Before Betrayal

After Effects

I don't own Naruto, there that's my disclaimer.

Sitting down with the group, Itachi had long since left back to his hut. Learning that he wanted time alone, which no one could argue. Having gone decades of having to fight a battle that might never be won, then to see your younger brother live the same life. Sakura would never be able to comprehend what he had gone through, or the extent of the mental implications that came from it.

Wrapping up the social gathering the younger group was having, Neji and she started to make their way back to their rooms. Asking if she could join him for a moment. Clear that he was curious about what she wanted to talk about, moving to allow her in. Going to sit down, bringing out the scrolls as backup.

"What did Uncle wish to speak to you about? I'm assuming that is why you wished to see me."

Nodding, clasping her hands together. "It was more of a reminder, he actually wished for me to speak to you before our mission. Except, I forgot to read the scroll that he had given me. While we were out on our mission, I did read them. I wasn't sure how you would react. So I kept the information to myself until a time that was more suitable, unfortunately, that didn't come."

Curiosity flashed in his eyes, "What did you learn?"

"Hiashi decided to leave out an important detail about when you signed up for the task of helping my family name. With taking on that role, the seal that brands you to the main family is now nullified. He wished to know if it was still present or not. You are now no longer obligated to protect the main family, from the sound of it he does want you to support your cousin." Sakura explained, watching the boy carefully

"Thank you for not saying anything on the mission," Neji spoke softly, trying to grasp what was happening.

Handing the scrolls over to him, allowing him to read them. Wondering if this would help to clarify anything that she'd missed or questions. Because honestly, she was just as baffled.

"You're not mad?"

"Not at you. You did what you had to for our mission. This would have had my focus everywhere at that point. If I have questions, I can go to uncle now." Rolling the scrolls back up, handing them back

"He thought it best for you knowing to proceed. Also, it would be best coming from me." Reaching out to take his hand

"Yes, I do agree with that." Letting her take the offered hand, sitting in a silence

Not sure how long they sat in silence before Neji took his hand back. Moving to unwrap the bandages on his head

After sitting in silence, Neji startled her by standing up. Moving to his bathroom, Sakura followed curious as to what he was doing. Looking on as he unwrapped the bandages. Once they were off, Sakura noticed that his eyes were closed. Having not looked, peering at his forehead seeing the birdcage seal had faded. Almost like a distant memory. Letting him take his time, seeing him finally open his eyes and gazing at his reflection. Gently touching the faded seal, it was hard to see in the small mirror.

"It's almost gone." Neji spoke surprised, "Why would Uncle do this? It is supposed to protect the byakugan. Why would he pick now? Now of all times to decide to remove the seal?"

Leaning against the door frame, "He was acting strange, saying things such as times were changing, and people are no longer accepting the old style of doing things. Hinata has made it clear that that will be her first thing as the head is to remove all newborn branch members from getting seals."

"Has he gone mad?"

Laughing, "I told him that the old people in this village are confusing. He went on to say that someday I'll be one too. He didn't talk after that, just sent me on my way. I think everything that came out with Danzō has a lot of clan leaders rethinking how their clans are being run, and how they answer to one another. I mean, speaking of war used to never be allowed. Now, we were able to talk like civilized humans. What more could we ask? This might have only been the surface, but like I said on the road this affected more than what we ever saw or heard of. Like an ice cube that floats in water. You can only see a little bit, but the rest is still under the water. The layers that keep unfolding."