#hinata anbu t-shirts

[nooredn]

[cyhyr]

KakaIru Maze 2021: Decoding Ancient Lost Languages

Fandom: Naruto

Rating: T

WC: ~4540

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Additional Tags: Mysterious Injuries, Old Gods, Sacrifice, Poisoning, Curses, Hospitalization, Hopeful Ending, Medical Inaccuracies, Medical Procedures, Hair Loss

A/N: *~*Throws Confetti*~* I. DON'T. KNOW. WHAT. I'M. DOING.

I did the barest amount of research for this fic. *~*More Confetti*~*

Read on The Archive

~

Normally, Iruka would balk at the idea that he should be carried through the front gates after a mission, no matter how gruelling. He has an image to uphold, and what if one of his students were to see him broken and weak after one of his missions? He’d either never hear the end of their worry or, worse, lose their respect as a strong shinobi capable of teaching them.

So no, this situation is far from normal.

He holds on tight around Kotetsu’s shoulders and buries his face in his teammate’s hair. His back is on fire, carved wounds shifting and worsening with each step. Some kind of curse-seal, or a time-released jutsu; whatever happened, Izumo couldn’t use the mystical palm jutsu to heal it, not without causing further excruciating pain and making the wounds ooze and seem to cut themselves deeper into Iruka’s back.

They had cut their losses and abandoned the mission. Iruka’s fūinjutsu was vital to its success anyway, and he was—is—in constant agony.

Thankfully, they enter the village just after nightfall. Iruka can feel a bit relieved over that—most of his current students are home and inside at this time, so the chances of being seen by any of them are slim. He bites his lip to stifle a cry as Kotetsu pushes off a rooftop a bit harder than usual and it shifts him too much.

They’re halfway to the hospital when the ANBU team flank him and Kotetsu, escorting them the rest of the way. One of them, Cat, runs close enough to talk.

“Report.”

Iruka can’t. Kotetsu responds, “An injury that responds poorly to normal medical field ninjutsu.”

“Is he awake?”

Iruka nods, knowing Cat will see.

“Iruka-sensei, can you speak?”

He shakes his head.

Kotetsu says, “He’s been in too much pain to do much more than nod or shake his head.”

“Rokudaime-sama wants you and your other teammate to report directly to him once Iruka-sensei is admitted to the hospital.”

Kotetsu fumbles another step. Iruka grits his teeth and groans, holding back a scream. “Sorry, Ru,” he mumbles. To Cat he says, “Of course, ANBU-san. Izumo’s checking us in at the gate. I’ll collect him and report, once I drop Iruka off.”

Iruka doesn’t remember being admitted. He does remember Sakura’s startled cry as he’s placed face-down on a gurney and his wounds are finally able to be seen in harsh fluorescent lighting for the first time. Gods, he’s tired of being face-down in hospital beds.

Will something, anything, have the wherewithal to fucking strike him in the chest for once, please?

He passes out.

~

A hand is holding his own gently as he wakes, extremely disoriented and floaty on painkillers. He blinks his eyes open and turns his gaze to the man beside him. Iruka smiles faintly. “K’shi,” he slurs. Oh, they have him on the good drugs.

“You are never leaving the village again,” Kakashi whispers harshly. He bows his head and kisses Iruka’s hand in his own and continues, “Hokage’s orders.”

“I‘ll go rogue,” Iruka mutters, closing his eyes. “What’s in my IV?”

“From what Sakura tells me? Everything.”

“That explains.” Iruka stops, trying to think of the rest of his sentence, but a fresh flood of painkillers just flowed into his arm and he hums instead.

“I heard from Kotetsu and Izumo what happened,” Kakashi continues. “Are you able yet to talk about it as well?”

“Nope.” Iruka nuzzles into his pillow. He’s feeling really floaty and he’d like to go back to sleep.

Kakashi chuckles. Iruka receives a kiss to his hair and a tighter grip on his hand. “Sleep, then, my love. I’ll see if Sakura can get you on something less strong, enough that we can talk soon.”

“‘Kay. Love you.”

He falls back asleep.

~

When he wakes the second time, there’s a different kind of energy in the room—a different sort of love in the air, and Iruka knows it sounds crazy but he can just tell, even with his eyes still closed, when he’s around Kakashi or if he’s around Naruto.

Now, it’s Naruto.

Also, he can feel the carving in his back, so whatever they’d had him on before they’d lowered the dosage or put him on something else entirely.

“Hey, Naruto,” Iruka says, opening his eyes.

In the chair beside his head, the blond bundle sits, knee twitching. With his bandaged arm crossed over his other and his head bowed in thought, he almost looks like the adult he’s so close to being, instead of the teenager he still is. They argue good-naturedly about it all the time; Naruto insists that he’s an adult, but at eighteen, he’s still technically a teenager and Iruka reminds him of it as much as he can.

“Iru-nii! How are you feeling?”

“Like someone took a carving knife to my back,” Iruka scoffs. “Also, strangely drained.”

Naruto nods. “Sakura-chan said that the new pain medicine has the side-effect of making it feel like you’re chakra-exhausted. But,” he frowns, “she also said that the dose should be strong enough that you wouldn’t be in too much pain when you wake up.”

“It’s bearable, Naruto. You…” He sighs, “You didn’t see me when I came in, did you?”

He shakes his head. “I was out with Kiba and Shikamaru. Kakashi-sensei told me about you this morning, when we got back. You’ve been drifting in and out for, like, three days!”

Iruka buries his face in his pillow and groans. There goes his hope that the carvings won’t scar.

“He says he’ll be by later,” Naruto adds. He shivers comically. “I still don’t see why you’d pick him of all people, Iru-nii.”

Iruka smiles. “You have a different experience with him as his student.” The smile fades and he asks, “Has there been any progress made on fixing my back?”

Naruto sobers. “See, that’s the thing. Every time Sakura tries to get close with some kind of medical ninjutsu—or even with normal healing balms and stitches—the cuts react violently. Like there’s some bad chakra embedded inside them.”

“Has anyone had a Hyūga come and look at it?” Iruka muses. “If there’s chakra in the cuts, then a Hyūga would see it with the Byakugan.”

Naruto jumps up. “You’re a genius! I’ll go and check with Sakura-chan!”

Iruka watches him leave and sighs fondly. Kakashi did well with him, he thinks, and then closes his eyes and drifts.

~

At least he’s able to move around on his own now. Iruka washes his hands in the bathroom and then braces his palms on the sink. It’s been almost a week, and no one is any closer to figuring out how to fix his back.

Having a Hyūga look at the wounds didn’t help. It nearly blinded Hinata. Iruka still feels horribly guilty about it, but she can still see and activate her Byakugan, so he’s been told multiple times to let it go.

What she had seen made everyone uneasy though. A slimy discharge of chakra oozing from the wounds, bright and powerful enough that Hinata had to close her eyes against it.

Sakura has a small team of medi-nins on his case, researching at all hours. Two days, and they still haven’t found anything.

Iruka’s frustrated.

Kakashi visits every night and Naruto most mornings. It’s nice, but he’d rather be back in class with his kids.

He had to get a blood transfusion last night. His back hasn’t stopped bleeding, and the blood loss finally caught up to him.

Iruka turns his back to the mirror, takes off his shirt gingerly, and looks over his shoulder at the carvings. He frowns—it looks odd. This is the first time he’s gotten to see the wounds, and he can’t imagine no one's noticed…

He leaves the bathroom and hunts around in the stack of drawers by his bed. “Ha!” He finds a pad of paper and a pencil, and heads back into the bathroom.

It’s difficult, transcribing the still bleeding wounds onto paper through a mirror while looking over his shoulder. It’s even harder once the dose of painkillers he’s on fully metabolizes and he’s not yet done. Twisting his upper back, stretching and sitting on the edge of the sink so he can see his lower back—it aches.

A voice comes from the other side of the door, along with a soft knock. “Iruka-sensei? Is everything alright?”

Sakura.

He places the pad and pencil on the counter and slides the door open. “Sakura, has no one realized that the wounds are words?” he asks.

She looks startled. “Huh?”

“Could you please clean them for me again, and check that I’ve transcribed it correctly?” Iruka reaches back inside the bathroom and gives the pad of paper to Sakura. “I’m sure Rokudaime-sama will be interested in this.”

Sakura finally catches up. “Yes! Um, let me get you another dose of painkillers, and a flush kit. If you could sit back down, Sensei? I’ll be right back!”

Iruka just about collapses onto the mattress, leaning his elbows on his knees. Finally, some answers are on the horizon.

~

“It’s no language the cipher corps recognize, nor is it a code in our archives.” Kakashi has his arms crossed and a shoulder leaning against the window. “But they do agree with your assessment—it’s definitely a message of some kind.”

Iruka sighs, picking at the hospital food. “Validation is nice, but I was hoping for an end to this pain.”

“I know, love. Me too.”

“When can we expect word back from Sasuke?”

“If it is Otsutsuki, Sasuke should arrive as soon as possible, per my order. If not, he likely will only return a messenger hawk with the information.” Kakashi leaves the window and comes to sit on the mattress beside Iruka. “We’re going to figure this out.”

Iruka hums and leans against his partner, resting his head against Kakashi’s collarbone. It’s not comfortable, but it is comforting. “I miss sleeping with you,” he whispers.

Kakashi kisses the top of his head. “I miss you too, love. The house is too quiet without you.”

~

Iruka stares at the encoded characters transcribed from his back. He’s… discomfited. He’s been staring at the words for almost a half-hour, trying to make sense of it.

It doesn’t change.

Iruka knows this language.

Not… not well enough to read it outright, but enough that with the characters cleaned up and a fresh copy in his hands, one that was written down while the scribe (himself) wasn’t in immense pain, he recognizes it.

“Iru-nii!” Naruto steps in for his morning visit. “How’d you sleep?”

“As best as can be expected,” Iruka mutters. “Naruto, can you do me a favor?”

“Hmm? Sure!”

Thank the gods he still has his moments of dull-headedness. “In the office at home, I have a scroll with the Uzumaki clan seal on it. It’s the only one, middle shelf. I need you to get that scroll for me please.”

“Nii-chan, why do you have an Uzumaki scroll?”

Iruka sighs. “Go get the scroll, and I’ll explain when you get back, okay?”

Naruto leaves through the open window, his footing unsteady. But he leaves and that means that Iruka can breathe and take the time to think of a way to tell him, when he gets back, about how he found out that they are actually distantly related.

Actually, no—how is he supposed to—shit. Iruka drags a hand down his face.

Hey Naruto, oh this old scroll? Found it in the archives after Tsunade-sama left office! It was in a box marked with my parents’ names on it. Yeah, turns out that my father was a refugee from Uzushio, just like your mother! Oh, and funnily enough, Umino is also a branch family of the Uzumaki!

That’s… not going to go over well, is it.

~

Break a thing for fragments. Break the fragments for dust. Break the dust, and break what remains. Here is fire.

To forge a sword, to fight, to curse your enemies on the eve of battle. This is the story of blood and its exits.

A word that sanctifies the change that comes when the seared skin peels. Words spoken in ritual to inspire an unmerciful Change. To speak them aloud is to hear the sword hiss.

All these things share certain patterns.

