Chapter 13: A Forbidden Dream

"I have tried to let you go and I cannot. I cannot stop thinking of you. I cannot stop dreaming about you."

― Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus


Sasuke

"Who is she?" Kimimaro asks.

His bone sword grazes his cheek, pricks deep enough to draw out droplets of blood Sasuke instantly swipes away.

So now he truly gets to put all his studying of how his bones work into action after weeks of watching him at a distance; Orochimaru's tossed away body/experiment. Good, he's been itching test how Kimimaro's body operates in a real one on one fight once and for all.

Sasuke arches a brow, watches carefully as Kimimaro breaks with ease the bones of his arms and neck, collarbone pulled out and twisted to his whim before he attacks once more, a frenzied dance of whites and grays that shine in the moonlight.

"Who?" Sasuke asks as he parries his curved sword with a gush of his fireball jutsu, reduces bone to ash before he can dare strike and tear at his skin again.

He steps forward, electricity crackling through his hands.

"Chidori!"

Kimimaro leaps back, knowing all too well what the chidori can do to a body with a single touch.

It manages to still slice at his side and he hardens his skin quickly before his flesh can start to burn and melt.

"Don't play the fool. Your red thread; she clearly was a distraction to you just now." He spits out.

'Sakura?' Sasuke scoffs.

He hasn't thought about her in months, and if he does, the thought is immediately buried with thoughts of Itachi and gaining power; of the revenge he still must complete.

Besides, she must hate him now for the way he left her...

He clicks his teeth when he inevitably recalls the softness of her lips, annoying dreams he's had off and on as of late of resting in her arms or walking through the woods together; at peace.

'Stop thinking about Sakura; focus.'

At his silence Kimimaro sends him the faintest smirk, gestures once more towards his hands.

"Back in the days before the Kaguya clan's massacre our 13th birthdays were considered not the day we found out who our red thread is, but a rite of passage to truly take part in the fights we started, taste and feast on the blood of our enemies or opponent just for the sake of it." Kimimaro recalls.

Sasuke remains silent, making him go on.

"I always found the tradition dull though anyone who was found to have an actual red thread match they for some reason refused to break was immediately sent to a Heartbreaker Woman to have it severed. It was either that or the person risked having have their fingers ripped apart by another member in their sleep to ensure they could never track down said person. The mantra was: there's no need for thoughts of love or relationships clouding the thrill of a fight, relationships are only for procreating to continue the clan." He finishes off.

Sasuke shrugs. "Why are you telling me all this?"

Kimimaro gestures then to his hand and Sasuke feels that same annoying prickling sensation arise around his fingers, curl around his index finger like a vice.

Orochimaru's dampener, the effects are starting to fade. He'd figured he at least had a month or two before he would need to reach out to him again to poison his thread, even his whole body if necessary with his various toxins and drugs to make sure it never became a distraction to him throughout his training.

Clearly the chemical dissipates faster than either expected.

Because miles away as Sakura is, when he glances down to his hand between skirting Kimimaro's bones he sees the red glow of his thread starting to shine once more like a beacon; a warning that if he can see this, Sakura eventually can and will too.

'Damn it.'

"You're not fit to be Master Orochimaru's next vessel. It's obvious that you're tied to too many past bonds that you haven't even fully cut yourself off from." Kimimaro scoffs.

Sasuke gazes up to him again, channels electricity back into his hands while allowing his curse seal to spread. Wings spread forth from his back, he feels his hair elongate, cracking his fingers.

'I'll dispose of him then rebind my thread.' He decides.

He allows the heat burning up in him to rise, mix with rage that he dare look down on him.

"What? And you are? Not that I even plan for Orochimaru to take my body, but that body of yours is going to betray you and give out any day now all because nobody can figure how your circulatory system works!" Sasuke volleys back.

Kimimaro says nothing, matching his curse seal with his own as his skin takes on a brownish-gray, sclerae of his eyes bleeding black contrasting against the shine of now golden irises.

'This is my last chance to show Master Orochimaru my true strength!'

All he needs to do is slow Sasuke down enough, trap him in the very bones of his spine.

"Dance of the Clematis: Vine!"

He slides his vertebrae out like a whip, spikes riddled throughout each section of cartilage and bone.

He swings his spine whip forth in a frenzy, and he realizes to his painful dismay he underestimated the Uchiha's speed, how his flames and sharingan allow him to read his every move and crack of his bones before they can ensnare and pierce him.

"Fire Release: Flame Whirlwind!"

The tornado of heat keeps Kimimaro at bay, swishes of his bone only meeting air through the swirls of crimson and yellows trying to pinpoint Sasuke's location.

"Getting tired? I'm sure Orochimaru won't have any further use for you if you get exhausted this easily." Sasuke taunts, forcing Kimimaro to use his Shikotsumyaku to it's maximum, burn through through his chakra even faster.

The ground below them quakes, bones erupting out in a river of spears.

