CHRYSANTHEMUM THRONE

皇位

Chapter 2 Memoirs of the Curse Chrysanthemum

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The tip of the sun made an appearance behind the snowy mountains. The outline of the mountains engraved a golden crust from the sun's ray—resembling a golden chrysanthemum petal.

:::ღ:::

Dark circles could be seen tracing under Sakura's eyes as she sat up on the bed staring to the sunrise with one knee perch on her cheek and the other leg droop down the bed side. She honestly thought the moon was prettier then the blazing sun. The way it shines without burning your eyesight. Unlike the sun that can make your world within a minute's blackout when it is suppose to radiance the darkness. The sun Sakura resent, a name that belong to her that define bright, sun—Hinata! And now her resentment grew superior. She was against the Royal marriage coalesce of Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Hinata. In a way, she feel a piece of her vanish the way Naruto looked into Hinata's eyes, the stare only he gave her. It was like he almost cared for the Kōtaishihi, but Naruto was always like that. He cared for anybody, any stranger, but that stare was only meant to be for her. She already lost Sasuke countless times from his constant rejections, his verbal abuse and there is only one person left she can hold on to, Naruto.

A single tear escape Sakura's watery eyes and she immediately wipe it when Ino budge on the bed beside hers. "Ano…" Ino yawn, "Is it morning already?"

"Ohayo Ino-chan!" Ino could read right through Sakura's bogus smile. What else can trigger the dark circles under Sakura's eyes other then the event that occurred the day before? Waving off her pink friend, she stretched and wondered to one specific morning she shared with her husband.

:::ღ:::

Ino woke in the midst of dawn and found herself lying flat on her back with the sunlight shining onto her face. She grimace feeling momentarily blinded and turn away to face the darker side of the room. It was the first morning she'd ever feel so warm without a blanket and the sun wasn't the only source of her warmth. Ino's eyes remain closed as her hand reach over to the empty space assuming he had already left. Mumbling a quick 'Shika', Ino's eyes slowly open to linger on Shikamaru's bed side and froze.

He was still beside her, his eyes fixed intently on her stomach. And slowly, her eyes fully composed when a small smile form on his lip. Her gaze wondered from his face, down the length of his arm and she stared at his hand on her expose stomach, stroking her smooth skin so casually, so nonchalantly.

"Aishiteru, Shika…" she whispered and reached over to comb his soft black tresses with her fingers ever so gently.

"Asuma…" Shikamaru whispered his warm breath on her neck. "If our child is a boy."

She immediately pushed him away and averted her eyes to the ceiling, counting the plain white tiles that neatly decorated it. "Don't say that…you know I hate this conversation Shikamaru."

"Ino," he whispered it so quietly, it was barely audible to hear. "A samurai take risks, make sacrifices, and I can't guarantee you my safe returns."

"That's enough Shikamaru," she scribbled off the bed meanwhile Shikamaru run his fingers through her beautiful blonde hair. And slowly his hold on her hair trail to tickle his palm, brushed against his forearm. It was as if he was losing a battle, the hardest battle he'd been in when he heard the smother that came after his name and he knew she was crying again whenever he initiate the same conversation.

"Ino, stop…" he trail off the bed and walked over to her. He stood there and watched as Ino turn so she could face him. Her eyes were brimming with tears and her vulnerability was too visible. This sight crushed him internally. He stepped forward until he was barely an inch away from her and wrapped his arms around her protectively. "If I'm gone before the baby gets here, name him Asuma…and we promised that you will have the privilege to name the baby if it is a girl."

It only took those words and his embrace to make Ino break down into more sobs. Her arms wrapped around his torso, and she buried her face into his shirt. "S-Shikamura…" she cried out clutching onto him tighter. "Please, please!" She begged, "Always come home with the others. Come home to me and…a-and the baby…" She hiccupped and absently felt his fingers stroke through her hair and his lips brush against her forehead.

She didn't want to be abandoned, just the thought of him leaving any given day pained her and what terrified her most is to watch the others return without him. She didn't want that, she want him to be at the gates when she welcome him home. No mother wants their child to grow up without a father and Ino definitely didn't want that or the title, widow.

She wants him like how he is in her arms now, his soothing intakes, his tender embraces, and everything about him with her, with their new family.

:::ღ:::

Ino stared at the ring resting on her ring finger before turning to Sakura with a sweet smile, "I'm happy with my life."

"With that Nara?" Sakura rolled her eyes.

"At lease I'm not infatuated with that Uchiha anymore." Ino retort, brushing her hair over one shoulder while she step out of bed and waved Sakura over to help fix her hair.

The large plain room the duo settled in was permitted only for maids on shift. And maximum population in total of six rooms for maids was hundred thirty. Within the same time of Ino's wake, other maids peek from under the cover to watch the sunlight stretch over their body as if it was an alarm for them to get out of bed.

"Geez, your whole family is strange," Ino comment and Sakura shrugged at the strange sight of her Haruno clan and neatly made her own bed along with the other hundred thirty maids. It was a daily morning routine—wave the bed sheet, flutter the blanket to toss away any remaining fragments, than line up the pillows perfectly with those beside yours.

