Chapter 26: Pushback and Resistance
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They rarely have to wake her in such a manner unless there was an event.
A group of maids entered her chambers while moving with precision, even though the last time they had served this way was during last year's Annual Clan Event.
One of the servants who was on her way to retirement rushed to the curtains to let light inside the room. Another walked inside a closet to take out a box set that stored a folded Kimono, its layers, Obi, and ornaments. After laying out the fabrics, she waited at the ready, her eyes following the person in charge of waking Hinata.
The maid on body care duty disappeared into the bathroom to run the bath, dropping some bubble bombs inside while neatly arranging a display of beauty products in the order in which they were used, all the while Hinata remained a lump underneath her bed covers, not yet ready to move out of the warm fortress of blankets.
"Hinata-sama, it's time to wake up," A maid said. Her hands clasped against her simple kimono.
When there was no response, the maid yanked the blankets off, it rippled and fluttered in the air before landing on the side. Dark tresses turned bluish-purple under the scrutiny of light. Her hair snaked around, creating a crescent moon around a petite, pale figure that lay in the center of a bed that was perhaps too big for her. Hinata sluggishly moved from her curled-up position, her hair spilling and pulling to one side, one strap of her silk slip rode down as she rubbed her eyes.
"I have to send my sister a message," Hinata said while climbing out of bed. The maid standing by the window shook her head.
"Tell me the message, and I'll write it on your behalf."
"Let's see, I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up at the hospital. I have to attend a last-minute clan meeting. I look forward to seeing you soon. Not only that, but I miss you very much. I hope you can forgive my absence."
She was greeted when she entered the bathroom, the youngest maid gave a courtesy nod and bowed before leaving her to her privacy.
Hinata didn't think it was necessary to dress up today. But since she was an extension of her vain father, she would have to play along with the image he wanted to present to the world.
Sitting primly and proper in front of the vanity mirror, her eyes appreciated the lovely colors of the flower print, her hands pressing against the material of the kimono, admiring it. Her sister had picked it for her before she left on her trip to Suna. She lifted her gaze, making eye contact with the person in charge of her hairstyle, expressing an appreciative smile.
"You did a wonderful job again," Hinata said truthfully.
"I'm pleased that the style is up to your standards."
"Would you be able to do my hair on my wedding day?"
The maids were taken aback by the question. They never heard her talking so openly and willingly about the subject, even while previously engaged.
"We heard your sister is coming home today, we're all relieved to have her back," The maid said, changing the subject. "Do you have any particular instructions for us to follow?"
Hinata glanced at all of them, before looking away.
"Keep the recipes simple, but today's menu should consist of all her favorite dishes," Hinata said. "This also includes deserts,"
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Shikamaru and Yoshino sat across from Hiashi while inside the tearoom. His mother opted to keep to her tea as her future in-law awaited input or perhaps even criticism.
Shikamaru's lips twitched as he held back any unnecessary comments after hearing the speech Hiashi planned to present at the upcoming clan meeting.
"You don't want your clan to know that she chose my son." Yoshino summarized, a little perturbed by the silence that had followed. "Is there a reason for that?"
"You don't have to understand why I am deploying such tactics." Hiashi had ears stationed everywhere in the clan, and the kind of things that got reported back to him about his daughter was a small sample of the thoughts of most of the collective. The best he could do is restore her image as much as he can.
Yoshino understood very well about their pride and egos. "Tactics? All you're doing is hiding the fact that their princess did not find any of her clansmen to her liking," Yoshino replied while stirring the tea in her hand.
Hiashi slightly raised a brow, unamused.
"Please ignore my mother. I don't know what's gotten into her." Shikamaru said while hiding his amusement. Leaning forward, he reached his hand out, motioning to the scroll in Hiashi's hands. "Let me read that over again,"
Shikamaru frowned at the draft in his hand. If Hinata had read such a thing, she would've felt humiliated.
It needed a lot of revising. Shikamaru expressed this as politely as he could, trying to save his future in-law from being hated by his daughter for the rest of his life.
"If you think you can come up with something better, do as you wish, but do not blame me if it backfires," Hiashi glanced at his watch. He had promised Hanabi that he would put time aside to pick her up at the hospital.
Shikamaru didn't concern himself with Hiashi's comment.
"I should open up with a statement to clear the air about the reason we both stepped down from our previous duty," Shikamaru said.
"Hmm, I'll be honest with you, all I can think about is Hanabi right now. I have to get going and pick her up. We'll touch bases before the meeting," Hiashi mentioned they were welcomed to entertain themselves while Hinata gets ready.
"I'm starting to wonder if her clan is worth all the trouble," Yoshino said. "I really don't like Hiashi's approach to things,"
Shikamaru doesn't say anything, he glanced at his watch to measure how much time he had. Two hours was enough time to come up with something. He read the speech over and over again until he was certain which specific passages needed rewording.
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The door was opened by a maid, who ushered herself to the side as Hinata emerged through the door, her elegant and poised demeanor stirring some memories in Shikamaru. She was especially more breathtaking that day, her hair was artfully done with loose strands falling against her temples.
He stood up, not knowing what to say because she always managed to keep leaving him breathless. He had complimented her before, so many times, but there was nothing he could say that would do her justice. Did he deserve her? Why did she choose him?
When she paused, she stayed at a respectable distance, her eyes downcast, waiting.
Yoshino placed the tea down and stared at his son. He had that same expression from back then, as if he was enamored for the first time. It wasn't even their wedding day, why were Nara men so hopeless?
"Shika, aren't you going to say anything?"
"You look beautiful,"
"And you look handsome," She remained rooted in her distance, counting down the seconds that it would take for him to give in and reach out to her. Soon, he breached her space, his hands preoccupied with the surrounding skin of rosy cheeks.
She lifted her gaze, staring directly into his brown eyes, fighting the tug at the corner of her lips. She tiptoed to reach him, her hands were on his chest for balance. He wordlessly leaned down and gave her access to his cheek, her mannerism purposely coquettish, as though they had never shared a kiss.
He lifted her hand, sliding something cold on her finger. Looking down at the jewelry that now decorated her ring finger, she was left speechless. She had known it had become official the moment they had both signed the agreement that bound their clans together. But now, for some reason, she was finally becoming emotional as reality sunk in.
It was not a dream.
"I also have a gift for you," Yoshino said from her side.
"Oh?"
"I want you guys to have the house my husband and I made our life together. It was always too big for us, so make sure you fill the house with children,"
Shikamaru almost gaped. "Please, one thing at the time,"
"And where will you live?"
