Sweet Dispositions

-Chapter 40-
Quit You

She aimlessly wandered for a minute or two. Then, she sought support from a wooden beam in some garden she couldn't recognize.

And she fell on the emerald grass, so tired.

They spoke different languages.

She's nothing. A coward. Dishonorable. A disappointment.

This is what she ran away from five years ago. Maybe she left because she knew -subconsciously- that there was no place for her. She was right! She was supposed to have this conversation more than a decade ago but she's stuck and time-worn and confused.

There's no more desire to be wherever he is.

He didn't train her because of Naruto. He didn't want to love her because of Hanabi. He didn't want to meet her kids because they are her kids.

What the hell is wrong with him?

Her father... didn't even care about her absence. He didn't care. He didn't want her to... kami. He didn't even want her.

In haste, she stood up. She was so overwhelmed by everything that she screamed out to the heavens. "Forget you! Hyuuga Hiashi! Worst father in the world! Worst person in the world! Worst trainer in the world!"

As she yelled, lightning released into the atmosphere. The flash of brilliance probably burnt people's eyes. The leftover scent of iron and charred wood filled her nostrils and she fell to her knees.

"Forget the man who broke my heart first," Hinata said, tears finally stinging her eyes.

She didn't know where her kids were or why they were in the Hyuuga district. She just- she just wanted Sasuke because the sobs that threatened to erupt from her mouth were still there, bubbling hot and dangerous in the volcano of her chest.

She covered her mouth, just staring at the garden she managed to damage.

He... he didn't even like her.

She's not what he thought she was.

She wanted to use the byakugan but she couldn't see, she was blinded by this. He... she was so weak that he disowned her. Quite again. She did want to be respected. She wanted his love. She wanted to be recognized as his daughter- not some... weak, skinny little thing.

Why did she even come back? They're so angry- she doesn't know how to communicate with them. Everything is just- going down river.

What is she here for?

They can't work this out... It's too much, too much of a problem and he doesn't care enough about her. He didn't really react. She knows what will happen next.

They can't return to Kumo and she doesn't want to uproot their life again to another place. It hurts. This... whole situation hurts.

She drew a seal in the grass, wanting to curse the Hyuuga- block a water pipe, weaken the garden or even- no. Revenge is never the answer.

Instead, she laid back. The gust of winds rustled the trees and ripped off some leaves from its home. This place was her home, now she wants to go back to Kumo.

Her father... The definition of hard to love.

When she closed her eyes and relaxed her heartbeat in a state of silence, a leaf landed on her forehead. She plucked it off of the space between her brows and held it to the light, twisting the stem between her fingers.

Eventually leaves fall, no matter how long they hang on for, no matter where the roots are. She should leave before she is left behind.

She should show him just how foolish he is for casting her aside. Casting those wonderful kids aside.

She needs to return to them. She sacrificed herself and her body for them- she would do anything for them, yes.

Maybe she should be like a leaf, leave the family tree... soar off into another man's garden and start there. Restart.

She cleared her eyes before jumping out of the Hyuuga districts. Find a new garden. Find her kids. Stop trying to please Hiashi. It's not like he's even her real father. He's just a weed, a thorn in her side.

She accidentally still thinks he might be a fragrant, lovely flower. They'll see, maybe another year.

She remembered to summon her blades and return to her kids. Wherever they are.

-x- 

Ten minutes later.

She got wisps of Benjiro's potent chakra in the busiest area of Konoha. She realizes that isn't the case. He isn't here. As she floated through the loud market, she caught onto the stares and halted movement.

Hinata noticed she didn't have her cloak on and she looked quite scary with her glinting twin katana blades. She unsommoned all but one sword, to fit in. A bit. She also had her tattoos. A band on her bicep, the ying and yang symbol on her hands and red, puffy cheeks. The flowers in her hair reminded her of Amarante.

Oh... she just wanted to hold them again.

She looked... rugged, rogue. Hinata usually looked like a pampered princess, with the oils in her hair, the softest, palest skin and silk clothing falling off her dainty shoulders. When she became a mother, those things became trivial. Self-care is important but not as important as getting her kids ready.

Priorities switch and her hair may not be as trimmed as it used to but she's fine. She has four children. Cut her some slack.

What bothered Hinata the most was the person following her through the pesky trees. Hinata didn't have time for this. Her kids usually tried sneaking up on Sasuke but they giggled too much (giving their position away) and Sasuke would find a method of scaring them. Her kids also knew not to hide when she was in a foul mood.

Fed up, she threw a handful of kunai at the person who has been following her for the past ten minutes.

"Ouch," the voice cried out in the trees.

Hinata turned around and held up her sword. Kokoro? Kokoro poked her face out, injured.

Kokoro had a cut on her cheek, probably from a kunai. The Uchiha were experts at throwing and dodging kunai. She didn't. She still looked beautiful and deadly. Is this what Mitsuyo looked like back then? A heart-stopper? Despite that, she has no time for people like her.

"Why must you follow me?" Hinata asked, throwing three more kunai Kokoro barely dodged.

"I just wanted to know what you were about," Kokoro said.

"Did you have fun? Did you collect enough information? That's of no importance, Kokoro- get out of my sight," Hinata said.