"Come on Sakura!" Ino grabbed onto her friend's wrist and drag them to where the others lined to dress themselves with a partner. Sakura reach her hands to the knobs and twist the double door closet open to gather their color code wardrobe. Every servant wore different color to define a certain duty. Crimson kimonos are for head maids, gold kimonos are for the floral specialist, honeydew kimonos are for housekeeping, and lastly, sapphire kimonos are for royal servants.

Sakura grab the usual sapphire kimono of hers and Ino, tracking back to her friend but compose a loud noise—

SSSWWWOOOSSSHHHH!

Not just only from her twirl but from the entire hundred thirty individual's coil composed the sound altogether. The hard working maids who receive the thrill of palace life performed similar drills as the military outside the palace walls.

Every servant has to move in the same pace and feel the same rhythm. Sakura spread the kimono open and seized her grip on the furi, waiting for Ino like every other servants waiting for theirs. The mornings are the only time the maids enjoy themselves before using their loyalty upon others rather for themselves. And it is the only time of day they all gather and help each other unlike in the Kōshitsu Household, individuals work alone to get the job done.

Ino slip one thin arm into the sleeve before the other while Sakura lifted it onto her back and smoothly flatten the shoulders. Ino immediately spin on her heel and encircle the kimono belt onto Sakura's waist. Some servants like the floral specialists were already on duty. A few bend over and the others prefer to be on their knees in the large acre. In the midst of the acre, servants ranging from males to females work busily inside the palace walls—walking from one end of the sea of chrysanthemum flowers to another. Some provide a fatherly stature, picking out their children's shortcomings to ensure their proper growth. And also like a mother giving the flowers the tender loving care they needed.

Every ghostly step the servants made were like the silent samurais swiftly training in the grassy meadow—

Sasuke incessantly flicker his sharingan eyes before turning if off completely. He bid a smirk at his training opponent before respectfully bowing to show his gratitude. Sasuke and the opponent straighten their backs and pull into a battle stance.

"No need to take it easy on me."

"Who said I was…Na-ru-to." Sasuke smirk wickedly.

The tall grassy meadow motion like excessive ocean waves due to the sturdy wind. Sasuke's eyes never left Naruto even when his bangs bypass his face. Naruto's ocean eyes gleam from the sun's ray. The meadow was the perfect training ground for any samurai. Meditation significantly helped and Sasuke does it a lot during his free-time. Sanctifying to his ancestor was important especially for obtaining the sharingan eyes.

"Ten yens for Naruto Kōtaishi," Lee advised.

Shikamaru's hand worked through his yukata sleeve in search for the yen's, "Nani, I need to make extra yens for Ino and our child, so how about twenty yen for Sasuke-sama!"

"Anything for youthful LOVE!" Lee shouted out in pure joy.

"Tsk, tsk…" Kiba nod his head disapprovingly before slamming his hand into Lee's palm, "Forty yen for Naruto Kōtaishi." Lee drool at the sight of Kiba's yens and stared at the sculpture who knocked over the yen's out of his grasp, "Fifty yen for Sasuke-sama!" Choji smiled and turn away to mumble, "A man like me needs food, ne…"

"Ano…" Lee stared to the yen's then to his colleagues, "I hope you and I are right Kiba-san."

"Keep wishing," Shikamaru smirked.

A share of Sasuke's samurai specialists took their Shogun's training session and turned it into a game of gamble.

Sasuke gradually draw out his wooden katana and settle the tip of the wooden blade downward on his rear while he clutched the handle alongside his right thigh. Sasuke lower his stance so his strong legs can support his capacity.

Naruto held out his wooden katana behind him while the tip was visible from his behind. His free arm heaved outward in a sturdy position. His thighs were broadly spread to perform profession of balance.

"Hn." Sasuke's smirk quickly disappear when Naruto rush at him.

"YYYYYAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Naruto roared like any samurai would on the battlefield.

BAM! WHHHOOSSSS! CLING!

Their wooden blades crashed and form an X while they pierce into each other's soul. Sasuke present a smug smirk and question, "Ahhh, I see that you have improved Shinnō…did your new wife supply you some energy yesterday, ay?"

Naruto pressed on his katana and shove Sasuke back, losing his balance but his reflex caught Naruto's next move.

Sasuke swiftly dodge Naruto's rapid horizontal slice. Sasuke kept his eyes on Naruto meanwhile his upper body twist and encircled the exterior of Naruto's body. Sasuke made a right flank beneath Naruto and abruptly ski his right feet to Naruto's behind while the left stood its ground since the encounter. With the right leg supporting him, Sasuke promptly flee the contact and heave his body upward beside Naruto in a slanted form. Sasuke quickly shifted his left leg and stood his ground behind Naruto temporarily. The quick positioning caught Naruto's attention when he noticed Sasuke raising his wooden blade, aiming straight for his neck for a direct hit. From Naruto's pervious semi-slice, he pursued his blade and made a full rotation—blocking Sasuke's sudden assault.

HUFF… HUFF… HUFF…

"Not good enough Naruto Kōtaishi…" Sasuke chuckled, "I bet I can pleasure her better than you ever can."

Naruto's eyebrows knot as he frowned at the pathetic Shogun.

:::ღ:::

"ONE…! TWO…! THREE!"

Riku and Jiraiya used all their strength and push the boulder that merely budge in inches.

