J3F\\\Journey of the Three Failures

Chapter Thirty-Two

Hey! After years saying I would, as you can see I finally managed to change my pen name to something a little more creative XD

Thanks for reviewing, everyone. And I'm happy to say I replied to every signed review last chapter, something I hope to do this time as well.

Some full color character drawings are up on my deviantART, along with flat colors for the ones that weren't completed and linearts for all five main characters; the flat colors will be replaced will final colors when completed, which should be within the next few days. Also, the story art request journal mentioned last time has gotten going; I've completed Dan's request, and three more slots are taken, so six slots are currently available.

I'm also looking at doing a video where I'll answer common review questions and talk about some of the themes and inspirations of the story, though I don't know how much interest there might be. Still, my idea is that it'll be easier to listen to than read, since you've already done plenty of reading for this story XD Those interested should expect that on my YouTube within a couple of weeks, though, naturally, it will contain plenty of story spoilers. If you're not done before it's up, be sure to finish reading before you look at it!

Well, final chapter time. What is there to say? I've changed so much in the time since my writing of this story began; I've gone from a naive fourteen-year-old girl to a twenty-year-old engineering student (hardly to say I think I'm all grown up - I know I've got quite a ways to go, and there'll never be a shortage of things to learn). I've learned not to automatically trust and respect someone purely by virtue of a position of authority, and not to be so hurt when people do things that are selfish or inconsiderate or dishonest; I've learned to take things with a grain of salt. I've struggled with and gotten through depression. I've been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I've drastically improved my art skills (which are still nothing spectacular, but even I can admit are leagues better than they were years ago). I've forged a couple of friendships I feel will last a lifetime.

And with this chapter, I've completed the most immense and longest-running single project I've ever committed to. The road's been a long one, but I've put my all into it as I try to with any work I do. It's almost ironic, but fortunate, that I'm completing this right before heading into the more intense half of my junior year, and will need to buckle down harder than ever on my education and my career, because presently as I post this, I've managed to complete it in time to be able to say as I do that this story is my proudest creation. And though for many of you, as readers, this may be nothing more to you than a simple story among the many you've read, and for some of you it may be more, I've put my heart and soul into making this story the best I could, and I still believe that the interaction between writer, text, and reader can be an intricate and wonderful one. I guess here at the end, I want to give you my heartfelt thanks for reading, and, by extension, for watching me grow up.

I won't speak again after the chapter this time, but when you get to the end, I'd like if you gave yourself a pat on the back for completing this colossal read; if you're in the mood for it, maybe listen to the chapter song, or look at the story artwork. But before you go, I'd appreciate nothing more than for you to share your thoughts, however lengthy or brief, on the story.

With that, here we go for one last time! Chapter song: "Surrender to Hope" by Immediate Music. Save it for the end, preferably.

Disclaimer: I don't own NARUTO!

Journey of the Three Failures

Thirty-Two: Toward the Sun

Part One: Life, Moving On

Naruto ナルト

I am wind.

I inhaled, fully conscious of the world breathing around me – though its breath was not a simple, mechanical, easily comprehensible thing. But it spoke of life, just as mine did – and feeling that majesty in harmony with my own body was a calming thing.

I exhaled, and felt the weight on my heels vanishing. Motionlessly working the steeping currents of energy that surrounded me, I rose just until my toes held solid ground, my heels resting an inch higher.

This is the best I can do now? Okay… maybe not quite 'wind.'

In Sage Mode, I inadvertently gained the ability to peer into my own chakra and sense in what ways it was disturbed. I gave a trace scowl.

I had thought the spectacle yesterday would make me feel better. Perhaps it was a good sign that I had not particularly relished in 'Gedou's' punishment; while there had initially been muted satisfaction, fascination with seeing such a presumptuous person brought low, when it came down to it it was a man – a creature – a life, at least, being subjected to torment. It was not something that could lighten a spirit. It was just a lot of pain.

Naturally, not a few of those who had been victimized by him had indulged in the sight of the chosen 'justice' taking its course. I could sympathize with them, immersed in this sea of fresh hatred, but it changed nothing in me.

I was back to being empty. I could feel the world around me, its many forms of respiration healthy and strong; my own breath grew short, more stifled by the panic of feeling nothing within me the longer I dwelled upon it.

Opening my eyes, I reached out quietly, spontaneously.

"I know you've been watching me meditate the last few mornings. What is it?"

I turned my head as I said it, and the source of the human energy I'd detected showed himself, flickering into view on the other side of the chasm of scaffolding that spanned the damaged Hokage tower. He was a shinobi, the same age as me, but our similarities ended about there. He was thin, neat-haired, and almost impossibly pale. He tilted his head aside to a measured degree, and smiled.

"Ah… I was curious, you see?" he said politely. "You're the one who killed the man who at this very place killed Danzo-sama."

I quirked a brow. "Your chakra's not as calm as you're pretending to be, y'know. You can lose the fake smile." I remembered seeing his trial – with a group that had served New Sound directly under this Danzo guy's complete control. Circumstances left the individuals guiltless as they came; they were being assigned a new leader for the time being, since they could barely function without orders, but the village didn't much know what to do with them yet. I groaned. "And you have to realize that a lot more than your Danzo were avenged that day, pal."

His brow very slightly furrowed as he looked down into the scaffolding. "Danzo-sama meant to take with him whoever saw him die, yet Orochimaru escaped even that. But to think you, of all people, were able to silence my lord's enemy…"

He was odd – happy that Orochimaru had died, perhaps, but silently irked by something. He wasn't sure why he was here, either. "You have a problem with me? Don't tell me you would've wanted to kill Orochimaru yourself?"

"Of course not… I would have died in such an attempt. And I can't 'have a problem' with the Hokage-to-be, can I?" He was wearing that closed-eyes smile again. "You were one of the poster children of the resistance, and they say you distinguished yourself in the battle. Now they're having the most famous, heroic face inaugurated as Hokage as quickly as possible, as soon as the remaining trials can be completed. Like the village looks to move on and finally sweep all that happened under some rug…"

"All that's happened in the last couple years… I'll never forget it. Just like you'll never forget that Danzo, right?"

"Consoling words?" he inquired, perplexed. "Do you say them as a ruler, or as a shinobi?"

"I don't care. I'm just a guy who's grown too good at killing."

He studied me. "But it's strange – you don't seem very strong, all in all. To be honest, I was wondering if you even have a XXXXX."

My head snapped toward him. "Excuse me?" I sputtered, face cold. H-how much time, exactly, did you spend watching me while thinking about my…?

I felt his disappointment before he spoke. "I can't get a rise out of you, then?"

I relaxed a bit, looking forward again – out, over the village. "Trying to provoke me? What if I told you that at any point since you've been standing there, I could have killed you without lifting a finger?"

"Well – there would be nothing I could do if you decided to kill me, in that scenario. Not to say I believe you. I don't."

"Do you have any solid clone techniques?" I asked, shutting my eyes in the breeze. In a moment I felt him mold chakra, still dubious, and procure a duplicate that stood one rib of the scaffolding away from him.

Zen Stance.

I didn't need to look, or so much as uncross my arms, to send the unwitting fake shooting broken into the nearby cliff, where it hit and collapsed into a splatter of ink.

And I'd successfully made the real guy feel something: utter, jaw-dropping shock.

So he does have emotions… with the right kick. I hooked my thumbs into my pockets, letting Sage Mode fade. "Believe it now?"

He eyed me warily.

"Relax," I said. "Anyways – let's spar some other time. I've got somewhere to be in a couple minutes, actually."

"Hai… I think I'll – get stronger, first. But sometime, I would like to fight you."

"Sounds like a plan," I said, and leapt away from the tower before I realized I hadn't caught his name.

"Oi, Naruto! What's the rush?"

Shikamaru's call was fading behind me when, halfway between rooftops, I Shadow Swapped back and down, hitting the dirt and rolling smoothly forward to resume full height and keep pace at his side. "'Morning!"

"Showoff," he muttered, eyebrow twitching as he walked. "Sparing the injured a display of acrobatics is out of the question, huh?"

"You're not allowed to push yourself yet, right?" I asked. "But given a choice, I have a hard time believing you'd want to go anywhere quickly either way."

"You're probably right…" He yawned, gazing idly into the sky. "I guess I could have left earlier, but it's not like he'll go without saying bye." He yawned again. "The one day I didn't have to wake up early to go testify at some trial, and I still have to haul myself halfway across the village. Mendoukuse…"

"Guess some things never change… You still gripe like an old man."

"Bite me. The Resistance had a tough time of keeping a piece of the Leaf alive long enough to welcome your army, General," he complained, as if the thought exhausted him anew. "And I seriously thought I would die when Orochimaru hacked me. It was awful! …But it has been nice to relax a bit for a while."

"Alright, Hakage, I give!" I said, waving my hands in surrender. "You did good. No one's doubting that. Speaking of – have you decided yet?"

"What, you mean the council's proposal?"

"Yeah! To keep the name Hakage, and retain tactician duties to the Leaf in an advising role, with your old man to mentor you… It sounds pretty cool, actually!"

"Cool?" he snorted. "You sure you're not just starting to feel the heat, Naruto? Worried about all the pressure of the Hokage name?"

"G-get real, y'know!"

"Pfft. Well… I guess if that is the case, it means that much more that you'd choose me to support you…" He gave a chuckle. "Asuma-sensei says I've got what it takes. And I actually stopped by just now to visit Anko-sensei in the hospital. She's being discharged soon, which is good…"

He looked down thoughtfully. I watched him lightly kick a pebble in his path.

"When I asked for advice, she was all for it, too. Like – after all the times she's scolded me and been harsh in training, and she's all encouraging now? But she seemed almost sad earlier, when she laughed that she's 'hardly the strongest shinobi at anyone's disposal anymore.' I still told her there were few others I'd choose to watch my back, and I meant it."

"A lot of us can believe in others more than ourselves," I observed. "In that case… assuming you believe in me, if I said how confident I am you're the right shinobi for the job, would you believe that?"

He groaned. "It's not like such a role's never existed before, but an official, named position's such a drag… People will expect me to set the precedents or something."

"And if they do?" I remarked.

He was quiet a moment. "Maybe we are moving into a sort of new age. The village is looking at a lot of changes… The Leaf wants to fortify itself against letting something like the takeover ever happen again. They're looking for the new generation to be stronger, sharper than the last. I guess if you're up for it… and if this is where I seem to fit into this new age… I'll just have to give it a shot, won't I?"

"Heh…"

"What?"

"Some things don't change, but some do, after all."

The gate was near. I smiled carefully as I caught sight of the dark-haired youth, in a plain robe and sash, leaning against the wall near it; Kakashi and Sakura stood with him. His arms were crossed, his face calm.

"You're late, Naruto," he said flatly once we were in earshot.

"Shikamaru's late, too!" I pointed out.

"He's injured."

"He used that excuse too, damn it! He could've left earlier!"

–"You're absolutely sure about this?"

"Yes, dobe. For the fifth time. This place isn't for me. There are people whose wounds won't start mending if they have to see me walking free around the village all the time."

"Aren't you considerate…"–

I detected knives hidden in his sleeves, despite his simple style of dress. His pack seemed light. At that, some of its space had to be taken by the standard-issue uniform and armor he'd received, along with his headband and mask. I wondered what animal he'd gotten…

–"Naruto," Sakura intervenes, "be reasonable. You've seen the way they look at him… I hate to say it, but giving things time to cool down isn't a bad idea."

"Exactly," Kakashi nods, "And though things would be more dangerous if Danzo were still around, considering the council isn't sure what it thinks of Sasuke, we can't be too cautious for the moment. They've made it clear enough that they don't want him here. Best not to stir things up unnecessarily."–

A promotion to ANBU, and a quick ticket out of the village. Officially, he'd been assigned a long-term, solo information-gathering and reconnaissance assignment, but its objectives were vague at best.

"Brighten up," he said, "the look doesn't suit you."

He reached out; grudgingly, I took his hand.

"I still think this is messed up, y'know."

"Naruto… if I really wanted to stick around badly enough, I would – and I would trust you all to protect me. But that's a hassle you don't need now, either. Besides, you remember my own reasons for agreeing to this, don't you?"

"You mean… the masked guy that saved us?"

"That's one thing…" He looked down, troubled. "I don't know what his intentions toward the village are, but the more we know about someone strong enough to have spooked Orochimaru, the better. And… the thing that was bothering me…"

His eyes were hard. "'The Leaf's now-greatest clan' – that's what he called the Hyuuga, despite that they're almost universally acknowledged as the village's strongest in the present day. I can't think of very many people who'd bother with a triviality in referring to them as 'now-greatest' as opposed to 'greatest,' but as one of the once-greatest, I'm one of them. That guy…"

My eyes narrowed. This was getting to him. He'd maintained almost too boredly, when questioned about it by the council, that he had no idea who the guy could be. But on second thought, wasn't Sasuke a person with a talent for concealing what he knew…?

He shook his head. "Never mind that. This isn't a banishment to me, Naruto; it's a blessing in disguise. It's freedom to pursue the things I told you about, and seek closure."

"Yeah, I get it," I said.

"Naruto just doesn't want to admit how much he'll miss you," Sakura teased lightly.

"Seems about right," Kakashi sighed.

"Guys!" I groaned, rounding on them. "I mean, it's true I would've wanted to catch up some more, b-but…"

"It's fine," Sasuke persisted. "We'll catch up next time. Our match can wait, too."

"Our…?"

He actually smirked. "When I return, I'll be strong enough to push you to your limits, at least. I'll make sure of that."

I brightened. "Ha! I'll hold you to it!"

Still smirking, he was giving a scoff as Shikamaru, who'd been mostly silent, spoke up.

"Sasuke… you've done a lot for this place. But is it safe to say now that you're more concerned with your own purposes than the village?"

A neat black brow quirked. "It's true that one's purpose and role aren't the same thing. My purpose is hardly a type that could never lead me astray, either… but when the two clash, you choose which one to serve. As time and time added up, one kept winning out overall, and I ultimately fell into the place where I'd best be able to help the Leaf. When I broke my genjutsu, I chose my role in the village… and I think I understand why. The people I wanted to protect were a big part of it, but I think there was something more."

"You've been thinking pretty heavily about this…?" Shikamaru suggested, eliciting a nod.

"I have my own purpose, yes… but if I took the path to achieving it, even by commiserating with people I despise… I would have been even more depraved than Neji. Somehow that guy always thought he was doing right, at least in some part of him." He shrugged. "Call it pride, if you want, but I think all along I just couldn't stand the thought of sinking lower than that lunatic."

"So…" My throat was tight. "You learned something from him?"

"Out of repulsion," Sasuke maintained. "But I guess so."

I didn't answer. So he would have considered it? Without Gedou of all people, Sasuke might have given up on the Leaf for Orochimaru's power? Screw that. There's no freakin' way…

"Satisfied? There are things I have to do. There's a… purpose, that I want to validate. And I won't find what I need in here."

He turned, gazing across the land sprawled from the gate, as if called. One decisive step from where he'd stood as we spoke placed him outside the village's threshold. His tone was serious as he glanced back. "But I'll tread with my eyes and ears open. You know that I leave only with the promise to come flying back should the need arise."

With that, there was little else to be said. He didn't cross over the threshold again. Sakura called a last goodbye, and a 'be careful,' as we watched his shrinking back progress down the road.

Your journey… you're not running away from things, after all? I knew it…

I smiled.

A journey of discovery, in search of strength and personal peace, huh?

"I wonder…"

"Hm? What're you muttering about, Naruto?" Kakashi asked.

I chuckled. Nah – it was a silly notion, all around, but even so I felt the inclination to voice it.

"If things had gone a different way… how would he have turned out?"

Hanabi ハナビ

I watched his departure in silence from where I stood on the tree branch, distant and well-shadowed by the overhead leaves. I frowned, dubious.

"You didn't want to say goodbye, then?" Hiryuu noted from where he sat beside me.

I shook my head, even watching the Uchiha soon to vanish from view. "I… couldn't. But it's strange. I think it's the Seer's insight that's shown me an honest heart when I look at him now, but I'm hesitant to believe it." This is confusing stuff…

"I would think that to be normal," Hiryuu said, rising. He rested a hand on my shoulder. "You are the vessel of the Seer's gift, 'Eye That Sees the World,' but what it shows you cannot override your own thoughts and judgment."

"I guess that makes sense…" I sighed. "I don't feel like a wiseperson at all. I can't even face…"

I shot a look at Hiryuu when he laughed. "You're just fine, Lady Hanabi. Is it not reassuring to know that this has not changed who you are?"

In reply I gave a nondescript sound. I turned. "…Let's head back," I said, and stepped from the branch.

"Hai," I heard him say. His feet touched lightly to the earth a moment after mine did, but the feat of effortless stealth always seemed more impressive from someone of his stature. "Lady Hanabi," he said, "Do you remember what I told you last week? You confided in me that when Neji asked you to join him during your duel, you considered it. You said you wanted the chance to strive to be my equal, instead of arbitrarily being my superior. Such is a noble inclination."

"And you told me," I recalled, "that my heart is without equal in and of itself…"

"You still don't believe me," he observed. "But I will persist that it would be a pity to see your heart bleached away by the Insight. A fine human makes a fine Seer; such was Hikaru-sama before you."

I cast a glance at him as we walked up the street. I realized what had felt off. "…I've never been able to get you to speak to me in such a frank tone, Oji-san."

"It is true," he said, "that the Seer exists outside the boundaries of Main or Branch. Though it is a position commanding the utmost respect, I would predict that I am not quite forbidden from speaking to you in a way you are more comfortable with."

"Pox on such rules," I muttered in assent. And… was that a smile that I saw?

"Wisdom, and understanding of your power, are things that will come in time through training and study. For now, you're just fine."

I didn't turn my head to look at him, but I did glance aside enough to see the large hand swinging at his side. Long past memories washed over me – walking at Father's side, back straight. At some point the thought of the strong hands, hands I had never been permitted to grasp in a desire for support or guidance, had quit revisiting my mind.

My gaze darted side to side, my face determinedly uninterested. Eyes trained ahead, I grabbed hold of that warm hand as it swung back between us.

There was something wonderful about it. Simple, but wonderful.

Hiryuu said nothing as we walked, but I knew, somehow, that he smiled.

Thank you for being here.

Hinata ヒナタ

The first day since the Hyuuga's return, I called roll at breakfast, checking a roster, and made a mental note of all those I could sense were marked with the Blood Seal. I didn't want it to seem like a military muster, or a checking of prisoners or assets, so I went to each on the list in turn, wherever they sat, to bow gently and tell them good morning.

The only ones missing from the meal hall unaccounted for were Hanabi and Hiryuu, who were hardly individuals of concern; they joined us late, though upon sitting by me Hanabi was exceedingly unnerved by the number of wary glares sent my way as we ate.

I made announcements as breakfast was wrapping up. I described the state of the clan, with solemnity for those who'd been lost – among them, Hiashi-sama and Hikaru-sama. I explained that I had bested Gedou Neji in fair combat, as the witnesses could verify, and with the Leaf's approval I was succeeding the name of Clan Head. I announced that Hanabi had inherited the gift of the Seer.

The same Hyuuga who had scoffed or openly snarled, at my supposed victory over their fallen hero, gawked as I explained that Neji had been spared execution because he and I dearly loved each other, and were now betrothed.

I asked that they come to me if they needed anything or had any problems as they were settling back in, and I would see what I could do. Then they were free to go about their business for the day; unsurprisingly, certain witnesses to the duel were almost immediately swarmed, accompanied from the room by people who would be demanding answers – or details. To say the least, they weren't about to get any accounts of the traditional Juuken duel they were expecting.

Among those who lingered, some even approached me – some to speak, some to observe. I answered questions; I asked if they had been treated decently while detained in village custody. I even introduced (or for some, reintroduced) them to the former Sound Four, who were residing here.

After more than an hour of such conversation I retreated to my quarters. I slumped against the wall, letting the growing case of nerves I'd suppressed rattle its way through me. Immediately my hands were shaking. I pressed one over my mouth, slowing my gasps, focusing, breathing deeply through my nose.

Dealing with lots of speaking, so many people, a good deal of scrutiny and skepticism and heckling – it would have to get easier, right?

It did. Even the following day, as I moved about the grounds, it was easier to remain unperturbed at the sense of conversations pausing at my presence, of white eyes sizing me up in distaste. It was a little easier to hold in the curse of timidity as I saw to those willing to speak to me.

It was about the middle of the day that I pardoned myself and headed out, on a jaunt deep into the woods. I returned with the largest boar I'd been able to find, dragging the lifeless beast by the hind hooves. I brought it to the kitchens to help prepare it.

