Chapter Text
Sasuke has been detained for who knows how long.
He is trapped in his ‘special’ cell, where he can only have a taste of natural light when one of his former teammates visits him and takes him outside. Sasuke truly didn't care if he were to waste his life here—truthfully, he doesn't know if he even has a place in Konoha anymore. He is a traitor with sins heavier than his soul can carry, and Sasuke would understand if the elders decided he's gone for good. As far as he knew, the war ended years ago. He did help win the war—saving many people in the process. Naruto's determination is unwavering; he is always looking at the bright side of things. The blonde wanted a pardon for Sasuke's wrongdoings, and now he's still being detained for trial for years now.
By trial he means getting imprisoned, taking away his ocular abilities, draining his chakra, getting fed sloppy cold dishes, and getting treated like a goddamn pig. Sasuke didn't understand why he would get convinced by Naruto that he could change his life and live happily when Sasuke knows himself that he didn't deserve it. He already killed his brother a long time ago—that was his goal for as long as he can remember.
The root of all the things he did was seeking vengeance and wanting to kill his brother. Sasuke doesn't see him living a life after Itachi slid on the ground, dead.
Madara is dead and Kaguya is sealed, so now what?
His former teammates are stubborn—including his pervert sensei, who is currently the Hokage. Really, Sasuke doesn't understand why they would do it for him, who has acted on his own without thinking of others and will still continue on doing so. They're wasting their time defending a person, AKA him, who is not even regretting his choices. Sasuke guesses that Naruto had come so far chasing after him, and he doesn't want to waste any of his efforts by just letting Sasuke be killed by the village.
Even after their death match at that fated valley, Sasuke is still doubting his life in Konoha.
It is now Sasuke's last trial. He doesn't have high hopes. If it's decided that he's going to be executed, then so be it.
“Uchiha, the Uzumaki and Haruno are waiting for you; you may step out.” The ANBU guard spoke.
They unlocked the heavy-duty door, sealed with a high-level jutsu. He was escorted up a flight of stairs, step by step, until a sliver of sunlight appeared ahead. His cell had been buried deep beneath the Torture and Interrogation Department. When he finally stepped into the light, the golden chakra cuffs on his wrists gleamed in the sun. At the mouth of the stairs, two familiar figures waited ahead.
“Good morning, Sasuke-kun!” Sakura greeted, immediately gesturing to the ANBU members who escorted him out.
Sakura hooked her arms on his, giving slight support. Sasuke was chakra drained—work by Sakura herself—and a few of his vital points were temporarily shut off, so he was having trouble walking long distances. Naruto followed suit, doing the same thing to his other arm, supporting his weight. Sasuke's eyes didn't miss the tired look on the blonde's face and the redness of Sakura's eyes. Something must've happened, but he doesn't care enough to ask.
“This is your last trial. Are you excited, teme?” Naruto flashed a huge grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
“Excited for what?” His voice was hoarse because he didn't speak when he was inside his cell.
“Sasuke-kun! You'll finally be free! That's something to be excited about, isn't it?” Sakura squeezed his arm, showing her enthusiasm.
Sasuke noticed her genuine happiness. He wonders if this girl really did possess real love for him, or did she just love the idea of being with him? He sees her as a friend; that's progress. Sasuke cannot see her more than that, unfortunately. She might've been too clingy and annoying in the past, but she's honestly tolerable except for a few outbursts of confessions and blushing situations. Sasuke knows he is attractive—yes, he will not deny that. But other than his looks, nothing about him is admirable.
Sasuke himself knows that he is an asshole, and he's not changing himself for a woman.
Sakura doesn't deserve him. For all the things she did for good, she deserves better. He had already apologized for all he had done to her, and he hoped that she'd find a good man.
Sasuke gave up his hatred the moment he was defeated by Naruto. Instead, he went with the flow of life, didn't bother resisting when they detained him, drained his chakra, and left him only enough to move with assistance.
Ever since Sakura performed an emergency arm transplant on him, he didn't have anything to pour his regrets into. At least, if he didn't have an arm, it would be his form of self-punishment. He's at the point where he'd gladly accept what's going to be the result of this ridiculous trial. If he is going to be pardoned, cool. If he's going to be sentenced to death, whatever. It's not like he'd have someone to return to.
