#and Itachi would be like that’s literally the best plan I’ve ever heard

[driedlillies]

Itachi can talk about pacifism all he likes but if someone killed sasuke it’s on fucking sight. For the killer for doing it, the Konoha leadership for allowing it, Orochimaru for good measure, and anyone who dares to get in his way

[philosophicalparadox]

Oh 100% Itachi is a parental figure to Sasuke. And you don’t even have to look at Itachi to see it.

Sasuke treats him more like a father sometimes than a brother. Especially given the overall narrative that this series usually establishes about father-son relationships, which to be fair are also reflected a bit in teacher-student dynamics but nowhere near as much.

And that narrative overall is not unique to Naruto but is a rather typical shonen trope thing about having a goal to supersede your father, to best him at his own game, or to otherwise surpass him. (This is a deeply cultural thing in Japan…but I am not going there today).

And while occasionally brothers do stand in for this as ordinary brothers, usually if a sibling, trope wise, has to step into the “you must live to surpass me” role, it’s because they’re narratively a paternal figure.

And like I said, Sasuke’s got all the clues here. He:

Is always looking for Itachi’s attention, be it positive or negative

Obeys his brother without even thinking about doing otherwise even long after the massacre*

Pre massacre, he’s clingy and needy towards Itachi because his father won’t give him the time of day, but also because canonically that’s just how he’s always been. Sometimes babies really do pick their parents. (I’ve been in that situation, sort of, otherwise I’d of said it seemed unrealistic. But no, sometimes a little baby just says “no, YOU get to be my mom!” And there’s really nothing you can do 🤷‍♀️ this happened twice, with my niece AND grand nephew.)

Sasuke is always striving to best his brother, even after the massacre, like when he was training with the Kunai, trying to beat Itachi’s record. Yeah that’s a typical sibling thing, but in the bigger context, like after Itachi’s death when Sasuke is once again trying to out-do him, it feels more shonen-trope-fatherly to me. (Though I will concede that I only really watch Shonen that leans in the general direction of Seinen, which is to say more mature themes that twist the typical Shonen narrative; Naruto both is and isn’t an exception to this. Point is I’m biased lol)

* in reference to two:

There is one poignant scene in which Sasuke doesn’t kill Naruto explicitly because he doesn’t want to do what Itachi tells him to anymore. He then semi reneges on this later and decides that severing the bond is more important— he’s still technically not doing it for the reasons Itachi said, but he has changed his mind all the same.

After Itachi dies, Sasuke decides to go counter to his brother’s wishes, but he’s ultimately still doing what he thinks Itachi wants…sort of.

Now, before I go here, I want to say that this is entirely my interpretation, and you’re free to disagree.

But when Itachi tells Sasuke to hate him more, that he’ll only get stronger if he harbors more hate…a lot of Itachi haters take him literally here, and/or are very confused by it. But in my mind, what Itachi is actually saying as a deeply traumatized 18 year old with limited life experience who has just come back to the place that started it all and probably isn’t in a great place is:

I want you to hate me as much as I hate myself.

And, in particular reference to the “you’re weak if you can’t hate with all your heart” thing (I don’t have the panels on hand) :

I want you to throw away or erase everything you ever cared about just like I did.

As someone who has dealt with severely angry and angsty teens before, this is the message I heard. He wasn’t really goading Sasuke on, insofar as he was looking for someone to commiserate with. And nobody else but Sasuke would genuinely understand. I don’t think it was a planned response, personally— Itachi wasn’t looking for Sasuke, and didn’t appear to know that Naruto was his teammate. So my bets are on that being an impulsive reaction to a stressful situation and Itachi trying really hard to put a wall between them while inadvertently pleading for closeness.

But the point is that Sasuke heard what he meant, not what he said. Because he knows his brother. And Sasuke did exactly that — threw away everything, just like Itachi, severed his bonds, just like Itachi, became a rogue, just like Itachi, etc.

You could very well argue that Sasuke just went and did that if his own accord trying to feel closer to Itachi, which I would completely believe. But either way it’s far more son-father than brother-brother in its dynamic. Don’t get me wrong they absolutely have their bro moments, like when Sasuke is chasing Edo tensei Itachi down and calling him a big fat liar essentially, and being a complete child while Itachi basically rolls his eyes at the Drama 🤣 it’s both funny and sad.

But overall there is certainly a sense of paternalism in their relationship. But it’s not solely defined by Itachi, which makes me wonder how anyone ever missed it.

Ever since @shinoposting made a post about Itachi being a more parental figure to Sasuke a couple of months ago, I've seen several angry responses to it, with the sentiment that "Itachi fans want to make Itachi look good and their parents look bad."

Listen.

A five-year-end boy is left alone on the night of the kyuubi attack with his toddler brother.

He doesn't even seem disconcerted, but instead promises "I'll always protect you, no matter what."

Itachi is the one who sits with him, despite his busy schedule, despite grieving Shisui, and despite being burdened with what's more than he could handle, he took time to check on Sasuke's report card.

