Sasuke knew that having her with him would be beneficial for his mission to find Itachi, however he couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her, and the thought of having her by his side for an extended period of time made his heart race. His eyes lingered on her for a moment, taking in her petite form, her slender figure draped in the delicate yukata. He couldn't understand why he felt possessive and protective of her, but he knew that he needed to remain focused on his mission and not be distracted by his desire for her.

They had shared intimate moments twice in the span of 48 hours, and there is no guarantee this will not happen again. Sasuke knew that their bodies reacted to each other in a way that he couldn't fully understand, but he knew that it was dangerous. He couldn't let himself get too close to her and risk losing control of his emotions and actions. He knew that she loved Naruto and that he should eventually bring her to him, but he couldn't help but push that thought to the back of his mind, not wanting to think about it now.

He knew that she would eventually leave him when all this was over. If not to be reunited with Naruto then to return to the village, he knew that their time together was temporary. He couldn't let himself get attached to her.

The sun blazed overhead as Hinata and Sasuke set off on their journey, each with their travel necessities packed tightly in their bags. Hinata retrieved her clothes and Sasuke's handkerchief from the window sill, but couldn't bring herself to return it to him. He would never know, he threw it away, she thought, as she tucked it carefully into her pouch, close to her heart and wore her clothes ready to accompany him on his journey

As they set off on their journey, Hinata couldn't help but feel a sense of safety and security by Sasuke's side. She knew that she was protected and that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe. She glanced at him from time to time, admiring his stoic demeanour and his strength, feeling an inexplicable attraction towards him that she didn't quite understand.

Taking a deep breath, she focused her attention on the journey ahead, determined not to let her feelings distract her from her mission of finding Naruto and helping Sasuke locate his brother. He had told her that he was planning on adding other skilled ninjas to their company, and she couldn't wait to see who they would be.

Their first task was to find Suigetsu, who was prisoned in one of Orochimaru's many secret hideouts. Sasuke instructed her to wait outside and scream if she was ever in danger, knowing that the water creature was always naked and remembering her reaction to his own nakedness from just two days ago.

Hinata waited outside as instructed, her senses on high alert, scanning the area for any signs of danger. The silence was deafening, save for the occasional rustling of leaves.

After a while, Sasuke emerged from the hideout with another man, a terse expression etched on his face.

"Sasuke, you're so thoughtful. It's like you can read my mind, man," Suigetsu exclaimed, a playful smirk on his face. "Getting my freedom and having a beautiful girl like her on the same day? This is truly my lucky day." His words caused Hinata's face to redden with a mix of anger and embarrassment. She couldn't believe the audacity with which Suigetsu was talking about her.

Sasuke, noticing Hinata's discomfort, swiftly stepped in front of her, creating a protective barrier. "Don't get too excited, Suigetsu. She is our companion in finding Itachi. This is Hinata Hyuga from Konoha," he clarified, his voice tinged with a hint of warning.

Suigetsu nonchalantly shrugged. "Fine, fine. But she's not going to be much help, is she?" he remarked dismissively.

"Hinata is strong and capable. She possesses the Byakugan, a powerful kekkei genkai. We need her on our team," Sasuke emphasised, his confidence in Hinata evident.

Hinata, fueled by Sasuke's belief in her, felt a surge of determination and pride. She knew she had to prove herself to Suigetsu and the others, to demonstrate her worth in their mission.

"Let's get going," Sasuke declared, urging the group forward. Suigetsu lingered behind, allowing Hinata and Sasuke to take the lead. He tilted his head, his gaze fixated on Hinata's figure, observing her with curiosity. After being imprisoned for so long, he had almost forgotten what girls looked like.

Sasuke, noticing Suigetsu's lingering glances, paused and stopped Hinata. "Suigetsu, after you," he stated firmly.

"Sasuke, you're no fun at all," Suigetsu grumbled, slightly disappointed.

Hours passed as they trudged on, the heat of the sun bearing down on them relentlessly. They eventually reached a lush river, the cool water beckoning Suigetsu to take a refreshing dip and quiet down his banter.