“Mercy,” saith the Altar, “is found only in shadow.”

“Mercy,” saith the Altar, “is found only in shadow.”

“Mercy,” saith the Altar, “is found only in shadow.”

…

Iruka wakes gasping, not realizing that he’d fallen asleep. He pats his lap for the scroll Naruto had brought him, and startles as he realizes that it’s not there. It—It had been there just, just a little while ago, hadn’t it???

“Mercy is found only in shadow,” he mutters to himself, looking around his room. “Mercy is found… There!” The scroll, the one with the Uzumaki clan seal, is rolled up and tucked neatly away on a table on the far end of the room. Iruka gathers his strength and swings his legs over the side of the bed.

He tries to stand.

And fails.

He catches himself on hands and knees, and then feels his elbows weaken and give way. His cheek hits the tile and he hisses. He tries to push up again, but can’t…

Can’t…

…

The Altar holds a spark.

Freol is the mouth, the door, the flame, the altar, and the reward.

Knife and sword shed blood for Freol; what is spilled is hers. Fires burn for Freol; what is consumed is hers.

~

“Iruka! Iruka, please, wake up!”

“The breath of Freol brings change and endings,” Iruka slurs, barely awake and compelled. He can’t stop, can’t stop, can’t speak anything other than this ancient language. “‘Mercy,’ saith the Altar, ‘is found only in shadow.’ Let those who gather near Freol be blessed and cursed. Mercy is found only in shadow. Mercy—”

“Naruto, tell me Sasuke has gotten back to us.”

“He hasn’t! And-and Kurama has no idea what Iru-nii’s saying, either!”

Kakashi shakes him, taps his cheek. “Iruka, come back, please.”

Iruka tries to say I’m sorry Kakashi but what passes his lips is a murmured, “‘Mercy,’ saith the Altar, ‘is found only in shadow.’”

~

Sakura stands in front of him solemnly. “We gave him a high enough dose of tranquilizer that he shouldn’t even dream, Kakashi-sensei. My team—”

Kakashi holds up a hand to stop her from speaking. He knows he doesn’t look good, knows he hasn’t been home in over forty-eight hours, but he can’t… he can’t stop. Iruka… “What about the scroll that was in his room?”

“Naruto said Iruka-sensei had him collect it from his home office,” Sakura says. “But no one can read it. We have been able to determine that it’s in the same language as the carvings he transcribed from his back, though.”

Kakashi looks up. “The cavern he and his team had been in—where were they?”

Sakura turns to the map hanging up in his office, and points, “East of here, near a village on the coast. Naruto mentioned—”

“The scroll is from Uzushio,” Kakashi muses, “and it has an Uzumaki clan seal on it. I’ll bet we’ll find more information about all this in the ruins of Uzushio.”

Sakura nods. “But Kakashi-sensei, you can’t—”

“I know.” He sighs. “Take Naruto and go. Find out what’s causing this. Find out how to fix it.”

She nods again and turns to leave.

“Sakura,” he calls out, softer. She stops, but doesn’t turn back to face him. That’s good; he might not be able to say this to her face. “This part comes not from your Hokage, but from me, personally. Please. He’s… Iruka’s everything. Please, find something.”

She gives him a thumbs-up over her shoulder, and says, “We won’t let you down, sensei.”

~

Kakashi watches from the windows as the nurses check Iruka’s vitals and change out his fluids. She bows to him when she’s done and then turns to leave; Kakashi holds up a palm and says, “Wait.”

“Hokage-sama?”

“How… How is he?”

She smiles softly, gently. “We’re taking good care of him, sir.”

“That’s all Sakura told you to tell me, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

He sighs. “Thank you. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Her smile turns just the tiniest bit mischievous. “A higher budget for the hospital in the next fiscal quarter wouldn’t be remiss, Hokage-sama.”

He waves her away, “I’ll see what I can do,” he says with as much humor as he can muster. She leaves, and he goes to sit in his chair by Iruka’s side.

They had to intubate him today. Kakashi couldn’t get away from the desk long enough to be here for him; not that it mattered, because they were keeping him sedated even before shoving a tube down his throat. But it matters to Kakashi because he can’t…

He can’t do anything.

He’s stuck here, managing the village, while his students are out looking for answers to whatever mysterious illness his partner has fallen to. And all he’s good for is holding Iruka’s hand, and maybe going and lobbying for an increase in the hospital budget.

His hair is limp and matted from long weeks in the hospital. Kakashi runs his fingers through the ends of brunet strands and hopes that, when Iruka wakes up, he’ll let Kakashi wash his hair.

“Please get better,” Kakashi murmurs into the clasp of their hands. “I need you. Please.”

~

“Sakura-chan.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m getting real sick of goddesses thinking they can ruin everything, y’know?”

“Yeah.”

Mercy is found only in shadow.

~

“He needs another blood transfusion.”

“Take mine,” Kakashi offers. “We have the same blood type.”

“Hokage-sama—”

“Just take the damn blood,” Kakashi snaps. “Whatever he needs, please, just. Just do it. Take it.”

The nurses bow. “Yes, sir.”

Footsteps in the hall, rapidly approaching, signal Kakashi to a messenger. He stands up and crosses to the door just as Shikamaru slides it open, panting from his run.

Shikamaru turns to the nurses and says, “He needs a bone marrow transplant.”

The nurse looks at him, startled, and says, “Whyever for?”

“Naruto sent ahead a messenger.” Shikamaru glances at Kakashi and finally catches his breath. “The one word Iruka-sensei had said, Freol? It’s the name of an ancient deity of the Land of Whirlpools, one whose purview is to change its followers. One of the ways it does this, as Sakura describes it, is through a kind of radiation poisoning.”

“But that doesn’t explain the,” Kakashi gestures vaguely, and then ends helplessly, “speaking in tongues.”

“The message said they’ll explain that part when they get home,” Shikamaru says. “Naruto and Sakura are on their way back, arrival is estimated at thirty-one hours.” He turns to the nurse. “Can we perform a transplant?”

She hums thoughtfully. “Normally, I’d say yes. But Iruka-sensei doesn’t have any close blood relatives, and if his own marrow is compromised as you say we can’t assume an autologous transplant will be effective.”

Kakashi’s heart stops. “But—”

“But,” the nurse continues, “we can start him on a treatment regimen which will increase his white blood cell count. We’ll start checking in with frequent blood tests. We can also start on a broad-spectrum heavy metals sequestration; we’ll cover Iodine, thallium, caesium, plutonium, and curium. They’re the most common.”

Kakashi motions to her, and says to Shikamaru, “She’s my favorite.”

“You shouldn’t have favorites, Kakashi-sama.”

He groans. The nurse smiles and says, “I’ll go order those tests and treatments,” and then ducks around Shikamaru and leaves.

~

Kakashi holds the scroll open on his desk, reading the translation Sakura and Naruto brought back. It’s a puzzle in its own right, but coupled with the Uzumaki scroll Iruka had kept in their office, Kakashi finds himself even more thoroughly confused.

“I understand how you came to the conclusion of radiation,” he says. “But I don’t understand how this is supposed to explain why Iruka began speaking the language. Because that is what happened, isn’t it?”

“That’s where a little bit of Iruka-sensei knowledge comes in handy,” Naruto says. He steps forward and points to a line near the bottom. “‘Many others can open the way. Few can place a seal where there was none before.’ And then I remembered this one, off-hand comment Iruka-sensei had made when we were kids. That the people from Uzushio were really good with fūinjutsu.”

“And that has to do with Iruka?”

“Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto groans, like he’s the genius and Kakashi is being deliberately stupid. “Umino is an Uzushio family! ‘Few can place a seal where there was none before’! I’ve seen him do that, just, poof, barrier seals.”

“Naruto, I know he’s from Uzushio. What does that have to do with his condition?”

“Freol,” Sakura says. “When he and the other chūnin got close to that cave. She recognized him as one of hers and marked him.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because the same thing happened to Naruto when we got close.”

Kakashi stands up, vaults over the desk and puts his hands on Naruto’s shoulders. “You’re alright?”

“Kurama beat her up and kept me safe,” Naruto nodded. “But I could hear her. She said something like, ‘the flames will consume, or change, or seal at my whim.’ She was angry.”

Kakashi sighs and drops his hands. “And even Kurama doesn’t recognize this goddess?”

“Actually, once they came into contact, he did recognize her,” Naruto says. “Freol was a protector of the Land of Whirlpools, he says, a creator of soldiers superior to ninja.”

“Superior?”

Sakura interjects, motioning back to the scrolls on his desk. “Right here, see. ‘Hers is the flame which hides in the flesh and the soul and twists both into something new.’ But also, this line, ‘What is left behind is Changed, and may Change others in turn.’”

“Kurama was able to tell us about Uzushio as it once was, back in the warring states,” Naruto continues. “That there would be those who would willingly sacrifice themselves to Freol, for the chance to Change into something more. Something different.”

“A superior soldier,” Kakashi muses. “And this Change. This is what’s happening to Iruka.”

Both of them nodded. “That’s what we think.”

“How do we stop it?”

“That’s the thing,” Sakura’s face falls. “I don’t think there’s a way to stop the process once it starts. Freol marks those she wishes to undergo the Change, and then… Well, all of the writings we managed to find say that the sacrifices either come out stronger, or their families seal their bodies into stasis, or—”

She stops, choking on tears she fights back with every bit of training she’d gone through.

“Or they die,” Kakashi finishes in a soft, defeated voice.

All three of them stand silent in the office for a long time.

~

Kakashi finds himself sleeping in Iruka’s hospital room most nights. The treatment is hell on his partner’s body—the windows are covered with heavy curtains now, to keep out the sunlight which could very easily burn his skin on the medication; hair which was once limp and matted is now starting to fall out every time Kakashi pulls a brush through it; his lips are chapped and broken around the tube, his skin dry and thin everywhere else. The nurses had to change his IV from his arm to the back of his hand today, because the veins in his arm are becoming too thin to support the needle.

He’s dying.

Iruka’s dying, and all Kakashi can do is hold his hand and watch.

And, gods, the last thing they said to each other… Iruka was speaking a different language and Kakashi was begging him to wake up.

Will he really have to watch Iruka die, knowing that he’ll never get to hear I love you from those lips again?

Kakashi buries his face in his arms, carefully arranged over Iruka’s thigh. He used to have such thick, muscular thighs; it’s barely skin and bone now.

Alone, with only his dying partner to hear—or not—Kakashi lets himself cry.

~

“I’m going to try something.”

“Naruto, please—”

“No. Kakashi-sensei, Iru-nii is strong. And Freol won’t pursue him if he goes through the Change, right?”

“There’s no guarantee of that.”

“He’ll be stronger, just like the other sacrifices who survived. Kakashi-sensei, all Iru-nii needs to do is survive.”

“The Change—”

“We’ll deal with it when we’re on the other side of this!”

Naruto places his hands on Iruka, and the Nine-Tail’s Cloak bubbles up around him.

The monitors, registering Iruka’s nervous system, don’t react. He’s in no further pain.

Kakashi feels the tiniest bit lighter. “I hope this works, Naruto.”

