Not So Welcomed Back

That's The Trouble With Love

Chapter 2

By: Hyujabut44 (iNaji on FF)

"It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend." -William Blake

---

The look in his eyes was heart breaking, and she just wanted to curl up into herself.

"I, I had to leave. You see, at the time, I was a weak little twelve year old Genin. My family didn't find me even worth looking at, and I wasn't going anywhere. So I left with Sasuke, and now I'm quite strong." Hinata said awkwardly shifting from foot to foot. There really was no good way of explaining it without looking like the bad guy. Leaving the village without telling someone is leaving the village.

"Exactly. You can't explain. You left plain and simple. And with Sasuke of all people." Naruto said, suddenly feeling a bout of jealousy. 'What's so great about Sasuke-teme? Why did you have to leave with him? Why couldn't you stay and get stronger with me, Hinata-chan...' he bowed his head as he thought this, not wanting to gaze upon the beautiful maiden in front of him. It hurt to much.

"I had no choice Naruto. I was powerless, I wouldn't have made it on my own." Hinata was getting very uncomfortable. Her heart was breaking as Naruto bowed his head, not looking at her. She could handle never having Naruto return her feelings, but she couldn't handle him hating her. That, to her, was a fate worse than death.

"Did you get a punishment from Tsunade?" Choji asked with curiosity, breaking the tension and munching on his bag of chips. He didn't hate Sasuke or Hinata, he was of a kind nature, and didn't seem to have any problem with them coming back. Granted he was never really close to the Uchiha but he did like Hinata's gentle and caring nature. She was kind of like Choji in that sense, except she wasn't a giant but in fact quite tiny.

"Hn. We did not. I suppose we have our Sensei's to thank for that." Sasuke said, his calm and stoic exterior doubled under the pressure of all the Rookies.

Judging by the looks and mannerisms of the people surrounding Hinata and himself, Sasuke could see that Kiba, Sakura, Neji, and Naruto seemed to be the only ones who were truly upset by their return. The others seemed to be neutral or just simply didn't care.

"Yosh! Your youthfulness is still strong!" Lee said as he went up and hugged Hinata. Despite what people thought, Hinata and Rock Lee were once really close. And knowing Lee, he wouldn't of let that bond go. The one, really, that Hinata wasn't to keen on facing, was Neji. And if the glare he was giving her was any indication of the impending ass whooping, then she definitely wanted to hide away.

"Well, sorry to cut this little reunion short, but we have a mission. Troublesome. But welcome back Hinata, Sasuke." Shikamaru said as he walked away with Choji ad Ino in tow. If anyone was the least caring, it was Shikamaru. To be honest he was kind of glad to have his old comrades back, despite the treatment they may receive from the others.

"Well, Lee and I have some one on one training with Guy-Sensei today so we must bid you farewell. Welcome back!" TenTen smiled, adjusting her weapons pouch and motioning for Lee to follow her away from the impending fight that was about to happen. The tension was suffocating.

Kiba, Shino, Neji, Naruto, and Sakura were all facing Hinata and Sasuke, who seemed to shrink back into themselves under their spiteful stares. Naruto had his fists clenched at his sides, looking like he was debating whether or not to punch Sasuke. He suddenly remembered something he didn't want to.

---

FLASHBACK

A mop of blonde hair could be seen walking into Ichiraku ramen, a smile the size of the moon plastered onto his face, and his signature wallet Gamma-Chan was filled with his pay from his last mission. He hadn't had Ichiraku in a week so he was just dying to get some of those delicious noodles.

He sat down at the table, Ayame greeting him and making ideal chat while taking his usual order, 4 bowls of beef and miso ramen. Unfortunately before he could even have the chance to taste the deliciousness of his precious ramen Sakura came bursting through the flaps hanging from Ichiraku in tears.

"Naruto! Sasuke, Sasuke left! I tried to stop him last night, but he knocked me out. Tsunade wants us all immediately." Naruto's fists clenched and his smile quickly faded. Sasuke left? How could he do that to Sakura-chan...to him. It was a stab to the heart and no other words needed to be said as Naruto dashed out of the restaurant, Ramen all but forgotten, and his mind solely focused on the Sasuke issue.

The Hokage office had never seemed so far away, it seemed to Naruto, feeling like time was slowing him down, and he was progressing backwards, not forwards. He needed his legs to go faster, be he was already running at his top speed for a mere 12 year old.