"A few houses away, believe me it's better this way or else we'll get sick of each other. I had to kick Shikamaru's late grandmother out when he turned three. It was unbearable."
Hinata giggled softly. "I agree that distance makes the heart grow fonder," She had noticed the scrolls on the floor, along with the ink and pen. "What are you writing?" She asked Shikamaru.
"I'm revising the speech-" He began to explain, but she was already in a graceful descent, tucking her kimono slightly as she reached for the piece of writing.
The transition was drastic. His brown eyes darkened as he witnessed Hinata bring the piece of writing to her level. He quickly confiscated Hiashi's draft, shredding the speech to pieces before scattering the pieces in the air, a few landing inside his tea. "That version won't do,"
Hinata didn't seem perturbed by his sudden outburst, but still sent a questioning look towards Yoshino, as if asking 'what just happened?'
Her future-in-law didn't get involved, but did smile toward the two.
"Do you need help rewriting it?" Hinata asked him.
Up until now, he had been hands-off the entire time, letting her handle her problems on her own because she had shown him she was strong. But now that they were engaged, he didn't want to leave her to handle anything on her own anymore. He wanted to be there for her.
"I don't want you to worry about it," He replied. She couldn't do anything about his smile, and though normally she would've stepped in to take control of anything that would directly impact her, she decided it was okay to let him handle it this time.
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Hanabi was wide awake, listening to the vacuum-like white noise coming from outside the hospital window. The vibration from the machinery being operated nearby sent her mind into an anxious state. Her thoughts became louder than any external stimulus.
A knock on the window prompted her to push herself up. She approached it, pulling back the blinds with a finger to look outside.
Her sister's messenger bird waited impatiently to be let in, hopping back and forth on the window ledge. Hanabi retrieved the message and quickly read it.
Hinata-sama is busy. She sends her apologies and regards. The maids were always so precise and to the point. She was sure her sister's message had a little more emotion behind it.
Hanabi borrowed her sister's messenger, writing a letter to her sensei, asking her to pick up some clothes for her at the store. The Kimono that had been delivered to her last night was not reflective of how she was feeling. Although the fabric was dark, it was too girly and proper, and she didn't feel like dressing up. After releasing the bird, she stayed by the window, leaning against the frame.
With a pained expression, she watched construction workers tear trees down to build phone lines. An aqueduct of tears was threatening to break. Matsuri had been thrilled over the idea of keeping in touch while living far away.
There was also the bitter realization that she couldn't even use the device she had helped get funding for.
She sighed, the world was always ready to move forward whether she was ready or not, teasing the crack inside her heart.
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"I saw your dad waiting for you downstairs, but I don't think he expects you to hurry," Sakura said as she entered the room, setting down a shopping bag over a sofa. She rummaged through the bag, laying out a few pieces of dark fabrics on display.
She stopped to stretch, twisting her body as if she was aiming to do something.
"Ugh, my lower back-It's creaking and cracking today," Sakura complained. "I'm also having a shoulder impingement problem." After Hanabi's surgery, the constant care that also followed left her feeling like she needed to see a chiropractor.
Hanabi cracked a smile as she raised an eyebrow.
"Don't judge me, I may be twenty-one, but I'm old at heart. So where's your sister?" She asked while looking around. "She couldn't make it?"
Her head gave a slight nod.
Hanabi preferred to be with Naruto and Sakura because she wouldn't have to deal with their worried glances. Just like with Neji, she'll miss Matsuri beyond words. The passage of time will drag, but she'll be fine as long as she holds onto the hands that give her unconditional support. And just like back then, they will find ways to keep her mind occupied with mundane conversations, light-hearted jokes, and activities. Hanabi couldn't wait to go on this trip.
"Why couldn't she make it?" Sakura asked.
Hanabi mouthed something and shrugged her shoulders.
"Clan duties…?" Sakura guessed correctly.
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"Sasuke-san, what business do you have that's so important that you have to interrupt me while I'm in the middle of something private and important?" Hiashi asked while he was sitting on a sofa in the lobby, waiting for his daughter to come downstairs.
Sasuke sighed. He had told Hinata about the visit in advance so that he may avoid this scenario. Did she forget to tell her father?
The double door opened.
Naruto walked through, walking up to the two, greeting them.
"Glad we caught you on time. Hinata-chan said we need your approval on something," Naruto said as he approached them.
"Is that so?" Hiashi said with a glimmer of interest in his eyes, as he had received reports that the village's strongest shinobis were close friends with Hanabi.
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By the time Sakura returned to the lobby, she found Naruto had been browsing a world map that lay open on his lap. Sasuke was sitting across from Hiashi with a leg cross, his elbow resting on the armrest.
She walked around them and joined Naruto's side, sitting on the armchair.
"I left Hanabi alone to get changed," Sakura said to Hiashi. "She'll be downstairs soon,"
Hiashi nodded, before turning back to the conversation at hand.
"Do you think it wise to show favoritism by training my daughter? Other clans are going to wonder why their heir didn't get chosen. Then there's the issue of the language barrier. Hanabi doesn't have a way to express herself unless you all learn sign language together," Hiashi said, continuing a previous conversation he was having with Naruto.
"I'm not going to be announcing to the world what I'll be doing. My absence can be explained by saying I went on vacation." Naruto replied. "A few months should also be enough time for all of us to learn the basics of sign language while traveling together," Naruto added.
Hiashi leaned slightly towards the group as he sat on his chair. "Then I presume you will be taking my youngest daughter on a trip for the sole purpose of training her and nothing more?"
"Hiashi-san, we don't have ulterior motives other than strengthening our bonds and ourselves," Naruto replied.
"I'm going to get some warm drinks. Does anyone else want anything?" Sakura asked.
Hiashi denied the offer politely, while doing very little to hide the look of excitement in his eyes, probably at the prospect that Hanabi was going to be trained by the new legendary sages.
Naruto called out the drink flavor he wanted, while Sasuke shook his head in a silent 'no'.
After Sakura left their side, Hiashi turned to Sasuke to ask him further questions. For the most part, everything was going well.
"My daughter is having a small private event in the spring. Hanabi needs to return by then," Hiashi replied.
"Hm?" Naruto wasn't aware there was anything planned for the Hyuga calendar. The Annual clan event wasn't still for another six months. "Which Private event?"
"My daughter's wedding," Hiashi replied. "I'm sure she'll want your team to be there." Hiashi was still in the process of finalizing the details. But it didn't hurt to share the news.
"Um... who's the lucky guy?" Naruto asked.
