When he returned, he found Hinata waiting outside, fidgeting with her fingers and looking distressed. The prayer was still in progress, audible from the outside.What had happened? Did someone upset her? He rushed to her side, his voice laced with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Sasuke-kun, could we go to an inn?"Hinata said nervously.

Hinata's request for an inn left Sasuke on edge, his protective instincts kicking in. "What happened inside? Did anyone hurt you?" he demanded, clenching his jaw with barely contained rage. He was prepared to take on anyone who had dared to harm her, even if it was a woman.

"No, no one hurt me," Hinata reassured him, her voice tinged with fatigue. "I'm just… I'm just tired," she trailed off, looking down at her hands.

They found a nearby inn and rented a room, but Sasuke couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to her story. Hinata had seemed fine before she left for prayer. Something must have happened during that period. She looked visibly stressed as she took a shower and crawled into bed. Sasuke tried to comfort her by drawing her close and hugging her. Her hand reached for his cheek and caressed him.

"I need some time alone Sasuke-kun, I'm sorry." Her reaction caught him off guard. He reluctantly respected her wishes, although he felt more confused and distressed than ever. Something big had clearly happened. He slept in his own futon and turned his back to her.

The next morning, Sasuke woke up before dawn and found Hinata still asleep. As he moved closer to her, he realised that she was crying. "Hinata!" he exclaimed, pulling her by the shoulders to a sitting position. "Why are you crying?"

"Sasuke-kun, do you love me?" Her voice trembled as she asked the question.

"Please, Sasuke-kun, I need to know," Hinata insisted.

"I do," Sasuke answered.

"Do you want to stay married to me?" Hinata asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sasuke was taken aback by her question. "Why all these questions all of a sudden? Let's have breakfast, it's almost dawn," he deflected.

But Hinata persisted. "Please, please, answer me," she implored him.

"If I love you, it means I want to stay with you," Sasuke replied honestly.

"We can't stay married like that," Hinata said quietly.

"What do you mean?" Sasuke asked, feeling a sense of dread wash over him.

"I'm not allowed to marry a non-believer," Hinata explained, her eyes downcast.

"..." Sasuke's world seemed to shatter around him as he realised the full implications of her statement. He had never considered that their different religious beliefs could be a barrier to their marriage. A deep sense of sadness and despair settled over him.

"My faith is an essential part of who I am," Hinata said, tears streaming down her face. "I can't just give it up. And I can't ignore what my religion requires of me. It's not fair to you, and it's not fair to me either. For us to stay together, you have to become a muslim."

Sasuke felt a knot form in his stomach as he realised that they might have to part ways. He had never felt this way about anyone before. He loved Hinata with all his heart, and the thought of losing her was unbearable. "What are you saying?" he asked, feeling his heart pounding in his chest.

Hinata took a deep breath and explained, "A sister saw us yesterday, and somehow she knew you weren't a believer and told me it was forbidden."

Sasuke's eyes widened in shock. "You made me fall in love with you so I'd embrace your religion," he accused, feeling betrayed.

Hinata was taken aback. "What? No, I didn't even know we would end up together," she pleaded, getting up on her knees and reaching out to him.

"You seduced me. You tricked me in your bed," Sasuke whispered, pulling away from her touch.

Hinata's eyes filled with hurt and confusion. "Sasuke-kun, please. I love you," Hinata pleaded. "I didn't know, I told you I need to learn more about my religion." Her hands reached for his hands again.

"And the first thing you learned is how to separate us?" Sasuke asked bitterly, looking deep into her eyes.

Hinata looked at him, her heart breaking. "I don't want to be separated from you. Could you… Could you please, give this religion a chance? " She asked, her voice full of pain and uncertainty.

"Not in this oppressive manner, I won't," Sasuke said firmly. "You can't do this to me."

He yanked her hands off his and got up, feeling hurt and angry. Hinata watched him get up, her heart breaking at the thought of losing the man she loved.

They heard the dawn prayer. Sasuke wore his black cloak and left. Hinata's heart ached as she watched Sasuke leave the room. She wanted to run after him, to beg him to stay, but she knew that it was futile. He was angry, hurt, and confused, and she didn't blame him. She had never meant to deceive him, but it seemed that her faith and their love for each other were irreconcilable.

What is Sasuke doing? What is he thinking? Will he convert? Will he leave her?

Tears could stop pouring from her eyes. She crawled back in her futon and gave herself to endless sobs.

Sasuke stormed out of the inn and into the cold morning air. He walked aimlessly through the empty streets, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He had never felt so hurt and betrayed in his life. How could Hinata keep something so important from him? How could she make him fall in love with her and then drop this bombshell on him?

As he walked, he felt his anger start to dissipate and a deep sadness take its place. He loved Hinata more than anything, but he couldn't compromise on his own beliefs and values. And he couldn't force Hinata to compromise hers either.

