Chapter 4
1 Days Later:
It was early morning when Hinata decided to make Konohamaru some broth to drink. She didn't get a chance to talk with the boy last night as he had fallen asleep. She soon discovered the boy was a charmer, and with enough food to fill in his sunken cheeks, he would be a good-looking man.
Hinata rested the spoon on the silver tray and placed her hands on the top of her lap. The boy, Konohamaru, was still weak and could barely move. She opted to feed him until he regained his strength when she saw the boy trying his hardest to pick up the spoon.
"Konohamaru," He coughed harshly, and she winced, "where are your parents?"
"Dead." He whispered slightly. "War… dead… family." He croaked. He chewed the bottom of his lips, and the tears poured down his sunken face. He didn't want to cry. He was a man, but he couldn't help it. Nobody had been this kind to him after the incident- even if it was for a little while.
His heart fluttered as Hinata embraced him. "It's okay to cry." She stroked his greasy chestnut hair. "I lost my family in the war too." She replied in a soft tone. She leaned back on the chair and wiped the tears from his eyes. "You're not alone."
"I don't want to die." He responded after a while of silence. The tears formed again, and he cried. Hinata sat there and waited for the young boy to settle down. A slight roar left his stomach, and Hinata giggled.
"Are you still hungry?"
He nodded slowly, and Hinata placed a spoon of lukewarm broth into his mouth.
Their heads quickly turned when they heard somebody clearing their throat.
"N-Naruto." She got up and bowed. Konohamaru's eyes widened as the young maid just address the master by his first name. He stuck his nose in the air, and there was a slight pout noticeable on his face. Hinata approached him. "How can I help you, sir?"
"Hungry." He simply said as he still did not bother to look at her.
Hinata's eyes widened. "Ah, it's breakfast time." She bowed repeatedly. "Please bear with me while I prepare you something." She glanced over her shoulder. "Konohamaru, I'll be right back. Naruto," She called out. "Can you feed Konohamaru while I'm out?" Before he could say another word, she quickly left the two.
Naruto sighed under his breath. "When did she start demanding things?" He muttered. He found himself walking to the boy. This was his second time seeing him since yesterday, and he looked better than he did before.
He hovered over the bed, and the boy glanced at him. He smiled meekly. "T-thank you, sir. You're very kind."
The room was quiet, and Konohamaru shifted uncomfortably. Naruto just sat there and crossed his arms and glared at the boy. If looks could kill, there would be no more of the human race.
Konohamaru tried to avoid the menacing stare, and he began to break out into a sweat. "How old are you?" Naruto asked.
"Old enough to be considered a man." He laughed nervously. Naruto tapped his fingers against his skin impatiently, and he eyed Konohamaru down. "I'm fifteen, sir." He gave in.
"Where are your parents?" He inquired.
There was a moment of silence before Konohamaru spoke. "D-dead."
"Brothers? Sisters?"
Konohamaru shook his head slowly. The young lad could hear the aggression in his tone, and he couldn't understand why.
"I don't trust you."
"S-s-sir. What do you mean?" Konohamaru's eyes widened.
"Give me your name." He snarled.
"My name is Sarutobi Konohamaru."
"Sarutobi?" Naruto questioned. "You're related to the third Hokage?"
"Yes, sir."
Naruto snickered as his whole facial expression lightened up. "Are you the young boy who used to run up and down the marketplace saying he'll be the Hokage one day?"
Konohamaru face turned red for a second, and then he shook his head. "I still dream of becoming the Hokage. I want to make a difference to Konoha." He felt himself getting riled up. "There are so many of us dying, starving, and the Konoha Council doesn't care." Konohamaru gripped the blankets as he felt his blood rushing through his veins. "Nobody cares."
Naruto hummed. "And you can make a difference?"
"Yes." His voice went low. "My grandfather was the Hokage, and during his reign, it was a time of peace before he came along." Konohamaru spat. "I don't believe my grandfather died because of tuberculosis. He was killed." He said grimly.
"What a bold statement to assume," Naruto replied. "Did you let anyone else know?"
"Yes, but they call me crazy!" He gritted his teeth.
"Wow," He snorted, "you really want a death sentence, huh?"
Konohamaru gazed at Naruto with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"
"You shouldn't speak about the war and the former Hokage. Those are stuff that no longer concerns us." Naruto said, getting up.
Konohamaru gritted his teeth. "How could you say such a thing! My grandfather is someone I can't forget. If he were still alive, there would be no war, and kids wouldn't be out there starving!" The tears began to form.
"If you continue to speak about such nonsense in my house again, I will kick you out myself," Naruto replied coldly.
"Naruto, sir, your breakfast is prepared," Hinata said as she bowed. Konohamaru quickly lowered his head. "I'll be back, Konohamaru." She told him, unaware of the sudden mood change.
Naruto walked behind her as she led him to the dining room. He sat at the end and stared at the food on the table that consisted of a small bowl of rice, miso soup, and two small pieces of fish and some natto. Hinata poured some green tea into a teacup and placed it in front of him.
Naruto picked up the wooden chopsticks between his fingers. "Hinata," She glanced at him as he continued to stare at his food, "I'll be home for the time being, but make sure that boy doesn't talk about war or the former Hokage anymore while he's here."
Hinata tilted her head to the side. War she understood, but why not the former Hokage? He had done a lot for the civilians of Konoha and other countries. "Yes, sir."
"You've been taken care of that boy. Did you even eat yet?" He inquired.
"No, sir. I just want to make sure he's getting better." Hinata replied.
"Don't get attached to him, Hinata. It won't do you good when he has to leave." Naruto ate some of the rice. "Eat something before tending to him again." He commanded.
Hinata bit her lower lip and hanged her head. "Yes, sir." She mumbled.
"You're dismissed." He fanned her away.
Hinata turned her back on him and went into the kitchen.
Once the room was cleared, Naruto hummed. "I guess Itachi was right."
3 Days Later
Konohamaru was doing well enough to walk on his own. He stumbled every so often, but he was doing way better, although his cough was still there.
"You're doing well kiddo, but we need to get rid of that cough," Tsunade said as she pulled out a bottle of liquid medicine. "This will kill that cough in a day or two." She poured the syrup-like liquid onto a spoon.
Konohamaru stared in horror at the black gooey substance, and before he could escape the room, Hinata yanked him down on the bed.
"Now, Konohamaru," She wiggled his finger in front of his face, "This will make you feel better and get rid of that stubborn cough. Do you want to get pneumonia?"
Konohamaru quickly shook his head and opened his mouth widely. He gaged on the horrible tasting medicine and promptly drank a cup of water.
Tsunade ruffled his head, and she smiled. "Let him take this every morning and every night until it's gone.
"Thank you, Dr. Tsunade," Hinata replied.
"It's my job, Hinata. There's no need to thank me." She said, getting up. "How is Naruto doing?"
"He's doing fine," Hinata said.
"Is he treating you okay? Please let me know if he's not, and I'll straighten him out for you." Tsunade said, holding up her fist.
Hinata raised her hands up. "He treats me better than my other masters, Dr. Tsunade." She poked her fingers together. "He has his moments, but he's really kind." Her voice softened.
Konohamaru looked at Hinata and crossed his arms. 'Don't tell me she likes that creep.'
"He should treat you kind- always," Tsunade said. "You're a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul." She sighed. "I know he can come off as cold, but please don't leave him." She gazed into Hinata's lavender eyes. "He truly cares about you."
'He cares about me?'
'He cares about her?'
Tsunade shook her head as she remembered him always coming to visit her about Hinata's well-being. She wondered if the youngster realized how deeply he cared about the girl.
"Baa-chan," Naruto barged into her office.
"What is it?" She sighed as she realized the boy would never respect her. No matter how many times she'd beat him, he never gave up. It was rare he would call her by her first name, and it had to be a dire situation for him to do so. But hell! She was the first female doctor of Konoha and saved so many lives.
