Chapter 4: The Dinner
Naruto & Sasuke-Uchiha Compound
"You came here on false pretenses."
Sasuke grunts, doesn't bother with hiding his outright annoyance at seeing Naruto here within the Uchiha district. He just saw him for his birthday celebration less than a month ago and now for some reason he's decided to stop by for a visit to Konoha.
Naruto pouts in return.
"That's no way to greet one of your oldest and dearest friends Sasuke!"
Sasuke ignores him, skirts past his frowning form, gives Itachi and his mother the stink eye for easily letting him bypass the guards to get here.
"Sasuke. Naruto is a guest and one of the few friends you still keep in touch with from your Academy days. He wouldn't be stopping by in the village if it wasn't for a good reason!" Mikoto sends him a warning glance that lessens his scowl just a fraction to retain some notion of politeness that's been drilled into him.
Itachi nods his agreement. "I'm sure you wouldn't like this getting back to Lady Haruno and her family on how...unbecoming you're acting around guests now; would you little Brother?"
With a barely concealed sigh, Sasuke gestures for them to head to the same spot in the garden they always go to when they need to discuss trivial matters.
And far away from his Mother and Brother's grins of appreciation.
Naruto plops down beside him into the grass, breathes in the scent of pine leaves, dew, and ash. Vibrant marigolds and dahlia shades of orange and gold dot the corners of the grounds, interspersed between seedlings of pumpkins, cabbages, and radishes.
"Were you guys practicing with fire jutsu earlier?" Naruto questions with a nod to a patch of grass black as tar.
Sasuke follows his line of sight, shrugs. "Probably some kids from the households next door. The annual fireball jutsu ceremony is in a few weeks. Most of the preteens have been spending their evenings trying to see who can make the largest blaze to prove they're ready for the Academy and coming-of-age."'
Naruto grins, puts up a hand. "Wind Release: Vortex!"
He spins up the burnt leaves and grass into a mini tornado, moves them away into the bins of compost next to the garden.
Sasuke half-smiles in return at his antics, known for having the green thumb out of the two of them. Naruto's presence here means he'll likely be staying for dinner and practicing his wind jutsu against their fire.
But there must be some reason why he's here in Konoha that he needs to dig out of him.
"I want to grow the Uzumaki clan up once more. The Great War has been over now for quite some time now at nearly 3 years and I don't want Uzushiogakure to continue to fall into ruin." Naruto states, right to the point as cerulean turns back to him.
Sasuke arches a brow. "You'll need an Empress."
Naruto nods, smirk etching his lips. "And I've found her! She just doesn't know it yet y'know considering how uptight her family is! I'm going to need your help to get invited into one of those annual clan meetings! But anyways, we met the night of my birthday celebration, and I ran into her at Ichiraku's the other day too. We share a common interest in ramen and plants! I'm thinking I should get her some sweets whenever our paths cross again; what do you think?"
Dark eyes flatten then, instantly realizing who he means from Sakura's description of that night. "The Hyūga girl? Moron, in case you didn't know, she's engaged and set to marry into the Otsutsuki family. You're trying to get her to cheat with you?"
Naruto wrinkles his nose in disgust. "No! Geez, I'm not that type of man; you know that asshole! Hinata's not going to be cheating because she'll break off her engagement with Toneri obviously to be with me!"
'This idiot hasn't thought anything through.' Sasuke rolls his eyes.
"And you haven't considered the potential setbacks of said idea; have you? Like if she even wants to break up her engagement or how this will affect her relationship with her clan?"
Naruto huffs, matches his dry tone. "Ugh, you sound just like Iruka."
He'd already gotten an earful from him at leaving him behind to explore the village, the only reason they haven't turned around back to Uzushiogakure was his explanation that he should rebuild connections with the closest major region: Konoha.
He rocks back on his toes taking in the clear sky, patches of clouds throughout the blue, expression turning serious.
"Toneri is just putting on a show, to get the benefits of being tied to a Hyūga clan member and how it can increase the Otsutsuki clan's reputation and influence across all the nations. I intend to show Hinata that she doesn't need to be with him because of family obligations."
He draws out the Uzumaki clan symbol in the grass.
"While it's true we're low in numbers now and scattered, the Great War and past skirmishes showed every village that Uzushiogakure was and can once again be a nation famed for its sealing techniques, healing, and use of water and wind jutsu. I can show those downtrodden from the war or feel out of place in their village that Uzushiogakure can be their home."
Sasuke hums. "A majority of Uzushiogakure has fallen into decay; we both know this moron. Who's going to want to move to a place that lacks jobs? Infrastructure? Medicine? What people that grew up there are now deceased most likely or have long since sought refuge in places far away under new identities even. There's no benefit to Hinata becoming your Empress Naruto."