After the shock wore off, Kokoro looked utterly infuriated. "Just two days ago, you were begging me to be in your clan? What's up with this attitude?" she asked harshly.

Hinata narrowed her eyes. "You were uncouth and unsympathetic with Mitsuyo. You are hereby uninvited from this clan and dead if you do not leave me alone,"

The dark look in Kokoro's eyes hardened. "You have no right to say who is and who isn't in the Uchiha clan,"

"Actually. I do," Hinata shrugged.

Kokoro let out a laugh with no humor like Mitsuyo always did. "You're mad because I told my mother off for her horrible parenting skills? It was therapy for me and we haven't talked in eight years. You didn't need to be the mediator,"

"You were still disrespectful. Correct that behavior before you meet with me, Uchiha-kohai," Hinata paused then pursed her lips. "You behave like a child,"

That set her off. Kokoro channeled her chakra to her eyes and grabbed a discarded kunai. The kunai in her hand melted, just before she made contact with Hinata.

"How did you?!" Kokoro yelled while staring at the puddle of metal.

"Magic, darling," Hinata teased.

Kokoro didn't like getting laughed at and she charged. Hinata fought a bit, letting Kokoro have the upper hand. Hinata pressed a tenketsu, temporarily stopping her entire chakra system.

Interesting.

Not much of an effect. The girl never uses her chakra anyway... She's sweating and she's weak but that's because of the fight. Normal shinobi would collapse by now.

Feeling amused, Hinata threw three senbon at the Uchiha's spinal cord, causing her to stop in place.

"What did you do to me?" Kokoro shrieked, frozen.

"I restrained you," Hinata said. Kokoro had a perfect look of horror on her face and Hinata waved her hand. "Relax. I can keep you safe,"

Hinata tapped on Kokoro's bruised shoulder and pushed her formerly dislocated shoulder back in place. Kokoro groaned in pain but Hinata spread a cream, to numb the pain.

While unsummoning the cream, Hinata sighed and looked at the sweating, panting and bruised Uchiha. "We have a lot of work to do," Hinata muttered.

"What? We?"

"You are quite a novice soul with taijutsu, ninjutsu and bukijutsu, Uchiha-kohai," Hinata said critically, observing her like a statue. "If I used chakra, you would have been dead,"

"You didn't use chakra?"

"None,"

Kokoro shook in place, trying to swivel her head to glare at Hinata. "Do not insult my capabilities. What do you know?"

"What it takes to become a trusted jonin shinobi and offered bodyguard of the Raikage," Hinata replied indifferently. "You lack any fighting style, you do not use your chakra affinities and you do not have many tricks. Your sharingan would have shut off in a matter of minutes. I know that you have uniquely low chakra reserves. That's quite rare in an Uchiha,"

"You only fought me for two minutes, how do you know so much? And I'm not a loser,"

Hinata smiled. "No one in the Uchiha clan is a loser," she said gently and scanned her again. "You never trained. Your mother graduated at ten years old, your beloved father was in ROOT and your mother's amour was Danzo, arch nemesis of the third Hokage. Not equal in strength but strong enough to become a decent but evil Hokage,"

"I'm not my mother," Kokoro growled.

"I know," Hinata tsked, clicking her tongue three times and crossing her arms. "Why haven't you trained, Uchiha-kohai?"

"Shut up! You're belittling me,"

"I wouldn't do that. You just have not tried in these past years," Hinata sighed. "You got lazy, trying to blend in as a civilian,"

Now that Kokoro is in Konoha, she felt overpowered and a little scared that everyone was stronger than her.

Hinata wiped away the blood seeping from the kunai wound. As soon as her skin came in contact with Kokoro's, the cut faded.

Hinata caressed Kokoro's cheek and tapped on her chin. "I apologize for all the bruises I caused. You have to fight people with a cause. It's not wise to jump into battle without any knowledge of who your enemy is or what their jutsu is,"

"There you go lecturing me. I'm not your student," she groaned.

Hinata tapped on the girl's forehead three times, checking her chakra channels. Eh. "Ano, you need a mentor. Uchiha Sasuke is already annoyed by your actions. He doesn't have much patience for people and his expectations are high. I'm more lenient than him,"

"Why should you teach me?"

"I'm an expert at putting up with difficult Uchiha," Hinata shrugged.

She raised four.

Hinata didn't care if she was insulting. "I can teach things from seal-making to medical-ninjutsu. I can groom you, along with your brother to become better shinobi. I'm an expert in herbology or even taijutsu. A little dojutsu training or chakra control will do wonders,"

"You're saying that I don't have any talent in chakra control and taijutsu?" Kokoro gritted her teeth.

Those are her words but yes. "I can teach you secrets and historical facts about your clan, if you desire, if your mind is sharper," Hinata shrugged.

"How do you know all this stuff?"

"Books and scrolls. I am somewhat of an archivist. If you desire, I would invite you over for tea. What type of girl are you? Herbal or fruity?"

"Fruity," Kokoro said weakly.

"Aw. That means you are so sweet," Hinata commented. "I will gather some types of fruit at the market. You will not be disappointed. Tea is especially rewarding after training,"

"Training?"