"It's Hinata. She's been spacing out lately. Do you have any medicine I can give her?"
"She's a delicate and fragile creature, brat. And she's probably scared out of her wit's end. Being a maid is backbreaking work." She said as she documented in her notepad.
"What's hard about being one? You just clean, and the rest of the day belongs to you." He shrugged his shoulders.
"Not everyone has a kind master, Naruto." She glanced at him. "Maybe she never got to experience that? She's still young. You should be more kind to her." She scolded him.
"I am. Hinata's living in my house, she gets paid, and she gets to eat. What more could I do for her?" He let out a dry sigh. "Maybe I should let you re-evaluate her? Just to make sure she's doing okay. She looks better now that she's eating properly, but- He stopped talking and ran his hand through his blonde hair, "I've been getting these weird headaches." He said, changing the topic.
Tsunade got up and headed to the door. "Oh, I heard you used to work for Saya?" Hinata nodded. "Does she come here often?"
"Only once, but Naruto told me not to let her in anymore," Hinata replied.
"He has his reasons, I suppose," Tsunade said aloud.
"Excuse me?"
"It's nothing. Take care, Hinata."
"Let me walk you to the door."
Tsunade shook her head. "I can see myself out. Get well, Konohamaru."
1 Week Later
It was midday, and Hinata was outside in the garden, along with Konohamaru.
"Are you sure you're feeling well enough to be out here?" She asked.
"I'm feeling better than I did!" He smiled brightly. He coughed a little.
He helped her by plucking some of the "weeds," and Hinata stared at him. "Konohamaru, no. Those aren't weeds." He looked down and saw it was some flowers. "I thought you knew about gardening."
Konohamaru rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I don't." He said sadly. "I just needed ways to make some money."
"I understand. Do you attend school?"
Konohamaru shook his head. "It's been such a long time."
"School is so important," Hinata said. She remembered before the war; she would attend school with her elder brother that was closer to the house. It was a prestige place that high-ranking Hyugas visited. She knew how to read and write, and do basic math, and even learned an instrument or two, but anything other than that, she had no idea as she had been doing this job since she was small.
"Hinata, why do you call your master by his first name? He's a little cold, but that's disrespectful coming from someone in your position." Konohamaru said. "I don't want you to get hurt, so please stop calling him by his name."
Hinata tilted her head to the side, and a soft giggle escaped her lips. "Ah, Naruto doesn't mind. He's the one that told me to do so. He doesn't like being called that."
Konohamaru twisted his face. "Really?" He crossed his arms. "He seems cold-hearted," he paused, "but I'm grateful he hasn't kicked me out during my time of recovery." He wiped his nose and grinned at Hinata. "Thanks for your help."
"It's my pleasure," Hinata responded.
Konohamaru gazed at the setting sun and didn't realize they were out there for so long.
"I should start preparing supper. Would you like to join me?"
Konohamaru followed behind Hinata, who entered the kitchen from the backway. He watched as her hair swayed back and forth with each movement she made.
He sat on the wooden stool and watched Hinata as she prepared supper. He was sad because he knew his time here would be short, and he needed to get going. He was getting better and didn't want to take their kindness for granted.
"Here," Hinata said, giving him a slice of cake.
His mouth watered as he hadn't had any sweets in so long. "B- but won't you get in trouble without asking for his permission?"
Hinata turned her back on him as she chopped up some carrots. "No, he told me to eat until my heart is content."
It was like a rollercoaster of emotions swept his mouth with each bite, and he sighed dreamily. It reminded him of his mother and her cooking. "Hinata, do you like him?" He suddenly asked.
She stopped chopping the carrots momentarily. "Naruto's my master and nothing more." She said as she continued to cut the carrots.
There was a deafening silence.
'I don't have time to think of love.' She thought. 'There are so many things I need to do. Hanabi's school fee is due next week. She's going to need some more clothes, and… there's no time for that.'
Maybe when Hanabi was done with school and married off to a nice man, then she would consider quitting this job, but for now, Hanabi was her number priority.
Konohamaru was in the kitchen waiting for Hinata to return to take out his food. He hovered over the pot, and his mouth watered. He gazed at the brown door and tiptoed towards it. He heard the two talking in the background, and he pressed his ear against the door and listened carefully.
"Hinata, how is Konohamaru doing?" Naruto asked.
"He's doing fine. He's been coughing every so often, but the medicine Dr. Tsunade provided will get rid of it."
Naruto nodded. "I hope you haven't been getting too attached to that boy."
Hinata looked down. "B- but sir, do we have to let him go?" She asked. "He can do some cleaning or take care of the garden, but it's so cold out there for an orphan."
Naruto scoffed. "Are you going to take in everyone that's ill?" There was no answer. "Hinata, look at me when I'm talking to you." She slowly rose her head and stared at him. "I told you not to get attached, but you still did it anyway."
"He's young, and he reminds me so much of my sister." She mumbled. "It'll be too cruel to let him fend for himself."
"If you care so much, why don't you use your wages to pay for his boarding school expense." Naruto sipped on some red wine.
More than half of her wages were going towards Hanabi school, and the little she did have was to save up for Hanabi so she would have something to live off.
"I would if I had the money, sir," Hinata replied. "Do you need me for anything else?" She spat coldly. Hinata wasn't expecting that, and she kind of surprised herself by her tone of voice. Naruto was also taken back when he heard that.
He raised his eyebrow and a frown set in. "Should I punish you for taking that tone with me?"
Hinata bowed. "Do as you feel fit, sir, but I do apologize for my tone."
Naruto had never once punished Hinata since she became his servant. He may have raised his voice and yell at her, but she had never once received any physical punishment.
He intertwined his fingers together and stared at the food before him. A soft sigh escaped his lips, and Hinata became worried. "If you were still living with my Aunt, would you do the same thing?" He asked. Hinata lowered her head as she thought about it. He slammed his hand on the table, which startled Hinata. "You've ruined my appetite." He said in a low voice. "I told you not to get attached to that boy, and you went ahead and did it anyway!" He threw his arm slightly. "I already took you in much to my dislike. Would you prefer I take him in and kick you out since you're so concerned?" He raised his eyebrow slightly as he watched Hinata trembled in fear. He threw the handkerchief on the table and walked away.
Hinata felt her eyes watered when he slammed the door.
Konohamaru wiped his eyes, and he quickly scattered to the stool. Hinata came back with a tray of untouched food and smiled. It was apparent that the girl had been crying. "He wasn't hungry, so let's eat."
It had been three days since the incident took place, and Naruto had yet to speak to her. Every time she'd call him for supper, he didn't acknowledge her. Hell! He wouldn't eat the food she'd prepared.
He would brush past her when she tried to approach him and would give her a chilling stare.
She hanged her head in shame as she sat on the stool in the kitchen. She was counting her days because she knew she would soon be fired.
Konohamaru sympathized with the girl, and he felt horrible. It was his fault this was even happening. If he had never shown up, Hinata wouldn't haven't been in this predicament.
"I'm sorry, Hinata." Konohamaru said, "If it weren't for me, you would be in this situation." A sad frown appeared on his way. "But what he is doing is not fair."
Hinata looked up and smiled weakly. "It's not your fault, Konohamaru. I'm afraid my mouth has gotten me in trouble." She got up. "Would you like to help me prepare supper?"
Naruto sat on the edge of the bed with his hands intertwined. He knew he could be stubborn, his mother always told him that, but he refused to acknowledge Hinata. How dare she make a mockery out of him? Or disobey his orders?
Why did she care about the boy so much? Was he worth her job? He crossed his arms as he allowed his mind to wander.
"She's only known him for two weeks. She's known me for almost three months." He said to himself. He frowned deeply at the thought of it.
His stomach growled at him for neglecting him for the past few days. He went out to eat, but it seems his taste buds became spoiled ever since Hinata started cooking for him. And his favorite ramen shop, Ichiraku Ramen Shop, was closed.