I watched with some amusement as it was offered with the rest of dinner that night. About half of the clan gauged the clearly undercooked meat with revulsion, while the other half more than made up for them, serving themselves generously and soon eagerly wolfing fair helpings down as quickly as their utensils might allow them to do so with any pretense of propriety. Few seemed to notice the uncanny correlation of the split. Hanabi eyed me, measuring; she knew I was up to something, if not what. I shared a reassuring look, and her brow quirked as I bit into a slice of the near-raw boar flesh with on my plate.

Soon the meal was winding down. I shut my eyes a moment and stood, raising my voice.

"My family," I called out. "As you know, the promised rest period draws to an end. Tomorrow morning is the clan memorial service – for all those of our clan who lost their lives in the recent struggle. We shall move on together. And tomorrow night, I request that all those among you who bear the Cursed Seal of Blood meet me at the main trail entrance to the west wood for an urgent matter of business."

I heard the whispers that broke out – more clearly than they would have expected me to. Lifting a hand in a request for quiet, I tried to hold firm before many an embittered look. "I'm sorry that this must follow the service so quickly, but time is of the essence to us. I don't seek to single anyone out, or to divide you. Every one of you is a Hyuuga; you all are my family. But there are differences between us that cannot be ignored, and what I must teach the cursed ones is crucial for the safety of us all. It is in our best interest, if we learn to respect each other's differences and can move past them safely."

I studied them all; they knew that what I had put forth as a request was more or less an order. But presented as it was, would the cursed ones comply, or choose to disobey? The three who had witnessed the duel supported me wholeheartedly, but the rest were largely skeptical, determined to fight what they'd been told. Many faces were irate.

Many eyes were sizing me up.

And of all things, that fact was encouraging to me. There was something I was confident in.

Neji ネジ

–"I know them b-better than you do… Very few will accept you readily…"

She nods. "I saw it in their eyes. They want to test it – their power to disobey me."–

Hinata had visited me in the morning, for a healing session. While she herself was no medic, she could attempt to guide me in the Art of Focused Healing, and augment my efforts with our Soul Link. But from what I could gather, my back had been more meat than skin at the end of the sentence, sliced to bone in many a place; recovery would take time, even with her technique. As it was, a web of thick and knotting pain seemed to be drawn tight across my shoulders and back; pressing against a tight cocoon of freshly reapplied bandaging was a grotesque latticework of the raised scars that were already forming, setting themselves firmly into my regenerating flesh.

Now I lay on my front, mouth slightly ajar. At times I would break out in sweat, heavy, spontaneous, and choke uncontrollably as I breathed in shallow, flailing gasps. But as Harumi had deduced and stoically noted, I would apparently recover.

–"H-how you react at such a time will be key, Hinata… I expect that… Once the memorial has ended, they will not wait long."

"That's fine. I have a plan."–

My teeth clenched. Would it have been much to ask, for her to tell me of this plan? I trusted her judgment, but it irked me. The decision had been made that I would not attend the service; it would be particularly inappropriate to show my face among those mourning Hiashi and Hikaru.

At this point, it must have concluded. So when exactly would this 'plan' of hers kick – or be kicked – into motion?

Hinata ヒナタ

It had been a somber walk from the mournful event. Hanabi had left my side with a mumble, her head down, almost immediately as I set off for my room.

I lay in bed for perhaps an hour, blinking dully at the ceiling. Then I changed out of my black clothes, and into something I could fight in.

Within minutes of leaving the room, I caught the scents of three Hyuuga keeping a fixed distance behind me.

In another minute, there were seven. I walked with a brisk step, letting them think they were chasing me, until four more stepped around a corner before me, eyes coldly severe, as if to bar my path on the courtyard walkway.

Inwardly I chuckled. Stopping halfway between the blockers and the chasers, I gave a slight and innocent quirk of a brow. I looked over my shoulder, sheepish.

"Anou… Does there seem to be a problem?"

One of the ones in front of me, in boldness or rage, strode forward and reached out. My half smile didn't falter as I was grabbed by the neck of my sweater, and lifted roughly onto my toes.

"Yeah," the man snarled. "The problem's right here."

"Oh?" I observed, tranquil before his simmering fury. "Then shall we sort things out as Hyuuga?"

Neji ネジ

"A 'plan,'" I grumbled, scowling – a moment before some commotion caught my ear, from the yard outside.

Use of Byakugan on clan grounds, outside of sparring and training, was generally frowned upon. Even so it perturbed me to remember that even in the event of an emergency, I could no longer peer through walls or be confident I could assess my surroundings in a heartbeat. It was with caution, and a good amount of effort, that I gingerly moved my stiff body, and rose enough to crawl from my bed toward the nearby door. I reached for the line of its edge…

WHAP! THUDD!

At the sounds outside, a vision of violence flashed through my head. Had fighting broken out?!

"Hinata!" I cried, flinging open the door. I took a conscious moment to assess the situation, sweeping the scene with my good eye. I blinked. "…Heh?"

There were several Branch Hyuuga in the yard, but they weren't rioting. They stared flabbergasted at Hinata, as she held a man's limp form over her head with one hand at the small of his back. His irises had mostly tucked themselves back in his head. She almost idly shifted his weight repeatedly from palm to fingertips, bouncing the dead weight slowly; the slight motion sent a drop of spittle flecking past a bruised and busted lip.

It was a different Hinata who stood in the yard, a creature whose cool grin was savage as she raised her head, voice surging out across her would-be assailants.

"Would anyone else care to test my fitness to lead?" she demanded, tossing the unfortunate man flat to the ground before her, which he struck with a groan.

"I will!" a young man said in a moment, stepping from the crowd.

"I, as well," an oba-san followed, heartened. "Let's see you get another lucky shot!"

"I'll take a go, too, Ojou-sama," another man hissed with contempt.

"Yeah, me too–!"

Hinata raised a hand calmly. "Alright," she said. "One at a time, if you please. Let us clash as proper Hyuuga."

That wording… Even if there could be no formally recognized challenges at a time like this, when the clan's acceptance by the village was possible largely if not primarily by virtue of having Hinata as its leader, she'd willingly set the stage for duels. A defeat here would devastate her ability to command respect…

"Oh, there you are, Harumi-san. You have a room set up for the injured?"

"The other medics and I are ready to go at any time, Lady Hinata."

"Good, thank you. I'll try not to send them too quickly. For now, you ought to check this one for a concussion…"

"Right," she said, as two more medics were arriving with a stretcher.

"Are you mocking us, girl?" a kunoichi said, quietly livid. Her teeth had taken on the shape of fangs. "Is this a joke?"

"If you would care to find out, cousin…" Hinata offered, simply walking to one end of the yard as others cleared from her path. Back straight, she turned to face her and crossed her arms.

The prospective adversary's eyebrow quirked. "Let's go. You and me, clan head," she said, slipping into a Juuken stance as people cleared away from her side of the yard as well, to watch.

Hinata's smile was downright unnerving.

I didn't know whether to grimace or grin.

A plan, huh?

And I watched the new Alpha run wild. Thus Hinata commenced in crushing her 'pack' into order, as if simply to demonstrate that she could.

Hinata ヒナタ

"Ha–!"

A flick of my wrist bumped the textbook palm strike off-course. This was the eighth challenger of the afternoon; he moved through the Juuken forms with great swiftness, but I sidestepped and danced about the yard, calmly lilting from the paths of a string of attacks. As he struck determinedly I quit my evading and lifted a hand, diverting blow after telegraphed blow; my stance was set as I turned to one side, defending with one snapping-quick hand as I looked idly away from the blurring strikes.

"That's a problem," I remarked. "Some of you have learned to fight more properly than effectively."

I sighed. Free hand scratching my ear, I finally gripped an attacking hand's wrist, wrenched it about, and slammed my trailing foot harshly against his now-exposed gut. He rose briefly from the earth; upon landing he bent double and tripped over his feet to wind up quickly on the ground.

"But 'proper' might only get you so far, for instance, when you're faced with a situation in which you must adapt or die… Medic," I called, as the quivering man's hoarse cry cut out, with the expulsion of his lunch onto the field. My gaze fell on the crowd. "Next!"

The next one was already sweating as he faced me down. I smirked softly at him, forming a seal. "Ninpou: Hinata no…!"

With a surprised look, he shut his eyes, cancelled his Byakugan. He didn't see me coming as with a cry of "…Jutsu!" I cleared the space between us in one bound, tackling him, slamming and pinning him on his back, and clocking a cocked-back fist dead into his face and away again. The lights were flickering out almost before bewilderment could reach his eyes.

"Medic!" I called, rising off of him. The spectators were furious; it was obvious that they'd gotten a description of the Art of the Sunny Place out of at least one of the witnesses to my and Neji's duel.

"Please slow down," a healer implored as he and another loaded the latest one onto a stretcher. "There are only so many of us."

I nodded to the frazzled man. "Sumimasen. I'll try to take my time on the next one."

The next one was Hyuuga Hitode – son of Hireiki, brother of Hiyuki. However close they had or hadn't been, I'd cost him a mother and a sister. His teeth ground together as he lined up against me. And when one of the audience called the start, he threw a palm in the earnest hope of taking my head off.

His Juuken was exceptional despite his rage; he was easily as good a match as any I'd fought that day. Wordless, I fought at his level, not letting him touch me but throwing my own occasional strikes so that he too could parry and evade. In a few minutes, he was growing exhausted from his relentless offensive.

Do you resent me? I wondered, slipping outside a strike while grasping his arm to lightly pull him by. Beyond my opponent, I glimpsed Neji observing, his face looking pale from where he knelt in the door of his room. Do you hate us both, for what we've done to your family – Hitode-onii-san?

It had gone on long enough. I sank a Juuken kick dead into his arm, knocking it into his side; his eyes were wide as I sprang on the reverse, spinning to knock a second Gentle kick into a blocking forearm. His eyes were wide as I shoulder-checked his torso, before a slam of my right palm blew him backwards.

He staggered, and lunged in again, but had nothing left. I caught his wrist and slipped behind him, capturing him in a secure hold.

"You fight well," I muttered, grunting as the taller Hyuuga gave a sudden thrash. Glancing to the spectators, I spoke only loudly enough for Hitode. "Might you surrender, Brother?"

"Don't look down on me, you bitch," he hissed in one breath, though his tone was edged with panic. I continued to hold him as he fought.

"I'll give you a choice," I said. "Surrender, or I'll break your forearm's bones with my bare hands simply to show them that I can."

He grimaced, and I knew he'd caught the meaning. He didn't know that I wouldn't really have done it, and scared off all further prospective challengers.

"…I submit," he said. He stepped away as I released him, and hastily he straightened his robe, storming away with the briefest backward glance.

I stopped counting the opponents who stepped up to test me. However quickly I dispatched them, the sun hung just over the compound's rooftops when I announced I would face only one more today, and observed a quiet consensus in the crowd as Hyuuga Hakkou walked out to face me. His hands were still tucked into his sleeves; dark, medium-length hair fell to his shoulders, slipping over them as he bowed.

A jounin… I took a ready stance. Most of those who had elected to take up their quarrel with me in the course of the day had been chuunin or genin, in their teens or twenties. While not as formidable as Hiryuu, for comparison, the one I now faced was without question an elite among our warriors.

And quite unlike Hiryuu, but like most of the challengers – Hakkou bore the Blood Seal.

"Begin!"

Hanabi ハナビ

The spectators were growing restless – or some of them were. Others were placid, docile as they watched. I wasn't sure why, but even if I had visited only periodically throughout the day, it was to my understanding that she had been accepting and knocking down challengers essentially nonstop since midmorning, and we were an hour from dusk. Many could not logically fathom the plain-to-see fact that they had failed to exhaust her.

Of course, I thought, glancing through gaps in the crowd as I traversed a walk. They didn't see her duel with Neji in person. They don't know what her full power is like, how terrifying it is… But they were being shown, harshly enough, that attempting to overpower her was futile.

I stopped at a point on the walk that there was a nice gap in the crowd to observe through – but bristled as I noticed the reason. The cursed Hyuuga were repulsed by Neji, but by effect left him a wide berth and good view, from where he sat just outside his room.

I eyed him sidelong; he was jotting something on a scroll, in a neat hand. "What is that?" I asked without greeting.

He looked to me, with that unnervingly green eye. I looked away automatically, but he was unapologetic, and paid my discomfort no heed. "I was once deceived. My memory was softened, and overwritten without my knowledge. Call it a meaningless impulse if you will… but I have the sense that the more I can document, the harder it will be for deception to take root again."

"Paranoid much?" I scoffed, halfhearted. "And what of systematic deception – the kind you so vehemently pointed out in the clan's history?"

"That is… trickier," he conceded seriously. "We can only combat that with knowledge."

I shook my head. "But this spectacle she's put on today – however unsatisfied with the change of leadership they are, they must realize as well as she does that the only Hyuuga leader the village will acknowledge right now is her. She can humor them these duels because she's just that confident she won't lose. But what are they all fighting for?"

"The cursed ones are a bit confused, to say the least," Neji noted. "They can't believe what they've been told, so they'll need to taste her power firsthand before they can follow her. Of course, with the power of the Alpha, she could give them that taste, and prove her victory over me, by simply exerting her will over the cursed ones. She could turn them to her side in one fell swoop… but even stretched for time, she doesn't."

"What?" I asked. "Isn't the village breathing down her neck, waiting for her to put things in order here? She doesn't have time to waste!"

"Is it time wasted?" he countered crisply. "She told me that she wants to be followed out of respect – not fear, never fear. The swiftest means of securing the Hyuuga's respect, cursed or pure, is being irrefutably acknowledged as the strongest. And while she realizes this is flawed as a system – that the best leader in a group is not always the strongest – for now, it's the best she's got."

He snickered. "That's her thought process, it seems. Hinata is usually considerably less decisive than you or I, Lady Seer. But there are times that her judgment can surpass ours all the same. She left as a dishonored heiress and returned a leader. If she believes in the importance of 'greeting' her people this way, pitting them all against herself and giving everyone their miniscule fighting chance, I'll trust her."

"What does your trust say?" I asked, annoyed. "You're the one who led them so far astray to begin with." Eyes on the match, I cringed as Hinata took a painful-looking palm-strike to the kidney; even at our distance, I felt the hum of chakra in the air as Hakkou's energy ran her through. But she blocked the follow-up attack where most would have already buckled, and threw Hakkou-san off again. She was so wild – unruly. "You and I are decisive? I think she and you are simply mad. But can one with such a chaotic manner of living really lead us onto the right course? Can she restore order unto this clan?"

Neji's brow quirked. "…She can. As she said, she's got experience."

I gave him a quizzical look before my attention snapped back at a thud. Nee-chan held Hakkou's arm, and had slammed his back into the ground hard enough to crack the earth. The man gave a cry, pained and stunned; as she released his arm he groaned and rolled onto his side. The onlookers were silent.

That's it, I thought, sighing.

"Not yet?" Neji commented, causing me to jump.

Sure enough, Nee-chan hadn't relaxed or called the medics to look him over yet. Hakkou shook on his hands and knees, fighting to rise. I gasped as I saw a pale hand whiten, nails becoming blackened claws as an angry growl rumbled into the air.

"Calm down, Hakkou-san," Nee-chan said simply.

She bent back, and a clawed hand flashed by above her face in the moment before her foot jumped into his gut. His own momentum tossed him over her; he twisted as he fell, and launched himself toward her again with a shriek, denting the ground in his wake.

I didn't realize my eyes had lost track of my sister until she seemed to materialize with a hand slipped below the rampant Hakkou's arm and across his throat, carrying him up and back in a leap. She slammed him harshly down and pinned him, eyes intent on his.

"Come on back now," she said patiently, "before you hurt someone."

He tensed. In a moment his contorted expression smoothed, and five black rings faded from his wrist as his skin regained its tone, and a smoky aura dissipated from about him. Only when the darkness faded from the sclera of his eyes did Nee-chan remove her forearm from across his windpipe, and begin to rise.

"Did…" My voice was soft. "Did she compel him? Bend his will?"

"She began to," Neji provided. "But she forced a Soul Link instead. She steadied him, and let him choose."

The man was coughing, still on his back and panting for breath; his blank gaze focused slightly as Nee-chan reached to offer a hand. With some hesitance he sat up, cautious while almost sheepish, but did not rise. "D-did I just… go berserk…?"

A nod. "It can be tough to get the hang of, for certain. But I want to teach you what I know, if you'll let me. The power can't control you, then. Hakkou-san… if you can believe in this power of mine, I intend to use it to make this clan, and this village, great again. Will you join me?"

He met her eyes, discerning. Finally his hand clapped into hers.

"He's just realigned," Neji breathed. "Of his own accord, no less…"

"You can just tell something like that?" I blurted out, curious.

"Everyone here with the Blood Seal probably just felt it."

I crossed my arms with a disgruntled noise, looking away from him. Weird…

Hinata was calling out again. "That's enough fighting for today! Please rest for a bit. An hour to midnight, all cursed ones are to join me by the entrance to the woods. Please remind those not here now to attend as well!"

"Even the ones she just beat the tar out of?" I wondered quietly.

"She didn't injure any of them seriously enough to compromise their ability to participate," Neji said, "given a few hours' rest, at least. And after all this, she should have a considerably less rowdy bunch to work with tonight."

I stopped myself from asking just what he foresaw them working on out there. I honestly didn't like it – how much he knew. I could readily admit to knowing little, but the last person I wanted to learn from was him. I watched the crowd begin to disperse; Nee-chan stretched her arms, and accepted the towel Hitaka scampered up to offer her. She smiled at him, giving a thanks, and he glowed.

My eyes narrowed. You're strange, Nee-chan. But lacking decisiveness or not, I guess you do think some things through…

She was starting to cross the yard toward us. I wavered, and turned to proceed down the walk, my head down. She probably just wanted to check on Neji, anyways…

"Hanabi-chan?"

I started. "Uh – I need to go practice with Hikujaku-nii-san."

"Oh," she said, recognition in her softening eyes. "The closest of kin to Hatsuo-san…"

I saw Neji shift in discomfort, but I simply spoke to Nee-chan. "Hikaru-sama's late assistant barely considered Hikujaku to be his nephew, but the responsibility to the Seer has been passed through their branch for generations." I scuffed absently at the ground with my foot. "Hikujaku went through their training in his youth, before he became so… rebellious. But now, as he says, 'duty calls'…"

–"And if it's for m'lady Hanabi, all the better, ne?"–

My sister nodded. "He's doing a great service for us. It's a tough job he's been pushed into, but since a Seer is never known until the previous one's gone…"

"Well – I'm supposed to meet him soon."

"Oh! Alright. Good luck with your training…"

I turned to go. As I walked away, I glanced back to see Neji very carefully begin to stand.

My vision blurred.

I saw two long-haired young men – nearly identical – their look unmistakably familiar despite that they were only in their teens. The one who wore a hitai-ate on his forehead took his brother's offered hand as he rose to his feet, returning a smile. As he opened his mouth the image faded; Neji was speaking to Hinata, just releasing her hand.

I frowned in confusion, and rounded the corner without looking back again.

Hinata ヒナタ

Moonlight was filtering down through the clouds. Seated on a tree branch, I watched a last handful of stragglers join the group that waited silently below, white eyes watching me expectantly in the darkness.

"Is that everyone?" I asked, slipping off the branch and to the ground. There were several dozens in all…

"It seems so," one man answered in a moment. "However… what is Gedou doing here?"

His finger pointed at Neji, who sat leaning stiffly against the base of the tree. I smirked. "Whatever your opinion of Ojii-sama, you've taken quite the liking to the name he gave Neji, haven't you?" I held up a hand before he could answer. My face was firm. "He stays. Hyuuga or not, he has the Blood Seal and is my responsibility."

"I guess…"

"Wh-what are we doing here, then?"

I smiled sadly at the new speaker – a girl of about Hanabi's age. Her father grasped her shoulder, shushing.

"It's fine," I said. "You're here so I can teach you what you need to know about the mark on your neck. Not just because you'll function poorly as shinobi for the village, and represent our clan poorly if you can't control your powers, but because I want you to be able to function as humans. I want you to be able to trust yourselves not to harm the people around you, and for those people – the rest of our family, for instance – to be able to trust your mastery of your powers as well. Only then can we ensure acceptance and equality among all Hyuuga."

Someone snorted. I pinpointed the source of the sound easily, and the man jumped as I met his eyes. "I'm actually quite serious," I said. "Here on the verge of progress, I don't want 'cursed' and 'clean,' or some other such nonsense, to split a new wedge into this clan. I know it won't come quickly, but I want us to grow together."

