over 6k words. umm, this was supposed to go up earlier, like weeks earlier but it was a pain to edit. Enjoy or don't is really up to you. I don't know what to do with Sakura so you guys can comment. The next chapter will deal with heavier themes so just a heads up.

Chapter 4: Denounce

It was hard for him to not lash out at people, out of the various things he excelled at managing his anger was not one of them. He often stayed quiet for that reason, he found it easier to not speak than to open his mouth to rant, and God did he want to rant. As he walked down the halls he watched as servants ran around rushing to get everything ready. He remembered the engagement party for the bitch it was significantly smaller but then again she was insignificant, he had always opposed them celebrating her anyways. Today was a different day two members of two respected houses would be engaged. The Harunos didn't possess a huge army or political power in the kingdom but gods did they have gold, mountains of it, it was almost unholy. Although it would have been preferable for the Harunos to possess all three, gold could never be underestimated, especially during a war. Gold would pay for their armor, weapons, ships, and food. The benefit wasn't only for the Uchihas by offering their daughter the Harunos would gain connections to the throne. Their daughter would become a princess, she would hold political power and pass it on to her family. Interm this political power would elevate the Harunos status. It would be mutually beneficial as all marriages should be.

Itachi's eyes scanned the papers as he took mental notes of every number. The war would not be cheap and he hadn't expected it to be but the attack on Hatake's camp had certainly given them a blow. They would have to bounce back and deliver a blow three times as hard which would be a vexing task. The Hyuga castle was located in the mountains and was near impossible to reach, the lands which surrounded them were vicious and untamed making it impossible to reach them by foot. Their allies had organized perfectly, they were spread in the right places, it was clear they had given an immense amount of thought to their strategy. What they needed to do was something bold, perhaps lure the Hyugas out. As he examined the map laid out in front of him he saw something he hadn't seen before. Laughter escaped from him, for a few seconds he pondered ignoring his findings to challenge himself further but ultimately decided to not make such an arrogant choice, especially when lives were on the line. The Hyuga's were formidable opponents, he would give them that, but their boldness and ambition would be their fall. Lucky for them he loved boldness, he would make sure to give them what they deserved an honorable defeat. With a satisfied smile he exited the room, he needed to speed things up. He needed chaos to come so the world could have peace. Peace was something he hadn't had in a while, he couldn't remember the last time his mind was at ease, the last time voices weren't shouting, ideas and thoughts racing. Lately, it was worse than usual, he knew why but that didn't help him, not when he was slowly losing himself. All he had to hang onto was the idea of peace. The idea of a better world, a world where he had calm, he had his brother, a world where people didn't suffer. He would get his peaceful world but before that happened he had a party to attend. A party to celebrate his brother's bride, his little brother was grown now. Soon he would get married and have children all out of a sense of duty, his heart ached for his brother. Lately, he wasn't able to connect with him like he used to. His brother was getting married but he was unhappy, well he was generally unhappy. Itachi couldn't blame him, Sasuke had gone through so much and he still held on to many of those things. He hadn't worked through all his experiences and Itachi didn't know how to help him, it annoyed Itachi. Itachi was supposed to be the older brother, he was supposed to guide Sasuke and he had failed at that. He had failed but he could still help Sasuke find peace within himself, he could and he would.

"My lord, which one do you prefer?", the seamstress showed Itachi a blue and dark gray baroque coat. Itachi chose gray, blue was their house color and he was almost certain Sasuke would be wearing blue. He decided Sasuke should stand out during the party. "perfect choice my lord" the seamstress and began fixing small details. The coat had a resemblance to a general's coat which Itachi didn't mind, white and silver details adorned the coat, and an Uchiha symbol in the form of a pin was placed on his chest. He wore his hair in his usual ponytail leaving some hair out to frame his face.