He laid down on the soft mattress and gazed at his ceiling. A slight smirk crossed his face. "I'll find work for the boy and forgive, only if she bows down to my feet." He laughed bitterly.
Hinata stood in front of Naruto's bedroom. She had to apologize to him for her behavior. She knew he was still upset because he hadn't left his room for breakfast or came down for the daily newspaper. This was his house, and she had no right to upset him like that. It was selfish of her.
She let out a long drawn out sigh and knocked on his door. After a while, the door creaked opened until she was in complete view of Naruto.
"Sir," She bowed.
He yawned. "Is it important?"
"Um, well- I wanted to apologize for my behavior." She glanced up at him, "You were right, and I failed to realize this is your house, and you are my master. I don't know what overcame me, but it just troubled me with Konohamaru." She frowned slightly. She went on her knees and bowed down by his feet. "Please forgive me."
"Hinata, get up." He sighed as he looked down at the pitiful girl. In his mind, he was dancing up a storm, but he knew he had to fulfill his promise. She rose slowly and lowered her head. "I must admit I've been shocked by your behavior ever since that boy came here." He shook his head. "To keep you happy, we'll look for work for him."
Hinata's eyes sparkled, and she clasped her hands together. "Thank you, sir!" She kept bowing. "I'll let him know right away!" As she was about to turn around, Naruto called out. "Hinata," She turned around, and Naruto rubbed his cheek, "can you make me some miso pork ramen?"
Hinata smiled brightly. "Yes, sir."
He listened to her footsteps as she ran down the stairs. "Konohamaru" He heard her shout until her voice faded. "I didn't know her voice could go any higher." He chuckled to himself. "She's full of surprises, huh?"
Hinata opened the door to the infirmary, and she couldn't stop herself from grinning. "Konohamaru," Her voice softened as she saw the empty bed and a lone piece of paper resting on the pillow. Her hand trembled as she browsed through the notes.
Dear Hinata n Naruto,
Thank you for your help. I'm sorry to leave in such a hurry. But I'm more than grateful for your kindness.
Take care.
~Konohamaru
Hinata's heart sank as she ran upstairs with the letter in her hand. "Sir! Naruto!" She shouted.
Naruto rushed out of his room when he heard the girl shouting for him. "Are you okay?"
"Konohamaru is gone! He left." She said, handing him the letter. "He's not done with his medicine, and he's still coughing, sir."
Naruto read over the letters and sighed. "I'll go look for him," Naruto said, heading back into his room to grab his blazer. "Stay here just in case he comes back."
Hinata nodded. "Yes, sir. Please stay safe."
She said a silent prayer, hoping the boy would be found. S
Two weeks had passed since Konohamaru disappeared. Naruto went looking for him, but there were no traces of him. Hinata was deeply troubled, and she couldn't stop herself from thinking about him.
"Sir, do you think he's okay?" Hinata asked as she cleaned the parlor he sat in.
"Do you mean alive? I don't know." Naruto said. "Try not to concern your mind with that boy, Hinata." He frowned. "He left on his own, so now it's time you let him go."
"Yes, sir." She mumbled.
She had a feeling something like this would happen.
Flashback
As the days went on and with Hinata's kindness, Konohamaru was feeling a lot better, but Hinata noticed the puzzled look on his face.
"What's the matter, Konohamaru?" Hinata asked as she placed his food on the table. "Are you okay?"
He shook his head. "It's nothing. I'm just grateful is all."
Hinata ruffled his head and smiled brightly. "You remind me just of my little sister. Get better, okay?"
"I will. Thanks to you and Mr. Scrooge."
"Maybe he had overheard the conversation we had?" She said to herself.
"Hinata, it's time for my bath," Naruto said as he got up from the red cushioned chair.
The sun was setting, and Hinata was consumed with the thoughts of Konohamaru. She poured a wooden bucket of water over his head, and she exhaled.
"Hinata," Naruto hummed, "your nails are hurting me."
She quickly looked down and saw she was massaging his chest with her nails instead of his scalp. His chest turned red, and she was more than embarrassed. "Sir, I am sorry. Please forgive me."
"Wouldn't it be best to forget about him?" Naruto frowned.
Hinata shook her head. "No, I don't think so."
"It was rude for him to leave in a hurry after everything you've done for him."
"I know, but I suppose he had his reasons, sir," Hinata replied as she wiped the nape of his neck with a washcloth. The gentle touch of her fingers grazed against his bare skin, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
"Hinata," Naruto said.
"Yes, sir?"
"Sakura is hosting a tea party tomorrow for the ladies, and she has personally invited you." He informed her.
"It'll be an honor to serve her," Hinata replied.
"You're not going as a maid, but as a lady. You are to have fun." Naruto told her. "I wasn't going to let you go after your outburst in the dining room, but it's the least I can do for you since you've been loyal to me so far."
Her eyes widened. This was her first invite to a party that her heart skipped a beat. "Err- sir, it's okay. I shouldn't be at such events as those." She said softly, the more she thought about it.
"Why not?" He said. "You can have the day off and enjoy yourself. Sakura is a nice lady."
"She's very kind and beautiful, sir. But I can't afford to take the day off."
"Do not worry about your pay. You're going."
Hinata nodded. "Yes, sir."
The two were silent as Hinata continued to wipe him down. Her face flushed once she noticed Naruto was gazing at her. "S-sir, are you okay?"
After a minute of silence, he came to his senses. He cleared his throat. "Come to my room so I can give you an invitation." He said as he rose from the bathtub. Hinata grabbed the towel and wrapped it around his waist.
All night she stared at the white and golden invitation, and her heart melted. She had always served Saya and her tea parties and wondered what it will be like if she attended. At night, she would daydream and couldn't help but giggle to herself.
She was nervous, but the sheer excitement of being invited to something made her heart leaped for joy.
"Sakura is so kind and beautiful." She smiled. Even a young gloomy girl could feel excitement once giving an opportunity.
The following day, Naruto had accompanied Hinata to Sakura's house, which was a little distance. He walked behind her and couldn't help but stare at her figure. The way her hips swayed back and forth with each step she took, put him in a trance. The plain lavender kimono wrapped around her body and provided an excellent figure for any man's eyes to wonder.
"Sir, thank you for accompanying me," Hinata turned around. Naruto eyes wondered to her big saucer-like eyes as he pondered how long he had been staring at the girl. "It was very kind of you."
"I know how much you space out, so I didn't want you to get lost," Naruto said, walking past her. Hinata silently followed behind him. "Remember, you're just here to enjoy yourself." Naruto reminded her as he stopped a few inches from Sakura's house.
She stared down at the ground and poked her index fingers together. "Go on." Naruto ushered her.
Hinata swallowed what she wanted to say and headed towards the entrance. She glanced over her shoulders a few times to make sure he was still there, and he was- waiting for her to leave his view. She smiled weakly at him before disappearing around the corner.
An older maid greeted Hinata with a smile as she took the invitation from her. "Please join Lady Haruno and her guest in the back." The woman said as she guided her to the garden.
"Thank you," Hinata said, bowing slightly.
The woman couldn't help but smile at the respectful girl as this was the first girl to bow and show some manners since stepping foot here. "Please, enjoy."
Hinata looked around and saw several young girls, dressed so elegantly, surrounding the pink haired lady.
"Hinata," Sakura greeted as she approached the girl. "Oh my, what a cute kimono," She squealed.
"Thank you," Hinata bowed. "And thank you for inviting me." She poked her index fingers together, "This is the first time I've been invited to a tea party."
"It's my pleasure," Sakura bowed, "Let me introduce you to the other girls," Sakura said, bringing Hinata amongst the gossipers. She avoided eye contact with them. She felt them boring holes into her body. "Hinata, this is Lady Yumi," Sakura said, pointing to the brown hair girl, "and her cousin, Meiko."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," She bowed.
"Likewise," One girl responded.