Sasuke is pretty sure everyone hates him, thank you very much. Naruto and Sakura are the only things he would consider as his friends, and they would have their own families. Sasuke knew that Naruto was fooling around with that Hyuuga girl; well, that's how he heard it from Sakura. He doesn't remember much about her, nor had he seen her once after he left the village. He doesn't even remember her name.
The only thing he had left to his name was the ruined ghost town of the Uchiha district. Even he didn't want to live there.
“Everything is going smoothly, Sasuke! Believe it!”
Sasuke could only sigh.
—
“The council and the Kage conglomeration have decided to sentence Uchiha Sasuke… to execution through total chakra suppression and death by guillotine.” Kakashi announced, hesitant.
Hinata silently gasped, eyes widening at the announcement. The atmosphere immediately turned dark; people around her had the same reaction. Everyone felt everyone's chakra spike. A series of different facial expressions were plastered on everyone's faces. All high-ranking individuals from different lands and countries that participated in the war were invited to testify with or against Uchiha Sasuke. The past trials were going on smoothly; as far as she can remember, it has been going on for almost three years now.
"There is still fear associated with the Uchiha name. In addition to leaving the village, Sasuke joined forces with Orochimaru, launched an assault on the Kage Summit, almost killed the Raikage, and declared war on the Five Nations. He then attempted to take over the world by force.” Kakashi continued, voice cool and monotone. But Hinata knew that it was hard for him as well.
This is Hinata's first and last trial that she's going to attend. She was busy with her own clan, and she only went because of Naruto. This is the first time she has attended a huge political meeting since the day she was appointed as clan head. She worriedly glanced over at Naruto on the bleachers, sitting with Sakura and the fifth Hokage. Lately he was so happy that Sasuke is finally going to be free like he envisioned. Hinata believed him—that’s what she liked about Naruto anyway. He makes impossible things possible. That's his magic. He doesn't give up, and he gives hope.
What the heck happened?
“What?!” Naruto's loud voice echoed throughout the corners of the meeting room.
“What do you mean, he's being executed?! Isn't saving us from the Infinite Tsukuyomi enough for him to be pardoned?! He helped us win the war! Kakashi, what's going on?! All the Kages know that what he did was a big contribution to ending the war!” Sakura blurted out, filled with rage and desperation.
“Sakura, calm down.” Tsunade stepped up, her voice calm but still loud enough for the whole room to listen.
“Calm down!? How am I supposed to calm down? Which one of you voted against Sasuke? I want to know your reasons!” Sakura yelled her heart out, her hands finding their way to her hair, grabbing it hard.
“It comes to the conclusion that most clans in Konoha pushed for punishment. Sasuke's actions cost their companions, their women, and their kids.” Kakashi refused to look Sakura in the eye.
“The Kages were also unable to forget what he had done. Sasuke's actions cost the Land of Lightning dozens of lives. The Land of Earth and Water refused to sign post-war agreements until we handed them justice.” Tsunade added, face unreadable.
“No, this can't be. I don't accept this! Sasuke deserves to live! He helped us win the war! He regrets his actions, and I'm here to make sure that he'll never act up! I'm sure he can live with just chakra suppression; don't physically behead him! Kakashi, what the heck are you doing!? You're the Hokage! You can't let this happen.” Naruto again.
Hinata felt her heart actively being squeezed painfully as she looked at the man standing on the elevated surface with the Hokage—eyes burning with rage and sadness. Naruto had spent his blood, sweat, and tears to bring him back. He had broken his bones, bruised his flesh, and exhausted his body to be stronger—strong enough to make Sasuke come back.
“No! There must be a way. Kages of all nations! I will take responsibility for Sasuke; he doesn't need to be executed. I will not allow it!”
“We do not doubt your ability to sustain him, Uzumaki-sama. But an Uchiha is still an Uchiha. Your surveillance is not total assurance that he will not take over the world again.” The Hidden Cloud village’s representative spoke.
“I've chased him for years, getting stronger to bring him back. What makes you think that I will not do it again!?”