"I-I see… I guess that's sensible…"

I nodded. "Now, please give me a moment. I'll bring a teacher who can help out with your training – the one who taught me." My hands flowed through the signs; it had been a bit of time, but this sequence would never leave me. On the sign of the Wolf, I paused. "A-and, uh – a warning. Don't panic. I imagine he's not very happy with me at the moment."

"Huh?"

"Reikuchiyose no Jutsu!"

I straightened to spew the fireball up into the night sky; the mass of orange writhed and swirled angrily. With one explosive shock it darkened to red, and with another, to black.

A ferocious, disembodied growl:

"YOOUUU…!"

I paled.

The mass of black flames plunged toward me like a guided missile, circling around as I dodged, and Kurogiba took form to snag my head in his mighty jaws in one acute move.

"H-H-Hinata-sama!" Neji cried in bewilderment as the great wolf shook me roughly, thrashing me back and forth.

"WHY did you not check up sooner?! BAKAYAROU!"

"Ow-ow-ow! I'm sorry, okay! I know you were worried, Ani-ue, but seriously–!"

"WORRIED? About YOU? N-nonsense!"

"Then quit it!" I complained, elbowing any bit of him I could reach. "People are watching!"

"You think I care–?!"

I broke free, leaping onto his back as he snapped at me again, and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I've been recovering since the battle, too! I needed to build up my strength to summon you – and if I were at full strength, I'd be clobbering you by now!" I pointed out, holding tight as he bucked and tried to toss me. My ears twitched at the sound of whispering from the already shocked Hyuuga.

"The Lady… still isn't at full strength since her fight?"

"And she accepted all our challenges earlier…"

I blinked. Kurogiba was on his hind legs, reared back – overbalancing.

WHAM!

That was his weight flattening me after we toppled together. I wheezed as he rolled off me and fixed a heavy paw on my chest. His steaming jaws were inches from my face. I frowned.

"Got it out of your system, Ani-ue…?"

"…Shut up," he muttered, licking my face as I scratched his ears.

"You know that stings," I complained, wiping his mildly burning spit-equivalent from my face. I sat up as the Wolf of Fire lay down beside me, red eyes shut, nudging and nuzzling me affectionately with his skull and snout.

I missed you, too.

'I know.' His tail flicked once, low along the ground. Was he… apologetic?

"Wait," he said. "What became of that Orochimaru?"

"Okaa-sama didn't tell you?" I asked.

"Uzumaki killed him," Neji provided helpfully, having regained control of his previously dropped jaw.

I jerked back, and the demon's fangs grazed my nose as they snapped shut. "Hey!"

"Oh, come on!" he fumed in lament, sore. "I missed it? I should have been there, to see his blood spill – to help land the final blow…!"

"What matters is that he's dead." I put a hand on his 'shoulder.' "My fire chakra – it burned fiercely in Naruto's Great Rasengan. It scorched the tyrant through; you are well avenged. And it's only thanks to everything you taught me that I made it through the battle at all, my friend. I'll always be grateful."

"I suppose…"

I'll show you the memory later? I tried, thinking of Orochimaru's shocked face.

He perked right up, fangs bared in a grin. 'You better!'

When he stood I held onto him, letting him carry me to my feet. "Everyone," I said, calling the Hyuuga to order again. "This is my familiar and my dear teacher – Fifth Grand Ookami Kurogiba, the son of Gobi no Houkou. He taught me to control my curse."

"So this is that family of yours, with the fancy eye powers…?" he observed. "There are more with the curse than you expected, huh?"

"It's a trick of the Blood Seal – its unique transmissibility. When Neji, the initial carrier, survived receiving the curse, his body more or less neutralized the threat – inoculating and adapting it into a form that could not only be shared reliably with blood relatives with a simple bite, but that could be conveyed with minimal risk of harm. It's one of the reasons Orochimaru gave the Blood Seal specifically to Neji, and effectively, the Hyuuga Clan. He wanted an army of berserkers that he could control once Neji was his vessel…" They would probably not like to hear the entirety of the truth just now – that the man who'd freed them from the brand of the Branch, and treated them with favor, intended ultimately to eradicate them, for the perceived threat of our bloodline.

"That's impossible," one was saying, sure enough, of what I'd voiced. "You say Orochimaru hoped to betray and exploit his own people?"

"It's true," Neji said. "He told me himself, at the end – of all his foul plans for the Hyuuga. And our new Seeress saw quite vividly the potential for them to unfold."

"Who asked you, Gedou?"

"That's enough," I said. "The fact is that Orochimaru wanted to make you into weapons. I want to make you into humans again. Some of you may have less trouble than others, but this curse is dangerous. And though it may seem strange, in order for you to exist safely among humans, you also need to learn how to be wolves."

"How to… what?"

"Orochimaru had many of you – Neji included – deny that part of yourselves, to make it explosive. The situation now is that we have no supply of that anti-transformative medication, nor a means of producing it. Even if we did, it would be preferable to use it only when absolutely unavoidable. The monthly transformation is an outlet and a good chance to hunt, and is beneficial to our health. It's also impossible to suppress by willpower alone, as far as I know, and the resulting state is difficult to control.

"This is what I'm going to help you with in the next few weeks. Those of you who have received the curse recently enough to have never activated it will have to have it unlocked as we work out here, to ensure something else – stress, anger – won't trigger it unexpectedly. All of you will need to work your way up to maintaining composure at will at the fifth ring – the highest sublevel of the ordinary curse state. And come this full moon, we will hunt together. That's my goal."

"By 'hunt'…" one ventured, brow furrowed, "I get the feeling you don't mean with a bow…?"

I smiled. "Some of you saw me bring that boar in from the woods. Do any of you remember the weapons I had on me?"

"You had none," another answered after a brief silence. "I remember because it was baffling."

"Understanding this part of you isn't just about wielding power. Since the curse has changed us, it inevitably affects the way we live – the way we eat, and what we eat. It takes some getting used to – I was also initially disturbed by the growth of my appetite, and the cravings that wracked me if I didn't eat meat." With a sigh, I sat down. This really was a lot of talking. I watched them follow suit, without being asked, and gladly waited until they were all seated to continue.

"Some of you look concerned, or nervous. I understand why; adapting to the curse makes for a confusing time. The bodies you were familiar with have been undergoing a lot of changes, and I know it might all seem rather frightening at first…"

"Oh?" One kunoichi in her teens, a wry expression blossoming on her face, broke through a bit of the apprehension stiffening the air. "Maybe the adjustment won't be so rough after all – compared to other things. I think I've even heard this talk before!"

Someone guffawed at the joke; I blushed as I mentally retraced my words. "U-um–,"

"Relax, Hinata-sama," the same Onee-san said good-naturedly. "Go ahead and speak."

"Right," I said, rubbing my neck. "Well – if we could get to work right away, that would be best. I don't want to force you to do anything, but I ask that you please trust me, and let me and Ani-ue here teach you what you need to know."

I bowed my head with the request, eyes shut, but looked up at a chuckle from my side.

"Ani-ue?"

"Pup… I'm not sure how much I can – or should – help you with this. This is your pack, and for the runt you are, you're taming them well. You seem to have a handle on things… My presence here, as your superior in Mum's pack, might just cause confusion." He paused thoughtfully. "But… it is a large pack you're working with right off the bat. Though you would probably manage on your own, I suppose I could assist…"

My eyes grew. You mean…?

'Around them, here in your territory, you're in charge. Not me,' he thought, giving a pointed look.

"Thank you," I told him aloud. Truly… "Alright, everyone. If you're ready, let's get to work. We'll start by seeing where you all are, with use of the curse…"

It's tricky…

Things aren't perfect… and yet, life goes on.

Naruto ナルト

The morning found me setting out toward the training grounds. Lee had begun helping with the rehabilitation of shinobi who needed it and who were almost ready to return to service, whether they recovered from injuries sustained in battle or from prior imprisonment. The urgency of the need for healers had dwindled; thus I'd opted for a change of scenery from the hospitals or the courts. This was something I could help with now.

I looked up at a sound to see two kids scampering across the street, laughing about something. Catching sight of me, the one in the lead paused, and raced to stand in front of me.

"Naruto-nii!" Konohamaru shouted, pointing. "You might have beat me to Hokage, but I'm still going to surpass you one day! I've been getting strong, too!"

"The hell kind of reunion is that, ya' pipsqueak?!" I complained, a joking twinkle in my eye. "Besides," I said automatically, "I'm going to be greater than all the Hokage up to now. If your goal's to pass me, I won't make it easy for you!"

"Wouldn't have it any other way!" he boasted, and ran off again. Moegi giggled at his antics; she gave me a brief, uncertain look, but smiled at me before she headed off after him. I watched them go.

One short…

But it could have been two missing, and it wasn't. That was something…

Even if not all was right with the world, things could have been worse. I hadn't lost any of my dearest friends; I hadn't lost any family (not to say I knew of any I had to lose) or teachers.

Things may be changing. And while not all is right with the world, still…

Life goes on.

Hinata ヒナタ

"Where are you off to, this morning?"

I turned at the question, nodding in greeting as I saw Neji crossing the courtyard to us. Hanabi's hand in mine clenched; I didn't have to look to know she glared at him. "You're walking better today," I noted. He'd been given a stick to help his balance, even if he avoided putting much weight on it to keep from stressing his shoulders and arms; his legs were never damaged, but he remained prone to occasional bouts of lightheadedness. "We were going to visit Okaa-san's garden. Hanabi's been eager to see it again, but I've been so busy – and she insists we should see it together."

"W-well," she muttered, blushing.

Neji's look had grown troubled, but only briefly. "You mean – you haven't seen that g-garden yet?" he asked as we continued to walk.

"No…" I studied him. "It's in a bit of an out-of-the-way corner of the grounds, and you know using Byakugan here is prohibited."

"Everyone breaks that rule sometimes," Neji said with a scowl.

We walked on in silence, the trip a bit slower as I made sure Neji could keep our pace. Still I didn't know why he had joined us, without explanation. The exercise, perhaps? But his face was so pale… I sent him an inquisitive look after he glanced uneasily toward me for what may have been the sixth time. He only looked away.

Hanabi was tugging gently on my hand as we walked – practically leading me. We were almost there. Okay, okay, I thought, giggling, and she and I broke into a run as I let her set the pace. At the end of a walkway we jumped from the steps, into a yard, and slowed – stopped – as we came upon a dirt enclosure, bare but for weeds.

Hanabi ハナビ

"This isn't… the wrong place?" Nee-chan murmured, as I fell to my knees. I hadn't expected it to be in perfect shape, but this… I raked my fingers through the soil, teeth clenched. An ache opened up in me, yet the tears wouldn't drop.

"Wh-why…?"

I looked up, and the world flashed white.

A long-haired woman, with a peaceful smile, pointing to a cluster of medicinal leaves among the rows of modest verdancy; an utterly tiny version of Nee-chan watching attentively at her side. White.

The same two, and a white-eyed boy – so innocent – joining them. He brushes a few kernels of dirt aside, delighted as a sprout's leaf pokes free. The woman smiling at the children's mirth. White.

The girl in mourning black, stumbling up to the garden, out of breath – collapsing in tears, beating a tiny fist against the ground, hugging herself with a wail. White–

Holding her baby sister tenderly, sitting on the nearby steps, simply talking and talking, her smile sad. White–

The short-haired girl, showing another girl the garden with pride. The slightly older Hyuuga, forehead wrapped, rail-thin and with an uncommon amount of color to her eyes, watching from respectful distance as the small heiress tends to her task. White–

Me, alone, administering a watering pail's contents uncertainly–

Neji walking around me, intimidating and haughty, kicking through the flowers with cruel deliberateness as he spits his words and dares me to activate his mark–

The gardener's son, noticing plants beginning to wither, taking up a personal project–

Neji, bewildered at the sustained life, but spotting the young man–

"Cease tending to this garden."

I gasped sharply.

"Hanabi-chan? Hanabi-chan? You're pale…" Hands were on my shoulders.

I blinked, eyes finally watering. "H-he…"

"I'm sorry."

I turned toward him.

"I'm sorry," he repeated, head down. "I'm the one who ordered its neglect. If I could take it back…"

Energy sparked in my hand; I was rushing toward him before I thought about it. I was screaming in fury, nonsensically, as Nee-chan's strong arm caught around my waist and lifted me off the ground. I cursed and kicked. She grasped my sparking palm's wrist, restraining it with a hiss of pain.

"I hate you!" I wailed finally, crying and snotting as my thrashing abated. My eyes screwed shut. "I hate both of you! Chikusho!" The garden had meant more to her, so why wasn't she upset?!

"Hanabi-chan…" When she started to let me down, I squirmed loose and bolted across the yard, away from them, and didn't stop running.

And I screamed. There was no one around, anymore, so I screamed where I stood, and burned up my chakra, electrifying the air around me until it shone a brilliant blue, whipping my hair wildly about. I thrashed the air with my hands and slammed them on the ground. Then I fell onto my back in the charred grass, panting and spent. Shaking, I groggily looked about. The yard I'd just ruined was that of the Seer's abode – my own humble property, now.

I scowled. "O-Okaa-san," I blubbered, "Why…?"

The vision struck and overtook me fiercely, warping my mind's eye until I was somewhere else entirely – a medical wing.

"Hikari!" Chichi-ue's voice. "Hikari, stay with us!"

"Hyuuga-sama, there are complications–," The scene blurred – images of pain, franticness, so much blood. "Your wife is losing too much blood!"

"Then do something, damn it!" Time flicks forward–

"Both she and the babe cannot survive, sir…"

His visage is bleak, but hard. "…Save my wife–,"

"N-no!"

With this protest the hand in his tightens with strength that is stunning to him.

"Save our baby! Tell them, Hiashi!"

"But – Hikari…!"

"This ch-child – must live! She's – special!" Such clarity in her pained eyes…

"The light… at the end? Then… no, this can't…! This is your Time?"

"Anata… Our Hanabi… m-must live…!"

White.

The five-year-old Hinata, tears and shock clouding her wide white eyes–

"Gh–!" Sweat flecked from my face as I jerked upright. Of all days, to witness that – that was too surreal. I stared at a trembling hand, distraught.

"I don't want this power!" I cried. "Pick someone e-else! I don't want it!"

"I suppose you mean that of the Seer, not of the Lightning Hyuuga?"

I groaned. "Why are you here?"

Quirking a brow calmly, he ignored me. "Lightning Hyuuga are said to be born to prepare the Main House for times of war, to secure its rightful triumph; hence your birth was at once an ominous sign, and a cause for it to be viewed as a 'mistake' that the comparatively unspectacular Hinata was born first. All the more worrisome, as they saw it, that conflict in the Leaf erupted with you yet so young and unable to face it… But alas, now you who so loved to fight have become the Seer, one expected to abstain from battle that you live to grow old and wise. Is this because the time for war has passed…?"

"Gedou Neji," I growled. "I don't know what you're rambling about, but I'm not the pure heart my sister is – I may have been at one time, but I'm not now. I detest you. And as you are now, you must have realized that I can kill you."

He knelt, weary from the walk here, but unconcerned. "That garden… I can only imagine it was a remnant of the mother you never knew, and a symbol of trust between you and Hinata."

"What of it?" I snapped, standing.

"If Hinata didn't trust you not to kill me, she wouldn't have let me follow you alone. I came alone simply because she did not come with me – and I'll have faith in the trust in you that that simple choice shows."

"Oh?" I said, but I had flinched. "And what if she decided she hates you as well? What if she expects me to strike you down?"

"You and I both know it's not in her to hate, Lady Seer," he said, "whatever I've done to deserve it. But if she truly expected you to kill me, and let me come here alone, I would readily die by your hand, as per her evident wish."

I slouched, defeated. Damn this guy… "If you know so much," I said, "Why would you suppose I'm seeing the past?"

"The past? It wasn't an isolated occurrence, then, when you unlocked the clan's history during my duel with Hinata?"

"It's unusual, then," I gathered, "isn't it? Great. Not only am I stuck with this power, but it's broken. What good am I then?"

"So you were resolved to live as a warrior," he observed, "and now find yourself oppressed by this contrary responsibility… And on top of that, you can see the truth of the unchanging past splayed out behind us. And you believe that makes you worthless?"

Why was I talking to this person? "Well, I mean… I don't know…"

He was smirking, shaking his head. "Hanabi… though we often cherish more dearly, even greedily, insight toward the malleable future, sometimes far greater value lies in the past. I obsessed with only goals and ambitions, and was repulsed by memories, but it took both sides to save me."

He looked up. "Do you know – our fine leader cautioned that it is crucial, in the coming times of peace, to remember always the times of strife we've left behind, the past that led us here? We must, lest we become complacent or grow to take past sacrifices for granted. It's why she's so supportive of my documentation of what you shared with us – whether lost to time or willfully suppressed, the events surrounding even the initial division of the houses were throughout our recent history obscure and uncertain… until now."

"That stuff about the past… that's why she's fighting Ojii-sama to have the library opened up to all the clan?"

"You knew of that? Yes. She fears that her work with the cursed ones will be viewed as emphasizing remilitarization of what has always been a martial clan, but what she's doing is necessary. More so, Hinata wants this clan to possess not only power, but knowledge. That is how she sees us not merely becoming, but remaining great. So I say let her handle the matters of warriors; we have our work cut out for us, you guiding her, I seeking truth."

Though his words had struck a chord, I scoffed outwardly. "Answer me this, Heretic. Do you fancy yourself a scholar?"

"Hardly. But at the very least, I would consider myself your ally. We will support her, but we both were warriors. We will both fight when we must, if it is to protect her."

Thirty-Two, Part Two: What Can Be Mended

Naruto ナルト

Wading through my workspace, I placed a hand on a shoulder.

"What is it?" I asked the clone; this one, assigned to the high-priority stack, had halted with a paper in its hand. I took the paper and dispelled it.

I paused.

"Something got you stumped?" Jiraiya asked from where he sat, flipping idly through the pages of a lewd paperback.

"A request to leave the village for a short trip, on personal business…" I explained without reading the document myself. "From the young head of the Hyuuga."

The old man's brow furrowed as he sent a sympathetic look, but he quickly became analytic. "The same clan head who's still withholding a significant chunk of her manpower from full service, then…"

"Hm…" But then, from what Lee said yesterday…

–"Have you heard? Already they speak of a 'Tamer of the Hyuuga Clan,' with a kind heart and stern hand breaking the rampant clansmen into order."

An empty laugh. "Sounds like she's doing well. Good."

"She is. Apparently she just won a debate to get the clan library opened to all Hyuuga, as well. Her subordinates are starting to believe in her good intentions…" His face softens. "You ought to visit her, Naruto-kun."

"Did she… ask after me?"

"No, but–,"

"I'm sure she's very busy. You just visited her, and she's fine. No sense in me heading out there."–

I skimmed the paper in my hand again.

"We're not close to the deadline we allowed Hyuuga-san to turn over all her shinobi to active duty. And from what I hear, she's doing a good job with her people – she's been training them rigorously the last several days, and whatever regimen she's designed seems to be proving effective. Approving such a short trip shouldn't hurt, if the rate of progress is really as we've been hearing. Besides…"

"Hm?"

"With the destination she provided, I can guess what she's after. It's no selfish cause."

I realized the room was quiet, and looked at the dozen or so kage bunshin listening attentively.

"Oi, back to work! No, you know what, turnover!" I said, clearing my head, dispelling the sheepish bunch, and conjuring a fresh batch that crowded around the desk again.

Neji ネジ

–"If you don't mind, I'd like you to oversee the library while I'm out. I don't think they'll give you any trouble…"–

As she'd predicted, the visitors who trickled uneasily in hardly stopped to spare me a glance. Few were so much as touching any books or documents; the majority who came wandered quietly in, explored and looked around vacantly, and left, as of yet simply testing and confirming their novel right to enter this place. I was left to my studying.

Pure Hyuuga sometimes offered a touch to my shoulder, supportive or apologetic, but refrained from showing me their pity; I did not meet their eyes, which would unnerve or further dishearten them, and knew they did not look directly upon me.

Even cursed ones, many of whom had acted aggressively toward me on nights of training, did not antagonize me when they came. These were people I could not hunt with, for attempting to discern my rank within a pack led by Hinata was impossible from any angle of inspection. I was a defeated alpha, whose exile they felt would have been appropriate – my death, ideal. Yet Hinata would have neither of these preferred courses, and despite my humbled standing, I was in human terms her betrothed, and thus in wolf terms – though we both cringed to think it – her prospective mate.

No member of a functioning pack, I had learned, could simultaneously be a dead-last untouchable and the alpha's second-in-command. The paradox created confusion, tension; it had gotten me hissed at and growled at for any attempt to eat, no matter the order we went in; they ganged up on me almost any moment I was out of Hinata's sight.

