receive a tattoo burned into their skin. Once they were pawns, the lowest rank, they could move up until reaching the highest rank; Demon King. The last Akuma-oo-sama (before this nightmarish one) died to unknown circumstances.

Akuma-oo-sama was in a throne-like chair. He invariably looked bored unless someone was dying, having yet being seen sans a mask. Black hair, glowing red eyes, an illusion to all sharingan bearers.

This murderer's eyes told a tale of death, his frozen stare reached down into anyone's soul, destroying all traces of hope... preparing people for their death. It told them it was coming in a way words couldn't.

The Demon King; a literal death reaper who oozed power with a certain darkness in his chakra, like Sasuke.

Akuma-oo-sama was more ruthless than Sasuke, finding comfort in other people's suffering. His resolve became flames that reddened his eyes... Anyone could be charmed into walking off a bridge with his powers.

Silence, other than blood splattering and souls screaming in the windowless, grimy place.

A woman with a black dress spoke, breaking the astute monotony. "Good morning your grace..."

Kabuto knew that voice. It wasn't real. Shigeko is alive?

Shigeko's a partner to Orochimaru (an off and on again lover). Orochimaru hated human contact but he loved her beady yellow eyes followed and blue hair. She looked the same; skimpy outfit that revealed her bust and ass. However, she had a child, the mumbling toddler in a baby sling.

That is... Shigeko in this hellhole. She was going to marry Orochimaru. In all grossness, Shigeko was good for Orochimaru.

Kabuto was stunned; Shigeko betrayed Orochimaru by being Akuma-oo-sama's second in command.

"Greetings, Akuma-oo-sama. I will for you to have a glorious morning. The mission report's good news; Kaiya is in our custody," Shigeko said, bowing deeply.

"And the bad news?" Akuma-oo-sama said, bored.

Shigeko gulped. "Her son... was not found. She used her sharingan to escape but I managed to contain her."

The man beside her shook his head. A henchman. "Shigeko's baby, Mitsuki, cried during the mission and alerted Kaiya and we forwent our mission to capture her child. We only caught Kaiya. It begs the question; why have that baby if it is a liability? It ruined your vision, lord."

"Tch," Akuma-oo-sama hunched in his throne."I hate bad news. Those who are weak return with bad news."

Henchman stood taller when Akuma-oo-sama looked at the baby. "This baby deterred our plans. In this sense, it is a problem I want dealt with."

Shigeko's heart sped up but she was the picture of calmness. "Akuma-oo-sama... all due respect, Mitsuki is not a liability. Mitsuki is Orochimaru-sama's son. My son. He has the blood of a legendary sannin. Mitsuki lives only to serve Akuma-oo-sama, just as I do."

"Orochimaru's blood has no business being here," Akuma-oo-sama roared.

Kabuto sighed. He didn't remember her being an idiot.

The henchman nodded. "Akuma-oo-sama, I agree with you on everything. That babe ruined the mission. She needs to leave the brat here. She does not have to bring the squirt on every mission. Our success rates will go down."

Akuma-oo-sama made a sound of agreement. "He has a point. Only Orochimaru can spoil the sweetest nectar and corrupt the purest babe. Shigeko and Mitsuki are better in the DCA's care. Under my watch."

Shigeko's eyes widened. "I cherish this temple, it is my home and heaven. I trust and love you, Akuma-oo-sama but everyone else deserves the benefit of the doubt. They would gladly murder my child in cold blood..."

"Shigeko, our purpose is to serve Akuma-oo-sama. Lord, you will make the world so divine. This kid stops all forms of that," Henchman unsheathed a knife. "I will kill that wretched baby always cryin' about nonsense."

Shigeko's eyes darkened. "You-"

"I have a better idea," Akuma-oo-sama said, stiffly nodding to Shigeko.

Shigeko understood-

And killed the Henchman.

She sighed in relief. She nodded to Akuma-oo-sama. The man's blood leaked over the floor. Soaked into Shigeko's boots.