“So you care for him more than the village? You are Kakashi's successor; Konoha had agreed to make you the seventh Hokage. You cannot make sure that he'll be totally tamed when you are buried with the village's duties. If you pour your efforts into making sure he doesn't explode into madness, isn't that neglecting your duties?” One of the village elders said, earning hums of agreement from other clans.
Hinata saw how Naruto's knuckles were clenched tightly.
Rookie 9 was there as well, but unlike Hinata, Ino, and Shikamaru, they haven't officially been named as clan heads and are still behind the shadows of their parents. Hinata knew how badly Ino wanted to hug Sakura right now. Ino didn't say anything—probably wanted everything to settle down before speaking up. Ino's clansmen behind her were whispering words in her ears, probably advising the young Yamanaka to calm down.
Hinata also knew that Shikamaru wanted to say something as well but waited for the right time to intervene. They needed to say something! They're a big part of the war as well! They could bring in more influence.
But then again, Hinata also refused to say anything.
She didn’t know Sasuke well. Hinata knew he was popular among girls her age, but that was when they were kids. She was all caught up with her business in the Hyuuga clan, and she really didn't care about him initially. Truth be told, Hinata only noticed him when Naruto and Sakura started chasing him. She knew what Sasuke meant to Naruto.
Naruto's shoulders were tense, his eyes wide with disbelief as he spoke his words again. After everything they’d all been through, this is how it's going to end? Naruto's sacrifices and hard work will crumble because of the choices of other people who don't even know Sasuke the way Naruto does?
Yes, Sasuke had made unforgivable choices. He had betrayed the village, turned on his friends, and walked willingly down a dark path. But he had also come back. Fought by their side. Helped end the war. The world owed him as well, like they did with Naruto.
Hinata glanced away from the blonde, turning her gaze to the person of the trial's interest, Uchiha Sasuke. Both his hands were chained, linked to the ground, while he knelt on the dirt. Two masked ANBU guards were behind him. She couldn't make anything from his face—he didn't show any reaction, nor any sign of discomfort. His face was perfectly neutral, and it's hard to read what's going on in his mind right now.
What does he feel? Is he really going to let the village execute him? Isn't he going to stand up for himself? Or at least stand up with the people who have worked so hard to bring him back?
“Take Sasuke away. He's scheduled to be executed exactly a week from now.” Kakashi ordered, ignoring Naruto.
ANBU members dragged Sasuke out until he was no longer seen by the public.
Hinata bit the nail on her thumb. When everyone got over the short state of shock, everyone started voicing their reactions. The meeting hall turned upside down; voices were raised, as well as weapons and different chakra spikes from different people, and it became a chaotic mess. She knew very well that most of Konoha's officials are convinced of Naruto's influence.
“Oh no, this is really bad.” She muttered to herself. She can only watch as words are being thrown and exchanged harshly, her ears cringing at the sudden burst of sounds.
‘What can I do? There must be something…’ She thought to herself.
Naruto had been her inspiration from the start. He is a big part of her life, even if he doesn't realize it. She didn't mind dying for him during his fight with Pain, because because of him, she stood on her feet and gathered strength to be brave. But here they are, alive. Because of him, Hinata believed she could do something for her clan—to change what the Hyuuga used to be.
“What if there's an intervention?”
All attention was suddenly directed to the Nara genius, who spoke before Naruto would lose control and make a scene again.
“What do you mean?” Kakashi asked.
“Wouldn’t it be better to dump Uchiha Sasuke to some clan's mercy? Because believe it or not, Uchiha's powerful bloodline will benefit this village in some way; it'll be a waste to just kill the last of his clan.”
Sakura gasped. “You mean…?”
“Instead of killing Uchiha Sasuke, I think it would be best if he were married off to a clan. I'm sure Sasuke values his freedom more than anything, and the village will be taking it away from him by tying him into a clan. I think that would be enough punishment. In that way, not only will he pledge his entire being to that clan, but the clansmen will also have the responsibility to watch over him for extra assurance, not just Naruto and Sakura’s surveillance. If Uchiha Sasuke tries to do anything funny, they're required to seal him away.”
“That’s a good proposal. But the problem is, which clan is willing to take him in?” Tsunade held her temples, thinking of ways to make Shikamaru’s plan happen.
Silence.