"Yes. You must be worthy of Uchiha-san's attention. If you cannot fight, you cannot defend. That's not a fine way to live in a militant clan like ours. And there's the downside of being attacked a lot. I do not want to lose any more Uchiha,"

"You threatened to kill me,"

"It's an off day," Hinata shrugged.

"Off day my ass," Kokoro muttered under her breath.

Hinata touched Kokoro's forehead and drew a diamond. "This will keep your chakra concentrated in a reserve. You must learn to control your chakra or else you will never find success as a shinobi, Uchiha-kohai,"

The diamond was black and the size of a pinky nail. It looked a little bit like the mark on Sakura's forehead but who cares? This seal was tricky to make. Any miniscule faults would trigger this seal to start taking her life force. It usually didn't take long for Hinata to inspect.

Kokoro's cheeks reddened. "You're so confusing! You invite me over for tea while you spent the last five minutes just mopping the floor with me. I don't want to be a shinobi and get this mark off of my head,"

"Sorry. It's already said and done. By the way, with your... volatile personality and rash, reckless actions... I consider that you may need this training because you anger many,"

"I would have survived any fights,"

Hinata leaned in close to her ear. "I could have killed you... The instant you got out of that tree, with either the Chidori, seal you away into an endless void, another dimension or I could have severed all of the muscles surrounding your heart with a chakra blade," Hinata whispered. "But I didn't, "

"Why not be heartless?"

"Because Uchiha-san's will is my will. If you're an Uchiha, you're the oil that feeds our flame and I can't kill you just yet," Hinata said. "His heart speaks to any Uchiha, including your mother. If he didn't like you, then I guarantee you wouldn't have been breathing after what you acted like to Mitsuyo,"

She eyed Hinata. "Why do you care about Kozakura so much?"

Hinata laughed. "I love her. She... really helped me. For years. Be a better daughter," Hinata said, wiping away the hair from Kokoro's eyes.

"Kokoro!" she heard.

Hinata turned around. This must be Kaito. Although he has Mitsuyo's and arguably, every Uchiha's ebony hair, the similarities end there. He seemed chiseled with an icy look in his eyes. He looks like Sasuke, which made her eyes soften. Kokoro watched Hinata's expression and gagged.

Hinata looked at him, tapping her chin with her index finger. "You, there, you support her?"

"Yeah! What are you doing with my sister?" Kaito asked, dashing to where Kokoro was frozen. He reached for her forehead. "What's this?"

"A seal that will help her control how much chakra she uses," Hinata informed him.

"You did this to her?"

Hinata smiled beautifically. "Just offering some tea and lessons about her sharingan eyes. You can come too if you would like your world to be colored with power," Hinata said, tone friendly. "You look like you have something to offer,"

"Stop flirting with my brother," Kokoro hissed.

"I'll have you know that I am in a strong and committed relationship," Hinata said.

"With a dildo?" Kokoro asked, smirking.

Hinata gasped. "You will not have tea with me. You will not be re-invited to the table until you apologize,"

Kaito seemed confused. "Tea? Kokoro, why are you having tea with her-"

"No," Hinata huffed. "She will train, instead,"

Hinata summoned two pairs of chakra weights and clamped them on Kokoro and Kaito. Hinata huffed and turned around. "That's the first lesson. These chakra weights will slow you down and leech off of your chakra until you learn how to control yourselves,"

She snapped and the senbon in Kokoro's spine dislodged themselves.

"I will see you both later, Kaito and Kokoro. Your mother says hi," Hinata said before walking off.

-x-

Someina, the crying twins, a distraught Taiyo and an annoyed Benjiro were brought to the Hyuuga compound by force because some Hyuuga who overpowered her. Orochimaru appeared from thin air and knocked out the Hyuuga who captured Someina and the kids. Then, they were summoned out of the fragrant Hyuuga garden and into this place.

All she knew was they were roughly taken from some sense of distorted security into the arms of a killer.

Where were they? In a hideout? Underground? A tomb? The possibilities were endless.

There was a wooden roof, she knew that. It was an old, unkept roof that had holes and tears. Some beams of light penetrated the obscurity and gave her vision.

The naked walls reminded her of a museum of venerable finds being neglected and charred. The blistering torch-light glimmered in the shapeless darkness. The dusty smell of old shale stuck to the back of her throat and they were all enveloped by fear.

She never let go of the children. They were behind her, terrified, watching.

Someina watched Orochimaru slink out of the shadows. She couldn't help but hate how her limbs quivered and she couldn't get her breathing under control. Huge heaves followed by pants came- like she couldn't breathe.

The kids have to be safe. They have to be safe, even if it means putting her life on the line- Someina will save them. She's so frazzled and her thoughts aren't crossing the landscape of her mind properly. She doesn't know how Mitsuyo's doing, whether or not Hinata's alive and if Sasuke won. It was all a mystery and it's throwing her off her game.

Orochimaru's pale skin glowed like the moon on a heady August night. "Nervous, are we?" he asked, adorning a devious devil's smirk on his face.

"No," Someina yelled, outwardly. Inwardly, she was crying her eyes out.

Orochimaru caught onto her façade and smiled. "Your voice is shaking. It is truly a joy in my life that I instill fear in those who serve me,"

Does he get off on terror?! "What do you want, Orochimaru?" Someina growled. "If you came for these children, my last breath will be dedicated to stopping you,"

He snapped his fingers. Consequently, all the kid's eyes closed and they slumped in place. "What did you do?" Someina shrieked.