Akuma-oo-sama laughed. It was a grating sound raining down on them, a spread of dread in the atmosphere. A cacophony of others surrounding him laughed as well, and the ugliness got worse.

Bunya Jimpachi asserted himself, sliding out of the shadows. "No, no, no, no! The blood spatter's wrong. He didn't scream. You didn't do it right. That wasn't fun to watch," Bunya Jimpachi said, maniac eyes getting wide. "Get another test subject. They have to beg."

The guards obliged, retrieving three other prisoners; two men and one woman to kill. Shigeko killed them all.

Bile rose. Death... isn't as satisfying. It's disheartening; four bodies piled there in front of that child's gaze.

Kabuto's not against killing or murder, in fact, he enjoyed it against rivals but death gave into the notion of becoming like Akuma-oo-sama. Everyone here is alive because Akuma-oo-sama's in a good mood. Torture didn't have the same zest as it did before.

Now, it's sadistic. He won't continue.

Jimpachi pointed a bejeweled finger at Kabuto. "Him. He looks like a fine kill. Akuma-oo-sama, may I kill him myself? I haven't hit my daily body count."

Akuma-oo-sama refused. "You may not kill Kabuto nor will I. Kabuto will have to give blood to the sword."

"I won't. I'm too vain," Kabuto sighed.

Akuma-oo-sama chuckled. "Kabuto, after all this time, I feel slightly connected to you."

"What do you need me for? I'll take another beating. They do that every night but I have no use here..."

Kabuto made a jutsu that cloned people. He gave up all of Orochimaru's secrets. He gave up all of their experiments' secrets; especially the case about Ryouta Shimura/Danzo... What more does he want?

Akuma-oo-sama leaned in. "Are you asking for release?"

"I'm asking for death," Kabuto said, quite frankly.

"Oh Kabuto, you're more important than you know. I own you. I'll ruin you. I will break you. Destroy you. Every scar, every thought- every breath is tainted with the presence of me for the rest of your life. I am your prison, your chameleon soul will become one with me. You will always remember me taking you apart on the cellular level to build you back up with the most excruciating berth of agony. Molecule by molecule..."

"I don't care," Kabuto sighed.

"I should punish you for how defiant you are to being apart of my revolution. I was the savior who fed, clothed and protected you for years. You are in my debt, my care. I gave you my personal brand of hell..."

"Frankly, I'm thankful. Just kill me," Kabuto breathed.

Akuma-oo-sama laughed, leaning forward on his stone throne. "What happened to fearsome Kabuto, the strong Kabuto who fought? I'd gladly break that Kabuto again."

That Kabuto is dead because Akuma-oo-sama killed him... Kabuto just sighed. Is there an end?

"Death is too kind for you and Orochimaru. Hychu Taichirou says... you both are bad men. I watch the fear in your eyes grow. You are powerless. A shell of what you once were. It makes me have utter and complete merriment. Nothing like a man's suffering brings joy to one's heart. "

Shigeko smiled. "It would... It does."

Akuma-oo-sama nodded to her before focusing on Kabuto. "You've come to understand me because it does," he said.

His voice was raspy and uneven like he's screamed for hours. "The proudest soldiers will flee in my presence, armies brought to their knees and nations will fall at the mention of our name. Never again will you be lost. From now on, you will be at our side. Forever the Death Chess Association, forever Akuma-oo-sama's."

"Why do you need me?" Kabuto asked.

"Your jutsu... are delightful. Unlike Orochimaru's heinous practices and attempts, nothing will live up to the glory of what you accomplished. You made a world war because you were emotionally detached and upset. Imagine how many you can slaughter with the DCA's ddetermination, your splendid jutsu and my focus. I might need Edo Tensei to watch the fall of order and no one will counter this destruction. Cities yesterday, countries today, worlds tomorrow," he chuckled.

"Why do you hate me?" Kabuto asked.

"You simply originate from Konoha. That is enough to make anyone despise you. Your country is wilderness without the animals. My animals. I had no positions on Konoha. No point of view or vision but now I hate them for all they are. I'm attempting to rid the world of Konoha shinobi who believe in what Konoha believed in..."