"Thank you, Airi" Itachi smiled at the seamstress after she had finished. With a heavy sigh, he began walking to the party. He admired the intricate and delicate decorations around the castle, a lot of effort had been wasted. It made sense his father always liked to boast, this was his perfect chance. The Haruno's were already upset at the fact their daughter was not marrying the future king, throwing this outrageous party only served to reaffirm the Haruno's and his father's grandiose sense of importance. Itachi never quite understood it, showing him the fool's idea of glory. He did understand how things worked and sometimes it was necessary to do it. He himself partook in it, never genuinely.

"The flowers are stunning, but I doubt that's what has you so deep in thought" he heard her voice. He turned to her and smiled, she wasn't ready for the party yet but still looked pretty. She was a very attractive woman, he wondered why she wasn't married yet. She by no means was an old hag but most women were married very early in their youth, this was especially seen in wealthy families since they used their daughters to make connections through marriages because they couldn't inherit power.

"It is important to appreciate the beauty simple things hold, don't you think?" he turned his attention from the flowers to her.

"I suppose" she answered she said flatly

"You supposed?" he chuckled at her indifference

"Beauty can be deceiving," she said as she reached for the roses. She moved a leaf to reveal the thorns hidden behind it. He smiled at her actions and carefully grabbed the rose.

"Indeed it can be. Often beauty can hide danger" he offered her the rose, beauty could hide danger and she was a prime example of it.

"beauty IS danger" she corrected him before accepting the rose and smelling the enchanting aroma it produced.

"you are beautiful Hinata," he said

"Thank you" she looked up at him with a smile. "You are beautiful too"

"beautiful?" he raised an eyebrow. He couldn't recall a time somebody had called him beautiful. People did often compliment his looks but they didn't use the word beautiful.

"Yes." She stepped closer to him and reached for his face, "Your eyes and nose are perfectly symmetrical, your sculpted face, your long soft hair, your smooth skin, it's all beautiful. You look like your mother" she said as she lightly traced his features with her fingers tips. Her touch was often cool, it was a strange but good feeling. "The paintings of her around the castle, she was a stunning woman"

"and so are you. Your beauty is deadly" he commented, she pursed her lips and shook her head

"what good is it to me now?" She asked. She looked at him waiting for an answer but Itachi was sure she already had one.

"I'm sure you will figure out a way to use it. " He said.

"you are much too kind, I'm afraid I'm not as sharp as you think, probably not as sharp as I think" she let out a tired sigh, for a moment she seemed real.

"I always enjoy conversing with you Hinata," He said patting her head

"So do I," she said blushing lightly, something Itachi liked. She looked pretty with some color on her cheeks.

"I doubt it" he truly did.

"You are easy to talk to and hard to hate. I've tried" Their eyes met as she spoke she gave him a small nod as if to reaffirm she was being truthful. It was true the man was way too likable there was no hatred in her heart towards him but that was only more of a reason why she had to keep her guard up around. She gave a small bow before walking away. She had to get ready not only physically but mentally. She stared at the person in the mirror, it wasn't her it couldn't be, but it was. Her hair was up in an intricate bun, her bangs brushed against her forehead, two strands of hair framed her face. The pink blush was the only color on her pale skin and a glossy light red covered her lips. Her dress left her neck and shoulders exposed, her waist was exaggerated with the tight corset and large skirt, delicate designs adorned the skirt, while her hands and arms were covered by matching gloves. Her pale neck was decorated with a beautiful necklace with a red stone in the middle, a reference to the Uchiha house symbol.

"You look beautiful", Kurenai smiled

"Thank you," Hinata said with a weak smile

"Now don't look too down, they will take pleasure in that" Kurenai hugged Hinata. Hinata welcomed the woman's embrace, she was warm and kind and so far had given her nothing but help. A little too kind, she also appeared to hold some type of grudge against the Uchihas which intrigued Hinata.

"Thank you, Kurenai. D-do you think... you could walk with to the party?" Hinata asked while fidgeting. Kurenai gave her a kind smile and grabbed her hand.