"A harmless genjutsu, to let them sleep. They mustn't hear what I have to say. It'll ruin them," Orochimaru hummed. Someina growled. Damn bastard. His yellow eyes flitted over Someina, quite unimpressed. "I do not have qualms or ambitions to entrap that child. My eyes lie elsewhere,"

"You mean... you're not after these kids?" Someina concluded.

"They do concern me but I have other plans that deserve my undivided attention. My intentions are utterly pure and they stem from the same bud of wants as Uchiha Sasuke. The flower of companionship and camaraderie," he told Someina softly, with no mal-intent.

Is this not a dream? Is she lost? Is the wax in her ear too thick? Plans? "What might they be?" Someina asked, reproachful.

He smiled a sinister grin like he was up to no good. "To ensure the future of our jutsu. In my case, mastering all of life's secrets and jutsu have led me to a path where the people who endear me are ruthlessly kidnapped by the DCA,"

"It serves you right!" Someina yelled. "Your violent wants had detrimental consequences,"

Now he wasn't too keen on being made fun of. He scoffed then folded his arms under his feminine-looking kimono sleeves. "If you wish to belittle me, remember the power I have over you. How quickly I can kill those children. How quickly I can kill Sasuke. Their father,"

"You wouldn't dare," Someina yelled out. "Kabuto was kidnapped by the association you worked for! You funded the DCA and they posed a problem to you and now Kumo. You make your own problems,"

"I make my own solutions. I sought to change the world, the third's ways and mold it to my own liking. It almost worked. I rectified my late sensei's system only to be met by Uchiha Sasuke... If I am correct- your master?"

Someina's cheeks became red. Thank Kami he couldn't tell. That made her feel stuff- feel hot. So, she took a long time to answer. "In a way, yes. You hunted for sharingan eyes! With Shigeko. You went around killing every Uchiha and now you ask for Sasuke's help?!"

"I do not need Sasuke assistance," Orochimaru explained in a tired way. "It was halted when the old DCA regime leader began sheltering the few remaining Uchiha,"

"You stopped hunting Uchiha because the DCA told you to?" Someina asked, quite amazed.

Orochimaru shook his head. "No. The rumored sharingan users were killed under the DCA's care. Their eyes, however, were most likely transferred to DCA members. There are simply no Uchiha left that are not under the control of the new leader,"

There are Uchiha... being killed? Under the control of the new leader?

"Ten years ago, when you were twelve or thirteen, the DCA had ties to Konoha as an ally. Most of my experiments are volunteers who seek power, fame or death... most of those who came to me, not to the DCA."

"That's not true, Shigeko kidnapped me under your orders,"

"Shigeko didn't work for me when you got kidnapped, Someina. She brought you to the DCA in times of duress with Kumogakure, seeing as most of the pawns are from Kumogakure as war prisoners,"

"What? The kidnappings were purely political?" Someina asked.

"Perhaps," he nodded, thinking for a moment. "War was on the horizon for Kumogakure and Konohagakure. It made sense to have Kumogakure slaves who meant no more than pigs in clothing to Konoha. Kumogakure was the enemy. Kumogakure kids were perfect enemies against Kumo,"

"Why... did you get involved?

"I saw you Kumogakure people as nothing more than cadavers or test subjects. I still do but to a lesser degree," Orochimaru admitted with a chilling smile. "Hiruzen was suspicious of my actions but Konohagakure patients weren't able to achieve the responses to new jutsu when surgically altered. I began ordering DCA pawns or war prisoners for my trials. The inventory was endless, the results were better and the relation to the DCA strengthened my ties with Danzo,"

"Danzo?" Someina made a choked noise. The man Mitsuyo fucked?!

Orochimaru smirked. "Kumogakure and other children from hidden villages have more resilience. They also showcase exceptional skill, what Danzo was looking for in ROOT. Thereafter, I became partners with the DCA and ROOT. We all got bodies and skills we desired to be the face of change and paramount might,"

Steam poured out of her ears and she was livid. "You bastard! I was... molested by Soejime Arata for three years because of you! A house full of pawns you see as experiments burned down! I was separated from my parents and my sister was killed! All because of your whacked up versions of play time?!" Someina screamed, telling him about her pain.

"I see no fault in admitting those actions are mine," Orochimaru shrugged. "I'm delightfully pleased by your resolve and restraint while facing me. I remember your childhood dreams. Returning to your sister and parents. We needn't become hasty or vengeful- I have plans for you,"

"Thanks for the informative session but no. I have to get back to my master and return the kids. I don't want to have anything to do with you!" She turned away, trying to rouse the kids out of the genjutsu.

"Really? Soejime Arata is dead," Orochimaru said, finally.

Unable to stop herself, joy coursed through her blood and her mind spun like a child's carousel. Over and over again.

When she faced him fully, again, he stood taller. "I did not, however, know of sticky... fingers and tendencies until three years prior to this meeting. Upon discovery- I killed him,"

"Show me proof," Someina said. "You snake,"

"Thank you," he said, flattered. Orochimaru threw an item in her direction. It gleamed momentarily and Someina knew exactly what it was. She caught it, gasping.