"AGAIN! ONE…! TWO…! THREE!"

Their palms were press against the cold chilling boulder. Likely one shoulder will also lean beside the boulder for a minimum support. The duo can feel the cold mist moist onto their bare skin. With each strong push, the two can see a crest of light. Riku clench his teeth together and Jiraiya's biceps flex. Both of their arms and neck veins pump with adrenaline.

WINCH!

Now was the time for survival in substitute of bickering. The boulder slowly but smoothly rolled six inch away from the duo creating a thin crest of light. Almost! Riku put forth his remaining strenght for the final push as light slowly poured into the dark cavern. The sight of light brought much excitement for the duo leaving Riku's trembling lips curving into a weak smile, welcoming the comfort and warmth from the dancing radiance. The pair tried to absord as much heat possible but neither bother to stick their arm through the open for it will be a fatal accident if the boulder swayed back. Jiraiya launch forward, lying sturdy against the boulder as his heavy lidded eyes reflected to the only figure beside him. His eyes immediately adjust and widen in surprise.

N-Nani?! Jiraiya was in shock foreseeing a visual of toddler Riku with similar traits right beside him stead of a grown Riku. He reminisced when he kneel in level to Riku's height watching the boy peek from behind his okaa-san. The boy who will huff in annoyance when Jiraiya ruffle his smooth hair before offering him sweets—the good and bad memories. Jiraiya smiled at the faint image of toddler Riku smiling innocently, but wince at the memory of him returning to the village to find Riku alone in the forest with enough tears to drown his sorrows. And he held into something for dear life, clutching onto a limp corpse. The scene that haunted Jiraiya, but scarred Riku mentally and emotionally. The dead corpse was identified to be Riku's okaa-san, brutally murdered. Blood pool everywhere leaking from the corpse and onto the ground staining Riku's attire. It was a horrifying scene and before he could react, Riku had clutch onto his leg with visible tears pouring and staining his flushed cheeks.

He's ready Tennō, Jiraiya's gaze soften from watching toddler Riku morph to the fine young adult standing beside him, pushing the boulder, wanting a chance at life, to survive!

The boulder finally swayed and made exit for the duo.

Riku sprint out of the cave in an exhausted form inhaling unsullied air. Oxygen was never a top priority for him, not until he was trapped and has to conserve oxygen. And being trap in a cave, the darkness was the worst experience he'd stumble upon. Riku didn't hesitate a bit. He promptly bend over; palms firmly grip his knees, and face descending the snowy ground as if he had ran a mile. But what he went through was worst than running a mile.

Jiraiya give Riku a few pats on the back and direct the boy's attention towards his pointed finger. Riku's eyes shift from Jiraiya and his heated gaze followed Jiraiya's finger to wherever was ahead.

The opening was clear, clearer than the murky cavern they just exit. Jiraiya seem to be occupied at whatever was in contact with his vision. Riku straighten his back and first give the roaring clouds his full attention that bestowed a gloomy emotion. Riku slowly trail towards the boulder they previously pushed and settle on it. He blinked and opened his heavy eyes on the valley beneath them.

"There's Konoha…" Jiraiya said.

The city was huge! Even from afar where they stood, Riku can almost make up the different provinces in the village and the large red gates went unnoticed. Konoha, named the hidden village with it's massive forest landscape, but another obstacle for the duo to exceed onward to reach their destination. They first have to journey down through the steep hills before passing the shimmering blue sheets of water channels and exceed further to where the wild things grow—the forest. He eyed the border line full of rice water acres before they can advance farther into the city markets, pass the civilian homes, and reach their destination, the Kōshitsu Household.

"Stupid Royalty." Riku spat, "All of them are so selfish, using such large acres to build such a useless home. I'm glad I wasn't born to be one~"

"BA-HAHAHAAHAHHA," Jiraiya laugh audibly and head for the route of Konoha.

"What's so funny?"

:::ღ:::

"Ouch?" Sasuke rubbed the back of his head, "What was that for?"

"For speaking rudely towards your Shinnō." Kakashi said.

"Tsk—" Sasuke glance at Naruto's bruises marked over most part of his visible skin and smirk at his pride. He's the best out of any clan named, best out of his own clan, but he is still far behind. And there is only one person on his mind he must exceed, the traitor, the leader to the Akatsuki Warlord gang, his aniki, Uchiha Itachi.

Why? Sasuke rubbed the curse seal and sighed deeply. Itachi was born with the sharingan unlike Sasuke marked with a curse seal as if like a deal, an exchange of his soul to obtain the sharingan. The sharingan was his curse he must carry, a burden for his unfortunate aniki's poor choice to become a warlord. The Uchiha ancestry gifted Sasuke with the sharingan and temporarily sealed him with a curse. And now he was responsible for Itachi's duties, to bring peace but to who, what? There was no Great War when fate chose to give the sharingan to Itachi. But his belief for obtaining the mythical eyes is to eliminate the main problem, the one person chosen to bring peace, but instead shadow the world with darkness. And Sasuke finally understand that he is the peace and he must eliminate Itachi, the darkness and release his curse seal.

Kakashi notice Sasuke's uneasiness the way his face grimace when he rubbed the seal and excused him. "I'll take care of the Kōtaishi's injuries, go tend your own."