I gripped my arm above the elbow as a man a bit older than me passed; I felt the scarring tissue his claws had left me. He'd been confrontational; our words had given quickly to hissing and bared claws, but it had been over for me the moment he tackled me into a tree, sending my mending back into it first. I hadn't been able to return much damage before Hinata tore us apart and sent us both home with stern words, an apology in her eyes. Unlike him, I wouldn't be back.

But the young man passed me without a word. This world of the library was only too human. Here I was Gedou, and even if still the fallen alpha, there was less potential here for me to become the target of raw, blatant animosity and resentment. Resting my head in a hand, I took a breath and thumbed through pages of the old text on my desk.

I wonder… What are you up to now, cousin?

Hinata ヒナタ

When the man tripped at a dip in the road, I darted in, slipping his arm around my shoulders to steady him.

"Thank you, Hyuuga-sama…" he said, sheepish, smiling as he fell back in with the group. "I promise I'm not so clumsy – just keeping you on your toes! Yes, that's it."

I nodded with a smirk at his laughter, just breathing in the half-familiar scent of the plains. As with its look, the smell of this land was different in winter… "Careful, now. It's just a little further from here."

A chuckle came from a middle-aged woman who, along with most of the group, rode in one of two horse-drawn carts. "Even if you coordinated the effort," she said, some wrinkles growing pronounced with her soft smile, "I still can't believe you chose to escort us yourself, Hyuuga-sama. With no bandits about or anything, you must be bored silly."

I blushed a bit. "It's nothing. It's a peaceful land, certainly, but you can't be too careful. Either way, it was important to me to come here myself."

"Oh? I see, I see…"

I surveyed the party; we'd planned this trip and set out from Konoha together. Few of these people knew each other, and most were civilians – most of Leaf, a handful of others from ordinary Land of Fire villages and towns. But they all shared it to some degree – the same sort of soft sadness in their eyes.

I looked up the road, sighting a figure walking out from a building in the distance, and smiled as she waved.

"Sister Inoriko!" I called, "Hello again!"

As we neared a wave of smaller figures came pouring and scurrying out of the building as well, and I spread my arms, prepared for hugs. Their cheerful laughter floated in the air, and mine couldn't help but join it.

"I knew she'd be back, knew it!"

"Of course she is – Nee-chan's the strongest!"

"And she doesn't go back on her promises!"

"Do you have new stories for us?"

I felt a budding tear in my eye as they reached me. "I do! My friends and I finally beat the bad guys!"

That's right… if these little ones might keep smiling, all is not lost.

–"I brought along some people who'd like to meet you, as well…"–

I looked between them, reassuring – the group I'd come here with, and the children who'd so eagerly awaited my return. My tone was sober, but encouraging.

"Everyone here… has been a victim of the pain that war brings. You've had things taken from you, and your losses, precious beyond words, can never be replaced. But…"

Most of the band I'd come with – they were parents or families, having lost children largely due to Orochimaru's exploitation in the battle.

But if life can move on…

"These children need families…"

It was late, two days after, that I returned to the Hyuuga – my own home. The trip had been worth the while; many of the little ones now had families, and homes, to call their own.

However accustomed I had grown to traveling, wandering with my companions, it ached a bit to have left for a few days, now that I'd gotten used to living in a set place again.

Covering a yawn, I looked up to see Hanabi and Hikujaku waiting at the gate. Grinning, I lifted my hand and waved.

I … kind of took it for granted, didn't I?

Having a place – and people – to go home to.

Even if I hadn't realized it, maybe this warmth had been another of the reasons I could fight so hard. Along with…

My throat tightened. No.

Is this… right?

I stifled a shudder, raising my head.

Neji ネジ

It wasn't long at all, after I opened up the library and reinhabited my desk one morning, that three Branch Hyuuga entered and began to peruse the shelves. I noticed they moved with more purpose than most visitors the library had seen in the last few days, and hung around for longer than average, as well.

I kept at my own business until I felt a stir of charka: one had activated his Byakugan.

I pushed my chair back and stood.

Hinata ヒナタ

So I just got back last night, but I've already got a few more duels lined up this afternoon. Their anger fades, and many of them respect me a little more now, but I almost fear that I'm turning this clan that valued custom into a clan that values combat…

The smooth smell of incense very lightly spiced the air; any more, and my nose would be irritated. The photograph of Hyuuga Hiashi watched me sternly, but I would never forget the true smile he'd shown us at the end.

Neji ネジ

"Can I help you find anything?"

Hiryoshi was nineteen years old, and a hand taller than I. He considered me momentarily, Byakugan still active; he traded looks with his brother and their friend.

"Where's the Scroll of Hachiman?" he asked finally, stern.

My brow sprang up. "Onii-… ah, Hiryoshi-san. It would be one thing to try to start 'small' with the Kaiten or Sixty-Four Palms, but you must realize an ordinary shinobi will die upon attempting to invoke Hachiman."

His brother scoffed. "Thanks for the concern, scribe. But where is it? It is kept here, right?"

I shook my head. "It's in the restricted section," I said, looking toward the door to the back room. "I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to grant you access to it."

"Then no one needs to know you did," Hiryoshi asserted, putting a hand on my shoulder to start to push past me – but I stopped him, placing myself between them and the door once more.

"You don't seem to understand," I said simply. "I actually have no intention of betraying Hinata's trust."

"You're joking…?"

"Or the Main's messed with his head," the third one suggested.

"Come on, Neji. We just want to read it!"

I looked down. "It's funny… some of the new visitors lately have no doubt made their way here as an effect of Hinata's insistence on knowledge – and the effort she put in to have that knowledge made free. And yet you seek not wisdom, but a rather destructive forbidden jutsu, and despite that you not once sought such a thing during my rule. It leads me to believe you act on desperation. You're thinking of doing something rash, aren't you?"

"We trusted you. The pure ones still want to believe you can somehow protect them! If we'd known you planned to roll over for the Main House, we would've read it sooner." Hiryoshi's silver eyes – almost as outstandingly colorless as mine had once been – were intense. Accusatory, and somehow distraught. "Now move aside, bookkeeper."

"No. I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"And what if we don't? What're you going to do to us, eyesore?"

"If you try to force your way past me, I'll have no choice but to report you to Lady Hinata."

He laughed, humorless. "You really think you're one of them now, don't you?"

My expression remained level as he grabbed my shirt collar, pulling me in close. Fanged teeth glinted as he spoke.

"Aren't you just clinging to power again, like a leech? The same as with Orochimaru? We were stupid to follow you…!"

I smirked dryly. "Maybe so. But if you don't intend to leave peacefully, might we at least relocate outside? This is not a place for violence, but with the responsibility entrusted to me, if your behavior might jeopardize the archives I will be forced to respond in kind."

He eyed me, considering the bluff. He pushed me away.

Hinata ヒナタ

But there's no questioning that a plague had set into this clan. At its core… that's…

"The 'half-existence of restraint' Neji spoke of," I reflected, drawing Hanabi's eyes. Sometimes, thoughts felt as if they would not order themselves until spoken aloud. "And its accompanying terror… Being denied something intrinsically human as the freedom to love and care is what produced individuals like Hireiki-oba-san and Hyuuga Neji, with hearts of stone and an impetus to rebellion. I can only imagine that those who impose the denial must lose a part of themselves, as well. Meanwhile those who cannot relinquish their compassion in this remorseless world we create, like Hiyuki-nee-san, suffer perhaps the cruelest fates of all, broken and driven to madness…"

I sighed. "But though Hyuuga Neji is no more, it is Gedou Neji whom I cannot fully comprehend."

Neji ネジ

They waited as I locked the front library door behind us. Hiryoshi led me down the sunlit walk, while the other two followed close at my back.

Hinata ヒナタ

"Inadvertently, I've taken everything away from Hyuuga Neji – his right to lead; his power, which he's terrified to use; his followers, some of whom ostracize him, some of whom begin to feel betrayed and abandoned by him; his Byakugan, which was probably the most superb in the clan. Gedou Neji is the man who remains, and yet, he is loyal to me."

Neji ネジ

I saw Hiryoshi tense, shifting his weight before he turned in a strong move, and pain cracked across the blind side of my face.

A backhand? I thought, grunting as the other side of my head collided with the wall beside us. Someone trapped my arms, lining me up and bracing my form against a solid uppercut to my gut. He hit my face again, savage, but at a following swing I ducked sharply enough that he hit the one holding me; I felt the hold on my arms slip away, heard him thud to the ground.

Then, at the point that a kick jammed into my back and lit pain throughout the knotted cluster of flesh that spanned it, I yelled – and went swiftly from declining to resist to losing the capacity to.

Hanabi ハナビ

"If you took what was once everything to him," I wondered as we walked, "maybe… Maybe at the end of the day, you've given him something greater."

I hadn't said much since we left the shrine; Onee-chan looked mildly surprised. "I guess… that's what I'd like to believe."

I saw her wolf ears twitch – something that admittedly weirded me out a bit – but it seemed like some commotion was going on up ahead. Several Hyuuga were standing around, all facing toward what must have been the source of the noise, which grew more discernible as we picked up the pace. Farther back were horrified people who stood as if they dared not draw nearer; the first we passed, I saw a grimace of distress. Closer up were indifferent people, watching something unfold as if grimly magnetized to it. The divide in sentiments was between normal folks and cursed ones, I realized. Hinata swore when the scene that had captured the bystanders' attention came into view, and she sprinted forward with a mutter of 'stupid curse instincts.'

I blinked. Those she spoke of were cursed ones, ganging up on the curse's defeated, former alpha, for certain… but wasn't this reminiscent of–?

The world spun – Neji's heaped form, getting his skull and ribs stomped furiously on, his gut kicked in, as he tried to at least shield his face – replaced by Onee-chan in her sparring clothes, twelve years old, defeated and pitiful and deemed worthy of receiving a sly kick by every Hyuuga who passed.

The scene rolled over – the quiet streets of Konoha – New Sound – the middle of the night. I had spied on the Branch's meeting; Neji had spotted me, told them to teach me a lesson. I ran, mindlessly, as fast as my feet would carry me. My panic was too immense for me to realize that even with my meager head start, the shinobi should have caught me easily. They were entertained by my terror, keeping a fixed distance from my heels until I collapsed in exhaustion. And they beat a seven-year-old girl, laughing viciously as they did.

We've…

The grounds materialized again – but it was Hiyuki, newly Chosen as they called it, being harassed by some girls. They spat insults and accusations, pulled her hair, hit her and knocked her down and hit her some more while she cried and cried that she was loyal.

We've… always behaved like wolves, haven't we?

Reality overtook me with the crack of Hinata barreling straight into one man's back, sending him into the wall. She dipped past Hiryoshi's swing and grabbed him around the waist from behind, hefting him off his feet and slamming him to the ground.

"Hiding our nature behind masks and decorum…" I murmured.

The other two bared their fangs at her, blindly, but were too slow to swing – or even to notice her hands slipping to their skulls, before she knocked their heads sharply together. She kicked one away and hurled the other by his arm; a shocked bystander leapt from his path, letting him crash to the ground and roll quite a distance.

Now… now, it just shows more readily to the forefront.

Neji's attackers were rising shakily, snapping their fangs; two of their marks had activated. Hinata, busy pulling Neji into her arms, turned her head to unleash a roar that rang through my bones. But for the assailants – they stepped back as if physically buffeted, for one moment shattered in spirit, curses smoothly silenced by an imperious command.

Within the stunned silence left in its wake, Hinata rose up and opened her mouth, gaze fierce, prepared to raise her human voice as the leader of this clan.

And she was interrupted.

Hinata ヒナタ

"Hina-chan!"

My breath caught short at the tearful, wailed outburst, and its owner's arms wrapping suddenly around my waist, hands feebly grasping my shirt.

My cousin hadn't called me by that nickname since he was four, except for when…

When we'd been dying in the snow, when the Blood Seal's reaction to the juinjutsu had wracked his form, when he'd reverted in mind to his four-year-old self.

Sh#t.

I stamped down my bewilderment as my sniveling older cousin clung to me on his knees, cheek pressed against my belly, eyes shut and whole body trembling in terror. I realized that the nickname he'd cried, innocuous enough from one child to another, might easily be mistaken for a sweetheart's endearment when uttered from the lips of a young man.

Innately, I didn't know whether to grimace at the strange stroke of luck. But outwardly, I held my back straight and cast my challenging gaze over those present, in a calm warning.

"Listen well!" I boomed, one arm falling over Neji's shoulder in a loose hug. "This man is mine! Anyone who would harm him, anyone who would question his right to life, will answer to me!"

His assailants shrank at the bluff, with an air of submission, as did other cursed ones at the scene. The rest bowed their heads in understanding, grateful. None had any desire to see me enraged.

Without another word, I supported a confused and snotting Neji carefully to his feet, and guided him hurriedly from the scene.

The walk was a tense one – for me, at least, as my cousin remained in his own world. I wasn't sure what inspired such trepidation within me with every Hyuuga we passed. Perhaps it was my own panic – not only that there was lingering madness in him, but that it might be discovered. For in such an event, it might constitute grounds to claim that if a stressful situation could cause him to regress as far as his early childhood mindframe, he could as easily revert to the mad and vicious Neji of the recent past.

He remained mercifully silent as I shushed quietly, cooperative as I urged him along. We reached my room without incident, and I shut the door with a sigh.

"Hina-chan?" he asked, before I could wonder if he hadn't snapped out of it yet. I realized he was stubbornly holding back tears, despite his pain. But bringing him to a healer like this hadn't been an option.

"It's okay," I said, gripping his arms. "You're all right now. Those guys won't hurt you anymore."

"O-okay," he choked out, eye spilling over with tears as he shut it and wrapped his arms around me.

"There," I soothed, guiding him to the futon and easing him down. He sobbed quietly into my chest, still trembling as I rocked him a few times. Gods… This whole ordeal's left another mark on you, after all…

But for the moment, his physical wounds took priority. I lay him down, peeling off his shirt to get a cleaner look, and scowled at pale skin mottled with patchy blue and purple, cut and broken in many places to bleeding. They had been roughing him up for some time before I'd shown up; it was how there'd been time for such a sizeable crowd to form. I felt anger at the cruelty, and outrage – that such harm had befallen one I'd sworn to protect, much less by the hands of my people.

Leaning over him was instinctual, but I hesitated. Was this a strange thing to do, while he wasn't fully aware, wasn't even himself? But it was the best I could do for him, and these facts made it easier to do. In the state he was in, it was impossible to consider him my betrothed; he was my wounded brother.

I felt his tension slowly recede as I licked his wounds.

"Here," I said, after I had finished, applied some bandages, and covered him in a blanket. His head rested in my lap. I calmed my youki to a bare minimum and held my hand above him. He smelled my blood from the nick I'd put in the meat of the pad of my thumb, and his eye showed brief confusion before relaxing again, as he softly lapped the air in reflex. When I brought my hand to his lips he drank, sucking my blood to recover his strength. He refrained, shaking, before he bit in with fangs, increasing the flow, and I gasped softly. "G-good…"

Despite the time he took, I was barely dazed when he groggily pulled his teeth from a hot crescent left in my hand. I patted the blanket at his chest. "How do you feel?"

"Better…" he said, almost a whisper. He blinked serenely up at me, docile as a lamb. "Hina-chan…?"

"Hm?"

"When did… you get so strong? I was supposed to protect you…"

I shook my head, stroking his hair as he dozed off.

"We'll make it through," I said, though he looked so peaceful it could have been a crime. I clenched my teeth as my hands began to shake, with so much that had been suppressed.

What had brought him to this state? Stress? Pain – the pain of injury, and of exile? Or guilt, faced with the tremendous weight of his sins?

My hands shook.

We can't endure all the time. No one can. But we'll get through. W-we'll…

I withheld a sob as water snuck down my face, from wide eyes.

How did things get so messed up…?

We saved the village. I saved my cousin.

But for things to wind up this way…

A bitter sob tried to shake me. I was so small.

He was so tranquil – exhausted, but tranquil. This man who had slain my father was resting easy, retreating into a place he could forget all his pain. This man I didn't love but had proposed to, to keep him barely away from knifepoint, to keep our clan from erupting in chaos. My jaw was clenched so hard it ached. My claws lightly furrowed on his chest.

Oi – was this part of the plan? For you to check out and slip away when things get rough? What happened to living with your pain?!

I threw so much away. I hurt people. I hurt him. I kept you from justice for abominable crimes.

I protect you, protect you, protect you, and this is what you amount to?! When you were supposed to make your life worth something?!

Now obsidian claws, poised on his throat. My heart was hammering.

You have no right to look so peaceful.

One twitch of impulse.

His head thudded down on the bed.

He woke with a yelp at the light impact, eyes finding me where I had pinned myself to the wall, breath rapid. I blinked as he spoke.

"H…Hinata? Why am I in your room? Itai!" he hissed, a hand cradling his ribs as he tried to turn over. "What's happened…?"

I opened my mouth, unable to speak. His eyes narrowed in concern.

"You're white as a sheet, Hinata. What's wrong? No… Are you crying–?"

When he rose I pushed past him, out of the room, out of my insulated cage, fleeing without another glance.

Naruto ナルト

KA-THUD.

I started where I lay, within a heartbeat, without thought, up on my feet. No more sound followed.

Though I'd been awake, my eyes scanned the moonlit room as I crossed it. I slipped silently into the living room, seeing nothing amiss. I opened the front door, looked out and to the side, and withdrew to shut the door sharply.

I stared a moment at the floor, and then at my hand on the doorknob, while my other hand covered my mouth and stifled some high-pitched wheeze. I took a deep breath, and opened it again.

"What are you doing here?" I asked flatly of the person seated by my door, slumped back against the wall like she'd collapsed there.

She blinked up at me, dreary white eyes unfocused and tinged red. Dried tear streaks on her cheeks. "N-Nawrutto…"

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you drunk?"

At that she straightened, clutching something closer to her other side, as she looked up at me in alarm. "N-no!" she answered, but ducked her head as a burp snuck out after the word, sending a little puff of flame dissipating into the air.

Ears down, she raised her head and gave a meek look of embarrassment – this fine general of the Leaf, like a child waiting to be scolded. I scowled and knelt down, pulling her arm across my shoulders.

"You're han'you right now. How're you this drunk? Force of will?" I grumbled, guiding her inside. Her steps were so unsteady it was a wonder she'd made it up the stairs outside.

"I ken manipyerlate autermatic st-stuff like healing," she muttered. "Izzit so weird I ken mess with'a metabolizz…er… Uh mean, I can inhibits the risponse that wants'a neutralizers toxins."

I groaned; it was force of will. "Why'd I even ask? Actually – how do you know where I live?" The Mokuton-user had only built this place a few weeks ago.

"Ev'ry human hazza scent," she said, seeming more lucid already as she nodded a few times. "Yers was strong here…"

She must have been desperate to stifle her consciousness, to hit her habit this hard to begin with. But she didn't fight as I pulled the bottle from her shaking hand, only looked away, forlorn. I left her leaning against the wall, and crossed the kitchen area to the sink to pour the rest of the intoxicant down the drain. How she had followed my scent, in her stupor, through the nose-curdling stench of this stuff I couldn't imagine. I sniffed in distaste, earning my nostrils an almost dizzying sting.

I spun, and leaned against the counter. I couldn't help the furrow of my brow as I examined her.

"So," I said sharply enough to get her attention, while chucking the bottle into the trash bin in the corner without needing to look at it. "How are things? Hyuuga-san?"

Sparkling moisture fell from her eyes as she looked toward me, stung – seized between distress and anger. It was a curious look. Maybe the 'Hyuuga-san' had been a low blow, but I wasn't about to take it back now.

I watched her fold her arms in discomfort, teeth bared.

Hinata ヒナタ

"How d'you think?" I said, throat thick.

It wasn't fair. That look, that tone – I couldn't take it, from him. 'Hyuuga-san' – that was unnecessary, cruel. The wall he dropped between us, a slap in the face.

But hadn't I hurt him first, to make him capable of this? Had I taught him to know such hate, like I'd once taught a four-year-old when he'd needed me most, and I avoided him for years? I didn't know how to face it, so I ran, and I left him to grow quietly into a monster. I didn't know how to face Hiyuki after they made me activate her mark, so I'd avoided her, without realizing she wasn't all right. I didn't want to mess stuff up, but I messed everything up, every time. My shoulders shook, but he was answering.

"Oh, I dunno. The first I've really seen of you since you proposed to that sonauvabitch cousin, and you're staggering drunk to my door. You already know I don't like to see you this way!"

"Wh-where was I supposeta go?!" His voice was too calm, too cold, even as its volume had risen. Did he feel nothing any longer?