"What do they believe in?"

"War... Shinobi. Hokage. Massacres. Don't you want a new world?" Akuma-oo-sama asked, his eyes blazing. "I'm the only one with the power to reform this corrupt world. A god protects those beneath him."

"Why do you keep me?" Kabuto asked. "I do not originate from Konoha. I've been against their morals since birth. I attempted to eradicate everyone because of Konoha..."

The king stiffened. "Hychu Taichirou told me you planned on killing Sasuke's child. You do not know how important those particular Uchiha are to me and the DCA."

Shigeko flinched when the Demon King's gaze settled on her.

"You helped me find many Uchiha..." the king said. "Thank you."

Kabuto remembers that... Shigeko hunted Uchiha left and right under Orochimaru's orders... Awkward.

Shigeko sighed. "Lord- the ones I killed-"

"No. No. Those that died were weak and they resisted my teachings. You needn't feel bad." he looked at the sea of his servants milling around the pit. "Look at all the sharingan you gave to your fellow demon brothers and sisters. We are unstoppable."

Kabuto gulped at a lot of the DCA members having sharingan... It's sad and if they attack Konoha- it's over. The king's pawn's eyes glowed in the darkness and he sighed. Good men under the control of bad men do bad things...

"My red eyes will control the world. Kabuto... you are the reason I will reign over the five nations and get revenge on Konoha. All thanks to you. All the cities that burn, the women and children that cry and the mass graves that need to be filled is due to your incompatible evil. You opened my closed eyes, the DCA thanks you," Akuma-oo-sama bowed to him.

Him. This is his fault. So, they used his Sasei jutsu (his rebirth jutsu) and his Edo Tensei? They want to kill everyone. What's the fucking motive?

Akuma-oo-sama chuckled. "Get Kabuto out of Akuma-oo-sama's sight. Jimpachi, you must find a use of Kabuto. Break him a little more and he will be mine."

The insane Bunya Jimpachi grinned. His skin had a blue-tint and his red eyes were framed by his greasy hair. He also was an esteemed serial killer. He was crazy and Akuma-oo-sama loved him for it.

Akuma-oo-sama looked at Shigeko cradling her child. "Shigeko, you will be leading a... group of pawns to Kumogakure. See if you can give the Uchiha a certain push for my kin to return to me... Benjiro, what they call him."

Akuma-oo-sama has kids?!

"My pleasure. Your will is my will," Shigeko smiled.

"Oh. Shigeko- would you mind escorting Kabuto to his chambers? Rough him up a bit before I test my theories on the best way to kill someone... without death," Jimpachi said.

Shigeko nodded. "I serve to your pleasure."

"Kingdom, place, part, forever," Jimpachi said.

"Kingdom, place, part, forever," Shigeko responded, grinning like a mad woman.

Kingdom, place, part, forever is the DCA's way of pledging allegiance to Akuma-oo-sama. It works. It's also called brainwashing...

He's lost the will to fight...

¤¤¤

Kabuto pretended to not recognize Shigeko. As soon as they were fourteen away from the throne room and into a hall he's never been in before, he was shoved against a wall.

Mitsuki grinned at Kabuto, unafraid and out of the baby sling. Playing on the floor with a toy he found; a lizard bone.

"Kabuto-sama, why're you here?" Shigeko pressed her elbow to his collarbone, leaning in with all her weight.

"After the war, Hychu A.A Taichirou kidnapped me after releasing me from an unbreakable genjutsu put in place by Uchiha Itachi. He needs my jutsu. I've been here since," Kabuto said, looking at the child.

Kabuto had to get Mitsuki out of this place. For Orochimaru.

"Have you told Orochimaru-sama that you have his child?" Kabuto demanded. "They have the same chakra and senjutsu!"

Tears clouded her sunset eyes. "Is... Orochimaru-sama safe?" she asked quietly afraid to hear the answer.