"Lord Orochimaru is the only one who understands me! You know nothing!" He snaps out, twisting himself as spikes of bone rise along in his body in a swirl of white, jabbing at one of his wings, grinning at Sasuke's wince.

He turns his arms into twin drills, the second phase: Dance of the Clematis: Flower.

It doesn't matter that he's getting slower, his chest aching trying to keep up with all the chakra he's using in such a short period of time.

"Enough." A new voice announces and Kimimaro half-turns to see Kabuto watching him, Orochimaru trailing behind.

Gold snake orbs look past him to Sasuke, always Sasuke and Kimimaro clenches his teeth feeling his vision start to swim, collapsing to the ground spitting up gobs of blood.

"Kabuto, take him to the back." Orochimaru orders, stepping over his body without care, fingers reaching for Sasuke's hands.

"I don't think you'll make it through the night." Kabuto mutters as he helps Kimimaro back up and Kimimaro notes he's talking more to himself than him at having to dispose of his body somewhere eventually, focusing his attention instead back on Orochimaru, straining to hear pieces of his conversation with Sasuke.

"The chemicals you put on my red thread are wearing off. I need more of it; now." Sasuke commands sharply.

He avoids mentioning that he can already see his thread, that he's feeling the beginning nicks of Sakura again no matter how far their current distance is.

Kabuto tsks, scowling in their direction as well. "Don't speak so flippantly to Lord Orochimaru! Besides, you'll have to deal with it tonight as were low on the necessary ingredients."

Orochimaru sends him a look and Kabuto sighs, pointless to argue with him even in his current state.

I'll speak with Lord Orochimaru's associates in the black market trades of the nearby villages first thing in the morning. That's the best I can do after I deal with Kimimaro and heal your superficial injuries." Kabuto voices.

The Land of Keys would be the best people to communicate with first Kabuto determines mentally, most of their citizens use their espionage and lock-picking/thievery skills to steal a wide variety of goods.

And if not there, they can pass through the Land of Honey. There has to be some natural herbs and flowers that grow in the region not layered in frost yet that could be of use to him as well.

Sasuke scoffs, shrugging with a clipped fine before pushing past them both heading back to his barrack.

'Tomorrow. What if Sakura or Naruto begin to track me down by then? Or that retrieval squad I've been hearing about that's been sent to force me back to the village?'

He pictures hurt emerald orbs, the scent of lilies before rubbing at his eyes, image dispelling back into the shadows.

Orochimaru merely chuckles watching Sasuke go, Kimimaro not missing the way he clenches at his own chest briefly.

'Even with Master Orochimaru sick as he is, he truly no longer has any use for my body.' Kimimaro realizes.

He doesn't miss the way Sasuke glances back at him over his shoulder, cruel smirk dancing across his lips. His red thread didn't make him weak at all like he imagined, like all the stories he heard from his clan.

If anything, seeing it gave him a boost, a desire to mask it's power once more should anyone try to use it against him, anyone stronger than himself who may not fail in the same way he did...


Sakura

"This one is called the chameleon flower. It's an invasive plant that grows in moist, shady locations like this. It gets it's name primarily from how well it can blend into it's environments, especially with how difficult it can be to remove once found as it's roots can run deep across a region or forest." Shino explains.

'Chameleon. Able to hide and blend itself amid the fauna.' Sakura nods as writes it out along her notepad.

It gives off a sweet minty to earthy scent that reminds her of rain, of days long since passed traveling the hidden trails of the backwoods of Konoha alone.

They'd been walking for over an hour in silence gathering herbs and insects in an exercise to learn the Aburame clan's way of detecting scents and way of attacking. Rumi and Ryoja buzz at her sides curious about this side of Konoha's forests she's never ventured to with them.

Sakura again studies the heart-shaped leaves, greenish-yellow flower petals mottled with dew before feeling a sharp prick in her hands that nearly makes her gasp. She glances down slowly maybe having brushed against a thorn or jagged piece of bark, stunned instead by a faint glow of of red wrapped around her index finger amid the greenery.

'My red thread, I can see it?!'

"Oh, and you said this is one of your favorite plants?" Sakura manages out after doing a double take at her hand.

She isn't seeing things, stomach flipping at the realization.

Shino nods, gestures to Rumi as she lands upon the flower's tip.

"I figured these flowers and plants that grow in the woods near our clan can be of use to you for medicinal and culinary purposes. The chameleon flower is commonly used in cuisine for making salads, teas for stomach upset, and as a garnish for noodles or stir-fry." He explains.

Sakura nods with a slow smile of thanks, ignoring the sensation in her hands that feels akin to a fire crawling up her arms as she gathers a few into a bundle.

Sasuke is up to something, time is of the essence to figure out exactly what that is.

The next morning she heads straight for the Hokage Tower, tracks the mission postings until she sees the C-rank mission still there from a week ago.

