"The backup generator would typically be situated in the basement," Kiba remarked, unfurling the building blueprint he had acquired from his superior. "According to this, the stairwell should be just around the corner."
Shino emitted a low grunt as he navigated the turn. Suddenly, the air was pierced by the clang of metal meeting metal, followed by a splash resonating from the dark void below the stairs. Instinctively, both of them reached for their guns and flashlight. As the beams illuminated the basement, a pool of water came into view.
"So, uh... I forgot my water floaties. Did you?" Kiba quipped in a hushed tone.
Shino cast him a raised brow. "Are you really making a joke at this moment?"
"Listen, that water looks murky and... high. The blueprint shows two stairwells. We'd need scuba gear, and who knows what's floating in there," Kiba added, visibly unsettled by the prospect.
Shino shook his head and reached for his walkie. "We need someone to bring scuba gear to-"
"Excited?" Sasuke inquired as he assisted Hinata into the car.
Hinata gazed at the hospital building one final time before turning to face Sasuke. "Ecstatic," she replied with a smile.
Sasuke smirked before closing the car door.
"Unfortunately, I have to come back for therapy," Hinata sighed.
Sasuke comfortingly patted her leg and gave it a gentle squeeze, eliciting a blush from her. As Sasuke began to drive, Hinata watched the hospital gradually shrink in the side mirror until it disappeared from view when he turned left at the traffic light. "I have something to show you," he announced.
Hinata glanced at his profile. "A surprise?"
He hummed.
After a while of driving, the streets suddenly felt familiar, and they parked right in front of her bakery. "Sasuke..." Hinata whispered, her hands covering her mouth. A sign in front read, "Welcome back, Hinata!" with flowers scattered around. The lights were on, and people held more flowers in their hands. Among them were her regulars and family. Tears welled in her eyes as Sasuke opened the car door for her, extending his hand to help her out, and she gladly took it.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she didn't know what to say as they entered the bakery, greeted by a warm welcome from everyone. While they refrained from physical contact, respecting the off-limits status, they congratulated her for safely making it back.
The air inside the bakery was filled with a mixture of anticipation and joy. The familiar aroma of freshly baked goods added to the warmth of the welcome. Hinata's eyes scanned the space, taking in the decorations and the heartfelt signs of celebration.
As Sasuke guided her through the crowd, she exchanged smiles and nods with the familiar faces that had been a part of her bakery journey. In the midst of the celebration, Hinata noticed a specially crafted cake on the counter, adorned with intricate decorations that mirrored the essence of her bakery. "Sasuke, did you...?" She began, her voice catching with emotion.
He nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I wanted to make sure your return was marked with something sweet. You've been missed, Hinata."
"Nobody is searching for you. Your absence doesn't concern anyone. You're insignificant to them. Do you understand, Hinata? I'm the sole person who genuinely loves you," Kabuto uttered, his grip tightening on her shoulder. "Sasuke doesn't have any regard for you. If he did, he would have appeared by now. But he hasn't, and now, you belong to me," he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Hinata felt a chill run down her spine as Kabuto's words hung in the air. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to close in around her, but she refused to let fear overtake her.
"Kabuto, you're wrong," she asserted, her voice steady despite the unease. "Sasuke cares for me in his own way, and you can't force me to believe otherwise."
Kabuto's grip on her shoulder tightened further, a sinister edge creeping into his tone. "You're deluding yourself, Hinata. I've seen the truth. He's abandoned you, and I'm the one offering you the love and attention you deserve."
Hinata's eyes flickered with defiance. "Love isn't something that can be forced or claimed, Kabuto. "What you're doing is wrong."
Kabuto's glare bore into her, forcefully shoving her against the wall as he ensnared her between his arms. "You belong to me now, Hinata, and if you can't see that, then I'll prove it to you," he growled, callously tearing open her shirt.
"Hinata!" Gasps resonated as she crumpled into Sasuke's arms. He peered down at her with concern etched across his face. He whipped away the sweat dripping down her face.
"Oh my god!" Hanabi said, pushing through the crowd. "Hinata!" She looked at Sasuke then her father. "Does this mean we have to take her back? But she just got here! She was fine!"
Kiba and Shino entered the waterlogged corridor, proceeding cautiously down the stairs. "Ew, ew, ew," Kiba muttered, the unpleasant sensation of water filling his flippers evident. Ignoring Kiba's complaints, Shino focused on the task at hand, securing an air mouthpiece into his mouth. After a moment, Kiba followed suit, and together, they descended further into the submerged environment.
The water level rose steadily, enveloping them until they were completely submerged. The only audible sounds were the muffled beeping in the water and the dim glow of a distant light. Shino signaled for Kiba to follow as they navigated through the submerged passage.
In the eerie underwater silence, Kiba and Shino pressed forward, guided only by the faint light and the intermittent beeping. Their waterproof flashlights cut through the darkness, revealing the submerged environment around them.
Shino, with unwavering focus, led the way as they maneuvered through the waterlogged corridor. The occasional creaks and groans of the structure added an eerie ambiance to the already tense atmosphere. Kiba couldn't shake off the discomfort of the water sloshing around them, but he steeled himself, determined to find the backup generator.
As they rounded a corner, the source of the faint light became clearer. Shino signaled Kiba to halt, and they spotted a dimly lit control panel, partially submerged but still operational. The beeping they had heard grew more pronounced.
Shino motioned towards the control panel, indicating that it might hold the key to their search. Kiba nodded, and together they carefully approached the equipment. Shino, with his technical expertise, began examining the controls, while Kiba kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
After a few tense moments, Shino's eyes narrowed with concentration. "I've located the backup generator controls," he murmured through the air mouthpiece. Kiba felt a surge of relief, realizing they were one step closer to resolving the issue.
"Turn it off," Kiba instructed through his mouthpiece. Shino reached for the generator, attempting to open it, only to find it securely locked. Shino let out an annoyed groan, prompting a frustrated murmur from Kiba. "So you're telling me... we got wet for nothing?" Kiba remarked with exasperation.
Shino nodded, his eyes scanning the water-filled room. "Search for a key. If it's not here, it's up there," he said, gesturing towards the upper levels.