Itachi was also ready to abandon his first Anbu mission for Sasuke's sake. It was after this their father even recalls he had to go to the Academy.

Itachi "ignored" Sasuke. And, like, what do people even expect from someone who's been this much burdened that isolating himself is the only thing he can do to protect Sasuke and his innocence?

Yet, Itachi doesn't know exactly how not to be distant. That's a sign of how much he was suffering at this point. He was "bad" after the massacre, but before that, he was kind and sweet, who cared about nothing but Sasuke's wellbeing.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Fifteen: Migration ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: River Runs Deep ] [ AO3 Link ]

When Sasuke wakes, it’s to the sight of the canvas of his tent overhead. A familiar one, and yet...in so many ways, it’s different now.

Or, rather...where he’s set up camp is what makes all the difference.

For weeks now, the Uchiha have been on an involuntary migration. While they once occupied their own district within their home city - loyal samurai to their lord - they were forced to flee when war overtook them, and their lord surrendered, abandoning them.

Given their ties to a conquered man...they were all set to be hunted until death.

There was no time to take anything important. If you couldn’t carry it, it was left behind. They saddled their horses, strapped on their blades...and fled.

Days and days were passed running their mounts to their limits, trying to outpace their pursuers. Camps were cold and dark in an attempt to go unseen after nightfall, many of said nights spent walking on foot, gear muffled to try and make time. All they had to do, they were sure, was pass the mountains to the north of their homeland. Perilous, foreboding things that stood along the horizon like a great wall. But should they survive the trek...it would be an obstacle few on their trail would dare face.

The climb was perilous. Loose stones threatened to steal their feet out from under them. Gnarled roots sprung up from the ground to catch inattentive feet and twist ankles of men and mounts alike. And there were no trails - just steep, jagged inclines covered with thick flora and fog.

It was only a matter of time before someone got lost. And that someone was the younger son of their clan head: Uchiha Sasuke. Separated, he knew only to keep going - to try and meet them on the other side.

What he found instead was like a fairytale.

A mysterious valley between the peaks, inhabited by a shrine and a miko. But why would a shrine be so deeply buried in the mountains…?

He was warned to leave, and never return lest he incur the wrath of the god.

Though Sasuke had long lost faith in the concepts of gods and spirits, nor was he one to entirely discount them...especially if they were a threat. Carrying the secret of the strange village with him, he was allowed to leave, and by some miracle found his kin.

Then a traitor, seeking to return, had to be hunted down. Should he reach their foes and spill their secret, they’d lose the small respite they’d gained by crossing the mountains. So Sasuke took the challenge, returning to the peaks only to find the man dead of his own accord: slipped and claimed by the mountains.

And by some stroke, Sasuke wandered back into that same valley...and this time, came face to face with its guardian god. Her miko was his only saving grace, insisting fate must have brought him back. The spirit warily agreed.

It was then Sasuke hatched a plan: a desperate, likely foolish one...but he felt he had no choice. He would beg asylum from the god. A place for his people to finally settle and be safe. When she asked what price he would pay, he offered his life...and she believed him.

His clan, however, was not so sure. Several, upon his presentation of his plan, refused to believe, and instead kept traveling north in search of a new home. But Sasuke’s family and many others followed him back into the mountains.

And now...here they sleep. He can only pray this was the last leg of their migration. That the Uchiha, at last, can come to rest and be safe.

The small village has been their home now for barely a week, but efforts are well underway to house them. Their new neighbors - all rescued from black fates by the god - have accepted them into their fold, knowing of their own circumstances.

It still...unnerves Sasuke at times: seeing just how kind and giving people can be when not afflicted by greed. He keeps expecting a price, a deal...but favors are only repaid by favors.

It’s so...odd. And yet, it’s refreshing. Their city had been slowly growing its shadows: gambling, prostitution, strange substances and alcohol.

Perhaps, in a way...it was good that it fell. Perhaps now it might find peace.

...but he doubts it.

But most important, to Sasuke at least, has been the god’s help with his brother, Itachi. So long sick and frail, body betraying him, he’s been restored to proper health. He still finds himself, at times, just watching Itachi. Seeing him live so unburdened.

That, if nothing else, makes it all worthwhile.

“Sasuke.”

Broken from his reminiscing, Sasuke sits up, finding his brother peering in. “Yes?”

“The miko wishes to speak with you.”

That earns a blink. The Hyūga, Hinata, has been the unofficial ambassador between the valley’s previous inhabitants, and the Uchiha. And though he isn’t clan head, it’s typically Sasuke she seeks out whenever something must be said. It was he, after all, who made this deal.

“All right...I’ll be out in a moment.”

Itachi nods, leaving his brother in peace. Sighing, Sasuke brings a hand down his face, mind full. There’s so much to do, so much to account for. It’s mind-boggling, really. In many ways, he’s glad the position of clan head will fall instead to his brother, and not to him. Sasuke isn’t stupid - far from it - but this sort of thing is far more Itachi’s specialty than his own.

Once dressed, he abandons his tent, glancing around and finding the clan active. Already many have begun efforts to find new employment. In a place so secluded and peaceful, samurai are hardly necessary.