"I hear you are close friends with Shikamaru Nara," Hiashi said. "I admit I trust him with my daughter because of the connection he has with you."
Naruto sheepishly ran his hand through his hair as he sighed in relief, thank kami he was talking about his best friend here, otherwise, he would've helped Shikamaru should his friends had wished to elope.
"I'm happy for them. Shikamaru is an awesome guy. And we give you our word we'll bring Hanabi back before the wedding, right Sasuke?"
"Yeah,"
"Uchiha-san if you wish to ask me questions about the leadership position you're applying for, I have some time today after a meeting," Hiashi said, suddenly becoming more invested in him since these were the individuals who were going to help Hanabi advance forward in her Shinobi career.
"Leadership position?" Sakura asked in interest, as she had returned with three drinks in her hands.
"He's interested in being the Hokage's advisor," Hiashi replied.
There, in the pit of Naruto's stomach, a feeling began to simmer. Why doesn't Sasuke ever share these things? Naruto wouldn't have spent so much time agonizing and preparing himself mentally and emotionally, had he known Sasuke was planning to stay!
Sakura smiled happily as her eyes shifted back to Sasuke.
"That's fantastic!" She said, while admitting that she hadn't been aware of that. She handed Naruto his coffee and they both cracked open their drinks.
"Oi, teme!" Naruto reached over and punched him on the side of his arm. "What the hell!"
Sasuke's head lulled and glared in his friend's direction. "Should the future Hokage be publicly behaving this way?"
Hiashi took that opportunity to converse with Sakura, asking her more personal question about her life and her job. When Naruto joined in, Sakura went back to sipping on her warm drink while listening to the conversation shifting back to politics.
"Why don't you all join us for lunch?" Hiashi asked, "I'm celebrating my daughter's engagement today over drinks,"
Naruto gazed around, trying to gauge their interest in accepting Hiashi's invitation.
"Sure, we'll be honored," Naruto replied when he didn't see any hints that they would decline.
Sasuke's eyes darted away from the conversation, lifting his gaze in time to a familiar face.
After doing a double-take, he continued to study Hanabi as she cut across the lobby. His eyes fixed on her lithe limbs, as if trying to figure out why his peripheral had made such an error. He had mistaken her for Hinata, even though she was nothing like her older sister.
Her long hair was tossed to one side, which bounced as she took confident strides. There was something about the way she walked that was almost recognizable. Sasuke suspected that was perhaps the way most Hyugas carried themselves in general.
She was still in mourning, her clothes reflected such. A black neck shirt, skirt, stockings, and shoes. He sent a nod over her way, as Hanabi had acknowledged him with her eyes. She had her hands tucked inside her opened jacket as she pulled up, pausing by her father's side.
Her eyes danced around, meeting everyone's greeting with her own. Hanabi's small lips parted slightly, moving to express a 'hi' before her mouth curled into a slight smile that never reached her eyes. And behind her gaze was an aloofness that was probably there to mask her sadness.
"How are you feeling?" Hiashi asked his youngest daughter.
She acknowledged the question with a side glance but didn't attempt to answer it, instead, she sent a quizzical look towards team 7 as she wondered what Sasuke and Naruto were doing there since Sakura hadn't mentioned they were there.
"They've come to ask permission to take you training," Hiashi explained as the pink-haired medic hopped off Naruto's armrest to hand her a warm drink.
From what Hanabi gathered, their plan was coming together. Naruto had already mapped out the routes they'll take and the places they'll go to.
Hanabi said something to her father. And Sasuke's focus on her lips was only to try to decipher as much as he could. Since he couldn't comprehend much of the exchange, he finally understood Hiashi's worries, they needed to learn sign language.
"Today is going to be a very important day for your sister. We're going to be announcing her engagement," Hiashi began, before going on to explain that he had asked Hinata not to say anything until the contract was signed by all parties and finalized.
Sasuke understood Hanabi's apprehensive reaction, as Naruto had previously reacted the same way. And suddenly, Hanabi's eyes looked like they had come to life with surprise once she heard who her sister would be marrying. Her eyes then searched Sasuke's expression for any hint of sadness. She glanced away when she didn't find anything in them. She opened up the can of warm beverage and blew into it, slightly shielding her mouth behind her hand as she took a sip. The situation was confusing to her, as Hanabi had previously believed Shikamaru had merely been her sister's new crush, almost like a plaything to pass the time, not realizing she's being serious the whole time.
Still, Hanabi smiled, as she assumed her sister had chosen to step down to be with the person she loved. She should've known those rumors about being asked to step down by the Lord Hokage himself, weren't true. She was ready to punch the next person who utters lies.
After they exited the building, a few people whispered as they passed by, speculating about Hanabi's neck wound. Sakura paused to transfer her scarf to Hanabi, covering her bandages up before locking her arms with her. As they stood side by side, Hiashi noticed his youngest daughter was almost Sakura's height. When did that happen? He smiled bitterly. How time flies.
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The Hyuga mansion had about ten different entries. Hiashi guided them through the gates that led them directly through cobblestoned streets containing clusters of small traditional houses where the branch members lived. This side of the clan resembled a small village, rather than a mansion, as it was walled around a civilization.
"Are you sure it is okay for us to be here?" Sakura asked Hiashi, noticing the looks they were receiving.
Hanabi let out an inaudible sigh as she stared at them. She wished she could talk.
Hiashi brushed off Sakura's queries.
"They're merely curious, which is a natural thing. It's not every day we have so many visitors," He glanced down at the time, he was running a little late. He continued to cut across town until they reached the center of the town's main square area.
Hinata, Shikamaru, and Yoshino were already there, up on a podium.
They were surrounded by a large crowd that mostly consisted of branch members that murmured valid questions as they found it odd that outsiders were present at such an important town meeting. Hyuga Anbus were scattered about, standing on top of rooftops to keep a watch. Yami and Ko remained in the back, maintaining their post near Hinata.
Hiashi pushed through the back of the group, and the crowd began to part when they recognized him trying to pass through. Hanabi found herself following suit, climbing the stage, and pausing in front of her sister to hug her. Mutters and voices were heard, followed by the voice of cheering and clapping in anticipation for great news.
'Onee-chan, you look beautiful as always.'
"Thank you, thank you." Hinata's eyes took in Hanabi's appearance. "You didn't wear the Kimono I sent you," Hinata noted.
Hanabi rolled her eyes playfully. 'I didn't think it was necessary at the time, but if I had known about this I would've humored you,'
She turned to Shikamaru and nodded his way. Although she didn't know enough about him, she figured he must be a very amazing person since Hinata had chosen him. Looking at him up close, he was a very handsome man once he cleaned up, shaved, and didn't slouch. He had a completely different vibe when his hair was loose as he dressed in very expensive fabrics, reminding her that the Nara clan were wealthy.
