Finale day! Last chapter is coming in a bit.

*Continuing from Chapter 25

(N) Saving Grace

Though he calls out to her he gets nothing, and right then, Sasuke's lungs give out as his heart breaks down in dread, sobbing in silence and unable to lift a finger while watching Hinata fade before his eyes.

It's heart-wrenching, and now deprived of everything he's ever held dear, all he's longing for is the sweet embrace of release.

While staring at Hinata's blood leaking out, he rests his chin on the ground and completely relaxes, feeling a sudden tranquility in the moment as he arrives at acceptance, in his own way.

He voices in a haunting tone "…Kakashi, I know you have them."

His old mentor looks down at him with fierce disappointment, and as he blinks to clear his eyes, Sasuke adds calmly with terrifying clarity.

"My gun is right there, so-"

"Stop talking. I won't give you a free ride out after all this destruction."

Sasuke's voice trembles as he desperately expresses his desires but when Kakashi continues to ignore him, he pleads in a distraught sob.

"W-W-Why do you keep stopping me?!"

"Because someone has to!"

Suddenly, agonizing silence engulfs them, broken only by the sound of their breaths as time slows the moment stretching it into eternity, and Sasuke groans in despair, reaching his breaking point as he struggles to contain the overwhelming emotions.

"I can't… I can't take it anymore," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

Kakashi sighs before voicing with compassion.

"Sasuke I know you're in pain, but what you're contemplating will not bring you peace, it won't bring you closer to her. You have to stop running, you have to live with this. Do right by her, this once.

With tears flowing freely and mingling with the anguish surrounding his soul, he rolls his head side to side, trapped in the sorrow of his doing, and while all this takes place, on the other side of the lot, Sakura is still frantically trying to get control of Hinata's blood loss, but it's becoming futile.

"Mr. Uzumaki I really need your help for a second."

"…"

"Mr. Uzumaki can you hear me?"

"…"

"Naruto!"

Her head pans up to him, but when she sees the haunting look in his eyes as they stare at the blood seeping through her fingers pressed against the side of Hinata's neck, Sakura can tell that he's already gone catatonic from shock and is no longer there.

"Please Naruto, we're running out of time, I have a tourniquet in my car I just need-"

Shikamaru drops beside them and quickly removes his blazer, pressing it on Sakura's hands so she can remove them.

"Go!"

She sprints off and as he tries to get Naruto's attention, his pleas also go unheard.

Despite this, when his grip begins to loosen as Naruto continues holding Hinata tightly against his body, he glares at his blood-speckled face then suddenly smacks his head into his a few times.

"Goddamn it Naruto! Snap out of it!"

Though it successfully brings him out of shock, Naruto slams his eyes shut, pressing them together forcefully as if he's hoping that will make the sight disappear.

In the moment, as her blood drips off his hands, Naruto is angry, confused, but most of all, he's scared, and as the tears stream from his flooding eyes, he quietly speaks through clattering teeth.

"Shi-ka-maru… Wh-what the hell happened?" He whimpers.

"Naruto you…" He takes a deep breath to calmly find the words "Hinata needs you to pull it together right now, she needs your strength, or she won't get through this… You need her to be okay, don't you?"

He snivels with difficulty "Y-Y-eah."

"Well she's listening, you know that right?"

He nods reluctantly, squeezing his eyes close with more effort "Hmm."

"She isn't gone, and I'm sure she wants to hear your voice. So why don't you give her that crazy big smile and let her know you're waiting."

Naruto takes a deep sedating breath, filling his lungs to capacity then releases it through his mouth, and before opening his eyes he takes a firm hold of her hand, clutching it between both of his.

"Blu, I'm here."

He finally lifts his lids, causing the river to spring forth as he zooms in to focus only on her face, and as he does, he wipes a tear from her cheek.

"I'm sorry that took longer than usual, I'll make it up to you later. I promise."

As he's returning to the present, Sakura runs by Kakashi who's still trying to get through to Sasuke on the ground, and as she passes, Sasuke howls in her direction.

"Is she still alive?"

She ignores him with unwavering focus and quickly gets to her car, rummages through her bag, then darts back over to Hinata, but again as she passes, Sasuke calls out to her, this time with raw desperation.

"Sakura! I'm begging you! Tell me she's okay."

She doesn't spare him a glance, refusing to let the terror distract her from her resolve, however when Kakashi notices the OPA in her hand he breathes a sigh of relief.

"She'll be fine Sasuke. She's strong, she'll make it through."

"How can you be sure?"

Kakashi explains its usage, and as Sasuke watches Sakura as she attempts to stabilize Hinata, strapping her neck wound and inserting the OPA into her mouth, his eyes swell with guilt but he breathes a bit easier.