It was a coin. Ridged and sanded down. Soejime's only weapon against her. He leaned on luck like his life depended on it. Unable to make a decision, he would flip a coin of how to abuse Someina that night. He would never let go of it.

This bronze coin is from his grave. It's his prized possession. Someina whispered and held it in her hands. Such an evil man doing evil things. Like a monster. Why would Orochimaru pry it from his dead fingers?

She looked at Orochimaru. "Why?" she asked simply.

"I need allies," he explained, also just as simply. "However, now the DCA, who was once an ally- has decided to scorn our past relationship under the lead of its new leader, Akuma-oo-sama,"

"The original Akuma-oo-sama?"

"No. His actual name is Rakuyama Toin. Rakuyama was from Konoha. However, he had mechanistic views that got him banned from the village. He went abroad, looking for others with the same view as him. He formed the Death Chess Association when he came to a town full of other s-class shinobi-nin who detested what the world has become. Together, they looted, fought and destroyed all semblances of civilization,"

"Why was he killed? How did you get him to help you?"

"I gave his son jutsu that helped rule over the pawns. Once Rakuyama Toin's child perished the same day he did, I couldn't care less,"

"Rakuyama kept your supply of experiments renewed," Someina guessed.

Orochimaru nodded. "The new leader who calls himself Akuma-oo-sama stopped shipments and began attacking my hideouts. Over the years, it escalated to the point of other past experiments joined the DCA to gain more power,"

"You cause your own damn problems," Someina said through gritted teeth. Although this information is useful and he gave her the coin, she didn't exactly know why he was acting so... cordial. Bad people do good things to get what they want.

"Do not speak so freely with me, Ikeda," Orochimaru said, showing his fangs.

Orochimaru made her life hell. She gets to say and feel however the hell she wants to. "Why speak to me at all, old man? Why are you telling me this?" Someina asked.

"The DCA has indeed kidnapped three people who I care for," Orochimaru said, finally sounding human.

Oh. That makes sense. Quid pro quo. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. "Look, man, I can't break them out. I don't want to do anything for you. Storytime was great. Now, I have to get home, to Sasuke," Someina said harshly.

"You won't do anything for me?" Orochimaru asked with a pleased smile. It was so unlike what she thought he'd do. Nothing like the old Orochimaru.

She nodded carefully. "Yes. Nothing. Release the genjutsu. Goodbye Orochimaru. I wish you well,"

"Not even for the life of your sister?"

He came prepared to get what he wanted. She cannot be swayed by this.

She blinked. "My sister's dead and no one can bring her back," she said, wincing at the half-truth. She waved her hand at the option. His gaze was trained on her brown skin. She's trembling. She had to stop and hide it. She held her left hand while tucking it away. "I-I am at peace with that,"

Orochimaru chuckled and she felt it in her core. "Nobody is ever dead with the new jutsu I have created,"

She jumped, five feet into the air. "Forbidden jutsu is forbidden for a reason! It's dangerous and it's impossible to bring someone back from the dead,"

"No one has the capability to perform the rituals that I do. Kakashi is defenseless without his famed copy-cat sharingan," Orochimaru said. "I do have a certain level of respect for the new Hokage... however, I value your help more than his,"

She's hopeful. She shouldn't be. This is wildly dangerous. This is too good to be true.

"You can bring her back?" Someina asked, tripping over her words. She's being seduced by the darkness and the possibility of her sister coming back to her.

He made a sound of agreement, having a snake's smile. "There's one thing you must do for me. You must kill Hyuuga Hinata and Uchiha Kokoro for me,"

Someina gasped. "What? No! Never. I will not kill either one of them,"

Just smiling even wider, like he was privy to a secret, emerged into the shadows. "We'll see," he said, still there.

Her sister. She promised she would get her back. She lost her because of the war. Man. This fork in the road was stupid. Daft. Insane.

And Kokoro left about a year after Someina met Mitsuyo. Someina was just getting on her feet again, sorting through the trash for food, trying to find work. Mitsuyo didn't share her pain so growing up at her side made Someina feel riddled with pain and isolation. Still, she's been Mitsuyo's second daughter. She can't kill Kokoro. She couldn't.

Of course, Hinata is Mitsuyo's favorite and she would never forgive Someina if she did anything... to either of Mitsuyo's prim daughters.

Loving the chaos, drinking her salted tears, Orochimaru observed her still. He caught her eye. In a second, he was close enough to her that they shared body warmth.

He caressed her cheek, playing with a strand of green hair. "Make the choice and come back to me, dear Someina. I will be waiting," Orochimaru then smirked, with his beady eyes closed. He relished this moment. "There she is,"

"Who?" Someina asked.

His magnificent eyes glowed like a nocturnal cat's would as he made handseals. The kids were suddenly awake and she was frozen in place, staring at where Orochimaru was. Why does she have to kill... Hinata?

With one powerful strike, the roof of the house was torn off. Who might that be?

Hinata, with her silver sword and a warrior look in her eyes, blew the old planks of the roof away. She's honestly so striking. She has a mature look to her. She can be soft like a butter knife and harsh and unforgiving like a serrated chainsaw... Either way, she's dangerous.

Then she could be a sweet teddy bear who will smile and laugh.

