Another path

Hinata's resolve

Then it happened. They were at the entrance of their hotel and Suzuka was taking her leave when suddenly, Kushina walked up to her.

" - Naru, sweetie, do you know who I am ?

The air seemed to freeze in an instant. Hinata saw Tetsuya tense, ready to spring into action. Tsunade was casting a murderous glare at the red haired woman and Jiraiya looked ready to punch her. The council on the other hand, took this as their cue to ask all the stupid questions they had been saving so far.

- When are you coming back ?

- Where are Kakashi and Tenten ?

- Did you manipulate those people to love you ?

- Why is a demon like you allowed to walk freely like this ?

- When are we going to sign an alliance with your 'village' ?

But the one that took the cake :

- Why holding this tournament when you can't win it ? Surely you must realise that Sasuke-sama alone could take on your whole village !

Slowly, very slowly, Suzuka rose her right hand. Everyone held their breath as they thought she would attack them. However, she merely smoothed her ponytail, sighing in irritation, disappointment and tiredness.

- First of all, yes I know you, Uzumaki Kushina.

Then one by one, she turned toward each people that had asked her a question :

- I won't come back and that's final.
Kakashi-nii and Tenten are making visits as well.
I didn't manipulate anyone, I don't even have the ability to do so.
The proper term isn't 'Demon' but Jinchūriki, and as a living being, I am very much allowed to go wherever I fancy so long as I'm not convicted of anything, which I'm not.
The issue of an alliance is not something I can discuss with you, only the Uzukage may take such a decision.
As for the tournament, we hold it to have a friendly competition with allies of ours and to measure our strength compared to other countries. If Uchiha-san thinks he can take on our whole village, he's free to try it. Just know he might not come back to you in one piece.

She turned her back on them and was about to leave when a hand roughly grabbed her shoulder.
Hinata almost facepalmed : just how stupid was that girl ?!
Suzuka slowly turned back, just in time to catch Sakura's punch with her left hand.

- Yes, Haruno-san ? Do you need something ?

- How dare you talk this way to our elders ?! Do you have any idea what we could do to that pitiful village of yours ? Show us some respect !

- I believe you are the ones begging for an alliance. You are in no position to order me around, especially not a chūnin whose punch feels like a sick kitten's attempt to catch a toy. Moreover, the Uzukage made it very clear you are required to behave during the duration of the tournament...

Sakura saw red at the not-so-veiled threat and tried to kick Suzuka in the head. However, just as she used to, the blond Uzumaki had no trouble blocking the banshee's leg with her foot, using the momentum to flip her over her shoulder. Sakura landed painfully on the ground, her right hand still caught in Suzuka's.
The Kitsune looked down at her former teammate, her expression menacing.

- You know, Haruno-san, I believe you've forgotten one or two things. Maybe I should remind you of the consequences of behaving this way.

A loud sickening crack was heard as Sakura's shoulder broke into pieces. The bubble gum head screamed in pain, the council members did too in shock.
No remorse showed on Suzuka's face.
She slammed her foot on the injury, making Sakura scream more but soon, she seemed to be feeling better. A green light was glowing from the Uzushio kunoichi's foot, mending the shattered bones of the pinkette.

Right as she was done, the boy with a hoodie showed up. He walked up to Suzuka and whispered something to her. She answered just as quietly and then turned toward them.

- I will now leave you to your hotel. Enjoy your stay and behave. "

She left on those words. The elders and the council were outraged by her behaviour. Tsunade was trying to calm them while thinking her surrogate daughter hadn't changed that much. The rookie 9 were a bit shocked but didn't say a word.
They all entered the hotel, wishing for a good rest after all the trouble of this day.
Only Hinata remained behind. She contemplated what she should do.

" I saw it. I saw her smile ! Just before she left, she smiled like she used to... She smiled to this boy. She's happy in Uzushio... She won't come back. It hurts to admit it, but she won't. So, the best thing I can do to help her is making my village a better place so we can have a nice and strong bond with Uzushio. I'll make this happen with everyone's help ! "