Sasuke skillfully caught a rabbit, preparing to skin it and grill it over a skewer. However, Hinata interjected, realising that the rabbit alone wouldn't be sufficient. "That won't be enough for all of us. Let me make a stew with it," she offered, her culinary skills coming to the fore.

Sasuke nodded, and watched Hinata as she collected mushrooms, roots, and plants from the surrounding area. He was sceptical of her ability to turn the meagre rabbit into a satisfying meal, but he didn't say anything. Though Hinata didn't disappoint him with her cooking skills two days ago when they were hiding in the cave, he couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's dinner would be a disaster.

But as the aroma of the stew filled the air, Sasuke's scepticism began to fade. The savoury scent of the herbs and spices mingled with the earthy scent of the mushrooms, and he found his mouth watering in anticipation.

After a surprisingly savory dinner, Sasuke went to securing the area. He returned only to find Suigetsu pinning Hinata against a tree, his words oozing with inappropriate implications. "You saw how I controlled the size of my arm. Imagine what I'm capable of controlling too." Suigetsu whispered to her.

Taken aback by Suigetsu's sudden advances, Hinata assumed he had a reputation for being flirtatious, but she never expected him to be so forward. She struggled to push him away, her attempts proving futile against his superior strength. She shot him a disgusted look and retorted. "Certainly not your brain."

Suigetsu laughed, his tone mocking. "Come on, Hyuga. I know you want it. I can see it in your beautiful eyes. And with your Byakugan, you can see the longing in mine."

Hinata's glare intensified, her anger radiating. "My Byakugan see through your lies, it will never see the sincerity in your disgusting behavior."

Sasuke watched from a distance, considering how to intervene without risking further escalating the situation. He was aware of Suigetsu's inappropriate tendencies, but he never anticipated such audacity.

"Come on, Hyuga. Let's have some fun. No one will know," Suigetsu persisted, his words laced with a lewd undertone. "I can see that you have a luscious body under those baggy clothes." He smirked looking at her body up and down.

Hinata stood tall and firm, her fiery gaze fixed on Suigetsu, refusing to back down or give in. "Thanks, but I'm not interested. I'm under Sasuke's protection, and he won't be pleased if he finds out about this."

"You'll regret it, baby. Anyway, if you change your mind, let me know," Suigetsu whispered into her ear before finally stepping away.

Hinata let out a sigh of relief that didn't persist more than that, and grateful that she had managed to handle the situation on her own.

Sasuke, clearing his throat, approached them, pretending not to have witnessed the interaction. He quickly peeked at Hinata with admiration, proud of her for standing up for herself and handling the situation with grace.

Yet, a hot surge of anger swirled within Sasuke. He knew that having Hinata by his side would make his journey easier, not only because of her skills but also because of her character, but Suigetsu's harassing behaviour risked jeopardising the team's efforts. He needed to make it clear that Hinata was not someone to be disrespected.

Hinata walked towards her bed next to the fire, while Sasuke grappled with a dilemma. He didn't want to sleep beside her and risk a repeat of the previous night's incident, but he also couldn't leave her alone to fend off Suigetsu's advances.

Deciding that staying awake was the best course of action, Sasuke informed the team that he would take the first watch. He kept one eye open and alert for any danger, while Hinata and Suigetsu slept soundly, their bodies enveloped by the ambient sounds of the night. After a few hours, he woke Suigetsu up. Figuring out that with Suigutsu's wake, Sasuke will not repeat yesterday's accident, and thanks to his light sleep he will sense if Suigetsu got close to Hinata.

Yet, before going to his own bed, Sasuke warned firmly in a serious, threatening tone. "Don't do that to her again." He spoke, his eyes fixed on Suigetsu with an intense gaze. Suigetsu flinched, he felt his breath catch in his throat, like someone was choking him. His eyes widening in fear and surprise, he had never seen Sasuke look at him like this before, and it left him feeling shaken and weak.

After a moment, the sensation subsided, and he regained his breath. He slowly nodded.

Regardles, trying to understand the situation, he asked, "Is there something between you two?"