A woman up north in the regions of The Land of Honey is requesting a medic ninja or personnel for aid in healing her sick grandchild. It's stayed on the board for so long she knows because less and less people head northward at this time of year with the way cold rains settle across those lands and mountains, leaves everything slushy with either ice or mud.

The award is 90,000 ryo, a high reward for a rather straightforward mission. It's enough to cover travel expenses and help her in getting to and from the region with enough leftover ryo to use afterwards for medical supplies or shopping.

'It will be your first true mission alone Sakura. Without Kakashi-sensei, Naruto, or Sasuke's back-up if things go wrong.' She warns herself.

Maybe she should ask for Kakashi-sensei's backup, but this mission doesn't require a squadron and he's needed elsewhere with repairs throughout the village and higher ranked missions.

It's risky, but the village is small and she's heard people from the Land of Keys sometimes pass through when needing to be undercover to collect on a deal or goods without getting a bigger nation's notice...

Nations like Konoha.

Someone there could've seen Sasuke, she can't not act while her red thread is activated like this.

"Can you let Lady Tsunade know I'll be away for the next 2 weeks or so preparing and doing this request?" She asks Shizune the following afternoon at the hospital.

Shizune nods, reading over the mission's briefings while Sakura ignores the pounding of her heart.

'Please don't ask me too many questions, don't ask why I'm traveling there now.'

"Huh, not many people traveling north these days from both civilian or shinobi. It gets so cold and dark up in those regions at this time of year. I can see why this woman has been having trouble getting offers." Shizune muses.

Sakura nods. "I want to put everything Lady Tsunade has taught me into action outside the hospital setting. People in these smaller villages and lands have trouble accessing medicine, having the right supplies, and even having enough people with medical knowledge to perform more advanced procedures."

Shizune gives her a long look at her explanation, dark eyes narrowing.

"Do you think you're ready for all that? You don't have any secondary reasons for going there?" She asks point blank.

Sakura nods, straightens herself having expected and practiced for this very question.

"I admit I'm a bit nervous to go out on my own, but I'll never fully grow as a kunoichi if I don't get more field experience. War and missions don't take place in the hospital after all, I have to be ready no matter the environment I'm in." She answers honestly.

Shizune smiles, pleased with her response.

"We expect to hear great things from you Sakura."

Sakura feels her cheeks warm. "Ah, well make sure Lady Tsunade keeps her drinking and gambling to a minimum while I'm gone!"

Shizune snorts at that, waving her away organizing a pile of paperwork Tsunade will need to review once she comes back from her midday sake drink.

"If me or Tonton could do that, we would've done it years ago!"

And with that, she's cleared.

She distracts her trembling hands by heading to the pediatric wing next, greets Dr. Fukio and Dr. Makishima on-call today. The nurses need help passing medications so she moves to help in hanging bags of fluids for cases of gastroenteritis, gives back rubs and fever-reducing pills for the influenza cases and double checks blood transfusions orders for the anemic patients until the day gives way to twilight.

Ryoja buzzes by her side with seeming impatience as she enters her room, Sakura sending him a look at his fast flickering about her hair, threatening to sting her in the middle of her head. (He wouldn't dare knowing she can take his favorite snacks away).

"I know I stayed over when night shift was already there; I just want to be of help!" She grumbles, thankful he truly doesn't decide to sting her as she opens a jar of fruit and honey that she helped make with Shoma earlier in the week.

"Share with Rumi, you're both going to need your strength in the coming days." Sakura instructs as Rumi's antennas flicker up at the scent.

She still hasn't fully mastered her wasps ways of communicating/giving signals. (Shibi and Shoma have yet to give her the more advanced lessons on how each insect communicates, which ones they use for poison, and which they use for spying.)

Sakura turns to her reflection as she peels out of her scrubs, studies her pink locks.

'Sasuke. If I do come across him, I can't look like my usual self. My pink hair is a dead giveaway of my identity, would a transformation jutsu even be enough?'

There's also Kabuto and Orochimaru who will never be too far from keeping an eye on Sasuke.

Rumi joins Ryoja's side, wings together reflecting the last rays of sunlight highlighting them in an amber-violet glow before landing on her bundle of herbs. The pair circle around the white petals before burrowing into the leaves to rest for the night.

Houttuynia Cordata; the chameleon plant.

'Chameleon, changing one's disguise or nature. I'll have to disguise more than just my looks though, enough that not even Sasuke would ever recognize me.'


Naruto & Jiraiya

'I hope that reaches her.' Naruto sighs into the midday air.

He's sure Gamakichi doesn't want to keep playing errand toad for his love letters, but he's his summon for a reason!

"She's in the next small village over, please?! I'll feed you a whole buffet of bugs and insects the next time we meet, you know!" Naruto promises with clasped hands.

"I don't know Naruto. Why can't ya just like, use one of your clones to send this to her?" Gamakichi questions with a tilt of his head.