He found himself in front of a masjid and paused for a moment, considering whether to go inside. He hesitated for a moment, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The masjid was empty except for a few scattered worshippers. Sasuke sat down and closed his eyes, letting the peaceful atmosphere wash over him.

People started gathering to practise the dawn prayer. But as he sat there, he also felt a deep sense of sadness and confusion. Would they be able to reconcile their differences and find a way to be together? Or would they be forced to go their separate ways?

Lost in thought, Sasuke didn't realise that the masjid had emptied out completely. Suddenly, the imam's voice broke the silence, "Welcome back," he said, smiling.

Sasuke slowly turned to face the imam, his mind preoccupied with the questions that had been weighing heavily on him. "I have some questions," Sasuke said calmly.

"I hope I'm able to answer them," replied the imam, his warm smile reassuring Sasuke.

"Do I have to be a believer to be with my converted wife?" Sasuke asked, his voice laced with curiosity and apprehension.

The imam paused thoughtfully for a moment, considering Sasuke's question. "Marriage is a sacred bond between two people who are committed to each other and to God," he said, his eyes scanning Sasuke's face for any sign of understanding. "However, it is important for both partners to have a shared understanding and commitment to the faith. If one partner is not a believer, it can cause difficulties in the marriage, especially if the believer wants to practice their faith in a certain way. It's important that you too convert to her religion because the children follow their father's belief."

Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of children. "The kids?" he whispered to himself in disbelief.

"The future of the next generation is very important," continued the imam, his voice gentle but firm. "If you both plan to have children in the future, it's important to consider their religious upbringing as well."

Sasuke was lost in thought, weighing his options. "What if I don't convert?" he finally asked, his voice laced with obstinacy.

"Your wife won't be true to her religious teachings," replied the imam, his tone serious and solemn.

"..." Sasuke remained silent, contemplating the gravity of the imam's words.

The imam continued, "Let me tell you about our creator. He, The Most Merciful, created the heavens and earth, created the deserts and woods, the mountains and seas, the planets and the sun. He, the Almighty, created us, the most complex creatures, with all our perfect systems, with our souls, hearts, and brains. All our complex senses and consciousness, neurosystems and psychology. If one gene is irregular, we change. Have you ever held a baby in your arms?"

Sasuke looked at the imam with confusion, unsure of where the conversation was heading.

"What do I need to do to get a divorce?" Sasuke said abruptly, determination evident in his voice.

….

The sound of the shoji door sliding open interrupted Hinata's thoughts, but she wasn't ready to face him. She remained curled up in a foetal position, clinging to the comfort of her covers. Sasuke sat down beside her, but she didn't look at him.

"I can't convert to your faith just for the sake of our relationship," Sasuke's gentle voice filled the silent room. Hinata's body trembled under the covers, but she remained silent.

"I'm leaving," Sasuke's voice remained monotone. "You'll be safe here."

He reached for her arm under the covers and wiped her forearm, leaving behind a seal marking. "If you need anything, summon my hawk to deliver me a message and I'll be there."

Hinata's muffled voice came from under the covers that reached above her head. "Are you leaving me?"

"We are divorced," Sasuke's words were cold and unfeeling. Hinata sat up in bed, her eyes swollen and red.

"Told you not to get too attached," His voice was blunt and devoid of any emotion.

"Sasuke-kun, please don't leave me. I can't take it one more time. This is too painful," Hinata pleaded with him, desperation clear in her voice.

"I don't have a choice. I want you to be true to your religion," Sasuke admitted.

He loved Hinata more than anything, but could he convert to her religion just to be with her? Was it fair to ask her to compromise her own beliefs?

He took his bag and Katana and left, but before he could close the door, he heard her voice again.

"What about your promise to bring me back safely?"

"I'll be back before the end of the year and bring you back," Sasuke's voice was firm.

"But you know I can't travel with a stranger," Hinata reminded him.

"I dont give a fuck." Sasuke's curse was louder than he intended, but he didn't care. He was done with all the religious nonsense. He slammed the door shut and left, finally embarking on his journey of freedom.

Hinata just stared at the door in disbelief. This wasn't happening again. She couldn't bear to be abandoned by the one she loved the most. She regretted ever leaving the village, ever visiting the Masjid, and ever falling in love. Again. This was the worst day of her life.

Hinata lay in her bed, tears streaming down her face as she prayed for guidance. Her heart was heavy with the weight of her conflicting emotions. She loved Sasuke with all her being, but she also cherished her faith and her religion. The thought of having to choose between the two tore at her soul.