"To your husband-to-be?" he suggested derisively, lip curled.

"Jes st-stop it…" If only he knew how definitively I could not go to Neji right now… I couldn't trust myself. My voice was almost a squeak, sickened. I had stayed away in dread of the unknown, not wanting to confirm my worst possible fears, but I'd made it all worse, that hate in his purple eyes, that much worse. I'd guaranteed it. "You think I wanted this?"

"Honestly, I think you need some professional help."

"Oh, a'course. You always know what I need, don't you?"

"I ought to," he scoffed. "You're not exactly a low-maintenance girlfriend, y'know?"

"Wh-what's that supposeter mean?"

"You staggered drunk to my door!" he reiterated, waving toward the entryway. His wide violet eyes were harsh. "There's been worse, of course. How about forgetting who I was, and nearly cutting me to ribbons in Gunromachi? Oh, or when you tried to eat me alive in that prison cell–,"

"But I didn't!" I protested stupidly.

"Oh, I didn't notice! Never mind, that makes it all the better!"

"You don't know how difficult that was…!" I said slowly, shaking. "Do you think you're the only one who suffered in there? Do you know how terrified I was that I'd lose control, and hurt you?" I looked down momentarily. "But we got through. We survived that. How can we not survive this?"

"We just – can't, Hinata. Okay? I can't…"

He'd turned away, hands braced on the counter, facing a window with blinds angled half to shut. The pattern of light let through was broken by his bare back, in shadow.

"Do you know? I've wished I'd let him die. I think of that stunt you pulled, and my stomach turns; I think of him, his smug face, and all I can see is that monster whose purpose was to destroy you! That you're capable of going so far… I can't handle it! You're too forgiving for your own good! That you just can't turn down someone in need, that you can shove everything aside and tear yourself apart to protect scum…"

"He's changed – and he couldn't die, so I did what I had to do! It's not like I've given up – we'll clear his name, and it'll roll over eventually, and–,"

He was shaking his head. "Just stop…"

"You don't understand!" I said, stepping shakily from the wall, but I halted as his hands tensed on the counter, and his voice cut back sharply.

"I understand, all right. You chose him over me. After I told you not to go it alone, you did anyways, and you chose the bad boy who's given you nothing but a living hell!" he cried, ducking his head.

"I didn't choose anyone! I… I just… wanted e-everyone to live…"

It flashed through my mind – a vision of catastrophe. Neji could not be killed by the Main. But with or without that danger hanging over my head – my clan – I couldn't say precisely what I would have done differently…

"Then if it was my life or his, who would you choose?"

He was looking toward me, body still faced away. His mouth was hidden by his shoulder, but the startlingly violet eye fixed on me was intent. My mouth hung open.

That wasn't even fair.

"I could never make such a choice…" I said, defeated. "You know that."

His gaze drifted away. "…I know. I'm… sorry. But I'm tired, Hinata. Maybe this was… a sign? Maybe someone more like you will better understand your needs… because I'm not sure I can do it any longer."

"H…how can you say that? Naruto-kun…"

He turned, starting to walk from the room.

My gut clenched as the truth hit me.

"It's you, okay!" I cried. "Even if it were yours or another innocent man's life, I'd save you, out of selfishness, every time!"

Because I… need you…

"I would be capable of it," I said, shaking with the confession. "A man who believes in me, who I've promised to protect – I'd let him die." I grasped about my temples, grimacing as the words poured out. "I've killed, as well – no matter how much I hate it, I've struck down people who were only fighting for their dreams and loved ones, same as we all do! Why do you think I have nightmares?!" I almost lauged. "A truly 'selfless' kunoichi? That's one who wouldn't be standing here today!"

He had paused. My face was hot in shame as I watched his cool profile, his head a bit low, his thumbs hooked in his trouser pockets. He eyed me offhandedly as I shook with emotion, with anger and remorse.

"…Oh," he said simply, looking forward again. "I see. It's kind of… a relief, to know you're not a saint. Hyuuga Hinata, human like the rest of us. I'm glad, y'know."

And he continued to go.

Naruto ナルト

I'd proceeded all of one step when her hands moved in the corner of my eye – in one mad burst of impulse, crossing, darting to the hem of her shirt, and decisively whisking the article over her head.

I took a moment to process what she was up to – to blink at pale cream-colored flesh, a torso bare but for a dark bra. Then I saw her undoing her pants button – her zipper – and rushed to grasp her wrists just as she was pushing her pants down. She struggled with me a moment.

"No," I said, hoarse but firm. "Stop it, Hinata, you're drunk! What're you trying to prove?"

She lost heart, letting me part her hands. She didn't meet my eyes as I carefully pulled her pants back above her panties, zipped her up, redid the button.

"What're you playing at, Hinata?" I asked quietly as I did.

"I'm not playing. I'll… I'll do whatever you want, Naruto-kun. A-anything you desire – I won't resist…"

She was fighting to hold my gaze as I stared her down.

My head fell with a dry chuckle. "'Anything,' huh?"

I gave no warning; asked to predict my own actions, I would have drawn a blank. So when I pushed her backwards, I took her balance, pinning her to the wall behind her. And her wide eyes snapped upward, and an enticing sound jumped from from her throat, as I grasped her breast in my hand.

Hinata ヒナタ

I thought I'd been prepared, but I wasn't – not for this. Not for the anger that simmered in him as he kneaded and squeezed.

"'Anything'? This is your way of saying sorry for betraying me? This is how much I mean to you? This is all you think I care about?!"

"I-I–," His lips mashed onto mine, slow, forceful, smothering whatever I might have sputtered in reply. My skull throbbed with heat, but even if this was finally Naruto, it wasn't. This wasn't my Naruto. It all came crashing through – the sickening realization that I'd lost him, and couldn't bring him back.

He pulled away from the kiss, and I blinked, petrified, gasping as I tried to focus on his chilled violet eyes. I tried to focus. But – that – h-hand…!

His thumb brushed over the most sensitive spot, with only the cup of my bra to separate his touch from my too-warm flesh. I gasped aloud, turning my head away, and he instantly closed in to press his lips to my exposed throat, licking, grazing it with his teeth in a way that made me go very still.

Then he shifted, biting sharply into the tender flesh beside my neck until he might have drawn blood – as if in the way I had so many sweet times from him. His hand, still stroking and prodding the spot he'd discovered, pinched it maddeningly.

W-wait…! It felt too strange. This wasn't anything like how I'd ever imagined my first time being fondled by Naruto would be, with no gentleness or affection. He wasn't caressing; he was laying claim. His other hand moved from groping my behind to cupping my other breast, and I withheld a squeak as his lips and tongue roved over my chest, fervent and sloppy, wetly tracing along the edge of my bra.

"N-Naruto–," I panted, claws shakily dragging, cutting into the wall at my back as his hands squeezed – claiming me. My abdomen was a tense concentration of raw, melting heat, and I couldn't understand it.

"Look at you," he said coldly, now gazing plainly at my body as his hands worked in a rhythm. "What would the people who follow you say if they saw you – saw their peerless leader, like this?"

I shook my head. Even if his touch was stimulating, his manner was so cold – lifeless. The eyes I'd once thought I might never tire of gazing into were burning to me, so fiercely cold. This was… horrid…

Is this… my punishment? For becoming a cruel person…?

For a torturous minute he said nothing, just massaging as he was until I mewled and shook beneath his hands. My throat was drawn tight in restraint.

Naruto ナルト

They were supple and firm – having a firmness that suggested her fitness and was expected, knowing the strength of the rest of her body – but with a mystifying softness. I watched, darkly fascinated as her face was flushed a still deeper shade, as her mouth hung open with quick gasps, as she pressed herself into the wall and beading sweat slipped from her chin. Her eyes shut as she withheld one sound, another.

"Let me hear you," I muttered.

Hinata ヒナタ

And he pinched them suddenly, and I loosed an audible groan. I blinked, head clouded with a haze of heat. He spoke, toneless.

"…It's the wolf in you, isn't it? You'd be so powerless under any man's touch…"

"Th-that's not true…!" I argued, though my voice was small. I shook as he continued to fondle my breasts, dispassionately.

"Oh? I see. Then you must actually be enjoying this – is that what you're saying? You're just having that much fun being humiliated?"

"I–oh–th-that's not it…" I said through a scowl.

"We both know you're physically stronger than me as we are now, Hinata. If you wanted me to stop badly enough, you could have pushed me off easily any time, y'know."

"I a-already told you – you can do anything you want to me!"

"'Anything,'" he said again, brow stern. "And if I wanted to go further than this, Hinata?"

My breath froze as his hand slid very slowly downward, fingertips grazing my bare stomach, stopping to brush over cold flesh just shy of the line of my pants. My jaw unclenched as he let the question hang in the air. "I w-would… let you. I'd c-c-cooperate, f-for you."

"So you're offering your body in compensation? Isn't that practically saying I own you? And you're pretending you're alright with that?"

I didn't know how to answer. His eyes were tired, so tired and bitter, as his teeth ground.

"Don't insult me, Hinata. Is this the type of relationship… that you believe should exist between the young Hokage-to-be and the engaged head of the Leaf's strongest clan?"

He turned then, arms crossing, his body slightly hunched as he took a sharp step away. "Put your shirt on," he said stiffly.

I flinched. I'd offended him, gravely. "I'm sorry – I wasn't thinking–,"

"Just – cover yourself," he insisted, quietly, a hand to his mouth. "I can't handle this, Hinata. I can't be around you and want you this much, so much it hurts!"

I'd gladly slipped my shirt on, but paused as his words moistened my eyes. "You… You do still feel something?" I asked after a minute, standing behind him and resting tentative hands on his sides.

"You think I felt nothing?" he said, and surrendered a chuckle, however small. "Here."

The hand that took mine was loose, making it clear I could pull away at any time, and gave me time to realize just what he was getting at as he guided my hand around to his front. I gazed determinedly into his toned back, my face sharply reheating at the touch. I heard his intake of breath.

"O-oh," I said, as my hand lingered a moment and slipped back again. "I-I'm – sorry. I'm sorry I led you on…"

"Forget it. I shouldn't have done some things, either. I wanted to scare you to show you just how bad that 'idea' was, but I got angry, a-and I… indulged myself, more than I meant. But I sure as hell can't do anything with someone who won't ask me to stop if we need to."

"Soragakure's code…?"

He nodded slowly. "Above all else, the way is about mutual respect – not judgment. It might encourage certain principles, but an equally important aspect would maintain that as long as it's consensual and safe, no one outside the two of us ought to judge what happens between us. Under this code, there's no way I could do something as degrading to both of us as taking you up on that offer, much less while there's alcohol in your system."

While he still hadn't faced me, a hand rubbed his neck. "Still, what's typical in Sora and Yama no Kuni is that after a love has proven enduring and stood a test of time – that's when people get married, and do whatever the heck they both want to do together. But to make one thing clear – it's not because of something like that that I'm upset I can't marry you. I'm not one bit angry that I spent time in a relationship with you now that it suddenly won't lead to 'this-or-that.' That'd be saying my time with you up to now was wasted. It wasn't. Even if I could've saved myself some of the pain I'm in now, it wasn't…"

I rested my head over his shoulder, softly attentive. "I think I realized it," I murmured, "that something else was really hurting you." But I didn't have a way to fix it, so all I did was cheapen our feelings by offering a superficial solution… "Please… if I'm not too late… talk to me?"

The shoulder beneath my chin was shaking. "D'you… know what it was like, that day of the battle? I went through hell. I killed – so many, while the world around me might as well have been going up in flames. It was chaos; I could barely make sense of it. I saw Jiraiya's neck get busted right in front of me, when he jumped to protect me. I almost died so many times – Lee, Sasuke, and Gaara too. I saw Lee die – I couldn't do anything, while he died! – and then he came back! And I just kept going. I decided I wasn't a kid anymore, and I kept going."

Quiet sobs were shaking his strong form, shaking his confiding voice.

"I'll never know what the others used, but me? I thought of you, trusting us to do our part, and I kept my head up. I thought of all the days we'd survived, and how when night came around the battle would be over and I'd be lying down safe beside you, and strength boiled over inside me. Did Lee tell you about the fight with Shodai-sama? I used the Terminal Kick, that I'd only ever theorized before. And while I was falling, terrified of failing – of just crashing myself into the ground and dying and losing the war for us – I thought of you, and how I had to succeed, and I did! I did incredible things, I risked everything and won it all, because I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to return to you…!

"But then," he continued, "Then. I had to watch you fight that creep and let him nearly destroy you! Did you think of how it felt, to watch you fight that monster?"

"I couldn't have thought about it then," I said apologetically, as I embraced him, "or it would have stopped me in my tracks. So instead I thought about you yourself, and you, believing in me, and I was able to fight for a path in which I could live. I thought of your smile like the sun after a dark night, and your soft greenery scent; I thought of laying my head on your chest with your warm arms around me, and I knew I could not die. I found more strength than I ever knew before… So when I proposed to him, I deprived us both of something, didn't I?"

His hands rested on mine. "And I think what hurt was that the part of each other that we need was jeopardized. I might have come to want you in this or that way, but the way I need you is different. The bond, the trust, the companionship we enjoyed – that's what got shaken, down to its core."

My arms tightened gently, insistent, as I shook my head. "It's true that I just wanted to be done fighting – to go back to you with everything okay. And I couldn't… I couldn't, but that doesn't mean I won't. Now that I won the fight for a path in which I could live, I'll fight for a path in which I can live with you. I didn't see this fight coming… but I'll fight it all the same. In a way, without adversity I would never have thrived; a new roadblock… it just means I'm not done growing stronger. But I was a fool; like you said, I tried to go it alone while my strength was running low. I didn't want to come to you until I had something to show for my efforts, until I could be confident I could tell you everything would be right again. Of course I fell short; I didn't have the strength to keep going, and I couldn't grow any stronger…"

He was contemplative as he turned toward me. "Stronger… we make each other stronger, don't we? When I was nobody, alone, a failure with nothing but guts and a big mouth, you were inspired by me and showed me what I'd been so desperately telling myself – I was worth something. Knowing someone else thought that about me was the greatest thing! So we inspired each other and made each other stronger, all this time, Hinata…!" A true smile. "Even surviving all this time – if it's surviving life or death battles that brought us such strength so quickly, it's still only by sticking together and looking out for each other that we survived."

My eyes watered with soft happiness as I draped my arms over his shoulders. "I always wanted to be like you – you, who always seemed to know the path you wanted to follow. You, who never lost to despair. That smile that saved me so long ago – that's a part of you that I need, Naruto. So is being able to walk alongside you… So is the way you somehow never fail to remind me how human I am… And so is simply being able to say your name lovingly, Naruto." I laughed as he returned the embrace. "Naruto, Naruto…"

He chuckled. "Do you find it as fulfilling as I do, then, to hear one's deepest feelings poured into your name in return? Hinata…"

I felt a thrill, and held him tight. How I had missed the Naruto I fell in love with… "Again, Naruto?"

"Hinata…" He kissed my cheek, indulgent. "Hinata, Hinata…"

"Oh…" I found his lips with mine, and ran my fingers through his hair as we bared and conveyed our emotions in much a different way. My eyes fluttered open as we parted but an inch. "Naruto," I breathed. "I appreciate them now – these ways that I need you. I was a fool to block them out, and I'm sorry I hurt you. But…" I blushed, looking aside before meeting his eyes sincerely. "There are ways that I want you, too. I-intensely…"

"Hinata…"

"I – just want to be honest, from now on. And I want to tell you that I've never once wanted Neji in such a way, nor does he want me. All I want is for him to live. But I have no intention of actually marrying him," I insisted, a hand over my heart. "All the work I've been doing with the Hyuuga will feed into this goal as well. If they support me, then when a time comes to 'break up' with Neji down the line, the rest of the Main should continue to heed my will that he goes unharmed. So I won't marry him. Much less… y-you know. I promise I'll fix this. It'll just take some time."

"I believe you," he said, "I'll help you, if I can. And I'll wait for you, without fail. I know better than anyone how much your promise is worth." He blushed lightly, smirking as a shy twinkle came to his eye. "And it's flattering to know you want me, too, I guess."

"You say that like it's surprising," I said, fingertips tracing the smooth whisker markings on his cheek.

"Ee," he whined, pouting. "Do you know what being around Lee all the time does to a guy's self-esteem?"

"Baka," I laughed under my breath, and nuzzled his cheek with my nose. "You're perfect."

"If I'm perfect, what's he?" he said sarcastically. "Godly? You've seen him shirtless plenty of times."

"Hmm…" I purred as we rocked side to side in each other's arms. "Not you," I answered sleekly, pecking his nose. "That's what he is. My 'perfect' is just for you."

He sniggered, beaming. "I see. But I wonder… if you want me as 'intensely' as I want you."

"Stop it, you," I said affectionately, tail still swaying side to side as we stopped rocking. "I won't ask you to break from your code for me."

"Hinata… I guess I never did explain it all, did I? The code itself has never been about restricting pleasure. It encourages those who adopt it to resist temptation to test the strength of a bond – to see if there's really love there. The idea's that someone who's not in a big hurry and knows they won't benefit from rushing isn't going to pursue a relationship with someone they don't really care for."

I puzzled it out for a moment, curious. "Then, the purpose of such a code would be…" My brow knitted. He smiled.

"To live without the regret of creating a life unintentionally, or worse, a life that can't be properly cared for. Certain things need to happen only when both parties are ready for it, y'know?" he said, patting my head pleasantly as a blush crept onto my cheeks.

"It's sensible," I said, and looked up as he pulled away. I watched as he opened a nearby door – a bathroom – and knelt by a cabinet.

"But the thing about codes – none are perfect, so they say as much when they teach it. There are exceptions; people will do what they do. In a large enough group, some are bound to, whatever the rules or teachings." His hand withdrew from the cabinet, and he stood. "That's why, once Sora youths reach a certain stage, they're expected to keep some of these," he said, holding up what he'd retrieved.

I realized in a moment what the packet was, and I gulped. He slipped it into his pocket, rather than put it away and erase the apparent possibility. In me something stirred, in places unmentionable. "N-Naruto-kun…"

"There's no rush," he reaffirmed clearly. His hands met my shoulders. "A moral code is an aid, a man-made attempt to help us discern what's right. But nothing in this world could be more right than the two of us. That's what I feel. So I know that we'll really be together, someday."

I stepped into him, hands resting on his chest. The kiss we fell into was passionate, longing and consuming, every sweet, fleeting second of it a moment stolen from harsh fate. Only he and I existed for the duration, a time that slipped by and escaped us like the tumbling of too few grains of sand, but still the act was warm. It was light.

We broke, gasping. For an intimate moment I peered into his eyes, as those bright indigo orbs delved into mine, charging the air between us.

"H-Hinata…" he panted. "Do you…?"

"I do. I – want to. Do you?"

"I do." His brow furrowed. "But…"

I winced as the hands almost crushing me to him peeled themselves from my back. "'But'…?"

"The alcohol. You seem sober, but…"

"I'm han'you. The longest I could possibly take to sober, even if I tried my hardest to stop my body from breaking an intoxicant down, is about a half hour. Your sense of time's sharper than mine. How long would you say since I took my last sip, if it was just outside your place?"

"Eighteen minutes at least," he said.

We blinked at each other.

"…For the record, I'm pretty sure I'm almost sober."

"Let's give it fifteen minutes."

"Why not twelve?"

He smirked endearingly, leaning against the wall. "I'll feel better with fifteen," he said, sliding to the floor and patting the spot beside him.

Naruto ナルト

It was only natural that while we waited, we talked – caught up. Though I did most of the listening, I didn't mind hearing about the things on her plate. Better she was pouring her worries into my ears, than trying to drown them in a bottle of the hardest sake she could find. I was happy to listen, and she was grateful for the outlet.

"…so I have to teach him to hunt separately from the rest," she went on, "or they start harassing him." She sighed. "But this one fellow, as pure a Hyuuga as they come – he wants the Blood Seal, even knowing it could twist his mind."

"For the power, you reckon?"

She shook her head. "Hyuuga Hitode – his mother and sister were the first two I struck down on the full moon in Gunromachi. He wants to know the curse as they did, to feel as they felt, and master it where they failed to."

"So he's angry with you… but his heart could be in a good place after all."

"Yes… But I've urged him to think it through carefully. It won't be a reversible change. He doesn't care – he wants the bite, from anyone. For now, though, I've forbidden the cursed ones from transmitting the seal. Barring emergencies…"

"Such as…?"

