Chapter 28
As Hinata gracefully navigated the bustling bazaar, her thoughts were consumed by the prospect of a warm, homemade meal awaiting Neji's possible return any day. The days without him felt like an eternity, and she found solace in the routine of preparing a hot meal for his impending arrival. It could be any day, and she felt that a fresh meal made by her own hands, not that of the cooks, would be a way of reaching to his heart without words and telling him that she cared about his presence. She wondered how they had or even their loved ones all survived before the war when their missions had easily taken them months.
Amidst the vibrant stalls and lively atmosphere, she engaged in pleasant conversations with the street vendors, exchanging pleasantries and selecting items for the evening meal. The lively banter of the vendors and the assortment of goods created a lively ambiance.
"Hello there Yoshida-san! How's business today?" Hinata pleasantly asked.
"Oh, greetings Hinata-chan!" the man at the vegetable stand greeted her back. Hinata was a common sight in the bazaar, and everyone liked her. "Same as usual, thanks. Anything specific you're looking for today?"
"Just the usual, some fresh vegetables and ingredients for dinner," she replied. "How are the rice today?"
The routine of collecting groceries became a familiar comfort, though the absence of Neji made the passing days seem longer than they were. As she continued her stroll through the bazaar, her thoughts meandered to the feeling that other than Kiba, she had no one else to talk to. And lately, Kiba had been busy with either family matters, or with his new fling whom he said he had to meet later that evening. With his clan pressuring him to find a mate, he released his aggression by keeping himself distracted and pursuing said fling.
As she walked, she unexpectedly crossed paths with Karin, whose basket indicated a collection of essential oils and other similar jars of ingredients. Intrigued by Karin's presence, Hinata observed her quietly, curiosity evident in her gaze. She wasn't a common sight here.
Karin's presence loomed large and as she approached, her eyes met hers and she grinned maliciously. Hinata was perturbed, clenching her own basket tightly.
"Hinata, isn't it? I thought you'd be still be unsettled by Guy-sensei's recent lesson," she remarked, with a hint of curiosity in her voice. "I'm something of a sensor myself, and I read chakra very well, in case you didn't know. But I find yours…" she broke off, squinting her eyes a bit in focus. "Huh," was all she commented, leaving Hinata feeling even more agitated.
Apparently, she didn't waste any time in making veiled comments about Guy-sensei's recent lessons, specifically the synchronicity of Sasuke's and Hinata's chakra. Hinata observed her silently, contemplating the implications of Karin's words, wondering about the source of her interest.
"You know, Hinata, it's fascinating how some people's chakra just aligns perfectly. It's like they're soul mates, don't you think?" Karin continued.
Her words insinuated a connection that went beyond mere training. Acting unfazed by the comments, Hinata responded with a gentle smile, choosing not to engage in unnecessary conflict.
"Well, Guy-sensei's lessons are quite insightful," she tried smiling. "Speaking of soul mates, I'm myself engaged to my one true love, Neji."
Brandishing the engagement ring on her finger, she attempted to convey a sense of commitment and happiness in her relationship with Neji.
Karin, seemingly accepting Hinata's response, raised an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on her lips. "No need to be so defensive, Hinata. I was just making an observation. I don't even know who Neji is. Just that he is substituted by the overcharged teacher on ecstasy we have in HUMINT while he's away. I've also heard this Neji is… well-endowed. I'm interested to meet him."
The comment struck a chord with Hinata, making her feel an unexpected sting.
"Well, we all hear things, don't we?" she retorted, in a rare moment of assertion. "I heard Sasuke and Naruto are quite close. Perhaps they're the ones who align perfectly. Their connection has always been rumored legendary. Relationships can be complicated. Sometimes, you're just… there, you know?"
Choosing indirect words to express her point about Karin being excess baggage, Hinata maintained her calm demeanor, though the undercurrent of tension lingered between them.
Karin's demeanor took an unexpectedly cold turn as she delivered a stark warning to Hinata, her words carrying a hint of malice.
"Hinata, a piece of advice. Sasuke may find you interesting, but don't even entertain the thought of getting serious with him. He's not the commitment type, and trust me, you'd never be able to satisfy his... appetites."
Hinata, taken aback, blinked in surprise, her mind racing to comprehend the sudden shift in tone. She couldn't fathom where this unwarranted advice was coming from and what might have triggered such coldness from Karin.
"I... I don't understand. Where is all this coming from? Why would I even think of getting serious with him? I love Neji. There's no room for doubt."
"You should focus on what's real," Karin said, her demeanor icier than the chilly breeze which just awoke. Hinata shivered. "Sasuke is not one for commitments. He only cares about sexual satisfaction."
"Hang on," Hinata managed to say. "While I don't pretend to understand the dynamics of your relationship, I also don't appreciate being attacked like that nor would allow doubts cast on my own relationship."
Karin, maintaining her cold demeanor, simply walked away, leaving Hinata puzzled and slightly disturbed.