The kids shrieked when they saw her. "I found you! Thank kami!"

She must kill Hyuuga Hinata. Why? For her sister?

What will she do?

They had a picnic on the patch of green, tucked away from the weary world on rolling hills. Someina returned with food and they all played and dinned on a mountaintop Hinata loved. The rock Someina settled on was smooth but Hinata sat on a laid out blanket.

The mountains will always stay the same.

For some reason, the tea they drank in the heat tasted slightly bitter. It's strange to have tea when your soon-to-be husband and your first love is now on the brink of killing each other. Perhaps that's what made relaxing uncomfortable.

Hinata shook her head, trying to enjoy her drink. Someina looked deep in thought, fiddling with a coin. "So, that's what happened?" Someina asked.

To interrupt them, Amarante waddled up to Hinata and displayed a lone, pretty flower. "Is this pretty enough, mama?" Amarante asked. "Is this... an orchid, right?

Hinata looked at the splendid flower and laughed. "Hime... this is so similar to the orchid flower but it's not... Darling, that's the Peristeria elata, not an orchid... It looks wonderful, huh?"

Amarante nodded looking upset. "I thought it was,"

"Some eyes get tricked. They could be sisters, love, can't they?" Hinata patted her head. "You'll find another one, a real orchid, don't worry. You have the byakugan, you got the best eyes in all of history,"

"All of history?"

"Yes... in all of history. Go, on. Look again," Hinata promised.

Someina watched as Amarante smiled and scampered off. "Why are you teaching the kids how to harvest and recognize different species?"

"We must be teachers, Someina. They have been homeschooled after all," Hinata shrugged. "I am specialized in four fields; medical-ninjutsu, fuinjutsu, bukijutsu and also herbology. It's only natural that I pass on my knowledge to my children who might become the next best thing in medicine,"

Someina growled, watching the kids flutter around the meadow like butterflies. "We don't even know if we'll survive long enough to contemplate their futures. Konoha-dogs don't want us to be here,"

Hinata nodded, looking dour. "I thought this whole trip back to Konoha would work. From Ino saying I am weak, Naruto acting so friendly and my father not caring- this has been a disaster. We bet on the wrong thing..."

"They should be respectful. You are very strong. I don't understand why you held back. I saw what happened in the arena. What everyone else saw in the arena was nothing but a millisecond... a tiny glimpse of your power and finesse,"

Hinata smiled ruefully, inhaling the fumes of her still hot tea. She set the cup down. "I'm considered an S-class ninja in all places but here, Someina. You know who Mitsuyo... and Sasuke is. They're criminals and students of Orochimaru. Of course, I held back. I cannot be a threat... to Konoha-at least not yet. Sasuke needs people to respect him and our clan. I can't mess that up and lose their trust,"

"You're selling yourself short. They'll keep pushing you around. I don't like when they push you around," Someina sighed.

Hinata huffed, crossing her arms. "Me neither. However, it is what is best for you and everyone else. Forgiveness is what I aim for first above all else, even if it lowers my knees and I have to beg for forgiveness,"

"Like a pacifist? Pacifist... no. I think you're being a wimp. We never went the pacifist way in the DCA,"

Uncrossing her arms, she took her tea-cup. "It's not the DCA," Hinata rolled her eyes. "It's Konoha now,"

"You would do anything to get the people you love back, right?" Someina asked, hiding her golden eyes from Hinata's view. She ran her fingers over a coin, distracted. Seeing no fault, Hinata nodded. "Extraordinary lengths. Even if it isn't the best... or safest?"

Hinata nodded, a bit more skeptical.

"I'm still desperate to get my sister back. Wouldn't you be desperate to get her back too?" Someina said.

Hinata nodded. "I figured Hanabi isn't in Konoha. I would do anything for you, her, Mitsuyo, the kids and Sasuke. What extraordinary lengths did you mean to retrieve your beloved sister are you talking about?" Hinata narrowed her eyes.

"Nothing. No worries,"

"Really?" Hinata asked.

Someina nodded, gulping nervously. She twiddled her thumbs and Hinata narrowed her eyes. "Someina-"

Someina cut off her words instead of allowing her to finish. "Now I kind of understand... why you lied about your identity. If this is what life was in... Konoha- I would have wanted to run for the hills too," Someina said. "This place isn't fun,"

Hinata sighed.

Someina sighed. "How are we going to pay for the damage we caused? The Raikage never minded when you and Sasuke brawled with other people. He covered the costs of property damage and other such things," Someina seemed thoughtful. "We still have the money from Miyana's shack,"

"That blood money is from her killing all these Uchiha. It was settled that we would never use them unless it is for grave emergencies,"

"This isn't an emergency? Sasuke's facing Naruto, you're being chased down by Hyuuga, Mitsuyo's knocked out and I am faced with big choices. And there are millions! We already have so much cash, why not dispense it on something way better?"

Hinata shrugged. "I will think about it," Hinata smiled, eyes forward. "I still have to go to lunch with the Kazekage,"

"Kazekage? Why meet with him? He has no eyebrows," Someina said.

Hinata laughed. "Yes... however, he recognized my strength. Oh yeah, Someina, what were you doing in that abandoned house?"