...but that doesn’t mean Sasuke has any plans to stop practicing.

“Sasuke-san.”

Looking to the voice, he finds the pale-eyed miko. “Hyūga.”

“I hope I did not have you awakened?”

“No...I was already up with my thoughts,” he assures her. “And that aside, it’s high time I rise, anyway.”

“You work hard. Rest is important,” she in turn allows, a hint of a smile upon her face.

Deciding not to argue, Sasuke instead asks, “Did you need something?”

It’s then the miko hesitates. “...not in the way you likely expect, no. Rather...it’s I who have something to offer.”

A dark brow perks.

“I realize that your father recognized my lineage. And as I told you...my clan was also once a renowned family of warriors that rivaled your own. But...you can quite obviously tell that neither I nor my cousin are such warriors.”

“...if you think me suspicious of you, there’s no need,” Sasuke offers slowly in reply, not sure what she’s driving at.

“...no, I suppose not,” she replies softly. “But...I feel that - given our common roots - we may have something to learn from each other. And there is much about myself I have yet to tell you. Are you not curious…?”

He hesitates. “...I don’t like to pry.”

“...there are many secrets within this valley,” Hinata replies in a near-whisper, almost as if to keep from being heard. “None that would ever harm you or your kind,” she assures him upon his tensing. “...but if you’re to live here, and thrive here...it’s best you know.”

Sasuke draws a long, low breath. “...very well.”

“I can speak for no one else...but I’ll begin with my own tale. If we may...sit somewhere?”

Reading her intentions, Sasuke nods, following her back toward the village.

Behind them, Itachi watches thoughtfully.

“...when my own clan faced a fate similar to yours,” she begins as they walk, “we were scattered to the four winds. Many went south. Some north. My father, his brother, and their families stuck together and headed west toward the coast. I can barely remember it...they intended to start new lives as fishermen. But during a storm, my uncle was lost...and things began to sour. Money grew scarce. Catches were not as bountiful as they’d been. My aunt claimed it was her husband cursing us because his death had been our fault. Or rather...my father’s.”

Hinata sobers as they find a seat along a set of stumps. “...my aunt died not long after, having always been rather frail. Now with another child to feed, my father began to feel desperate. Then my younger sister was born...and our mother died from complications with the birth.

“He abandoned my cousin and I in the city. Disappeared without a trace with my sister. We were so young...had no way to support ourselves. And that’s when she found us.”

“...the god.”

Hinata nods. “I had been praying, desperate for someone - anyone - to hear us. We were the sort she looked for: those abandoned, with no where else to turn. And she knew then that I had eyes unlike most. Neji too, but to a slightly lesser degree. She offered us shelter, and asked that I become her miko as one with the All Seeing White Eyes. I agreed...and we’ve been here ever since.”

Sasuke remains silent for a long moment. “...I’m sorry. You’ve both lost so much.”

“...we have. But we’ve made our peace. And we are content here.”

“If I ever meet your father, I may have to repay him for his treatment of you.”

Hinata gives a small, somber smile. “...it’s appreciated, but I’ve come to forgive him. He too lost much. His brother, sister, wife...what he did was cruel, but he surely thought it necessary.”

Sasuke doesn’t reply.

“...but, I’ve kept you long enough. Perhaps another time, you can tell me more of your origins,” Hinata then offers, head tilting.

“I suppose that would only be fair.”

“Until next time, then. You have your clan to tend to. Take care, Sasuke-san.”

“...you too.” Watching her stand and take her leave, Sasuke finds himself feeling just as unknowing about her as before.

...there’s far more to her than meets the eye, he’s sure.

                                                    .oOo.

     (This is a sequel to days 60, 77, 140, 165, 189, 290, 296, and 297!)       More kami verse! I'm...literally about to pass out, so...not much else to say besides that this feels awfully incomplete, but I'm already so far behind...I didn't want to skip another night @~@ Hinata's story has more to it, just...no time, no energy. So maybe next time. For now, I desperately need some sleep. Thanks for reading~ 

[rhosinthorn]

Distance: Blood is Thicker Than Water

Distance

(In which Hatake Kakashi starts to think that spending all those years with his head in the sand was maybe kinda sorta a bad thing)

Genin assignments were handed out, and Hatake Kakashi scanned his list dispassionately. The Uchiha kid was a bit of a surprise; Kakashi had honestly pegged Itachi’s little brother for Asuma’s team. It would go a long way to proving that the Sandaime had no hard feelings about the failed attempt at a coup that the Uchiha had put down within their own ranks. Having the clan head’s younger son be placed under the Hokage’s son, it was a pretty powerful signal that the Uchiha were trusted, instead of just pawning the kid off on a misanthropic ex-ANBU like Kakashi.

The girl was a complete unknown to him; likely from civilian parents or parents who had been from the civilian ranks and never made much of a name for themselves. He skipped over her name to the last assignment, and it felt like a punch in the gut.

Uzumaki Naruto.