“Guys, Sasuke—teme is not that much of an asshole that you think he is. He's tolerable on some things! I promise you, he won't cause trouble or anything! Just… fuck, this is so exhausting.” Naruto lets out a long sigh; feeling too many emotions in one go is bad for his health.
“Ino-chan, help me out here?” Sakura sounded so desperate, her voice even cracking. She was on the verge of tears.
“I—I, Sakura, uhm.” Ino Yamanaka stammered, and her trusted clansmen shook their heads, gesturing to not consider offering their clan. Ino liked Sasuke, but she isn't sure about risking it all for her clan. Her father left her the responsibility to make the Yamanaka clan prosper after his death in the war, and if she takes in the Uchiha avenger, she'll be endangering all the hard work her dad and her ancestors had done.
The Raikage scoffed. Other Kages murmured to themselves. It made sense, but then again, no one is willing.
Taking in Uchiha Sasuke also means giving away your safety and praying he won't burn it down. He's like a moving ticking time bomb. If you touch him the wrong way, he'll explode and everyone will die. Not to mention his horrible personality, a man so difficult to get along with. An hour with him would take away years of your lifespan. People feared him because he was evil and capable. Unmercifully killing people on his way.
“The Hyuuga clan will take him in.” Hinata spoke, breaking the deafening silence.
What the hell did she just say? Even she herself was shocked when those words came out of her mouth.
But it was too late now.
“Hinata?” Sakura's voice was suddenly full of hope, tears falling down her face.
“Hinata, you do know that this is an international matter. If you fail to fulfill your words, you will not only make enemies of Konoha but of other countries as well.” Kakashi says, carefully choosing his words.
“Hyuuga-sama, do reconsider. What you are saying might be an impulsive action.” A council member said.
Think twice. That’s what she interpreted.
“T-the world will not prosper if you think every solution is violence. By killing Uchiha Sasuke, nothing will make a difference. Hatred will still linger because you do not know how to forgive. The cause of the war was hatred.” Hinata begins, her hands tightly gripping the railing where she stood.
The council members exchanged looks, the clan heads remained stoic, and Hinata didn’t bother looking at the Kage’s section.
“The death of Uchiha Sasuke will permanently get rid of the Uchihas in the world. Wars started because of their hatred. Their bloodline were the most prominent proponents in the battlefield.” Homura, one of the elders, stated.
“Would you rather have stayed trapped in that awful Infinite Tsukuyomi forever? Let’s not forget that Sasuke was the one who ended it. He could’ve left the world dreaming. But he didn’t. That means he still gave a damn.” Shikamaru said.
“He almost destroyed the world first.”
Hinata breathes in air before continuing.
“The Hyuuga Clan will claim responsibility for Sasuke Uchiha. I, the clan head, will be the one to make sure that he’ll be under our surveillance, succumb to our law, and if he violates it… we’ll deal with him ourselves.” Hinata decided to strengthen her resolve.
She's doing it for peace.
She's doing it for Naruto.
She's doing it for herself.
After the war, Hinata thought that the man of her dreams would finally be hers—but it seems like their circumstances aren't allowing the two of them to be together. Hinata gathered the strength to reclaim her title as the clan head by spending years experimenting on herself to find a seal that will not control the Branch members. Hinata is sealed—a seal that only activates when the host’s body is going to die, sealing away their ocular bloodline. Hinata ended the godforsaken division between members, removing the Branch term by changing the seal. She gained control and support from the once-branch members, and now she is officially appointed as clan head.
But as the Hyuuga head, she cannot marry Naruto, whose dream is to be Hokage. Maybe it's possible, if only her love was reciprocated.
Hinata had confessed to him a few months ago, but he didn't accept her feelings—only wanting for them to remain friends. She understood, but that didn't mean that she couldn't love him from afar. She did that for years anyway; what's new?
But now, she wants freedom.
This is the last thing she's going to do for Naruto.
“You're telling me… You're going to willingly take on his sins?” Tsunade exclaimed, eyes slightly widening.
“If I may add my input,” Gaara said, standing. “The Hyuuga is currently the most powerful clan in the Leaf. As far as I know, they have ties to the Land of Fire, the Land of Water, trade lines through the Land of Lightning, and political alliances in the Land of Wind. Not to mention their Byakugan. Sasuke is basically immobilized if you send him to the mercy of the Hyuugas.” He says, the other Kages nodding, considering Shikamaru's proposal now.