Then as his trembling subsides, his body sags as he finally lets go, releasing himself to the weight of his distress.

"I'm sorry Kakashi… I'll do it. Just please keep being there, don't forget to visit me."

"You'll do what?"

He rests his face fully on the ground "Be better."

He soon gets carted off in cuffs, burdened with fear, and a hellish realization of the life altering consequences he'll forever have to live with, meanwhile, Hinata is whisked away from the scene with urgency, her condition far too dire to await the arrival of an ambulance.

A half an hour later

Naruto arrives at A&E with Shikamaru and Sakura, whose condition also demands immediate attention and is swiftly admitted for treatment of her burns and partial asphyxiation, leaving the men, blood strewn and worn down, to anxiously wait it out in the chaotic scene.

Hour after hour passes, and as grueling as it becomes, Naruto paces back and forth, his fear etched deeply into his furrowed brows and pooling in his eyes, meanwhile Shikamaru leans against a wall, masking his growing unease.

"Naruto, maybe you should sit."

"I can't," he replies in a whisper.

"She's in good hands, getting worked up won't help."

"I know it's just-"

Naruto abruptly stops on the spot as worrisome thoughts supersede his words, placing both palms onto his eyes in an attempt to stop the tears but they gush out nonetheless.

"…Her friends trusted me to keep her safe you know… How do I tell them she ran in front of a bullet, meant for me?" He snivels "She was thinking of seeing her dad soon, so how do I tell her folks that she's fighting for her life because of me…?"

He whimpers weakly "Shikamaru… My parents died here… So what do I do? What will I do if she doesn't-"

"Stop, what we're not going to do is think like that."

His words offer little relief and Naruto breaks down before plopping into a chair, holding his head and sobbing as his mind gets consumed by the painful parallels.

Shikamaru comes over and sits beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"She woke up for a second remember."

"…"

"C'mon talk to me."

Naruto inhales deeply "…Yeah I remember…" He snaps his eyes shut "Shikamaru, I shouldn't have been there."

"Stop doing that."

"She wouldn't be here if I just-"

Shikamaru grips his face and jerks him, forcing eye contact, then asserts with conviction matching the strength of his grip "Listen to me Naruto this isn't your fault. Stop blaming yourself. You can't take responsibility for all that happens because it's out of your control. It's not because of anything you did or didn't do."

Naruto's voice quivers with greater intensity "I… I-I just… I can't help but feel like I failed her."

Shikamaru eases his hold slightly "You haven't failed her, you're here for her, and you'll continue to be when she gets out. I know things don't look great but blaming yourself won't change anything. Hinata will wake up again, I'm positive. You guys didn't come this far for your story to end like this, keep believing that."

"I-I… I'm trying."

Shikamaru pats his shoulder and sighs, well aware that there isn't much words can do to pacify his distress.

"How about this? I need to head home for a bit because you know Temari's worrying, but on my way back I'll swing by your place and grab some of your stuff. I'll call her friends, then I'll get in touch with the Hyuga's so you don't have to."

Naruto shakes his head refusing to pass on the responsibility but Shikamaru persists.

"You're in no state to deliver this kind of news, I doubt your heart can take much more, so let me do this. All I need you to do is keep your mind set on seeing Hinata smiling at you as she walks out of here, got it?"

He reluctantly nods before giving Shikamaru Ino and Ten Ten's phone numbers, leaning on his friend and appreciating his support during his time of immense pain.

Then as he watches him leave to make the difficult calls, a sense of overwhelming loneliness settles inside him, and as he slumps in the chair, his mind swirls with panic and worry as he waits alone.

Each minute drags on with excruciating slowness, carving the misery he's experiencing on his face.

The blue in his eyes shimmer, their color intensified by the bloodshot whites behind, so rubbed raw that his tears start to sting, and as the powerlessness becomes unbearably oppressive, he gets up to demand answers from anyone, but as he reaches reception, Sakura gently taps his shoulder.

He spins around with bated breath "How is she?"

She gasps as she sights his tormented features, but as Naruto's face contours with urgency, she replies sensitively "That's- that's what I was coming to ask you."

His brows knot in confusion "Aren't you a nurse here? How the hell do you not know…? Can't you find out?" he questions sharply.

She replies nervously "I-I'm sorry, I don't work here anymore, this isn't even my ward."

Suddenly, he feels a surge of hellish frustration, and harshly drags his hands down his face, turning back to the nurse at the desk desperate for answers, but to his dismay, she also comes up short.