“It was Kurama’s idea,” the teen grins. “He remembered that normal healing jutsu wasn’t working before; but he was able to beat back Freol himself when she came after me. So letting Iru-nii use Kurama’s chakra as a kind of life support—it should keep Freol from making this worse at least, right? While he gets better?”

It doesn’t make sense. It shouldn’t work.

But it does.

~

Almost a week later, the nurses are removing the tubes from his throat, and Kakashi is pacing the room waiting for the tranquilizers to wear off. Iruka should wake up any minute now. Naruto’s plan worked. Iruka made it through, and his most recent blood test showed no abnormalities due to radiation. They stopped the heavy metal sequestration yesterday, but the white blood cell proteins will continue for a few days still, to help prevent further infection.

They still don’t know what kind of change Iruka’s undergone. At least, other than the physical.

His hair is gone. Sakura has assured Kakashi that it will grow back. It’s so odd, though, seeing his partner without hair. They’ve put a cap on his head to keep him warm—his body temperature has been fluctuating oddly the last day and a half, and in particular today he’s running cold.

Also, his scent has changed. He hasn’t told anyone about it yet, but Iruka smells different. Less like old parchment and a swift river, and more like… like a waterfall and the deep, loamy scent of rich, black earth. It’s not a bad change. But it’s significant. He’s already taken an overnight to summon the pack and have his ninken memorize Iruka’s new scent, just in case it’s permanent.

“K’shi?”

He’s across the room in a flash, holding Iruka’s limp hand and holding back tears.

“I thought—”

“My K’shi,” Iruka slurs, turning his head to face him and closing his eyes, a soft smile on his lips.

The tears fall anyway. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

Iruka hums. “L’ve you.”

He’s still on a considerable amount of pain medication, Kakashi realizes. He laughs wetly, leans forward and kisses Iruka’s forehead. “I love you, too. Rest, dear.”

“M’kay.”

And just like that, he is breathing slow and steady, his eyes close gently, and he is sleeping peacefully for the first time in months. Kakashi falls back into his chair with a huff and tips his head to the ceiling, still holding Iruka’s hand, and also, finally, finding an easy sleep.

[i-would-have-come-for-you]

A Marriage of convenience

The art does not belong to me. All credits go to @cyantasim for the beautiful work.

Chapter 2

Hinata Hyuga was not stupid.

So when she came home to find Sasuke Uchiha in her house, talking to her father privately, she knew something was wrong.

Neji was also there, strangely. Hinata was anxious. She was pacing in the garden, waiting for their private meeting to be over so she could ask what the hell was Uchiha Sasuke doing in the Hyuga compounds?

“Lady Hinata, you must calm down. It is merely clan business.” Ko, her care taker since she was a child, advised her.

“I just-It’s unsuaul.” She stumbled for words to express what she thought. She did not stutter anymore. No. she’d outgrown that phase along with the shyness.

She’d expressed her feelings to Naruto and she’d been understanding when he’d told her he could only be friends. She was okay with the fact that he was engaged to Sakura Haruno, her close friend now.

Since the war, everyone wanted to rebuild. Together. That’s why people did not hesitate to celebrate small things and small mercies either.

The war had been cruel. But that was 3 years ago. Hinata was a 19 year old now, strong and ready to take over her clan as head.

She’d become Jonin and then ANBU along with a few of her old classmates. Naruto was training to become Hokage under Kakashi’s wing. Sakura was the head of the Konoha Hospital. Ino had decided to become a Jounin teacher along with managing her flower shop.

And Sasuke…he’d left Konoha for a journey as atonement of his sins. He’d come back a few months ago after 3 years. Hinata had been one to welcome him back along with his friends as she felt bad because everyone was wary of him.

He’d flashed her a look of intrigue before resuming his mask of cold indifference. She sighed. She’d drive herself crazy, over thinking this.

She decided to shower and change to calm herself. She showered and changed into comfortable clothing before deciding to read the mission report for her previous mission before presenting it to the Hokage today.

She knew it would be dinner time soon so she walked downstairs, clad in her T-shirt and yoga pants. As she reached the lower floor, she almost bumped into Uchiha Sasuke. She stopped herself just in time.

She looked up at his face which was weary but showed no hint of any emotion. Hinata just stared at him for a moment. “Uh-I’m sorry.” She told him softly.

He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before walking off, not gracing her with a response. What the-?

She saw Neji, white as chalk come out of her father’s study. “Neji nii? What’s wrong?” she asked him carefully.

He looked at her and almost freaked out. “Nothing.” He breathed out heavily “Nothing at all. Please excuse me.”

He walked off. She wondered was wrong with him. Her father did not come out of the study at all. Hinata shrugged it off, determined to ask why Sasuke was here later.

For now, she had dinner to eat since she hadn’t eaten anything all day.

Hinata had just returned from presenting the Hokage her mission report. The Hokage had praised her good work.

She was still smiling from that, relishing the praise. She’d been happy with her performance on the mission. Her mind tracked back to when she was a young Genin. She’d been weak.

She remembered her father’s mission before most of her missions.

Try not to be a burden for anyone else.

That was always great encouragement, she thought bitterly. It was no use thinking back on that now. Once she was clan leader, she would surely change the ways of the Hyuga. She’d make sure there was no more resentment between the two branches.

She just finished taking off her shoes when the servant informed her that her father wanted to speak to her in his study.

It was something regarding Sasuke’s visit yesterday, Hinata was sure. She walked to her father’s study and knocked softly.

“Come in.” his voice rang out.

She entered and closed the door behind her. He stood besides the window in the room. As if anxious. Which was surely not possible.

“Good evening father.” She greeted.

“Good evening Hinata.” He said. She waited for him to say more.

“You called me here. What is the matter?” she got straight to the point as her father disliked beating around the bush.

“Hinata…I have some news for you and I hope you will take it well.”

Hinata’s heart beat faster. She had a feeling whatever the news was…it was not going to be very pleasant for her.

“What…?” she could not manage anymore words. Hiashi looked at her gravely, as if announcing her death.

“Uchiha Sasuke visited yesterday as I am sure you know. He presented me with a blood contract, sealing your engagement to him.”

Hinata’s breath was knocked out of her body as her father calmly informed her of this. “It was a marriage contract. Between you and Uchiha Sasuke.”

Hinata still could not grasp what he was saying. “The engagement was arranged by me and the Uchiha head Fugaku. It must be fulifilled.”

“No…” she breathed out.

“I’m afraid that is the arrangement. You will be married to Uchiha Sasuke with in the week.” He said it like he was not ripping her life apart right there and then. Like it was a good thing. Like it was routine. Maybe for him, ripping apart lives was not a big deal.

“You can’t do this to me.” She said angrily.

“It is for the best.” He told her.

“You can’t do this to me.” She said through gritted teeth this time. Hiashi sighed, like she was a child, stubbornly asking for a toy she could not have.

“I cannot break a blood contract. And besides, it is a beneficial match.” He said, eyeing her carefully. Her eyes burned with tears.

“You can’t rip my life apart just like that! What about my life? My ambitions. I don’t want to be a breeding mare for him!”

Hiashi flinched at this. He could not help but notice how alike she looked to her mother. It sent a pang through him. Clan before family, he reminded himself.

“Hinata…I expect you to understand.” He told her slowly.

“NO! You’re destroying my life and you expect me to UNDERSTAND?!” she said, raising her voice in front of him for the first time. Her tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Hinata…”

“NO! What about being clan head? I was trained for that all my life. I endured taunts from you, snide remarks from the elders, beatings from Neji only to become clan head and change this clan. What about that?!”

“Neji will be clan head.” He told her softly.

She stopped dead. Her breathing became very slow for a second. Neji. Clan head. Her mind wrapped around the fact that she was so replaceable.

“You…you think I’m so useless that you can replace me in a minute?” she whispered out. Hiashi’s head throbbed.

“It’s not like that. You need to understand…”

“That I’m going to be Uchiha’s breed mare, you’re selling me off, appointing Neji as the clan head and getting rid of me for good.”

“I trained all my life for naught. For this. Only to be married off. You never loved me, it hurt but it was okay. If it meant it would not happen to another under my watch, it was fine. This…death would be better than this.”

Her voice was chocked with tears and Hiashi felt something inside him break. He urged his demeanor not to break. He was clan head dammit.

“Yes.” He forced out.

She looked out and smiled without mirth. “I see.”

“You are expected to be married this week.” He informed her.

He looked at her, as she broke from the inside. He hated that he could do nothing about it. That he was the reason she was always hurting.

“After I’m sold to the Uchiha to be his whore” he flinched at her words for she was never one to use crude language “Do not expect me to visit. I will leave this compound, this clan and your lives forever. No coming back. If anyone tries to seal my Byakugan, I will kill them”

“And since you never played the role of a father anyways, what’s the use of the title alone? You are no father of mine Hyuga Hiashi. I hate you. You didn’t deserve my mother and you certainly don’t deserve me. Good bye.”

She walked outside, slamming the door shut, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Hiashi sat down on his chair, unable to support himself. He looked at the portrait of his wife, who looked as young as Hinata.

She’d always been like her mother, he mused. He’d lost Hana and now he’d lost Hinata for good too.

Hinata wiped her tears as she walked outside. She hated Hiashi. She hated him. She hated Uchiha Sasuke for barging into her life when it was finally becoming better.

She hated him. She walked to her room as her world collapsed around her.

________

“WHAT?!”

Hinata flinched at the volume of Ino and Sakura’s combined voices. She nodded wearily, not wanting to look at them.

“Your father is marrying you off to Sasuke?” Tenten asked, astonished as well.

“That’s what he told me.” She said bitterly.

“What about being clan head and changing the Hyuga?” Sakura asked softly, knowing it was her friend’s dream.

“Apparently marrying me off is better for me so Neji is going to be head while I will bear children for Uchiha Sasuke.” Hinata spat out.

Ino’s blue eyes filled with tears. “Hinata…I’m so sorry. That’s terrible.” She said, hugging her blue haifred friend.

“Ino…life is not fair. Who knows, maybe I even deserve being treated like nothing all my life.” Hinata shrugged sadly. At least her friends knew how she felt.

“Don’t say that.” Tenten scolded almost harshly “You deserve all the best things in life Hinata.”

Hinata chuckled bitterly. “That’s why I really am getting the best things.” Sakura had never seen her friend so down and it made her extremely mad at Hiashi.

“Hinata, I’ll go and kick your father’s ass if I have to. You won’t marry Sasuke if you don’t want to. You will become clan leader.” She said, taking Hinata’s hand.

Hinata shook her head. “He’s not my father anymore. I have cut ties with my clan and I will not force any bonds once I am married.”

“You’re actually accepting this ridiculousness?” Ino asked, angrily. Hinata shrugged.

“I am.”

“Hinata this is crazy.” Tenten said. Hinata did not say anything, staring ahead. She got up instead. “I should go tell the Hokage. I might need a few holidays for the preparations.”

“Hinata please-don’t. think about it. Don’t throw away your while life because of your asshole father.” Sakura urged her.

“Sakura, Ino, Tenten…it’s alright. Things will work out, I am sure.” She lied to them and herself “But more importantly…you’ll attend the wedding, right?”

Ino forced a smile and the others nodded glumly. “Of course.” Tenten said.

“You’ll regret coming to shop with us.” Ino said, grinning despite the fire burning in her heart for Hinata. Hinata let out a genuine smile.