Naruto snorts.
"...Are you always this negative? I don't see how you have any suitors being so pessimistic y'know!"
Sasuke studies as he draws out a rough outline of where he would develop new buildings, lists priority projects in order of importance.
'He's serious about this.' He realizes.
Something about that mousey woman interests him more than just a fleeting desire it seems.
He pulls an envelope from his pocket, slides it over to him.
"Essence Hanaroku. Toneri plans to hold a dinner with both clans there Friday night. He's invited a few high-end officials and clan leaders who do the most business with the Hyūga family so that they can put a name to a face."
Naruto takes in the slick cursive of black ink against the pristine white backdrop of the invite, Hyūga and Otsutsuki family emblems at the top of the page.
'We hope you can join us for the engagement dinner of Hinata Hyūga and Toneri Otsutsuki at 8:00 pm sharp at Essence Hanaroku. Please RSVP with either Hiashi or Toneri.' He reads.
Naruto glances up to Sasuke who shrugs.
"Mom confirmed my RSVP and told me afterwards, but you can go in my place. Use a transformation jutsu to look like me so no one suspects anything."
"Now where's the fun in hiding my identity if I don't cause a bit of mayhem as you?!" Naruto counters.
Sasuke grits his teeth. "If you go as yourself, you won't even get invited in!"
But he doesn't need to say this as Naruto nods along snickering, slaps his back in thanks.
"Sure, but I'm not going to look like a grouchy ass for the whole night! Toneri needs to know that he now has competition."
Hinata & Hanabi-Hyūga Compound
"You're going to need a new dress, one that will match my suit or yukata preferably. I think for this event though, I'll be going with a suit. You should ask Hanabi or Lady Natsu the best boutiques in the village to check out." Toneri begins.
Hinata says nothing in return, mind still swirling from the night before.
'Guess that makes him my rival; huh?'
Her stomach churns, rages akin to a stormy sea. She wills her blush not to come recalling the tingle of Naruto's lips against her fingers, the other parts of her body she wanted him to kiss and touch...
Toneri snaps a finger in front of her face, silver eyes dark with hostility.
"Are you even paying attention to a single thing I've said?! You can't wear one of your old frumpy dresses or kimonos Hinata that will embarrass us in front of our families and guests!"
Hinata places her hand atop his before he can dig into her arm as a punishment, smiles lightly.
"Of course Dear, I believe Madam Yayoi's boutique will have the best lavender or blue dresses to bring out my eyes. Your suits and yukatas are usually black or dark blue in color, I'm sure a light blue or pastel purple will match well with whichever color you choose."
Toneri studies her for a long minute, maybe can see through her facade about to crack...
Finally though, he pats at her hand drawing it up to his lips and she bites back the revulsion to wrench her hand away seeing the sharp haze of his anger slowly dissipate.
"This is invite only Hinata; don't forget. I don't want any of your gossipy or obnoxious friends to make an appearance." He murmurs between her fingers before loosening his hold.
'As if I could forget?'
It isn't as if word won't eventually reach Ino and Sakura's ears with the way a majority of noble families in Konoha discuss latest rumors and updates amid the families. Ino will learn about how this dinner progressed before the weekend is over from one of the Yamanaka members in attendance and she's sure one of these dignitaries will also be one of Sakura's patients who will pass along topics brought up over salads and soups during their routine check-ups.
There is little that can be done to stop gossip in the village, it spreads like wildfire no matter how you try to control it.
"Can I see the final list of everyone who will be in attendance? I want to confirm with Father and the caterers that there will be enough food for everyone."
Toneri smiles, pecks at her cheek.
"Of course, I left in the meditation hall for your Father and the Elders to do a final review over. However, there's no need to worry yourself Hinata. I already double-checked that there won't be any unexpected or strange guests in attendance that will make you uncomfortable."
Hinata purses her lips. "My friends don't make me 'uncomfortable' Toneri."
Sakura and Ino are the same people she trained, studied, and fought with side by side on missions.
And while they have taken more missions than her since her engagement, it doesn't change the things she saw...
Neji flashes to mind, unbidden at Toneri's flippant gaze. Coppery scents in the air as his blood formed a puddle beneath them, taste of salt on her lips as his eyes turned glassy.
'Stop. You can't think about this him or right now.' Hinata calms herself a fraction.
She's sure if Neji was still alive that he probably could've talked Father out of doing this.
But his death only seemed to signify that she is still too weak, too fragile.
Toneri notes her tone, smile turning cold.
"Honey, it's time you move past those 'glory days' of when you were an active shinobi. I doubt you saw as much bloodshed as you've described considering your status back then as the Hyūga heiress."
Her hands instantly tighten, pulls them quickly out of sight.
But she can't hide the way opalescent shines with ire.
