The Eyes of Fate

Chapter Seven: Calm Waves and Harsh Storms

Staring at herself in the mirror, Hinata pinned her wet hair out of her face before washing it. The curse mark on her forehead made her pause, her fingers tracing its design. She remembered when Sasuke had done the same, his touch was surprisingly soft for someone that dealt with hot flames, and it lingered on the sensitive skin.

Grabbing her towel, she patted her face dry and let her hair down. Opening the window, she stood there and allowed the strong wind to dry it with minimal manipulation. She no longer had to summon Kaze to dry her hair like she used to years ago. Once her midnight blue locks were somewhat dry, she closed the window after thanking the Western winds for their services.

Once Hinata stepped out of the bathroom, holding a candle to light her path back to her room, she paused and peered into Kakashi's room. It had been a few days since they arrived at Tazuna's house, yet Kakashi still hadn't woken up.

"He's only managed to open his eyes for a few seconds, I'm sure he'll be fine though." Tsunami, Tazuna's daughter, rested her hand on Hinata's shoulder.

"I know he will be. We need to get this mission done though, there's only so much Naruto and his clones can do. What if we were attacked again?" Hinata mumbled, worrying about her team.

Without Kakashi to watch over them, they resorted to Hinata taking the role of team captain as they guarded Tazuna while he continued building the bridge.

"You have a lot on your mind, although you're very young."

She looked up at the older woman and back at her sensei. "I do not feel young."

"A lot of ninjas must feel that way. Battles harden you, you can no longer enjoy the wonders of your childhood while you train to become a protector of those you love." Tsunami gave her shoulder one last squeeze, "make sure to get some sleep. Goodnight, Hinata."

She remained standing there, listening to the receding footsteps of Tazuna's daughter. Once the hallway was quiet once more, she pushed open Kakashi's door and set the candle down. Kneeling beside him, she watched as he slept, his eyebrows knitted in discomfort.

"Inazuma."

"You called?"

"Can you teach me how to do that trick again?"

"Which one? I have taught you many things."

"The healing one."

"Medical ninjūtsu?"

Hinata nodded.

Inazuma formed beside her, his figure towering over her own as he made himself visible. Sitting down, he held her hands and guided them towards Kakashi's head.

"Focus."

She closed her eyes and concentrated on the flow of her chakra.

"Guide it."

Imagining the way it engulfed Kakashi, healing him slowly, she breathed carefully.

"Good."

Opening her eyes, she saw that her hands were glowing a soft green. When she could no longer feel anything wrong with Kakashi, she lifted her hands and placed them on her lap instead.

"This is your first time using it on someone else, you're getting better." He patted her head. His hand lingered for a moment. "Can I see?"

"See what?"

"The mark."

Hinata faced him. "Go ahead."

His cool fingers moved her bangs to the side, Inazuma frowned, his fingers glowing green, trying his best to make it disappear but it never did. It wasn't a wound that needed healing.