A/N:
Hello everyone! I had always wanted to write a story set in the Edo period of Japanese history, so here it is. I hope you enjoy it!
Please review and let me know what you think!
月に叢雲
"Hyuuga-sama," the swordsman. He was breathless and bowing in apology for interrupting his lord, the territorial head of the clan, whilst he remained in his room. "Please excuse me. I come with grave news."
Hyuuga Hiashi, cross-legged with scrolls placed before him, turned a stern eye to the man. "What is it?" His voice hoarse, he cleared his throat.
"Hinata-hime has been taken by the Kumo-gumi."
His eyebrows furrowed. So this is the action they'll take to pressure him into giving them the rest of his land… A bold move. "Neji," Hiashi turned to his nephew, a skilled swordsman, who sat opposite him a distance off.
Neji picked himself up from the ground. "I will find her and bring her back."
The Kumo-gumi's leader believed in the idea of an eye for an eye. To end the cycle of anger before it even began, Hiashi commanded Neji, "Avoid bloodshed."
Uchiha Sasuke left the inn with a satisfied stomach and a scowl on his face. The scowl was there to deter anyone from approaching him.
The day was clear and the heat tolerable. As he began his stroll down the road, a group of men surrounding a beautiful-looking young woman caught his attention. By her lavender silk kimono, she belonged to the high class. Her eyes were cast downward and she appeared at the mercy of the men around her.
Those eyes, he thought, when they flickered to his.
The men and young woman turned suddenly and disappeared through an entrance. Sasuke followed them despite the sign outside proclaiming "Kumo-gumi only."
The house was filled with a dozen or so men chattering loudly and young women serving them sake.
"It was too easy!" came a man's arrogant voice not far from Sasuke, who turned toward it and found the girl he was looking for.
"Their princess really is as pretty as they say."
"She's sure to cost a lot too because she's a— …Eh?" The man's eyes narrowed upon seeing Sasuke approach their prize.
Ignoring the suspicious stares of the men around him, Sasuke commanded the girl to look at him. She did, and her white eyes confirmed it—she was from the Hyuuga-gumi.
"Who're you?" said the man, pushing Hinata forcefully behind him.
"Can't you read the sign?" said another, petite in stature but still as rough-looking. Sasuke saw the man's hand move to touch the sword strapped to his hip.
A third, not liking the look in Sasuke's eyes, shoved him toward the exit. "Get outta here!"
The next moment that man's hand landed on the floor. A cry of pain was heard and immediately swords were unsheathed and directed at the suicidal swordsman. Women ran to another room in fear.
Each man took a turn clanging swords with Sasuke. But with Sasuke's rapid steps and smooth turns, it was hard for them to keep up. A swift slice across the chest took down one. Then a pivot and a stab to the heart ended another. Angry shouts came from behind Sasuke. The stabbed man still on his sword, Sasuke moved around him to kick his body out to the oncoming men. They jumped back and the body fell against a table. The distraction allowed Sasuke to slice the neck of one opponent. Another thought he saw an opening but was sorely mistaken.
The fight seemed unfair, but Sasuke always welcomed a challenge. Unfortunately, these men didn't provide him one, though they managed to preoccupy him a little longer than expected. Sasuke glanced at the last place he saw the Hyuuga girl. She was watching him fight with doe eyes, frozen in place against the wall next to the exit.
A roar called his attention. Sasuke spun around and swung his sword sideways. The man managed to dodge the attack with his sword not a second too soon. Catching movement in the corner of his eye, Sasuke turned to find the Hyuuga girl gone. He did a double take when he saw a man follow after her.
Shit, he thought.
Seeing a sword coming down on him, he raised his own above his head. Metal clashed. The man was taller, larger, making it harder for Sasuke's strength to overpower his. Sasuke let the woman distract him and now he was in a momentary stalemate. Another man took the opportunity. Sasuke attempted to dodge but was still met with a cut down his back. Teeth clenched, he held back a groan. The wound wasn't deep enough to fell him. His grip on his sword tightened and fire lit his eyes.
Fed up with wasting his time, he overwhelmed the remaining men with impressive skill. Rushing out the exit, he looked left—nothing—right—down the street, a man struggling with the Hyuuga girl.
Frustrated, the man raised his arm to hit the princess, but before he did so, he heard swift footsteps coming from behind him. Drawing his blade, he grabbed the girl, moved himself behind her, and held the metal to her neck. Just as expected—it was the swordsman, whose bloody blade meant he managed to take down his brothers.