Is it karma? He wondered, three hours later as he stood in front of the memorial stone, a habit he still hadn’t managed to kick, even with Obito’s return and the truth of Rin’s death out in the open between them. Am I going to be forced to face every mistake I’ve ever made?

It took him another three hours to peel himself away from the stone, and, unsurprisingly, he was the last jounin to pick up his students. Iruka gave him a nasty look before pointing him towards the door, but underneath it all, there seemed to be a shred of...was that pity? And perhaps a hint of vindictive amusement?

Thoroughly confused, Kakashi opened the door to the classroom.

Only the slightest rasp of metal on wood had him diving out of the way, but he had to abort that movement as another fleet of senbon propelled themselves through the air in his flight path. An ungraceful tuck and roll, and he was back on his feet, right about even with the teacher’s desk, when something smacked into his face, white powder billowing everywhere.

Carefully, he breathed through his mask, suppressing the instinctive cough. His nose told him that he had been hit with the blackboard eraser, explaining why he was now fully covered in chalk, and he wanted to wash his hands of this whole mess already.

“First impression?” he drawled, sweeping his uncovered eye over the trio in front of him. The girl looked nervous, but the two boys looked completely unrepentant. “I hate you all. Meet me on the roof.”

He shunshined out of the room and positioned himself so that he could watch the stairs, waiting for them to come huffing and puffing up as they glared daggers at him.

What he didn’t expect was for Uchiha Sasuke to be only a step behind him, smirking cockily as he twirled a familiar looking kunai in his hand. Before Kakashi could even attempt to put the pieces together and get the answer he knew he was not going to like, there was a brilliant flash of yellow light, and his other two students appeared, the girl looking both intrigued and startled, and Uzumaki Naruto looking like a perfect mix of his parents as he came to stand next to Sasuke.

“You overloaded it, idiot,” the Uchiha pointed out with a sigh. “Look at what you’ve done. You’ve blinded him completely.”

“Well, sorry that I had to put a little bit extra into it because I was taking a passenger,” the blond grouched as he folded his arms over his chest. “I just got that one working right so I didn’t land on you. Aiming just to your left is a little more difficult with twice the weight to redirect.”

“Was that the Yondaime’s jutsu?” the girl asked, studying Naruto with wide eyes. “The Hiraishin that earned him his nickname?”

“Yeah,” Naruto said, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. “I know one of the Yondaime’s old guards, who was one of the only three that ever learned the Hiraishin. Between him and Sasuke’s cousin, who was one of the Yondaime’s students, we managed to work it out.”

“Is it something anyone can learn?” she asked, and Kakashi was amazed to see what he could only describe as rapt interest in her eyes. “I mean, everyone says it’s some super awesome jutsu that only he could use, but if both of you could use it…”

“He’s only been doing it for a month,” Itachi’s brother interjected bluntly, sticking the kunai that Kakashi was now willing to identify as one of Minato-sensei’s, or at least a fair replica, in his kunai pouch. “They wouldn’t let him try it until he worked on his chakra control and got it to something fairly reasonable.”

“Show me how to work on it?” the girl asked eagerly, and Kakashi felt his plan, the little of it that he had, slipping away from him far faster than he would like.

Cutting across whatever the boys were going to say, he crossed his arms over his chest and gave them his best disapproving stare. “Introductions. All of you.”

The girl flinched, but the boys traded glances and Kakashi could have sworn he saw Itachi’s brother roll his eyes. When neither of the boys seemed willing to speak, Kakashi sighed and pointed at the girl. “You first.”

“What do you want to know?” she asked, a note of confusion in her voice.

“Name, likes, dislikes...hobbies,” he tacked on. “Dream for the future. Things like that.”

“Haruno Sakura,” she answered promptly. “I like umeboshi, and dislike spicy foods. Reading is probably my biggest hobby. I want to be a strong kunoichi, like Tsunade-hime.”

“Uchiha Sasuke,” Itachi’s brother volunteered as Kakashi pointed at him. “I like tomatoes and hate sweet food. My hobby is training with my brother, my uncle, and my cousins, and my dream for the future is to become chief of the police force.”

“And I’m Uzumaki Naruto,” the blond declared. “Ramen is the best, and vegetables suck. I like learning sealing and stuff, and I’m going to be the Hokage someday, believe it.”

Sealing? Kakashi thought. Who’s been teaching him sealing?

Though, if he thought about it, it did explain the increased sophistication of the pranks Naruto had been pulling.

Setting aside the questions the introduction had raised, Kakashi continued with his (admittedly short) plan for the day. “Tomorrow morning, meet me at Training Ground Three. Bring all of your gear, you’ll be doing a survival test. And don’t eat, or you’re going to throw up.”

Unfortunately, only the kunoichi looked suitably cowed. Both boys looked at each other before walking away. Before Sasuke stepped into a shunishin, Kakashi could have sworn he heard the boy say: “You think he means the bell test?”

How the hell did they know that?

Kakashi had thought the second day would go better. Despite the unusual skillset the boys possessed, he would fail them and go back to being without students and doing whatever missions the Hokage had for a skilled jounin like him. The more he was out of the village, the better.

