Constellations (complete)

Three days later, patrols sounded an alarm. They had come, as Naruto said they would.

Sasuke hadn’t gotten out of bed for almost the whole of those three days, but suddenly, as sirens echoed around Konoha, an unholy rage filled him. The entire village was subject to his agony as his chakra flared wildly. He raced around the house gathering every weapon he could carry and flew to the uppermost rampart near the invading ninja.

“They are mine. No one is to interfere,” he growled at Neji and the contingent draped over every surface of the gates and ramparts.

“We are here for our demon,” a disembodied voice boomed. “We know you are hiding it and we demand that you give it to us.”

Sasuke’s Sharingan flared and the tomoes spun wildly in his eyes. He roared and dove off the upper rampart to the ground in front of the small army of sixty or so shabbily clad ninja.

He held one arm out until it glowed and then bent and slammed his palm to the ground. Earth rose and formed a giant bowl, in the center of which was the enemy. No one was escaping his wrath alive. Sasuke jumped up to the edge and his chakra could be seen coming off him in waves. He pulled his swords off his back and then, howling in rage, leapt feet first into the enclosure.

“What do we do? He’s in there by himself.” A lieutenant stated the obvious to Neji.

They couldn’t see what was happening inside, only hear explosions and screaming. As streamers of fire shot up out of the bowl, Neji activated his Byakugan. He held his arms out. For now, Sasuke was okay. He wouldn’t let anything happen to his lover, but he knew Sasuke needed this.

It went on for some time and the air stank with the coppery smell of blood and excrement and piss. Neji kept a constant eye inside the well of destruction, ready to send the remaining ninja into the fray. But finally, Sasuke’s form appeared out of the earth just outside the walls he’d created. He turned toward the silent mound and with a few hand signs collapsed the walls towards the center, burying anything inside under tons of rock and dirt.

Then he dropped to the ground and fell to his back, screaming the rest of this rage to the sky until he had no voice left. Neji dismissed the troops and went to Sasuke’s side. He picked up the openly crying ninja and took him home.

+++

At the end of the week, Neji gathered their family in the village square. As the new Hokage, there were things he needed, wanted to do. He studied the crowd before him and reckoned that every single person in the village had gathered together under the brilliant blue sky this afternoon.

He didn’t step forward, setting himself apart from the family. Instead he picked up a child and stepped closer to Jomei.

I would like to introduce the Hokage’s family. Sandaime’s, Yondaime’s, Tsunade’s, Naruto’s.” He paused. “Mine.”

He spread his arm to encompass the large group on the hastily constructed platform. It included Sasuke, Hinata, Tsunade and Gaara. It also included Jomei and the Sisters and seven other orphans who comprised their family. Each adult embraced or held one of Neji’s and Sasuke’s seven children.

“Look at us. See this group of adults, not a blood tie among us. Hyuuga, Uchiha, Uzumaki, the three strongest ninja families in the land, separated for generations by ego, avarice, ambition. And see the elite of Konoha, and the heirs of past Konoha Kages. See them embrace and call kin, those who were once our poor and downtrodden.”

Tsunade reached for Jomei’s hand. He took it and his siblings crowded around her legs.

“See the clans and the aristocracy now legally joined to the orphans of this village. See ninja and civilian alike with clasped hands.” He grasped Jomei’s other hand and brought it to his chest for several moments.

He pointed at Gaara, who was holding Naruto’s baby. “See our family reach beyond Konoha’s boundaries, embracing those from other lands, other cultures.”

“We are building a new family, bound by blood, bound by law, bound by love. Naruto gave us that. Each of us took him into our hearts, our lives and we’ve been walking on an unshakable foundation ever since, knowing that our hands are held, our backs are protected, our hearts are safe.

“Naruto accepted all of us. He accepted all of you. He loved each and every person in this village. He saw worth and potential even in those who abused him. He saw his abusers grieve at the monument for those slain by Kyuubi and he understood. He wept for you and with you and protected you and finally he…” Neji’s voice broke. His jaw worked several times and then he cleared his throat. “He died for you.”

“If you couldn’t accept him in life, accept his sacrifice for what it was; an act of pure untarnished love.

“My hope is that, whether you accepted him in life or not, you accept his sacrifice in the spirit it was given. Six days ago, though he was alone and scared..."

Here Neji had to stop again, the lump in his throat preventing him from speaking further. He looked over at Sasuke who had his head buried in his daughter's neck, his shoulders shaking with his sobs. Naruto's twins were holding each other and crying, both old enough to comprehend the grief around them if not the full meaning.

“Papa? Where’s papa? We want our papa.” They cried in unison. Several sobs could be heard from the crowd.

Neji swiped at the tears on his own cheeks and finally looked back to the crowd.

"He went willingly, gladly, so Kyuubi would steal no more husbands, no more fathers, mothers, or sons. He went in the name of family. His and yours. Ours.