They finally made it to the Hokage building, manners all but forgotten as Naruto burst through the door panting. He noticed everyone was already there, and he also noticed that someone, whom he had grown very fond of, was not present. That worried the young ninja, because she was almost always with Team 8. Kiba and Shino looked a little worse for ware though, he did notice. Where was Hinata-Chan?

"Late last night, Uchiha Sasuke left the village for power. However, what we didn't know until this morning was that Hyuga Hinata has accompanied Sasuke as well, also leaving the village. The reasons, at this time are still unknown to us, but we did send out several ANBU to look for them, however, nothing has turned up yet. I've gathered you all here because you all have a joint mission. You are to try and track down Hinata and Sasuke. Use whatever means you can, be smart, and be safe. Dismissed." Tsunade called curtly. This meant more paperwork, ugh.

Naruto was stunned into silence. Not only had Sasuke, his best friend and brother left, but Hinata as well? His Hinata-chan, left? Not that Naruto realized it, but he really had fallen in love with the girl who was always there for him, he just didn't know he did. And how could he have. Having been raised with no parents, and shunned by the villagers, there was no one there to truly teach him what love is. But Hinata had showed him kindness. She was the first of his age to show him something that wasn't hate.

"Baa-chan, your joking right?" Naruto said after everyone filed out. Hinata wasn't gone. This was some sick joke. "I'm afraid not brat. They've both left...but...when they do come back they are gonna have some explaining to do. You better get a move on Naruto. The quicker your all dispatched the better." Naruto nodded and walked away, unfeeling. He was numb and in shock. Why did Sasuke leave? And why did Hinata join him?

~Flashback~ (A/N: A flashback withing a flashback! xD Can someone say Inception?)

Naruto sat alone in his apartment tonight. He wouldn't dare to step outside, for today was October 8th, his twelfth birthday and it was also the anniversary of the Kyuubi's attack on this day, it was the only day you wouldn't see the blonde boy in the village because if he was seen he would be harassed and beaten to within an inch of his life by the civilians.

He sat on his couch, a steaming cup of ramen in his right hand and chopsticks in his left. His mind seemed to be recalling all of the times in his life where a certain white eyed Hyuga was present. He didn't know why he was suddenly dwelling on this, but he didn't mind it as long as it temporarily distracted him from the fact he was alone on his own birthday.

"Gambatte N-Naruto-kun."

"Let's do our best, N-Naruto-kun."

"You're a p-proud failure! That's what I a-a-admire about you, y-you never give up, and y-you always s-s-stand back up no m-matter how many t-t-times your knocked d-down."

He slurped up his noodles with each phrase echoing through his mind. Now that he really though about it, he couldn't ever recall a time when the shy girl ever made fun of him. In fact, his only memories of her were of her encouragement and support of him.

After he contemplated this for awhile, he came to the conclusion that she was one of his most precious people. And he would protect her no matter what.

~flashback end~

With a heavy heart he slowly walked back to his apartment to pack. On his way it had started to rain, but he was so caught up in his thoughts, he didn't care. The sky was crying too, because the Great village of Konoha lost two Shinobi that day.

He also lost two of his most precious people that day as well.

---

Sakura was expressionless, but Sasuke could see the hurt, shock, betrayal, and anger in her eyes. He really couldn't look her in the eyes though, he would feel so guilty for hurting her. She was truly the only girl Sasuke worried over, and that scared him to death. Yes he worried for Hinata sometimes but he knew she could take care of herself.

But Sakura. Sakura was a different story to Sasuke because Sakura is his love. His true love. He just can't show her how much he loves her. Everything he's ever loved has been taken away from him, and he can't afford to love Sakura. Not this time around. Because he'd surely die if she was taken away from him.

Neji finally got his turn to speak up.

"Uncle is most un-pleased with you, Hinata. I can't stop what's already past, but I can say I'm not at all happy with you at the moment either. Heed this warning, once uncle hears of your return, he will send people after you, and he wants this seal placed," Neji pointed to his forehead, "onto your head." Neji said, pointing back to her.

Ever since Naruto had changed him for the better, he had never liked to be mean or indifferent to Hinata. But, old habits die hard. She left though, and that's not right, especially as an un-caged Hyuga. Not to mention that, no one deserved the caged bird seal.