Kabuto nodded.

Shigeko stifled a small sob with her hand, pretty face red. "There really are good things in life..."

Kabuto grimaced. "Focus! Does Orochimaru know?"

She composed herself into the heartless soldier with amorality issues again, focusing. "Oro... thinks I am dead. We tried for Mitsuki... and I was expecting... before..."

"Before Hychu Taichirou snatched you up. Interesting," Kabuto said, thinking. "We only serve Orochimaru and mentioning him here is not in our best interest."

"Our. We... There is no 'we' it's just me and Mitsuki and you," Shigeko said fiercely.

"When it comes down to it, I take Mitsuki over of you. That's the 'we' I mentioned. I don't care for you, Shigeko. Orochimaru-sama deserves to know his child..."

"I live to serve Oro-chan. I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you, Kabuto-sama..."

"Shut up," Kabuto snapped.

Akuma-oo-sama and the whole of the DCA are planning something against Orochimaru and Konoha. It wasn't smart to say that the toddler was Orochimaru's. Now expect everyone to attempt assassinations on Orochimaru-sama's heir...

He shook his head. She's blurry; as he hasn't had glasses for years.

"Why did you supply this crackpot of insanity with sharingan eyes?" Kabuto demanded.

Shigeko looked down. "There's a place -Uchihagakure- where a community of Uchiha live. I happened to find it. I need to be a pawn to keep Mitsuki alive. That means playing along with all of the moves before I get the checkmate."

He squeezed her arms. "I will get us out of here. It is my job to serve and avenge Orochimaru. That child is Orochimaru-sama's legacy. All we both do is love and aid Orochimaru." Kabuto sighed. "He used my rebirth jutsu to make copies of this woman; the woman Uchiha Sasuke impregnated... I know he'll eventually kidnap her and that's our ticket. We have to get out of here..."

"How?"

"I have a plan. You won't like it, though..."

¤¤¤

July 13th. Nighttime.

Sasuke laid on the couch, in a reclined position. Hinata laid on his chest, ear to his heart while he read a book. She was laughing about something dumb, glasses of wine at the foot of the living room couch.

Hinata murmured something.

He chuckled.

They were a tangle of limbs that fit.

His left hand curled on her thigh. They were at an avenue for flirting, for talking closely, testing the waters. Love.

"It's not that funny," he scoffed.

"You're right," Hinata said seriously and giggled. "It's hilarious!"

"Hinata..."

She burst out laughing. "Naruto was your first kiss. Am I a better kisser?"

"Yeah."

She smiled. "Wanna know a secret? Naruto's name doesn't make me smile anymore. He overstayed his welcome in my mind," she gasped. "I'm sorry I didn't... tell you..."

"I already knew, Hinata," Sasuke grunted.

"Yeah but... forgive me. You promise you won't get sick of me? I may be drunk but in my mind, I call you home."

"How can I get sick of you, you buzzed bluenette?"

"Aww. Hold me so I don't dissolve into the expensive white and red wine I drank..." Hinata snuggles into his chest.

"Alright."

They were quiet again.

It was at times like this, Someina got so jealous she could die but she suppressed that.

There was no crush. Not even when he was nice to her. Or he's shirtless in the backyard. Not even when he said happy birthday to her. She wished she had something like them; they belong on that level.

And they lied to her! With a journal under her arm, Someina narrowed her eyes. "What the hell is going on?"

Hinata was so startled, she rolled off of Sasuke and onto the ground.

"You alright?" Sasuke asked.

"Uh- yeah?" Hinata groaned.

"Don't scare the mouse when the dragon is around. That wasn't cool, Scar," Sasuke said, still looking at his book.

"Who put so much ground there?" Hinata asked.

Sasuke snickered a bit. "The ones who built the house?"

"Tell them that they're jerks," Hinata said as she stood up.

"Will do," Sasuke focused on his book. "You big dope."

Hinata's blue-tinted bangs blocked her brown eyes. She brushed them behind her ear despite two long strands framing her face.