"She is just a teammate. She loves someone else." Sasuke said with a oppressed bitterness.

"Oh, I see." What just happened? He never felt so afraid before, Suigutsu thought, a chilling realization that left him questioning the dynamics within the team.

As Sasuke cast a furtive glance at Hinata's peaceful sleeping form, he felt a pull towards her. He had to maintain his control in front of Suigetsu, especially now that he knew of Hinata's affections for someone else. No one should suspected the fatal attraction that simmered between him and Hinata.

Hours later, Hinata woke him up calling his name gently. She had been busy while he slept, collecting and preparing a delicious breakfast of grilled peaches and nuts, with steaming hot tea ready to wash it down.

Suigetsu got up, yawning "You are indeed useful, Hyuga," he said excitedly as he saw the food.

"Thank you Hinata." Sasuke said coldly.

"It's my pleasure," despite Sasuke's steely exterior, Hinata couldn't help but feel a swell of fulfilment at his positive reaction. The tiniest hint of a smile crossed her lips, her demeanour proud and happy at Sasuke's appreciation.

He noticed and secretly smirked.

"So Hyuga, what are your abilities? I want to know that my teammate is capable and trustworthy." Suigetsu started.

Sasuke closed his eyes, irritated. "She is capable alright."

However, Suigetsu's curiosity and persistence in testing her abilities continued to ruffle Sasuke's feathers. "I want to see it with my own eyes, how about a spar Hyuga?" he prodded.

Sasuke scoffed at the suggestion, irritated at Suigetsu's persistence. But Hinata hesitated only for a moment, eager to prove herself and demonstrate her strength. She had never fought with anyone outside of her family and caregiver since her confinement, but she knew that this was the moment she had to assert herself and prove her worth to the team.

"Alright, I'm ready."

"You don't have to prove anything, Hinata," Sasuke interjected, but she was already standing, ready to accept Suigetsu's challenge.

"It's alright, Sasuke-kun," she replied, a determined look in her eyes. "I want to assure him that I'm trustworthy and strong enough to be a valuable asset to the team."

Sasuke watched Hinata rise from her sitting position with a hint of reluctance. He admired her eagerness to prove herself but was wary of the situation. He knew Suigetsu was notoriously competitive and aggressive, and he did not want to put Hinata in harm's way. As they prepared for their spar, Sasuke kept a cautious eye on Suigetsu, making sure he wouldn't take things too far.

On the river bank, Hinata and Suigetsu found themselves in a face-off with no knowledge of each other's abilities. Hinata stood firmly in her defensive stance, her Byakugan activated and scanning Suigetsu for any weaknesses or openings. But she was unable to perceive his chakra path, thus gradually unleashing a series of taijutsu moves to test his skills. As the unpredictability of the battlefield, Suigetsu moved with fluidity, but Hinata's Byakugan bestowed upon her the gift of precision and accuracy, enabling her to predict and evade his strikes.

Sasuke watched as Hinata fought with grace and skill, using her agility and precision to outmanoeuvre Suigetsu.

An opening presented itself, and Hinata launched a Palm Bottom Strike, which Suigetsu countered by transforming his body into liquid and vanishing into the river. Hinata gasped seeing him transform into liquid for the first time and her mind started thinking of a way to defend herself. Suigetsu emerged from the water, now behind her with the intention of hitting her with his Water Gun Technique. But Hinata saw him clearly behind her and drew her kunai, he transformed into his liquid state again, which she sliced into two pieces that eventually melted away into the river.

Hinata's mind raced with ways to defeat Suigetsu's elusive, liquid form. Sasuke monitored every technique with his Sharingan, observing closely.

Hinata remained still, trusting her 360 vision while focusing entirely on every water sound. Suddenly, she felt herself engulfed in a watery blob that imprisoned and restricted her breathing.

Sasuke froze, he was on the verge of interfering with his Chidori to strike Suigetsu without harming Hinata. However, before he could make a move, Hinata swiftly formulated a plan to free herself from the water prison. Utilising the water surrounding her, she created a powerful vortex and unleashed her water needle jutsu. Senbon needles scattered through the air, breaking apart the watery blob into drops.