Hinata sighed in annoyance at the mention of her father. That ingrate. "Don't worry Neji-onii-san, I can take the old bat. I'm stronger now, and he doesn't scare me. I refuse to let myself be branded with the seal. And I WILL find a way to remove it and banish it. But thank you for the warning. I'll keep my summons on guard." Neji's eyes widened considerably at this new Hinata. She was a sassy woman who wouldn't take people's shit anymore, especially the clans.

Slap. That was all that could be heard as Sakura's palm connected with Hinata's cheek. Hinata was absolutely in shock, and to be quite frank, that fucking hurt! Sakura looked into the Hyuga's eyes, a look of betrayal on her face. Hinata was never particularly close with Sakura so she couldn't really understand why she had slapped her. And nobody else expected it either as they were all just as shocked.

"Traitor. You knew, you knew my feelings. Don't expect me to forgive you so easily. Don't expect me to be nice." Sakura was huffing now. Hinata got to be with him all these years. She was jealous of the bond she had with Sasuke. Why couldn't Sasuke just allow her to have a bond with him, too?

Kiba had had just about enough of this, and decided to slowly move away from the group unnoticed and go back to his home. He needed time to think, and he usually played with the new born pups when he was upset.

"The past cannot be changed." Sasuke said, his annoyance flaring a bit. He was also trying to get a rise out of Naruto, who at this time, still remained quiet.

Naruto finally burst.

"The hell it can't, Sasuke-Teme! You betrayed us. You hurt Sakura and myself, and you let down your village. We searched for years, and nearly died countless times. And you expect us to just "Get over it because the past cannot be changed?" You may be my best friend, but you are not my brother. You betrayed that title." Naruto said coldly, his words piercing. Naruto didn't really mean that though, he was just so hurt and angry that he couldn't find it in himself to retract his statement.

"There's nothing more to say. Their opinions are their own." Sasuke had a solemn look on his face to others, but a hurt look to Hinata. Hinata could read him like a book. She nodded, and gazed longingly at Naruto. He turned his head away and looked down to the floor. Hinata's heart broke, but she knew this was for the best. So with a motion of her hand, her and Sasuke vanished in a swirl of water and lightning.

"N-Naruto. Sasuke and Hinata, they, they..." Sakura said, breaking down and flying into Naruto's arms. She was hurt and angry. How could Hinata do that to her, when she knew that she loved Sasuke with all her heart and soul.

Naruto ran soothing circles over Sakura's back. Countless years of consoling the distraught teen had given him lots of practice and it wasn't long before she quieted down. No matter how many walls she put up around her heart, he always managed to tear them down in an instant.

"I know, Sakura. I know." Naruto said, looking to the sky, as if searching for an answer. He found none, of course. Seeing them both again was emotional and he just wanted to pummel something to dust.

---

"Sasuke slow down damnit!" Hinata said, chasing after the man. As soon as they had poofed away he ran off into the woods. She knew him well, and knew that he was pretty hurt. She could guess that he probably went to let out his frustration, but if there was one thing that Hinata had learned, is that Sasuke truly did have a soft side buried deep deep down, and there has only ever been two people capable of bringing forth that side of him. Those people being Naruto and Sakura.

"Damnit Hinata let me be!" Sasuke called back, sending a fireball her way, which she easily dodged, seeing as it wasn't meant to do damage. She had only ever seen Sasuke this upset once, and that was when he lost a dear friend that had grown on him in his travels.

He was a little boy named Katsu. Katsu-Chan was a cute little five year old who had taken a liking to Sasuke, calling him big brother and begging him to teach him how to throw Kunai and Shuriken. Sasuke was very annoyed with the boy at first, always clinging to his leg, but had eventually softened towards him, and had allowed himself to become attached. In a sense, he was fulfilling the role Itachi once held, in memory of his own fucked up childhood, with the exception that he wasn't going to slaughter the boys family.

But their had been a raid. It was one that came completely from left field and it was headed by a group of rouge ninja. The only one that really posed a threat was Bane, the leader. Hinata and himself were able to save most of the small villages citizens, but, Sasuke had been weak because he couldn't protect Katsu-Chan from Bane. Sasuke blamed himself for Katsu-Chan's death. If only he had been smarter, acted faster, and was stronger, then maybe Katsu-Chan would still be alive.

He really was cursed, everything he loved or was dear to him seemed to perish at some point in his life. He considered it the Uchiha curse, and he wasn't so sure it could ever be broken.