Naruto sighs, because he doesn't want Hiashi intercepting it in any form or fashion.

At his silence, Gamakichi can't help but grin.

"Hey, at least tell me something about this girl so I'm delivering it to the right person besides just being a Hyuga with violet hair. Is she cute? Her Father a bit of a jerk from what Jiraiya says? What exactly is so important that you need to tell her this now?" Gamakichi pries.

Naruto scratches a hand behind his neck at all his questions and even Gamakichi knows him well enough by now that he's too nervous to tell him the full and complicated truth.

'Heh, the last time he was this excited about a girl was regarding that teammate of his I think. But now he's acting so shy and quiet for this one.' He ponders.

A red thread changes much it seems and it at least seems this new girl well and good can put up with Naruto's antics.

He starts to unfurl Naruto's message, curiosity getting the best of him.

"Hey, I didn't say to read it! I just want to meet her at the river that crosses near The Land of Mountains. Right now, it's a good midway point between us before we get too far from each other!" Naruto exclaims.

Gamakichi studies him blankly before nodding.

"Fine, if only because it's not that far for me to go and I'm a bit curious how this red thread thing humans have works."

"Good, now hurry and get going before Pervy-Sage comes to check on me!" Naruto gripes.

Gamakichi huffs at his shooing, leaping away to the trees below.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going."

"The wind is picking up, that because of you?" Jiraiya questions from somewhere behind him not a minute later. He looks and sounds so much better than he did a week ago with bandages no longer covering his torso or face as Naruto checks him over. Whether it's from Amika's daily walks with him or Dr. Tashigawa's medicine, he's happy their both up and about basically fully recovered.

He smells of sweat he's sure, that and the dirt he knows is clinging to his jacket and hair.

Naruto nods, facing him fully with a cheery grin.

"Been practicing since sunrise, you know!"

Jiraiya's gaze falls to the half-bent to cracked trees surrounding him blown away from a shock of wind, roots upturned pointed towards the sky. He dissipates the clone that helped him form the current rasengan in his hands, bigger than any of the ones he's seen him previously make.

'His rasengan, wind, and sealing techniques have improved so much in just a week's time.' He marvels.

They should head for Mount Myōboku before the month is over to start Sage training he decides, they could do with a warmer climate as well.

"I can see that! I'm proud of you kid! Haven't let up in your training or been distracted at all!" Jiraiya grins at his progress, ruffling his hair.

Naruto laughs in return, hoping his smile doesn't look off.

'As long as he doesn't find out about the messages I pass along to Hinata; I'm good!'

But keeping something from a spy like Jiraiya may soon become next to impossible.

Jiraiya points towards the main square of the village.

"What'd say you take a break for lunch? Also, I'd like to collect and check in on some intel before we head to our next destination for training!" Jiraiya suggests.

Naruto scoffs, knowing that just means Amika and the other nurses have grown tired of his jokes and 'research' tactics. His stomach loosens though at the mention of food, only having snacked on onigiri, chips, and water since daybreak.

"I'm fine, I have plenty of snacks to get by." He starts.

GURGLE!

Of course his stomach would choose now to growl and betray him, reddening at Jiraiya's bemused grin.

"Your body disagrees. Come on, let's go get some actual food into that growing body of yours! Can't have you passing out on me!" Jiraiya teases, grabbing Naruto by the arm before he can protest.

They move through twisting alleyways and corner stores before reaching the apparent restaurant that caught Jiraiya's attention.

Sakanayano-Oden.

The pictures outside the restaurant boast of their legendary sushi, steaks, and wines making Naruto wonder why Jiraiya is choosing such a fancy restaurant which will make him use more of his ryo than usual for a simple lunch.

"Hello, my name's Yuma; I'll be your server for today! Welcome to Sakanayano-Oden! What can I get you two to start off with?" She greets them with a light grin, her gaze roams a second longer than necessary on Jiraiya, passes him a secretive smile.

Jiraiya grins at her bubbly attitude and Naruto nearly sinks in his seat at his lingering gaze towards her breasts before stating they'll take two waters and two plates of curry katsu with gyoza and spring rolls on the side.

"Oh, and extra lemons too for the drinks!" Jiraiya calls after her before she fully departs.

Naruto waits until she's out of earshot before speaking up. "You know she probably has a red thread match, right? I'm surprised with all of your escapades in flirting and gathering so called 'research' for your books that none of these women's red thread's have gone after you."

Jiraiya shrugs, beaming without a care in the world. "What would say if they did? I know when to back down from a Lady who's already spoken for! Besides, it's not like I can see their thread unless they tell me or don't care about who they've been matched with."

He clicks his chopsticks at Naruto seeing his frown. "It's just those hormones of yours making you say that! The red thread madness is getting to you because Hinata was near you at that critical moment."

Naruto rolls his eyes, leaning closer.

"Why are we really here? You hate spending ryo unless absolutely necessary, you know!"