He liked being useful, after all.

However, he was not prepared for a preplanned attack from all three genin, proving that someone had obviously tipped them off to the purpose of the bell test. When they had gotten to Sakura, he had no idea, but he was starting to regret not paying attention to Naruto in the twelve years since Minato and Kushina’s death. Especially since it was getting more and more obvious that Obito probably had been in fairly consistent contact since his old teammate literally came back from the dead.

With the circumstances as they were, he had no choice but to pass the brats before fleeing to his apartment to think. Unfortunately for him, his couch was covered by the ANBU lounging there, mask resting on his lap.

“So, Bakashi,” Uchiha Obito drawled with a smirk. “How’s your genin team?”

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Eighty-Nine: I Wish I’d Never Seen ___ ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Of Monsters and Men ] [ AO3 Link ]

...this is a disaster. Hinata barely understands what’s going on, but one thing she does know is that this is bad. Like...really really bad.

Sasuke has, on occasion, tried explaining various parts of Nightwalker culture to her. But that on top of her university studies (especially since he rarely talks to her when it’s not extremely late at night and she’s exhausted) just...hasn’t really stuck with her very well.

Right this moment, however, she’s really wishing she’d paid more attention.

All she knows is that she is currently the ‘guest’ of one of the most powerful people in Japan. And by powerful, she doesn’t just mean influential, or rich, but literally powerful.

Because he’s a centuries-old vampire.

Uchiha Madara has been a name she’s heard several times while speaking with her vampiric friend, Uchiha Sasuke: a descendent (she’s not sure how directly) of Madara. Part of the same vampire coven here in Japan. Hinata met Sasuke when he saved her life from a different vampire who very much wanted to kill and eat her.

And that meeting led to...well, this. And many things in between.

Sasuke, you see, works for Madara as a kind of...officer. Madara, from what she understands, is something called a Senator. In short, he represents all of the vampires in Japan...in both a national Senate, and a global one. Which makes him a very important figure in the world of monsters, or as they prefer to be called, Nightwalkers.

Hinata, on the other hand, is a descendent of a different ‘breed’. Not human (or Daywalker, in the old terms), not Nightwalker...but a Twilightwalker. Known by varying names all over the globe. In English, most simply summarized as a witch. In Japan, they took on roles as miko. And miko - witches - have interesting powers over not only a specific element, but...Nightwalkers, as well.

...and possibly humans. She’s not sure on that part, she’s still learning.

Point being...she’s considered a very dangerous breed to Nightwalkers: the only thing they really fear. Sasuke discovered her powers by accident when she stopped him from wiping her memory to try and keep her from discovering their world. Hinata, however, had long since known about Nightwalkers, able to see them in ways humans can’t due to her powers.

...but that sight is getting her into rather deep trouble.

Sasuke had, at first, worried Madara might want her killed to eliminate a threat. True witches and descendents of the old miko with power still in their veins are rare. But Madara appears to have other plans: ones to possibly harness her abilities for his own gain.

...it’s apparently not the first time he’s done so to other Nightwalkers.

Hinata ended up in the Senator’s clutches after letting herself be out at night alone, for the briefest of times. And now, she’s awaiting her fate as Itachi attempts to negotiate and salvage the situation.

Sasuke, on the other hand, is playing guard dog outside her door.

...part of her wants to invite him in to have a friend with her, but...there’s a slight complication there. Madara, in all his wisdom, took Sasuke’s valiant speech in her defense to translate to one thing: he’d fallen in love with her.

...she...still isn’t sure what to think about that. She’s come to care for Sasuke quite deeply, sure - she saved his life once, and...well, he’s saved hers at least once. Probably more she isn’t even aware of. But...love? It just...hasn’t ever crossed her mind.

Does she...love him…?

That train of thought, however, is rather difficult to have with everything else rushing around in her brain. Hence just sort of...becoming a standing bundle of anxiety and panic, left in the middle of the room where Shisui led her and unable to do anything else. There’s too many thoughts to process, too many what-ifs to drive her mad.

...she really just needs a hug.

Swallowing thickly, she takes a trembling breath, holding it before letting it escape. She’s more than certain she won’t sleep, so...why even bother pretending?

Making up her mind, the Hyūga manages to get herself to turn around, body feeling almost strangely numb. Almost like she’s reached a weird nirvana state beyond absolute panic and just feels...nothing. But a hand manages to grasp the door handle, pull it open, and reveal the hallway outside.

...as she honestly expected, Sasuke is literally seated just outside her door on a chair, looking ready to flay anyone alive who even walks past. And even without his keen senses, he would still hear her exit, turning to behold her.

“...what are you doing?”

“Could...could you please come in?”

Dark eyes flicker over her face, as though looking for some kind of ulterior motive. But when he finds none, he abandons his perch and steps inside.

It’s a rather plain room. A bed rests in a corner, a desk with a chair along a wall. There’s a table with a few more, and it’s there Sasuke goes to sit.