"This is Lady Sara and her little sister, Mimi,"
Hinata bowed as the young girls, poked their nose into the air and turned away.
Sakura gripped Hinata's hand. "Don't worry, they are like that to everyone," She pulled Hinata towards her best friend, Ino, who was talking with a shorter girl.
"Ino, Hinata's here," Sakura said with excitement in her voice. "Isn't her kimono lovely."
"Ah," Ino said, lifting the sleeves of the kimono, "Is this Madam Yuuhi's work?"
Hinata nodded. "Naruto got it from me."
"Naruto?" Both Sakura and Ino said, raising their eyebrows in shock.
"Uh," Hinata blushed, "Please don't be upset with me, but he told me to call him by his first name. He doesn't like it when I call him my master." She mumbled.
"That sounds like him," Sakura muttered.
Ino nodded in agreement. "Try to refrain from saying his name in public as others may not take it well." Ino placed her hand on Hinata's shoulder. "News travels fast."
Hinata felt her heart swelled because the two girls were concerned about her well-being. She nodded quickly, "Thank you, and thank you again for inviting me, Lady Haruno."
"You're more than welcome, but call me Sakura." The jaded eye girl cracked a smile.
"And Ino is just fine, Hinata." She added on.
"Oh, Sakura." An older woman said as she approached the two. Her eyes darted to the unknown girl wearing a simple yet elegant kimono. "Who is this?"
Hinata lowered her head. "This is Hinata. I invited her to the tea party."
Mebuki, Sakura's mother, eyes widened. She quickly glared at Sakura, but she kept her mouth shut as she did not want to make a scene. She had heard the rumors about Hinata. It was sad that a high-ranking clan was nothing more than rags now. She stuck out her chest and clapped her hands together. "Okay, girls. Sit down, and tea will be served."
"Hinata, please sit next to me," Ino said, leading Hinata to a square table under the un-blossomed cherry tree.
The young ladies sat at the table and waited until there tea was served.
"Ne, did you hear Momo is engaged to her cousin." One girl said.
Another clicked her tongue. "How will her mother react once she finds out she isn't a virgin anymore?"
Some of the girls giggled. "Ne, ne Sakura," One girl tried to get the pink hair girl's attention. "What's up with you and Sasuke? I heard you two went out alone one day."
The group of girls giggled, and Hinata couldn't help but smile.
"It's nothing!" Sakura tried to conceal her blush, "It wasn't only Sasuke, but Naruto too."
"Ohhh," The girls giggled.
Hinata sipped on some tea when she felt some girls staring at her, whispering amongst one another.
"Pinkies up," Somebody laughed.
As the day went on, Hinata couldn't help but feel excited, although she noticed how some of the girls stared at her. As long as she had Sakura and Ino by her side, she felt normal.
"And that's how I got Shikamaru at the party," Ino grinned.
"Ino you're quite d-daring," Hinata said. "He could smite you." She added.
"Shikamaru won't do such a thing," Ino fanned her, "he just irks my soul at times." She sighed.
Hinata glanced at Sakura, who was quiet. "Are you okay, Sakura?" Obviously, the young girl was annoyed as she was no longer smiling.
"I heard she's having sex with the last heir to the Namikaze fortune." One girl whispered rather loudly.
Hinata's shoulders fell once hearing that.
"How shameful!" The other girl fanned herself. "He needs a wife, not a whore." The girl said, glaring at Hinata. "But, I suppose men will be men." The two girls giggled loudly.
"I'm going to say something to them," Ino muttered.
"Ne, it's okay, Ino. I'm used to it." She whispered.
"But, you're so sweet and kind, Hinata." Sakura frowned. "They shouldn't be talking about you. They don't know you."
"I've heard worse," Hinata mumbled. "I'll be fine." She cracked a smile.
"Sakura," Her mother called as she approached the young trio. She quickly glared at Hinata and then wrapped her arm around Sakura's shoulder. "I want to introduce you to Antionette. She's the only daughter of a famous French poet." She said, leading Sakura to the young petite girl.
Both Ino and Hinata turned to gaze at the French girl. Hinata's eyes slightly widened as the girl looked like a pretty porcelain doll. She had pale smooth skin, and small pouted red lips. Her eyes were big and brown, and her hair was a beautiful auburn color that curled all the way to her back. She wore a light blue Victorian lace dress and white ballet flats.
"She's so beautiful." Hinata cooed.
Ino scoffed. "Don't let her looks fool you, Hinata. That girl is nothing but trouble."
Hinata watched as the young girl bowed to Sakura and began to speak fluently in Japanese to her. "Wow, she's amazing."
"Hinata, I have to use the lady's room. I'll be right back." Ino said as she made her way inside the house.
"I guess Ino and Sakura are friendly with one another," Hinata mumbled.
She felt small compared to the other girls. They looked sophisticated, and they sounded much smarter than her, she couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
"Hey, maid!" A girl snarled at Hinata. Hinata turned around and was faced by two young ladies. One wore a yellow dress, and the other wore a green dress. "See, I told you she would know her name." The girl, wearing the yellow dress, remarked.
"Is it true you're fucking him?" She frowned. "That's not ladylike." The girl wearing the green dress stared at Hinata's clothing, and her eyes widened. "How did you get Madam Yuuhi to make you such an expensive dress?" She circled the girl. "Your wage couldn't afford something like this, unless." She eyed her friend. "You are fucking him." She stepped back in front of Hinata. "Speak!"
Hinata looked down and chewed the bottom of her lip. "I am not. I'm nothing more than a maid."
"Then how did you get her to make you a dress? You're nothing to look at."
"I-
"You're such a shameless girl. How dare you show up here?"
"I was invited to come here," Hinata said back. "Please, just leave me alone." She begged.
"How dare you speak without permission!"
Hinata stumbled backward when she was slapped against her cheek. Sakura quickly left Antionette and helped Hinata up. She glared at the two girls, who looked down at Hinata in disgust.
"What are you two doing?" Sakura growled. "Hinata, are you okay?"
Hinata nodded slowly as she continued to look down. "I'm okay." She whispered.
Ino rushed back once she saw Sakura helping Hinata up. "What happened?"
"She spoke without permission," One of the girls replied.
The other puffed out her cheeks. "I'm disappointed that the Haruno's would let a maid join us."
"I invited her here myself," Sakura said, "and you shouldn't go around slapping people. She is my guest." Sakura balled her fist.
"And so are we. We felt very uncomfortable sharing a table with her." The girl responded. "Look at her. She fucks her master. Apparently, she can't keep her hands to herself."
Mebuki came along once hearing the commotion. "Young ladies should be seen and not heard." She said. "What is going on?"
"She slapped Hinata, mother."
"Because she spoke without permission." The girl replied. "My mother would be so upset if she found out a maid was invited to such a delightful event."
Before Mebuki could speak, Hinata dropped to her knees. "I do apologize for my rudeness. Please don't take it out the Haruno's. It was disrespectful of me to take the invitation and come here." Hinata said, gazing at the two.
Somebody snickered in the background.
"She's so pitiful looking."
"Is it true she's having sex with him? Who's going to take her hand in marriage?"
"Forgive me for my intrusion." She said, getting up. "I'll see my way out," Hinata said as she made her way to the white gate.
"Hinata," Ino called out.
"I do apologize for my daughter's crudeness. She shall be dealt with." Mebuki said, bowing towards the two girls.
"Mother," Sakura frowned.
Mebuki eyed the girl, and she sighed. "I'm sorry that I offended you." She lowered her head. "Please let's continue this day as if nothing happened."
Sakura glanced at Ino, who then looked back at her.
The tears fell freely from Hinata as she made her way home. She was wrong ever to get her hopes up and thought she could be normal for once. She would forever be a maid in everyone's eyes.
"I'll never just be Hinata!" She cried.
The door swung opened to the Namikaze manor, and Naruto and his friends jumped from their seats.
"Is this an ambush?" Sasuke said as he got up quickly.
