Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and its characters; I also don't own His Stand in Bride by Michelle Styles which is the inspiration for this story. M rated scenes and proofreading credits goes to Shirahane Aikawa, thanks a lot to her help and kindly read her stories here in this site as well.
Chapter XXX:
"I will give you my word as the Hyuga heiress..."
Mifune looked at Hinata with interest, "You are aware of what you said meant, right?"
Hinata nodded curtly. By saying she's giving her word as Hyuga heiress meant she is putting her clan's name and reputation on the line.
"I'm taking your words as an assurance but if something unfavorable happens I'm going to assume that it was your fault…."
Hinata was filled by happiness, Mifune's words meant that he allowed the trade and she was sure her husband will be happy about the good news too. "Thank you Mifune-sama..." she said bowing to the older man before her.
"My younger brother Takashi will familiarize you with the industry until the last of Uchiha recover," Mifune said dismissively while turning his back from Hinata.
Takashi's waited outside his brother's room for Hinata.
"What did aniue say?"
Hinata smiled at the older man, "That he'll give Sasuke-kun a chance."
"I shall see you in the morning I'll show you around the Kogyo." Takashi said and left.
Sasuke groaned audibly as he felt a sharp pain in his chest.
"Hinata!" He screamed worriedly remembering the events that happened.
Hinata who just arrived in their room carrying new set of bandages, immediately rushed to his side.
"Sasuke-kun I'm fine you saved me remember? Look what you did to yourself you re-opened your wounds." Hinata said embracing her husband to calm him while she trace her fingertips on the blood slowly seeping through her husband's clothing gently.
"Hinata…"
"You should be resting Sasuke-kun don't strain yourself I will clean and change your bandage with a new one..." she said timidly as she put the first aid kit on her lap.
Hinata reinforced Sasuke's bandages careful not to put any trauma on his wound.
"I almost..." Sasuke trailed off staring at his wife his hand caressing his wife's beautiful face.
"Our life as shinobi will always put us in danger Sasuke-kun..." she reminded her husband.
"But not too soon."
"Don't worry we'll face the dangers together."
"Where's the dobe?" He asked changing the topic.
"He returned to Gaara-san already."
"I guess I owe him our lives huh." He said quietly.
Hinata nodded, "Yes, you owe him a ramen..." she added in.
"Yeah the never ending ramen..." Sasuke smiled fondly of Naruto.
Hinata only laughed. "I already talked with Mifune-sama."
"Hn, what did the old man say?" Sasuke said (as if) without showing some interest on the matter.
"He's giving you a chance and Takashi-sama will help me familiarize with the industry."
"What did you say to make him agree?"
"Umm…I told him that I am giving my word as Hyuuga heiress." Hinata said fidgeting her fingers she knows that Sasuke will be mad.
"What?!" Sasuke bellowed in anger, "Do you even know what that meant Hinata, do you?" he was so angry he could do every possible way (also his pride won't accept the fact that his wife vouch for him and he was supposed to be the one doing that) how could his wife trust him so much?
Hinata was taken aback with Sasuke's ferocity but she did not cower, "I know Sasuke-kun…I trust you enough to say that, to put the Hyuuga name on the line."
Sasuke can only close his eyes he doesn't have enough energy to reason out with his wife.
"Sasuke-kun?"
"Whatever, I'm tired if you're done then leave." Sasuke said lying down the bed on the other side away from Hinata's view.
"Sasuke…" Hinata said sniffling a sob and left the room.
The Next Day
The following morning, Sasuke woke up alone with a tray of his breakfast and medicines on the bedside table and a note.
Sasuke-kun,
I left with Takashi-sama early today. Please eat your breakfast before taking your medicine and please don't move around too much. I'll see you later.
Hinata
Sorry is at the back of his throat and he couldn't say it. It must be it.
"Damn Uchiha pride"
Tetsu no Kuni
Kōseki kōzan of Tetsu no Kuni is where the best quality of iron ore is being harvest. Aside from iron mines, coal mines are also prevalent in the area that is the major source of fuel used to smelt iron into metal.
"This is the pride of our country the Koseki kozan!" Takashi it didn't sound much but the glint in his eyes says that he was really proud of it. Hinata can't help but be in awe in seeing the mines. Outsiders are not allowed near the mines (to protect the mines from enemies) Hinata is among the first outsider to see it.
"Follow me I'll show you how iron is being mined and refined into steel."
Hinata followed obediently.
The day familiarizing and gathering knowledge in the QA department. She's so tired when she returned to Mifune's castle that she's almost dragging her legs back.
"Sasuke's overall prognosis is good and he is healing well, however he is the most difficult patient I have in my life."
"Why did he do something?" Hinata asked worriedly.
"He has a temper." The doctor remarked.
"In behalf of my husband I'm sorry, he wasn't used to being cooped up in bed..."
"It's alright no need to say sorry for his behavior," the doctor said then she picks up the small package over the table and gives it to Hinata, "Here you should apply this on his wounds to facilitate rapid healing, this balm just arrived this afternoon and I've been waiting for you to give this. Oh! And remember to apply it once a day every day until his wounds are fully healed."
"Thank you I'll remember that." Hinata said and left.
Sasuke was lying on his bed when Hinata arrived, he pretended to remain asleep and when Hinata sat on the chair beside his bed he pulled her into a kiss. His kiss was not like his previous kisses for it is more of a hungry and needy, he missed his wife all day and he is yet to say his sorry for making her cry last night. He'll just use his actions to say how sorry he was for what happened, he was so frustrated.
"Sasuke…" Hinata moaned careful not to push herself closer to Sasuke's chest.
"How's your day with Takashi?" Sasuke asked combing Hinata's hair with his fingers.
"It's knowledgeable."
"Hn. Do you think it will be worth it in the end, you putting your trust in me?" He finally asked the question that haunted him throughout the day.
"Yes, I trust you more than you trust yourself my love." She coaxed burying her face on her husband's chest.
Sasuke sighed contentedly, "You had a long day let's rest for the night."
Mifune's Room
"You seem to like Hinata san." Mifune said as he poured sake for him and Takashi.
"Yeah, she reminds me of my daughter, she should be her age now if…"(He trailed off, he doesn't want to recall the tragic death of his family)
"I assume you will be coming with them to the Hidden Leaf Village?"
"Yes, it's about time I leave if you will allow me of course."
"How about we just drink and talk about it for another time." Mifune said raising his cup of sake.
Takashi raised his cup and drank with his aniue.
The day of their journey back to Hidden Leaf…
"Sasuke kun, why are you dressed like that?" Hinata asked noticing that Sasuke is wearing his usual yukata.
"I'm coming with you obviously." He said with a glint of smile on his lips.
"But you are not yet fully healed." Hinata said worriedly.
"I am only wounded not incapacitated, I can handle myself..." He said reassuringly.
Hinata sighed as Sasuke can be stubborn at times, "Fine but you will take frequent rests."
Sasuke nodded.
"Let's go back home…"
Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites. Everyone of you who reads this story of mine makes me feel motivated. Kindly leave your thoughts regarding this chapter and I know it is kinda short but I hope you enjoy it.