Emerging from the water, Suigetsu couldn't help but express his admiration. "You are a true ninja, Hyuga. I can see why Sasuke wanted you in his team," he acknowledged, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Hinata smiled modestly, bowing her head in gratitude for the opportunity to prove herself. Sasuke, too, was impressed by Hinata's skill and observed the genuine surprise and acknowledgment on Suigetsu's face. She had shown incredible bravery and skill, and he knew that she would only continue to improve as they journeyed on. Hinata smiled shyly, stealing a glance at Sasuke. "I hope I won't be a burden," she murmured, realising why Sasuke had chosen this powerful hard-to-kill fluid-man.

With their belongings packed, the trio continued their journey, the question of their next destination hanging in the air. "So, Sasuke, where are we heading next?" Suigetsu inquired.

"I need Karin on our team as well," Sasuke replied.

"Karin? That irritating, noisy woman?" Suigetsu protested with a touch of annoyance.

"Yes, she possesses extraordinary chakra sensing abilities. She will assist me in locating Itachi," Sasuke explained, his determination unwavering.

"I've mentioned before that I need to find the Mist swords," Suigetsu countered.

"Fine, we can start by retrieving Zabuza Momochi's Kubikiribōchō. I know its location," Sasuke conceded.

"Now we're talking," Suigetsu exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Their path led them to the Land of Waves, where they intended to retrieve the sword that Team Seven had placed near Zabuza's grave.

As they journeyed, Sasuke purposefully maintained a distance from Hinata, avoiding any situation that might bring them close or allow him to catch a whiff of her enticing fragrance. He would eat alone at a distance and sleep away from the two.

He didn't see anything that would make him mistrust Suigetsu any longer. On the contrary, much to his annoyance, it seemed that they had developed a genuine friendship after the spar.

One afternoon, sparking a conversation between them. Suigetsu inquired, "I really like your purple jacket. Is purple your favourite colour?"

Hinata, her voice filled with shyness, replied softly, "Yes, it is. I like your purple tank top too."

Suigetsu leaned closer, trying to discern the colour of her eyes. "My eyes are purple too. What colour are yours? Are they white or grey? I can't quite tell," he queried.

Hinata blushed, from his sudden proximity, her gaze meeting his. "They are a light lavender," she revealed.

Suigetsu smiled, commenting, "Ah, I see. We have more in common than I initially thought."

Hinata reciprocated his smile, replying, "Sode, ne!"

Sasuke scoffed in irritation, turning his head away. Couldn't Suigetsu smell her sweet seductive scent? Being this close to her doesn't affect him? Why was he the only one tormented by this primal urge to possess her? Why couldn't he be near her without feeling an overwhelming desire to jump on her?

When they were alone, Sasuke asked him,

"Suigetsu, don't you smell anything when you're close to Hinata?" he questioned.

Suigetsu closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, reminiscent of her scent. "I do smell something," he admitted.

"Really? What?" Sasuke couldn't believe it. If Suigetsu also sensed her intoxicating aroma, why was he not affected?

"I smell her perfume," Suigetsu continued, "It carries a delicate lavender fragrance."

Sasuke felt a wave of relief wash over him. He hadn't detected anything—his lack of reaction stemmed from the absence of her scent. But then, why was he the only one under its spell?

While Suigetsu busied himself with the task of catching dinner, he was unexpectedly welcomed by a glimmering purple gemstone that lay concealed in the very depths of the water. In a fit of excitement, he called out to Hinata, waving the gemstone in her direction to capture her attention. "Hinata, come see what I've found for you! Look how beautifully it sparkles as it glistens in the light," he exclaimed with a glint in his eyes.

She examined the polished brilliance of the gemstone, truly awestruck by its beauty. "For me? This is truly remarkable. I never saw one as enchanting as this," she replied, completely entranced.

Suigetsu eagerly inquired, "Do you like it?", eagerly anticipating her response.