“Hinata-chan, are you… Are you sure about this?” Naruto questioned, voice slightly shaky. Hinata’s expression softens, melting into a worried one. Her gaze shifts to Sakura, then back to Naruto.
They look so tired. They’ve given it all. They’re labelled as heroes of the world, and yet, the world deprived them from saving Sasuke.
“Hinata-chan…?” Sakura spoke when they noticed that Hinata had gone silent.
It’s a good thing that she insisted on going to the meeting alone. If her Ko or her sister were here, they would disregard Shikamaru’s idea in an instant. Hinata doesn’t know what to do with Sasuke, honestly. She truly believes that man is beyond saving, and she doesn’t even want to try and fix him. He can do whatever he wants, for all she cares. All she asks is for him to give his loyalty to Naruto and Konoha.
Maybe at this moment, she can finally let go of Naruto.
“Forget it. No clan will willingly take in the Uchiha. You can proceed with the execution.” One of the village elders said, making everyone tense again.
“Wait.” Hinata motioned her hand to a halt.
“I, Hyuuga Hinata, propose a political marriage between myself and Uchiha Sasuke. I will be the one to carry his sins, and I would take full responsibility should he do something evil. Through this union, he will be tied to the Hyuuga clan and its laws. Until death do us part.”
—
He’ll be executed in a week.
Sasuke doesn’t know what to feel.
Now he’s back again in the familiar godforsaken cell; the only company he has is a pile of books that he’s read over a million times already.
He knows he deserves this. No argument there. But was it really so wrong to believe in the sliver of hope Naruto had offered him? The way his friend had looked at him, spoken to him, and fought for him—like he was still worth saving. Maybe Sasuke had been a fool to think redemption could outweigh the weight of his sins.
Sasuke tried to be the tyrant—wanted to use violence in order to create peace but realized he’s no better than Madara. Maybe it’s the curse of being an Uchiha. They’re better off dead.
So many have suffered because of his choices—friends, comrades, and innocent people caught in his vengeance. And even when he finally tried to turn things around, tried to fix what he had broken, it was already too late. Maybe this is the only fitting end.
After everything, at least he’ll die in Konoha. The place where everything began for him.
At this point, he cannot wait for the day of his execution. So he can finally end things here and maybe, finally, find peace with Itachi, wherever he is.
“Uchiha, you got a visitor.”
The heavy gates opened, but no one had stepped in yet.
“Tell Naruto to fuck off.” His voice was hoarse, but he didn't bother standing to get some water.
Even though his chakra is blocked by his cuffs, Sasuke sensed a strange chakra—not from Sakura or Naruto. It isn't Kakashi either—but it was familiar. Curiosity got the best of him, so he turned his head to meet the newcomer. From the gates, a female silhouette slowly walks towards him, one that he didn't recognize.
“Uchiha-san, I apologize for intruding this late at night.”
Sasuke recognized those eyes—the Hyuugas. Her pale eyes looked at him blankly. She must be Naruto's girl.
He knew her from before—but the last time he saw her was when they were little genins at the academy. She was a stuttering, blushing mess that fainted at the sight of the dobe. He had a hard time remembering her name—was it Hiashi? No, that was her dad. Hikari? No, not quite. Hinata? Must be it. She looked so different from what he remembered. Hinata had grown into a fine woman, he must admit.
It's already night? Time passed that quickly? Honestly, this godforsaken room ruined his body clock, and the fact that it doesn't have any windows contributed so much to his problems. He had no way of telling the time unless it was mealtime. In his case right now, he didn't eat the food that was given to him since he had no appetite since the last trial.
“Take a seat. I apologize if this cell can only offer the floor. Did Naruto send you over?” He prompted, not bothering to meet her in the eye.
“No, I came on my own.”
“Don't beat around the bush, Hyuuga. Did Naruto cause a scene and embarrass himself?”
Sasuke can totally see that happening. That man is prone to impulsive decisions and actions that often result in violence and chaos. Sasuke doesn't understand why Naruto would do that much for him when most of the time he was an asshole to the blonde. But this time, Sasuke thinks that it's time for Naruto to let go of him and just let him atone for his sins in hell.