With time, the crowd that had gathered grew bigger. The whispering stopped when Shikamaru's powerful voice cut through, providing an answer to their confusion. During his speech, Shikamaru brought up the fact that for generations, the Hyuga clan have only allied themselves with the Inuzuka clan and the Aburame clan, a trust that took a few decades to earn. He tugged at their strings, claiming they didn't have decades to nurture the same kind of trust between the rest of the clans. He used their preferred term, 'Outsiders', this time to refer to any foreign country the Leaf Village currently have a peace treaty. But what would happen should that peace break? He played into their fears about the future being constantly unknown, closing his statement with the solution to the problems they both face.
Although Sasuke kept his emotional aloofness in tack, his eyes gravitated toward Hinata during Shikamaru's speech, appreciating the aesthetics he once despised, his eyes taking in every part of her being as she had turned more beautiful overnight. Their eyes briefly met from across the crowd, and it was easy to see why others seem to fall into the conspiracy that was the vain of her existence. Her doe-eyes portrayed a sickening aura of innocence, as though she's incapable of any kind of harm.
Sasuke figured Nara must've seen something similar in her. That was the only reason Nara's speech seemed to work because her people didn't know Hinata very well as she could deceitfully play the part of the political pawn in distress.
Hiashi stepped forward towards the end to Shikamaru's speech. "My oldest daughter, Hinata Hyuga will be leaving your clan to become the tie that will connect you to the Nara clan, the Yamanaka clan, and the Akimichi clan," Hiashi said, thinking it wise to be the one to deliver the news. The whispering crowd expressed mixed opinions of reverence and disdain as he spoke.
Sasuke snorted in disdain. Was it that hard for Hiashi to just say that they were in love? But that would probably be too taboo and scandalous for the Hyuga clan, who prided themselves in their history. As Sasuke looked around, his brows furrowed, as he took notice of how everyone seemed to be eating up his lies.
Sasuke turned to leave.
"Hey," Naruto said, his hand stopping him. "I know this is not your crowd, but you have to suck it up. If you leave, Kakashi is going to hear about this. And what kind of adviser would you be then?"
He shrugged his arm out of Naruto's grip, to think Naruto had to remind him why he had come in the first place. He needed to get it together.
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As Hiashi wrapped up the meeting, the questions coming from the crowd were centered mostly around Hanabi's injuries as they asked to know the truth, for which Hanabi eventually stepped in, handling the rest of the queries related to her, dispersing any negative perception against her sister as they could read her lips. Then little by little, the crowd was put at ease and began to leave, presumably to return to what they had been doing. Shikamaru took that chance to lead Hinata off the stage with Yoshino in tow.
Naruto and Sakura moved to join them halfway. Shikamaru had caught Naruto's playful punch as Hinata brought a hand to hide a smile as Sakura merely rolled his eyes at their antics.
"When were you planning to share the news?" Naruto asked Shikamaru, reaching for an arm lock, instead, he was subdued by Shikamaru's shadow.
"Probably at our wedding," Shikamaru replied.
"Don't listen to him, Shika is kidding of course," Hinata said, "We were going to announce it at the festival," Hinata replied, meeting everyone's eyes.
"Congrats, you two," Sakura said with a smile.
"Thanks, Sakura-san," Shikamaru replied, while reaching over to Hinata.
She seemed taken aback by Shikamaru's action, as he lifted her hand to his level, kissing the ring on her finger. Hinata smiled and looked away, her eyes searching past Naruto.
Sasuke stepped past Naruto, almost robotically, to congratulate the two. His words seemingly pleased Shikamaru's mother for reasons unknown.
"Thank you, Sasuke,"
Sasuke then stepped away from the attention, as it was becoming increasingly difficult to look at her without his thoughts flashing back to an assortment of memories of her. Less than twenty hours had passed since he had her literally within his grasp, wrestling her while she laughed, her eyes filled with playful intent, while her lips moved and said his name. Kami, were these memories ever going to stop?
"So, what are you guys doing here?" Hinata asked team 7.
'Father invited them.' Hanabi said.
"I'm happy that he did," Hinata said. "But he should've also invited our team, now I'm going to be haunted by their complaints for not being here," Hinata said with a pout.
"It wasn't my original intention," Hiashi admitted that it kind of just worked out that way, as he led the way to the main house for the much-anticipated rounds of drinks.
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A maid entered the dining room and poured everyone a glass of wine as they awaited lunch. Hinata reached from across the table, covering Hanabi's glass, preventing the maid from pouring.
"Hinata-sama, I know you mean well. But you need to stop treating your sister like she's a child." The maid said as she passed around the table to pour Sakura a drink.
"She has a point," Sakura said, grabbing her glass and tipping it in the maid's direction.
"That's hard to do since I helped raise her,"
Shikamaru glanced at her. Reaching under the table to rest his hand on her lap, as if silently saying 'hang in there,' or 'you should let it go,'.
Heaving a long-suffering sigh, she pouted under the scrutiny of his brown eyes and drew her hand back reluctantly. Hanabi sent a smile of gratitude in Shikamaru's way and clapped without a sound as the maid circled back to pour Hanabi a glass.
Hiashi chuckled.
Naruto shifted in his seat, his fidgety movements drawing attention his way as he propped himself up, his knee caps cushioned by the floor pillow.
He raised his glass of wine towards the couple, smiling sincerely.
"So there comes a time in a person's life when they suddenly meet that one person who will always love them, support them and cheer them on unconditionally,"
He flashed a bright smile.
"For Shikamaru, that moment happened not too long ago, believe it or not. Sixteen years, to be exact, his life changed when he met me."
Shikamaru raised a brow, but couldn't hold his serious expression for long, as Hinata giggled next to his side.
"Naruto, it's too late for a confession. Shikamaru-kun belongs to me." Hinata said playfully while hugging Shikamaru's arm.
"You'll have to learn to share him." He turned to Hiashi and Yoshino, "But for those who don't know, long story short, I knew right away that lazy guy over there was a genius because he was smarter than every adult I knew,"
He paused,
"And most of all, Shikamaru has always been kind. He didn't care how the entire village viewed me. He was the first person my age to see me for who I am and accepted me and all my pranks. I didn't know it back then, but he was like a brother to me,"
He took a sip of wine as he thought of those memories.