“I am sure I will. I’ll see you tomorrow for shopping then. Good bye.”

She was gone in a flash, leaving her fuming friends who cursed Hiashi collectively, feeling bad for Hinata.

______

Sasuke was training by himself in a secluded area of the outskirts of Konoha when he felt Naruto’s chakra flash nearby. He stopped and looked around.

Naruto appeared in front of him in a flash. He grabbed Sasuke roughly by the collar of his shirt and slammed him against the tree.

Sasuke could shake off his hold but he wanted to know what had caused Naruto to be frustrated this time. “What is it now Dobe? I told you I did not steal your ramen coupons.”

Naruto’s glare did not fade. “Sasuke…what is this rumor about you and Hinata getting married?”

Sasuke rolled his eyes. That. He shook off Naruto’s hold and turned his back on him. “So you finally heard?”

Naruto growled. “Is it true?” he asked instead. Sasuke nodded.

“How could you, you bastard?!” Naruto yelled, lunging at him. Sasuke dodged his lunge and stood a distance away, an eyebrow arched perfectly.

“She wanted to be clan head! She had a life. How could you?!”

“Well her father did not really object. Plus the blood contract helped.” Sasuke shrugged. “What do you care?”

“I care because she’s my friend and Sakura told me she’s really messed up about this.”

“That is none of my concern.” Sasuke shrugged.

Naruto’s brows furrowed together as he aimed a punch at Sasuke. “Do you really want to go now?” Sasuke asked, grabbing his hand.

Naruto’s kick was the only answer. Sasuke sighed before the spar began.

____

And so Hinata got married to Sasuke by the end of the week. Sasuke offered her any room to sleep in. He noticed her surprise.

“Am I not your breeding mare Uchiha-san?” she asked, raising her eyebrows in a mocking gesture. He did not waver as he said.

“No. You are my wife, not a common whore. After all I did go through the trouble of marrying you.”

“You’re not going to bed me then?” he noticed there was a hint of relief in her voice which almost made him smirk at her fear of sharing a bed with him.

“I am not going to rape you, if that is what your indirect question means. If we sleep together, ever, it will be because we want to…not because of obligation.” He doubted it though. And he knew she did too.

He walked off, tired. She watched his retreating back with a slight admiration. But hate burned inside her. Why could he not be a complete demon to her so she’d hate him? Why did he say this? Why did he behave nicely?

She’d thought he was a sex-crazed, power hungry, obsessed and crazy bastard.

She cut the sex-crazed off the list.

As she lay in the unexpectedly soft bed in the room across from his, sleep engulfed her. She dreamt of demons, Uchihas and darkness.

________

Remember, sharing is caring. Reblog to spread the story :D

I'm going to be making a taglist for everyone who wants to be notified when I update the story so if you want to be added, please tell me.

[kimmibers]

Pirate Gold (AU)

Hi y’all another day and I’ve got my chapter 2 out in time! It’s a miracle!! All thanks to the amazing help from my friend Stewart!! Love ya Stew!! Hope you enjoy chapter and if you can, let me know what you think 

#LongLiveSasuHina

Hinata stumbled along the cliff edge as she walked in between the 2 men. Drawing closer to the torch lights in the cove she could make out a tattoo on the leading man's arm, the symbol of the Anbu black ops pirates, a symbol only known to her from her mother's stories. The man's blondes hair bounced under the torch light as he walked along the stony path.

“You swim?” The blonde asked her turning his face towards her. Hinata nodded, “Good.” He smiled wickedly. Felling a sudden push from behind Hinata screamed as she fell through the air and splashed in to the freezing water.

Treading water, she coughed and spluttered desperately trying to reclaim her breath. Her body shivered at the swift drop in temperature. Saved from drowning by simple attire. If she had been wearing one of her formal kimonos she would of no doubt drown from its weight.

The 2 men laughed at her and with joyous cries both leaped in to the water. They swam towards the humongous ship. I t was well maintained, with it's unbarnacled white hull and red sails, as un-weathered as the day they were hoisted. The smell emitting from the ship smelt strongly of gun powder, tobacco and the sent of men's labour. A sombre mood created by a traditional kokyü and shamisen gave voice to the mourning around them. (listen to Naruto loneliness).

The trio climbed up the wooden ladder, it's steps hollowed in to the side of the hull and with the blonds help Hinata climbed over the wooden railing and on to the ships main deck.

“Naruto, Kiba, what news?” A commanding voice declared the trio's attention immediately.

Hinata gazed at the man as he walked down the stairs from the helm.

“cap'in.” The 2 men who lead Hinata here stood to attention on either side of her.

As the captain walked closer she inspected the man. He was handsome with his oval face and straight nose. His walk graceful, like a lion on the prowl, she hoped she wouldn't become his prey. His blue coat hugged against his muscular body wearing it open allowing Hinata to glimpse at the white shirt tucked in to his trousers. The shirt also open to his breast bone revealing a peek of chest hair. The coat had white and gold edging bring grandeur to the outfit with its added flair of gold buttons some glimmered in the torch light, others she noted had speckles of blood dusting them. The captain's hair was long for male, his bang's framing his oval face, from what she could see of the back it looked to be shorter and spiky and jet black in the torch light. He didn't look much older than herself, but his eyes, as black as a moonless night, spoke of battles and loses showing a maturity beyond his years.

“Is this her?” The captains asked.

“No sir,” The blond answered, “We checked what was left of the Hyuga mansion. There are no survivors.”

“Dammit!” The captain cursed, “Are you sure? What of bodies?”

“We found both Lord Hiashi's and his daughter.”

Hinata's legs gave way at the news, covering her mouth trying to muffle her cry of pain, but nothing could of prevented the tears.

“Who's the girl?”

“We found hidden by the caves near the Hyuga mansion.”

“Get up.” The captain instructed.

“You heard the cap'in,” Hinata felt herself being pulled by her upper arm. “Get up!”

“Kiba, she's clearly in shock,” The captain berated. A moment later and the captain was crouched down offering her his hand. With his help, she stood at her full heigh her legs still wobbled but she defiantly looked the captain in the eyes.

“She used Parley, cap'in.” The man who Hinata now knew as Kiba spoke.

“And how does an innocent girl know of that word?” The captain mused.

“My father taught me.”

“Who was your father?”

“He was just a chef for the Hyuga household, I was a servant for Lady Hinata. My name is H- Hanabi, Sir.” Hinata curtseyed.

“Fine. I'll deal with you later.” He dismissed her, “Shikamaru see to it Miss Hanabi has her own hammock, away from the men!” The captain projected for the crew to hear a chorus of disgruntled moans echoed around the deck, “And if I hear of one hair being touched on this girls head, without her consent, I'll throw you to underworld myself!”  

“Aye captain.” The group of men answered.

“Naruto, we're going to the land of Sand, you're at the helm. The rest of you mangy mutts prepare to set sail!”

Hinata stood silently, awaiting instructions off the captain. Turning she watched as her home disappeared in to the distance. Holding the locket in one hand Hinata silently bid farewell to her home and father. Not knowing what lay ahead for her.

Once out on the open sea Hinata sat with crew listening silently to the chatter around her, as they all enjoyed chef Choji's cooking.

“So tell us about yourself Hanabi.” Kiba prompted.

“Oh well, there's not much to tell,” She blushed, “Can you please tell me about the captain?” She asked Kiba, while looking towards the handsome Captain standing beside Naruto at the helm.

“You don't know Captain Sasuke?” Hinata shook her head, “Sasuke Uchiha?” He added.

Hinata paused, now that she thought about it she had heard the name, read it in her father's newspaper once.

“But – He's dead?” Hinata said out loud, making Kiba laugh boisterously.

“So the navy of the land of fire believes, but really he's alive and kicking.”

“Why?” Hinata questioned, her curiosity peaked. Kiba looked around to check if Sasuke was out of ear shot.

“Sasuke was second in command under his brother, Itachi. A board the Tecora. As part of the Royal Navy of fire their duty was to sail to ports around the world and retrieve the cargo, bringing it back to the land of fire. On what was to become their last voyage together Itachi and Sasuke were shocked to discover their cargo was not sugar, as had been previous, but people,” Hinata gasped, “Men, women and children chained up like cattle. Itachi and Sasuke were so disgusted with the treatment of these people that had once been free, they made a deal with the pirate king-.”

“Pirate king?” Hinata interrupted.

“You have lived a sheltered life Hanabi,” Kiba commented, “Yes, we pirates have a kind, he has magical eyes that can see the hidden currents and treasures in the sea. These eyes can only be passed down through the king's line. If someone tries to take their eyes by force, the eye would go back to how they were before they were crowned; useless.” Kiba informed her, “Itachi and Sasuke made a blood oath with the pirate king to find his grand daughter – the rightful heir, and see her ascend the throne she was born for. In return the king helped Sasuke and Itachi with a plan to present to the world the loss of ship Tecora with all hands, when in truth we and all the slaves in their hold lived and went free.”

“But Itachi is still a captain for the navy?” Hinata asked, “It said so in the papers.”

“Aye. They thought it best that one of them should 'survive' to tell their story to the king of the land of fire. Now with the pirate king dead, Itachi is a spying for the pirates.”

“Dangerous game to be spying for pirates. Why? 'cos the last guy they caught, ended up being nailed to one of the Royal navy ship as their new figure head alive and sailed around the 7 seas. It's said he died somewhere out on the open sea a week later.” Shino commented.

“How awful.” Hinata voiced.

“Hanabi!” Shikamaru called.

“oh - Please excuse me,” Hinata bowed to Kiba and Shino, “Thank you for the meal.” Hinata said to Choji and placed her empty bowl in a barrel of water.

“Did she just bow?” Kiba asked his crew mates.

“Weird.” Shino answered.

Shikamaru lead Hinata to the crews sleeping quarters. There were hammocks arranged and cramped together in rows, like so many curing hams in a butchers shop. There were simple wooden crates beside each hammock, some tidy others had clothes and other personal belongings spilling out of them.

“This ones yours,” He told her pointing to the very last one, “I've hung rope so can hang your clothes on it to dry and give you some privacy from wondering eyes, and the hands that follow”.

“Thank you.” Hinata blushed at such words and the thoughts that came unbidden with them.

“I suggest you get some sleep while you can.” Shikamaru spoke as he left.

“Land ho!” Came a cry from the crows nest above, waking Hinata and the crew that were previously sleeping. They scrambled to their positions on deck. Hinata, in her haste, hit the floor hard.

“Hanabi, you're wanted by the captain!” Kiba shouted.

“C-Coming!” Hinata answered.

Quickly she pulled her woollen shawl around her shoulders and headed above decks.

“Took you long enough.” The captain said as her head emerged from the darkness of the sleeping quarters and in to the morning sun. “Follow me.” He instructed.

Captain Sasuke opened the door to his quarters; the captain's cabin Inviting her in, some of the crew wolf whistled, making Hinata's face turn as red as a tomato. “Shut up you idiots, and get to work!” Sasuke called out them them, “Ignore them, nothing untoward will happen to you.”

Hinata nodded her head and stepped in to the cabin. It was located, like every other ship, at the back of the vessel. The room had a row of windows at the back, not a smear on any of them and there were 8 in total. Hinata was able to see the morning sun welcoming them to the new day.