Feeling a bit directionless, she follows and does the same.

“...are you all right?”

The question hangs in the air for a long, silent moment.

“...I don’t know. It’s almost like...I’m so afraid, I can’t even be afraid anymore. I know I should be, and yet...I feel like I’m not.” She manages to turn pale eyes to him. “...do you...think he’s going to kill me?”

“...no. I think we’ve convinced him you’re not a threat. Not a legitimate one, at any rate. But I’m almost worried what other path he’ll take instead. I don’t want you to live the rest of your life under his thumb.”

“...you think it would be kinder for him to kill me?”

“...for you? Possibly.”

“...but you don’t want me to die.”

“I don’t want any of this. I don’t…” He sighs, bracing his brow in a palm as his elbow perches atop the table. “...this is my fault.”

“No it isn’t -”

“If I’d just...walked away. Left you alone. Saved you, and just...forgotten about it, then you’d never have ended up here. But I kept coming back. I let my curiosity put you in harm’s way, and now -!”

“Sasuke…”

The word brings him to a stop, realizing she’s not employing the typical suffix.

“...when I was young...I was so scared of the things I would see. My mother, when she was still alive, tried to teach me about your world. About you, and people like you. But...I lost her so early, and I missed out on so much of her wisdom. And that turned my naivety into fear. My father, he...he tried to stomp it out of me. Thought that my ability could be lost if I t-tried hard enough. But even as I did my best to ignore it...it never faded. Not even a little. I just...got used to it.

“And then, that night, when that vampire was going to kill me...I felt all that fear again. I had wished I’d never been able to see your kind. And for a while after I met you, I still felt that way. But...the more we talked, and the better I got to know you, the more I realized you...you really are just...people. There’s good Nightwalkers, and bad. I have n-nothing more to fear from you than I do any human I ever meet. I was only afraid because...I didn’t know. I didn’t...understand.

“I think...that’s why I’m not afraid now. I’ve reached a point where - even if maybe I don’t know everything about all of your politics and your culture and your people - I at least know that Nightwalkers, and Daywalkers, and Twilightwalkers...we’re all the same in the w-ways that really count. We’re all just...people. And what we are doesn’t make us good or bad. We make ourselves good or bad. And...you, and your brother, and your cousin? You’re good people. Maybe Madara is...is the kind of person who would use me, and hurt me. Maybe that makes him bad. But...the rest doesn’t frighten me. Not anymore.”

All the while, as Hinata softly rambles, Sasuke watches her silently, taking in every word. Funny...he never would have imagined that the timid little human he met all those months ago would ever become someone like...this. In a way...he’s proud of her.

...but he’s still scared. Because he knows to what lengths Madara is capable of going.

“...I’m still sorry I dragged you into this. And I promise you...I’ll do everything I can to make sure you get out of this in one piece.”

Her gaze flickers over his face. “...you were already planning to try, weren’t you? To...change things in your coven. You, and your brother, and your cousin.”

“...we were.”

“...have I...made you want to change things more?”

He doesn’t have a need to lie. “...yeah. You have. If that’s what it takes.”

“...that’s dangerous for you...isn’t it?”

“It is. But it’s a risk I’ve been willing to take before now. And now, I’m just all the more resolute. For now, we need to lie low. He might expect retaliation. But I keep my promises, Hinata. You will get out of this.”

She simply nods, and another silence blooms. But within it lingers the unaddressed subject between them.

“...was he right?”

“Who?”

“Madara. About...about you, and...why you’re doing this?”

She can see him swallow dryly. “...in all honesty...I’m still thinking. I don’t...I don’t know. I’ve never…” A stressed hand combs back through his hair. “...I dunno what that means. To...be in love with someone.”

“You’re as old as you are, and you never have?” Hinata can’t help but lightly tease, managing a ghost of a smile.

“No. Never wanted to, never tried, it just...never happened. So I don’t...I don’t know. What I do know is that the moment I thought they’d hurt you…? I went full frenzy. Without batting an eye. I’ve never...done that before. Lose my cool so completely, so quickly. I saw red. I was so angry, so ready to…”

She doesn’t reply, unsure what to say.

“...I know that...you mean a lot to me. We’ve gotten close, but...I don’t know where ‘friends’ ends and…‘more’ begins.”

“...in all fairness, neither do I. But...I know you’re very dear to me too, Sasuke. And...I feel safer with you around.”

“...even now?”

“...especially now.”

He heaves a heavy sigh, glancing aside. “...you should rest. I know you probably won’t sleep, but...at least lie down. All right?”

“What about you?”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve gone a lot longer than one night without sleep. What matters more is keeping an eye on you.”

Hinata gives another soft smile. “...thank you. I’ll lie down for a while. But...could you stay?”

“...in the room?”

“I’ll feel safer.”

“...all right. I’ll stay. Go rest.”

Nodding, she drags herself from the chair, curling up in the bed and hiding beneath the blankets. A few moments later, she feels a weight settle along the edge.

“...goodnight, Sasuke.”

“...night.”

                                                            .oOo.