"Sasuke! You didn't think they wouldn't be mad did you? I can't blame them so please stop and LISTEN TO ME DAMNIT!" Hinata screamed, swinging her scythe that she had summoned at him. He threw a glance behind him and saw her face, he knew she was serious and that she could and would hurt him. He stopped on a random tree branch and waited for Hinata to catch up.

"Thank you. Look Sasuke, think about it. They have a right to feel that way, we both left without any warning. And as for Sakura slapping me, think, me and you were together for six years, no word to anyone we left, and what else are they to think? They don't know we're siblings. We ABANDONED them. It won't be easy to get into their good graces again, but, I just...even I can't get over the way Naruto-kun looked at me. Like the traitor I am." Sasuke looked at Hinata, taking in her words.

She was right of course, always being the sensible one, but it still hurt. He couldn't stand to see Sakura act and feel that way, and when she looked at him with such hate. He couldn't stand it. Sakura truly was his one soft spot. His weakness.

"Your right, Hinata." Sasuke sighed and slid his hand down his face. He was at a loss.

"Look, they obviously voiced their disdain, and the only thing we can do is get back into their graces. I don't know how, but, maybe we can get Tsunade-Sama to send us on a mission, the four of us." Sasuke nodded at the thought, silently thanking Kami for Hinata's brilliance sometimes.

"Right. But, I really need to get back to the Uchiha compound. Its got to get cleaned out." Hinata nodded in understanding.

"And I must admit despite all the hate, I'm curious as to where Tsunade-sama rented out my apartment. I can only wonder what the hell she has pulled up her sleeve." Hinata said, grinning. Sasuke bid Hinata a goodbye and sped off towards the Uchiha district, a place he hadn't stepped foot in in six years.

Hinata took off in the opposite direction, mentally remembering the new address Tsunade had given her, and clutching her key in her hand, she wondered what awaited her.

---

"So down to the real business now. You say that Danzo is in cahoots with Madara and this masked Akatsuki man named Tobi? But, Madara was thought to be dead, how is he still alive?" Tsunade questioned, somewhat startled at this new news.

Akatsuki had been killed off long ago, and there were only two remaining members left. It wasn't so much of the two Akatsuki that scared her, it was the fact that Danzo had been doing dirty dealings. That old war hawk, he's wanted control of Konoha for ages, planning to use Naruto as a weapon for war, and if he has allies such as Madara and this mysterious masked man, it could spell trouble for Konoha.

"Well that's the thing, we suspect Madara is being held here by the Edo Tensei jutsu, however as far as I know, the only Shinobi ever to use that jutsu was Orochimaru. And the only way we can kill Madara is if we find the person who cast the Edo Tenshi. But we know that Orochimaru is dead, Sasuke killed the bastard snake himself. Which leads me to believe that either this Tobi is the originator, or there is somebody hiding in the shadows. If it is someone in the shadows they won't show themselves, and we have no way of finding who it is." Tsunade furrowed her brows at this new information Harumi had just spilled to her. If she didn't get a handle on this quick, it could be bad.

"I see. Anything else?" Sou and Harumi spared a quick glance to each other, silently communicating. Sou's face suddenly turned grim.

"They aren't just after Naruto for the Kyuubi. They want Hinata and Sasuke as well. We believe it's because they both have bloodlines that are very valuable to both Madara and Danzo." Tsunade sighed and got herself a bottle of sake. Could this day get anymore stressful?

"Alright. I'll inform my strategist and tactics team right away. I want you both to gather information. Find out anything and everything you can. Report back to me in six months. Oh, and, welcome back." Tsunade said warmly as the two nodded and took off on their assignment. Oh Tsunade certainly was a sneaky girl, purposely sending those two out to intercept Hinata and Sasuke as their Sensei's when they were 12 years old. It was the only way she could ensure their safety, and they hadn't suspected a thing.

"Shizune! Send for Shikamaru Nara ASAP, and also...send for Temari, we're going to need Suna's help." Tsunade said, motioning to Shizune. Shizune nodded and left out the door.

Today was stressful, to say the least.

---

Hinata stared slack jawed as she came to a stop in front of her new apartment building. There was no way this was real, because if she remembered correctly this was Naruto's apartment complex. This was where Naruto lived. THIS WAS WHERE NARUTO LIVED! Is Tsunade-sama on crack?!'Hinata thought, snapping her jaw up and composing herself.