"I don't see why not". Kurnai left Hinata at the doors, she bit the inside of her cheek as she went in. There were so many people there, probably four times the amount of people who showed up to her engagement party with Itachi, and she already thought that was too much. She felt lost in a sea of people as she desperately looked for a familiar face, maybe Itachi or Naruto but they were nowhere to be found. She felt awkward just standing there as people around her laughed and talked. She had never been a fan of big crowds, on the contrary, she despised them, she felt suffocated and anxious when she was in them. Yet there she was in the biggest crowd she had ever seen surrounded mostly only by strangers but strangers who all wanted to see her family go down. She didn't know when but she had started biting her lip so hard she began to taste the blood. She could feel her hands shaking, she wanted to cry, it was too much for her. Too many people.

"You are Hinata Itachi's bride, correct?" she heard someone ask, she quickly looked up to see a silvered-haired man with his lowered half of the face covered.

"y-yes" she answered confused "I apologize but I'm not sure of who you are" she cocked her head

"Kakashi Hatake," he answered. She knew who the Hatakes were, very early on they had chosen to side with the Uchihas when the war first broke out. The Uchihas, Hatakes, and Harunos first banded together, later they would be joined by the Uzumakis and Naras. She knew the Hatakes were in charge of a huge army, something they used to enforce ruthless taxes in the poor cities they controlled. She was a bit stunned, she was talking to the famous Kakashi Hatake, someone many knew to be a great fighter with breathtaking looks. Kakashi was known to prefer a battlefield over a castle, he was also known for the face covering he wore, she found it odd since he was supposed to be oh so handsome.

"it is a pleasure to meet you" She smiled

"you look miserable here," he said bluntly

"I don't like big crowds," she admitted shyly

"I understand I'm not a fan of them either. If you don't mind me asking how did you end up here?" she wondered if she was allowed to answer that and why he wanted to know.

"I'm not even sure myself" she whispered a lie

"how long have you been here?" he asked a follow-up question. Was he interrogating her? She wondered if Fugaku sent him to see what she answered.

"Months" she answered

"I figured. Good luck with your marriage, I apologize I wasn't able to come to your and Itachi's party I had an army to prepare. I do wish you the best in your marriage" with that the man left and she was once again alone. Hinata internally sighed, she wanted to fidget so much but she knew it would look strange so she opted to walk around instead. Before she could get far she felt a hand on her shoulder, she quickly turned around to see Itachi.

"I've been looking for you", he smiled. She felt relief wash over her as she now had someone to cling to making her time a little less miserable.

"Will you take the position?" Itachi asked. Of course, he already knew the answer there was only one answer.

"I'm not sure. I probably will but it sounds like it could be troublesome" Shikamaru said looking completely uninterested in the conversation and the party

"I believe in your abilities, I'm sure you'll find it easy" Itachi reassured him

"something being easy does not mean it can't be troublesome," Shikamaru said with a defeated sigh

"I look forward to working with you in the future," Itachi knew it was an offer the Naras could not refuse no matter how much Shikamaru wanted to.

"Itachi" Kakashi called out. Itachi turned to the silver-haired man.

"Kakashi" Itachi acknowledge him

"You were looking for your bride right?" Kakashi asked

"Is she here already?" He asked knowing the answer. It was a thing he did often.

"the pretty little thing is over there looking terrified" Kakashi pointed behind him

"Oh my, I should go keep her company" Itachi made his way through the crowd in search of Hinata, he finally spotted her walking away. He picked up his pace to get to her before she disappeared in the crowd once again. He reached out for her shoulder and she quickly turned around.

"I've been looking for you", he smiled. He saw her smile back, she appeared relieved to see him.

"So was I but there are so many people here," she said looking around

"you look lovely" he smiled offering his arm she took it almost instantly. Her dress accentuated her natural curves not to mention the view it gave by exposing her neck, some of her chest, and back. With her hair up her pale skin was at full display. Her face was also beautiful, the contrast of her red lips and pale skin was striking.