Hinata bashfully blushed with gratitude, "Hai, thanks Suigetsu-san"

"Come on, don't call me that, just Suigetsu, we are friends, ne?"

"Hai, Sui...Suigetsu." Hinata added, with a hint of shyness in her tone.

Meanwhile, Sasuke simmered with envy and rage, as he observed the two, completely engrossed in one of their lovey-dovey interactions. Spurred by the intensity of his emotions, he incensedly stormed away, desperately trying to regain control of himself. He couldn't comprehend the depths of his feelings. He knew he could never have Hinata, understanding that her heart belonged to someone else. Yet, witnessing her growing closeness with Suigetsu felt like an assault on his sanity.

"Sasuke-kun, aren't you joining us for dinner?" Hinata called out after him, concern etched on her face.

"I'm not hungry," he snapped back, his voice laced with frustration.

She looked at his walking away figure, puzzled by his sudden change in demeanour.

As the night wore on, Hinata futilely waited for Sasuke's return, but he never came back.

"Do you think something happened to him?" Hinata asked Suigetsu anxiously.

"Sasuke is strong; I'm sure he's fine," Suigetsu assured her, settling into his bed and yawning. The weight of his massive sword had exhausted him, making him prone to fatigue.

After an hour of waiting, Hinata could no longer bear the uncertainty. Taking matters into her own hands. Activating her Byakugan, she employed her sharp vision into the darkness, scanning for Sasuke. Eventually, she landed her eyes on him, lying motionless beneath a tree, gazing keenly at the star-filled sky.

Suigetsu was sound asleep, his snores filling the air. Seizing the opportunity, Hinata approached Sasuke, carrying a leaf with grilled fish and vegetables.

"Sasuke-kun, are you alright?" Hinata whispered, bending down next to him, concern etched on her face.

He turned and layed on his side away from her, his emotions still in turmoil.

"Sasuke-Kun, I brought you some dinner, you must be hungry."

"Go to sleep, I'm fine," he replied curtly.

"You don't look fine. Did I do something upsetting?" she inquired, her voice filled with worry.

"It has nothing to do with you. It's me," he responded, his tone laced with frustration.

"What do you mean?" she pressed, refusing to leave him alone in his distress.

"Nothing, just leave me alone," he implored, feeling the weight of his emotions burdening him.

"How can I leave you like this?" Hinata gently reached for his hand, unwilling to abandon him.

But then, the familiar sensation washed over her once again. Her heart raced, her body trembled, and a desperate ache throbbed within her core.

Her scent intensified, enveloping Sasuke with an intoxicating power of desire. Panting in agony, he whispered, "Why are you so persistent?"

"Sasuke-kun, why is this happening between us?" she managed to utter, her voice filled with a mixture of confusion and longing.

"Is Suigetsu sleeping?" he inquired, their words mingling with heavy breaths.

"Hai," she replied, her own breathing becoming more ragged. "Sasuke-kun, please..."

He knew what she wanted and he couldn't resist her any longer. Overwhelmed by his own desires, Sasuke pushed her onto her back and removed her pants and panties, exposing her fully to his gaze.

As he spread her legs, the dim light revealed her intimate form. A surge of overwhelming affection and desire coursed through him. So this is Hinata's… fuck, that is so cute, he thought, filled with admiration.

She blushed, feeling self-conscious under his intense stare. "Sasuke-kun, don't… don't stare," she whispered, her embarrassment evident.

His longing to explore her further intensified. He wanted to get closer, to savor her scent, to taste her essence. The sweet aroma that once emanated from her neck was now concentrated at its source, beckoning him to indulge in its intoxicating allure. Gently, he touched her clit with his thumb, eliciting a quiver from her drenched core. Coating himself with her slick arousal, he began to rub against her folds. The instant their body parts touched, a surge of delightfull electrifying pleasure coursed through both of them. Hinata gasped, arching her back, while Sasuke groaned, his teeth clenched in ecstasy. It was heaven. He doubted anything could compare to the pleasure of touching her dripping core with his dick.