She could do this. She could and would do this. And now that she thought about it maybe it wouldn't be so bad, because it would give her more opportunities to win her Naruto-kun back.

She held her head high, walking swiftly up the steps of the old building. Naruto's apartment was right next to her's (she would be getting payback on Tsunade-sama for this) and inserted the key into the dead bolt. With a soft click she felt the door unlock and she pushed it open. It seemed the ANBU had successfully retrieved all her belongings, depositing the boxes in the middle of the living room.

She glanced around the apartment, it was small, but not all that unbearable. It was actually a welcoming change from the Hyuga compound, which was always stuffy, boring, and downright uptight. She inwardly grinned, anxious to start unpacking. For once she could live any way she wanted to, and she would first start by getting rid of the horrid beige that lined the walls of the apartment.

She opened up the first box she was able to grab, grinning as she saw her old clothes. She gingerly took them out of the box and chuckled to herself. 'Oh dear, it seems I've outgrown my old Gennin clothes. Poop, now I have to go shopping, and that means showing myself. But, maybe I could still salvage a few articles of clothing first.'

Hinata sifted through the two boxes containing her clothes, bummed to see that she could only manage to salvage a few mesh tops and old wraps, as well as an old pair of lavender sweatpants she used to wear on her lazy days.

---

Sasuke groaned as he opened the cupboards of the kitchen. All of them were completely empty, and, he was STARVING! He should have gone grocery shopping before coming home.

With a sigh he plopped himself onto his couch, having already unpacked (he didn't have much to begin with) and having tidied up the part he was actually using (which was only the main compound), he let his thought's wander to...Sakura...begrudgingly.

He mentally cursed his mind, annoyed with it's wanderings. He couldn't shake the feeling he had today, when he saw that look in her eyes. He wasn't supposed to be bothered by it. In fact, he shouldn't even be thinking about it, but alas he was. He cursed her. No matter what her pink hair always invaded his thought's and subconsciously his dream's at nighttime. It irked him to no end.

Why did she always have to be in his thought's? If anyone ever got their hands on her, it would be his fault. He had to stay away from her, but damnit she made it so hard for him to. But he wouldn't fail, he definitely wouldn't fail. He'd protect her, even if he had to sacrifice his love, he would, if it meant she could still wake up every morning with a beating heart it was good enough for him.

Even after all this time, he was powerless against her, and he fucking hated it. With a sigh he leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes, kicking his feet up onto his old coffee table. He let his muscles loosen as he let his chakra freely flow through him, a healing and relaxation technique he had learned from Katsu's mom.

He wouldn't ever let anyone know or show it, but he missed Katsu dearly, feeling like he lost a brother again and in a sense he did. They may not have been blood related, but Sasuke would have gladly died for the boy. Believe it or not he actually had a soft side, and was VERY good with young kids. He actually liked them too when they weren't being annoyingly loud. He wouldn't dare let anyone know that. Ever. It was his only positive secret.

The healing chakra coursed through him, and he could feel his muscles and mental strain relent some. He gave a content sigh and drifted off into a light nap, moving from a sitting position to a lying one. Pretty soon he felt the grasp of sleep, and allowed himself to sink into the recesses of his mind, the only time he could every truly achieve what he wanted.

Sakura.

---

A menacing figure stood in the shadows of the cave, the only light illuminating his feature's was a lone candle hung upon the wall. His red eye's gleamed in the dark, focusing on the only other inhabitant of the cave.

"It seems that Hinata and Sasuke have landed in Konoha. Danzo has informed me that the Uchiha also hold's someone very dear to him, it seems. She's a medic there, trained by Tsunade herself. We believe it's his one weak spot." Madara grinned, his smile crooked with corruption.

"Hmm, this is quite interesting. We wait. We wait until they grow close. Then, then we can use the boy's growing affection for her against him to capture him. As for the Hyuga, I'm not to worried about her," at this he turned his head towards his summons, "Dar, gather me Kabuto. We will get the Hyuga girl, and I know just the guy to do it." Dar nodded, exiting the cave hastily.

Madara grinned sickly, after years of patient planning and waiting, his dreams were coming to fruition. He couldn't help but let out a laugh. It would be quite interesting to see what kind of fight Sasuke would put up against him.

He knew Sasuke would loose, but playing never hurt anybody, right?

'Watch out, Uchiha. I'm going to rip everything from you and restore this world from its treachery. Live well for now, for you won't have the opportunity to in the future,'

---

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