Jiraiya hushes him in response, gesturing to a couple that's just walked in while Yuma sets down their gyoza and rice bowls in front of them.

'It's time to check if my theory is true.' He knows.

Naruto half-turns to follow his gaze between bites of rice without hopefully being too obvious, Jiraiya nudging him to stop staring so hard.

"I've been tracking those two enter this restaurant every day around 1:00 pm sharp since we came to this village. They always order the same meal of a hibachi steak with wine for the guy and chicken yakisoba for the lady." Jiraiya mutters.

Naruto can't find anything unique about the duo. The lady is a strawberry blonde with steel gray eyes scoffing at the hostess's slowness to get them a set of menus despite already knowing what she'll order while the man stares tiredly at his watch, blinking away sleep from teal orbs.

"What's so important about them?" Naruto questions.

Jiraiya points at him then and he feels a knot slide into his chest. "I've noticed them snooping around the inn and following me around the nearby marketplace more than once. That's when I recalled seeing their photos in the bingo book. They're brokers who're in the business of selling and buying contraband drugs, illegal matchmaking/kidnapping of young teenagers without red threads, and if my suspicions are correct...work the with Akatsuki at providing information on where jinchuriki are currently located for a large fee in return."

The food in his stomach turns to lead, Naruto clenching his teeth.

He peeks over his shoulder again sensing an intense gaze, sure enough the pair gazing at them before hurriedly looking away.

They're poor spies, but he still feels a chill crawl up his back.

"So then...?" Naruto trails off, voice too dry to say much more.

He's known that he's always going to be hunted for the Nine Tails since finding out he's Konoha's jinchuriki, that nowhere he goes will truly be safe until all of the Akatsuki is eliminated.

But everything involved with training, missions with Team 7, with Hinata being his red thread and actually not finding him to being an annoying pest allowed him to briefly forget about this shadow organization that only wants him for his Tailed Beast.

He brushes his fingers against the seal upon his stomach, wonders who exactly tipped these two off to his identity before he thinks of Amika and Dr. Tashigawa.

'Those were false smiles after all...' He frowns.

Jiraiya simply nods at his speculations, they'll get his warning message in the form of Yuma mixing extra wasabi and peppers into their orders, the hidden message in their silverware to stay away.

"It's time we moved on from this village."


Hinata

Hinata hides her smile until evening, waiting for her and her father to split apart for the onsen.

'I got your message Naruto.'

Midnight. The S-shaped river that slides around the mountains. Tomorrow night.

That means he saw her ribbon from before.

"Ah, is there something I need to pay you with?" Hinata asks Gamakichi who watches her absently, shaking his head though his eyes remain fixed on her hand.

"Well, Naruto said he'd give some insects/bugs in return for my services." He offers after a moment's thought at Hinata's continued thoughtful look.

Hinata giggles, beckons him to follow her.

"You're really Naruto's summon, aren't you? I remember from the hospital." She recalls as they walk along.

"Accidental summon." Gamakichi clarifies, but it's starting to not sound so bad if he gets free meals out of this.

Hinata breathes a sigh of relief thankful the woman's side of the onsen is near the woods and hillside (and that the few woman in the waters pay her no mind) digging her hands into warmed earth and grass exposing beetles shades of royal blue to dragonflies with iridescent wings.

"Shino taught Kiba and I about the variety of bugs and insects that live in certain climates and where to locate them depending on the time of year. Oh, but he probably wouldn't like that I'm showing a toad where to find such creatures to get eaten!" Hinata explains half to him and herself.

Gamakichi snickers, surprised by her efforts to go out of her way to truly help him.

"Hey, so how did Naruto even know which direction you went off in with your old man?" He questions between the crunch of beetle.

Hinata holds up her index finger. "Once you turn 13, you see who your red thread is; your matched soulmate."

Gamakichi leans closer, trying to see said thread in the waning sunlight to no avail.

"Huh, so that means your Naruto's girlfriend, lover, or something?" He questions, leaning back when it's clear only matches can see each other's thread.

Hinata reddens, pursing her lips. She and Naruto have never put an official title to what exactly they are. Of course, it's a given for most red thread matches to become boyfriend and girlfriend and eventually marry. Though it's clear from seeing their peers matches that isn't the case for everyone.

"I-I err, well yes! Ah, or maybe really good friends is a better word?" She scrambles, good friends don't kiss though, don't look at each other the way she's looked at Naruto and caught him looking at her as well...

Gamakichi rolls his eyes, Hinata's just as nervous about said subject as Naruto.

"Anyways, thanks for the grub! I'll let Naruto know you got the message!" He states.

Hinata nods, Gamakichi disappearing in a pop of white smoke.

She goes through the motions of a budding plan while studying her reflection in the spring's waters, scrubbing off dirt clinging to her hair and neck until her skin is a flushed pink from the steam.

'I don't know what Father's plans are next regarding my training or if he needs to do business with someone within these villages.' Hinata regards, searching the inn for him an hour later.