"Thank you," she said as she held on tightly to his arm.

"I'm not going anywhere", Itachi chuckled

"Who knows", she whispered loud enough for Itachi to hear. She saw them, she felt, she heard them. The people surrounding them were doing nothing to hide the stares, now that Itachi was next to her and she held onto him it was clear. She was his future wife, she was the stolen Hyuga, the traitor. Holding onto Itachi helped her feel some sense of direction. She was in the middle of a sea of people, with whispers coming from every direction, stares from every set of eyes. She felt lost and suddenly she felt like a little girl again. She felt like that socially awkward girl she once was. But she couldn't, she shouldn't let her fears get the best of her, not now. She had to smile. Smile, smile, smile, smile. She repeated to herself. When that failed she remembered why. Hanabi, dad, Neji, Hanabi, dad, Neji. She kept repeating their names as she let Itachi guide her, he could be taking her to a cliff for all she knew. The reality was way worse as she found herself in front of Fugaku.

Fugaku watched his eldest son with Hyuga, she appeared to be comfortable around his son. That was something he had predicted would happen, Itachi was a sucker for beautiful women. He knew close to nothing about his children's personal lives but he had heard rumors regarding Itachi's love life, hell he had seen women exiting his chamber. He could tell Itachi had a type, beautiful. He doubted the smart-ass was in love but he knew his eldest would entertain himself with the little thing. Who could blame the Hyuga was stunning, that was one of the reasons he had her after all. The young Hyuga was his trophy and he would give it to his heir. He was surprised when Itachi approached him with the girl by his side.

"Father, lords, beautiful evening we have upon us" His smug fucking face and patronizing tone. Fugaku thought of Itachi as condescending shit. His wits and skills justified it but Fugaku hated it, it was a direct contrast to him. Fugaku wasn't smug he was scary he never hid insults in dumb wordplay he said them out loud. Not to mention it was clear to him that Itachi thought he could outsmart him.

"Itachi! Look at you, you have grown a lot since last time" an old man shook his hand with a grin "you're even engaged now and to a true beauty," the man said grabbing Hinata's hand and kissing it for a little too long. Long enough that Itachi had to gently pull her away. Hinata still thanked the old pervert for his compliment with a smile.

"You two seem to be enjoying yourselves," Fugaku said in no particular tone

"You could have invited fewer people and gave us room to walk," Itachi said

"Are you enjoying my son's company Hinata?" Fugaku ignored Itachi's comment and asked Hinata directly.

"Yes. Itachi has been nothing but kind. He's a gentleman", she said holding on to him. She had never been more annoyed at her height, she felt so small n3xt to the two men. This was her first time seeing Itachi like that, Itachi's eyes were different, she could tell he was boasting to his father. It was subtle, charming even but Itachi didn't act like that. On the other hand, Fugaku was glaring knives at Itachi with his usual frown. They both towered over Hinata with Itachi being a bit taller than Fugaku. What Hinata saw was conflict and disagreement. She could use that. Suddenly Hinata became indifferent to her stature as she watched the father and son silent interaction between the two.

"I expect no less", Fugaku said, turning around to talk to another person. Itachi grinned and grabbed Hinata leading her to the dance floor. She was surprised by how zestful he was, he was acting. She hadn't seen Itachi interact with people who held important positions before. During her party, she only interacted with Itachi and nobody really talked to them. He was more exuberant and had a certain confidence borderline smugness that was quite charming but fake.

"We never did get to finish our dance" he smiled wrapping a hand around her waist

"We never did" she chuckled as she placed her hand on his shoulder. His show was entertaining for sure but she wasn't impressed, she could do better. "Why are you acting like this?"

"Do you not like it?" He asked

"I like you. I just don't see why you are acting so happy". She had an idea but she wanted a further explanation or rather a confirmation.