Someina looked startled by the innocent question. She scratched the back of her head. "Well... I kinda ran for the hills and stayed, sheltered by some man in the shadows,"

"Who was he?"

"It was too dark. And he... he kinda sprouted nonsensical things," Someina said, looking away. "It freaked the kids out,"

Hinata seemed skeptical but looked satisfied. "At least the kids are safe,"

"Yes... Milady,"

"What? Don't say that,"

"Can I start calling you Milady? I already do all the things that make you my master. I cook for you, do your laundry, I protect you and care for the kids,"

"Milady seems so cold and I do not want a servant, Someina,"

"Well, I already get paid by you to do all the things that servants do. I'm so used to serving someone. In the DCA, I was a lowly pawn waiting on orders,"

"Break out of that mentality because we are equals,"

Someina sighed. "Do not pretend we are. Equals. You are many things but you shouldn't lower yourself to be on my level,"

Hinata nodded. "Someina- you are equal to me. Don't think like that,"

"I still should. Otherwise, people will think we are partners. It's suspicious that both me and Mitsuyo are around you. Just in Konoha- I'll call you Milady,"

Hinata didn't seem like she liked it but she agreed. "Fine,"

Someina grinned. "First thing's first- I have to go meet the Kazekage and verify the rumor,"

Hinata looked at the position of the sun in the sky. "Oh. We have to get the boys back,"

-x-

An hour later.

Naruto and Sasuke were still in the same place as she left them, sitting on opposite ends. They were just groveling in their individual domes, in pain, trading insults. Wet.

After finding out that he lied, Hinata was furious. She got over it. Now, all that anger is coming back. She doesn't regret leaving but she regrets staying for too long.

The kids were happy. They all cheered. Hinata was ready to strike both Naruto and Sasuke. She couldn't take away the kid's smiles, so she stayed quiet.

Sasuke seemed to also be upset. At her, Naruto, Sakura? She didn't know. Immediately, Amarante and Hiromitsu's eyes became teary. "Tousan. You're alright," Hiromitsu said quietly.

"We worry," Amarante explained. "Lots,"

Amarante leaned her forehead on the barrier and Hiromitsu pressed a hand to it as well. Sasuke smiled tenderly. After fawning over him and saying hello, Benjiro watched his very defeated father with suspicion. "Why'd you put him in the barrier, Kasan? Did he do something bad? Is this a time-out?" he turned on Sasuke and grinned madly.

"Now you know how it feels," Taiyo said. "Time-outs are evil,"

"Yep, Hinata. Evil," Sasuke chided, an annoyed look on his cold face.

"This isn't a time-out," Hinata said. "It was merely a cooling session so the rest of Konoha wouldn't be destroyed,"

"Too many words for the same general meaning of time-outs," Sasuke murmured in a cynical hiss.

Someina shrugged. "You deserved it. Think about how much money we have to pay to restore the arena. It's a financial disaster, "

"Che. Money is just like water to the Uchiha. Everywhere and in excess. That's no problem," Sasuke grumbled. "Our wealth won't be a problem for seven or so generations,"

"Hmmm, Sasuke. I didn't take you for a snob in rags," Naruto chuckled. Sasuke growled and folded his arms.

Before he could retort, Naruto was onto the next topic. He pointed to Someina. "You. With the green hair!" Naruto called out.

Someina made eye-contact with him.

"Yeah. Who are you and what's your name?"

Someina stood taller. "I'm Ikeda Someina, bodyguard of Milady Hinata and caretaker of these four children," she said, introducing herself swiftly.

Naruto just stroked his chin. "You probably know how to disable this, eh? Right? Can you get me out?" he asked.

Someina's eyes widened and she slapped the dome, making the twins jump away from the dome. "No. I can't go against Milady's orders and I do not want to ever help you," Someina said. "You almost killed Sasuke, Milady, and Mitsuyo in one swoop. It would be daft for you to ask for my aid. It's best if you are shut away,"

"Milady? When did that start, Someina?" Sasuke asked.

"It started a while ago. Keep up," Someina snapped. "I ultimately serve Hinata and her will is to not let you out of here,"

Naruto just sighed.

"It's a super-ultra time-out," Benjiro said. Benjiro and Taiyo laughed, pointing at him. "You're stuck in this 'cause you're in a time-out! Hahahahaha," They both unraveled into peals of laughter.

Hinata rose an eyebrow. "You both came here to gloat? Aren't you glad to see your father?" she narrowed her eyes. "You should be grateful he's alive, Benjiro, Taiyo,"

Benjiro and Taiyo nodded. "Sorry, Kasan," Benjiro said. Taiyo muttered his apology.

Benjiro nodded and tapped on the barrier. "Why's he in there anyway?" he asked. "It's kinda cold, Kasan,"

"So he doesn't fight that man over there," Hinata said, gesturing to Naruto. "Or that Naruto doesn't fight him either,"

Hinata looked over at Naruto who watched them with an unrecognizable look in his eye. "When is your fight with the Kazekage?" she asked.

Naruto seemed delighted at the attention. "It's probably in an hour or so and I've got to check up on Sakura-chan,"

"She is the last person I want to see," Hinata grumbled.

