Crow's feathers - Naruto fanfiction

Chapter 68 My brother's keeper

“I heard you refused an escort,” Neji said at her shoulder.

Taryn looked up from her bag. “I’m not concerned about Sasuke trying to kill me.”

“I know,” he answered, “but what about others wanting to kill him? They couldn’t go against the Kages, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try to take matters into their own hands.”

Her hands stilled for a moment. She hadn’t even considered that. She sighed and continued packing. “That’s a risk I’ll have to take.”

Neji shook his head. “Why are you doing this for him anyway? I thought you couldn’t stand him. Especially after what he did to Itachi.”

Taryn looked down at her hands. “Do you remember when you asked me why I hated him so much?”

Neji frowned, but nodded.

“That’s why,” Taryn said, “and he hates me just the same.”

Her cousin sat down on the cot and sighed. “I’m beginning to wonder if you’re insane.”

“Probably,” Taryn said and sat down next to him, “I heard Hiashi-sama is dead,” she said.

Neji nodded.

“I’m sorry,” Taryn said. She sighed. “Hinata must really hate me now.”

“She’ll come around,” Neji said, “it wasn’t Sasuke that killed him. She’s angry now, but that’s because she’s grieving.”

‘”So why aren’t you angry?” Taryn asked.

Neji was silent for a moment. “I don’t know,” he said, “I was  angry, but I remembered something else you said that day. You said I blamed Hinata-sama for my father’s death. That I hated her because I was branded with the Caged Bird and she was not. You were right. And it wasn’t her fault. This was not your fault either. What Sasuke did wasn’t your fault. I may not understand why you’re doing this, but I know there is a reason. I won’t make the same mistake again.” He stood up. “Be careful, Taryn. Sasuke made a lot of enemies. And by sticking up for him, so did you.”

Taryn nodded. “I’ll be careful.”

Neji inclined his head and walked away.

Taryn sighed as she watched him go. She was glad that at least one of her cousins had forgiven her.

Her thoughts returned to Kakashi and it hurt. She wished she could go with him, but she really did need time.

Her siblings had already left. So had her students. It was time she departed as well.

“Taryn-sama,” a young shinobi with a Mist hitai-ate appeared in the entrance of her tent. She eyed him a moment to try and remember his name. Tai, Daro’s new friend.

“Yes?” she asked.

“He’s ready,” Tai said, “it’s time to go.”

Taryn took a deep breath and nodded. “I’ll be right there.”

Tai lingered for a moment longer, but retreated and left her to herself. Taryn sighed. Tai was right. It was time. The sooner they were on their way the better. Neji was right. Some of the shinobi wouldn’t be too happy about the council’s decision.

She picked up her bag and exited the tent.

Sasuke was being guarded by two shinobi. When she walked up to them they narrowed their eyes at her.

“Here’s the traitor,” one of them said while thrusting Sasuke in her direction.

Sasuke stumbled and glared at the man before scoffing at Taryn.