"Hn." Naruto watched the pathetic Shogun trailed off before glaring at his laughing colleagues.

"What?" He questioned Kiba.

"Gomen, Naruto Kōtaishi…" The brunette quickly turned to his contemporaries and waved their dismissal.

"What did the Kōtaishi say?" Lee asked, towing behind the rest with the yens in his hands.

"He's in a foul mood, best not to tell him we were gambling on his and Sasuke-sama's training session."

"So, who won?" Choji asked.

"Of course we did," Shikamaru smirked, waving his hand in a 'give it to me' gesture at Lee.

"Nah-ah!" Kiba retorted, "Sasuke-sama barely laid a finger on Naruto Kōtaishi!"

"Hah! Troublesome." Shikamaru snorted, "You mean the other way around. Sasuke-sama put more injuries on the Shinnō, so hand the yens over Lee. I don't have time to quarrel since I have business discussion with my tou-san."

"Tsk—fine, hand it over Lee! Like I want the yens anyway."

:::ღ:::

Sasuke heavily slump onto a wall when he was out of view and curse upon Naruto's brutality until he faintly heard, "Sasuke…Sasuke…" And the volume increased along with footsteps getting closer, "Sasuke!"

With an irritated sigh, Sasuke turned and voice, "What do you want?"

It was a girl, a particular girl and the only girl he'd known for the longest.

And at age seven, he began to hate girls.

The development for such feelings was caused by fangirls being attracted to his good likes and that was all they wanted from him. Including his infamous surname and his popularity of a high standard title to the Royal family.

He dislike girls, or perhaps women swooning by everyday waiting for him to pick one to be his bride, his wife, an Uchiha matriarch and it annoyed him.

There were no other solutions to get rid of those infested females with the exception of his okaa-san. And Haruno Sakura proclaimed her love for him frequently and her first confession was when they were at age seven. She may even be the reason why he hated girls. At first Ino irritated him, but when she realized he wasn't all perfect and married Shikamaru, Sasuke learned that Ino is actually fine and less annoying, rather a collective lady like her husband.

Sasuke didn't understand and soon didn't want to understand why females were only attracted to his face and body. He personally wants a lady that will understand his personality and his thoughts, not his face, body, and surname. But throughout his life, he hasn't encountered one and knows he will never meet 'her'. All of the girls he met during his lifetime were all the same; they're no different from one another. They all have the same ideal type and he was the perfect candidate that will grab attention, the top gossip if he claimed his girl and her popularity will grow.

The very reason why he detest the female population.

"A-Are you hurt Sasuke-kun?!"

"Why are you dwelling in this boundary and not in the Kōshitsu Household Sakura?"

"Yeah, but…" She started to get excited, "Your intense training with Naruto Kōtaishi caught my attention and you know…" She waved it off, "But are you hurt?"

"I'm fine." It was flat and cold the same way he left her to stand alone without a say in farewell.

Sakura's impression saddens. She has been waiting for him to look her way and perhaps tell her, I'm here and here to stay. She'd known him since memories were easily remembered. Though they didn't have a childhood like most children's of civilians, but they built a bond together.

But now, they were strangers.

Your every touch, Sakura thought, If you hold my hand, I'll be yours forever. A simple promise that sounds like an offer. Is it enough? Or may it be too late for me…?

:::ღ:::

Another good area to meditation was the Royal garden.

Implanted cherry trees scatter across the flourishing garden. Insignificant waterfalls shape into many roots of diminutive streams that disperse mist in the air, endlessly chilling. Most of the cheery blossoms disperse into the air and left the trees nude with its various twigs. Winter was blossoming and spring is close behind. Sasuke scout the garden and notice the entire cherry trees were repulsive with little rich green leaves except one tree that still has its rich green leaves and bright pink petals.

And he settled for that perfect cherry tree, resting one palm on the tree trunk as he stood by the edge of the pond. His eyes linger on an antique Japanese tea house placed in the center of the pond. He will catch glimpse of white to orange coy fish surrounding the tea house. It will curiously swim to the surface just like the man before them and then flaps its tail and dive back into the depths of the water. Leaves of the lotus flowers border the pond and some water liles enclose the area while some floated around. The petals of the lotus flowers unfurl and also drift on the surface.

It was beautiful.

He watched in awe at vines of indigo hair slithering into thin air as the wind blew through it. A full blossomed chrysanthemum was place on her hair as the petals tenderly move in rhythm. Layers of the lavender kimono were loosely undone revealing portions of her well develop cleavage. Pale hands gracefully pluck the strings of the koto instrument. A silky body that can easily break because of her fragileness. Lips just as soft as rose petals—eyes filled with pure love and loneliness.

Hinata Kōtaishihi Denka was beautiful like the Royal garden.

A cherry petal slowly flew in a twirl, given the opportunity to feel alive like the omitted Kōtaishihi. But once the petal gently settled on Sasuke's palm, it was the end of the petal's journey. Sighing and nodding his head, Sasuke turn away and encounter his pervious footprints.

He was his own guard, but a guardian to many who trust him. He was without hesitancy and Sasuke could barely continue his walk with his heart growing heavy from each advancing step. The heat was bearable as he stared at the beacon of life, the sun situated high in the sky from under the nude trees, but the tinge of red.