-x-x-x-x-
"There's nothing wrong in wanting to start a family," Sakura was arguing.
The group had met together at Jiraiya's Fountain Park, their verdant sanctuary. It was adorned with vibrant flora kissed by autumn's colors, winding pathways, and at its center, a mesmerizing fountain featuring a collection of whimsical toad statues.
A stone-paved walkway led to the focal point - a circular plaza surrounding the grand Jiraiya Fountain. The fountain stood as a testament to the great Legendary Sannin, the Toad Hermit Jiraiya, its namesake.
The fountain itself was a masterpiece, boasting a tiered design with multiple levels. Each level supported lifelike toad sculptures, meticulously crafted from stone and bronze. The toads were frozen in dynamic poses, some mid-leap with legs outstretched, while others lounged in serene repose. At the very center, a towering statue of Jiraiya himself stood tall, smiling at his legacy as couples made it their regulatory spot as a romantic getaway. It was the reason Sakura did not like visiting here any more.
Ino held Shikamaru's hand as they reached the meeting spot, and looked at the water gracefully cascading from one level to the next, forming gentle pools at the base of the fountain. Lily pads floated in these pools, creating small habitats for frogs. Surrounding the plaza, benches offered a place for visitors to sit and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
The park's landscape seamlessly blended with the fountain, featuring lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and willow trees that provided dappled shade. Children giggled as they played around the fountain, their laughter blending with the soft gurgling of water. Couples strolled hand in hand, pausing to make wishes as they tossed coins into the clear pools. Akamaru happily chased after the butterflies.
Even Tenten felt enamored by the romantic scenery, smiling as the subtle mist from the fountain tickled her skin and looked at Lee, who was doing a one arm handstand at the border. The evil expression on Kiba's face indicated that he was waiting for a chance to push him into the water as Lee shifted from his right arm to his left, until Tenten pulled him away by his ear.
When the group had gathered, Ino, her brow furrowed with worry, expressed her concerns about Naruto's emotional well-being in the face of Sasuke's evolving family plans. They had gathered to discuss how best to tackle the new discoveries.
"I just don't want Naruto to get hurt in all of this," Ino expressed her concern. "Once Sasuke starts a family with Karin, he might forget about Naruto, and that's not fair to him. I don't think Naruto realizes what he's getting himself into."
Shikamaru, leaning back thoughtfully, shared his strategic perspective on Sasuke's seemingly impulsive decision to start a family.
"Sasuke might be jumping into this without thinking about the consequences. Planning a family is a huge step, and he seems to be hurrying into things without thinking."
Sakura, surprising the group with her unexpected stance, spoke up in defense of Sasuke's desire for a family.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting to start a family," she argued. "Sasuke has the right to pursue that if it makes him happy."
Her words introduced a layer of complexity, as Sakura, known for her professional drive, now appeared to champion the cause of family values.
Tenten and Lee exchanged puzzled glances with Kiba, struggling to reconcile this new perspective with their previous understanding of Sakura and looking at him to perhaps shed more light. Sakura was not even that close with her own family. The contrast left the group in a state of confusion, prompting them to delve deeper into the motivations behind Sakura's seemingly contradicting stance.
As dusk started to settle over the park, the fountain was illuminated. Sakura stared at the toad statues which seemed to come alive in the changing sunlight, casting playful shadows on the plaza. She sighed, her gaze momentarily distant, as if wrestling with the complexities of her own emotions.
Kiba, sensing an unspoken turmoil, cautiously broached the subject.
"Sakura, is there... something about Sasuke we don't know? This sudden support for his family plans is kinda surprising, considering everything."
The sudden tension charged the group like a generator as Kiba spoke directly with Sakura. Ino looked at Shikamaru, worry etched on her face. Shikamaru hooked his finger on his chin, observing the situation carefully, and signaled Ino not to interrupt.
Sakura's gaze fell, and she could feel the weight of Kiba's question hanging in the air. She was caught in the awkward space between revealing too much and maintaining a semblance of privacy.
Tenten looked on in interest and nudged Lee to say something when the silence stretched longer.
"This sudden support for his family plans is kinda surprising, considering everything," Lee spoke at Tenten's prodding. "I have known that Naruto and Sasuke had an on-again/off-again situation, but this newfound seriousness was something I was unfamiliar with myself. Sasuke was never one for commitment, Naruto has told me that in the past. His aim was always to rebuild his clan."
"You knew Naruto and Sasuke liked each other?" Tenten asked, surprised.
"There was love from both sides, especially Naruto's, but Sasuke then left," Lee revealed. "I don't think it ever blossomed into anything until after Sasuke returned as Naruto would have told me and Kiba when we went to the hot springs last year and... umm... it involved him, some shadow clones, and a few girls, I'll leave it at that. Anyways my surprise was much as yours with this revelation. I want to be happy for them, but Sasuke wanting a family certainly complicates things. I find myself wondering if it's the right call."