Their gazes locked, filled with desire and longing. He couldn't control himself, he needed her. He needed to feel her body against his. He needed to feel her warmth. He needed to taste her. He was holding it for too long trying to be gentle. "Sasu... more," she whispered, her voice adulterated with need.

His self-restraint wavered, and he was sure that he had lost a few cells from his brain. He lifted her legs higher against his waist, his grip firm on her head and shoulders. Burieng his face in the crook of her neck, his movements quickening. Unable to resist any longer, he longed to yield to the temptation of devouring her delicate skin. "Can I... lick you?" he asked hesitantly, his voice betraying his yearning.

"ehm" she stammered, her consent granted through a nod.

His tongue tenderly lapped at her skin, eliciting a pleasurable moan from Hinata as she instinctively tilted her head, offering him more access. He revelled in the sensation as he sensually licked her throat, moving to the other side of her fragrant neck, he sucked on her tender skin, leaving a mark of their passionate encounter. The taste of her delicate flesh was divine, perfectly complementing her intoxicating scent. Hinata's scent filled his senses, heightening his desire to sink his teeth into her nape. At the inn, he felt it too when her nape was in full display. But he will not hurt her in such a manner.

Lost in their shared passion, consumed by their desire for each other, they surrendered to the present moment, forsaking thoughts of the future. Her fingers entangled in his hair and grazed his nape, heightening their connection. Hinata's moans echoed in his ears, filling him with delight of bringing her so much pleasure. Mindful of the possibility of their secret being overheard by Suigetsu, "Hinata, not so loud," he cautioned breathlessly.

"I can't... I'm... I'm cuming," she gasped, on the precipice of ecstasy. Swiftly, he silenced her impending scream with a fervent kiss, his lips melding with hers, a union of softness and sweetness. His mouth enveloped her lower lip, sucking gently, before withdrawing, sensing his own imminent release. With a surge of euphoria, he ejaculated onto the ground beside her.

Recovering their senses, Hinata retrieved a handkerchief from her jacket, and offered it to him. He swiftly wiped her clean before cleaning himself. However, as he glanced at the fabric, a frown creased his brow. He realised that the handkerchief was, in fact, his own. Confusion gripped him—had she picked up his handkerchief from the garbage? Why?

Hinata's hand trembled as she reached for her precious collection. "Can I have it back?" she whispered, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anticipation, unable to meet Sasuke's gaze.

He feigned ignorance, pretending not to recognize his own hankie. "It's dirty!" he protested, attempting to dismiss the situation.

"I'll wash it," Hinata offered, her voice barely audible as she clutched the garment tightly. Filled with a mixture of shame and disbelief, she began dressing, ready to retreat back to her bed.

"Hinata, I didn't mean to kiss you! I just didn't want anyone to hear us," Sasuke's voice broke the tense silence, remorse lacing his words. Hinata turned away, her side facing him, as she softly replied, "It... It's fine, Sasuke-kun," her voice barely above a whisper.

"I liked how you called me," he admitted, scrutinizing her. Hinata's smile, though shy, blossomed as she looked down, her heart filled with a mix of warmth and nervousness.

"Don't get too close to Suigetsu," Sasuke finally voiced his true concern, his words tinged with possessiveness. Hinata's response was a quiet affirmation, "H... Hai," and she walked away.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he followed her back to the campfire, their connection unspoken yet palpable.

As they prepared for bed, washing away the remnants of the day, Sasuke found himself torn between his overwhelming desire for Hinata and his sense of duty. He knew that he couldn't continue down this path. He needed to find a way to control his tumultuous feelings before it was too late.

Hinata, on the other hand, her gaze fixed on the dancing flames of the fire. Her mind was a tempest of conflicting emotions. She couldn't erase the memory of the divine pleasure that had transpired between her and Sasuke. It felt like a betrayal to Naruto, the man she loved with all her heart. But she couldn't deny the unequivocal pull she felt towards Sasuke, an magnetical force that left her torn and vulnerable.

After what seemed like an eternity, exhaustion finally weighed heavily upon them, lulling them into a fitful slumber, Suigetsu opened his eyes.