Naruto marched to the entrance of the door and saw Hinata crying. "Hinata, what happened?" He voiced his concern.
She looked at the man and ran past him to the maid's quarter. Sasuke, along with Shikamaru, stuck their head out of the parlor.
"Naruto," Sasuke frowned. "That was rude of her. You should deal with her." He sighed. "You take things so lightly."
"We'll talk more about this at a later time." He murmured. "I'll see you two later."
The floorboard creaked under each step he took as he made his way to Hinata's room. He knocked on the door softly, but there was no response. He heard the poor girl sniffling behind the door, and he figured things did not go as planned.
"Hinata," He knocked on the door. "Open up. Now!"
After a few seconds, she opened the door slowly. She bowed and lowered her head. "I-I'm sorry for barging in here like this. P-p-please, forgive me." She felt her eyes watered.
"What did I tell you about lowering your head when you speak to me? You're not weak."
"I-I'm sorry." She said as she continued to lower her head even more.
Naruto gripped the sides of her cheek and forced her head up. She yelped in pain as he turned her head to the side. He studied the bruise on her right cheek.
"Who?"
She shook her head. "I was being inconsiderate and spoke without permission. I'm sorry for disgracing your name."
"Who hit you?" Naruto said. She tried to avoid his eyes as they stared down into her soul.
"I don't know their names." She gave in. "Please forgive me, sir." She quickly added.
"What is there to forgive? I sent you there to have fun, and you couldn't even enjoy your time." He spat. "I'll have a word with Sakura right now." He said, making his way out of the maid's headquarters.
"Sir," Hinata called out as she chased after him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and tried to stop him, but it was no use. He was literally dragging the girl on her heels as he tried to walk to the front door. "Please, sir! I didn't want Sakura to intervene, and I don't want anyone to get into trouble because of me, please." She begged.
"Why do people feel it's okay to lay their hands on you!" He snapped at her. She shook in fear as his eyes screamed anger. "Why didn't you hit her back! Or do something!" He gripped her wrist tightly.
"I'm sorry," Hinata winced in pain.
Naruto quickly let go once he saw the tears gathering in her eyes. "Was it my fault? Maybe I shouldn't have pushed you to go." He said aloud.
Hinata shook her head. "I enjoyed my time with Sakura and Ino, and it was fun while it lasted."
"I just wanted you to have fun and to forget about that boy." He sighed. "How can I make it up to you?"
"Make it up? Sir, no. Please." Her voice lowered. "You've done so much for me as it is."
"Please tell me, and I'll do it," Naruto replied. "Would you like a new dress from Madam Yuuhi? She's been asking for you ever since she met you." He told her.
"Me?" Hinata was shocked. She had heard rumors that the woman will only make dresses for those she felt were pretty. She was also rumored to be quite stingy.
"Yes, she likes you," Naruto said. "She wants you to try on some more dresses."
"But- they're rather costly," Hinata interjected.
"So! I have more than enough. Spending it on a few dresses for you is not a problem" He clicked his tongue. "I'm still upset by this incident, but seeing as you don't want me to go, I won't push it any further."
"Thank you, sir."
"By the way, did they say anything to you?" He inquired.
"I heard she's having sex with the last heir to the Namikaze fortune."
Hinata quickly shook her head. "It's- nothing, sir."
Naruto knew she was lying but didn't want to push the fragile girl any further. "Please clean up yourself."
He tapped his fingers against the wooden table as he had an annoyed expression on his face. The following day came, and he was still bothered by the incident at Sakura's tea party and particularly Sakura. "How could she let someone do that to Hinata?" He retorted.
He got up abruptly and shoved his hands into his knickers as he made his way to the front entrance of the house. He opened the door, and Sakura jumped back in surprise.
"Naruto!"
He crossed his arms. "I was just about to come and see you. What happened at that party?" Sakura looked down. "Hinata! I'll be back." Naruto called out as he slammed the door behind him. Hinata poked her head out of the dining room.
"Did you say something, sir?" She asked. The room was eerily quiet, and she shrugged her shoulders.
Sakura and Naruto strolled the dirtied road towards her house.
"Some girls were making fun of Hinata," She finally said. "They kept making gestures at her and said she," Her face reddened as she remembered their poor choice of words, "you two were having sex and how shameful she is."
Naruto remained quiet.
"Is it true?" Sakura said once noticing the boy hadn't respond.
"No, we're not. I don't know why somebody would assume such a thing." He finally replied.
"Why couldn't Aunt Saya opted for an older maid?"
"She claimed I had taken a liking to the girl when I saw her in the living room."
"You should have sent her back." Sakura frowned. "She's causing you a lot of trouble, and rumors are spreading."
"She's not causing me anything." Naruto snarled. "There have always been rumors spreading about me, and besides, she won't make it if she continues to stay with my Aunt."
"Do you plan on courting her?"
"W-what? No. I haven't decided to court anybody."
Sakura hummed. "You're getting older. You should start finding an admirer."
"You're older than me, Sakura. I should be telling you that." Naruto snickered.
Sakura's face reddened. "I will!"
"Well, time is ticking," Naruto said playfully.
She looked down sadly. "But I don't want you to get the wrong impression of me. I did try to help Hinata, and so did Ino, but she refused. And my mother didn't make matters any better. Those girls were in the wrong, and I wanted to smite them with my right hand."
"Your hands are mighty," Naruto replied.
Sakura couldn't help but feel proud of herself. "Hinata's a nice and sweet lady, Naruto. I'm sure you see that too." She paused. "Is that the reason why you didn't let her go? She reminds me of your fa-
"Shut up," Naruto said in a sharp tone.
Sakura held her tongue as the two reached her house.
"I'm sorry." She looked down at her shoes. "Um- Ino and I would like to spend time with Hinata again. Can we have afternoon tea at your place tomorrow?"
"I rather not. Hinata has been through so much. Just give her sometime before asking her out again." He turned on his heels. "I'll be on my way."
"See you later, Naruto."
She opened the white gates and was met by her mother, who stood on the front porch. "I see you've been with the Namikaze heir." She hummed. "Should I start planning for the wedding?"
"No." She deadpanned. "Naruto is my friend, mother. I don't see him in that light."
"Sakura, you're not getting any younger, and there are nice suitors out there. You're a beautiful girl, and any man would be excited to take your hand in marriage." She crossed her arms. "What about Sasuke?"
A deep blush spread across Sakura's cheeks, and she brushed past her mother. "Mother, please stop!"
Naruto stared at the steaming food in front of him. The owls hooted, and a slight breeze danced in the dining room. He looked at the empty seats surrounding the table, and he was annoyed for some odd reason.
The room had a gloomy feeling to it, and if you weren't used to being by yourself, it would make you tremble in fear. However, Naruto was used to it, but for some reason, he felt a wave of loneliness washed over him. Had it always been like this? Quiet. Lonely. Gloomy. Unhappy.
His eyes gazed at the brown door that led to the kitchen and maid's eating area.
"But, I want to eat with them."
"Naru-chan, you're troublesome as it is, and they need some time for themselves. Don't be selfish."
The blonde boy's eyes teared up as his mother said those words.
"Madam, it's okay. We love Naru-chan."
The little boy's eyes sparkled, and he ran to the older woman and embraced her. She hugged him and held his little hand, leading him behind the brown door.
He slipped his hands through his hair and heaved a sigh.
Hinata poked at her rice as she stared out the opened window. The moon sat outside the window, and she looked down.
"I wonder if Hanabi is seeing the same thing I'm seeing."
Lately, the house has been quiet, and Naruto seems to be focused on another course. She ate a little bit of the rice and then placed her chopsticks on the bowl.
Her round lavender eyes darted to the door when she heard it creaked open.
"M-master," Hinata got up and took some of the bowls from him. She placed them on the table, and she gazed at it. He hadn't eaten a bite. She swiftly turned around and bowed. "I'm sorry the food wasn't to your liking. Would you like me to cook something else?"