Now feeling that he's about to burst he walks back to his chair with Sakura anxiously in tow.

"Naruto she was stable when she got here, and the best surgeons in the country are taking care of her now, I know she'll be fine."

He sends a brief glare but doesn't respond, and Sakura continues gently.

"You have to trust in the-"

"Shouldn't you be resting?" He interrupts wearily.

She sighs "You're one to talk, have you been here all night?"

"…"

"…Shouldn't you go home for a bit? You look totally exhausted."

He sighs heavily, carrying the weight of his worry "I'm not leaving her here."

"But look at your eyes, at least go see someone who'll-"

"I'm not going anywhere without Blu."

He declares it with firmness, and it sends a chilling shiver down her spine from sensing their deep attachment.

If it wasn't already obvious before, she can now easily tell how extremely heartbreaking this must be for him. He's so far gone that he still hasn't fully washed her blood off his person, and as she gets a feel for his unrelenting devotion, her remorse spills out.

"This shouldn't have happened… I'm so sorry for all of this, everything. The pain I caused her and-"

He interjects with fatigued eyes "No offense but I never wanted to know your version of events, and right now is definitely not the time I'd care. I'm not even the one you should be saying this to."

As her gaze meets his she shudders "Well… Can you please tell her? I don't want to make things worse."

Naruto sighs heavily "No, what I will tell her is what you did to get her here, because I'm truly grateful for that, but I won't be begging for you. If she's willing to see you, she'll decide that on her own."

Sakura nods though she feels the piercing jab of dejection, reminding her of the severity of her actions, meanwhile, Naruto continues with a blank glare, his words devoid of invitation.

"Now if you don't mind, I need some air."

He walks away, leaving Sakura to confront her burden of guilt. Then as the doors slide open for him, an unfamiliar voice suddenly calls out to him from behind, and as he turns around, he's met by the doctor he spoke to on arrival.

He rushes over, eager for answers "How is she?"

"She-"

"Will she be okay?"

"We're-"

"When can I see her?"

The doctor staggers back from the sudden influx of questions and Sakura interposes.

"Naruto calm down, she's trying to tell you."

He takes a deep breath and offers an apologetic look, silently urging her to continue.

"The bullet missed the carotid artery and was lodged far enough away from her windpipe and spine that surgery didn't necessitate excessive invasion."Naruto looks at her with sinking eyes and she clears her throat "It means we removed it successfully and she's now being transferred to the ICU."

His heart flutters with relief but as his lips curve into a smile, she adds quickly before either of them speak.

"…But she experienced major hemorrhaging, so we're monitoring her closely. That being said, though you'll be able to see her in a bit, we'll be in and out of the room, so she can't have too many visitors at once."

His eyes explode with gratitude "That's fine I-"

"I understand that you're elated Mr. Uzumaki but I'll advise that you be prepared to see her in a condition which may be upsetting. She's experienced something that's-"

"Just take me to her. Please, I just need to be with her now."

He gestures for the doctor to take the lead, however, after taking a step, she turns to Sakura.

"Oh and thank you Ms. Haruno for your amazing work, the whole ward is talking about it. It's a miracle you were on-site, or this would have been an entirely different discussion."

Sakura nods with a faint smile and they leave her soon after, whisking away towards Hinata.

As they get closer and closer to the room, Naruto's mind racks with trepidation for what lies ahead, but as the doctor cracks open the door, he fills his lungs with a deep breath, calming his frazzled nerves before opening it wider and, there she is.

Her frail form, half covered by sterile bedsheets, is now a ghostly hue that starkly contrasts the color of her hair and the plaster casing her neck. Her breath is shallow, each one tenuous, precious, and monitored by the web of medical apparatuses surrounding her, with tubes and needles prodding her upper body.

It's devastating, a sight Naruto could never think to imagine for her, and as the tears overwhelm his gaze, he turns around and slowly closes the door, inadvertently catching Hinata's attention.

She turns to him carefully "Naruto… Are you okay?" She whispers thoughtfully.

"Am I… you're unbelievable," he says in a hush "I thought we promised Blu, 'nothing reckless.'"

He faces her with a watery gaze, and as she perceives his pain, her smile slowly fades.

"I never promised that, only you did… But what should I have done?"

"Dodge, go inside… Anything else," He blows out a breath as his lips tremble "If you left right there in front of me… What would I do then?"

"Live," she says calmly.

"Live?" He swallows a hard lump "…How can you say that to me?"

"Because you would have done the same if you saw..." Her tears pile up and leak out as she closes her eyes "Naruto, I know I must have put you through a lot and I'm sorry… I'm really sorry, but protecting you wasn't a mistake."