Considering the grandeur of the windows and its views the furniture in the cabin was rather simple; to one side of the room a double bed, made perfectly not a crease in sight. A painting of ship in the middle of a storm as behind it heavy clouds of lighting chased the ship as it rode a towering wave, hung in a wooden plain frame.

Sasuke sat at his desk, the only piece of furniture that looked disorganised with; maps, books, pots of ink and quills, paper with scribbled notes and a compass strewn all over its top.

“Sit,” He instructed, pointing to a simple wooden chair opposite. “How was your sleep?”

“I thank you, yes it was comfortable.”

“And the men?”

“They left me be,” She replied, “Although, I am not use to such loud snoring.” She joked.

“Yes, my men can be rather loud,” He gave her a small smile, “The reason I have asked you in here is, you have used parley to board my ship,” Hinata nodded, “What is your plan?”

“My plan?”

“Do you have family you wish visit? How far will you be travelling with us?” Hinata shifted in the chair uncomfortably.

“I'm sorry, I have no family that I know of.” She awkwardly played with the hem of her shawl, “My whole life was in Konoha. I'm afraid I'm at a lose with your questions.”

“Its fine, for now. I have more pressing matters on may hands at present.”

“I'm sorry if I have inconvenienced you Captain Sasuke.”

“It's no bother. Today I am visiting Lord Garra of the sand and you will accompany me. You are to act as a lady, this meeting needs to be disguised as a social visit. You are to mention nothing that is digressed to no other, is that understood?”

“Yes captain.”

“Good,” Sasuke sat back on his chair, looking like a king sat on his thrown, “I trust if you do not follow my commands you understand our pact of parley will be broken?”

“Yes sir.”

“I have sent suitable attire down to your quarters, go change, we will be at Lord Garra's soon.”

Hinata looked at the dress captain Sasuke had provided. It consisted of a corset, to be worn under a fashionable gown. The dress itself had it's own bodice with skirt attached. The bodice laced up at the back, accentuating her waist while the skirt flared at the hips and hung to the floor. The material felt heavy in her hands as she stepped in to the gown. On the material, sown flowers of cotton in bright colours added splendour to the dress.

“Kiba!” She called, “Will you help me with this?”

“Well this is strange, I'm use to taking a corset off not putting them on.” He commented as he laced her up.

“Don't be so vulgar,” She reprimanded. “Is it normal not to be able to breath?” She asked upon his completion.

“You're asking the wrong guy Hanabi,” Kiba smirked, “You do look good amazing though, if it's any consolation.”

With Kiba's help, Hinata walked up the steps and on to the decks above.

“Looking good Hanabi!” Naruto complimented.

Hinata gripped on to the wooden railing trying to catch her breath, how is one suppose to breath, she thought.

In the mid-morning sun, Hinata looked at the land of sand, and just like it's name suggested she could see its sand dunes. She had never seen such a derelict place, then again she'd never travelled out of Konoha until last night. The wind whipped up the sand creating waves of the powder and causing it to pour over the edges of the cliffs like a waterfall.

As the cliffs drew ever closer Hinata worried they would smash in to them turning the ship in to driftwood.

“Hold steady,” Shino stood beside her, noting her uneasiness, “You see, this is how we visit all the 7 Lords of the pirate council. The Lord's each own their own lands beside the sea. They have to look like respectable land owner's, but really...” Shino pointed to a cave ahead.

The cave, she realised, was hidden so that you could only see it from a certain angle and only up close could you see it's opening. Close enough to look like you were going to crash, if you didn't know the cave was here, none would venture this close to the cliffs.

Hinata watched, her jaw slacked, as the ship, expertly steered by Sasuke, drifted in to the cave. The ceiling dripped as water melted off the stalactites above, the sound reverberating off the cave walls, like a merry tune. The waves gently caressing the walls added base to the melody of dripping water and around the cave walls a salty line marked the high tide.

Sasuke guided the ship to the waiting dock with it's torch light to make it's whereabouts known. Once stopped, the crew dropped anchor smoothly and at a well practised pace. Lastly a gangway was connected from the ship to dock.

“Ready?” Sasuke asked, offering her his arm. Hinata linked her arm in his, unable to answer vocally as she was still struggling to breath.

Sasuke lead Hinata through the grand entrance of lord Garra's mansion. With it's high ceiling and polished flooring Hinata felt to be more in a cathedral than a house. Judging by the expensive furniture and chandeliers Hinata guessed lord Gaara's wealth must be staggering. She looked upon a bewitching painting, it was an oil painting of a brunette woman with her grand white and blue dress hung off her shoulders provocatively. It was then Hinata realised she'd seen the paining in another article in her father's newspaper. The painting had been reported as stolen from a ship a year previous.

“His lord ship will see you in his office.”

“Temari.” Sasuke acknowledged the blond woman.

“Sasuke.” She greeted cordially.

“Shikamaru is in the cave if you wish to see him.” Sasuke made small talk.

“That jerk!” Temari scoffed, as she guided them to lord Garra's office, “As if I have time for his nonsense.”

By the time they arrived at Garra's office, Hinata was panting.

“You alright dear? Not used to the desert heat I expect. Here, use this.” Temari handed her a hand fan.

“Th- Thank you.” Hinata said, and eagerly began to fan herself.

Once lord Gaara allowed them to enter the room Temari made a hasty departure.

“Say hi to Shikamaru for me.” lord Garra teased.

“Oh fuck off the lot of you!” She shouted, slamming the door closed behind her, making Garra laugh and Sasuke smirk in her wake.

“I don't believe I've met this beautiful creature.” lord Garra spoke as his eyes roamed Hinata's body.

“This is Hanabi, a servant of lord Hiashi's.” Hinata curtseyed at her introduction.

“And how did it come about you boarding captain Sasuke's ship?”

“I used p-parley.” Hinata struggled.

“Well isn't Sasuke lucky-”

“Yes, yes enough with the seduction, can we discuss business now?” Sasuke snapped.

“But of course. Please, take a seat.” Garra gave him a strained grimace.

Hinata could feel her awareness of her surroundings fade in and out as the two pirates began their discussion. She could make them out conversing about her father and 'Hinata' being killed. They debated sending a special hawk to the other pirate lords to arrange a summit to decide what the best course of action would be to deal with Captain Madara and his bunch of treacherous pirates.

Hinata quickly excused herself and walked on the balcony adjoining the office. She clung on to the stone barrier as she looked out to the sea glistening in the heat, its calming waves with their white froth the only sign of movement. The fan, she waved frantically in front of her face, did nothing to aid her struggling breath.

“Sasuke.” She tried to call, her head suddenly light, “Sasuke!” She tried again.

“What is it?” He asked her irritated by her disturbance.

“I- I can't breath.”

“You'll be fine.” He dismissed her.

A fraction of a second later and Sasuke watched from his seat as the servant girl fell forward over the railing. She didn't cry out, and a moment later the sound of a resounding splash could be heard.

“For fuck sake.” Sasuke muttered. Throwing off his shoes and formal captain's jacket he ran and jumped over the railing and dived in to the clear water below. In the crystal clear water Sasuke could see the vivid colours of the coral, fish scattered away frightened by the sudden appearance of humans and in the distance sunken ships that had dared tried to enter the pirate cave lay on the sea floor.

Sasuke swam to Hinata the moment her dress flickered with a ray of sunlight reflected upon the material showing her whereabouts. He tried lifting her, the weight from the dress dragging them both down, no matter how hard he kicked. Sasuke tore at the laces at the back of the bodice of the dress and dragged the offending article off her body. Finally freed from its weight, Sasuke swam with Hinata to the surface and on to the near by beach.

He lay her on her back expecting her to breath now out of the ocean, but something was wrong. He tried breathing in to her mouth for a couple of puffs, to no avail. Frantically Sasuke looked at Hanabi urging her to breath, when he noticed her attire and recognised the constricting corset. Using both hand, on either side of its fastening hooks, Sasuke pulled at the fabric. Hearing the hooks popping open and some even rip off entirely revealing her undergarments. As soon as the corset was released Hanabi coughed, water projecting from her mouth. Sasuke turned her on to her side to prevent her from choking on the salty water.

“You are more trouble than you're worth.” Sasuke mused.

“Is she alive?!” Garra called from the balcony.

“Aye! She's breathing!” Sasuke shouted back.

Hinata lay still feeling the smooth sand under her and delighted in breathing in the sea breeze. As she lay there catching her breath lord Garra arrived bringing with him Sasuke's shoes and coat.

Finally freed from that dreadful corset and dress Hinata tried standing, but her head became dizzy once more and she began to fall.

“Not too hasty.” Sasuke gripped on to her arms steadying her. He placed his coat over her shoulders to cover her indecent exposure “Let's get back to the ship.” He suggested, Hinata nodded in response. Without warning Sasuke picked her up off the sand so her legs hung off one of his arms, her back resting against the other and he gestured her to put her arms around his neck as he walked. From the natural bounce in his walk Hinata felt it best to close her eyes to bid the sudden sickness away.

“Thank you.” She whispered.

“Can we keep her?” Hinata stirred from her sleep.

“She's not a pet Naruto.” She heard Sasuke reply.

“But if she has no family where else is meant to go?” Kiba added.

“A pirate's life is not for a girl.”

“Why not? Temari does it.” Naruto argued, “And begging your pardon captain, isn't that for Hanabi to decide?”

“Fine!” Sasuke growled, “Make it known to her what life is like at sea, you two are in charge of her training. She needs to know everything; from daily chores to sword and pistols, understood?”

“Aye sir!”

[manikas-whims]

A Chance at Redemption [6]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [...] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

Chapter 6: Relentless Hope

"Bowing before despair is way too easy. But rebelling with hope is much more difficult." -Tenten

Ino sighed tiredly when she felt no living presence inside the room. Scanning all the four directions for one last time, she jumped out of the only window in Sakura's Hospital Office. She used her chakra to balance her feet on the vertical wall and ran down, landing with a thud on the stone sidewalk of the village. Her face saddened at not being able to find her childhood best friend. Why did you leave? She thought to herself.

The minute Ino realised that Sakura was gone, she closed her parent's flower shop and started looking for her extremely vulnerable friend. She checked Sakura's small apartment, her favourite drinking bar, her hospital room. Heck! She even went as far as to check for Sakura's presence at the Hyuga Compounds but no, she did not find her in any of these places. For a split second, the thought of asking Sakura's parents popped in her head but she pushed it away when she recalled that in Mr. and Mrs. Haruno's eyes, Sakura is a missing ninja. Another thought entered suggestively in her mind. A very terrifying thought to be specific- what if Sakura accidentally bumped-into Suigetsu and Juugo and got forcefully dragged to Sasuke's Place? No, that won't happen. Ino shook those bad thoughts aside. Sakura is strong enough to handle two rogue shinobi, right? She wondered.

"Hey" a soft voice called from behind and she pounced at the speaker in fright.

"You!" She yelled at the person but stopped when she realised who it was.