"…I might have saved my father's life with a single bite, if I'd thought of it sooner." She lowered her head; the arms around her folded-up knees held tighter for a moment. "However slim the chances of a situation like that arising, if a time comes that the only way for a cursed Hyuuga to save a pure one is with the bite, they needn't hesitate." She sighed. "I will probably need to come up with some procedure or protocol by which those who want the seal can apply to be given it, but I hope to reserve the right to be the donor. This thing needs to be contained, and spread when it is with discretion."

"Seems like a plan's shaping up, at least," I noted.

"If only everything worked so smoothly," she groaned.

"Oh?"

"Neji, of course. I don't know how to deal with him."

I bristled. "He's not actually giving you a hard time, is he? I swear–,"

"Not like that," she clarified quickly. "He's very grateful, and his allegiance to me is absolute. I meant it when I said he's a changed man. But… he's a broken man. He's terrified of his power. He envisions fulfilment only in serving me unquestioningly, but I only want him to be free, or as free as he can be."

"The village doesn't trust him to be 'free.' Shouldn't his wish work perfectly?"

"But having him follow my every word without thought or question – that can't be the answer. That's his easy way out."

I studied her stubborn look. "Safer, perhaps," I noted, "but it won't get him anywhere."

"Is that why I…?" she trailed off, moisture glistening at the edges of her eyes. "I felt despair out of a sense of hopelessness. I felt terror that if he were too broken to move forward, I couldn't fix any of this after all."

I eyed her. "You're a curious pair…"

"Huh?"

"I think… it was some vibe I picked up on when you two fought – a sort of complex, between one who championed destruction and one who fought for salvation. That guy subconsciously sought his own death whilst seeking your demise, but must've realized you couldn't be destroyed by force, y'know. So he probably counted on your killing him being the thing to destroy you…" I saw her eyes on me, amazed. "I… thought this through after I considered killing him," I blurted out. "And I decided I wouldn't do it, even if his death at the hands of another might free you from this bound fate."

"How…" she began softly. "How did you decide as you did?"

I rubbed my neck. "I'm stubborn, too, y'know. When I recognized that guy's drive, as an agent of mutual destruction, I understood one thing. If you or someone you love kills him, Hyuuga Neji wins."

She raised a brow. "Hyuuga Neji is not even his name any longer," she pointed out nonetheless.

"Exactly," I returned, lifting a pointer finger. "You might say he can't win a thing when that Neji is no more, but that's not true. The fiend he was still haunts you, doesn't it? The things he's done, the sins you've pardoned. And if you kill him now, you destroy yourself – and everything Hyuuga Neji stood for will win!"

She studied me. "…You know. Somehow, you know that I almost…?"

"I could guess," I said, shrugging. "My mind was in a similar place one time, after all… So that's why you ran off?"

She nodded. "I was panicked – that everything was for naught. That I really wouldn't be able to fix this."

"You've got some time, though, right? That's what you said…"

A hand rubbed her temples. "Four years. Since I'm younger, they expect us to wed the day I reach our clan's marrying age. At such a time, we would be expected to… consummate the marriage."

I made a sound. "I'm still surprised your clan approved this whole deal."

"It's the way they think. Neji and I both are powerful in our own ways. So they weight the risks against the potential, and find the prospect of breeding Neji's genius into the Main only too tempting…" Her look was coolly contemplative. "But he and I are in agreement that it's not getting to that point."

"Reassuring," I scoffed lightly.

She smirked softly, eyes trained on the floor. "We need to make Neji into an asset for the clan, in more than his power and genes alone. And I think… I think I've thought of a way to do it."

I rubbed her shoulder, soothing. "And if the idea fails?" I said, other hand brushing her bangs. "If it doesn't seem to be working out, will you be depressed again?"

"If it doesn't work…" She paused. "I can't run away again. I have a responsibility to the people I lead, so I can't go binge drinking every time I'm upset."

"It's unhealthy, anyways," I pointed out idly, still slowly, rhythmically stroking her bangs. "Han'you or not."

Her hand brushed my arm, though she still did not face me. "But… if things aren't working out, could I… come to you, again?"

"I'd like that," I said. "Far better than you locking it all away. Come and talk to me."

"I'm sorry – I know you'll be very busy, as Hokage…"

She trailed off as I brought my lips to her cheek. "You can come to me anytime – not just when things are bleak."

When my lips met her parting lips, she shivered and returned the kiss, a hand slipping against my side. We remained still for a moment, relishing in the contact, before I gave one more press, gently, and broke the kiss.

"It's been fifteen minutes, y'know."

Her hand caressed my cheek as she gazed into my eyes, her forehead warm against mine. "There's no clock in here… your internal clock?"

"You know me. It's sound."

"You were counting the seconds?"

"For you…" I kissed her again. "Hinata… Do you still want this?"

"I want you," she said, stroking my side as she initiated the next kiss, tasted my lips before we parted. "More than anything…"

"But are you sure you want this?"

"Yes. Uzumaki Naruto, I love you…"

My hand ran through her hair, as her voice lightened my heart. "I know…" I persisted, "I know it as well as I know that I love you, so don't do this to prove something like that to me. Do it because you want to."

"Oh, but how I want to…" she murmured, the breathy words hot against my neck as she embraced me. "Do you still want to?"

In response I kissed her, the most intense yet. And as our lips came together, and our tongues welcomed each other in turn, I felt just a little more was right with the world. I felt her climbing onto me, and I slipped onto my back as we continued our exchange. "Yes," I finally whispered, smiling up at her as we parted. I chuckled in spite of myself. "We're young. We won't even know what we're doing…"

"Let's do what feels right," she said, purring softly as my hands began to roam in a way that she evidently found agreeable. "Let's find out, together."

On that, I happily concurred.

We were young, yes, but we had seen too many things, ended too many lives, suffered too many agonies. This we would afford ourselves: a single, simple night of indulgence. A single night to forget our woes, to forget everything but each other.

We would face the pain again, in the morning.

Thirty-One, Part Three: Daybreak

Lee リー

I left training ground 44 at a walk, flexing a calloused hand before clenching it strongly. Three days and nights out in the wilds may have been a bit much, considering that I once again had a home and warm bed to return to. In any case, for this morning I would want a shower in my home rather than a rinse in some murky creek.

I looked to the sky, reflective. I am still young – still growing. But even so, with this strength, could I hope to protect my friends from someone as powerful as Shodai-sama? Or would we need to be saved again? I will do what I can, to ensure that if such shinobi exist, and should ever threaten our village – this world – I can fight them.

The Founder's smile filled my mind's eye. I grinned.

Simply growing older will make me stronger? Then I am all the more happy I survived. And I will keep working, and growing truly strong for this village.

It was as I was heading out from my house, freshly showered and groomed, that I saw her walking – toward Hyuuga grounds, by the look of it. I brightened. "H–Hinata-san!" I called, not sure why I faltered.

She gave a small jump, but soon smiled back as she saw me waving. "Lee-kun! How are you?"

"I am doing well! And you?"

Was I imagining her blush? And I realized what had been off, minor as it was; her hair, usually a bit scruffy, looked as if it had received extra attention to neaten up. But she was lively, almost cheerful as she answered that she was well. Curious or not, she was in better spirits than the anxious soul I had seen when I visited her at the Hyuuga house some time ago. For this, I was glad.

She said she had to get back to her clan now. I nodded, and watched her go on her way.

The direction she came from… I wondered, turning.

I stood there a moment, and continued on my way, hands in my pockets as a winter breeze blew. While the Hyuuga believe you to be smitten with Neji, no less…

You and Naruto-kun… Nothing can come between you, after all. If you have reconciled… if you could survive this, you can probably survive anything. That means… you truly must be meant for each other. Yokatta…

Stopping on the bridge, overlooking the calm, glistening river beneath it, I adjusted my scarf so that it came to just below my nose. I remembered encountering Neji a day I had gone to check on Hinata, when she had lain comatose. I had been cold.

–"Lee… I've done so many things wrong. I know I shouldn't be standing here now. I don't know wh-what to…"

"Hinata-san will not allow you to die. I recommend that you do all that you can, and suffer. Tenten is dealing with her regrets; so can you."

"Tenten…?"–

He had fallen to his knees, and sobbed. I had left him that way. But he played his part in the act, and as such remained alive, by virtue of his engagement to the clan head. I was happy, admittedly, to be able to train and work, without being a part of all their excitement.

Naruto-kun… Neji…

And…

I watched a stray leaf lilt down the cold river. I chuckled halfheartedly.

In the end… I never could muster up the courage to come forward and tell you. Alas, your heart has long rested with another, and at that…

At that, you are now betrothed to another still.

The last thing you need is for me to add to your confusion, so because I… I gripped the scarf at my chest. …Because of this, I won't. It was not meant to be… so the best I can do is to stand by you as your friend, and wish the lot of you the best of luck getting this straightened out. Find your strength, and find happiness – your freedom.

For now, there is one who needs me. There is someone I can do more for.

I opened my eyes on the river, and spotted the drifting leaf, now distant. It had been joined by another.

At a warm touch to my shoulder, I smiled softly and turned my head.

"Hey, you," she chirped in greeting as I straightened.

Tenten wore a soft blue sweater, scarf, and hat. My expression warmed. "Good afternoon."

She smirked up at me, a spark flickering past the haunted look that resided deep in her brown eyes. She tilted her head. "What's up?"

I wrapped her up in a great, big hug, and answered "Nothing" through my smile. In a moment she gave a soft laugh, and returned the embrace with a contented murmur, nestling into my warmth. "'Nothing,' huh…?"

It was several still moments before we separated; her hand slipped into mine.

"Where would you like to go?" I asked as we walked.

"Anywhere you'd like," she said. "I picked last week, remember?"

"Right," I said, pinching my chin in thought. "Let us see…"

"Oh! But could you tell me about more of your daring adventures?" she asked, winking and giving a thumbs up – an imitation. "About a handsome green beast traveling the world as a champion of justice?"

A hearty laugh rumbled from my chest. "Stop – I almost lost my way more than once. At one point I nearly lost sight of who I was, why I was even fighting. While I was searching for opponents, I ended up in the Land of Iron. That is where I met the samurai, whom I had only heard stories about before…"

However we stumble, we keep moving forward; this is what the journey has taught us, and the manner in which we live. Though I now go my own way… I know you will always hold a special place in my heart, Hinata-san.

Neji ネジ

"You've returned!" I said, my step brisk. I was worried…

As I reached her, my cousin threw her arms gently around me – for any paying attention. I sniffed.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry. How are your wounds?"

"I'll live," I said, as she pulled away to study me, hands slipping into mine. "Where were you? Are you… all right? When you left, I mean…"

She shook her head, managing a smile. "Don't worry; I'm fine now. For now, could you come with me?"

"Of course…"

Hinata ヒナタ

He followed ten paces behind me. In a few minutes, away from observing eyes, I stopped on another walkway; we were outside the library. I turned, and he waited, regarding me attentively.

"I… took everything from you," I said, walking toward him where he'd stopped. "Your power, as the strongest Hyuuga. Your Byakugan. Your followers. Your love. Your hatred. And yet you resolve to follow me…" He held my eyes as I stopped before him. "What is it inside you that impels you to loyalty?"

He thought only for a moment. "That would be…" he paused. "You brought me down low… but you're the only one who can build me up again. The only one I can trust to. That's what I believe."

"So you would lay your fate in my hands? Your fate, that you once thought governed by cruel gods?"

"You saved my life from the Hyuuga; you saved my soul from Orochimaru. You have every right. I ask you again, Hinata. Please, guide me."

"Neji…"

"I mean it – my life and my strength are yours alone to command as you see fit. This I pledge. If you ask me to kill, I will do so. If you ask me to die, I will regret only that I cut short my service to you. I will be your sword and your shield, as you require."

It was what had struck me, and troubled me before – the complete lack of self-purpose. "Do you envision fulfilment solely in obedience to me? What if I only wanted you to be free?"

"That cannot be," he persisted, adamant. "When I acted independently, I nearly destroyed everything I loved." He looked down. "I don't know if I still 'love,' per se… but I feel respect for these things, and I want to preserve them. Please… tell me what to do."

I crossed my arms, shutting my eyes a moment. "If there's no convincing you otherwise… are you truly prepared to be put to any challenge or use I fancy?"

"I am."

"Very well. Gedou Neji, I offer you this assignment. You will continue to oversee the library and clan archives, and serve as administrator and curator for these resources. To better meet the qualifications of such a role, you will further your expertise and expand your knowledge by serving as clan historian. Your first project to this end will be to use the resources at your disposal to draft the most thorough, unbiased, and complete account of the clan's history as you are able to. Do you find these tasks agreeable?"

His arms engulfed me in a hug, his long body hunched so that his chin could sit on my shoulder. "Y-yes," he whimpered, tears escaping his closed eye. He kissed my forehead. "I'll do it. I won't let you down, Hinata. Thank you…"

I patted his back, pleasantly surprised, as he shook against me. Then I'll regret nothing… "It's strange – I always feared an uncertain future, and wanted to cling childishly to the superficial peace of the past; you wanted to eschew your old chains, along with your youth and helplessness, and plow ahead into a broader future. But we've grown since we were small. The past and future we're concerned with now reach further, through a greater scope of history and our potential to guide it, than we ever would have imagined. Together… we can seek and determine the right course in the present. But your knowledge is the best shot we have."

His face as we separated was teary and bright. Here was a job only he could do, and here before me was the passion to undertake it, to strive, to grow, to produce. I had in that moment no doubt in my heart that he would make himself someone to be valued – and with luck, in time, he would realize this value for himself.

He knelt, bowing his head. I spoke up.

"Gedou Neji, Prince of Fiends. I hereby appoint you first official historian of the Hyuuga Clan, and curator of clan archives. You will carry out your duties with the diligence and pride befitting of a man in whom I'd place my faith."

"Hai. It shall be my honor."

I smiled.

Hanabi ハナビ

The sun was high overhead when he flagged me down as I was leaving the shrine. I crossed my arms and leaned against a pillar, waiting expectantly; when he bowed, I almost did a double take.

"I never formally apologized," Neji said sincerely, looking up. "For… the pain my actions put you through. I thought I should do this first. I'm sorry, Hanabi."

I frowned. He seemed… different, in some way. Remorseful, but not a broken, fragmented soul. He was becoming one who knew what he needed to do.

"I – I can't make it up to you," he said to my silence. "I can't give back what I've taken. But I can stand by you." He straightened, green eye earnest. "In a perfect world, Hyuuga Neji might have come to love and protect your family of his own accord."

He paused, averting his gaze. "Obviously, this is not the life we live. But Father protected Hiashi, who then died to protect Hinata, so I will protect her. And without Father's sacrifice, Hyuuga Hanabi would not have been born," he said, gesturing to me. "Your life – your feats – will be the proof that Hiashi did something with the time Hizashi gave him, the proof that Hizashi's sacrifice was worthwhile. So I will protect you, as well. I will see you live and thrive, that you become great."

"You've come to terms with some things, then…" My brow wrinkled. "Put that way, I need to try my hardest too, of course; it pained Chichi-ue in those last moments to think he'd wasted his brother's sacrifice. By leading this clan into a brighter future, and by succeeding where he felt he'd failed, we'll prove it was not so. He did all right, leaving it to Nee-chan and me… That's what I want him to be able to think."

He nodded, moving to rest against the wall. "So – I've researched what you asked about. I compiled notes if you'd care to see them, but as far as I can tell from our archives, I would confirm that never in the line of Seers has there been one afforded the power to look into the past."

"Do you still feel the same about what you said?"

"That the Hyuuga's near-destruction stemmed largely from lack of knowledge – knowledge destroyed, suppressed, or intentionally twisted? Yes…" He was contemplative. "Too much of our past has been buried; I've realized this time and time again, comparing those visions to the archives, groping for truth and struggling to amend them. But a chance to rectify the loss is being offered."

"So you think I embody some… some gift from Fate?"

"It matters not how we explain it – a chance to patch up gaps in our history is at hand, at the dawn of a most opportune era for such an anomaly. There's no estimating how many generations may pass us by before such an opportunity arises again."

I eyed him, considering. "What would you suggest?"

He returned my look. "Allow me to be your ally. Enlist me to transcribe your visions, and I shall be indebted to you."

"Indebted? It's for the good of the whole clan, right? You don't have to act so meek." I paused. "Even I know a Seer rarely takes so active a role in the clan."

"Share the future at your own discretion," he said quickly. "I would not have it any other way. But it is time our past be returned to the Hyuuga, the right of any to see. Given that, the people can build their own wisdom as well."

He looked skyward, watching a bird perched on the eaves. "A new age is upon us – a better sort than that which Orochimaru envisioned. The Hyuuga Clan will protect its power, as always; Hinata's strength, and the manner in which she carries it, goes an extraordinary way to this end.

"But there is more to power than that; strength is meaningless without purpose. This is why the clan doesn't need our strength, necessarily. That purpose, born through knowledge and wisdom as we live out our lives in this world around us – this is what you and I can offer, even if I must only serve you two from the background. But we will move this clan forward. What do you say?"

"I say you're downright loony," I scoffed, smirking. "But still… Onee-chan's strength and will, my potential wisdom, and your knowledge, huh? It sounds like a place to start. I don't doubt that – even with you in the mix – the combination of these things can move us in a good direction."

I'd begun walking away from him. "…One more question," I said, looking back. "I understand why you'd bow to my sister; after all she's put up with to save you, then to bail you out, I wouldn't be shocked if you kissed the ground at her feet. But what have I done yet, to earn your bowing to me?"

He quirked an eyebrow, though his face was somber. "I bow to you, Lady Hanabi – the just leader to whom Hiyuki bowed. I bow to you, whom she loved and followed of her own accord, for all the times she was made to bow to me, in ignorance."

I turned.

"…Fine. I accept your loyalty, Gedou. When I see the past, I'll come find you."

"Arigatou."

Hinata ヒナタ

The night soon arrived that the moon rose full.

I had trusted Neji to Kurogiba's care this time around, and sent them far across the forest – far enough not to come across my group, near enough for Kurogiba to contact me if required.

I stayed with the dozens of my pack, and led them deep within the bosom of the woods. As humans we ran, whether on our two legs or on all fours; we reached a lake, watered, and congregated on the shore. They grew increasingly restless as night fell. Words grew sparse, replaced by grunts. Some wrestled and scrapped, snarled and paced, climbed trees, leapt, scuffed earth and bark with their sharp claws.

The moment hit – all of us, at once. I let my change overtake me, still jarring but sure and smooth, and completed the shift with a strong lead over anyone else.

Stretching my Soul Link to them all was like being shackled, hands tied behind my back, and flung – rapidly immersed in a sea of thick and viscous chaos and struggling to stay afloat. I gasped, heart thundering with the bestial roar in my veins as I fought them.

But these countless shackles – they were bonds, but could not bind to restrict me. They became as reins that I seized with an indomitable claw, as I flung out my arms, threw back my head, and unleashed a glorious howl into the night. My triumph was their triumph; as they completed their changes, wild without being mad, they joined me in rejoice, and we greeted the fresh night with a proclamation of our freedom.

Neji ネジ

"How do you feel, mongrel?"

I laughed without cheer at his question, gazing into the pale, sunlit sky. "…Tired," I said at last, "but good. Good…"

Weakly I brushed the back of a lethargic hand across my lips, grunting as I lifted it enough to see it smudged with red and… was that a bit of fur? I shut my eyes. My belly was pleasantly full, but the manner in which I had filled it… I groaned.

I am Gedou Neji, Prince of Fiends, former apprentice of the tyrant Orochimaru, newly appointed records master and archivist, and first official historian of the Hyuuga Clan. I was born Hyuuga, but I am without Byakugan. I am the loveless betrothed of the head of the clan that has somewhat outcast me – the cousin who salvaged my life and soul. I bear a terribly powerful curse, and am presently sprawled flat on my back, hands and mouth dyed in the blood of the creatures I've devoured in the course of the night.

I groaned again.

"Lord Kurogiba?"

"Hm?"

"If ever I should have a son – not with your good summoner, I assure you – I believe I shall name him Kugi."

A guffawed snort. "All the better to be hammered down?"

I very slightly shook my head 'no.'

"Better a nail than a screw. I should name him Kugi, that he follows a path straight and true."

Hinata ヒナタ

It was a strange thing – being able to tell, from afar, when another wept.

He wished he could have run with the pack, but for him, that would probably remain forever impossible.

The air in my immediate vicinity, by contrast, was almost jovial, teeming with thrill, satisfaction, and the buzz of achievement and success. Even those who had been the most hesitant seemed at the very least hopeful, as they washed at the stream; as people possessing Byakugan, communal – and mixed – bathing was no event for discomfort. Some who had finished – children, teens – played and splashed boisterously in another area in and around the water. Marveling at their own abundant energy, they chased each other and dared to laugh and shout as loudly as they pleased.