Red like his possession that caused the chaotic foreign curse sealed on him.

Red like the trail of blood on his mouth after countless battles.

He closed his eyes and lifted his face upward letting the sun burn through his eyelids, shutting his world into darkness—blinding his vision momentarily.

He opened his eyes and it wasn't his onyx colour like darkness, but a bleeding crimson red with three deep black holes swirling—hypnotizing—promising life—

And even death if asked.

The colour of the sun that is akin to his cursed clan, the sharingan, bleeding red.

Sasuke departed.

His figure melting and binding against the thin cherry trees. He left; his knuckles turn white over the clutch of his fist. As he disappeared in the distant, the petal was release and was allowed to feel alive once again. And Sasuke gave one last glance at the Kōtaishihi.

Hinata continue plucking the instrument for the right melody and suddenly stop. Her long manicure nails lightly pinch the cherry petal and examine it thoroughly. Slightly turning her head aside, she stared into two red orbs and watched Sasuke's back quickly disappear behind a haze of cherry trees.

"Hinata Kōtaishihi Denka…" Kurenai's voice startled her, "Kōgō is waiting for you."

Hinata offered a reassuring smile and redirect her attention at the Shogun but he has disappeared completely.

:::ღ:::

Hinata sat on the floor beside the Kōgō and sip her tea mannerly. The landscape in the palace nourished nature—lively in green.

"The former Kōgō occasionally does this…" Kushina said while her gaze was focus on the landscape.

"Because it was something the former Kōgō loved to do."

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if she was still here?"

Hinata stared into the soft cotton clouds and replied, "Hai, Kushina Kōgō Denka…"

Many people questioned Hinata's whereabouts. About her tied emotions and feelings towards her parent's death. The loneliness that revolve around her for she is the last bloodline to the Hyuga clan. People couldn't tell because of her solid pearl eyes. Some will try and pierce deeper into her eyes, but it was like running for miles for nothing. Every corner from head to toe held nothing in her eyes—lost in a bizarre! And the questions keep coming after the missing shade of lavender in her eyes, where did it disappear to?

Right after her okaa-san's sudden tragic death, unknown of the caused, Hinata immediately married the Shinnō's family who stood next in line for throne. It was absolutely something she couldn't refuse and voice about. The elders announced it was her duty to protect royalty but it was all bullshit to her. If her chichioya was still alive, he would have given her the opportunity to choose her husband.

And while the questions fall on her, Hinata ponder on her okaa-sama's death. She was a very healthy lady, loved by the people, and an impressive Kōgō. The case of her okaa-sama's death suddenly dropped because the Royal Kakka conclude and entitle the case: Old Age.

—It didn't make sense?

:::ღ:::

Sakura halt at the door and formally sat before sliding the door open. She waited patiently under the doorframe to be summoned. Tightly interlacing her hands together made it sweat and easily slip but she held her grip.

Bu-thump… Bu-thump… Bu-thump…

Sakura closed her eyes to relax and heard a gentle command, "Come over her Sakura…"

She exhale a heavy sigh and stood her ground, slowing shutting the door behind her. Taking small steps, Sakura came in view of the Kōtaishi. She examined his bruised body from Sasuke's doings before closing her eyes. She can hear Naruto slowly approach her then suddenly his rigid fingers trace alongside her chin, "Look at me…" He said.

Yes, he loved her.

And he didn't consider it as deceiving his new wife. For years, he concealed his love only for Sakura and will always push Hinata away to the very end. He knew he should treat his wife better but he hardly knows the girl. It feel wrong to toy with Hinata's heart. But to him, Sakura had captured the heart and interest of Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto.

:::ღ:::

"Kōgō…" A servant interrupted the duo to get the Kōgō to read a set of important scrolls. Kushina settle the tea cup on the marble table and accepted the scrolls, excusing the servant. Rolling down the scroll with an imprinted skill handwriting slightly revealing each time the Kōgō enlarge it, Kushina notice it was a very important message from a massager. She immediately rolled it back up and offer to Hinata, "Go enjoy yourself."

Hinata nod of understanding and shift her knees. Hands supporting her sides, Hinata pushed into a stand and brush the front of the kimono. With one last polite smile and bow, Hinata stroll through the hall of the Kōshitsu Household large courtyard. Kushina stretch her neck upward to keep eyes on the Kōtaishihi, waiting until Hinata was out of site to open the scroll again and finish the personal message.

Lively things were noticeable to Hinata. She greatly admired nature because her okaa-san did.

Hyuga Kiku… She repeated her mother's name meaning chrysanthemum flower in Japanese until a boy with an old-fashion handmade slingshot caught her attention. Hinata's track stop and she watched him pull the stretchable rubber bin, aiming surely at something.

WWWWHHHHOOOOOSSSSSSS!

The release was tense and full with force. Hinata watched the pebble shoot straight up in a fierce motion.

BAM!

The duo watched the helpless dove fall out of the sky with no capacity to fly. It dived straight into a bamboo forest and they figured it was a direct hit. She watched the boy dashed into the forest in a frantic posture in hopes to find the missing dove. "Ano…" Hinata lift her kimono upward and entered the bamboo forest just as curious as the boy in search for the bird also.