A blush crept on Ino's face when she saw a completely surprised Sai's lean-muscular built pinned beneath her slender frame. She heard the voice and took it to be one of those damned rogue ninjas, so she attacked. But on seeing Sai right below her form, she felt the mortification of her stupid blunder. When she looked down at him, she saw the appearance of a faint blush across his cheeks as well. They kept staring at each-other when all of a sudden she heard some giggling voices. Both of them turned their heads towards their left and saw a group of pre-teens staring at them with a knowing look, which made them realise that they were in a really awkward position in a public place.

Immediately Ino pulled herself up and away from Sai and he stood up. They both started dusting-off fake dirt from their clothes to distract their minds and heard the teens giggle even more.

"Eh_hem!" Ino coughed and asked Sai, "What are you doing here?"

He shrugged, "I am an anbu. I have been assigned to scout these parts. I was just doing my job when I saw you. So I thought I might as well say Hi."

"By the way, you seem to be...worried." Sai spoke, comparing Ino's frown to one such similar expression in a book of Human Body Language.

When Ino didn't answer, he asked directly, "What is worrying you?"

She hesitated at first but then answered truthfully, "It's Sakura. She was there with me at the shop when Suigetsu and Juugo entered it. So I send her inside to the kitchen but she escaped from there through the window. And now she is missing. I didn't find her in any of her usual places. And I know I shouldn't assume it this way but what if..." She started sobbing.

Sai's white complexion paled if that is even possible. He did not enjoy the sight of a sobbing Ino. He thought about all the books about Human Behaviour that he has read until now and tried to search for a proper method to stop her weeping. But before he could even come up with any good ideas, Ino buried her face in his black, t-shirt clad chest and wound her arms around his neck. For reasons unknown, he felt no surprise by her act and slowly but tenderly encircled her in an embrace, pulling her body closer to his own. Not only did this hug seem like a nice option but it felt good too. He has seen Sakura do the same many times for her scared patients. Wait! Sakura!

The thought of his pink-haired teammate made him glance down at the weeping woman in his arms. He recalled her words, I didn't find her in any of her usual places. And I know I shouldn't assume it this way but what if...

He looked around the place, What if those rogue goons actually managed to capture her and are now keeping her confined inside the Hokage Tower?

He shook his head in an effort to push the disturbing thought out of his mind and started stroking the blonde female who continued sobbing in his chest, wetting his t-shirt with her fresh tears.

"Alright, let me help you in your search for Ugly." He said and felt her nod shakily in a response.

"The weather is beautiful, isn't it?"

Tenten has stated this same fact for the umpteenth time this evening and interestingly, the answer to her question also remains the same everytime the listener decides to answer her.

She threw another punch at the tall man who has been blocking her attacks for two hours now even though defense isn't his style. Gritting her teeth in irritation, she tried landing a few more sequential kicks at her sparring partner just to pull him out of his defensive posture. Yet the man easily dodged all her blows and she groaned. Everytime they train together, the man turns out to be the victor but today, something isn't right with him.

"What is your problem, Neji?!" She finally yelled at him.

The long haired man sighed at her whiny behaviour before answering, "Its just...nothing, Tenten."

The girl huffed again, as she tightened the ribbons holding her buns and thought for a way to cheer-up her moody teammate. She knows the reason behind his distant behaviour. Everyone does. It's the clan annihilation that is bugging Neji to no end. Ofcourse, it is a very pressing matter as no one wants to see their own kin die before their eyes when they can actually stop it from happening. You better bring Hinata with you, Sakura. She mentally warned the pink haired medic.

"I'm sure we'll come-up with something good." Tenten smiled softly.

Neji quirked up his brows at her to which she elaborated, "I mean we, the members of FoK? We will come up with something to tackle the Uchihas' plot..."

His body language remained as stiff as before. Her words did no help in cheering the guy's mood so Tenten started thinking about another way to lighten him up. And although jokes aren't Neji's thing, she still tried , "You know..we can just go to the Uchihas and talk them into terminating their plot. Hehe.." She grinned jokingly, hoping that it will make Neji smile just a bit but it didnot.

He dropped his fighting stance and for the briefest of a second, she witnessed a hint of something akin to interest in his pale irises. No, maybe she is just hallucinating because of this beautifully cool weather. Yes! It must be the weather, for nothing she says will ever change Neji's sullen mood. But she keeps hoping that someday this Hyuga Prodigy will understand...understand that she cares and will reciprocate her feelings. She always hopes...

From the corner of her eyes, she saw him picking-up his scarcely used shurikens and kunais. Unlike her, who holds an expertise in weapon combat and completely relies on them, he uses his powerful kekkai genkai to strike at the opponents. But why exactly is he packing-up? They still have a few hours before the meeting begins. She looked questioningly at him and he turned away from her so that she couldn't see the serious expression on his face.

In a solemn tone, he spoke, "There is something that I need to do before today's meeting. I'll see you at the HQ."

With that said, he left her all by herself in their secluded training grounds. And even if his failure at noticing her emotions is killing her, she will keep on hoping...

.

Strolling down the streets of Konoha, Tenten felt bored and decided to pay more attention to her surroundings in an effort to exercise and improve her sighting skills. It helped in relaxing her mind by distracting her from her troubled thoughts regarding Neji Hyuga. She even started noticing things that she may have missed-out in the past two months spent in her home village. She saw that the place isn't as lively as it used to be. Maybe because as soon as Madara took over Konohagakure, the civilians became more and more reserved. Fear can be counted as one of the major reasons for this behavioural change, followed by selfishness and despair.

All of a sudden, a sense of duty gripped her and she wondered if the FoK will be able to return this village and the whole shinobi world to it's old peaceful self. They should, no..they must try their best for the sake of the coming generations even if this means dying in the process for an important cause. Then atleast the younger generation will gossip about their Rebellion in the form of a heroic tale of ninjas.

She smiled at that thought and closed her eyes to take in a breath of the cool wind swirling around the streets. When she opened them back, she found two familiar faces on the sidewalk. Their facial expressions looked very serious as if they were busy on an A-ranked mission.

She waved at the two to gain their attention, "Hey! Sai! Ino!"

The said duo immediately jumped, probably in fright. Tenten was waving her arms excitedly at them from the opposite side of the road while they tried their best to act as if they hadn't noticed her. It's the best for them because if the weaponry expert asks them about their walk and manages to find out that Sakura is missing then she will undoubtedly report this to their group's leader. And it is not going to be a good idea because they themselves aren't sure about the pinkette's case. What if she's hiding somewhere because she wants to spend some time alone before the beginning of the meeting? What if they are just fretting over nothing too important? They need to lie to the brunette approaching them in swift steps.

"Hi Panda" Sai greeted her.

She glared at him for the use of such a stupid nickname for her but returned the greeting nonetheless, "Hi you two. What's up?"

They blew out breaths of relief at hearing her vague query and Ino answered for the two of them, "Ah it's nothing. We're just loitering around."

Tenten smiled politely at the two and spoke, "Me too. Kinda bored, right?" She giggled, "Well, see you at the meeting then."

The brunette turned around to leave them but before Sai could get away with Ino, Tenten realised something. Isn't Ino supposed to guard Sakura? She asked herself then looked back at them with questioning eyes.

"Where's Sakura?" She asked.

She saw how both Sai and Ino's muscles stiffened instantly. Their eyes expressed their desperation to escape her question and so, she walked back to them. Ino's breathing quickened and as emotionless as Sai maybe, Tenten sensed a sheer presence of fear in his form as well. What are they hiding?

Ino was so scared that she stuttered while trying to speak. No excuses formed in her brain to get Sai and herself out of this suspicious situation. Shakily, she tilted her head-up at the guy who was still holding her by the waist, silently requesting him to handle the matter. Tenten's eyes too landed on Sai's face when Ino looked-up at him. Ino saw a flicker in the brown-haired girl's irises- a flicker of unobscured jealousy.

"Sakura" Sai began slowly, trying to form some kind of good excuse in his head, "She is...at Hinata's house.  Just as she had promised at our group's previous meeting."

"Oh" was all that the dual-bunned girl uttered before leaving the pair to themselves.

Immediately both Sai and Ino scurried away without even caring about letting out a breath of relief. However, they failed to notice the tomboyish girl who hadn't left but was still watching them from afar. She sucked in the cool air, trying to pull her mind away from the jealous thoughts forming in her head regarding the pair that had just left. She even lost the sense of all suspicions that had developed in her head and let them be. Right now all that she needs, is a long hot bath and a steaming cup of tea to divert her mind from her heart-rending feelings.

Some day...he will understand and then they will... She smiled sadly at her lovelorn condition and yet again vowed to keep on hoping...

Suigetsu was surprised when a random girl came running towards him and Juugo, admitting that she knew about the woman of Sasuke's interest. He threatened the girl to check if she was bluffing but when she confidently stated that she wasn't, he blindly accepted her statement and took her to their boss. Doubt was still lingering in his mind yet he tried his best at hiding all traces of fear in his form as he presented the dark-haired woman to his brooding leader.

From there onwards, the girl started conversing with the youngest Uchiha and Suigetsu's shaking body started relaxing. For a moment he felt that maybe this girl will save them the trouble of going on this search mission again and again but when he saw Sasuke vacating his couch, he moved backwards, involuntarily pulling Juugo along with him. His instincts told him that something scary is about to happen and he felt the ramen in his belly rising up towards his alimentary canal. Gravely, he realised that his intuition had been right when the youngest Uchiha inched dangerously close to the girl and addressed her by a name.

Sakura. He heard Sasuke call her by that exact name. But unmistakably, Sakura is the girl that he and Juugo were asked to look for. So why is Sasuke addressing this ordinary black-haired lady by the same name? He noticed that she was just as confused and scared as he was but he didn't dare interfere in their conversation. Instead, he waited patiently for the girl's response.

In two short steps, he breached the gap that she had created between them. With his head tilted down at her and a smug smirk stretching across his lips, he spoke, "What do you want, Sa-ku-ra?"

A shiver ran down her spine when she felt his husky tone tickle her cheeks. Sakura thought that finally all her cards have been laid right and that she will be able to do the best thing for everyone. But no...she was wrong. She should've known it. Sasuke recognised that it was her the minute she entered into this dark room. How can she forget the fact that Sasuke is one of the strongest Sharingan users amongst the few living Uchihas?

Her mind pushed her to speak yet her tongue betrayed her and allowed no words to leave her quivering lips. She was beyond scared to even describe the stature of her heart. It wasn't beating anymore but hammering inside her chest. Trying to remain nonplussed by his manner of calling her name, she moved her lips to begin talking again, "What are you saying? I-I will give you the location of Sakura Haruno only after you grant approval to my request."

It seems like her choice of words excited him somewhat as the smirk on his lips stretched even more, slightly revealing his oh-so perfectly white teeth. She took a step back and felt the other two guys in the room do the same. They too had sensed the sudden spike in the Uchiha Prodigy's chakra. As if her action had offended him somehow, he stepped closer to her small frame again and looked amusedly at her.

He brought his face down to her level and whispered menacingly in her ear, "Tch-Tch-Tch...you were never good at lying...to me."

With one whirling motion of the tomoes in his sharingan, Sakura's henge disappeared. She gasped at being caught so easily and stumbled backwards until her back hit the door. Fear struck her form when she realised that both Suigetsu and Juugo had left her all alone with her former team's ex-teammate and that too with the door being locked from outside. Her eyes averted to look anywhere but at the man that she still holds so dear to her heart.