I did not rush anyone to hasten our return to the estate. They had done excellently, and the bit of relaxation was well-earned. Still I lay on a flat stone to bathe in the sun, physically energized but mentally fatigued from helping to center the cursed ones' minds throughout the night.

I propped myself up at sounds of laughter nearby. A teenage boy jostled another as they scampered by; they slowed their sloshing steps.

"I was awesome – I even got to help them fell that great big elk! But you turned into a frothing beast the second you Changed, didn't you?"

"D-did not!" the other protested, flustered.

"So what if you did?"

"Huh? Hinata-nee-sama?"

I swung my legs over the edge of the large rock, slipping to the water's surface beside them. I watched ripples expand from beneath my soles. "You know what happened to me the first time I made the Change? I lost all sense and wreaked a trail of needless destruction through a forest. A couple full moons later, I went completely berserk in a battle and lost myself to the point that I accidentally bared my claws at my friends."

"No way – you did?"

Having walked past them, I paused to stretch. "Do not shame your brother," I cautioned gently. "Control will come in time, but it will come. For now, it's outstanding that such a large group of novices was able to coordinate itself through a productive night… and now each one of you has gained invaluable experience. You've progressed immensely already."

They followed me as I walked toward where most of the others had finished cleaning up. "Let us return to the rest of our brethren soon," I called, "holding our heads high, as wolves who return to our humanity victoriously. And I will send word to the village that its strongest clan has completed its rehabilitation, and stands ready at long last!"

I was met with many a valorous shout, and smiled.

Naruto ナルト

"The road ahead of us is a long one. To rebuild this place, a better village than the one who called himself Fifth created, will not be easy. But we will walk this road together, and raise our village up again, both kinder and stronger than before! We face this path with the courage to stand and move forward together!"

Shikamaru smirked coolly at my right hand side, arms folded behind his back. Kakashi and Anko were near him. At my left, Tsunade stood beside Jiraiya in his chair; the advisors Koharu and Homura were also with us on the rooftop. But my gaze was occupied as I spoke by the thousands gathered below.

Everyone's paying attention… everyone's looking at me.

It's almost uncomfortable… but it's even more exciting, because I don't wanna let them down!

I drew the honored hat from my head, sweeping my free hand out with fingers splayed. "From this day forward, I, Uzumaki Naruto, swear to protect Konohagakure no Sato as the Sixth Hokage!"

The cheer that arose at this declaration charged the blood in my veins, shaking and enlivening my heart. The elders had told me I didn't need to bother with a speech – that I was valuable not as a leader, but as an well-known image that would comfort the public. But I had no intention of slacking off, when this many people expected a true Hokage out of me. I waited for the applause to fade before I continued.

"Know that my dream does not cease here! When I was younger, I said I wanted to be the greatest of all the Hokage, but now I understand why. To be strong enough to protect everyone's dreams – to rule justly and honorably, to defend the weak, and to guide this village I've come to truly love down the right path – that is my dream! I know I'm young, and inexperienced. I still have a ton of learning and growing to do, as a leader, as a shinobi, and as a man! I can't do this alone, so I ask you this: will you lend me your strength?!"

A pale hand rose from one in the crowd, a woman in fine clothes at the head of the vast line of her people, her grandfather at her side. Hinata raised her head high, pride in her eyes as she gave me a fanged grin. "The Hyuuga Clan's strength is Rokudaime-sama's strength!"

A ways off, another hand rose; the man who spoke stood with Konohamaru and Asuma at his sides, and a sizeable group at his back. "Sarutobi's great strength is Rokudaime-sama's strength!"

Three hands rose; Inoichi-san, Shikaku-san, and Chouza-san stood together before their clansmen. "This we pledge!" Inoichi boomed. "The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans' combined strength is Rokudaime-sama's strength!"

Tsume-san slung an arm around her son's shoulders, nearly pulling him off his feet as she raised her other clawed hand. Kiba's sister, along with several of the other wild-looking shinobi and their canine companions, withheld chuckles as the woman spoke. "The Inuzuka's strength, to Lord Rokudaime!"

A man whose eyes were unreadable behind dark glasses– "The Aburame entrust their strength to Rokudaime-sama, to be wielded as his own…"

The clans' declarations of loyalty went on; I faced and accepted each humbly, with deeply genuine appreciation and the gratitude well-deserved by pledges that they might lay down their lives for this place, at my command. While of course their allegiance was already a given, and official in writing, this portion of the inaugural ceremony was as if the seal on a pact of unity with a sole leader and village. When all clans great and small had been spoken for, my request was repeated of the remainder of the Leaf shinobi; when Lee raised his hand here, among hundreds of others, his solid shout of affirmation remained distinct in its power.

At last went the witnesses from other Godaikoku villages who had chosen to make an appearance, and personally extend their alliances to me – to the now-united Leaf, and all I now represented. Among the diplomats were the soon-to-be Kazekage, if there was anything to the rumors, along with his two older siblings; it was the raccoon-eyed youth who voiced his village's position in a clear, calm tone.

"The Sand happily resumes its alliance with the Leaf!"

At the end of it all, the daimyo of Fire made the declaration, absolute. "The Land of Fire acknowledges the shinobi Uzumaki Naruto as Sixth Hokage, and the representative tasked with maintaining and commanding the might of this village for the security and prosperity of our land."

I once more donned the dull red hat of the Fire Shadow, bowing slightly at the waist.

And so it was that I became Hokage.

Lee リー

"…And that's when Lee, all glowing white and totally cool-looking, shouts 'Tender Hands Great White Slice!'–or something, and swings, and whoosh! He lets loose this unbelievable attack! The First couldn't even do anything against the power he shot at him. It leveled everything in front of Lee for hundreds of yards easily, turning it all to dirt."

"W-wow," Hinata-san remarked of Naruto-kun's recounting. Her hand darted into the river beneath her feet with a splash, withdrawing with a flailing fish that she pitched my way. I opened the bag I held, catching it.

"It was not enough," I reminded. "Orochimaru's chakra held Shodai-sama together long enough for him to throw a final attack. But that is when our masked friend arrived…"

"The one Sasuke-san was so hung up on?" Hinata asked, looking my way as Naruto flung another flopping fish at me. I hopped to catch it, and slipped it into the sack.

"The very same," I said.

Hinata made a contemplative sound. "…However briefly, I still can't believe you literally died."

"Nothing to worry about there," Naruto laughed. "Bushy Brow scared the crap out of me, y'know! But I shoulda' known our Lee's too tough to die when he's killed."

"Y-you're sure you're all right?" Hinata inquired, as if I might burst into thin air.

"I have been on a handful of missions already in the past month, no worse for wear," I pointed out, thumping a hand on my chest – and jumping with a laugh as Naruto nailed me with a fish, which I bagged all the same.

"You start an A-rank tomorrow, don't you?" he asked.

"Another one?" Hinata gasped.

"That I do. I am staying sharp, that is for sure!"

It was with light nostalgia that we soon roasted our catch on a campfire, and dug in together. A content Hinata was quietly picking her sharp teeth with a bone when Naruto spoke.

"Something Shodai-sama said has been bothering me, y'know," he said with a soft smile. "The two Hokage we fought weren't reanimated at full strength, apparently, but they were incredible. We barely slipped by, and in the end, it took someone else's help to finish the job…"

"Lord First was a legend among shinobi," I pointed out, though I could sympathize with his thoughts.

"So?" Naruto said. "We've only gotten a glimpse of how powerful shinobi can be. What if there are other enemies out there, who're more than we can handle now?" He clenched his fist. "My dream is to be the greatest Hokage, and to achieve it I'll grow much, much stronger! Just wait – the great saga of Uzumaki Naruto is only just beginning!"

"If such enemies are out there," Hinata noted, a resolute spark lighting the white eyes above her smile, "don't forget that we'll be here to fight at your side, the same as ever."

I smirked. "So once again, have we reached a point at which we must strengthen ourselves individually… to reunite when we must, as a more powerful whole?"

Naruto blinked, lifting his head, but beamed as he saw me digging in a pocket of my robe. He flipped a necklace's pendant out of the neck of his shirt – the simpler of the two necklaces he wore. "Wouldn't have it any other way, my friend."

Hinata, too, withdrew something from a pouch. "The difference now is that in the face of danger, it won't be just the strength of three that comes together, but that of an entire village. We're a part of something greater, after all this time…" she said, thumbing the face of her trinket.

"We are," Naruto said, rubbing the back of her free hand. "We're part of something greater, for sure. But I'll never, ever forget where we came from."

When he held out his third of the simple pendant, over the soft crackling of the fading flames, Hinata and I needed no further prompting to join our pieces to his, completing the inscribed kanji – 'team' – between the three of us.

My smile was fond. A team – we had come to know inherently and irrevocably the meaning of this word, the loyalty, trust, and power it entailed. And together we had gown, and become so much more – comrades, friends, precious ones.

'Team'…

We snapped the pieces apart, with the unspoken promise to reunite stronger than before. Our free hands then gravitated so naturally together, stacking palm-down.

Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata, and Rock Lee…

Three hands fell together, rose together, and separated.

Three failures. A promise to work hard, never give up, and never go back on our word has borne fruit. We lived this way, and we really saved our village… My face was flushed in earnest pride.

"We did damn good, I'd reckon," Naruto chortled. "People will sing of this tale – our tale – for some time to come!"

The fire was doused soon enough. Sleepily we cleaned up, yawned, gathered our things. Hinata gave Naruto a peck, and me a hug, and headed off, with more work to do with her Hyuuga in the morning.

Naruto's eyes were warm but sad as we headed out. He shook his head before giving a murmur, half to himself. "She can do it, all right. In the way that my mind, by some miracle, can work for short durations at a thousand miles per hour… defeating generations of hatred with nothing but stubborn, relentless faith is something only Hinata can do. She already turned her worse nemesis into her staunchest defender. What's winning over one clan?"

I shut my eyes, humming with a nod. My hand clapped his shoulder as our paths split; he was off to prepare for a busy day tomorrow, whereas I would be resting up for my mission.

Our paths had diverged, but in the event of a threat to the village, we knew we would be ever-prepared to rise together, and fight as one.

Hinata ヒナタ

Morning dawned on the Hyuuga Clan with my sister almost immediately pulling me aside, diverting me from my trip to the courtyard for the routine duels. When we were alone in the privacy of her old room, she crossed her slim arms and considered me, imposing for all her still-short stature.

I smirked, somehow anxiously. "The Honorable Seeress has requested an audience, with a brute like me?" I asked, bowing slightly.

"Oh, stop it," she waved, her small nose wrinkling, and familiarity returned. "I need you to do something for me, Onee-chan."

"What is it?" I asked, hiding my enthusiasm.

She reached out. "Could you take my hand?"

A bit perplexed, I started forward. As she came to meet me, I was starting to extend my hand when her eyes flickered to one corner of the room.

I was glancing thoughtlessly after her gaze in the moment her hand grasped mine, and in lightning succession her foot launched itself into my gut with a thud.

…Huh? I thought dumbly, gasping as my knee hit the ground. I grasped my belly, coughing a moment.

"Did y-you just – jump-kick me, Hanabi-chan?"

"Yes, but it was the only way I could think to hit you hard enough to knock you down."

"Aha," I observed dryly, raising a hapless eyebrow. "…Why?"

She crossed her arms again, scowling. "'Imouto-chan? Gomen nasai.' Ring any bells?"

My ears drooped. "I felt terrible about that," I assured her, quiet.

"W-well," she stammered, cupping my face in a thin hand while still trying to look severe. "Yeah, I kicked you. That was for leaving me. And this…"

She pressed her lips between my eyebrows, remaining for a long moment.

"…Is for coming back," she finished once she'd pulled away.

"Hanabi…?" I murmured, and chuckled as I cracked a sheepish grin, tail flicking. I pulled her close before she could see my eyes moistening, and laughed aloud as she complained lightheartedly at my kissing her forehead and holding her tight.

Even if she couldn't quite forgive my mistakes yet, my sister was ready to move on, past the pain. That much meant more to me than she could know.

Hanabi ハナビ

"Come at me, if you so please!" Nee-chan barked to the three around her, stance strong, feet light, as she diverted their rushing attacks. She left the earth, slipping over a blow while smoothly rolling her back across the striker's, and grasped the collar of his robe as she landed – slinging him around into another foe.

A kunoichi closed and struck, only for Nee-chan to grasp her wrist, turn her arm, deliver a kick below her shoulder, and thrust a palm heel strike into her jawline, sending her sprawling to the ground. Hinata ducked neatly under a swing from behind, whirling with a flick of her tail and flinging her foot sharply into the boy's shin; he was still unbalanced as he threw his next strike, and she grasped his arm and tossed him across the yard.

She turned sharply, pumping out a strong arm, and her well-placed fist sank into the stomach of another young man who'd rushed her, felling him at her side; she held her stance as she looked up to meet the eyes of her final opponent. He gave a nervous shudder, but gathered up his wits to charge her with a cry of battle.

"Three at once?" Hiryuu's eyebrow was very slightly inclined as he slipped by a number of spectators and neared where I sat on the walk. "Is that not a bit… much?"

"I don't totally get it," I admitted, as she dispatched of the third. "But the fact that they're fighting her in multiples seems to go with the fact that they're not playing for keeps anymore. You can tell, too, right? None of them are fighting out of rage or fear any longer."

"So there's a different reason…" Hiryuu wondered, as the bested ones were helped aside to recover, and two more – twin brothers, both chuunin – took the field together.

"You're right." That was a new voice. I turned my head to see the clan historian approaching with an unassuming nod, an inkbrush tucked behind his ear, a journal secured under an arm, and a tray in his hands. "Hinata is the most magnificent opponent to them; the people are drawn by something within her, and can fight her with all their strength, trusting she will not allow them to harm her, and trusting her to defeat them without destroying or humiliating them." He set down the tray, pouring a kettle's contents into cups. "Tea?"

Hinata would commend him for the effort; the tea-serving was a nice touch for projecting his unthreatening image. The same thought had gone into his choice of clothes, that covered most of his skin and hid his fair muscle tone. I took a cup with a quick thanks as one of Hinata's foes, launched, crashed down five yards away.

"You claim they fight… simply to awe themselves with her power?" Hiryuu asked, taking a cup as well.

"Is it so strange?" Neji said, as he put down the tray, seated himself, and procured a flask of ink whilst flipping open his journal – ever the dedicated observer and note-taker. "Hinata is truly strong. Though she's defeated strong enemies in the past, she will not lose here – for the very reason that she understands, and respects, the great power of the 'weak.' It is a power I once sorely underestimated…"

He took a sip of his own cup as he watched Hinata fight. "It is, somehow, an exchange of trust. Most of their blows can barely tickle her, even should they land – so the leader flaunts her vigor, taking the fists they put everything they had into with a smile and letting them get the taste of her strength they desired. She's reassuring them, gently but fiercely, that she can protect them."

"Our gentle and strong Lady Hinata… The one who killed my daughter in Wave," Hiryuu remarked idly.

Neji and I choked.

"O-Oji-san… I never knew–,"

His head shook. "My girl rebelled against my staunch beliefs about serving the Main; she was an avid supporter of Neji's revolt, and I didn't dare try too persistently to persuade her otherwise. While she was sent off with the New Oto battalion meant to conquer Mist, I was defecting to New Konoha – prepared to leave her behind with the rest of Neji's clan. I never imagined… well…"

He drank from his cup, pausing a long moment.

"I cannot hold a grudge against the leader I see before me, who in another place and time is said to have faced an army, with two others, simply to protect an almost nameless island nation. I can see that the young woman before me is a force for good, and life. She would not kill without reason."

Neji bowed his head briefly. "If it can mean anything from me, sir, you are an upstanding man, to seek a truth undistorted by your anger." He jotted in his journal. "The ones following Hinata now will know themselves – of her kindness, her strength, her compassion for the weak. But stories and truths fade in time. So I will do my best to record all I can, as honestly as I can, to pass on to future generations."

There was a thud; Hinata's remaining opponent had backed her up to a wooden beam along the walk that edged the yard, and landed a heart strike cleanly. Hiryuu grimaced at the sight of a strike meant to kill within minutes being thrown so plainly in a simple match.

After a stunned moment, Hinata lifted her head, raising her eyes from shadow with a smirk. "Not a bad strike, Brother."

The young man started, drawing back his other hand for a knifehand strike. Hinata intercepted his forearm with hers, and smashed a sharp headbutt into his face. He staggered back, eyes widening as the clan head's body patterned itself with the black markings of her youki release.

"Look there," I wondered. "Has he earned a taste of more of her strength, then?"

He was petrified in amazement by the colossal power that washed through the air, when Hinata opened her mouth with a short, restrained bark. Even that much was enough to shoot him backwards, as if an insect flicked by a giant's hand, and send him glancing with a crack off a wooden pillar and through a sliding screen. Sounds of shock were rising from the witnesses as Hinata resumed her usual appearance, capping her demonic energy again.

"Do you know the meaning of the word 'restraint'?!" Ojii-sama snapped from one side of the courtyard, his arrival blanketing the crowds with palpable discomfort, silencing them. "I should think you strong enough to best them without incurring property damage!"

Though his nose was upturned to express his distaste for the unruly scrapping Hinata engaged in, his eyes quietly glinted with approval for her strength.

"Of course," Hinata replied diplomatically, nodding as she did. "I'll be sure to be more careful."

"G-good," the old man noted, perhaps conscious of the hushed stillness that had fallen, or the many wary sets of eyes now considering him. "Carry on, then," he muttered, and turned to go.

It was true – my sister commanded respect in a way that he was unable to.

Hinata ヒナタ

The more I exchanged blows with them, the more fully they aligned themselves to me. This fact was unchanged, whether they were cursed or not. I understood this as Hitode faced me again, robbed of his earlier ill intent. Though I bested him, we were able to experience more of each other's strength than before.

If he truly desires it, I thought, helping him up, even after I can trust he's completely calmed and thought it over carefully… I'll probably give him the Blood Seal.

I was ready for a break. Still observant, he accompanied me quietly and a bit awkwardly to the sidelines, where I accepted a cup of tea Neji offered.

And then…

A claw of misty, cloying darkness, cold as snow, slipped about my soul as if in a deathly caress. 'You'll figure out your protocol for transmitting the seal, I'm certain,' Okaa-sama lulled. 'But that next bit you've been mulling over is what intrigues me…'

I'm not sure yet, I reminded her, but yes – I might introduce an option, someday, for the most worthy cursed ones to then undertake a pilgrimage to Youkai no Kokudo, and attempt the Ookami trials to earn demonhood, as I did. I looked at the motley crew gathered about – Neji, Hanabi, Hiryuu, Hitode, Kidoumaru (just returned from a visit to the archery range) and myself. As long as we can all continue to live in this clan peacefully, I'll consider it.

'It is a splendid idea,' Houkou went on. 'You could have those interested compete, even – send one a year, about the winter solstice perhaps…'

You're quite fond of the thought of more studying the ways of the Ookami house, aren't you?

'I suppose I am content… I will gain more subjects, even if not under my direct control. Of course I am pleased that my fine heritage is becoming a part of yours…' she purred, sultry. 'But though you have aligned them mostly to yourself, why not connect them to me, as you are, hmm? It might ease your burden…'

I slipped away from the people around me – into a land of grey skies and bitterly swirling snow.

"Okaa-sama…"

Electrically blue eyes shone with lofty amusement. "Hoho… such distrustful eyes," she crooned. "You don't trust me with them, after I've watched over you all this time with such tender care?"

"You know why."

She sighed, five tails swaying. "If they're all bound directly to me, I suppose I would be no different from that Orochimaru, hmm?"

"I'm glad you understand. They don't need to be subjected to the sway of any higher powers any longer. Just ordinary, unspectacular me."

"The leader who understands the weak… But that's quite a bit of responsibility to shoulder, my girl. If you fall, they all fall."

"Then I will not fall. I'll walk forward with the people who support me. And I will guide them, so should anything happen to me, they won't fall, either. Wouldn't you agree that's for the best, Okaa-sama?"

"But of course… best of luck, then, Hyuuga Hinata."

My true surroundings rematerialized; none had noticed anything amiss. Neji was pouring Hiryuu a new cup of tea, as Hitode inspected the bow Kidoumaru had fashioned last week, nodding at the craftsmanship.

…No 'Koinu'? I wondered, a bit wistful in spite of myself, as Neji's eye fell curiously on me. I heard a wolfish chuckle.

'My dear, ugly, beautiful daughter… Unspectacular or not, when you stand at the fore of your own pack, you shall be made to answer to 'pup' no longer.'

Ah… Arigatou.