He walked past her and sat on one of the barstools surrounding the rectangular table. "You've been spacing out lately, so I've decided to keep you company." He murmured.
"Company?" She sauntered towards the table and sat down across from him. The two felt awkward, and they sat there in silence for a while.
Naruto noticed Hinata wasn't eaten. "You didn't enjoy your own cooking?"
She shook her head. "I just wasn't hungry," Her face reddened when her stomach growled loudly.
Naruto rose his eyebrow and looked down.
"I'm s- Her stomach did it again, and her face turned even redder. She held gut and begged for it to shut it. "You weren't doing this earlier." She cried loudly to her stomach.
Naruto looked at her and tried to stifle his laugh, but he couldn't contain it anymore, and he laughed uncontrollably. Hinata's eyes widened in disbelief as this was the first time she had heard him laugh. His laughed floated in the room, and it was as if the room became brighter and cheerier.
Hinata's lips curled, involuntary, and she tried to fight back the laugh. It was no use as she let giggled. Naruto gazed at her, and he felt his face go hot. She tried to cover her mouth as the giggles escaped from her pouty lips.
He couldn't help but smile as he looked down at the rice. "You should probably eat it." He placed the chopsticks between his fingers and ate some of the rice.
Hinata also followed along. This room didn't feel lonesome or awkward like it was before.
"Ah, I spoke to Sakura," Naruto said as he ate some fish.
"Sir! Please-
"Hinata, I had to. It really upset me when I saw what they did to you, and Sakura explained what happened." She looked down at the brown table. "Don't worry, I didn't yell at her. But please disregard the rumors. I know what it's like to have your name smeared through the mud, but as long as you know you're not doing anything, then you have nothing to worry about."
Hinata remained quiet as she ate some rice little by little.
Naruto clicked his tongue. "Are you afraid you won't find somebody?"
Hinata shook her head. "Nobody would want somebody like me." She mumbled.
"Why do you think that?" He asked. "You're nineteen. You're the perfect age for marriage."
Hinata used the chopsticks to push the rice to the side. "I don't have time to think about love, sir."
Naruto hummed. "Ah, don't lie to me. Every young woman daydream about finding her prince charming."
Hinata remained quiet. Naruto was right. At night, she would daydream about her prince charming, sweeping her off her feet. She dreamt of a life where she didn't have to struggle, and her sister was in good hands. She thought about the children she would have with her lover and how they would travel the world. But those were nothing more than dreams.
"Am I right?"
She blushed before lowering her head. "I suppose you are, but I can only daydream. Who would want someone like me? I was once considered a princess from a respected clan, now I get treated like I did something wrong." She looked up at Naruto with sad eyes. "When I was younger, I didn't have anything to worry about. I had servants that tended to my every need. I had warm baths, food, and the best education- She paused, "but most importantly, I had a family. My mother, she was very kind, and she treated everyone with respect. My father, he was stern and short with his words, but I knew he loved us." Her voice softened. "And my brother, I t- The tears streamed down her eyes, and she quickly wiped them, "I thought he would never love me the way I loved him," She squeezed the chopsticks. "And Hanabi," She felt her heart shattered. "She's the only one I have left, and I love her, and I can't be there for her that way mother was. She's over there, and I'm here." The tears splattered on the table and made a small puddle. "I- I just want my family back." She cried loudly
Her arms wrapped tightly around the young man who embraced her. She buried her head into his chest and stained his clothes with her tears. He didn't utter a word as he held her tightly.
After several minutes of crying, she wiped her eyes and looked away from him. "I'm sorry, sir." She sniffled. "I always cause you trouble and show you my ugly side." She stared down at her lap.
"There are no ugly sides to you," Naruto said as he rubbed the top of her head. "Are you feeling a little better?"
"Yes… thank you." Hinata lowered her head. "I'm sorry I cause you a lot of trouble, sir."
Naruto brushed her off. "Why don't you eat some more before you go to sleep,"
Hinata wiped her eyes and ate some more rice.
"Oh, Madam Yuuhi has made an appointment with you. She would like for you to model some dresses for her."
Hinata stopped eating and stared at Naruto in disbelief. "Me? Model dress?"
Naruto nodded. "Yup, I received the invitation in the letters you gave me this morning."
"But… I heard she only works with pretty people," Hinata mumbled.
Naruto cocked his head to the side. "And that's why she chose you." He scoffed once Hinata looked at him surprisingly. "Hinata, you're not an ugly girl; in fact, you're gorgeous."
Hinata's pale skin couldn't help but turn red.
"Are you okay?" He said, placing his hand on the top of her forehead. "You don't seem to have a fever,"
Hinata quickly shook her head. "I just don't want to get my hopes up, and I don't want to cause you any problems,"
Naruto felt for the girl as she couldn't even enjoy herself without always looking over her shoulders. "Well, the dresses are free," He mumbled. "I don't want to push you to go like last time,"
Hinata felt terrible because it was Madam Yuuhi who requested her. But she didn't want to go through the humiliation again. She quickly glanced over her shoulder as she felt somebody whispered in her ear, "Go,"
Naruto looked at her in concerned. "Are you okay?"
"Did you hear that?" Hinata asked.
Naruto looked around the kitchen and stared at Hinata oddly. "Heard what?"
She shook her head. "I'll go,"
"I don't want you to force yourself, Hinata. It's okay to say no. I'll just let her know." He said, getting up.
"No, sir, I'll go, but if I may- please don't leave my side." She looked down. "I just don't want to be alone just in case,"
"I understand. Get some rest."
The streets were busy with civilians who were walking up and down the market way. Hinata hanged her head down as she walked behind Naruto, who was leading her to the shop. Without turning around, he knew the girl had her head down.
"Hinata, remember what we spoke about. Pick your head up and don't give people the satisfaction of seeing you like this," He reminded her.
Hinata quickly lifted her head and walked alongside him through the busy streets.
They entered the red building and the bell rung. Hinata hid behind Naruto, who was waiting for somebody to come out and greet them. Hinata eyed the store and saw different styles on some mannequins.
"Good day, sir," A young short dark skin girl came from behind a corner. "How can I help you?"
"I have an appointment with Madam Yuuhu," He said. "I have her model waiting for her,"
The young girl looked behind the young man and saw a shy and timid girl cowering behind him. She couldn't help but smile. "Your girlfriend sure is cute,"
Naruto blushed unknowingly. "She's not my girlfriend," He cleared his throat.
Hinata also couldn't help but blush. "She thinks I'm cute," She mumbled.
'She's more concerned about her being called cute,' He sighed.
"Follow me," She said, leading them to the back room. They walked down the narrow corridors until they reached a backroom that was filled with fabrics, sewing machines, and thread everywhere. "Madam Yuuhi, your guest has arrived."
"Thank you, Momo. You can go,"
The short girl bowed before making her leave.
Naruto stepped to the side so Madam Yuuhi could see the girl. Hinata shivered as this was her second time meeting the woman, she was still nervous. Her red eyes stared at the girl, and Hinata avoided her eyes. The woman was a beautiful vixen, and Hinata even didn't understand why she wanted her to model her dresses. Inevitably there were other girls out their far more beautiful than her.
"You're fuller,"
"Ah, you're scaring her, Kurenai." Naruto crossed his arms as he sat down on the stool.
She glared at the young boy who stared at her in a bored expression. "Why are you still here?"
"I want to make sure she's safe is all." He told her.
Hinata glanced at Naruto and smiled softly.
"How have you been?"
Hinata gazed at the woman and spoke in a soft voice, "I've been well, and yourself?" She bowed.
"I've been well myself. I suppose Naruto has told you why I called you here," She said, moving some items out of the way.
"He said you wanted me to model your clothes," Hinata said. "It's such an honor."
"As you know, I only let beautiful people wear my clothes, and you, my child are lovely," Kurenai said as she took out a long lavender Victorian dress.
Hinata couldn't help but smile. "T-thank you," She came closer to the woman who signals her to come here.