As the day wore on, Hinata became more and more anxious. She didn't know where Sasuke had gone, or what he was doing. She wondered if he had left her for good, or if he was just taking some time to think things over. What does he mean by divorced? She doesn't want to get divorced? He can't make this decision on his own! He must be joking right? He will open the door and return. She hoped that he would come back to her, that they could talk things over, and find a way to reconcile their differences.

But as the sunset prayer echoed in her room, Hinata realised she had spent the entire day in bed, neglecting her religious duties. Ashamed of herself, she took a deep breath, wiped her tears away, and rose from her futon. She knew she had to be strong, even though it was easier said than done.

Hinata went to see the imam. She must ask him about the divorce issue.

...

Meanwhile, Sasuke bounded from tree to tree, enjoying the perfect weather. He was not obliged to fast, so he stopped by the convenience store and bought some necessities. He climbed up to a tree branch and had breakfast while gazing out at the scenic mountain below.

As he journeyed, Sasuke reflected on his relationship with Hinata, from their first meeting to the passionate love that had ultimately been undermined by religious differences. He realised now that he had been wrong to believe that love was enough to bridge such a fundamental divide.

After all, he was an Uchiha, from the mighty Uchiha clan, who created fire from nothing. He, Sasuke Uchiha, has the abilities to create lightning and even miniature planets. He was powerful, and he would never debase his too-perfect-self and put his face on the ground for anyone, let alone for religious reasons. What was Hinata thinking by asking him to give it a chance? He would never be that devoted to anyone or anything.

Sasuke lived life on his own terms. He answeres to no one, and he certainly didn't intend to let anyone control him or tell him what to do. He planned to enjoy his freedom and forget about everything that had happened between him and Hinata. He would bring her back after a year, and everything would be as it was before. He just needed to use his time wisely.

The sun was beating down on Sasuke's back as he ate his meal in the open air. It had been a long time since he had broken his fast during the day, and it felt strange to eat in broad daylight. But he did it anyway, because no one tells him what to do. Sasuke had always been a free bird, and he wasn't about to change that now.

After travelling all day, Sasuke set out to find a place to rest for the night. He finally found a clearing and made a fire, setting up his bed nearby. As he lay down, the thought of Hinata returned. He remembered how she had invited him to share her tent, but he had pushed her away telling her to not get too attached to him while he was convincing himself that.

Travelling with her was different than travelling alone. She brought sweetness and companionship to the journey that he had never experienced before. He missed her presence, even though he tried to deny it.

As he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, memories of Hinata flooded his mind. He could hear her whispering his name, and feel her soft kisses on his face. He could feel her body pressed against his as they slept together. Her memories never left him, and he knew he couldn't escape them. He tried to tell himself that with time he would forget her, but deep down he knew it was a lie. He needed to move on, but he didn't know how.

…

Hinata was struggling to cope with Sasuke's absence. He had indeed divorced her and left the paperwork signed by the imam. She had never felt so alone, heartbroken and devastated. She couldn't believe that Sasuke had left her, and she didn't know how to move on from this. She prayed for strength and guidance, hoping that she could find a way to move forward. She knew that she needed to stay true to her beliefs and values, but it was difficult without Sasuke by her side.

Hinata spent the next few days in semi-isolation, only leaving her apartment to go to the Masjid, buy groceries, or get books to read. She talked to no one, and kept to herself. She had found an apartment near the Masjid with the help of the imam, and it provided her with some solace.

…

Sasuke, on the other hand, was constantly on the move. He travelled from one place to another, never staying in one spot for too long. He tried to keep himself busy, but his thoughts kept returning to Hinata. He wondered if she was okay, if she missed him too. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of those thoughts. He didn't want to dwell on the past anymore. He had a year to himself, and he planned on making the most of it.

Sasuke trekked for days, each step taking him farther from her. At times, he would pause to rest or hunt for food, but the guilt of leaving Hinata weighed heavy on his mind. He couldn't help but second-guess his decision to end things with her. Had he acted too hastily? Was leaving her behind the right choice? But it was too late now. He had made his choice, and he had to stick with it. He would go back for her, fulfil his promise to bring her back, and then they would both go their separate ways.

Sasuke kept travelling, discovering new places and new culture in the land of copper until he reached the borders. What if she needed him? What if she was in danger? He had promised to protect her, after all. He made sure to keep his travels within a few days' distance from her location, always keeping a watchful eye out for any sign that she might require his assistance. But what if she didn't need him? She was a skilled shinobi, after all. Regardless, he had made a promise to her, and he intended to keep it.

One day, while taking a break on a tree branch, Sasuke spotted a woman carrying two heavy buckets, one filled with fish and the other with water. Her shoulders drooped, and she moved with great difficulty, burdened not just by the weight of the buckets but also by a large belly - she was pregnant!

Why was she subjecting herself to such physical strain? Where is her husband? Does she have a husband? Did he leave her too, because she wanted him to convert?

Thanks for reading. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.