Sasuke glared at the man causing him further annoyance.
"Make one move," said the man, "and she dies."
"Whether you kill her or not," the corner of his lips curved up intimidatingly, "you're going to die." As he steadily stepped toward the pair, he saw the man begin to hesitate.
Without warning, the man shoved the Hyuuga girl to Sasuke. She fell into his chest, distracting Sasuke long enough for the cowardly man to escape in the opposite direction. Annoyed, Sasuke chose to glare daggers at the spineless man than chase after him. When she stepped back, Sasuke turned and shook the blood off his blade before producing a cloth to wipe it spotless. After he placed his sword back into the scabbard, his eyes returned to the Hyuuga girl, who was now bowing to him.
"Thank you," she said.
"Move or more will come."
She raised her head and nodded. "R—Right." Seeing his eyes unwavering, she moved first.
He fell in line beside her right after.
"My name is Hyuuga Hinata," she looked at him. He made no reply, so she said, "Um… what is your name?" before casting her eyes to the ground.
"Sasuke," he glanced at her. "You need not know any more than that." Another quick look, and he saw her smile softly at his reply. He turned away.
Hinata felt less despair than a moment ago. She was grateful to Sasuke-san, very grateful because otherwise she might've been forced into the brothel run by the Kumo-gumi. Placed behind large walls, the brothel was nearly impossible for any woman to escape.
"Hurry up," Sasuke told her, causing her to realize her steps were slowing in pace.
She rushed along.
When they were finally safe in her father's territory, she once again bowed her thanks to him.
"You're going to do something for me in return," he said.
"Okay." His strong gaze made her fingers fidget with her sleeves.
"Take me to the prison here."
"E—Eh?"
He gave her a look, knowing she heard him clearly.
Yielding, she led him to the prison. Before the guard could see them, Sasuke stopped her.
"Tell him to stand down."
"What are you going to—"
"I don't want to have to kill him."
"…Alright," she relented.
Sasuke told her to call the guard from a distance away. She reluctantly did as she was told. What kind of criminal did he know inside?
Calling from a distance forced the guard to move toward her.
"Hinata-hime," said the guard, "is that you?"
"Yes."
"Word spread that you had been taken by the Kumo-gumi. How can it be that you are here, alone and unharmed?"
"I… I, um—"
Before she could explain herself, Sasuke hit the guard on the back of the head with the handle of his sword. The guard fell unconscious.
Hinata rushed to check on him. "What did you do?"
"He's not dead," was all Sasuke's reply as he carefully bent down and took the keys from the guard's sash.
When he turned around to head inside the prison, Hinata looked at him. Her eyes widened slightly upon noticing something she hadn't seen before—a bloody wound across his back.
"You actually came for me," said Naruto with a grin, very much relieved.
Naruto didn't give him enough credit. "Next time, shut up," Sasuke told him as he put the key in the lock.
"Hey, it wasn't my fault!"
"It's your loud mouth that got you in here."
The door opened and he stepped out, "Yeah, well I'm surprised you took it lying down." A free man again, he turned to Sasuke and gave him a half-smile. "Thanks." He raised his fist.
Sasuke tapped it with his own and nodded in return.
Movement caught Naruto's eye, leading his gaze to a young woman some feet behind Sasuke. She had eyes like those of the guards that imprisoned him. "Hey. Who's that?" he said, causing Sasuke to turn in the direction Naruto was looking.
Hinata, upon feeling their stares, instinctively squeezed her hands together and turned her head away.
Sasuke approached her. "Here," he held the keys up for her to take.
She raised her palms and he dropped them in her hands. "Thank you," she mumbled, unsure whether it was appropriate. Whom was he letting out of prison?
"Sasuke," Naruto said, coming up from behind him, "What happened to your back?"
Hinata locked eyes with Sasuke.
Naruto's voice sounded amused. "Did you kill whoever did this to you? 'Cause I'd sure like to try my hand at him!"
"What do you think," Sasuke looked at him.
"Well, damn. It's the first time I've seen you injured in a long time." Then gesturing with his head to the female, Naruto teased, "Could it be… 'cause of…"
He repressed the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. "I should've left you behind."
"Oh c'mon, Sasuke," Naruto grinned, "Lighten up!" He was about to pat him on the back when Sasuke grabbed his wrist. "Oh, ha-ha. Sorry."
"Please," said Hinata. The two men looked at her. "A—Allow me to dress the wound."
"That's unnecessary," Sasuke said simply.
"But… it is my fault."
