Team Harmony

SR57: The Opening Move

Hinata spent the majority of her time in her greenhouse. Haku had come by often to see her work and help her with certain tasks, and, though they seemed odd to the young boy, he never said a word, and she was grateful. Haku had split his time between being with her, Naruto, or both and going to visit Kimimaro.

The once sickly teen was making a full recovery and was now being officially held inside the Konoha Interrogation Center, but Minato had given strict orders that the boy not be harmed. He was still quite hostile and the building was more secure than the Uchiha Police building. Haku had requested to visit the Kaguya and was granted permission. He used this time to talk to him as though he was a regular teen.

He never once mentioned Orochimaru or the things he had to do and endure. He brought along books and comics—the latter sent by Naruto himself—and talked eagerly about them to Kimimaru. In the beginning, Kimimaru wasn't interested and lashed out often, but it didn't deter the Hatake boy and he eventually began making progress.

The last time Haku had visited Hinata, he told her that Naruto had gone with him to see Kimimaro. Part of her wanted to be surprised, but she just wasn't. Naruto was...bright. He had hope in everyone. He believed everyone could be good, and while she did as well, it was still difficult for her to calmly talk to someone who had dedicated their life to a man like Orochimaru. A thing she loathed.

"Perhaps we can all go next time," Haku gently suggested. He understood her feelings and wasn't going to push her, but he believed that the more people who opened up to Kimimaru, the more it would help to deprogram him. It would help him to see that there was more to life than just looking to something or someone for a purpose. That you could be that purpose yourself.

"Perhaps," she replied softly. She kept her back turned to him as she continued taking notes in one of her journals. Then she smiled back at him. "Thank you again for all your help. Are you going to stay here in the village for a while?"

He shook his head. "Not too long. I think maybe another week and then I'll return to the Land of Waves and visit Zabuza. I like to keep him up to date on my life."

"Tell him I said hello, then." Haku smiled and nodded. Part of him had thought her to be angry with Zabuza for nearly killing her, but he was eternally grateful for the kindness she exuded.

"I'll pass it along. It's getting a bit late," he noted, looking up at the sky. The sun was beginning to set, streaking the sky with shades of blue, pink, and purple that complimented the yellow and orange of the setting sun.

"I'll walk you out," she said as she put her things away. She closed the door behind them and they made their way to the Hyuuga gates. "I'm sure the Uzumaki Family will be sad to see you go again, as will I."

Haku grinned. "They're very welcoming and I'm in their debt. I will miss everyone, too." They had never once spoken about Sasuke since he left and that topic weighed on them heavily. Haku had many things he wanted to say and express, but the pleading in Hinata had stopped him from ever doing so. He couldn't bear to hurt her anymore by bringing up such a sore topic.

He'd gotten a rough run down from Naruto and he couldn't imagine the heartbreak she was feeling. Team Harmony had really gone through some pain while he was gone. It hurt him.

"Let's all go out for ramen soon. Before you leave, at least," she suggested. "We normally have to drag Naruto if we suggest anything otherwise." Sasuke was always the one groaning about having to eat ramen so often, but she loved it just as much as Naruto did. She could eat ten bowls in one sitting, something that Naruto had tried beating her at often.

"Ramen sounds wonderful." He waved at her as he walked down the path leading to the center of the village.

She hadn't thought about visiting Kimimaro, but maybe she should. After all, he was a victim. He was a victim to the adults around him, like Itachi.