"Shouldn't I be happy?" His grinned grew wider

"What are you flaunting?" She finally asked

"Isn't it obvious? You", he said with a straight face

"Oh." She was expecting that. It was predictable. "Makes sense" she nodded

"Does it bother you?" He asked. It didn't matter if it bothered Hinata he was already doing it.

"No. I am happy to help" She smiled brightly.

"You excited bastard?" Naruto grinned

"I can barely contain my excitement," Sasuke responded sarcastically

"I think I'm more excited than you are" Naruto chuckled

"Is my brother's bride not enough for you?" Sasuke asked with ice in his tone.

"She was my friend Sasuke. We played as children, we have known each other since I can remember. Haven't you ever thought about how this war has affected me? Friends I grew up with see me as a traitor. Choji and Kiba, in a matter of days we were on opposing sides. I had plans too, you know? I had my life set and this war has turned all those plans to shit." Naruto said his smile no longer present

"Are you mad your engagement was called off?" Sasuke scoffed

"not everything has to be about her", Naruto said his voice lacking his previous enthusiasm and joy

"I don't know why you are so mad. When we win this war you will have a good position, a good wife, and gold"

"What if we don't win the war? Even if we do what of all the people that died?" Naruto asked

"People were dying before the war, why weren't you thinking about them then" Sasuke rolled his eyes, Naruto was really caring about this crap now

"because I was not an active part of the cause of their death" Naruto rebutted

"You are the son of a wealthy nobleman, you have always taken part in people's death. Whether it's the taxes you collect from the peasant families that won't allow them to buy food or the extortion of your workers that might lead them to an early grave. We stand on the backs of those below us, we are bound to break some of them" Sasuke said looking straight into Naruto's eyes, his expression was cold and harsh not a drop of sympathy was present. Naruto looked broken, his face was now the complete opposite of his grinning cheerful usual self. "Don't look so sad, my betrothed will soon be here" Sasuke smirked and with that, he walked away. He had enough of everyone pestering him and he might have taken out his frustrations on Naruto but the idiot deserved it. He had been getting on his last nerves recently, he was tired of Naruto and his behavior. Naruto had so much potential and better than that he was the only son, his family's golden boy. Yet he wasted it all on a woman that wasn't worth it, Sasuke wasn't stupid he saw the way he looked at her. He walked around and talked just enough to not be awkward, he hated parties since he was little. His father, on the other hand, loved them and unfortunately, he had to attend many of them. Soon the chatter started to die down and people began to turn to the entrance. The sudden change in the atmosphere told him the time had come, she was here. His father and Itachi accompanied by the Hyuga appeared and then he saw her. Walking towards him, her father and mother beside her. She was beautiful but the whole experience was rather underwhelming. She had pink hair which stopped at her shoulders, smooth skin, big emerald eyes, and most attractive of all she had a good last name. Sasuke smiled when she stopped in front of him, it had begun. He had a duty and he would fulfill it to the best of his capability. She gave a shy smile and courtesy. He bowed and offered his arm.

"It is a pleasure to meet Lady Sakura", he would cement the ties between the Harunos and Uchibas. He would bring honor to his house, he would better his house.

"The pleasure is all mine" she beamed, she looked ecstatic to be there. He understood why she was marrying a prince after all.

"Your beauty is even more stunning in real life" He complimented her, she blushed and thanked him. The families introduced them to each other their engagement was made known and with that, the better half of the party started. It was time for them to drink until none of them could walk. Sasuke examined the girl, she hadn't left his side, hell she hadn't let go of his arm since he first offered it. She had a permanent smile and was clearly happy, she did not appear to be forced into the marriage. A possibility he hadn't thought of until that moment. He looked around and saw his brother with the Hyuga. Just the mere sight of her almost ruined the smile he was putting up. She laughed with Itachi and his brother seemed to enjoy his time with her as well. He kept his arm wrapped around her waist the whole time. She turned to talk to someone and her whole body was visible. Sasuke swallowed his disgust, who had ever heard of a filthy traitor partying with the highborn. He didn't know when he started glaring but he did. He was fixated on the Hyuga, he watched her laugh, tuck her hair behind her ear, smile, rest her head on Itachi, he watched her every move. His blood boiled from what he could only guess was anger. Sure she looked like a lady but she was not one and shouldn't be treated as one.