"Today has been kind of a crazy day for me," Naruto began. "I found out all of my friends are taking significant steps towards the future, and some of us are taking that step together, here's to you guys, congratulations!"
Shikamaru let go of Hinata's hand to briefly wipe a single renegade trying to escape from his eyes.
Troublesome.
"Daughter, why don't you share the story of how you two fell in love?" Hiashi asked.
"Hm?" Hinata seemed taken by surprise. She glanced at Shikamaru, as if waiting for him to direct the question or subject altogether, however, he seemed to be waiting for her answer.
'I wanna know,'
All eyes were suddenly on her. She took a sip of wine, suddenly finding that she couldn't answer the question. Back then, Shikamaru had been in a relationship, and she reveled in the attention he showered her. She hadn't done anything wrong. His previous relationship would've ended even if she wasn't in the picture. She didn't take him from someone else...
"His confession moved me, it happened right before I left to spend my birthday with Hanabi-chan," She replied, knowing that the timeline placed the event right after he was single.
"I remember it a little differently," Yoshino said. "I was there the moment it happened, a little before the Annual clan meeting. I knew right away Temari-san would be in trouble when my son, out of nowhere, was gawking at you," Her eyes were on her son.
Shikamaru laughed awkwardly,
"Really? I don't know if I recall that." Hinata said, surprised.
Naruto pretended to gasp. "Hinata, you homewrecker!"
"I didn't-"
"What's your favorite thing about him?" Sakura was getting secondhand embarrassment over the subject.
Hinata glanced his way and raised her glass. "It's hard to choose, I like everything about him,"
The more she got to know him, Hinata noticed right away how respectful he was, especially towards her privacy. He didn't try to meddle in her private affairs, which felt nice because quite frankly she didn't like being told what to do regarding her clan. When she was with him, she felt as though she could accomplish anything she wanted, she was free to do as she pleased.
"Shikamaru, what do you like about my daughter?" Hiashi didn't bother to hide his tone, which suspected Shikamaru of something.
Just like Hinata, Shikamaru raised a glass and kept it short and vague. "What isn't there not to like?"
'I like him, Onee-chan. I can't believe Naruto almost made him cry. I can tell he's a good person, he's a keeper.'
Hinata was just about ready to change the subject.
"I'm going to miss you all over again after you leave," She said to her sister, while her hand never left Shikamaru's.
'I doubt you'll miss me much. You didn't even make time for me today,' Her eyes trailed to her sister's hand, which was under the table, probably holding onto her fiancé's.
"Hanabi," Hinata said, offended. Her attention, however, had shifted to something their father had said concerning her upcoming wedding.
"I can't believe the phone lines are going to be operational soon. It sucks that Hanabi-chan can't use the phone without a translator." Sakura said, thoughtfully.
"Hm, I'll bring it up at the next Technological convention," Naruto replied.
It wasn't out of place for Sasuke to look disinterested in his surroundings, as he twirled the glass in his hand, thinking he shouldn't have come. He raised an eyebrow in Hanabi's way as he sensed she was about to demand everyone's attention.
Hanabi was halfway finished with her drink. She wanted to circle back to an earlier conversation about the festival. Holding up her pinky finger, she waved it.
She looked at her sensei with intent as she continued to wave her pinky finger.
"Are you talking about a promise?"
It had become a game. Hanabi gave Sakura a thumbs up when she guessed correctly. The next motion was also simple, as she pretended to draw.
"Graffiti?" Naruto guessed incorrectly, earning an eye roll from Hanabi.
"A promise to Sai," Shikamaru had deciphered effortlessly, through a lazy grin, his still fingers intertwined with Hinata's.
Hanabi sent two thumbs up in Shikamaru's way, motioning with her hands that they should keep going. Her pale cheeks were too flushed, probably from almost drinking an entire glass. Hinata wanted to say something but held her tongue since her sister finally seemed to be having fun.
"Oh yea, that's right!" Naruto clapped his hand and pointed toward Sakura and Hanabi. "I promised to take you guys and Sai to the festival," Naruto said while grinning, seemingly understanding what she had been trying to convey. He then stuck his tongue out at Sasuke, as he had done back then when he made the promise.
Hanabi gave a single nod and another thumbs up, as he finally understood what she had been trying to convey.
"Hey Sasuke, do you wanna come to the festival with us?" Sakura asked, believing he would decline. To her surprise, he agreed with a slight nod.
By then, Hinata was no longer following the conversation, as she was being attentive to her fiancé. The microscopic exchange that followed between the two betrothed was visible to Sasuke, for he had been paying attention to them.
"No way, you're going?" Sakura asked. "Whoa, normally you like to play hard to get," Sakura said, earning an eye roll from him as Naruto stifled a laugh.
Sasuke doesn't know why he risked a glance her way. It was almost heart-clenching what the view did to his heart. He had never seen her look that way, her lavender eyes glazed as if dazzled. The spell she was under was probably caused by the person she was staring at, and every word Nara spoke seemed to matter to her. How irritating it was to witness that.
Sasuke looked away when his mind began to travel, dropping him into a particular memory of him hovering over her as he had trapped her between himself, her back against the door. He had almost forgotten that he had done something like that. Even though she had rejected him back then, her signals remained confusing all the same.
Laughter ensued among his friends as the conversation got louder. Sasuke didn't seem fazed by being the center of the jokes happening around him, because Hinata was finally looking his way. He couldn't control the automatic response, or the twitch of his lips as she smiled his way. Was that a little jealousy he had just detected from the prison sitting next to her? Nara had been too quick to steal her attention back.
For some reason, the prospect of potentially being viewed as a threat excited him.
Over the next few minutes, Sasuke twirled his drink in his hand, looking very convincing in portraying to the group that he had been paying attention as he periodically sent agreeable nods their way.
The most agreeable memories he shared with her began to branch off into fantasies about what it would've been like to be dominated by her and all the fun they could've had.
She was a Hyuga, automatically making her very talented in his mind, as she rendered him motionless without any use of ropes or physical restraints. She probably would've said something about not having any intention of ever breaking up with her fiancé. He would've told her one way or another that he wasn't exactly the clingy type.
Sasuke wanted to be consumed by her. And she liked to control too much, so perhaps she might've taken him slowly, her lips suddenly drinking from something else other than a glass of wine.
He placed his drink down, chin propped in one hand as he absentmindedly drummed his fingers against the table, feeling restless.
"What do you think?" Sakura asked, with an animated excitement that made Sasuke almost feel guilty. He had vaguely heard about the plans being made around him learning sign language using his Sharingan, so he may tutor them using a special eye technique.