His mouth drops as he wheezes, still unable to believe what he's hearing but when Hinata opens her eyes, she lazily stretches as far as her connections can allow then continues.

"I won't apologize for it, so if this is all you have to say, I'm going to bed… I'm pumped full of drugs, I can't feel when I pee, and these needles are really itchy, so could you please shorten your anger…? Because I really want you to hold me right now."

He takes a deep breath then swiftly approaches her bedside, reaching out his hand to grasp hers and when he does, he slowly interlocks their fingers, sniffling as he firmly holds it, but no matter how much he tries to cling, it still feels like she slipping.

She draws his attention, caressing his cheek, and rubbing away some of her blood with his tears

"…Will you forgive me though?"

He sighs, turning his face to softly kiss her palm rubbing his cheek "Of course," He takes her body into his arms "Thank you for surviving… Thank you so much for coming back to me Blu. I was so scared of losing you."

He holds her a bit tighter and they stay connected for minutes, quietly enjoying each other's presence and touch, and in that room filled with bittersweet quintessence, time stands still, granting them respite from their harsh reality.

And in the midst of a fragile moment, Naruto whispers sweetly in her ear, his voice containing the depth of their experience.

"I love you Hinata. I love you so much."

His words breathe life into her as a surge of warmth courses through, reigniting the color in her pale cheeks and causing her breath to catch in her throat, so much so that Naruto pulls away in panic when he hears the uptick from her oximeter.

However, as he gazes into her captivating eyes, radiant and glossy with intense ardor, a soothed smile graces his face, and Hinata replies fervently in her usual tone.

"I love you too Naruto."

It's a testament to the strength she's found in him and right then, their hearts beat in sync, acknowledging the pain they've endured yet choosing to embrace the joy that lies in the present, and beyond.

He leans into her, sealing their connection with a tender kiss, and as he deepens it, it quickly dissolves into a fit of giggles, foiled by her amusement as he puckishly wags his tongue around.

Hinata pulls away but he quickly pulls her back in "Not so fast, I'm just getting started here."

She ducks shyly "I'm sorry, it's just… I haven't gotten a chance to brush my teeth."

"Well you're in luck," He leans in close with half-open eyes "Because neither have I."

Hinata titters while affectionately stroking his cheeks "Just remember my room is a hive mind right now, so we should probably be a little discrete."

He replies in a low enticing voice "I love it when you're sneaky."

Her cheeks sizzle to a brighter red, and as he leans in, Hinata impishly swats his arm.

"Flattery won't get you out of trouble Naruto."

"I'll take that risk, besides, if they're going to kick me out I might as well go out in style."

He sucks on her lips without making a sound, smooching her with passionate stealth, or so he thinks until they hear a quiet "ahem" from one of the doctors looking in from the doorway.

Naruto jumps up, scratching the back of his head with a wide sheepish smile "I uhh, was just… getting rid of a stubborn smudge."

The doctor raises a brow "Is that so?"

"Yes, yes! He was just… Being helpful."

Naruto grins at her for having his back, and the doctor can't help but crack a smile "Well I hope you were successful removing that 'smudge' but I have to remind you, she is still in a critical state and the introduction of any bacteria can cause complications. We want Hinata to have a smooth recovery, don't we?"

He puts his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels "Got it, I'll leave the cleaning to the professionals from now on."

She nods "That's a wise decision."

The doctor then begins conducting a meticulous examination of Hinata's vitals and though Naruto becomes filled with unease while watching, his grip tightens gently around her hand, remaining composed as he provides her with reassurance.

When she finishes up her tests, the doctor announces the arrival of more visitors, however being strict on a two person maximum, Naruto offers to leave, allowing Hinata time alone with them both.

Soon after a deeply distraught Ten Ten and Ino arrive at her door, and as they spot Naruto making his way out, their emotions get the best of them, and they ambush him in a heatedly.

"What happened?"

"She— She got shot."

Ten Ten's eyes shrivel into narrow slits "I could have told you that dipshit! I was hoping you would fill in the blanks not state the fucking obvious."

"Were you there?" Ino quickly interjects.

"…Yeah, it-"

"So while you were busy doing your fucking hair didn't you see him? How the fuck could you let this happen Naruto?"

"I wasn't-"

"She could have died you useless turd!" Ten Ten admonishes.

"…"

"You didn't even call us when it happened," Ino follows with glassy eyes.

Their anger and distress render him speechless, so much so that Hinata has to ask him to leave in order to explain it to them herself.

When he steps out, his mind reels from the petrifying encounter and he takes a hundred calming breaths as he walks out the exit.