“My final wish is to set aside a day on which we remember and honor our fallen leader, comrade, friend.

“There are two obvious days in Naruto's life that had the most significance to Konoha. The day of his birth, when he saved us from Kyuubi. And the day of his death, when he saved us from Kyuubi yet again.

“But Naruto would tell us that everyone is born and everyone dies and that both are easy. They are merely the endpoints. He would tell us that it is the journey that makes a life.

“Because of that, I'd like to choose a day that had the most significance to him. For Naruto, that day was August 6. It was the day that Uchiha Sasuke returned to Konoha. It was the day that Naruto's journey as a lover, a father and a family man began.

“We are his family. We ask that you look beyond blood ties, and class differences, beyond cultures and see each other as family. Join us.”

Hyuuga Hiashi watched as one person after another approached different members of Naruto’s family. “I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry for your loss.” It was painful. It was meaningless. He felt the need to say something different. It might not ease any pain, it might even be unwelcome, but perhaps another perspective would provide a distraction and give something else to think about tomorrow.

He moved to Sasuke and bowed.

“Such a glorious, miraculous life.” He bowed his head again, a serene smile on his face.

“He’s dead.”

“That is very, very sad. He loved you more than anything else and I know what you created together was remarkable. Such a life…”

“He was twenty five.”

“Yes. Younger than many. Older than many.” Hiashi looked to the cloudless sky for a moment. “But is it not the quality of years, and not the quantity?” He got a misty look on his face. “Such a quality, worthwhile life.”

A small group of men had gathered nearby, listening.

“There are many men, with twice or three times the years who would trade their whole lives for twenty five meaningful years.” The men who had gathered all nodded and murmured in agreement.

“He brought peace and unity. He left a legacy of love. He leaves a family of beautiful children and people who will grieve. His love clings to you even now.” He pointed to the children wrapped around Sasuke’s legs. “He saved the world not once but twice. An entire world mourns his passing. Many men would covet such a life and death.”

“This isn’t about you.”

“You are right.” Hiashi bowed. “Your pain is unbearable now. But time will pass quickly.” Hiashi moved closer and touched Neji’s lilac eyed daughter’s cheek. “So very quickly. One day they are beautiful babies, then you turn around and they are beautiful, remarkable women.”

“Her name is Uzumaki Suki, and I love her more than my life.” Sasuke stroked the tiny girl’s hair. At hearing her name, she raised her head, smiled and pressed a sloppy kiss to his cheek, all without taking the thumb out of her mouth.

“She is an Uzumaki,” Hiashi said.

“That was your choice, not Neji’s,” Sasuke said, sounding tired.

Sasuke nuzzled her face and sifted his fingers through her silky black hair, murmuring gentle syllables. Her lilac eyes crinkled as she smiled, then she dropped her head back to his shoulder, sucking loudly.

“She looks like Hinata at that age.” Hiashi smiled sadly.

“Neji has commented on that.” She raised her head again at hearing Hinata’s name, then reached her free arm toward Hiashi. Sasuke paused only a moment and then held Suki out to him.

She went into his arms willingly and patted wet fingers on his cheeks, smiling brightly, four tiny white teeth sparkling. Then she held a finger out toward his eye. “Dada.”

“I don’t remember Hinata being this happy,” Hiashi said quietly

“Neji has commented on that as well.”

“To have a life with no regrets…” Hiashi whispered.

Gaara stepped up at that moment and handed the baby he was holding to Sasuke. The two month old was wrapped tightly in soft blankets and his eyes were bright and alert. His blond head peaked out and with the shiny golden curls and glittering sky blue eyes, he almost seemed to glow. Sasuke held him facing forward so he could see out into the world and then rested his cheek on the tiny scalp.

“Kazekage-sama,” Hiashi bowed. “It is always an honor to see you. The world hails you as the finest of Kages.”

Gaara nodded, immune to the litany of flattery that accompanied almost every greeting with others. “This one will surpass me.” He indicated Neji. “He has a heart of peace and wisdom beyond his years.”

“I regret that I had little to do with that. Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto are more responsible for the man he has become than I ever was. And a finer man I have never known.”

“Hyuuga-san.” Neji joined the small group. “Thank you for coming.”

“Hokage-sama.” Hiashi bowed to his nephew. Regret and longing filled him as he took in his estranged nephew’s striking stature. He was surprised when his own mouth opened and he said, “Please tell me what it would take to have you call me ‘uncle’ once again.”

Neji straightened his robes. Suki held her arms out to him and he took her.

“Pudding.” He used the sleeve of the Hokage’s robes to wipe a smear of drool off Suki’s chin. “Five o’clock, Saturday, at our home.”

Hiashi’s face glowed. He bowed and reached his hand out to Hinata.

“Daughter, would you do me an honor and walk with me?” She took his arm and they turned to leave. “Perhaps,” he said to her, “you could tell me about this thing called ‘pudding?’”