“N-nothing like that happened. Umm, there is something I would like to discuss.” Hinata lowered her body to the ground, not minding the cold tiled floor of his cell.
Isn't the Hyuuga a traditional clan? Sasuke at least knows that the clan head would not go lower than a commoner. He could be considered a commoner right now, since he's quite literally being detained and labeled as a criminal. Now, why is she willingly sitting upright on the floor?
“Is it about my execution? Save it for yourself. I don't need your pity.”
“I don't pity you, Uchiha-san. However, I do know that you are important to Naruto, and it pains me to see him like that. He had worked so hard to bring you back, and I know that he won't let Konoha kill you.”
“If you're just going to relay a message from Naruto, tell him that there is no need for that anymore. It is settled. I'm to be executed.”
“You’re taking it too well.”
“As per the words of Konoha citizens, I am evil, and I have to disappear.”
Hinata stared at him. Sasuke hated that he couldn't read the thoughts behind those pale eyes of hers. She looked neutral—didn’t show any signs of fear against him, except for the occasional stutters.
“No. You are not going to be executed.”
“... Elaborate.”
“You are important to Naruto and to my friend Sakura. I cannot bear to see the people who love you the most mourn your death by the hands of the people you saved.”
“What do you mean?”
“An intervention. I'm the Hyuuga clan head. You are to be… married to me. In that way, you can escape the execution.”
Sasuke's eyebrows raised at the mention of marriage. But somehow, it didn't surprise him, and the thought of having her as a wife doesn't seem so bad, even though he isn't quite sure about her clan. She's not exactly hard to look at, and she doesn't fawn over him. They could keep it civil and only a political union if it weren't for the situation they are currently in.
“An intervention is another way to say that I am being sold to your clan like I'm some sort of an object.” He snarled.
“What you think of this political marriage doesn't matter. As long as you're alive, Naruto is happy.”
“You're doing this all for a man? I see, since you're the head of your clan, Naruto cannot be tied to you since he'll be the Hokage.”
Her eyes blew wide, as if Sasuke had hit a nerve. She was caught off guard, so he must be right. Of course, her intentions on saving him involve pleasing Naruto. Perhaps it wouldn't be too bad because Sasuke doesn't have to worry about her being clingy or invading his personal space using her bloodline. He couldn't care less if she fancies Naruto throughout their whole marriage; Sasuke is sure that she is dignified enough to not act up and only keep those thoughts to herself as an heiress.
“I—I'm doing it for myself as well! You don't know anything.” She exclaimed, hands finding their way to the fabric of her skirt to fidget with it.
“And if I say I'd rather die?”
This time, Hinata's eyebrows furrowed, and the hands on her skirt clenched on the fabric, making blue veins on her pale skin pop even more.
“You do not have a say in this either. I already made my decision. The Hyuugas are always true to their word.”
“So you're willing to take on my sins? What do you want from me in return? Nothing is free.” Sasuke continued to stare at her, taking his time reading her every move, analyzing every single twitch of her muscles.
“T-that's right. I want you to pledge your loyalty to Naruto and this village. Lastly, you need to remember that once you are married to me, you belong to me until your last breath.”
“Hah!” He exclaimed, as if what he heard was the most atrocious thing ever. “Quite a bold statement. Don't bother. Let the village kill me.”
He was Uchiha Sasuke—he belonged to no one. They might take his freedom away, but that doesn't mean he'll allow himself to be owned by a clan—to be owned by her, of all people. They might as well kill him. He'd rather be dead than be tied to a traditional, powerful clan that used to be his own clan's rival.
“D-don't make it harder for me. This is the least I can do. We don't have to be a couple. We just have to get along.”
“You don't deserve someone like me. Why couldn't you fight for Naruto if you're that determined to save me? That dobe will fight for you, for sure. He'll be the Hokage, so it doesn't matter if you're a clan head or not.”
Hinata takes a deep breath before opening her mouth to speak again.
“Naruto's mind doesn't align with his heart.” Is what she simply said.
Oh.
“I can't save you from yourself. Let's just… work together. You'll live peacefully in Konoha under the protection of the Hyuuga name.”
“Tsk.” He looked away.
“Goodnight, Uchiha-san.”