He returns a few minutes later with Hinata's phone, exploding with heartfelt messages and as he re-enters the room, her friends immediately apologize for their misplaced anger, to which he understandably accepts.

They use up the remaining visiting hours down to the wire, staying with Hinata turn by turn, prioritizing her well-being, ensuring all her needs are met, and create a routine of activities all to provide her with a sense of normalcy despite constant checkups, guaranteeing that the peaceful smile tacked on her face never leaves.

The next day

Nurses walk in with a third batch of gifts from well-wishers and though flowers and plants get confiscated during holding, as Naruto observes them struggling to squeeze the new arrivals into the overflow of stuffed animals, baskets and balloons, he looks over to Hinata.

"I think you need a bigger room. Lee, Shikamaru, Temari, and Anko will be here any minute and you're already out of space."

"Hmm, it should still be fine. What has me concerned is if Lee brings something. I'm thinking a bench press maybe."

Naruto shakes his head with fierce objection "No way."

She arches a brow "Really…? We're talking Rock Lee here."

"Exactly, I'll saw my two legs off if he doesn't show up with some neck weight trainer thing to 'target the weak area'. He'll want to get you in top shape so you can get back in the gym pronto."

She giggles "You make a good point," As her laughter dies down, she smiles while rubbing under his chin "I'm just surprised though, a ton of these are from his friends and staff, people I would least expect to care… It's so strange, I can't explain what I'm feeling."

He positions himself directly in front of her "Even though I can't speak for them, I get the sense that it's genuine. After all, some people are capable of change Blu."

Hinata inhales deeply, her eyes meeting Naruto's as she gathers her thoughts "Hm, maybe… Is- Is she still out there?" she asks with a contemplative look.

He nods silently

Then when she suggests bringing her in, he doesn't protest much besides asking "Are you sure you're ready?"

When he receives confirmation, Naruto grabs the attention of one of the nurses in the room, and after they consult with her, she leaves to inform Sakura of the invitation.

Naruto also leaves soon after, wanting to give them some space, and as he walks out the exit, he spots Ino and Ten Ten on their way in.

However, knowing first-hand the intensity they carry within them, he quickly intercepts them, determined to prevent any unnecessary confrontation.

"Hey you two."

They both greet him warmly with a wave as he approaches them.

"Where are you off to Blondie?" Ten Ten asks.

"Blu's just had some checks done so I thought I'd get her a pick me up. Could you guys spare any more tips?"

The ladies give each other a narrow glance "Sweets duh, it's like her blood type."

"C'mon Naruto you can't be that bad," Ten Ten asserts.

"I'm not," he chuckles "I know she's really into cinnamon rolls, but she can't have that now, so I want to get her a soft substitute."

Ino places a finger on her chin and Ten Ten scratches her head, and as they ponder on the dilemma, Naruto adds invitingly from seeing them reach his exact state of indecisiveness.

"I know a place that sells her favorite stuff, you guys are free to join me if you'd like, so it's from all of us."

They look at each other briefly before taking his offer, and Ino hands him a card and Ten Ten gives him a double set of wakasa chopsticks.

"Hinata told us that you're really into ramen, so we thought you'd like this."

Ino follows up promptly "We're really sorry again about how we were with you yesterday. We were just so-"

"It's no problem. I was the same too with a few nurses, so I get it. We're all good."

As they walk towards his car, they hash out any lingering feelings of ill will, and while they accompany him, Ten Ten and Ino sincerely thank him for being so present for Hinata.

Then right after praising him, Ino expresses her bitterness over the situation.

"I'm still so pissed though, can you believe that fucker…? I wish I smacked him harder with that vase. He better rot in prison for this."

Naruto nods "You can say that again. I need Blu in the clear so it's not up for discussion yet, but I'm already lining up people to get on that."

"Hmph! You're both better than I am, I'm here hoping that skidmark gets death by firing squad."

Ino gives her an approving giggle "I mean that's fair, you should put that on the table too Naruto."

He releases a short chuckle "Duly noted, glad we're all at least on the same page."

A few minutes later, they arrive at their destination and stroll through the entrance, and as they contemplate their options, Ten Ten spots a massive tiered cake on display, boasting layers of creamy goodness nestled beneath luscious frosting.

"Look at this beast! This will be perfect for her."

"Are we feeding it to her or her to it?"

She clamps her teeth together and grinds them forcefully "You know Ino, I wouldn't give you the steam off my piss much less the satisfaction of annoying me today," She turns to Naruto "So Blondie, what do you think?"

He scratches his head "I uh… Think she'd love it bu-"

"See, quit losing your shit you conceited old hag," Ten Ten erupts suddenly.