Sasuke pressed his lips to Neji’s cheek and whispered. “I’m happy for you.”

“The miracle of his life continues.”

+++

Two days after the ceremony, they learned that there was one more loose end in the world’s quest for the demons.

Akatsuki materialized outside the gates, standing on top of the mound created by Sasuke’s last battle with Konoha’s enemies a week earlier.

Again, Sasuke donned his gear and went to the gate. He was so tired of this. He walked out alone and stood before the men, their red and black robes billowing in the breeze. As he reached them, he saw Kisame hovering balls of water around the group and Tobi holding a live vine, much as Naruto had years ago. The rest had their weapons and shields in place.

“We have come for retribution.” Tobi held his hand out and opened his fist. He looked to be holding a pile of white dust.

“This is what is left of our years’ long work to contain the demons. When you killed Kyuubi, the other eight demons vanished.”

As he let the breeze take the dust from his palm, gasps and excited murmuring could be heard from the gates.

“This is why you should not have interfered. The demons are now gone and our years of hard work and our loss of life and all of our…”

“Shut the fuck up.” Sasuke said. Then he turned away and started walking back toward the gate.

“Do not turn your back on us. We have come…”

Two giant slabs of rock shot up on either side of the Akatsuki members and slammed together in a loud crack. The Akatsuki members were crushed like maggots between two bricks. He ground the two slabs together several times for good measure, never looking back.

Naruto was right. Because it wasn’t fire or electricity, they had not seen it coming.

As Sasuke walked, he shed his weapons and armor, leaving a trail from the slaughter to Neji, who stood at the gate, waiting.

When Sasuke got to him, he said, “I can’t do this anymore. I’ll never stop protecting you and the children, but I can’t live it anymore.”

Neji pulled him into his arms and they stood like that for several minutes, until Neji guided them back home.

+++

Hinata paused when she heard a knock at her door. After checking with her Byakugan, she opened the door to Shikamaru. When he held up a bottle of alcohol, she nodded and let him pass.

They sat on the floor, because her bed was taken up by her traveling bag and piles of her belongings.

They sat shoulder to shoulder leaning against her bed and drank in silence for a time. Shikamaru broke the silence.

“What you did for Naruto…” Shikamaru swallowed hard and took a stuttering breath.

“I did nothing for him in life. That I only managed to do something for him in death…”

They drifted into silence for a time. Shikamaru spoke again.

“I failed him. I failed everyone.”

“You? How?”

“I was assigned the task of finding a solution to his demon problem. I had years and came up with nothing.” He took another drink and stared at the floor. “He asked for my help and I let him down. I let everyone down.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” She took the bottle from his hand. “Because this was a dog and pony show all along.”

“A dog and pony show?”

“Yes. Naruto had this day planned since he was twelve years old. Every day he woke up and made sure his plans to die were all in place. Jiraiya had been ready to kill him. The Hunters followed him around. Tsunade developed a pill in case there was no one around; kind of like an internal exploding tag.”

“So why did he even ask?”

“He had to try. And he had to let everyone who felt it was important try. He wouldn’t leave people with regrets if he could help it.”

“Still, everyone thinks my value is my brain.” Shikamaru wasn’t ready to let it go. “I should have come up with a solution.”

“You did. Several from what I hear. The demon is gone. All of them are. I don’t think many problems have answers that please everyone. There probably was no solution that could get rid of the demon and keep Naruto here.”

They both sipped some more.

She whispered. “Child of Prophecy.”

“What?”

“Naruto was called the Child of Prophecy. According to Jiraiya and Tsunade, his life was going to mean a better world.”

Shikamaru nodded. “It meant something here. Who would have ever thought the clans would join with each other. Or with the poor and homeless.”

“Or that a Nara would seek out and comfort a Hyuuga,” Hinata whispered.

“Don’t leave.”

“I can’t do this anymore. If I stay, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“What will you do if you leave?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, if you’re not going to know either way, do it here.” He set the bottle on the floor. “Where there are people who respect you and care about you.”

Shikamaru came every day. Each day she was still there, but her bag was still sitting in the middle of the floor, clothing hanging out of it.

One day he arrived just as Hiashi was leaving. He was taken aback at the smiling face and hearty handshake from the elder Hyuuga, and watched bemused as the man walked down the porch outside Hinata’s home, his gate sprightly.

“Everything okay?” He asked after he’d closed the door behind him.

She snorted softly. “Child of Prophecy.”

At his raised eyebrows, she continued. “It seems that my father loves me.”

He looked at her in surprise. “Yes,” she said. ‘I told him that I was considering a job as a waitress. He said something about Naruto and fluffy pink bunnies and told me he loved me.”

Shikamaru came to stand in front of her. “What’s not to love?”

She looked at him for several moments and then turned toward the window.

“The sun is shining. It has not shone in such a long time.”

He studied her for a moment then put her bag in the middle of the bed.

“Shall we unpack this?”

She sighed and nodded. “Yeah.”