And the minute she stepped into the forest, her cautious sense broke and she had scrape on various areas ranging from her arms to legs. "Ah," she cried out at the cut on her arm caused by the shape edge of a bamboo and whimper. If her okaa-sama was to see her frowning face, she would laugh and say it does not suit her beautiful face. Okaa-sama… Hinata's lip temble, I miss you.

Hinata suddenly paused and looked up into the bamboo forest. It wasn't long before she found herself heading down the dark shrouded path. Her slippers scratched against the dirt path until she reached a small stream with a small wooden bridge built over it. Stepping onto the wood, she turned and gazed at the view. The sunlight still reflected a dreamy shimmer on the water. And she asked, "Is it okay?"

Hinata stood behind the boy and overlook the bird, spooking the boy because he didn't know the Kōtaishihi followed him.

"Please don't tell anyone!" The boy begged which only made Hinata more curious.

"I promise I won't tell anyone unless you promise not to tell anyone that I was here…"

"Deal," Hinata happily smile as she held out her pinky finger. The boy instantly blushed and interlaced his tiny pinky with Hinata's, sealing the secret with their thumbs pressed against each other.

"Now what do we have here…" Hinata knelt beside the boy and the excitement rise except the dove was already dead. Hinata inspect the snowy like feathers of the bird but that wasn't entertaining. Her eyes examined the head of the dove and slowly the locket-ring on the feet caught her attention.

"Oohhh," Hinata giggled. "So you didn't want me to tell anyone because you shot down a Royal bird messenger, I see."

"So am I in trouble now, Hinata Kōtaishihi Denka?"

"No…" She waved it off, "It's just a bird. I'll just take the message and report it in. Everything will be just fine." Hinata tuck the paper into the tight kimono belt and offer the boy guidance out of the bamboo forest. In contact with the world again instead of the humid bamboo forest, Hinata released the boy's hand and pat his head, "Be careful next time, alright."

"Hai…uhm, arigatou Naishinnō for being very kind to me."

And Hinata smiled, kneeling in level with the boy. "Do you remember the previous Kōgō?"

"Hai!" The boy exclaimed, "Your okaa-san!" And she giggled.

"Uhm, correct. I want to be just like her, be kind and gentle…"

"You will Naishinnō, you're already kind." Then he surprised her by hugging her and Hinata was shocked. How long has it been since she was last hugged by anyone? A year ago? Three…? She wondered, her arms absently lift to embrace the boy and her eyes glitter with unshed tears.

"Arigatou…" She said in return.

From there, the two depart and Hinata made her way into Naruto and her Royal chamber.

:::ღ:::

"Sakura…" He began to lean in. Sakura gasped at the contact between the two of them.

The sensation just at the corner of her mouth was hot and wet as Naruto ran his tongue across her skin. With her mouth agape Naruto took his chance. Without prior notice, he plunged his tongue within the cavern of Sakura's mouth. She was taken aback, but for reason unknown to even herself, she didn't push him away. The kiss was gentle and full of wants. She was upset at Sasuke for turning her down, for casting her away. Since childhood, she always wanted Sasuke to look her way and everytime he hurt her, she goes to Naruto for comfort. She didn't know what to say, but she needed to say something soon.

"...More..." She mumbled. Naruto couldn't quite hear her so he leaned in a bit closer. "...More, please I can't pleasure myself. Will you...?" She asked in a low and very shaky voice.

He smiled and grabbed the hand that was desperately holding on to him. Naruto pushed away a strand of hair that lay molded to her face and placed it behind her ear.

"Sure…" He whispered "...Why don't we do something about that." With that he lifted Sakura's chin and captured her lips once again. This time, though, she returned his kiss with just as much need. She was too angry at Sasuke and her wants need to be fulfilled. She always wanted to relish Sasuke, but it seemed she may only relish Naruto to make her feel better.

"I've missed you, Sakura" He whispered to her. For a while there was nothing, but then finally Sakura pulled her hands up to rest on top of Naruto's. He reached over to a round table with a bucket filled of ice along with a long green bottle with gold trimming.

It was a bottle of wine sitting on ice, she realized.

After successfully removing the cork, Naruto took a long gulp before lifting her head towards him and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth. His tongue was coated with the smooth liquid as it rummaged through her mouth. He sucked her bottom lip gently before breaking their kiss and staring down at her.

He drank more of the clear fluid, but instead of swallowing, Naruto leaned down for yet another searing kiss. The cool alcohol in his mouth poured from his lips and flow pass hers. So much of it filled her mouth to the point that it leaked from the corner and poured down her neck, cascaded down her chest and fell to her breast. But Naruto didn't let it all go to waste. Slowly, his fingers skillfully undo the strings of the kimono belt and flung the material across the room. With every second gone by a little bit more of Sakura was exposed for his eyes to see. Naruto could feel himself harden as the beginnings of her small and supple, but firm breasts came into view; after all she wore no garment as her pink buds hardened. He drank it all in, as much as he could. His hot mouth wrapped around Sakura's erected nipple to slurp the liquid that fell from it and he continued to suckle her flesh. After blessing both nipples with his skillful tongue, the male made his way up. He ran the tip of his tongue up the trail of champagne left behind until he came to her chin where he sucked the liquid that still remained.