From the small distance between them, Sasuke took in the appearance of his ex-teammate. Her mane of pink hair was longer, covering the tops of her sleek shoulders while the beryl emerald of her irises was still the same mesmerizing type as it had been in the past. The combination of her perky bosom and slender waist along with the ample back gave her a mature sort of look. She bit on her luscious bottom lip and kept turning her head to look every which way she could to avoid meeting his scrutinizing gaze. He will never admit it in words but any man of his age will find her attractive; no, beautiful is a more appropriate word to describe her features. Yes...she looks beautiful, beautifully scared. And beautifully scared of him. For some unknown reason, he didn't like that she was afraid of him. If anything, he had expected her to crush him with one of her strangling embraces but she did not. Why? He asked himself and walked towards her pale form.

"Sss--Sasu..." She took in gulps of air to calm herself. Damn it! I am still not able to take his name! She thought.

Now only inches away from her, he tried his best to ignore her scared expression and repeated his question, "What do you want, Sakura?"

She shook her head, mentally slapping herself for being scared. She shouldn't even be intimidated by his presence and yet here she is, supporting her shaking body by a door, trying to calm her erratic pumping of the heart. He's not the old Sasuke. Stop shaking! She scolded herself and tried to straighten-up her form.

"Uchiha" she mustered the most strong tone that she could and tried speaking fluently, "I would like to ask a favour from you."

He snickered sarcastically at the way she addressed him, "Uchiha? What happened to Sasuke-kun?"

That old manner of addressing brought back some cherished memories from her past and angered her. Though she is glad with this anger as it will be very helpful while talking to him. It will provide her with the confidence that she always loses around him all because she holds feelings for him. Falling for him was her biggest mistake- a mistaken emotion that she can neither erase nor get rid of. She loves him and it will always be like this, whether she likes it or not.

Glaring fiercely at him for making her fall in love with him, she spat out her anger, "Sasuke-kun?!" Finally, she is able to take his name, even if only in her angered state.

"Sasuke-kun is dead!" She shouted right at his proud face.

He was slightly taken-aback by her answer. Never had he expected her to shout at him like this. Hell! She didn't talk like this when he tried to kill her. At that time she had merely cried because she was so badly in love with him (Atleast this is how he perceived the scenario). But this, this anger she has shown towards him is a very foreign expression. It is still unbelievable for him to visualise Sakura angry at him. Guess time can change everything.

He smirked lopsidedly and asked, "Then what about this?", referring to his own self.

The response came immediately, "You are not Sasuke-kun!"

He smirked again. No matter how harsh she is, Sasuke is sort of enjoying this new Sakura. The old Sakura would've meekly succumbed to his words but not this changed one. She is more than ready to face him head on even though she knows that she is no match for him. This confidence is just another advantageous addition to her already beautiful personality.

"Whatever..but what is it that brought you to me?" He asked, changing the subject.

She understood his trick immediately. He is trying to maintain peace so that their conversation doesn't turn into a heated argument. But if she won't feel anger towards him then she won't be able to converse confidently with him. Focus, Sakura! We can do this! She tried to boost herself.

"Is-is it true that you guys are secretly planning on wiping-out the entire remaining Hyuga Clan?" She asked, her eyes unable to meet his.

"Yes" he answered truthfully.

"I want you to abort this mission." She whispered meekly, wondering if he'll try to hit her for making such a bold and direct request.

"Is this what you want?" He asked inching closer to her.

"Yesss.." She admitted and he felt the desperation in her tone.

"Do you know why I ordered my minions to search for you?" He asked even though he knew she doesn't know the answer to this one.

Her response was the slow shake of her head. No she has absolutely no idea about his actions. But that's only because he is always so...whimsical. He does everything on a whim.

"I was seeking you for a purpose, Sakura. If you agree to my agenda then I'll gladly grant your wish." He explained.

"Yes I agree!" She spoke instantly.

He scoffed, "So desperate. Do you even know what I want?"

"No I don't." She felt her confidence seeping back into her body and she felt energized because of it, "I don't know about your motifs but I'll do it. If this is what it takes to save an entire clan."

He pushed himself away from her and spoke, "I want your help in restoring my prestigious clan to it's old glory."

He couldn't help the smirk from stretching across his lips when he saw her grim expression. And she realised that it wasn't a proposal but a direct command from the great grandson of the current Hokage as he voiced his order.

"Marry me, Sakura."

A/N: So this is the end of chapter 6 of ACaR.

I admit that not much has happened in this one. And I agree that it is shorter than the previous chapters but atleast some SasuSaku angst ;)

So, what do you think about Sasuke's commanding proposal of marriage? 😉

Please Like, Reblog and Share with your friends if you are enjoying this story.

*NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE POSTED WHEN THIS ONE REACHES 20 NOTES.

~Manika

|MASTERLIST|

|SUPPORT ME ON KOFI|

[kuriquinn]

Sex Ed [4/5]

Blanket Fic Disclaimer

Prompt: So reading Home and Unplanned Chapter 19, I think the former would be even funnier (maybe a second chapter or alternate version?) Where Sarada accidentally sucked too hard because super strength and broke something. Sasuke confused over whether to protect Sarada from boys or protect boys from Sarada would be funny. Especially if they have no idea how to tell Naruto that their daughter accidentally broke his son's junk. Like, is that technically treason? - Anon

Author’s Note: So, I think this chapter and the one before kind of fills your prompt? It’s not in my Unplanned or Home ‘verse, but I figured it would fit better in the ANBU ‘verse because it’s kind of a crackish concept. Hope you enjoy it!

First Chapter

Sasuke returns home from a tedious and troublesome parlay in Oto around midnight. Orochimaru is as bizarre as always, megalomania tempered only slightly by his years being a parent. Mitsuki is just as weird, but Sasuke would like to think his friendship with Sarada and Boruto saved him at least the homicidal tendencies.

By the time he returns home, Sasuke is tired and hungry and desperately wants to fall into bed and sleep for a week. Not that it’ll happen, since his wife and daughter are both usually up at the crack of dawn and incapable of being quiet, but a soft mattress is still a nice change from the base of a tree.

He lets himself into the house and heads for the kitchen to fix a snack—something to tide him over until breakfast at least. There’s a note on the table from Sakura to Sarada mentioning a difficult case she’s handling and that there are leftovers in the fridge. The note ends, ‘I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch or supper. We can go out! Love Mama’ .

Obviously neither of them was expecting him back yet. He shrugs, knowing it’s his own fault, he should have called, but he dislikes using mobile phones unless he absolutely hast to. The latest models have too many features on them and he’s already set three of his on fire in his frustration at trying to just dial a number.

He’s just removing a Tupperware container of stir-fry, when he hears it. A sound coming from the direction of the bedrooms.

That sounded like a—

He hears it again and tenses.

That was a moan.

All of his muscles lock into place and his gut tightens against a looming sense of dismay. Why is there someone in his house moaning? Sakura is at work, which means—

Horror shoots through him at the exact moment his brain connects the dots, remembering the discovery he and Sakura made two years ago and the ensuing conversation. If his daughter is in her room doing that he needs to leave this house right now and—

This time the moan that echoes through the house is not the sound of his daughter, but decidedly male.

There’s a brief instant where Sasuke sees white in absolute rage and actually contemplates murder, before his good sense returns to temper him.

No. That’s not the answer.

However, Sarada’s behaviour does need to be addressed. It’s one thing to be having sex—he clearly can’t stop that from happening and it his her decision—but this is his house. He is not comfortable with her using it for secret trysts that take advantage of her parents not being here. He’d never even consider such behaviour when he was her age.

Granted, he lived alone, and he and Sakura didn’t have to find a place to have intercourse when the time was right. But still. He would never have thought it was alright to seduce her in her parents’ home. Whether they were home or not! Mebuki would kill him and make it look like a terrible accident.

Sarada’s…partner should know better.

Sasuke decides to have a few words with him, and once he learns the kid’s identity, he’s going to have a sit-down with his parents, too. He’s sure it will be more effective coming from him; Sakura is too open and friendly with matters like this, and might make lighter of it than he would.

And once that’s done, he and Sakura and Sarada are going to have a pointed conversation about boundaries.

He’s never looked forward to a conversation less.

Now the only question is…is it more effective to walk in on them now, or wait until they’re finished and covered up?

As he weighs whose embarrassment of higher priority—his own or his daughter’s, because he honestly doesn’t care about the other male party here—there’s another moan that makes him cringe.

But then it cuts off into a scream.

And it’s not the type of sound one makes in the throes of passion, but a scream of complete and utter agony.

That’s not a good noise. That’s a really, really bad noise.

“Oh, gods, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! Let me help, what can I--?!”

“Gaaah! Don’t touch it, don’t…fuck…don’t look it...!”

Another howl of anguish which trails into sobs.

Concerns and logic tossed to the wind, Sasuke has his sword drawn and flash-steps to the door of his daughter’s bedroom and throws open the door.

The room is a disarray of haphazardly thrown clothing and bedsheets, a box of condoms spilled open on the floor as if ripped open in a hurry. (He shudders at this). There’s a familiar figure with blond hair sprawled across his daughter’s bed, tears of pain streaming down his face and howling through gritted teeth. Sarada is crouched beside him in a panic, torn between checking on her partner and scrambling to find a sheet to cover her bare skin with.

“Dad—!”

Sasuke barely notices her squeak of mortification, too focussed on teenaged boy’s sheer suffering and the obvious reason for it.

Because…

Because it’s bent.

In the middle.

She broke Boruto’s bone.

Literally.

It would be humorous if it wasn’t his daughter doing the breaking or his student being the one broken.

“Dad, it was an accident!” Sarada cries, panicked tears running down her cheeks. “We were…and I just…and then I heard this pop, and he—”

Sasuke forces himself to think; once more he is torn between competing inclinations. Get his tearful daughter out of the room and calmed down. Kill the dobe’s idiot son. Call Sakura and demand she handle this because he really doesn’t want to.

Help the poor bastard, because there is no more painful injury for a man to have.

Sasuke grinds his teeth.

Just because his conscience is right, he doesn’t have to like it.

“Cover up,” he says. It’s not clear if he’s asking for Boruto’s or demanding them for Sarada, but either way, both requests are met. Sarada is in a long t-shirt and tosses a blanket over Boruto, because there’s no way he can get dressed in his condition.

All the while, Sarada is muttering to herself under breath.

“I give up…never again…no more boys…!”

Once he would have rejoiced at that notion, if only because he’s always been over protective of his daughter. However, in light of recent events, Sasuke begins to wonder if he’s gotten it wrong all these years. Instead of protecting Sarada from potential paramours, he should be protecting them from her.

Sasuke evaluates the situation once more, trying to decide the best way to move the little idiot, who is writhing back and forth an in danger of knocking loose the sheets.

Taking mercy on him, Sasuke leans forward and sticks him under a genjutsu; Boruto goes completely limp. It won’t take him long to break out of it, but it should offer him some relief.  Once all of him is covered, Sasuke lifts him up and heads for the window.

Luckily, they live close to the hospital. Normally he’d use a portal, but he thinks in tonight’s case, the brat deserves a little jostling, even if he only feels it when he wakes up.