Sakura hesitated, caught in the awkward space between revealing too much and maintaining a semblance of privacy herself.
"It's not about Sasuke. It's about... values, I guess. People change, and their priorities shift. It's just hard to explain."
Kiba looked at her and she looked away, observing the intricate details of the stone toads, from the bumpy texture of their skin to the gleam in their stone eyes. She was unable to see the clear hurt on his face at being ignored. He still pressed on for more clarity.
"Sakura, we've been through a lot together," he prodded, his tone laced in exasperation. "If there's something bothering you, you can talk to us. We're… your friends."
Ino winced visibly. Sakura, torn between the desire for transparency and the fear of judgment, contemplated her words carefully before responding. There was no way she was going to reveal to Tenten and Lee about her own situation the first time she told Kiba. She knew Ino and most probably Shikamaru already knew.
"Kiba, it's not the time," Sakura glanced away, a subtle sadness in her eyes. "Let's focus on Naruto and Sasuke for now. We can talk about everything else later."
Kiba, frustrated by Sakura's response, felt a surge of emotions. Tenten, perceptive to the tension, subtly signaled with her eyes and shook her head for him to drop the topic, recognizing that pressing further might withdraw Sakura even more. She appeared to be close to a breakdown.
Kiba bit his lip, holding back the words he wanted to express, realizing that continuing the conversation in this moment wasn't the right choice. The puzzled expressions on everyone's faces indicated a shared confusion about Sakura's sudden sensitivity to the topic of family. She had always been a symbol of independence and career-focused determination, making her recent stance on family matters all the more perplexing.
"Guys, focus. We need to think about Naruto. How can we prevent him from getting his heart broken again?" Ino tentatively restarted the conversation. She openly admitted her lack of trust in Sasuke, especially after the complicated situation involving Hinata. "I mean, after what happened with Hinata, can we really trust Sasuke? And what about Neji? How do we keep him from finding out about it?"
Tenten, displaying a firm stance, asserted her belief in being upfront with Neji.
"Neji deserves to know the truth," she said, crossing her arms. "We can't keep hiding things from him."
Lee, nodding in agreement, echoed Tenten's sentiments, acknowledging Neji's right to know. "I agree with Tenten. Neji deserves to know the truth. But we need to be careful. We should observe Sasuke and make sure we're looking out for Neji's interests. I admit after I saw Hinata's and Sasuke's chakra synchronization and their… whatever it was, I am cautious indeed. Perhaps it was really a coincidence and unintentional in its flirtatious nature."
Tenten, though reluctant, conceded that they should observe Sasuke more closely before deciding on the best course of action.
"Fine, but we need to be sure if Sasuke really tried to take advantage of Hinata, or was it just unintentional. Let's watch Sasuke and figure out what's really going on. We must, however, ensure our stories are properly aligned when we present the situation to Neji before he finds out from someone else."
As the group reached a consensus, they nodded in agreement. With the sun setting and the day growing late, Kiba hesitated before announcing his departure. "I should be heading out. I have plans for the evening."
"What plans?" Tenten asked, wearing a mischievous smile.
"Yes, what plans?" Lee reiterated.
Kiba blushed, his eyes shifting from them to Sakura then back again. "I... uh... Got a date planned for the evening."
"Second date! Way to go you dog," Tenten applauded. "She told me a few things after your date last time, and I of course told Lee as well, especially of you being a gentleman when she wanted the ruffian you really are."
Lee, with his usual exuberance, slapped him on the back and playfully advised, "Don't be a coward this time, Kiba. Let your manliness take hold!"
Ino and Shikamaru exchanged concerned glances, directing their attention to Sakura, who seemed lost in observing the water once more.
"Lee, why don't we take a stroll as well?" Tenten wondered.
After they left as well, Shikamaru and Ino remained behind. They expressed their concern for Sakura, especially in light of Kiba's announcement about his date.
Ino inquired, "Sakura, are you okay?" while Shikamaru added, "You seem a bit off."
Sakura, forcing a straight face and concealing her inner turmoil, asserted her usual dialogue monotonously, "I'm fine. Kiba can date whoever he wants. It's his life."
Shikamaru, sensing Sakura's hidden turmoil, probed further, "You sure about that, Sakura? You seem a bit more bothered than usual."
Sakura hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's just...unexpected news, that's all. I… I was trying to build up my guts to talk to him today. But it's ok. Perhaps later. I'll deal with it."
Her attempt to downplay her emotions was evident, and Ino, perceptive as ever, exchanged a knowing glance with Shikamaru.
Ino pressed on gently, "If there's something on your mind, Sakura, you can talk to us. We're here for you."
Sakura managed a small smile, appreciating the concern of her friends. "Thanks, Ino. I'll figure it out. Let's not spoil the evening for everyone."
As the night settled, the group dispersed, leaving Sakura with her thoughts and a growing sense of apprehension about the revelations and decisions that lay ahead.