"Sure, why not?" Sasuke replied, meeting Hanabi's gaze for a moment.
"It's almost hard to believe you used to be a jerk," Naruto commented. "What happened to the sour Sasuke we all knew?"
Naruto's carefree smiles were sometimes very contagious. Yet Sasuke's fantasies immediately seized as he was able to visualize the opposite, a pair of blue eyes staring coldly while calling him a homewrecker, along with the promise of retribution should he try to stand in between Hinata's and Nara's happiness.
His best friend would probably never forgive any kind of indiscretion against Nara. He couldn't blame him, after all the bullshit and drama he put him through with all those years of pointless feuds, Sasuke knew he had already exhausted all of Naruto's graces.
His hand went cold and numb at the thought of losing Naruto. His drumming stopped.
These fantasies needed to be annihilated from both his subconscious. He had more important things to think about when it comes to the future. He had a clan to rebuild. A friend who would never forgive him if he somehow fucks up. An image to maintain since he was possibly going to be Kakashi's right hand.
Yeah, he couldn't fuck up.
"Hinata," Shikamaru's expression remained unchanged as he said her name. She settled her glass of wine down, before looking at her fiancé.
"Yes?"
Shikamaru motioned her over, prompting her to lean slightly his way as he looked like he was about to whisper a secret, his brown eyes narrowing as he appeared to be serious. His hand remained on her lap, their fingers intertwined. Her free hand turned into a fist, trying not to flinch as his lips moved a fraction closer to her ear.
Even as she tried not to flinch, an involuntary chill went up to her spine as he mentioned something he wanted to do to her at the time.
Hiashi cleared his throat, sending a glare in Shikamaru's way for the over-the-top flirtation happening at his table. Hinata retrieved back to a respectable distance, her cheeks reddened while smiling toward her father apologetically. Sasuke quickly downed another glass, now suspecting Shikamaru was just being petty.
Hiashi looked around the table, glad that the conversation was pleasantly flowing. However, he grew anxious, as it shouldn't have taken this long for their meals to arrive.
"Everyone," A maid re-entered the room with more wine, and something about her nervous demeanor looked a little off. "There has been an unforeseeable delay, but lunch will soon commence."
.
Hiashi's fears were realized when Ko walked in after lunch was over, delivering some unsettling news into his ears. The maid in charge of testing their meals had passed away some moments ago from poisoning, and the culprit was quickly tracked down and captured. The attempt had been traced back to a person from the main branch, whose intentions were simply that he rather kill the princess than have her be tainted by an outsider.
His eyes were immediately on his oldest daughter, as she timidly smiled under the scrutiny of her fiancé's intense gaze.
The group split after lunch.
Hiashi called Shikamaru, Hinata, and Yoshino away, to his office, after asking Hanabi to entertain team 7. In the confines of his office, he expressed his concern that the speech didn't exactly go as well as they had believed.
"What were their motives?" Shikamaru asked as Hinata seemed to be trying to gain her bearings. Yoshino placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a look of sympathy.
"They seemed in opposition to the wedding," Hiashi explained. "I'll let you know if my team finds anything new,"
"Hinata, where is Naruto right now?" Shikamaru asked.
She seemed to understand his intentions, so she immediately led the way.
Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, and Hanabi had been lounging about in the living room, huddled under a kotatsu, playing a card game. They glanced up at the sudden, urgent intrusion. When Hanabi met her sister's eyes, she knew something was wrong. She was the first one to put her cards down.
"Naruto, can you check on something for me?" Shikamaru asked as if remembering one of the perks of having sage mode.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"I need you to use your sage mode and tell me what you see around you."
Small clusters of malice were spread across the vicinity, too many to count. Whomever the malice was aimed towards, it was chaotic.
"Shikamaru, what's going on? With this much malice-I wouldn't be surprised if there's an attempt on someone's life tonight,"
"There was already one," Shikamaru replied, his eyes moving towards Hinata's.
"Why would anyone want to do that? Does it have to do with your thesis or your engagement?" Sakura asked.
"Probably both," Naruto replied. "We should probably go and report to Kakashi," Naruto said as he was walking out the door with Sakura following after him. He paused to wait for Sasuke.
"Hey, didn't you have something you wanted to show your sister?" Sasuke asked, motioning to Hanabi.
'What is Sasuke-kun talking about?' Hanabi asked, moving from under the blankets to stand.
Sensing that Sasuke might've said something that he shouldn't have, Naruto stepped in between the daggers that had been tossed around the room. He patted Sasuke out the door.
"Shikamaru, take care of Hinata," Naruto called out.
"Will do," Shikamaru replied with a nod.
Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke came across Yoshino as they gathered their winter garbs. She seemed to be waiting for Shikamaru.
"Ne, Sasuke, portal us back, so we can get to Kakashi faster," Naruto said as he buttoned up his jacket and nodded in Yoshino's way before entering the portal.
Yoshino's eyes followed Sasuke's retreating form as he entered the portal.
.
"I'll be fine," Hinata insisted. "I have to talk to my sister before I go, it's really important to me that I do… "
"Then I'll see you soon," Shikamaru said to Hinata, giving her hand a meaningful squeeze.
He joined his mother by the gates, as she was throwing a scarf over her shoulder.
"I already sent a letter to Lord Kakashi with a mission request. It's likely he already deployed an Anbu to meet us,"
"And did you instruct him that he doesn't assign anyone that knows Hinata?" Shikamaru asked, as he prefers a stranger to handle the protection.
"Yes,"
"Good."
.
When she was left alone with her sister, Hinata took in a deep breath before smiling.
"Could you meet me at my office?" She asked, and received a single nod before the two separated.
Hanabi entered the room, only to find that it was no longer her sister's office. The desk and the bookshelves were empty. Why had she packed so early? Hinata joined her moments later, carrying a single box in her arm. She moved to the middle of the room, settling down on a floor pillow.
'And where is all your stuff?'
"Locked away somewhere safe. Do not look so disappointed, it's only natural that you will inherit my office,"
'Sasuke-kun looked worried about something. What is it that you have to show me?'
Hinata's hands were already in motion, glowing, as she unlocked the box with her chakra. She moved to the side to allow Hanabi to peek inside. "These documents contain all the answers to the questions you asked me back at the hospital," Hinata explained.
'What? Onee-chan, you don't have to show me proof of anything. I'll believe whatever you tell me. And I'm tired. Can we do this tomorrow-'
"I won't be here tomorrow."
'Are you going somewhere?'