"now before we put an end to this glorious party to welcome our beautiful Sakura, I want to give my other future daughter a chance to speak." Fugaku's announcement was sudden and unexpected. "She has been through much but has entered our house with humility, has acknowledged her wrongdoings and her tainted blood, and has expressed her desire to change and become part of the right side of history. Hinata" as soon as her name left Fugaku's lips a twisted grin graced his face and Hinata went stiff. People turned to look at her and at that moment her brain stopped. She couldn't process anything, all she saw was Fugaku's hand inviting her to go to him, she felt the stares but her body didn't react. A squeeze on her hand from Itachi brought her conscience back to her body. Like a confused pup turning to get his mother's approval she turned to Itachi for an answer, he responded with a warm smile and began leading her to his father. Before she could think she returned the smile, hers was a dumbfounded smile, one that was rooted in oblivion, not that people around would notice. She felt slightly embarrassed but did not have time to dwell on it. He let go of her when they were in front of Fugaku, she bowed before stepping closer to him and facing the sea of faces in front of them. "my future daughter would you be so kind as to give some words to the public"

"It is truly an honor to be here, it is an honor to be given the opportunity to atone for my sins and to celebrate the furthering of the Uchiha house the rightful heirs to the throne. I am aware of my roots but I plead for forgiveness, I plead to be judged for my actions rather than blood. The great Uchiha house is a wonderful house and I am here to serve them. I am loyal only to the Uchiha, my husband and children will be Uchiha. I pray to the old gods and new for blessings to this great house. The kindness they have shown me I will never be able to repay but I hope that my loyalty and service will be enough to show them my gratitude. Long live the great Uchihas, the heirs to the throne, and our future kings for many generations to come" Itachi smiled, he was pleasantly surprised that she had been able to come up with such a speech on the spot.

"long live our future kings!" someone in the crowd shouted and before she knew the crowd was chanting her words.

"That speech almost brought me to tears," he smiled.

"I'm sure milord could come up with something better, more inspiring" She giggled looking up at him. She tried her best to look cool but inside she wanted to stab everyone and rip them apart.

"Milady is being too modest," he teased. She stepped closer to him but before she could say anything someone interrupted their exchange

"Hinata, your speech was great. We have certainly chosen a valuable member to join our house". A woman stood in front of her; she was taller than her and had slim sharp features. She was beautiful no doubt of that, she looked elegant, delicate, and mysterious at the same time

"thank you..." Hinata smiled and stopped when she realized she didn't know her name

"Izumi. Izumi Uchiha" she said

"No greetings for me Izumi?" Itachi said, pulling Hinata under his arm before Hinata could say anything else.

"Your bride is stunning. She'll make you a happy man," She said, avoiding looking directly at the man.

"ah come on now, we should catch up, I haven't seen you in a while," Itachi said

"I'm sure Hinata would miss-"

"Hinata, Naruto is approaching you at this moment do you mind me talking to Izumi for a moment" Itachi cut her off

"of course not, please take as long as you want," Hinata said with a smile.

"as understanding as always" He smiled in return. She watched Itachi and Izumi walk off somewhere and wondered what their relationship was. They appeared close, perhaps a childhood friend.

"Hinata", He said her name with a smile

"Naruto", she returned the gesture

"You look great",

"I don't feel great", in truth she didn't. She had just been paraded in front of everyone and forced to denounce her family, her blood.

"come with me then". He grabbed her hand and started to direct her through the crowd. Suddenly he came to a stop.