Ino replies while rolling her eyes so hard that Naruto thinks he can hear it from where he's standing.

"Why are you always so comfortable dangling from common sense like that? She needs something that will go down easily numb nuts."

"It's made of ice cream, she doesn't even need to chew it," Ten Ten asserts.

"That thing is big enough for her to do cartwheels inside of, have you never heard of moderation? We should get her these adorable cupcakes, they're made just the same."

Naruto releases a faint sigh as he stands in silence, not wanting to get involved, meanwhile, Ten Ten rubs her forehead as she frustratingly proclaims.

"God, you're such a butt cactus. She's like this with literally everything, I bet she can start a fight alone in a room."

Ino shoots back sharply "And Ten Ten has nothing taking up the real estate between her ears, so don't be surprised when she needs a map to lead her back from her asshole."

"You know what I like about you Ino?" She puts up a finger and after a brief pause she holds her head "…Sorry I lost interest so quick I almost passed out."

Ino smirks as she prepares to rebut and when she does, Naruto tunes them both out, walking over to the display case and ordering something for Hinata on his own.

He collects the dessert and gets back to them still in the heat of brutal banter.

"I could give you a nasty look but a mirror would work better."

"Aww you really shouldn't wear your insecurities on your sleeve like that Ten Ten, it's bad form."

"Speaking of form, did you ever go see the doctor? You know, to check if they can circumcise your camel toe."

"Cool story," he interrupts flippantly.

Ino releases an embarrassed gasp, and as he brings a momentary calm to the chaos, he adds cautiously "Are you two okay? I'm not entirely sure that I'm not forcing you guys to tolerate each other."

"Sorry about that, she brings out the worst in everyone. You got something all by yourself?"

He points to the raspberry tiramisu in the display "I know it's not the sweetest but, it's colorful so I think she'll like looking at it just as much as eating it. I don't want to overload her with too much sugar, and I just… I don't want anything to go wrong, you know."

Their eyes soften as they again realize Naruto's thoughtfulness firsthand, appreciating the care he's put into choosing a treat for Hinata.

"Naruto that's very sweet of you to consider, I'm sure she'll love it."

Ten Ten adds with a chuckle "And I think the nurses will like the fact that it's a little healthy too."

Naruto smiles, relieved that his choice was well-received, and after offering to get them both something as well, they settle on macarons and mini fruit tarts. Now armed with treats in hand, they leave filled with anticipation for the smile they'll receive when Hinata sees her delicious snack.

Moments earlier back at the hospital

Sakura nervously enters her room, and Hinata looks her dead in the eyes, but despite the discord sown from their chaotic past, she greets her with a warm smile.

"I heard you've been hoping to talk to me."

"Yeah, I have… How are you?"

Hinata reaches up and touches the bandage hiding her injury "I'm trying to be fine… I'm sorry he did that to your face, and your neck."

Sakura's eyes become dewy as she feels her scars "It's okay, this is nothing compared to… I wish-"

Hinata raises a finger interrupting her, then adjusts herself slightly on the incline of the bed, carefully taking a sip of water to keep her emotions in check.

"They shoot me up with sedatives around the clock, so I'm asleep more than half the day. I'd like to keep my time awake pleasant so let's make this brief."

"Okay…" she says softly.

Sakura takes a deep breath as she composes her thoughts and when she meets her gaze again she pours her heart out with sincerity

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Hinata for hurting you, I really thought that you…" She gulps, changing her speech "It was wrong and stupid, and I deeply regret it. I wish I made better choices, and I wish with all my heart that I could take it all back. My actions caused you so much pain, so I understand if you can't find it in you to forgive me… But I just want you to know that I'm truly sorry, you never deserved any of this."

Hinata shuts her eyes and lets out a breath, taking a minute to process what she's heard "I'm glad you said all that, because I didn't call you in here to offer my forgiveness."

Sakura bows, expecting incoming berating, however, Hinata's expression softens and she exhales the urge to lash out, deferring with tender kindness.

"But, I'm not ungrateful, and I wouldn't be here if you weren't honestly remorseful, so what I want is to tell you Sakura, is this… Thank you, so much, for keeping me alive, so I could get back to my friends, and an incredible guy who I'm sure has already made himself obvious to you," she giggles a bit as she ends.

Sakura brushes away a tear as a relieved smile forms "Yeah, it's easy to tell that he doesn't play nice when it comes to you."

Hinata chuckles "Very true… I hope in time you'll be able to forgive yourself Sakura and heal, because that's all that's left for us to do. So as much as I won't forgive you, I'll forget you, and everything that started with you. I hope that can bring you some peace as you move on."