Lee リー

I peered around the corner, and lifted a hand in signal. 'Go.'

One of my shinobi prepared his binding jutsu. Almost a dozen ribbon-like projections leapt from the box he carried as my squad darted into the dark room, targeting a figure asleep on a cot. The bands snapped shut around it – collapsing the apparent figure, an empty sheet. I spotted a paper tag on the mattress.

"To me!" I cried, slashing out with sufficient force to part the paper bomb's blast wave – about myself, and about the three who had leapt into a neat line behind my back. The floor, walls, and ceiling everywhere else were battered, cracked and set aflame.

The ceiling burst above me; crashing through was a kunoichi, eyes wide with rage, striking with a kunai. I deflected the strike, and the woman flipped over me and to the ground. The surprise attack failed, she dashed on, meeting my team.

I turned as if to pursue, but knew that the only reason she would turn her back on the greatest threat would be–

CLANG!

If her comrade were close by, I thought with a combative grin as I held off the dagger behind my neck, with a katana partially drawn to catch it.

I threw the man off-balance as I drew and rounded on him; he lunged, and an invisible Iai strike from my other hand and blade met his knife, knocking him back again. With the first blade I lunged, and the Blade of Infinity slipped about his guarding knife – to his great bewilderment, peppering his form with wounds in the time of a heartbeat.

"ACCELERATE!" I shouted, and it was after my blade passed, as it rested outstretched at my side, that his dagger split itself in two, and deforming metal shattered out from the plane of my slice as it sailed through the air. The wall at my side, at which my blade pointed, was bombarded with shaking air and shrapnel, denting sharply outward from me.

The shinobi was looking after what had recently been his knife, and had begun gawking in horror at the wall, when my sandal's sole impacted his sternum. Torn from his feet, he crashed through the far wall and smack into another, where he crumpled.

The enemy kunoichi – with a leaping move, she had dropped a kick upon the head of one of my squad. The boy staggered, meeting a wall, and his eyes grew as she swung her knife backhand in an arcing overhead strike.

And I was there before the boy, catching the strike with my blade. "Do not falter!" I barked to the young chuunin, and a curt, concussive burst of Acceleration saw the kunoichi's knife buried to hilt in the ceiling. Backing away, she drew another knife, and lashed it around.

A strike of my blade to her knife rebounded her hand and arm upward as I slipped aside – and the one behind me cut forward in a blur, poising his own katana at the enemy's throat before she could pursue the opening I had presented to draw her eye.

"Well done," I told the faint boy, and grasped the wrist of the wrist of the Oto jounin's knifehand, kicked the back of her knee, and took her to the ground.

"Th-thank you! Lee-sempai!" the boy, a chuunin at thirteen from New Oto's ranks, stuttered in amazement. The sealing specialist and the third team member were rising to their feet, more or less unharmed.

'Sempai'? I thought in surprise. I shook my head, still holding the eyes of the escaped Oto-nin.

"The artifacts you stole from the Leaf – where are they hidden?"

She considered the wakizashi pressed under her jawline. With a momentary scowl, she talked.

We started home in the morning with the artifacts safe in the sealer's possession, and a pair of fugitives in tow.

"Heh," one of my squad chuckled. "But that was crazy! When Hokage-sama said our mission captain was a man with no ninjutsu, I thought you'd be totally weak!"

"You don't need to tell Taichou that!" the seal-user hissed.

"He's right," the former New Oto swordsman said. "Besides, haven't you heard the stories about him from the Great Battle?"

"Huh?" He looked to me. "Did you play a big part or something, Taichou?"

"I fought alongside Rokudaime-sama and some others," I provided. "We battled Shodai-sama to a standstill."

"Wait," the first one said. "You're not… that…?"

I raised an eyebrow.

"Ah! Forgive my lack of respect, Lee-taichou!"

"Forget it," I said. "I am your mission captain, nothing more."

"B-but still, you're a great shinobi of the village – a god of battle, r-right?!"

"Not literally…"

The Oto kunoichi glanced aside; her hands were tied behind her back, as were those of her partner, and they were being made to walk in clear view of us. "Boy," she called to one of my chuunin. "Were you not wearing New Oto's emblem not long ago?"

That would have been the katana-wielder, then; his jump confirmed her suspicion. "U-umm… well–,"

"That's right! I had you on a mission, didn't I?"

"Hai…" He looked away, fixing his shiny Konoha hitai-ate self-consciously.

"Those Oto- and New Oto-nin who committed no particular crimes under Orochimaru's regime are being permitted to serve the Leaf now," I explained. "With penalties, and only in squads where they are generously outnumbered by trusted shinobi, for now. That is the short version, at least."

"No way," the Oto man said, almost incredulous. "We thought we'd be killed! Y-you're saying if we hadn't run, we might've…?"

"I do not know," I said honestly, "but you may still have a chance. The penalties will be steeper after a stunt like this, in any case."

"Such a forgiving village," the kunoichi muttered, forlorn.

The katana-wielding chuunin looked down. "Um… Lee-taichou…"

"You did well," I said. "The higher-ups were concerned about sending you on a mission where your squad would come into contact with Oto-nin, right? You did well, and I will say so in the report."

"Oh – th-thank you very much, sir. B-but, taichou?"

"What is it?"

"How did you, you know… get so strong? You're human, right? You're not really a demigod or monster like the stories…?"

I laughed. That was what had been on his mind? "I worked hard," I said, winking as I flashed a thumbs-up. "And I had great comrades, and teachers. That is all."

"Oh…" he said, downcast.

"What troubles you now?"

"I – I can work hard all I want, taichou, but…" His hand brushed his katana's hilt.

"…'Sempai' was fine," I said, looking forward.

He was silent for a minute. "Lee…sempai," he tried softly, testing the sound for himself.

Though he would not have seen from behind me, I smiled.

Everyone is doing their best. I will, as well.

Naruto ナルト

I surveyed the horizon, watching the forms that collected. I whistled. "Look at that! They weren't joking about that bandit problem."

"Orochimaru's village was too busy fortifying for war and trying to carry out major missions to deal with the growing outlaw population in Fire," Sakura said, a bit remorseful. "Even so…"

"You sure you should've come out here for yourself? Hokage-sama?" Kiba jeered, flashing his fangs as Chouji rubbed his neck with a chuckle.

"We're only a day out, and Kakashi-sensei has authority should anything urgent come up back home. And I've gotta stay sharp while I can, y'know? Anyways, that's one heck of a bandit gang out there, so at least it's not like I came for no reason." I stepped from the rooftop, slipping to the earth. "I'm sorry they made me drag you guys along as bodyguards, though," I said, as they slipped in beside me as I walked, "but I probably won't leave much work for you."

I waved as we passed the mayor and a few other townspeople; a child pointed from a window he was barely tall enough to peer from, whispering to another beside him while tugging his shoulder – "Hokage-sama?"

I flashed a grin at the villagers. "I'll be just a minute," I said, and faced forward.

About thirty-five outlaws, and three of them shinobi, huh…?

I held up a hand when the group was about fifty meters away. The one in the lead stopped, eyeing me in confusion. I took the opportunity to call out.

"Hello! I regret to inform you that I cannot allow anyone with ill intentions to pass beyond this point!"

The leader was laughing. "You soft in the head, kid?!" he called.

I ignored him. "Consider that your warning! Take another step, and I will have no choice but to attack!"

He scoffed, pointing with a hatchet. "We'll kill blondie there, right in front of 'em!"

Kiba sighed as they charged. "So, Naruto… you gonna…?"

He jumped as I stomped my foot down, lighting the air around me with flickering red-violet chakra. "Let's give them a lesson in 'terror,' shall we?" I hummed cheerfully, as my hair danced.

A jet of wind eschewed my naginata's wrap – and pierced the leader's shoulder, forty meters away. I leapt – I soared.

I began to turn in the air as I reached a peak, catching my twirling staff to brace it in my hands.

"Howling Kitsune – SLICE!" I roared, slashing out before me. The air shimmered, spiraled and ground finely against itself in the path of the curved blade – and a scythe of wind blasted forward with a crack, swifter than sound, to crash into the earth just before the line of outlaws.

Had I aimed a few degrees higher, they would have been butchered instantly. Instead they were all flung dozens of meters back, as the compressed ground at their feet exploded in an eruption of shooting rock and dust. Dozens of disoriented figures smacked down and tumbled, followed by a rain of scattered debris – and then I landed on my feet, still a fair distance from them.

I, Inu, Tori, Saru, Hitsuji!

The toad I selected was only a story tall. As it materialized beneath me it was springing forward, high into the air with me crouched upon its head.

'You never cease to amuse… gaki,' my tenant grumbled lightly.

Oi, was that a chuckle I heard? Even you can appreciate the Trickster's schemes, can't you? I thought with a smirk. He gave a 'hmph,' and I was snickering as the toad and I sailed in the sunlight, and plummeted.

We landed with an grand boom; I stood straight, arms crossing as I glared at the bandit leader. He blinked and groaned, trying to sit up. "Wh-what in the… wah!" he cried, as the toad's tongue encircled him and lifted him up before me.

"Still gonna kill me with that axe?" I asked, eyes dancing.

He slumped, looking at the sky. "…I'm going to jail, ain't I?"

"You are."

His second-in-command looked nervously up at me. "Wh-who – what are you?"

The corner of my mouth ticked upward. I had one more art to show them, after all – an art that had been entrusted to me by a great man. "I am…"

Tossing my head, I maneuvered the naginata smoothly about in a series of quick moves, commanding their stunned attention as I did. "I am the dashing and illustrious Trickster! At just fourteen, a warrior-wraith of the shadows, a terror of justice lurking behind all who would bring harm to the innocent!"

I rose artfully on one foot, arms splaying at one side as I hopped the other way a few times. "I am the man called the Purple Fox! The Demon Illusionist! I…"

And I swept into a suave caricature of bowing, head up and arms out, raised both brows deviously, and struck a pose that might just have been fierce and gallant enough to do Jiraiya proud.

"I am he who stands for all the Village Hidden in the Leaves – Uzumaki Naruto-sama, the Sixth Hokage!"

Several jaws dropped. The leader, pale, had two slow words of response.

"…We're fXXXed."

I chuckled.

"They'll start figuring it out, I'd say," I said, wrapping up my naginata as the other three were rounding up the last of them for transport. "That the Land of Fire is no longer a playground for ruffians. The Leaf is returning to full strength, and its presence will be felt again by those seeking to abuse Fire's citizens."

"We cannot thank you enough, Hokage-sama," the mayor said, bowing gratefully.

"It's no problem," I said.

"That being said… do you believe the short prison term you have in store for them will suffice?"

"It's inevitable that the leader and the other two shinobi will have to be locked up for longer, but the rest? The ones who aren't connected to serious crimes will get the tattoo on their hands – the first strike – and sent off to see if they can't find real jobs. Of course, we'll let them sweat a bit without telling them they're only in for a couple months, and they'll get a promise that they'll be hunted down should they go starting trouble again…"

"I see," he said, sweatdropping as I snickered to myself.

I stood up. "Sakura-chan!" I called. "Have you three got it from here?"

She gave a thumbs-up, blushing, rather than shout back. I nodded.

"Do you need anything, sir?" the mayor asked.

"The town healer…" I wondered.

"Were you…?"

"No," I said, "no injuries. Actually, I have a friend in this town. It's why I was so eager to…"

My eyes, skimming the crowd of curious townspeople that hung at a respectful distance, widened.

"Haruka-san!" I cried, jogging up to her as she laughed at the face I must've made. "I became a healer, too!"

"It looks like you've become a bit more – 'Kagemaru'-kun. How ironic that that was the fake name you used…"

"It was always my dream, y'know?" I noted sheepishly. "I'm sorry we lied to you so long ago, though. I'm Uzumaki Naruto."

She shook the hand I offered, laughing. "You realize everyone knows your name now?"

"Doesn't matter. I'm introducing myself again, to someone who really helped us out of a tough spot!"

The auburn-haired woman nodded, pride in her eyes. "How are the other two? They didn't come along, did they…?"

"No, but they're doing fine. Rock Lee – the one who went by 'Tai' – is a stronger ninja now than you could imagine! And the one you healed, not 'Hikari' but Hyuuga Hinata – she's in a bit of a bind, but she's leading her clan now, and I know she'll get through. I guess… not everything's going perfectly, but we're all following our dreams. We're all still growing. Like this land that's recovering, it's not an easy road, but we'll find the way."

"I'm glad…" She shook her head quickly, wiping an eye with a small scoff. "It's good to know – that people like you are following good dreams…"

I smiled. "Hey – let's go to that geezer's dango shop. I promised him I'd buy something next time I was here."

"You promised… A year and a half ago, then?"

I nodded as we began to walk. "That's about the size of it. I try not to go around breaking promises, y'know?"

I looked into the sky.

We'll follow our dreams… and we'll heal. Stronger than before.

Hinata ヒナタ

I parted leaves with my hand, returning to him. "No luck?" I guessed, smirking and holding up the rabbit I'd killed.

Neji needed to learn to hunt between moons, even if his lessons had to take place separately from the other cursed clansmen if I didn't want them roughing him up.

"You left a minute ago," he pointed out, plucking a leaf from my hair. "Is it that much of a failure that I didn't catch anything?"

I shook my head. "No – but we're hunting, you realize. What point is there in fixing my hair?"

"…Right," he conceded, eyeing the rabbit in my hand. "So – your idea was that if we refrain from activating our marks, we won't draw the clan's… far-reaching gaze. How can you be so sure they'll not mind us this way?"

"Even the council has some respect for privacy. We headed off together, vague with our intent… They think we're off frolicking in the woods, I'd guess."

"'Frolicking'…?" He blinked at me. When it clicked, his eyes grew, the green one and blind one alike. "W-well – anyways…" He glanced again at the hare I'd caught, uncertain.

"What's the matter?"

"How does this… work, per se?" he asked at a mutter.

"You've done it before," I reminded him.

"That was in the Fullmoon state," he insisted, lip wrinkling. "Even if I can barely remember it, I can tell this is… considerably different."

"If you're worried about getting sick, trust me – your gut can handle it."

"Still…"

I sighed at his reluctance, tearing a good bit of the hare's skin free with my claws. He winced as I twisted off a hind leg. "How it works will come to you," I said, holding it out to him. "Once you're past the first bite…"

The marked repulsion on his face softened as I waved it before his nose. Sniffing at first tentatively, he shut his eyes and leaned closer, following its motion.

His eyes snapped open as I giggled. "You're drooling, Onii-san."

"G-Gedou Neji does not drool," he said flatly, his face almost comically adamant.

"But you are. Right now," I added, and he pulled back to hastily wipe the slobber from his mouth.

Regardless, I got him to feed. When he did he was soon eating eagerly, his sharp canine teeth snapping and tearing, and consuming with relish until mere bones and scraps remained.

It was after I'd gotten him started that I split off from him and ate my own fill, ravenous after watching him.

After I washed up, I followed his scent up a forest trail. He sat at the top of a hill, just before a cliff's edge, with his legs crossed.

I stopped at his side, gazing out at the lush woods below and the afternoon sky scattered with bands of clouds like fibrous wool. "What are you pondering, Onii-san?" I asked softly.

He opened his piercing green eye, long hair stirring gently in the wind. "A lot of things… So much has changed, Hinata. The way we'd been taught things were supposed to be, when we were small – it almost feels like a dream now. That things would turn out this way…" He rubbed his temples, trailing off. "I remember what I said before your third birthday, when everything went foul. I said I would grow big and strong like my Tou-san, so I could protect you."

I put a hand on his faintly shaking shoulder; I could feel, even through the shirt he'd donned after finishing his hunt, the texture of raised, terrible scars. "A lot has changed, hasn't it? I know what you mean; back then, this 'future' we're living would have sounded unbelievable."

He snorted. "And look at just where we are now. Instead of me protecting you, little Hyuuga Hinata became my knight in shining armor."

I gave a scoff in return. "Maybe a knight in darkest black. Really…" I sighed. "How can I be the clan's Sun, and show them radiance worth following, as a creature of the night?"

Neji's response was immediate, logical. "There are bright stars in the night sky, Hinata."

I laughed.

"It's true," I said in a minute, "that not everything worked out in ways we could have anticipated. But life goes on. So long as it does, and as long as we've got room to grow, the journey continues."

"Continuing within us all…" he remarked. "As for where we go from here… I suppose only time will tell."

I heard the uncertainty in his tone, at the prospect of an unpredictable fate. "For now," I maintained, "I'm standing here, breathing, aren't I? The people I love are safe. As we breathe, nothing is truly lost."

"And those we have lost? And those we might yet lose?"

"Memories of the lost live on inside of us. Those who live, we can still love with all our heart, and protect with all our might. That's why I can feel pretty good right now. My clan's dodged annihilation; however tentatively, my progenitors can smile; my village is free."

He nodded, but was silent a moment. "…And your love? Your freedom?"

I looked down. "Without adversity, I would never have thrived. I told him this – a new roadblock simply means I'm not done growing stronger."

He smiled soberly. "I guess… a star does shine its brightest in the darkness."

A nod. "Nothing is truly lost…" I pictured the re-planted garden, as it now stood with the tiniest green sprouts just grazing the air, dotting the rows of damp soil. I raised my head. "It's a new fight, but we'll fight it. It's what we do."

"Is this… something I can do, as well?" he asked, starting to rise to his feet. "I know you'd rather me seek my own happiness… but you were there for me when I needed, and still are now. If you'll let me, then…" He actually blushed lightly, averting his eye. "I mean – a brother's got to look after his little sister, after all. I don't wish to simply drag you down."

I could feel it – his feelings were genuine, this time. "Neji-nii-san…" Smiling, I nodded warmly. "Okay. Let's fight, together…"

Two right hands clasped in the glow of the sinking sun.

On the same side, this time… who knows what we might accomplish.

ナルト / リー / ヒナタ \ ハナビ \ ネジ

Epilogue

Legend of the Three Failures

On the matter of the budding 'legend'… Well, as of my writing this, it is now said in this land and beyond that there live three who have walked the earth like no others.

It was in down time during the recent diplomatic outing, while the clan head met privately with Rokudaime-sama, that I seized a rare opportunity to survey outsiders as to their understanding of the three in question. I received a host of responses from inn patrons, but most were, intriguingly, shaping to the same essence. I believe it is likely that I bear witness, as such, to the birth of something that may come to be known as a legend. Essentially, the story of their strength proceeds as follows:

Asked 'How quickly would you run, with a fearsome beast at your heels?' the response from any one would be, within minor variation, 'I would not run. I would stand and face it.'

'Then a demon? A devil?' Yet they fear neither demons nor fiends; they have grown to cower in the face of nothing, and so their might has become such that they knew not a terror to flee. They have and will always stand before demons without fear.

Asked finally what they would do if faced with an army of foes, any one would thus answer simply; if the enemy must be stopped, they will stand and fight, 'no matter how overwhelming the odds.' For they have before, and breathed to give the life to this tale.

Now, why does a story – or perhaps, a legend – take root in such a curious manner? It is these incomparable spirits, as I have observed with my own eye, that draw and inspire people to rally around them. These three are leaders who bring out the best in all who follow them. The names they have been called by such people are numerous, and many far-reaching, but in simplest terms they are Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuuga Hinata, and Rock Lee. They are hailed in the Leaf as heroes.

As of yet, there is little more that can be writ of the story of outcasts who became survivors, survivors who became valiant warriors, warriors who became champions of hope, heroes who overthrew tyranny. I now close the book on this tale with a remark on its beginning.

I know not what to call it, Fate or otherwise, that sets in motion the birth of a legend. It appears that Uzumaki Naruto's defeat at the hands of Hyuuga Neji may well have changed the course of history; the young Lady Seeress has confided in me of various, distinct and baffling realities to which she has borne witness, many quite unlike the path we know and live, though I dare not immortalize them in text. Despite my name, I do possess quite a bit of respect – and caution – for concerns pertaining to the Gift of the Eye that Sees the World.

I know not whether to believe I somehow spurred forth the course of events inscribed here. In any case, I am Hyuuga Neji no longer; I need only know that I am Gedou Neji, and I live indebted to the most uncanny Three.

So I end here my account of the undertakings of the Three Demon Generals of the Leaf. But make no mistake in these final lines, for at its heart this story – of a madman's rise to power, of friendships forged and tested, of hardships endured and triumphed over, of inner strength uncovered through refusal to yield, and even of my fall to darkness and my salvation – is a story of three failures.

I have no doubts that their names will go on to accrue many great feats in their lifetimes, but already their song, as it plays so far, is one that will be sung in this land for generations for come.

-外道の王子

Journey of the Three Failures

END

By Hinata0321/Kurouga of the Ink and Snow