She finds him in the dining hall, pausing at seeing him talking with another man.

He has a dignified air about him, long obsidian locks pinned back in a style that reminds her of Neji.

And like him, despite not having Hyuga eyes, this man's auburn eyes hold a certain coldness to them as well.

'I can't get too close or Father will notice me.' Hinata shifts her self with the dinner crowd, thankful Father's attention is solely on this man rather than the noise around them.

She rests herself at a table behind them in the byakugan's blind spot, strains to hear them while draw no focus to herself.

"It's good to see you again Hiashi despite the circumstances. I hope you and the main branch are doing well?" The man begins.

Hiashi nods, demeanor layered with barely veiled frustration.

"The less you know the better Hizono, after all, your family split off from the Hyuga generations ago."

Hinata stiffens, this man is a distant relative?

Hizono shrugs. "True enough. I suppose you heard about Mukai's death through the grapevine? That cousin of mine had a byakugan I'm sure you know, mind you only in his left eye."

Hiashi stirs at his tea, a sign Hinata recognizes of rising impatience.

"When my assistants mentioned you had a matter of great importance, I was hoping it meant you would be straight to the point." He scowls.

Hizono chuckles, chestnut eyes gleaming.

"Alright, I can see the rumors are true regarding your nature! I wanted to meet regarding your eldest daughter and what I've heard regarding her red thread or lack thereof..."

Hiashi raises a brow silently, an indication for Hizono to continue.

"I can help matchmake her with someone you see. Now I know you may already have plans to set her up with a branch member, but I know of a boy who's strong as any jonin, can protect her from any Kumo ninja or-"

"That won't be necessary. My eldest daughter is a liar because she had a red thread all along." Hiashi cuts him off sharply.

Hizono blinks, going silent.

"Well, this news is...unexpected." He admits after a moment.

He'd been banking on the stories he heard that the Hyuga heiress was without a match. It would've been a chance to weave his family back into the main clan's good graces, gain wealth and power he can never obtain staying in this sleepy village.

Hiashi crosses his arms. "You've wasted both of our times with this meeting."

Hinata shuffles in her seat, nibbles at her omurice feeling her stomach churn.

Hiashi moves to stand, Hizono doing the same before he loses him completely.

"Ah hold on, her red thread! Is he a suitable match you would say? Have you even met him?" He pursues.

Hiashi half turns then, pearl orbs digging into her probably having known she was here all along. All his mistrust, all his frustrations with her burn at her skin igniting her in goosebumps far worse than leaving the hot springs did.

'Naruto is a danger to you and himself Hinata. I won't allow you to put yourself in harm's way on purpose."

She's sure if it was any other boy who was her red thread, Father probably wouldn't care.

His training would focus back to Hanabi and she would just be on the back burner of his thoughts...

But Naruto being a jinchuriki changes things, forces his hand she supposes to act due to the Elders.

"Do you need help in dealing with him? I do know a Heartbreaker Woman who can-" Hizono attempts once more at his silence.

Hiashi holds up a hand before he can start rambling. Thank you, but I have my own way I plan on handling it that I don't need to share with you or anybody at this time."

And Hinata feels her heart jolt.

'What does that mean; what could he be planning?'

Hizono studies him, clenches his teeth. This meeting has been more disastrous than he could ever imagine.

"You don't think this boy shouldn't be your daughter's match from that expression? Or worthy to be?" He tries one last time.

Hiashi merely sighs, fixes one last slight look in Hinata's direction before turning to go the opposite way.

"I can admit he brings out strengths and joy in my eldest daughter that I've lacked in giving her myself, though I have my reservations if he'll ever meet my full standards despite all that. As it stands Hizono, I don't require your services for dealing with this family affair."


Shikamaru & Temari

'This wasn't part of the plan!' Shikamaru clicks his tongue.

He'd watched the patterns Tayuya has played with that demonic flute of hers awakening those beasts, memorized how each note was assigned to a particular giant's way of attacking.

But none of that matters as he's starting to learn Temari makes her own rules as she's fit once the tides change with battle.

"That hand of yours going to be okay?" Temari asks from somewhere behind him.

"Yeah." Shikamaru mutters as he straightens out his broken fingers. Those 3 creatures Tayuya summoned, the Doki as she called them disappear back into a puff of smoke no longer entangled in his shadow's bindings to attack her or Choji's enlarged fists.

She'd split them apart with her creatures and now it feels like they've reached a stalemate, he having been unable to fully choke her with his shadows when she'd gotten close and she unable to kill him while he had been trapped in her genjutsu.

Pain overrides sound, Tayuya having leapt back into the falling snow, his shadows receding back; refocusing.

"We're dragging things out unnecessarily; I'm ending this now." Temari asserts.

Shikamaru frowns, about to state they shouldn't rush into anything knowing how Tayuya's flute is when they hear a sharp howl in the distance that sends flocks of birds scattering out of the canopies.