Silence rains down following her words and as their eyes meet once more, Sakura nods, also letting go of the weight of their shared history as peace passes between them.

They release a soft breath as they finish up their exchange, and just when Sakura prepares to embark on her own journey of renewal, a sudden presence interrupts their moment and Hinata's thoughts wander off as she voices softly.

"Father…"

Hiashi steps inside the room with a stern expression.

"May I have a word with you?"

Hinata gestures for Sakura to make her exit and after giving Hinata a final nod, she understandably leaves, and as soon as she exits the room, Hiashi's mien becomes wrought with grave concern.

He rushes to his daughter's side, sits closely by her, and embraces her in one fell swoop, and after being estranged for years, Hinata apprehensively hugs him back, enjoying his fatherly warmth.

As he holds her in silence for several minutes, he squeezes his eyes shut as he recounts the little girl who would always run to his side any time he was free to play.

Then as she wonders if he's ever planning to let her go, Hinata voices cagily "I…I didn't expect you to come."

He slowly pulls back "How could I not? You're my daughter Hinata."

"I-I just thought, you'd be disappointed in me, even more than before… For the choices I made, you were right all along."

Hiashi sighs softly and takes her hands in his "…I wish I wasn't, I should have done more to protect you from then, but let's not discuss it now. I know I may not show it well but, I only want what's best for you, you and Hanabi mean the world to me, at the very least, you understand that correct?"

She nods reluctantly, nonetheless, he pats her hand, gripping it closely to him "Good," He begins inspecting the room "Now, who's the doctor in charge? We need to get you transferred closer to home as soon as-"

"I'm not leaving father," she interrupts sternly with eyes closed tightly.

Hiashi walks over to a window and taps on one of her gifted balloons, taking a moment to find the words to make him come across as accessible as possible.

However after a few minutes of nothing but her machine's beeping, she opens her eyes and straightens her cowering posture "I can't come back, my life is here. My calling is-"

"It's apparent that you have forgotten so let me remind you, our deal still stands. I've allowed you to explore your decision, you've admitted so. I would hope for you to show integrity Hinata, and honor our agreement."

She nods slowly "I will."

Hiashi faces her relieved and Hinata takes a deep breath, mustering the courage to speak to him while maintaining eye contact.

"I won't claim the center as mine, legally or otherwise. So like we agreed, you can strip me of ownership... Because I'm not coming back."

Hiashi releases an aggravated breath "I cannot believe that you're still intent on being this stubborn. I need you to have an established and secured future. Why is that so hard for you to understand?"

"I understand, but I have passions, I have dreams-"

He interrupts in a gruff "What good are your dreams if you have no support, no stability? This is naïve Hinata. You were raised to excel in our field, to take the reins and hone them as yours, not to be another drop in the bucket who goes unseen."

"And I accept that's what you want, but I don't accept it for me."

"Hinata…" He sighs softly "I need you to be realistic, look what has happened to you as a consequence of you going with the wind. I'll acknowledge your courage in wanting to start over but without help it will take years for you to get off the ground, years you will never get back. You've spent enough of them tacked on to that ghoul when you're capable of achieving much more. This is a perfectly good time to return, I will not let you throw this opportunity away on a pipe dream."

"Father-"

"I will not entertain any more arguments. You are leaving as agreed and that is final."

He interrupts scathingly, words doused in so much conviction that it causes Hinata's throat to tighten with anxiety. Then just as she relents, Naruto suddenly busts open the door and steps inside.

"I think that's enough. With all due respect Mr. Hyuga, this is upsetting her and it's only been a day, can't you at least give her some time to recover before insisting upon her?"

Hiashi glances at him with scorn "What makes you think that you can tell me how to handle my daughter?" he asks firmly.

He remains poised "I'm sorry, my name is-"

"I know who you are young man. Yet another distraction pulling her away from her responsibilities, and then some," He faces Hinata once again "This Hinata, is inherently why you will forever be caught in these hailstorms of chaos. Why do you continue to harbor these cankers?"

She objects boldly "He's not a canker, any impression you have of him is false. Naruto has done amazing things for the people of this city, and for me. I get that you're angry but don't you dare insu-"

"Be quiet!" he roars "It is partly due to him that you find yourself entangled in this circumstance. I'm becoming fatigued with your malleable conduct, life is not a fairytale not everyone who staggers into it means you well."

"Respectfully Mr. Hyuga-"

Hiashi turns to Naruto with fierce eyes "Will you get lost? Are you so daft to not realize that this is a private conversa-"

"I understand your concern… She's your daughter you want to protect her, I get it," he interrupts with affable open-mindedness.

