catriana_fiction

Title: Reformed
Series: Naruto
Pairing: SasuNeji(kiind of)
Genre: Supernatural/Drama/Angst?
Rating: M
Summary: Neji is assigned to evaluate and report within a year whether or not Uchiha Sasuke can be trusted to become a part of Konoha again. He goes into the mission trying to be as neutral as possible...until he slowly begins unwraveling the truth behind the Uchiha and his clan.
Notes: Finished it.

Reformed

“You say he wishes to be reformed.” Hyuuga Neji stood before the council of elders, the Hokage, and team seven. The jounin eyed them plainly but critically, wondering if this was some sort of sick joke. “I assume Uzumaki Naruto is the reason for this?”

A nod. Kakashi. “Amongst others. You were there, Neji-kun, you should know.”

Eyelashes brushed against pale cheeks as he recalled that fateful day. Yes, they had all had a hand in helping Uchiha Sasuke come home, but that didn't mean he would be easily forgiven or trusted.

“You do not believe he will change his mind and turn rogue again? Yes, it is true that through all of our efforts we were able to bring him back from 'the darkness', so to speak. However, how long will that last? Can we trust him? His mental stability leaves little to be desired.”

The council members smirked and he knew that was the response they were expecting. He almost narrowed his eyes at them, to show that he was on to their antics but refrained. It was Tsunade's words that made him turn his full attention towards her.

“That is what you will be finding out, Hyuuga.” She sat at the center of the round room, legs crossed and hands laced together on her knees. Her gaze was hard and unyielding. “We have decided to assign you this mission. Even though you helped Uchiha, you're still suspicious and objective. That's what we need.”

“Need?” he repeated, frowning thoughtfully. His mind rapidly went through the various reasons why they would need him and he nodded. “You are taking him to trial, and you wish for me to give a proper assessment. You chose me for my analytical skills and ability to not allow my emotions to interfere with my duties.”

“Correct.” Homura nodded. “The older jounin hate him, the younger shinobi either fear him or hold some sort of heavy bias one way or another. We had intended on having Nara Shikamaru fulfill this task, but we felt you to be better suited. We need someone completely neutral for this, you understand.”

“Yes, of course.” the words came out slowly, for as the elder said that, a strange expression came over Naruto. He looked a mixture of worried and sad. But why worried? He didn't think he would just throw Uchiha to the dogs, did he?

No, Naruto has faith in his friends. If he is here, there's a very high probability he also supported the decision to have me involved. So, there must be something deeper going on here. He's too calm for me to believe he had nothing to do with this.

“You have one year.” Tsunade came in. “To learn all you can, observe all you can, and decide the fate of Uchiha Sasuke. We will not be taking regular reports. Instead, we will go with three fully detailed evaluations by you. One every six months. You will be suspended from missions until then, unless we are short handed and we need you.

“Uchiha Sasuke will be kept in prison unless you deem it safe for him to go into a safe house. You will spend however time you need to complete your mission. You may chose any method you deem necessary to garner the truth from him. If, before the time is up you find that he is to be trusted, we will hold the trial early.”

That was...a lot of power he had over the Uchiha's life. So everything was up to him? At his word, Uchiha Sasuke would either rise or fall. “What if I determine before the trial that he cannot be trusted?”

“We have promised that we would wait the full year, so we will. If by the end of that time you do not find him to be trustworthy, his life will be handed to the council to decide.”

Naruto tensed and his face looked severe. Neji surmised that a bargain had been made with the way Tsunade had worded herself. He could not help but to feel pressured. It was obvious how much the fallen avenger meant to Naruto, and it was now obvious how much faith the blond was putting into him. Him and Sasuke.

If Neji did not give a favorable review at the end, Naruto would probably understand, but a part of him would always resent the Hyuuga. Their friendship would become strained, if not end. As much as he did not want that, he also didn't want the Uchiha flipping out and killing a bunch of people for whatever reason the previously insane male came up with.

“I accept the mission.” As if it had been a choice.

“Good.” there was a rustle of movement as the group began to shift through papers. “Alright then, we'll go ahead and give you the file on him. Understand that this is top secret and...”

“And I will not be needing it.” All gazes flew up to him and he regarded them all stoically. “Regardless of the facts and reports, all the answers I need I can get from Uchiha himself. If I am to understand him better, it should be with an open mind. Once he reveals what I need to know, I will go back through the reports to ensure that the stories match. Until then, the knowledge will be a hindrance, not an advantage.”

Smiling, Tsunade leaned back in her chair. The other council members nodded, as did Kakashi. Naruto and Sakura looked slightly relieved. “Alright, Hyuuga. They'll be ready for you when you need them.”

A polite bow. “Thank you, Hokage-sama. If I may be excused?”

His mind was reeling as he exited the conference room to head back to the Hyuuga compound. When he sensed a familiar presence, he slowed down his normal gait to allow the other to catch up.

“Neji! Hey Neji!” Naruto rushed up to meet his long time friend. He flashed the Hyuuga a grin, leaning forward to brace his hands on his knees. “Hey, can I talk to you?”

“Hello, Naruto.” A fond smile emerged. “I assume you had something to do with my specific selection for this mission?”

Standing up, the blond put a hand behind his neck, rubbing. “Heh, maybe. They wanted Shikamaru but he's always hated Sasuke...I told them you'd be better.”

“I am honored.” It was true. It made Neji feel good that he was Naruto's first choice, that he trusted him over a genius like Shikamaru. That he believed Neji would do the right thing. “I'll do my best Naruto. Just understand...if I feel Uchiha is a danger to others...”

Hands waved in a pacifying gesture. “No, no! I understand, I do! I'm...I'm glad the bastard is back, but I'm not gonna let him hurt others, you know?”

“Good. So then, with that said, what are you hiding, Uzumaki Naruto?” Neji's stare was hard. “Don't think I didn't notice your reactions. Is it what you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Uh...” panic flickered, mingling with guilt and indecision. “Well...kind of. Yeah and no.” when all Neji did was blink at him, Naruto fidgeted nervously. “It's just...I mean...uh...”

A brow rose, but that was about all the reaction Neji was giving to the strange behavior. He was patient, so he merely tilted his head, allowing Naruto to collect his thoughts.

What came out was a bit unexpected. “You wouldn't believe me.”

White eyes blinked once. “I have never thought of you to be a liar, Naruto.”

“No, no, that's not what I mean!” he let out a small noise of frustration “I mean...it's just hard to explain. I don't think it is what it is but it could be. And if it is what it is then...”

“Okay, stop.” the Hyuuga's hand rose and he fought the urge to shake his head at his friend's antics. He really did care for Naruto, but despite his wardrobe, he was not the brightest crayon in the box. Neji really didn't want to waste brain cells trying to decipher Naruto-ese.

“You have an idea of what it is, but you're not sure which is why you can't tell me.” it must be something bizzare if Naruto felt the Hyuuga wouldn't believe it. “I see. If I can determine what it is, I will be sure to let you know.”

“That's it exaxctly! Man, Neji you really are a genius!” The older male grimaced when Naruto slapped a hand on his back. “Thanks a lot!”

“You're welcome.” his smile was thin and strained, mostly because he had a feeling that wasn't everything Naruto wanted to tell him. His friend's shoulders were still slightly stiff and blue orbs kept shifting, as if unsure.

The Hyuuga decided to leave it alone. Something else was going on and apparently, that would also be up to him to figure out and come to some sort of conclusion on.

Well then, there's no sense in delaying it. I suppose I'll go ahead and visit Uchiha.

If only he had known. He would have pressed for more answers.