"where are you two going?" Sasuke asked glaring at the Hyuga

"Sasuke! I was just taking Hinata to"

"where is my brother?" he cut Naruto off before he could finish his sentence. Hinata hated the Uchiha, he was such an arrogant and ill-mannered shitbag.

"he and Izumi are talking," Naruto said with a grin. Sasuke frowned for a second and then turned to Hinata.

"aren't you going to congratulate us?" he asked, "did they not teach you manners?"

"I apologize. It was not my intention to come off as rude. I hadn't had the chance to speak to you until now. Lady Sakura you look lovely, I wish happiness upon your marriage. May the gods bless you with what you deserve and more"nShe smiled kindly at the woman. Sakura appeared to be nice, she had a cheerful personality and was very pretty, Hinata felt bad that she would marry such an unlikeable turd.

"You are very kind Hinata, oh and so very pretty!" She chirped "I am so happy to be here. I feel like I've been blessed enough for three lifetimes" she smiled brightly

"Lord Sasuke I wish-"

"My goodness that's lady Tsunade! we must greet her" with an overly joyful demeanor she took Sasuke away. Hinata watched as Sakura dragged Sasuke behind her and was thankful, hopefully, she kept him busy enough that they would not cross paths again. Hinata found herself in the middle of the gardens under the night sky full of stars.

"thank you," she said looking up at the stars, she smiled. She looked up at the sky and breathed in the cool fresh air.

"I know how much you hate crowded places," He said standing next to her

"Is that the only reason you brought me here?" She turned to look at him with a playful smile

"I don't know what you are talking about," he said scratching the back of his head

"You're such a bad liar" she poked Naruto's cheek,

"I'm not lying" he laughed "but since you were expecting more. Would milady have this dance with me?" He asked for her hand in the most dramatic way possible. She simply returned the favor.

she gasped, "I'd be honored". It was a relaxing time, just him and her. A pair of old friends, who knew each other well.

"Hinata. I've been thinking, would staying with the Uchihas be that bad?" He had to ruin her peace. Of course, he did.

"I don't understand what you're trying to say?" She knew what he was saying, she just didn't want to acknowledge that

"What I'm trying to say is you don't have to go on this suicide mission Hinata. Itachi is kind to you and would never make you suffer, you two seem to get along just fine. Why… why not make the best out of this situation and actually join the Uchihas"

"I can't believe you!" she smacked Naruto's arm immediately.

"Ouch," He rubbed his arm.

"The fact that you would even think that's an option insults me. How dare you propose that I forget about my family. About father, Hanabi, Neji! You were good friends with Neji. It does not matter how kind one of them is to me Naruto, I am their prisoner. Nothing more than a baby-maker for them." She was pissed. Right after she was made to denounce her family Naruto came up with this shit. She had her honor to uphold, she would not abandon her family for safety. Honorable people did not abandon their loved ones.

"I… I- I just don't want to see you dead!" He said. His voice sounded defeated and she realized he was going through something. He was actually dwelling on the meaning of the war.

"You won't Naruto. Trust me" She changed her tone to a more understanding one

"Fuck. You don't understand I'm losing everything. I don't want you to be one of those things"

"Unfortunately that's the result of war. I promise you Naruto, you won't lose me" She cupped his cheek with her hands and gave him a reassuring smile.

"You can't keep that promise to stop" his response surprised and annoyed her. Now he decided to finally look at the gritty reality, now? What was it that he wanted? She examined him, he felt lost. He felt as if all the control he had was gone. He was desperate for something, he was desperate for power. The power to control his life choices. She hadn't thought Naruto would ever come to question or desire something so serious. But now that he did, it was a good thing he had her.

"Worry about yourself, stay alive, grow strong, grow connections. Naruto you want to know how you won't lose anything, by being at the top. If you get to the top and hold all the cards then you aren't forced into situations you create them." At that moment she saw what Naruto could become, great. He was young, wealthy, athletic, charismatic, and handsome. He didn't need to do much to win favor with people, if he just played his cards right he could get very far. He just needed her guidance.