Hiashi's fury pauses momentarily, but though he's tempered by Naruto's words he replies unmoved "Pandering will get you nowhere. So I'll preserve my skepticism because you 'getting it,' falls short of the mark."

"Trust me I do, you could have lost her, and you're worried that you will. I know the feeling… I was scared too sir."

"Why do you think you have any say in this matter?"

"I'd never claim to understand your dynamic but I've witnessed her love and compassion, so I have no doubt that it extends to you," he adds candidly "You've raised her well and it shows, she draws strength to follow her own path regardless of setbacks, and right now your acceptance can push her even more. Are you really willing to damage your relationship again, after all this time apart?"

Hiashi replies calmly "That is precisely why it is imperative for her to return home at this juncture. I'm confident you're aware that she lacks familial support here, so how can she possibly cope?"

"Because she has us."

Naruto moves aside, revealing Ten Ten and Ino. Then suddenly, Shikamaru's family, Lee, and Anko also come in from the corridor, their hands bursting with well wishes, and Naruto adds proudly.

"She has all of us, we all care for her just as much as you do."

Hiashi shuts him down resolutely "Once again, your position fails to address my concerns. Why should I grant her the liberty to roam freely, when clearly the consequence is her exposure to mistreatment and perilous harm? I'm taking her where she rightfully belongs, even if that necessitates forceful measures."

"If you do that it'll crush her. She's your daughter but she's not a child, stifling her goals will not protect her from challenges."

Hinata follows up "He's right father, I have to live my own life, walk my own journey, experience my own trials. So as much as you want to shelter me, if you take me back I'll leave at the first possible chance.

Hiashi sighs bewildered "Hinata-"

"You know I will," she interrupts sternly "And when I do I'll get all my certifications, I'll get all my codes in order, I'll source my own equipment, staff, and patients. I'll do it all alone, without your assistance or guidance… And this time, I'll leave no traces for you."

She expresses it with intense pertinacity and Hiashi's rigidity to the situation wavers as he contemplates her words.

"…Why do you persistently feel so compelled to run away?" he asks genuinely.

"Because you keep holding me to such high regard!" She pleads in a whimper "I wish I could make you proud father, I wish I could be the daughter you imagined, but I can't live up to your expectations, it's not who I am. I've made mistakes but I accept my choices for what they are—mine… So even if you reject them, I can live with it. My life here is fulfilling, it makes me happy so why do you refuse that for me?"

Hiashi stares openly, as his mind scrambles to understand "…Is that what you think? What father wouldn't wish to see their child happy?"

She doesn't respond, however, when he sees tears pooling in her gaze, his heart aches from realizing the impact of his own actions, and now filling with a surge of remorse, he approaches her bedside.

"Hinata, of course I want that for you," He says tenderly "I… I never intended to cause you pain, my expectations were never about perfection. My concern for your well-being has always been paramount."

Right then, he watches her eyes sink, and it causes his stern demeanor to crumble further "But perhaps, I've inadvertently focused too much on providing a safe haven, without fully realizing where this desire for independence stems… You've grown into a remarkable woman in your own right Hinata." He voices sincerely.

Her eyes moisten with new hope "Do you really mean that?"

He smiles warmly "Without question. I realize now that my understanding of you has been limited, and dated," He releases a calming breath, his grip on her hand growing firmer "I should have taken your ambitions more seriously into account and appreciated how you've matured and blossomed despite spurring for you to neglect them… And for that, I'm sorry... Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive a misguided old man?"

Overwhelmed with relief, Hinata eagerly juts forward, embracing him tightly as she releases overwrought tears "Of course I forgive you. It means everything to hear these words from you."

A gentle smile graces his lips "I should have said them sooner. I just want you to have a good life, so from now on, I'll trust that you do unless you say otherwise."

As Hiashi holds her tighter, hugging her for time lost, Naruto and the others exit the room to give them some privacy, and with every passing moment for the remainder of his visit, they mend their bond.

After they wrap up their heartfelt conversation, Hiashi walks into the waiting room where the group greets him formally before heading to see Hinata. However, Naruto stays behind and cautiously approaches him.

"Mr. Hyuga before you go, I'd like to get your opinion on something, can you spare a minute?"

Although Hiashi initially finds Naruto unctuous, as he listens attentively, he approves of his proposal, considering the beneficial impact it could have on his strained family unit.

Then as their conversation deepens, Hiashi senses Naruto's genuine intentions and becomes even more receptive, and in turn, Naruto acknowledges his pragmatic wisdom, evoking mutual respect, marking the beginning of new understanding, and collaboration between the two men who share a common love and concern for Hinata.