Hinata grinned, still souped-up on the wine. "What's up, Someina? You kind of scared me there."

"Momo," Someina said.

Hinata's eyes wandered to look at Someina's face at the mention of the name. She's so good at acting.

"That was a hundred percent, not me. It was gravity." Someina scoffed.

"Maybe," Hinata rocked on her heels.

"Now tell me what's going on without lying or faking out of character. You both lied to me about who you are for three years! How dare you!"

Hinata leaned in, alcohol jumping out of her pours. "You know who I am. I'm your best friend," Hinata said, her familiar feathery tone became joyful.

"I know. I really wish I didn't. Who are you, Momo or Hinata- whoever you chose to be today?" Someina yelled. "Your background doesn't make sense to me. If you're a Natsukawa, why haven't I seen your photos anywhere? You know nothing about your biological family. Nothing about the people who raised Miyana and you! Toru and Nikaio."

"I- I'm sorry."

Someina sighed. "I saw your old notebooks. Info about dojutsu, the byakugan, secrets about the Hyuuga and such. Why lie about who you are?"

"Someina..."

Someina opened Hinata's journals. "What the hell is this stuff? Gentle fist, Hyuuga secret ointment formula, and your family tree. Neji and Hisana are there- it makes no sense-"

Suddenly, Mitsuyo came in with groceries.

Hinata immediately avoided Someina to help Mitsuyo and took some bags.

"Hello Mitsuyo, how was your day?" Hinata asked, bright and smiling.

They went to the kitchen, put away the groceries and came back to the living room. "Have you heard any word on Miyana?" Hinata asked.

Mitsuyo shook her head, tired. "No. I'm fraught with worry and Taiyo hasn't gotten out of my bed since she left,"

"She's just two weeks late from coming home. It's was a three-day mission," Sasuke shrugged. "It's fine. People go on extended leaves. I do that to Kakashi, I take vacations without telling him squat."

"You're the Hokage's pet. He'd let you burn the world down and you'd get nothing more than encouragements and dog treats," Mitsuyo snarled.

Sasuke scowled at Mitsuyo, sitting up.

Hinata floated back to Sasuke on the couch, getting all starry-eyed. "Oh... how I must be worrying everyone at home. They don't miss me, do they?"

Sasuke pulled her into him. Hinata sighed into his touch when Sasuke and Mitsuyo exchanged a glance.

"What?" Hinata was sober enough to catch their wariness.

"They miss you enough to grieve." Mitsuyo cleared her throat.

"I feel dead to them," Hinata looked at Mitsuyo.

"Anyway, my day has been awful; I ran into some trouble with the Raikage. Can you believe it? They won't take Miyana's disappearance as a missing person's case..."

"She isn't missing. Be practical," Sasuke advised.

"Maybe she wants a vacation, you know? Sasuke said we're a walking circus," Hinata trilled, pointing to Someina. "He called you an elephant."

"Thanks for that," Someina said sarcastically, glaring at Sasuke. "How could I forget that nickname? Oh, I haven't forgotten."

"Forget? Elephants. Elephants never forget," Sasuke laughed and Hinata drank more wine.

"Congrats Hinata- you're not a lightweight anymore, you drink a lot," Mitsuyo hummed, looking concerned.

"Red wine makes me feel float," Hinata happily put the bottle down. "Plus, Sasuke likes my wine-stained lips, doncha anata?"

"Sure," Sasuke mumbled.

Mitsuyo huffed. "Back to my problem, Miyana would never leave. The peace and quiet are welcome but Taiyo needs her," Mitsuyo crossed her arms.

"She stays out all week and leaves Taiyo with us. We raised him. However, I don't just up and forget to be a mother. Her mind is gone too. No heart and mind. Crazy anata, crazy,"

"Miyana's going through a divorce. Liquids are necessary," Mitsuyo said, defending her sister. "She has to pick up more hours since her ex-hubby took all their savings."

Hinata frowned. "She never wore her wedding ring," she looked at Sasuke then her own hand. "Don't do that."