"Shall we get started," She smiled.
Naruto watched as the clock tick, and it had almost been three hours since they arrived. Hinata was still trying on clothes, and Kurenai would make little adjustments here and there.
He couldn't keep his eyes off her and watched her every moved. The clothes she tried on complimented her frame, and she stood out more.
"How is he treating you?" Kurenai asked as she sewed up the hem of the lace dress.
"Naruto?" She paused when Kurenai looked at her. She trembled as she mistakenly called him by his first name. "I'm sorry, I-
Kurenai noticed the girl trembling uncontrollably. "It's okay. I suppose he told you to call him by his first name."
Hinata nodded. "He told me too, and it was uncomfortable at first, but-
"It's okay, Hinata. He doesn't realize the trouble he's causing you, although it is intentionally."
Hinata nodded her head, agreeing with Kurenai. "I'll be fine."
"I know you will. You're a strong woman. I see it in your eyes." She told her.
"You think I am strong?" Hinata questioned.
"You're still alive after everything you've been through, right?" Kurenai said as she threaded the hems again. "It takes a lot of courage to go through life after everything that has happened."
Kurenai didn't know her whole story, but everybody knew what happened to the Hyuga clan. They did a lot to support Konoha, and they were highly respected because of their influence on the government.
"If that idiots treat you unkindly, just let me know, and I'll take care of him myself," She said it loud enough for Naruto to hear.
He scoffed at the little threat Kurenai said.
Kurenai looked up at Hinata and grinned.
She couldn't help but smile. "Naruto treats me kindly, Madam Yuuhi. Please don't worry about little old me,"
"If he gets out of line, come to me," Kurenai replied. She adjusted the kimono and stared at her work. "Beautiful."
Hinata sat out in the garden as she daydreamed. She was out cleaning the yard when she decided to take a little rest. Naruto was inside in his study hall and didn't really ask much of her today.
He was home more now, and the two ate breakfast and dinner together. A small smile crept on Hinata's face as she thought about him.
"Neglecting your duties?"
The known voice interrupted her thoughts, and she shook her head. "It just felt lovely outside, sir. I'm sorry." Hinata said, getting up. She noticed the man was dressed. "Are you heading out?"
He nodded his head. "I'm going to stop by Sasuke for a little bit. I'll see you tonight, okay?"
Hinata smiled. "Enjoy yourself, Naruto."
"Try not to work hard," He told her.
Hinata followed him until he was by the gates, and she watched him until she could no longer see him.
She grabbed the mail from the white mailbox and flicked through it. She hadn't heard from Hanabi in a while, but she wasn't to concern as the girl said she would be studying hard for the upcoming exams.
Her eyes glanced at a letter addressed to her. She opened it.
Hinata,
Please see me today.
-Saya U.
She groaned inwardly. "Why does she need to see me?"
Hinata was on her way back from Saya's house as she was sent to pick up some cake and a gift for Naruto. When she went to the house, Saya didn't say much. She just threw them in her hands and told her to make sure Naruto received it. Then her eyes widened. 'Could today be his birthday?' She thought. "Ah, I wish I had known. I would have made him a cake or get a present for him."
A slight chill brushed past her as she made her way to the Namikaze manor, and her eyes darted to a scruffy young man lying down. Her heart sank as she thought it was Konohamaru.
She approached the stranger, and her heart was joyous as it wasn't Konohamaru, but an older looking man. "Sir, are you okay?" She looked down at him.
The man coughed slightly. "Do you have any water I can drink?" He uttered softly. Hinata couldn't hear him, so he kneeled towards him.
"Can you rep- She let out a terrible shriek as the stranger wrapped himself behind her and pressed a sharp knife against her throat. The box of cake and present fell to the floor. "Is your master home?"
Hinata closed her eyes tightly as a sharp foul smell escaped his mouth. Hinata let out a whimper and closed her eyes tightly. "M-my master is home, so it'll be best if you leave- Now!"
The man spat on the floor, and he sounded three whistles. Hinata opened her eyes as several scruffy looking men came from the woods and surrounded her. "Let's get her inside before somebody sees us."
The man, holding the knife, shoved Hinata towards the entrance of the house. "Open the door." The man said. "If you don't cause us any trouble, we may just let ya go, girly."
Hinata refused, but one of the men snatched the key from around her neck. He pushed Hinata on the floor as they made the way into the house. One man made a long whistled as his eyes wandered around. "I heard he has a lot of money."
"Do you think we can get any money off this vase?" One man said, holding up a golden vase that sat on top of a wooden piece.
"Bag it all."
The man with the knife pointed it directly at Hinata and eyed her lustfully. She shivered as she tried to cover herself.
"We should hurry up and bag as much stuff as we can." An older man said.
Hinata watched as the men took anything they could find and shoved the items into a gray looking sack. Her eyes watered as the man holding the knife kept looking at her with a sick grin on his face.
He stepped closer to her. "What's your name, kid?"
Hinata looked away. "Please leave me alone." She should have just left the man on the floor once realizing it wasn't Konohamaru. They were taking anything they could find worth value in the house, but she just prayed they would leave before Naruto came home. She didn't want anything to happen to him because of her.
"A feisty one." He grabbed the collar of her kimono and split the middle of her dress until it reached her stomach. She let out a terrible shriek as the man gripped her right breast.
"Get your hands off me!" She screamed.
"You can always have fun playing with her, but right now, we need to get these things loaded." One man said.
He scoffed. "Let me have my fun while I can. I don't say anything to you when you have yours." He snarled.
The man shrugged his shoulder and left the ugly looking man with the young woman. Hinata tried to crawl away, but the man pulled her by her ankles, and he sat on her. "You don't mind, do ya?" He kissed over her neck, bruising her white skin.
"Help me!" Hinata screamed from the top of her lungs as she tried to fight off the man. He gripped her cheek and forced a kiss on her.
Tears seeped through the corner of her eyes as she turned her head away. Her lips felt swollen, and they became a bloody red color. He tore the kimono until her entire chest and parts of her stomach were exposed.
"Shit, I probably could have gotten a lot for this kimono." He said once realizing the expensive material. "This is an expensive cloth to work in. Do you fuck your master too?" He laughed as he groped her left breast.
Hinata spat in his face, and the man responded by smacking her on the side of her cheek. Her right eye swelled up, and her cheek turned purplish.
"I'll teach you what it's like to be a real woman."
Hinata let out a terrible scream as the man bit around the areola of her left breast. Hinata winced in pain when the man let go by force. She crawled backward and tried to cover herself.
"Konohamaru!" Hinata shouted.
The man hit his head against the wall. "Let's go!" Konohamaru said, helping Hinata up. He held her hand and tried to run to the front door, but another man came and stood in front of him. Konohamaru backed up and tried to hide Hinata behind him. "I called the master, and he's coming now with some officers. I suggest you go on your way if you don't want any jail time." Konohamaru growled.
"I'll believe it when I see it," He said as he punched Konohamaru in the stomach.
Hinata covered her mouth when Konohamaru stumbled backward. "Please take whatever you want, but don't hurt her. Kill me if you have to, but not Hinata." He breathed in and out.
The man holding the knife rubbed his head, and the other men came out with the sacks slung across their shoulders.
"Ah, the kid really pissed me off when I was about to get to the good part." Konohamaru backed up with Hinata to the corner until he was completely covering her.
"Please, Konohamaru, just go and leave me alone. I don't want to see you get hurt."
"How could you say such a thing? What about your sister? Nobody is going to miss me if I die, but your sister will if you do!" He gritted his teeth.
"I- I would miss you if you were to die," Hinata said, gripping on his arm.
"Yo-
Hinata let out a terrible shriek escaped her lips as she watched Konohamaru stumbled to the floor. The man with the knife rushed him and stabbed him in his lower abdomen. He stumbled forward and covered his hand with the stab wounds. "Hinata! Run!" His legs shook uncontrollably, and he fell backward on the wooden floors.