"I knew it!" broke in Naruto. "How did it happen, uhh…"
"Hyuuga Hinata."
"Nice to meet you! I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Can I call you Hinata-chan?"
Under his contagious smile, she said, "Sure."
"Hinata-chan it is!"
Neither saw Sasuke's eyebrow twitch. "Hinata"—she blinked at him—"-san. Take us to a place to rest. There must be no Hyuuga-gumi around, do you understand?"
"Yes."
Before they left the prison, Naruto retrieved his sword. He also told Hinata she could address him without formalities. After they left, she learned why he was imprisoned. It wasn't as bad as she had thought. Still, she felt wrong leaving the guard unconscious.
As they made their way to the inn, Naruto learned how Sasuke had helped her and whom Hinata was. He assumed she had been given permission to free him and thanked her for it despite her telling him not to do so. She was never able to admit that she was not actually given permission because it was then that they stopped in front of the inn.
Hinata knew the particular inn was struggling to make ends meet. It was situated in a rather quiet area where certainly the men wouldn't be recognized.
"You can return home," Sasuke reminded her.
"But… you have helped me, and are hurt because of me." Her gaze averted a moment before returning to his. "I want to make amends before I go."
"You already have," said Naruto, smiling. "You got me out."
Still, she did not relent. Turning, she began to step in the direction of the entrance.
Sasuke promptly came in front of her. "It's too risky. You'll be recognized."
"The innkeeper is blind," she said calmly as she looked up at him.
He was silent, though his eyes glinted with a reflection his features refused to admit—he was a little impressed.
Warmth rushed to Hinata's cheeks. Before he might notice her fluster, she resumed her pace.
Hands behind his head, Naruto took a few steps forward to follow Hinata before he paused to look back at the still unmoving Sasuke. "You coming?"
Sasuke finally diverted his eyes from Hinata, then nonchalantly passed Naruto and entered the inn.
"Hello," greeted the innkeeper—an elderly woman—when she noticed blobs changing out of their shoes and into the slippers at the front entrance. Even though she was wearing spectacles, it was still hard for her to see. "Is this a couple? I do adore couples! Please, come in." When Hinata stepped closer, she squinted, "Oh, is that you, Hinata-hime?"
Said girl froze. If she spoke, she was sure to be recognized.
"Nope," said Naruto from behind Sasuke, "Just your average couple. I mean, you know, with an extra guy—"
"We need one room," cut in Sasuke.
"Oh, okay. Right this way. Please watch your step." The innkeeper led them further inside, albeit feebly, her hand against the wall to support her.
Hinata restrained herself from helping the elderly woman. Her concern did not go unnoticed.
"Here," said Sasuke, as he took the innkeeper's hand and placed it on his arm. He reasoned helping would speed the process anyway.
"Thank you," she said, continuing forth more comfortably. "Normally, my granddaughter would help me with guests, but she stepped out to buy groceries. I'm sure she'll return soon. Here it is, to the right." She let go of Sasuke to slide open the door for her guests.
As they took off their slippers, she told them that dinner would be before sundown and to come to her if they so needed anything. Then she slid closed the door and left.
Naruto sighed contentedly, glad at the success of transferring into a more comfortable lodging than prison. "First thing's first, yukata!"
"Don't get too comfortable," Sasuke told him. "We won't be staying here long."
"Aw man," he grumbled.
"Naruto-kun," said Hinata.
He looked at her amusingly, "Yes?"
"C—Can you ask for some medicine and bandages please?"
"Sure, I'll be right back!"
Sasuke picked up a complimentary washcloth. "I'll be at the onsen," he informed him.
Hinata watched as Sasuke and Naruto left, turning in opposite directions. Taking a washcloth herself, she trailed after Sasuke.
Sasuke took his sword from his sash and placed it atop one of the empty woven baskets. He began to undress by taking his hand from his sleeves. An extra pair of hands helped him to avoid the cloth from touching his wound. He turned his head slightly to look through the corner of his eye—though he knew already—it was Hinata.
She helped him take off his black robe, then silver hakama pants, and lastly white socks. As she folded his clothing and put them in the basket, he went to a small wooden bench and sat upon it. The towel he had taken now rested over his hips. He took the washbowl, and when she came to him he gave it to her.
Using the hot water from the sanitary hot spring, she filled the washbowl and set it down beside Sasuke. Then, with her own washcloth, she dipped it into the bowl of water.
She started with his shoulders. Despite the wound, his back was appealing, as was the rest of his body. He was fit, though she noticed as she moved along and her eyes glanced around, a few scars marked him.