Hinata's back slide down the wall beside the ajar door. She had heard and saw everything—

In this circumstance, Hinata would have cried, pour out all her tears beside the crack door. She wouldn't be able to stop the hiccupping, the sobbing, and the wiping of her tears. She would be pouring a river of tears as it continuously stream down her cheeks, burning, melting her face apart. Her voice would hoarse and her heart will break, crack, and shutter—

But in truth, there was no tears welled up in her eyes as a result. Hinata only chant calmly, He's cheating…He's cheating on me with a peasant…?

It didn't even budge hatred inside Hinata. She didn't morse over it, tear up over it. She was calm, gone, and whatsoever. She fortunately knew it was going to happen but didn't think it will be the next day after their wedding. She didn't love him—they had no affection. It was a marriage decided by the elders—a marriage supposedly to protect Royalty. Hinata can careless of the affair because everything was already corrupted— the Royalty, the Kōshitsu Household, and even her personal relationship. Hinata lower her gaze at the ground and fix her vision midway again. She was—

Astray.

Raw.

Misled.

And tired of being a palace puppet.

Thinking aback, she wasn't tired anymore—maybe she'll return when the pink-hair servant leaves. As she stroll off, she thought that keeping their relationship and the affair to themselves was probably better than making matters worst. And just maybe…maybe Hinata held a little hope that Naruto will ask for forgiveness later.

Hinata walked formally with her hands settled above her belly and hidden under the large sleeves. And it snap her, the message~

Hinata dig her fingers into the belt and grab the sheet out. Being nosy wouldn't hurt so she unfolds the paper and read~

IN REPORT:

I HAVE RECEIVED THE REMAINING POISONOUS BLACK PERSIAN FUNGUS. IT HELD AN EXCESSIVE STRONG TOXIC THAT WILL SLOWLY POISON THE HUMAN BODY AND LEAVE THE REMAINING FLESH VISIBLY UN-ROTTEN. AND AS IT WORKED ON EMPRESS HYUGA KIKU, I AWAIT YOUR PROMISE.

The paper slipped from Hinata's grasp as it slowly flows back and forth until it hit the flat ground. She didn't budge and she suddenly felt heavy as if the world was sitting on her. Hinata open her mouth and quickly closed it as she bit down on her lip. Her eyes would stray from the paper a few times while debating on words to reassure herself because no one else can. She didn't know who to trust. Anyone in the palace can be the backstabber—the two face—the betrayer!

But now in truth, there was tears welled up in her eyes. Hinata grapple for air as she cried in agony with one hand gripping the fabric of the kimono on her chest. The hiccups came afterward making it harder for her to breath. Her chest ached in pain and she cried a river, pour out all her tears. She couldn't stop the hiccupping, the sobbing, and the wiping. Tears continuously stream down her cheeks, burning, melting her face apart. And her voice hoarse!

"Okaa-sama…okaa-sama…" Hinata fell to her knees and curl herself into a ball with one last cry, "Okaa-sama…"

:::ღ:::

Naruto pushed away the covers and stood by his side of the bed. Standing there in his yukata, he glanced at his wife stilled body, lying on her side with her back towards him. There was no doubt in his mind that she was awake, and must've been for the past hour or so—if not, all night. Lowering his eyes, he slipped into the bed and entered a realm of delusion.

Fully knowing her husband was asleep, Hinata leisurely open her eyes that froze on the wall. She wasn't even looking at the wall itself. Her eyes weren't focus on anything, but her mind was. She could feel more tears stinging to escape despite how much she cried and sobbed on the same day before the clock strike midnight. Hinata continued to wonder if there was truly ever an end to her tears.

Tired of everything and desperately wanting an escape, Hinata's upper body raise while she sat on the bed. She glanced at Naruto one last time and shifted her body to the edge of the bed. Her toes came in touch of the cold floor, sending a chill throughout her system. Sighing, Hinata took off her silky night gown and stood in front of the dresser in a naked silhouette form. Switching into a different outfit to keep herself warm and light on the journey she planned. Hinata stare at her own reflection for the last time as a Naishinnō before carefully tucking the message into her kimono belt and slowly slide the door open creating a ray of light from the hall's radiance but soon it disappeared—Hinata closing it behind her.

:::ღ:::

"Kampai!" The circle of drunken men yelled before lifting their shots to their lips, drinking and savouring the burn.

"Another sake!" Lee ordered and Kiba laughed along with the drunken bastard beside him.

"Sake…Sake, sake, sake…" Kiba mumble a lullaby and snorted when Choji vomit a grand onto the ground, almost staining the individual sitting beside him, Shino.

"Oi, Choji!" Shikamaru bounce his heavy head forward and allow it to bob back and forth. Everyone was out of their drunken minds, even the smart Nara with an IQ of 200. "You, kay?"

"Uhmmmm," Choji managed to reply it in a sloppy matter.

"HA!" Kiba laughed, "Funny how we used half." Hiccupped, "H-half of the y-yens we gamble on to buy sh—ots!"

"Shu-up!" Shikamaru yelled and matter, 'troublesome' before passing out.

It wasn't long before Sasuke found himself slipping away from the group and heading down the dark shrouded path into the guarded household. But he did call out and offer, "I'll patrol night duty tonight."