Shikamaru half turns to see Choji in his giant form again, streams of blue chakra arising from his left fist.

"Butterfly bullet bombing!"

The punch slams into a figure too far away for him to see. In the opposite distance he sees another figure ensnared in the teeth of a double-headed wolf.

And then silence, red glow of light cutting through the blanket of gray from a flare gun; the signal of an all-clear.

A grin slowly etches up Shikamaru's lips. 'Everything's coming together at least on one end of this plan.'

"See? Our teammates have already finished their assigned jobs, so we should too. Choji's thoroughly distracted Tayuya again or at least closed in enough to get a good hit on her just now." Temari remarks.

Shikamaru clicks his tongue, weighing with arguing with her or just going along with whatever plan she has in mind.

Choji abruptly lands beside them, shaking his head to clear it, out of breath. "Hey guys, I can't...I can't get near her again with her flute giving me illusions on top of the increased strength she got with that curse seal. I'm pretty sure that one punch I landed slowed her down some though."

Shikamaru pats his shoulder, nodding to let him get his bearings.

"She fights from a long distance Temari and I don't want to risk Choji taking another pill in his current state-" He begins only for Temari to shrug and step forward from their branch.

"I don't need to be close to her to kill her; you two just sit back and watch." Temari smirks.

Temari unsheathes her fan, biting her thumb deep enough to smear a ribbon of blood along her fan. A weasel pops forth, sickle in his paws.

"Summoning: Quick Beheading Dance!"

A whistle of wind surrounds them in an instant, tree branches, leaves, and dirt billowing around them into a whirlwind. Shikamaru shields his eyes while Choji straightens himself to stay balanced, pair watching in awe as the surrounding forest becomes desecrated as tree branches topple over.

Temari nods proudly when the destruction calms, gazing back to Shikamaru.

"Well, that takes care of her! We should regroup!"

Choji gapes at the site. 'I'm glad she's on our side this time!'

Shikamaru nods slowly, studying a plume of smoke to the northwest he knows isn't from Temari's wind.

'While both the bodyguards may be dead, we could've just alerted Orochimaru and Kabuto to where we are as well. We need to find out from the closest village what the people know of Otogakure and if Sasuke can even be retrieved at this point.'

Everyone at this point is exhausted and low on chakra, but every passing minute puts Sasuke further and further out of reach...

Temari taps his cheek non too gently (when did she move in that close to him?), pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Care to share with me why you have that concentrated/frustrated look on your face still?"

Shikamaru sighs, gently waves her hand away pointing in the direction of the trail of smog. "That. I'm sure we just alerted Orochimaru or Kabuto to our location and they're adjusting their plans accordingly for Sasuke. We're all in no shape to fight either of them despite our victories. I know the longer we wait, the further Sasuke will be out of reach, though it isn't feasible to try and go after him in our current state."

Temari arches a brow, thoughtful. "You have a point, though we've come this far. I would hate for us to go back to Konoha with nothing to show for it."

Shikamaru agrees slowly. "We can try and gather information from the locals if they're willing to talk, though I don't want to create any further trouble for Konoha for trying to dig too deep into another nation's business."

Temari scoffs at that, poking his cheek again. "Isn't that what being a shinobi is all about?"

'Yes, but I'm the leader of this squad and I can't do anything to jeopardize it.' He sighs.

Is the mission a failure if they go back now? Is he a failure as a leader?

He side-eyes Choji still very out of breath, sending him a thumbs up he'll be okay when he catches his gaze.

And...And why is Temari being like this right now of all times?! He nearly voices she's being troublesome, but that could end with her blowing him off this tree. Part of him considers it must just be the thread's effect, annoyance and worry he was actually injured in this all while she's without a scratch.

Choji slumps down to a sitting position; exhaustion seeping into him.

Shikamaru presses his good thumb and index finger to his temple, grumbling at her behavior. "Stop poking at me, I can't concentrate."

Temari ignores him, gaze falling to his hand. "At least let me help heal you and Choji."

Shikamaru frowns, unable to stop himself from questioning this. "Huh? You're not well versed in medical ninjutsu though. I'll just make a brace with some twigs and tape until an actual specialist can look at it."

Temari sends him something of a warped grin.

"And I said: Let. Me. Help. You!"

'She may just really hurt me if I refuse!' Shikamaru frowns, reluctantly moving his hand out.

A knock at the bottom of the tree saves Shikamaru from anything else happening, pair gazing down to see Kankuro with his puppet Kuroari. Shikamaru focuses in on the puppet, the trickle of dried blood along it's arms and head.

'Looks like everyone played a role in that fight. Thought I thought Kankuro would've been farther ahead with the other team specifically targeting Kabuto and Orochimaru? And where's Gaara, shouldn't he be with him?'

A sliver of worry cuts into him at the rise of questions, what happened to them while they were split up?