"I'm going to be staying with Shikamaru. Naruto confirmed that I'm not safe here anymore,"
'I have to come clean, I got my hands on your thesis yesterday, so I think I understand what's happening' She explained awkwardly, eying the opened box sitting on Hinata's lap.
"How did you get a copy?" Hinata asked, half suspecting, while rising from the floor. She was glaring down at her younger sister for possibly going along with one of Sasuke's whims.
'It's your fault that I got bribed.' Hanabi admitted, shamelessly. She rose, meeting eye-to-eye with her, as they were both now the same height. 'You wouldn't tell me anything. So when Sasuke asked me to open Toneri's letter, I did it because he promised to give me a hint of what started this all.'
"You got kidnapped because of me, and Matsuri-chan was..." Hinata was interrupted from listing all the things she had been haunted by.
'Matsuri wasn't your fault.' Hanabi seemed to mean her words. 'You should get ready. Shikamaru-san is probably waiting for you.'
Hanabi walked past her, her strides purposely remaining silent as turned a few corners around the halls until she reached her father's office. She knocked and waited for an invitation before walking up to his desk, lowering herself onto a floor pillow, prompting his attention to fly up as he was in the middle of signing a mission request.
'Why didn't you tell me anything about what was going on with Onee-chan?' Hanabi asked.
"I kept you in the dark because I did not want to risk causing a rift between the two of you," Hiashi admitted.
'I believe there are more important things in this world, so I don't have time to be angry at someone I love. How long has she been targeted for?'
"This is the first time there was an attempt on her life. It must bring her comfort that you'll be traveling with your friends. You'll be away from this crossfire."
'That's actually why I'm here,' Hanabi pressed her lips firmly as her father watched her with a measuring look in his eyes that gave Hanabi a sense of wariness. 'I came to say that although I may not be able to lead the clan right now, I think I'm ready to perform all of my duties as the heiress. I'm not going on that trip.'
As her father, he still wanted her to travel the world, see new places, get stronger, finish her medical practice, fall in love and be free. But as a clan leader, he needed her to help him hold everything together. Hiashi frowned, as he didn't want to say anything that would further influence her choice.
"Don't you wish to travel the world? See new places? Get stronger? Finish your medical practice?"
'My place is here with my clan. I want to help us become stronger as a collective. I'm sorry, I should've never run away from my duties before. I wasn't ready back then. But I am ready now.'
"You've always taken after me," Hiashi said regrettably. "It wouldn't be fair not to warn you that you may regret it."
'I want to stay.' She pleaded her case again. 'I can't just leave and do whatever I want, knowing our clan is not doing okay.'
Hinata stood frozen by the opened doorway, hesitant to enter. She had come to request an Anbu to escort to her fiancé, only to find her father in the middle of a concerning conversation. Although she hadn't heard Hanabi's words, she had a feeling of the kind of conversation that was happening based on her father's response.
"I'll write to your friends to let them know of your decision. I'm sure they'll understand your reason to stay,"
Hinata silently walked inside and sat by her sister's side while in some sort of daze.
"Hanabi, could you leave us alone for a moment?" Hinata waited until the door was closed behind them before speaking. "She would've listened to you if you had asked her to go and see the world," Hinata said, while not bothering to hide her anger.
"Your sister made her own decision, Hinata. No one forced it on her," Though it had come as a surprise to him that his youngest daughter had risen to the task that she had previously dodged. "She always stands her ground and will never be moved by anyone's words."
"She gave Naruto her word, and he's not going to let her forget that," Hinata said, as if remembering how pushy he can be.
"Your sister is no pushover," Hiashi replied as if the two were making a wager.
"We'll see,"
Hiashi raised a brow. "Are you saying that I have to worry that she'll be taken from our clan as well?" Hiashi asked, as if finally second-guessing what he knew. After all, the way Naruto presented his case, and how adamant he was about taking Hanabi on a trip, made him a bit worried while thinking about that perspective.
Hinata broke into a smile.
"I'm pretty sure that's not the case, father."
Hiashi nodded, not quite convinced by her words. He called out to the Anbu hidden in the area, outside their window.
"Yami-san, I need you to escort Hinata safely to the Nara clan. Her belongings are in her room." Yami nodded and left to do as commanded. Hiashi turned back to Hinata. "Daughter, I'll see you soon, take care of yourself,"
She wiped the sentimental tear as it formed, knowing she'll probably have to stay away for a few months, and will probably not see her father unless he were to visit. "You too,"
.
Yami retrieved her suitcase from inside her room and waited outside, while she changed. The kimono she had worn that day was left on the bed, neatly folded, along with all its layers, as she had ditched them for more flexible, practical clothes.
"Sorry for the wait," She said to Yami. The two walked towards the gates, passing a dormant cherry blossom tree that housed a raven that was known for its attitude problems. Hinata approached the tree, glancing up at the raven, its image synonymous with its owner. And thinking about his name provoked a feeling of nostalgia. He had been clear when he expressed that he wanted no part in any future missions. Since that was the case, she wondered what was left for the two to talk about, with no mission or conspiracy to bring them together and keep them occupied.
Hanabi was home, and she was likely to stay in the village. Thus, Hinata did not need to keep the raven around anymore because she didn't need Sasuke to update her on Hanabi anymore. If she kept his raven, it would be weird, wouldn't it? To have access to him this way without a reason. And in a few weeks, they will no longer require messenger birds anymore, as phones were supposed to be the new thing to replace them.
There was no reason to, and yet she hesitated.
Yami waited, watching.
"You should probably return to your master," Hinata said to the raven.
It cawed, flapping its wings as it attempted to fly as if to show it was still injured from the last time it had rushed into the night. Back then, his fight-and-flight response sent it into a frenzied state of panic after being scared by Sasuke's killer intent.
"You're not the only one that got hurt," Hinata called in response, flashing her arm to show a slightly faded scar. "Fine, I'll take you to him." She reluctantly stretched out her hands, as if changing her mind about something.
It cawed in pain, slowly descending into her arms.
The trip was mostly quiet as they traveled. But as the silence continued to stretch, Yami decided to take a small risk, as something had been bothering him.
"Hinata-sama, may I speak my mind?" He said while pausing on a tree, setting her small suitcase down.
"What is Yami-san?" Hinata replied as she paused as well.
When he bowed down to her, she turned away, irritated by his behavior.
She was no longer his leader.
"Should you command it, I can help you put an end to your engagement," Yami said carefully. He wondered why she didn't seem impressed by his offer.
"Why?" She asked, her voice coated with suspicion, remembering the time her father and Kakashi had disguised themselves and pretended to be loyal subjects.