     (This is a sequel to days 35, 44, 52, 80, 82, 105, 115, 133, 159, 162, 188, and 193!)       WELL, it's been a LONG stinkin' time since I've written in this verse, hoo boy! I have...majorly missed it. And also didn't realize just how many other days I've done in this verse, let alone in this mini series xD I'm so sorry for the long break, but...I just haven't felt a prompt was the right "next step" in this one for a while, but we've got one now!      (For those unfamiliar, I suggest checking out at least some of those previous works, but in short, this universe is one completely original to me based on politics, monsters, and all sorts of shenanigans - and I've taken to crossing Naruto into it from time to time!)      Poor Hinata...little thing's really being put through the wringer. Go all your life seeing monsters, almost get eaten by one, get SAVED by one, and then have him just...turn your life upside-down xD But overall? I think she's more glad than regretful for it all. Even if she's in one HECK of a pickle right now...she doesn't have to face it alone.      Also, just in case it's not clear, the /change things/ in regards to the Uchiha coven means that Sasuke, Itachi, and Shisui have plans to TRY to eliminate Madara. There's a lotta politics there I'd LOVE to get into...if not in the prompts, then when I try to turn this mini series into a proper fic! But that won't be until the challenge is over and I have a bit of a break :'D      ANYWAY, it's...waaaay past my bedtime, so I better stop rambling, I'm just happy to have done more in this verse! I hope y'all enjoyed, and thanks so much for reading!

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Fifty-One: Turtle ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Healing Waters and Scorching Flames ] [ AO3 Link ]

She’ll admit...it’s a little strange coming back here now. Hinata’s first visit to the capital of the Fire Nation had been during the Day of Black Sun - the solar eclipse that had been the allies’ hope to finally bring an end to the Hundred Year War. A day when, without the sun, the firebenders were to be completely powerless. But the plan went horribly awry thanks to leaked information...and the Avatar’s group was forced to flee and leave the rest of the invasion behind.

The only successes had been the freedom of Omashu, and the final straw in the change of heart within Sasuke.

Her second (and until now, final) visit to the city had been during the passing of Madara’s Comet. While Naruto faced the Fire Lord, Sasuke went to try and finally bring reason to his older brother. Though there had been the beginnings of a duel, Sasuke’s own revelation had been enough to overcome the last shreds of Itachi’s doubt...and they’d reached a peaceful resolution. With Naruto’s defeat of Fugaku, there had been an end to the war at last.

And from there? Years and years of diplomatic reparations, finding balance, and keeping every member of Team Avatar busy enough that visits between them have been few and far between.

Hinata herself has been using the time since the end of the war attempting to undo the damage done by the Fire Nation against the Southern Water tribes. The scattered remnants had been united, and the stolen waterbenders returned to the south. Reuniting them with family hadn’t been easy...and comforting both sides had taken its toll. Both prisoners and those who remained had to face losses: captives that had died during the war, and vice versa. Many no longer had homes to return to once it was all over.

The port where the prior prisoners were released turned into a makeshift refugee camp in their own territory. Shelters were built, resources stockpiled, and displaced tribesmen kept until new paths could be made. At first unintended, it turned into a hub that eventually grew into a city. Though many tribes, once steady, returned to their various homes...some, especially those without family or homes to return to, remained and helped the new city thrive.

Only now that things have begun to settle has Hinata found any time to leave the south. Given her connections with the Avatar, and the personal growth she obtained during her months fighting, it was she without question who was looked to - and is still looked to - for guidance in the south. But...she’s earned a much-deserved break, and has agreed to meet a few of the others in the Fire Nation to just...see one another.

Kiba decides to remain to handle the mantle in her place. The one nonbender of the group, he now leads the Southern Water tribe army. There’s no one else Hinata would entrust their progress to in her absence. He’ll be missed during their get-together, but he insists she deserves the break more than he. Hinata had been unable to argue otherwise, and so, rides on a ship to the island country alone.

Passing the gates that guard the bay, Hinata can’t help but look to them somberly. Much has changed these past few years...herself among them. And given how little she’s seen of her friends since the war’s end, she can only assume their metamorphoses will be just as apparent.

As the ship docks and she makes her way topside to disembark, Hinata can’t help a pause. Rather than a small escort to take her to the palace, the second prince is here himself to greet her.

Sasuke, flanked only by two guards, looks so...different.

Having been previously weighed by his father’s expectations, his own duality, and the struggles he faced, he now looks so much...lighter. Gone is the constant furrow to his brow, or the shadows in his eyes. True, some linger under them from exhaustion, but none of them are afforded much time to rest, even now. He just seems...more relaxed. Calm.

Happier.

In fact, he affords her a genuine - albeit tired - smile as she makes her way down to the dock. “Hinata,” he greets with a small bow. “It’s good to see you. Were the seas calm for your voyage…?”

Still a bit taken aback, Hinata blinks before smiling in turn. “They were. It was a pleasant trip. But I’m glad to be back on land for the time being.”

“And here I thought a waterbender could never tire of water.”