His subordinates were out of it, he didn't blame them. "Ah, Shogun!" a private bowed and Sasuke quickly waved him away as he pass the main doors. Samurais that were under his rank admired his ability and every individual he passed bow to him respectfully. Even his own subordinates: Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Akimichi Choji, Nara Shikamaru, Sai, and Hatake Kakashi respected him but their reveres reduce because they are too used to him. Slowly Sasuke made his way to his favorite location and sat on his usual spot on the edge of the brick wall with his back leaned against the icy wall—hidden from view.

:::ღ:::

Hinata made careful observation before she carried onward, blending with walls and making the darkest corners of the hallways her home. Hinata was cautious the way she constantly kept her guard up and discreetly snoop pass one hall to another until she entered the interior that led Hinata to the bridge of the guard towers.

STEP, STEP, STEP~

Sasuke heard the faint noise growing in volume.

STEP, STEP, STEP~

The noise tempo and closed in.

STEP, STEP, STEP~

It ran pass him and distantly thin away again.

Sasuke turn his direction towards the thing that just ran passed him and caught a glimpse of indigo hair.

Hinata poke around and saw an item she needed. Slowly crawling towards it, she unhook one of the samurai's wool cape with an attach hood and quickly wore it. To her final destination where she stood above the front gate, Hinata nervously stare at the high jump she's going to let occur. Sighing, Hinata closed her eyes and pray to Kami for a safe landing. She didn't want them to find her dead in front of the village gates, she will be too ashame to show her face in heaven. Holding out both arms in a straight form, she reached and grip tightly on the rail.

CREAK!

Oh my…this thing is going to fall apart!

She hover one leg over the fence with one dangling and the other stood on flat ground. Sighing again for the thousandth time, Hinata hover the other leg with her direction facing the palace instead of the freedom that awaits her. With her body completely on the opposite side of ground, she shifted position so the palace was not of view anymore.

One… She glanced at the ground.

Two… She breathe.

Thre—

"Are you a baka?"

Hinata instantaneously freak and turn her head to view whoever just spoke. For all she knows, it may be a ghost or what not because she is sure she was alone.

"Get away…" Hinata inform timidly, "Don't come near or I'll jump."

The positioning of the Kōtaishihi led Sasuke to a final conclusion—suicidal?

"Alright…" Sasuke shrugged.

"W-What?" Hinata asked coyly. He's not going to save me from jumping?! Since he seem to not care if she jumped.

"I said alright but if you jump, there's not a chance you will survive so if you count on living, I prefer you to step back onto ground."

What is he talking about? This guy is nonsense! Hinata argued with herself but gave the ground another scrutinize. Indeed the wall was high off the ground and perhaps some injuries may occur like what the Shogun said. Then again, Hinata stared at the palace behind her—all the suffering, she was tired of being a palace puppet. Hinata's head swiftly glance back at the direction that will free her from her bonds whilst indigo hair waved across her face countless times and her grip greater each passing minute.

Murmuring if she should jump, Hinata carefully made her way back onto flat ground breathing heavily from a quick meltdown. This time Sasuke sigh in relief that he won't have to report the Kōtaishihi's corpse and watch for any type of expression on Hinata's face. Sasuke stood his ground and made sure he wasn't in the Kōtaishihi's boundary as Hinata stood on the other end of the wide bridge giving penetrating stares to Sasuke. An awkward silence.

And then he frowned. He stared at her weary eyes slowly melting, the tip of her nose turning a red shade and her face completely flush not because of shyness but a different cause. And her shoulders begin to tremble and shake not because of over joy. Her soft small fist made tiny shakes resembling an earthquake. He continued to observe the way she nibbled on her bottom lip until it bleed, her flesh escaping and dripping onto the cold floor. What surprise Sasuke was when she started mourning and quietly weep, registering shock in herself but mostly on Sasuke. She whimpered quietly to herself as her knees collapse and her hands found their way to her face covering it.

Sasuke, an expert at being a samurai, katana specialist, and every word to describe a Shogun, his face falls flat because he did not know how to comfort and console the hopeless Kōtaishihi. He knew she was in pain, not physically but mentally and emotionally because he was train to equivalent his.

Maybe because she was a girl and of course, a Kōtaishihi, the reason he couldn't console.

Sasuke took small steps towards the crying girl hoping to transmit tranquil telepathically, but she continue to sob. As he stepped closer, Hinata promptly stood up and ran towards the rail. With her action taken, Sasuke ran after her. Hinata grasp the rail and climbed speedily meanwhile Sasuke reach an arm outward towards the hood of the cape she wore. Before he can, her body hit thin air, indigo hair soar in the atmosphere elegantly. The cape flatter open exposing her attire and soar along with her indigo vines. Hinata's weight became lighter than before when her legs frequently dangle—diving in the direction of the ground.

Sasuke was LATE!

Hinata's feet hit the ground before her cushions—impact greatly effecting, she pounce horizontally at the same time as her body rolled in motion. Hinata gained conscious again and pushed her upper body upward and furiously swung her hair out of her face. She stared at Sasuke from below the other side of the palace wall, the land that will give her freedom. And Sasuke watched the Kōtaishihi's silhouette figure weakly make an escape towards the thick forest.

SHIT!

:::ღ:::

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Inspired by Deviantart Artist: Warrior-of-Ruin