Kankuro grins, waving back. At least he isn't injured from what he can see.

"Aww, am I interrupting a lover's quarrel between you two?!" He beams.

Shikamaru sighs.

'Yeah, he's fine.'


Naruto & Hinata

If she closes her eyes for a second too long she sees him; Hizono.

A man who so easily believed Father would cast her aside because of her red thread, it would've been a possibility perhaps months ago, but not now. It's clear Hiashi put some type of safe measures into place, but the opportunity to search more into it hasn't arisen between long hours of training her fire and lightning affinities to the gentle fist's strikes, rotating, and speed.

It feels like a miracle Father decided to go to to bed early, that the guards and watchmen he's had placed in and around the inn don't take their night watch as seriously as the ones back home.

Outside his room she counts 4 light snores before deciding it's safe, uses a transformation jutsu to look like an older guest before the first guard locks eyes with her.

'Ko would be so mad at you if he could see you now. Hanami too disobeying Father when he's just trying his best for you.' She hears their complaints swirl in her mind before pushing them aside.

'No, he's merely repeating what the Elders have told him, what he believes of my capabilities.' She snaps back at her inner worry, silencing it for now.

She pulls aside wet moss and branches, listens again for the crackling of the river following a trail of silver moonlight and cicada's chirping.

No, she's not going to think about Father or Hizono anymore for tonight.

"Seems like I got here first." Hinata breathes out, settling her feet into the coolness of the river to stop the stinging of her feet.

The moonlight makes the water shine an ethereal blue, thin mist coating the surrounding rocks and fauna.

She considers for a moment practicing again (like Father is always telling her to do when not reading scrolls), only to gasp at seeing a blur of yellow and orange pull her back from studying her reflection.

He smells like the wind, hands curling around her waist tugging her into his chest.

"Sorry, Pervy-Sage finally went off to some Night Owl Lounge/After-hours club. I didn't think it would take so long to escape!" Naruto breathes into her neck.

She can hear how fast his heart is pounding, nervousness lacing his tone.

"Am I too close? I can move back some, you know." Naruto asks quickly, realizing he probably startled Hinata the way he appeared before her. He's still terrible at this he realizes, not at all suave like Pervy-Sage is telling him to be or cool like the characters in his novels.

Hinata shakes her head, she doesn't even need to fully turn as she leans herself into his arms. She pushes away lingering thoughts of yesterday, none of this feels like only because of her hormones, her feelings run so much deeper than that.

She looks up at Naruto, lavender to blue.

"Missed me?!" Naruto teases.

Hinata simply nods, rocking on her toes, boldly she lets her fingers brush at his whiskers just like she's pictured doing hundreds of times before.

"I-I'm glad we could both make it!" The words tumble out and her face burns even more knowing that she's leaving out so much else, that her shyness is making her too tongue-tied being wrapped in his arms like this.

Naruto chuckles warmly; understanding this time, leans down allowing their lips to brush.

And without saying anything else, Naruto hugs her closer nearly lifting her up, breaths mingling together with the night air.

"The next moment alone we get could take a lot longer, you know. There's this group, the Akatsuki from what Pervy-Sage keeps telling me about that goes after jinchuriki like me. I'm nowhere near strong enough to take on any of their members right now. I think we're going to the land of the Toads next to train which is a secret location." Naruto grumbles.

Hinata watches his face crumple then, that rare look of defeat when Naruto doubts himself he never wants anyone to see.

"You'll get stronger; we both will." She whispers, forcing his gaze to meet her own.

Naruto sighs. "I wish you could come with me, especially if I'm going to be stuck eating things like worms or grasshoppers, you know! I don't know how far this place even is from Konoha and the other regions."

Hinata laughs gently. "I'll eat plenty of ramen at Ichiraku's in your stead."

"I've seen how many bowls you can eat in one sitting. Don't make Old Man Teuchi go out of business before I come back!" Naruto jokes, pressing their foreheads together gently.

Her chest tightens, entangling herself into his lap to remember everything.

Naruto's voice, his laugh, their shared goals for the future.

Because next time could be days, weeks, maybe months before they see each other properly again after tonight.

And sure enough, that next time turns out to be a year...

-x-


Hello everyone, though this chapter ends on kind of a bittersweet note for NaruHina, it's only because realistically for them to grow they need to be apart for a good while. Red threads aren't attached at the hip!

I'll be visiting family overseas all next week. I'm actually posting this right before I leave for the airport, hopefully I should be able to post one more time before the year 2022 is over. (Where does the time go?! Sheesh!)

Quick FYI: The next chapter will be very SasuSaku heavy followed by plenty of NaruHina goodness; I promise! I know not everyone likes them so I figured I would just give a little forewarning as I've already written out the beginning sections. While this a story of Naruto and Hinata's romance and coming together despite their internal and external obstacles, it's also about the other canon couples in the backdrop having their own journeys/stories too.

Let me know your thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!