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Chapter 48-Uchiha Colors

"Hinata, are you sure this is the one?"

Ino held up the elegant festival kimono that she and her best friend had shopped for that afternoon. It was evening now and the festival was due to start soon. The Navy blue Furisode kimono was identifiable by its long, swinging sleeves which were long enough to sweep the floor. The hem touched the floor as well and flared out with a mild slit that enabled free movement as one walked and the gorgeous pattern of swirling yellow flowers, added a festive flare along the hem, ends of the sleeves and across the one shoulder. The finishing touch of course was the red and white obi that was tied with an extravagant Tateya Musubi(standing arrow knot) which added a striking contrast the golden hues of the flowers, completing the outfit.

"Yes, Ino…I'm certain."

Ino nodded at her friend, laying the Kimono aside and turning to help Hinata with her hair.

"You know, in my opinion, I really think you should put your hair up for a change; you always have it down but the thing is, you have a killer gorgeous neck that should be shown off now and again."

Ino's lavish compliment had the Hyuuga princess blushing madly. "I n-never thought of wearing my hair any different before…I just always felt 'down' was easiest."

"True but then again, here you are going so far as to wear an extremely festive kimono which you've never done before, not to mention it has his clan's colors."

Hinata's eyes strayed to the Kimono that lay across Ino's bed. "I—m-maybe you're right, Ino…I t-thought with the yellow flowers along the hem and sleeves, that it wouldn't b-be so obvious b-but maybe it—"

"Hey." The blonde woman laid a calming hand on Hinata's shoulder, gazing reassuringly into her eyes. "I think it's a bold statement, yes but it's the right statement, Hina. You said so yourself that you still sense doubt from him…we talked about actions speaking louder than words, right? Well this action can't be misinterpreted and when he sees you in those colors, there can't be any room for doubt to linger in his mind. I know you're nervous but trust me, you're doing the right thing and yes, the golden highlights are a good element because to anyone else, they won't think for a moment that you would purposely wear the Uchiha clan colors; it will appear as a complete coincidence."

"U-Unless…well if Sakura-san is there, she might…"

Ino shook her head. "Don't worry about Sakura, Hinata; she has nothing to do with you and Sasuke—besides, I think she knows better than to mess with you." A hint of laughter glimmered in Ino's blue eyes and Hinata couldn't hold back a smile, even though her confrontation with Sakura had been one of her not-so-proud moments.

"You'll be just fine." And the blonde reiterated this statement with a kiss to Hinata's forehead and a comforting squeeze.

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That evening, Sasuke donned a traditional Navy blue Uchiha yukata with the clan's crest on the back. However, he paired it with a white Hakama which lent him a more regal appearance as he strapped Kusanagi to his waist and headed out the door.

The streets were lined with brightly colored lanterns, strung between lamp posts and nearly every two feet, the Uchiha was accosted by eager merchants, anxious to sell their wares. He nodded to a few—as politely as his stoic persona would allow—but he didn't purchase anything and simply continued on. When he neared the village square, he spotted a rather serious-looking Naruto trailing behind a bored-looking Shikamaru who had the babbling blonde Yamanaka hanging on his arm.

"Oi, Sasuke!"

Naruto raised his hand, catching the Uchiha's attention who simply nodded as he approached them.

"Naruto. It's been awhile, good to see you finally out." There was no expression on the dark-haired man's face but the hint of a smile shone in his eyes as he grave Naruto a firm handshake.

"Sasuke—honestly I'm almost stunned to see you here, festivals aren't typically your thing, are they?"

Ino jabbed Shikamaru in the ribs, giving him a pointed look with a shake of her head.

Sasuke actually let a light smirk spread across his face then. "You're right, Nara; I believe the term you would use is…'troublesome'?"

Nara found himself grinning in response. "Touche."

"Okay boys, enough jabbering, com'on there's food, games and performances and I don't wanna miss them!" Ino whined, tugging impatiently on Nara's arm who only answered with a roll of his eyes and heavy sigh.

They walked passed him and Naruto and Sasuke murmured something only loud enough for Shikamaru to hear. "I honestly do not envy you in the slightest."

The Shadow user scoffed a laugh. "Yeah, yeah."

Just then, Ino stopped and turned back to Sasuke. "Oh and Sasuke? I think you better head to platform seven; you don't wanna miss the show now, do you?"

A meaningful look passed between the two and the Uchiha nodded before disappearing into the crowd, leaving Naruto following after the couple.

When Sasuke reached platform seven, a crowd was already gathered. The platform was a rather extravagant set up and the Uchiha found himself wondering what could warrant such an intricate display.

His question was soon answered when the lanterns dimmed and the Musicians began strumming a haunting melody.

There was a veiled entrance at center stage and when it raised, all the air rushed from his lungs and Sasuke Uchiha stared in awe.