The morning sun filtered softly through the windows of the Hokage's office, casting long shadows across the room. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with his pipe resting in a nearby tray, fingers laced together as he regarded the woman standing across from him.
Kurenai Yuhi's expression was calm, but her posture was rigid, her voice steady with effort.
"She's improving. Slowly, yes, but she is learning to move again. Her spirit—"
"She has no chakra," Hiruzen interrupted gently. "And she is blind."
Kurenai's fists clenched. "She can see in ways no one else can. Maybe not through her eyes, but—"
"She is officially a civilian now, Kurenai." The Hokage's voice was kind, but firm. "Her name will be removed from the active ninja registry by the end of the day. This is not a punishment. It is... mercy."
"Mercy?" Kurenai whispered, shaking her head. "You would send her back to that clan? You think they'll welcome her with open arms? They treat her like she doesn't exist. Like she's a shameful stain. That's worse than cruelty. It's erasure."
Hiruzen closed his eyes. For a long moment, there was only silence.
Across the room, Asuma Sarutobi leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the exchange with growing concern. He stepped forward.
"She's not wrong," Asuma said quietly. "You know what the Hyūga are like. Pride is everything. She'll disappear behind those walls."
"I understand your frustration," Hiruzen said, nodding. "But she's no longer a kunoichi. Experienced jōnin have retired for less, and Hinata has suffered... far too much. The seal has rendered her Byakugan permanently inaccessible. Without chakra, we cannot even attempt a transplant. The Hyūga will not share their techniques, and my hands are tied by politics as much as reality."
He paused, then softened. "Still, I have not closed the door entirely. With my influence, we may be able to reach an agreement. One that... gives her a choice."
Kurenai exhaled slowly. She looked down, then out the window. "A choice. That's more than she's ever had."
<<<< o >>>>
Later that day, after the meeting had ended, Kurenai found herself walking through one of the quieter corridors of the Hokage Tower. Asuma walked beside her in silence until they reached a shaded veranda overlooking the rooftops of Konoha.
"You're worried," Asuma said, lighting a cigarette. "Not just about what the Hokage decided."
Kurenai leaned against the railing. "I care for her, Asuma. I've watched her grow. She found herself in Team 8. For the first time, she belonged somewhere."
He nodded. "I saw that. And I saw what she meant to Kiba and Shino, too. But... you're not wrong. This life? It doesn't offer what she needs right now."
Kurenai remained silent.
"Takama," Asuma continued. "He might be the key. He's changed since his recovery—any fool could see that. And he cares for her. It's not just debt. It's something else."
Kurenai turned to look at him.
"You think he'd take her in?"
"I think he already has," Asuma said, then paused. "But maybe it's time to speak with him. Let him know the full situation—what she faces if she's sent back to that clan. He might be the only one who can change her fate now."
<<<< o >>>>
At the hospital, Takama sat beside Hinata's bed as the girl rested. Kuro lay curled at her feet, ever watchful.
Kurenai stepped into the room quietly, pausing as she saw Takama seated in silent vigil. Their eyes met, and she gave a faint nod.
"Can we talk? Outside?" she asked gently.
Takama stood immediately, understanding the gravity in her tone. Before stepping out, he leaned down toward Kuro and said softly, "Watch over her."
Kurenai offered a fond scratch behind the pup's ear. "I know you will, but thank you."
They exited into the hallway and walked until they reached a quiet alcove near a window overlooking the gardens.
Kurenai took a breath. "She's being removed from the ninja registry. They say she's blind, has no chakra, and can no longer serve as a shinobi. Hiruzen wants to return her to her clan."
Takama's expression darkened. "To those who branded her?"
Takama's expression hardened, a slow storm gathering behind his calm eyes.
She nodded. "They will erase her. She'll be caged in silence."
Takama was quiet for a moment, then spoke. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you care for her. And because you're the only one who might have the strength—and the standing—to give her a different path."
His jaw tensed, but he nodded slowly.
"Then I will speak," he said. "To those who must hear it."
Kurenai let out a slow breath, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "Thank you."
Takama looked back toward the room. "She deserves to choose her future—not have it dictated to her."
They stood in shared silence for a while, before Kurenai quietly added, "And maybe, just maybe... she already has."