"Konohamaru!" Hinata screamed. She ran to the boy and watched as the blood became heavier. She tore a piece of cloth from the already ripped kimono and pressed it down on his lower abdomen. Big tears gathered from her eyes and splattered over him.
The men in the background laughed. One of the more serious men glared at them. "Let's hurry up before her master comes back." He said, adjusting the sack over his shoulder.
"Ne, boss. I say we bring the girl with us so we can have some fun on our road trip." One man said.
"Why don't we have some fun now?" The one with the bloody knife said. He yanked Hinata by her long hair and threw her against the wall.
"We don't have time! Just bring her along. She'll make us a lot of money."
As the man was about to grab Hinata, one of the men in the back let out a sharp scream. The man stumbled backward as something broad slammed across his right face. His ears rang, and blood seeped from the opened wound. The men, shocked, glanced at the unknown assailant.
"Naruto." She whispered.
Naruto looked at the condition Hinata was in, and anger swelled his heart.
"Hinata, Konohamaru isn't going to make it if you're looking at me." He took off his blazer and threw it at her. "Get Tsunade- Now!"
Hinata nodded, and she got up shakenly as she held the blazer in her hands. As she was about to run to the door, one of the men tried to grab her, but Naruto quickly intervened by slamming heavy plywood he had used to hit the other man earlier against his hand.
Hinata looked back, but Naruto yelled for her to seek help. She scurried out of the house and nearly tripped as she ran down the dirtied road. Her heart was racing quickly. The tears blinded her vision, and the sunset as she made her way into the entrance of the marketplace.
"Hinata!"
Hinata quickly turned around when she heard the known voice. It was Sasuke who approached her. She noticed an older man who looked identical to him also walked up to her. He looked at the girl with concern.
"Are you okay, madam?"
She quickly shook her head. "Please, it's Naruto! Some men attacked me, and I need a doctor. Konohamaru is dying. Naruto is alone." She couldn't catch her breath. "Please! Help him!
"Go get Tsunade. I'll help the dobe," He said, leaving Hinata with his oldest brother.
"Let's go," Itachi said as he led the girl to the Tsunade's office.
Sasuke looked at his friend, worriedly. If looks could kill, he would be dead. He had come just as Naruto had finished beating the living shit out of them, literally. As much as he wanted Naruto to end them after seeing what they did to Hinata, he knew he had to stop him. If Hinata came back, she didn't want the girl to go into cardiac arrest by the gruesome sight.
The two watched as the men were handcuffed and put in the back of a buggy.
"Are you okay?"
Naruto looked at the older policeman who looked so much like his best friend. "I'm fine, Itachi." He turned his back on the two closest people to him and walked away.
Itachi and Sasuke looked at one another before leaving. They knew they had a long night ahead of them.
Tsunade approached Naruto and smiled. "The two of them will be fine," She said. She handed him an ointment and some gauzes. "Rub this on Hinata's bruises and replaces his gauze until it isn't bleeding. If he as any fever or shivers, please bring him to me right away!"
Naruto took the things from here and brushed past her without a word. Tsunade looked at him worriedly and prayed he wouldn't give the girl grief.
She left the house and spotted Sasuke and Itachi, who was just about to leave.
"Is the young boy going to be okay?" Itachi asked.
Tsunade nodded. "He'll be fine."
Naruto posted by the infirmary door and stared Hinata down, who was gazing at her lap.
Konohamaru watched the intense stare, and he gripped his sheet in anger. "Sir! There is no need to look at her like that!" There was a moment of silence, and Hinata shook uncontrollably. "Sir!"
"And why not!" Naruto snapped. He rubbed his forehead in frustration. "What if I hadn't come home? You would be dead, and Hinata would be gone!" There was anger in his voice. "Fuck!" He shouted as he turned his back on the two. His fist trembled uncontrollably as his mind raced to the ordeal Hinata had probably experienced while he was gone.
"I- I'm sorry, sir. I know you have some valuable things here and-
Naruto swiftly turned around, and there was a flash of anger in his eyes. "Look at you!" He pointed out. "Look at what they did to you." Hinata's lips were bruised and a bloody red, her eye was swollen shut, and there was a big imprint on the side of her cheek. Then his eyes wandered towards the bite mark around her breast. "Do you know what they could have done to you if I didn't show up? Where would you be now? Thank God Konohamaru was able to stall them." He ran his hand through his blonde hair.
Hinata's eyes watered. "I'm sorry." She cried. "I'll work twice as hard to repay for the damages."
Konohamaru looked sadly at the young girl. Naruto stepped towards her and wrapped a blanket around to cover her. "I can always replace those things, Hinata." He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
The young bachelor took a deep breath. He was out with Sasuke when he got a bad headache that did not ease up. When he tried to ignore it, it got worse and worse until he left.
"You two are going to be the death of me." He sighed. "Hinata," He said calmly. "I know it's hard for you, and you just have to be kind for some reason, but if you ever see anyone in front of my house and there's no one with you, please run away. Don't come near and find help. There are people out there who play the damsel in distress to take advantage of kind people like you. Thank God you're safe." He whispered.
Then it hit Konohamaru. He realized why the young man was acting so hostile towards him.
Hinata wrapped her arms around the man, unexpectedly, and embraced his warmness. She sniffled every so often, and he didn't let go.
Naruto applied the ointment around Hinata's eye, and she winced in pain. "I know it hurts but bears with the pain." He rubbed the cream in a circular motion.
He glanced at her face, and he sighed as he rubbed her left cheek. "You're still beautiful, okay?"
Hinata looked down and nodded. "Get well soon." He told her.
"I will, but is it necessary for me to be off for so long. My arms and legs still work, sir. And I can't afford my pay to be cut."
"I just want you to focus on getting better." He scolded her. "I haven't had a maid for a long time. I think I can adjust. And don't worry about such things."
Naruto walked over to Konohamaru. "How are you feeling?" He said, pulling the covers back slightly. He looked at the fresh gauze he had placed on the boy's stomach earlier.
"I'm getting better, sir. When I'm better, I'll be gone for good. I don't wish to be a burden." Konohamaru said.
"Yesterday, you prove yourself to be a man, and although you said you were afraid to die, you risk your life to protect Hinata. I am forever in your debt." Naruto bowed.
Hinata was dumbfounded, and Konohamaru fanned him. "No, sir. You have it all wrong. Please don't do that." He said, rubbing his head. "Someone kind like Hinata didn't deserve that. I had to do what was right."
"And yet again you didn't have to. Hinata said you came earlier and said you were a gardener?"
Konohamaru laughed nervously. "I'm sorry, sir, but I lied. I just needed work to make money and a place to stay." He mumbled the last part. "The orphanages are full and-
Naruto cleared his throat. "I had a feeling, but nonetheless, you can stay. With Hinata's help, if she doesn't mind, she can teach you a few things."
"No, sir. I don't mind." Hinata piped in.
"When you're feeling better, I will discuss the wages with you."
Nightfall had approached Konoha, and a single light waved back and forth as several people moved through the narrow corridors.
"Don't kill them." A young man said.
Another young man scoffed as he threw him his coat towards the officer. "I won't make any promises."
The young-sounding man hummed when the other man dangled a sack of coins in front of him. He looked at the other people, and they nodded. "Tch," The man scoffed as he reluctantly snatched the bag from his brother.
"If you kill him, that's extra." The man turned his back. "I'm only doing this because I know you." He mumbled the last part.
The door to a hidden private room opened, and the man who was sitting in the chair squinted at the unknown figure. The lights flickered, and his eyes widened. "What are you doing here?" He said, jumping off the chair.
"I just want to show you what happens when you touch something that belongs to me." The figure said sinisterly.
The ugly man backed up against the wall, and he let out a ghastly scream. The people standing outside looked at one another in a bored expression.
"Let's get some sake after this."
The others shrugged. "You can't go wrong with that."
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