The drenched towel carried the warmth to his skin. Everywhere she touched was soothing and as relaxing as if he were in the onsen. It irked him that his wound went so low. He wouldn't be able to use the hot spring.
"You," she said suddenly, "are a traveler?" She had recalled what Naruto had mentioned in passing earlier when they were on their way to the inn.
"Hn." Avenger was more precise, but she didn't need to know that.
"Where do you come from?"
He heard her dip the towel in the washbowl. "Nowhere." Again, she didn't need to know.
"You… do not have a home?"
"No." Just the mention of his last name, and—as the daughter of another lord—she would need no other explanation.
"Oh," she said, though it was barely audible. "I—I do understand my place is in the home. But… I wonder what is beyond here." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught another scar—a burn scar. Her hands paused in scrubbing. She murmured, "What have you seen?" without realizing she had voiced her thought. What have you been through? she mused forlornly.
More than anyone ever should, would be the answer, but he remained silent. The murder of his parents, his brother wrongfully spurned, and the revenge he was raised and ready to commit were matters she wouldn't want to hear. "Hinata." He knew she heard him by the way she recommenced her washing of his back. "Why are you here?" Here, as in why did she choose not to return to the safety of her father's castle.
She understood. "I want to be useful," her voice was small. Sasuke knew her words reflected more than the present moment. She soaked the towel again.
"You've done more than enough."
"Then," she said, "I am glad."
Squeezing away the excess water in her towel, she placed it on the nape of his neck. His wound went from his shoulder blade to his lower back. With small circles, she worked timidly around the cut. When the time had come, she gently dabbed at the red line. She saw his muscles tense.
"Please excuse me." So that he didn't have to dwell upon the sensation, Hinata worked with a bit more speed. Upon finishing, she set the towel down and took the washbowl in her hands. "Head down, please." Then she poured the water over him slowly.
He exhaled heavily as some water ran down his neck and over his wound, making it burn. His eyes remained closed as he heard her refill the washbowl. The second time, she poured it over him with a little more speed, her fingers running through his hair, returning his mind to how good her hands felt.
He imagined what other good they could do.
When she had finished, she refilled the washbowl, kneeled to set it down beside him, and bowed.
Knowing she was going to leave, he commanded, "Wait."
She looked up at him, but he wasn't looking at her. His eyes remained forward while he took the towel from his lap and dipped it in the washbowl. Hinata blushed and turned her head away before she saw anything. He began scrubbing his arm.
"You've done this before," he said.
"I have," she replied simply. Her fingers began to fidget in her lap.
"Yet you're not married." Her teeth were not stained black, as was custom of married women.
"I—I was supposed to be… to the leader of the Kumo-gumi. But, my father learned the match was disadvantageous."
He noted every word. "Then whom did you do this to?"
"My younger sister." She added softly, "She died four winters ago."
Silence befell them. Sasuke continued to cleanse his body as Hinata remained patiently beside him. She was waiting to be dismissed, but he wouldn't dismiss her.
"You asked me what I've seen in my travels," he spoke again.
"I… I did?"
"Japan," he looked at her, "is very beautiful." The towel hung over his leg now.
"How so?"
He brought the back of his hand to touch her jaw. "The plains are lush," his fingers trailed to her neck and down the lining of her collar, his eyes following his movements, "the mountains are large."
"A—And," she took his hand gently in both of hers, "the people?"
He met her gaze. "They're no different."
"No different?"
Taking his hand back, he looked elsewhere. "Hn." Men trying to increase their standing at the expense of others, he thought. No different.
"Sasuke-san." When he met her eyes again, she said, "Thank you… for telling me." A gentle smile graced her lips.
Their eyes were fixed on each other. But then her cheeks tinted pink and she faced away. Sasuke was looking at her as if she were Japan.
"My clothes," he told her.
Finally, she moved.
In the changing area, she helped him get dressed. As she adjusted his black robe so that it hung at his waist—Sasuke didn't want to wear it until after he had been bandaged—he took her chin in his hand and forced her to look at him.
Their proximity was quite close. If it were any other moment, she would've turned pink, stepped back, and kept to herself. Instead, her attention remained fixed on him.
His dark eyes held more than the history and strength with which they produced. They were mirrors into his emotions. Before she could decipher the glint she found within them that strangely made her chest tighten, he pressed his lips against hers.
It was his action that told her what she was about to interpret. His desire for her was there. For the first time in a long time she was not only needed, she was wanted.
So she pressed back.