“Call your mother at the hospital, let her know he’ll need help,” he tells her.

“Right,” Sarada agrees faintly, her training kicking back in as her panic recedes.

Sasuke pauses then. He should contact Naruto; if something had happened to Sarada, the dobe would send out rain of toads to get Sasuke the message. Sasuke owes him at least the same courtesy. And then there’s being able to see the look on Naruto’s face when he finds out the root of all this.

Of course…Sasuke would enjoy that look a lot more if he didn’t have to explain just how the Hokage’s son came to have a broken penis.

Hm.

It seems another solution would be better.

“And then you’re going to call your Aunt Hinata and her moron husband and tell them there son is in the hospital,” he concludes firmly.

Sarada goes pale. “What? No, I can’t—!”

“They have a right to know their son is injured. And if they ask how it happened you will tell them. Consider it recompense for your…overzealousness.”

“No way! I can’t…I can’t talk to them about this!”

“You can, and you will.”

“But they don’t…they don’t know. And Boruto says they don’t, you know, talk about this stuff over there.”

Sasuke narrows his eyes. “Isn’t that something you should have discussed before you decided to have intercourse? On the off-chance that you broke something?”

“Oh, like Mama never broke anything of yours!” Sarada protests, frustrated.

“Never my penis,” he replies, which effectively stuns her into silence. He thinks it’s just his exhaustion and absolute doneness with the whole situation that prompted the snide remark, but it gives him the opportunity to slip out the window.

I’m getting too old for this, he sighs as he disappears into the night with the hapless victim of his daughter’s monstrous strength.

つづく

I realise that even the average woman has the power to break a man’s penis depending on the wrong angle or too much force…but then again, this fic was written for laughs not accuracy. I mean, come on, we know Sarada has better control than this, but…gotta love that crack!

クリ

Next Chapter

[cawnvictofmurder]

Summoning Cats (AO3)

For Kurodai Week, Day 7: Free Day 

Pairing: Sawamura Daichi/Kuroo Tetsurou

Summary: If there was one thing that annoyed Daichi, it was his classmate. Kuroo always was in his face and demanded attention- it didn’t get any better once they got placed onto the same Genin team. In fact, it got worse the older they got. Though, he minded it less and less the older they got.

Tags: Alternate Universe, Naruto AU, sort of Slice of Life i guess?

Warnings: Minor violence

Word Count: 1,505

“Team One- Sawamura Daichi, Kuroo Tetsurou-”

Daichi cringed, sinking down into his seat and nearly sliding off. From across the room, Kuroo shot him the most smuggest, most infuriating smirk he’d ever seen. He wanted to punch it off.

“-and Bokuto Koutarou. Team Two- Sugawara…..”

Kuroo clambered out of his seat and, despite the venomous look their teacher shot him, headed towards Daichi. With each step he took, the dread in Daichi’s stomach rose just that much higher.

Of all his classmates, he gets the two set on making his life much harder than it needed to be

“I got her!”

The loud cheer made Daichi wince before he rushed towards it. The near end of the mission made him want to cry in relief; his arms and face stung from the scratches he had gained and his pants were definitely torn.

The relief he felt when he saw the cat held in Bokuto’s grip was immense- until it turned into immense horror. The cat wiggled out of his hold and bolted.

Fortunately, much to everyone’s relief, Kuroo appeared and quickly scooped up the cat before it darted by him.

Less fortunately, Kuroo choose that moment to leer at him. Daichi could practically hear the, ‘what, you can’t even catch a mere cat?’

Stupid cat, he huffed.

Kuroo’s eyes gleamed as he settled the cat in his arms.

Team One’s very first C-Rank Mission was an utter disaster and Daichi was ashamed to admit it had been partially his fault.

Though Kuroo definitely shared the blame.

They had a simple delivery mission and, as no trouble would be expected, their sensei left them by themselves so they’d be able to experience living outside, watching from a distance away. The entire mess started with the night watch.

The three of them had settled down, a cave they managed to scout out, and Daichi had offered to take first watch. Kuroo protested, saying he would take first watch.

Daichi put his foot down, he would be taking first watch and that was that.

Kuroo and Daichi spent the entire night staring at each other, eyes narrowed and tearing up from the lack of blinking.

The next morning, Bokuto beamed at their exhausted faces, having slept the whole night.

It would have been alright if the two, very tired, genin, had not walked straight into an ambush that the rest of their team had to rescue them from.

Sawamura Daichi VS Kuroo Tetsurou

The two stood at opposite ends of the arena, gazing at each other to see their own determination and sharpness reflected back at them.

“Start!” the proctor called out, leaping out of the arena as Kuroo dodged the fist that was aimed right at his face.

Using the momentum of his dodge, he rolled away, kicking his legs up at his teammate. His feet were stopped by Daichi’s tensed arms and he quickly pushed himself out of the way, one hand flicking a shuriken at Daichi.

There was a clang as the shuriken was knocked away with a kunai and Daichi chased after him.

Kuroo unsheathed the tanto on his back, bringing it down just in time to block what would have been a painful injury. He deftly fended off Daichi, managing to land a cut on his arm- only to have Daichi take the advantage of the slightest opening and he locked the kunai into the hilt of the tanto. Daichi flicked it, using his entire arm to wretch the tanto from Kuroo’s hands.

“Hey, what did my weapon ever do to you?” Kuroo pouted, ducking under a kick and grabbing it. He pulled.

Daichi stumbled before easily regaining his balance, leaning down to brace his hands on the ground. “You cut me with it,” he grunted, twisting and dropping a kick straight down at Kuroo’s head.

Having already experienced getting kicked in the head before, Kuroo let go. The quick release costed him as Daichi, smoothly and without a hitch, shot upright and engaged him in a full out physical fight. Forced to either dodge or get punched, Kuroo decided to retreat, just a bit too slowly.

Daichi grabbed his shirt and heaved.

Kuroo met the ground with a huff, winded and dizzy, as Daichi dropped his entire weight on him to pin him down. Daichi and Kuroo both panted, glaring at each other before Kuroo gave a puff of air, slowly smiling.

Daichi stared down at him, eyes wide. That wasn’t the usual condescending smirk or teasing grin that was often aimed at him. It was a genuine, tired, soft, amazed smile and Kuroo glowed.

Or maybe it was the sweat that coated his face.

Either way, Daichi shook it off and shoved a hand under Kuroo’s shirt, digging under the mesh undershirt. Kuroo grimaced and tried to buck him off weakly. Daichi rode his struggles out, continuing to feel up his shirt.

He pulled out a small vial and quickly popped it open, downing the contents. Daichi shook the vial at Kuroo with a large grin, full of teeth. “I win,” he said, his free hand resting purposefully at the base of Kuroo’s neck.

“You win,” Kuroo agreed with a soft murmur, throat bobbing under his hand.

Two years later, all of Team One made Chunin.

Four years later, Bokuto and Kuroo joined ANBU.

Six years later, Daichi became a jounin.

And now, eight years down the road and at the age of twenty, Daichi meets his first Genin Team.

“Well, hello. I’m Sawamura Daichi, I’ll-”

One of the genins in front of him jumped, squawking, “Sawamura Daichi?!”

“Sawamura-sensei- is it true you’re in ANBU?”

“Where’s your partner?? The Black Cat?”

Daichi grinned sheepishly, hands raised in an attempt get them to settle down. The leaves rustled behind him rather tellingly and he rolled his eyes before ignoring it. He crouched down to look at his genin in the eye.

“I’m afraid I’m just a jounin, Kageyama-kun. As for Kuroo- well…”

The three genin screamed when someone landed beside him, hastily backing up and clumsily pulling out weapons. The person standing beside Daichi wore fitting black pants and a tight shirt under a dark green- nearly black- vest that was similar to Daichi’s jounin vest.

Kuroo chuckled, raising his empty hands and eyed the genin mirthfully.

“This is Kuroo Tetsurou. For some reason he’s known as my partner,” Daichi introduced, standing up and elbowing him in the ribs.

Kuroo rubbed his side, drooping and giving him pitiful eyes. “I missed dinner that one time and this is how you treat me?”

“That’s for surprising my team,” Daichi reported, inclining his head towards the genin.

“I didn’t even know he was there,” Hinata breathed, eyes wide.

“You weren’t supposed to,” Kuroo told him, sliding his hand into his pockets with a grin. “Nice reflexes though.”

Hinata’s eyes bulged impossibly wider and he nodded frantically. “T-Thank you!!”

“Heh…” Kuroo turned to glance at Daichi, a smirk on his lips. “I remember when we were just starting out….so naive, so innocent…”

“Was there a reason you’re here.” Daichi pointedly stared at him, flicking his eyes towards the trees.

Kuroo grinned, leaning down to stick his face right into Daichi’s, their noses touching.

“Captain wants you to report in for an emergency mission. Sugawara will take your genins.”

Taking the scroll that was slipped into his hand, Daichi groaned dramatically. “Not another mission with you.”

“You wound me, Sawamura.”

Daichi turned back to his team, an apologetic smile on his face. “I know we just met but something urgent came up. One of my friends, Sugawara Koushi, will take you guys while I’m gone.”

“Is it a secret mission?” Hinata whispered, eyes gleaming.

Kuroo and Daichi shared a glance and a silent laugh. Daichi nodded, showing them the scroll. “The Academy probably already taught you, but mission scrolls with a red trim are urgent missions.”

Kuroo nudged him softly and he returned the gentle touch.

“I really do need to go now, stay here until Suga comes by, okay?”

After getting the genins’ answers and quick ‘see you later, sensei!’, he and Kuroo immediately disappeared into the patch of trees. They hopped through the small forested area until they encountered another person, dressed in a black hooded cloak and an owl mask.

“Captain,” Daichi acknowledged with a smile. Bokuto shifted the mask to the side, revealing his bright grin.

“Daichi!!”

Kuroo flicked both of them with a finger, prodding them forward. “Reunion later, guys. We’re already late.”

Daichi snorted as Bokuto made a rude gesture he didn’t call attention to. Stopping for a moment, Daichi grabbed Kuroo as he passed and shoved him into the tree.

“You missed dinner last week,” Daichi complained, pressing a soft kiss onto Kuroo’s lips.

“Mission gone wrong,” Kuroo murmured with a sigh into his mouth, relaxing into the tree. Daichi hummed, pressing their foreheads together and closed his eyes for a moment. Kuroo’s arms slide around his waist, holding him.

“Let’s make this mission spotless.”

“Haven’t we always?”

[myaekingheart]

Me, three months ago: Nah, I don't think Naruto is gonna make me crazy. It's cool, but I'm chill.

Me now: HINATA IS MY BABY. NARUTO IS GREAT. KAKASHI IS MY ANIME BOYFRIEND. I WANNA KICK SASUKE'S ASS. I WANT POP FIGURES AND T-SHIRTS AND KEYCHAINS. I WANNA COSPLAY. I WANNA TAKE A SELF DEFENSE CLASS. MAKE ME A STRONG, BADASS NINJA. HELL, FUCK IT, SIGN ME UP FOR ANBU. BELIEVE IT !!!

[meapistrash]

Beautiful Nightmare - SS Fanfiction