That earns a light laugh. “Water, no...bobbing and dipping in a ship, maybe. Has anyone else arrived yet…?”

“No, not yet. And Kiba isn’t with you, right?”

“No, he’s keeping an eye on things while I’m gone. Developments in the south are still very...ongoing.”

Sasuke nods, expression tingeing a bit gravely for a moment. “I understand...I’ve heard bits and pieces about what’s been going on down there. You’re doing amazing work.”

Her head ducks, humble at the praise. “It’s what needs to be done. And I’m happy to do it. Seeing my people come back from the hardships they suffered gives me hope. We’ve always been a tough people, but this has been our g-greatest test.”

For a moment, something passes over Sasuke’s face. But before she can question it, he gestures. “Well, for now, I suppose we’ll make our way up to the palace. You haven’t seen it since the repairs, have you?”

“No...this is my first trip back since the end of the war, and Itachi’s coronation.”

Surprise pulls at his features. “...has it really been that long?”

“It has,” she replies with a weary smile. “Time sure has flown, hasn’t it?”

“...yeah. Guess being so caught up will do that to you. One moment you’re just starting a new month...the next, you turn around and three have passed. There’s hardly been a dull moment since the war ended.”

A nod. “All I can hope is that it slows a bit soon. It would be nice to enjoy the labor we’ve been giving for so long. Just for a bit.”

“It would.” With her agreement, Sasuke leads Hinata toward the palace. “I can’t wait to see everyone...Naruto’s efforts in the Earth Kingdom were the last time I saw him, trying to sort out the Fire Nation occupants.”

“Was that ever resolved…?”

“Yes...and we’re working on plans to make it even better. But we can talk about that when he’s here to chime in. I think he’s got a better handle on it than I do, honestly. I’ve been more focused on aiding Itachi here as of late.”

Light small talk fills the air during their trek to the central building, and Hinata can’t help but wonder at the sheer size of it. It and the Earth Palace always make her feel so small. Nothing has ever compared to her little southern village.

“We can wait in the gardens for a while - I’ll have some tea brought out.”

Snapped from her reverie as Sasuke speaks, Hinata reflexively smiles. “That sounds great. I haven’t seen the gardens yet.”

“It’s honestly my favorite part of the entire palace. My mother and I spent a lot of time here before she...left.”

The pause earns a glance, but Hinata doesn’t press the subject.

They pass through only a few hallways before making their way into the gardens...and Hinata can’t help but stare. It’s...beautiful! Green, lush, and filled with ponds and fountains. After a lifetime in the snow and ice, plantlife and even grass still fill her with excitement. “They’re amazing…!”

“Let me show you the best part.” Approaching a pond, Sasuke takes a knee, seeming to...look for something.

Unsure what his intent is, Hinata does the same.

“...there!” Pointing, he gestures to a patch of reeds along the other end. From them...emerge several little creatures Hinata has never seen before.

Her eyes go wide. “They’re so cute…! What are they?”

“Turtleducks.”

“Turtle…?”

“Ducks. See, they have a shell, like the great lion turtles,” Sasuke explains. “Just...a lot smaller, and a lot fluffier.”

“I love them already…” Hinata murmurs, watching as they swim their way a bit closer, quacking softly. A few turtleducklings make their way to the bank, and she gently brushes a finger over one’s head.

Beside her, watching from the corner of his eye, Sasuke can’t help a hint of a smile.

“I wish we had these back home...but I think it’s likely far too cold.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. But I guess that gives you a reason to visit, huh?”

Looking up, Hinata simply replies, “I already have a reason.”

Sasuke can’t help a blink of surprise, the bridge of his nose alighting a soft pink just as a courier steps into garden with a bow.

“Prince Sasuke, the Avatar and the earthbender will be here soon - word has been sent ahead with a...lemur of sorts.”

Moment broken, the pair glance up. “Thank you,” the Uchiha replies. “We’ll get ready to meet them.”

“Well, there goes the peace and quiet,” Hinata observes with a light laugh behind a hand.

“True...but it’ll be good to see them.”

“Mhm. But...maybe we’ll avoid showing them the turtleducks. I’m not sure the little things will appreciate the noise.”

Sasuke can’t help a humorous scoff. “...you have a point. We’ll visit them again later, when the others are busy.”

Just the two of us.

                                                            .oOo.

     Hi so this is technically yesterday's entry...I'm sorry it's late but I was gone LITERALLY all day and was pooped when I got home real late, so...this is me finally getting it done ;w; Sorry about the wait, loves~      But anyway! Back to the AtLA crossover...which I'm still not 100% satisfied with. Sasuke just makes so much more sense to fit Azula's role, but...I want him to be Zuko. And Itachi just does NOT fit her role AT ALL, so...hence me not being 100% sure what to do with the epic sibling battle. Whoops, lol - but that's not the focus! Turtleducks are by far (imo) the cutest AtLA fusion animal. Just...I love them. And now Hinata does too.      Anywho, I still need to do today's prompt - that'll be later! For now I've gotta run and get other stuff done, but thanks for reading!