"When I became lieutenant, I took an oath to protect you," Yami pushed himself off a knee to straighten himself.
"Please do not lie to me and just tell me the reason," She pressed once more. She adjusted the raven from her arm to her shoulder.
"I want to help you achieve your goals-" He didn't see her pulling up a weapon from her sleeve, and now he was up against a tree with his life being threatened by a knife to his neck. Did she need protection?
"Are you going to tell me why you suddenly care about me, Yami-san?"
"I want to be free!" He blurted out. "And we need you to do that. You're our symbol of hope whether you know this or not,"
She let him go.
"Take off your mask." She commanded, a little more composed. She had wanted to confirm something.
When he removed his mask, the seal on his forehead explained it all. She hadn't known he was a branch member from the way he had carried himself around her, as most of her clansmen tended to get nervous around her.
She put away her knife, knowing what she required him for. After all, Sasuke had turned the job down.
"Yami-san, I'm going to pretend that you never offered to murder someone on my behalf. Please put your mask back on."
"Copy that."
Hinata reached inside her jacket to retrieve a mission scroll to assign to him. However, she hesitated, feeling stuck for the first time because any action could easily undo Hanabi's positive view she had of her. And according to Sasuke, people normally just move on when they don't get what they want, and that she should let it go. It was very hard to, when a person was standing in front of her, validating her view and supporting her fight against slavery. What was she supposed to do?
"I understand that you won't trust me right away," Yami said, as if noticing her hesitation. "But feel free to call on me should you need my assistance,"
Hinata seemed to consider it with a small smile. "Alright,"
When they were close to the Hokage tower, Hinata paused, sending Yami a signal.
"I'm sure it's not my place, but I would advise you against a detour," Yami said, as his main mission was to take her safely to the Nara clan.
"Then would you deliver the raven on my behalf?" Hinata asked.
He didn't think he had any other option in the matter.
"What's the name of the owner?"
"His name is Sasuke Uchiha, and he's a very dear friend of mines. I believe he may be at the Hokage's tower right now. I don't have any particular message of importance to go along with the delivery, but I do wish him safe travels, since I don't think I'll be seeing him for a very long time."
.
Sasuke and Naruto left Kakashi's office after being told they weren't allowed to get close to an internal clan affair ever again unless authorized.
Sasuke poured himself a shot of some local distilled brewery and downed it. This was supposed to be his last drink for the day before he heads back to the inn.
Naruto lingered by the window after refilling the bird feeder hanging outside the office. As the cold winter breeze blew, he adjusted his coat and turned to Sasuke, studying him carefully, as though he was trying to understand something.
"Ne, Sasuke, I know Kakashi-sensei wasn't the one that summoned you back then, last night. We were all having fun, so it was kind of rude that you suddenly found somewhere more important you needed to be, other than with your friends,"
Sasuke placed his drink down, looking a bit stunned. Where was this question suddenly coming from? He didn't know his absence had bothered him that much.
"I returned, didn't I?" Sasuke said carefully.
"Where did you disappear to?" He turned towards the window once more.
"Why do you ask?"
"No reason." But he pointed somewhere outside, "I'm just wondering why one of the Hiashi's Anbu is motioning to you from outside the window as if he's trying to deliver something to you,"
Huh?
Sasuke pushed himself off the desk to face the Anbu that wore a distinctive mask he didn't recognize. He suspected this was the soldier that was supposed to replace him, as he had turned down her job.
Yami had climbed inside the office after releasing the raven close to the bird feeder.
"I was sent on behalf of Hinata-sama to deliver the raven," Yami explained, "She didn't mention how it came to be injured, but I'm here to apologize on her behalf. It is yours, isn't it?"
"Is that all?" Sasuke inquired.
Yami wasn't one to forget voices, he quickly recognizes Sasuke's voice as the obscured Suna soldier, who he had seen dwelling inside Hinata's sanctuary at an inappropriate time at night. He tilted his head as if suddenly reconsidering the situation. Sasuke Uchiha was not a Suna soldier, nor her spy. But then what was he? She had claimed he was a very dear friend, a very odd choice of words in his opinion.
Was he a lover, perhaps? No, that didn't appear to be the case anymore. Yami distinctively remembered her saying she wishes him safe travels while also stating she wasn't going to see him for a very long time, which may be a secret code for 'goodbye forever,'.
Ah, so their relationship must've ended once she got engaged.
"Yeah, that's all. Hinata-sama didn't have anything of importance to add," Yami replied, retreating into the night once his side quest had been completed.
"You gotta be fucking kidding me, Sasuke!" Naruto seethed out once the Anbu had left. "Just admit it, you went to see her last night!" Naruto said, his expression shifting into a look of disgust. "Don't tell me you two are-"
"Will you relax?" Sasuke looked straight into the threatening blue eyes he had been expecting, trying to remain calm. "Nothing like that happened, idiot,"
Naruto's smile threw him off as he approached him. It was a little too friendly and bright, not suited for the kind of conversation that was happening. His rinnegan had activated against his will, as Naruto grabbed him by the collar and violently shoved him against the wall. The impact was cushioned by his gravitational powers, which prevented Naruto from doing as much damage as he wished he had.
"Stay away from her, I mean it, Sasuke. If you don't, I'll never forgive you both."
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N/A: Hello all, I don't know what happened, I didn't think there would be that many typos, grammar, etc. I will be editing this throughout the week and maybe giving some more love to other neglected chapters. Stay safe!
"I think Shikamaru is way more invested into Hinata than Hinata is. Sasuke is aware he finds Hinata attractive but knows that just being her friend will never be enough. I think deep down Hinata just wants to be free and marriage would tie her down."
- This was intentional at the time.
"I feel like Hinata goes after men she can't necessarily have or who she shouldn't be with then once she gets them, the excitement wears off and she finds someone else who excites her. That's how it felt with Naruto, shika and Sasuke."
- This was not written intentionally, but you were able to see right through my struggle.
"I'm scared she's gonna do him dirty or cheat with Sasuke. I can't imagine her being okay if shika would flirt and confide in another women the way she does with Sasuke. It's super inappropriate. I feel her and Sasuke have crossed lines that shouldn't have been crossed and it's gonna cause major problems for Hinata and shika moving forward" -Guest
- She wouldn't be okay at all. But Shikamaru unfortunately has never said anything to Hinata directly. And even though he's being warned by others and has witnessed questionable and inappropriate things, he has avoided the subject before because he believes expressing jealousy means he may lose her. And now here we are :(.
Edited: 12-5-21, grammar.
Edited: 9-9-22 grammar, and stuff