Sasuke scrunched his eyebrows together.

"Actually, we won't have to since they'll be tattooed on. I'm always thinking like you are," Hinata tapped his forehead with two fingers.

Sasuke held his forehead, red in the face. "Why did you do that?"

"You have a thing for foreheads," Hinata smiled.

Mitsuyo rolled her eyes. "Miyana's drinks a lot. Playing a drinking game with herself. She works herself sick, she needed some extra cash and that's why she does missions."

"I don't think Taiyo really knows his mom or what his mom is like," Sasuke said quietly.

Someina exploded. "Can you all just shut up?! Tell me what's going on. Give all your secrets away. Hinata, you said you had a brother. The Natsukawa- according to Mitsuyo's family tree, Toru and Nikaio never had a son."

"Someina..."

"On top of that, Amarante doesn't have a devolved version of the sharingan like you guys told me time and time again, she has the byakugan! Which isn't possible. So who are you?"

Silence became heavy.

Hinata untangled herself from Sasuke and got in front of Someina, standing super close. She let out a shaky breath and took Someina's hands, squeezed it three times and frowned.

"My name is... Hyuuga Hinata," Hinata sighed. "Now you know."

Someina jumped back. "You... mean, the Hyuuga Hinata-"

Hinata frowned, suddenly stern. "It's not such a big deal. I'm Hinata. Not the later-"

"Not a big deal?! It is. You're the byakugan princess and former heiress to the richest clan-"

"I am not associated with them-" Hinata said as quick as her slurs would allow.

"You are the richest clan across the five nations," Someina shoved Hinata. "That Hyuuga Hinata. Why would you lie to me about your identity for so long?"

"I love you, Someina. It's simple but I couldn't let the words come out. It's my identity to protect you and all of us!"

"You're not Natsukawa Momo. You don't originate from Kagegakure... you're just some princess who's been an imposter for three years?! Hinata- how could you?" Someina sighed and gaped at Mitsuyo. "She's been lying to us for three years."

"I did-" Hinata started.

"You're overreacting," Sasuke said, crossing his arms.

"Do not say anything to me, Sasuke!" Someina snapped. "Mitsuyo- how could she lie to us? Why aren't you mad? Why aren't you- anything?!"

Mitsuyo's mouth settled in a line.

"You know. You knew," Someina said, all hallow.

Mitsuyo spoke quietly, "I was the one who planned it out for Sasuke and Hinata. I needed a way to keep them safe. The twins safe."

Hinata nodded. "You mustn't misunderstand. I love it here! My kids are here, I fell for Sasuke here and I met you and Mitsuyo because of that... one small lie. This is my life- not with that clan. This is my safe place."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you integrate but you lied. For years!" Someina exploded.

Hinata yelled back. "Don't you think it makes sense for me to lie? My eyes are my strength but also my biggest downfall. If anyone sees my eyes, disasters occur. I'm a harbinger. The Hyuuga clan name has power but that power causes everything to burn and end. If I didn't lie, I wouldn't have this conversation-"

"You can't justify this, Hinata! You lied and all of the things I thought were real- you were the last I expected to betray me."

"Don't vilify me because I wanted a life here. I couldn't waltz into Kumo like Hyuuga Hinata. I had to be someone people trusted..."

"Like anyone can ever trust you. I'll never take you for a genuine person again. Hinata, princess or Momo- whoever you are. You get some sympathy but lying is a universal evil. Lying to me about something that is your genetic makeup, is something I'll hate you for."

Hinata closed her mouth, looking down. "So be it..."

"You're out of line. We chose this before you showed up..." Mitsuyo told Someina.

Someina shook her head. "What? I'm out of line?! You believe that this is okay! Mitsuyo, are you lying about your identity?! If you are, I'll be leaving in the morning."

"Someina... you are a stranger to that life. All that pressure and oppression. Hiashi is the heart of the good and bad of her childhood."

Someina glared at Hinata. "Don't preach about pressure and oppression. Let me alone." She walked out.