"I don't know why Ino or Tenten... did that. I understand... she was devastated when you died. Now... they're in shock," Naruto said. "Or whoever died... You both have to explain what the hell happened,"

Hinata sighed. "I am not maudlin anymore but it's a long story,"

"I have time. I want answers. I want to know why you both lied. And why your hair is gray and why these kids are here, in Konoha," he narrowed his eyes on Benjiro. "Why is his chakra mixed with natural energy?"

Benjiro grinned. "I've got senjutsu chakra and a sharingan. I am cool, probably cooler than you but we're with the same chakra. That's even cooler,"

Naruto grinned and they shared a moment of mutual respect. "You could be my sensei but I don't think my Kasan likes you very much," Benjiro told Naruto.

Sasuke smirked. Hinata gasped. Children never lie. Her Benjiro also had the added feature of knowing people's true feelings.

Naruto looked affected by the statement and gazed at Hinata carefully. "Is that true?"

"Uh..." Hinata averted her gaze.

"I... uh, it's alright," Naruto leaned in, still talking but with less vigor. "How did that happen? How did he get it in his tenketsu system? Why is he so young and equipped with capabilities in this jutsu?"

Overcome with guilt, Someina stared at her balled up fists, emotional. "It's a long story," Someina sighed through an answer.

Benjiro elbowed Someina's leg. "It's alright- Meina. I forgive you," Someina shared a grateful smile with Benjiro, not all that cured of her downtrodden expression.

Sasuke silently observed Hinata. "Have you spoken to anyone?" he asked.

Hinata nodded. "I'll tell you later on," she said. Sasuke didn't seem satisfied with the cloudy look in her eyes.

She tried to diverge her attention to something else. "Are Shino and Kiba in town?" she asked Naruto.

Naruto shook his head. "No. They're on a mission in the land of the waves. Sai is on that mission with them. Intel collection,"

"Intel collection on what?" Someina narrowed her eyes.

Naruto shrugged. "That's all I was told before they took off two weeks ago. They're returning soon, I think," Naruto sighed. "I need to know the condition of my wife,"

"Sakura-sama is probably fine," Someina said. "Except for the draining seal Milady put on her leg," she threw a side-glance to Hinata. "You will... disable it, right? She is my medical-god!"

Hinata sighed. "I suppose I have to disable it,"

"Suppose? If you hurt her, you better fix it," Naruto said. "Please?"

Yes. If they get there in time. Besides, the Cryptology team won't be able to decipher it in this time-frame. She'll see to it. She will save or help Sakura, not because they're friends but because she has to right a wrong. She hoped Mitsuyo was alright.

Naruto eyed Hinata. "How dangerous are you? I noticed you carry swords, your chakra is almost always used in the lightning affinity and you also have control over fuinjutsu. Did you guys stay in Kumogakure for the past few years or something?"

Hinata hesitated to answer. Someina leaned in. "She will tell you when she feels like it. Until then, not a peep out of you," Someina said.

Hinata shook her head. "Mitsuyo isn't alright... We also have to check up on her, too,"

Sasuke sighed and Hinata undid Naruto's seal. He was free to go. Someina became on-guard and stepped in front of the children. "You are too dangerous,"

Naruto scratched his head and looked around, at the destruction they probably caused. Fires here, broken sidewalks there. Rubbish and broken bonds everywhere.

"We've made quite a mess," Naruto laughed, chuckling. "It's mostly good to have you back. I'm glad you're okay and alive. Konoha will rejoice,"

Hinata didn't answer, instead, she turned around and continued walking.

"What? Hinata- what's wrong?" Naruto called out.

His concern for her is present... How strange. "Your concern for me is unnecessary. And please do not touch me again," Hinata said.

"What'd I do wrong?"

"Lots of things," Hinata said in a clipped tone.

He didn't even notice her for like nineteen years and he doesn't even seem to think that's... oh Kami. She can't just hate him for doing this.

She can't talk to him.

She feels like she's been repeating herself to people with blocked ears! She's at her limit with how much she can tolerate at the moment. She does not want to lift a hand on either of them. Sasuke's hurt. Naruto's hurt because of Sasuke. Sasuke lied to her for five years. All her friends are just rude. Hanabi is gone. Her father thinks she's a huge disappointment and this isn't working.

"You both have no tact. Do not fight in my name. I do not want to speak to any of you this way," Hinata said, turning around. "I will go to the hospital and Someina will meet me there. Someina, release the barriers and take Sasuke somewhere he can rest. The kids will stay with Sasuke,"

Someina nodded then did the hand signs. Boar. Fox. Ram. Sasuke was released and Hinata walked on, without looking back. Suddenly, she felt something cling to her leg.

She turned around, ready to yell. It was just Amarante.

Hinata stopped then a tender smile softened out her features. "Hime," she said. Amarante shifted in her spot as if waiting for something. "Yes, darling?"

"You never leave without a kiss, mama," she scratched her eyes.

They're insatiable but so lovely. Hinata smiled and leaned down to kiss her daughter's forehead. Amarante pressed her head to Hinata's chest and Hinata smiled when the kids ran towards her, demanding affection. She opened her arms wider to accommodate the rest of the kids squeezing in hugs. She will always be grateful to them.

She inhaled deeply. "You all are my treasures. My suns, my moons, my stars,"

She smiled and felt Taiyo squeeze her hand three times.