"That's just it Toneri...you don't know me at all or haven't tried to really."
Toneri shrugs. "They'll be plenty of time for us to get to know each other after the wedding and on our honeymoon."
He leans close then right to her ear.
"Besides, your Father and the Elders trust me. They'll assume you're just nervous about being married or being stubborn if you try to get out of this."
His lips brush the edge of her own.
"I'm sure you can come to love me Hinata if you'd just try a bit harder."
Hinata scoots away and gets to her feet, this time openly wipes away his touch.
She tacks on a half-smile that she'll see him on Friday before heading away.
'Why can't Father and the Elders see these moments where he is so harsh and indifferent with me.' Hinata bemoans, bumps into a sea of white linen.
"Sorry, sorry! I was helping Lady Natsu with the laundry and can't fully see where I'm going!" A familiar voice apologizes.
Hanabi.
The ache in her chest quickly loosens, crouching to help.
"Don't worry, I was in a rush too." Hinata mentions between folding up towels and washcloths.
Hanabi pokes her head out, eyes instantly brightening with mirth.
"Big Sis! It feels like years since I've seen you!"
She drops her voice to a conspiratorial tone while looking around.
"Who are you running away from in such a rush? Your jerkass fiancé?"
Hinata stiffens, but a giggle escapes.
"Language Hanabi, but yes. I...I wanted to see the who's who that will be at this dinner. I'm heading the meditation hall to get a look at the list of attendees."
Hanabi's smile widens tenfold.
"You're in luck! I wanted to take a peek too, so I snuck it out of the mediation room! Let's take a look at it together!"
Hinata wavers between reprimanding her behavior to thanking her for saving her the trouble.
The latter wins out, guiding them to a corner of the garden the guards hardly patrol.
Wisteria vines blend with the greenery of the sycamore tree, pair squeezing into the side opposite the manor.
"Father and Toneri have invited a bunch of top executives, clan leaders, and businessmen. You could forget this is supposed to be an engagement dinner and not a convention/business meeting. You should break up in front of all of them; that would be the talk of the village for weeks!" Hanabi suggests.
Hinata weakly laughs, Hanabi nodding somberly.
There are too many repercussions that neither even want to say aloud to such an idea.
She passes the list over to Hinata to scour through, takes in that there's a chance at least that Kiba and Shino could be in attendance at seeing the Inuzuka and Aburame clan names on the list.
Her eyes rest towards the bottom.
'Even the Uchiha clan? I suppose Father really does want this to look good.'
She balls up her hands, heartbeat drumming to a rapid tempo.
He's always believed like a few other clan heads that the Uchiha were the least cooperative and helpful in the Great War only sending a few of their shinobi out to aid in rescuing civilian trapped in their homes to blocking enemy shinobi from getting too deep into the village.
But now he's inviting to dinner the very clan he's the iciest towards.
"It's time we leave the past in the past lest we carry these grudges our whole life and into the next generation." She pictures him saying if she questioned him on this.
Hanabi follows her line of sight, nods thinking the same.
"Father must be up to something more than just dinner in mind. Maybe a backup plan in case things go south with Toneri?"
"Sasuke has no interest in romance publicly and Itachi Uchiha is already married to his childhood friend. However, even though Sasuke hasn't made any formal announcements of being spoken for, I've heard from Ino he's been doing a slow courtship with Sakura only meeting in hole in the wall locations far outside the village."
Hinata shakes her head slowly, resists the urge to burn the paper until it's gone.
"We both know Father doesn't care how I feel about this situation; this involves showing to the other clans the Hyūga's coming rise in power and influence."
Naruto-Essence Hanaroku Lobby
'Don't screw this up.'
Right. Sasuke doesn't smile to anyone in greeting, he nearly gave away his identity before even getting seated!
"Ah, for the Hyūga/Otsutsuki dinner. Follow me!" The waitress chirps out.
Naruto nods, lets her lead the way to a private room with long tables already filled with guests from all over the Land of Fire.
It's just as, if not more opulent than his birthday celebration with gold and vermilion threading stitching the tablecloths, lighting and decor showing off intricate wood carvings and paintings of Konoha's surrounding nature.
He swallows back forming knots as she leads him to the seat right beside Hinata.
Hinata nods to him politely in greeting as he plops down.
"Welcome Sasuke. Glad you could make it to represent the Uchiha name."
Naruto keeps his expression flat, nods in return as Toneri moves to stand on her opposite side.
"Ah, so you're from the famous Uchiha clan. I've heard many stories on how secretive your clan is." He greets him while holding a hand out.
"...We like our privacy." Naruto ventures out slowly, shaking his hand in return, eyeing Hinata's cloudy look around the room at the other guests.
Hiashi catches her gaze from the opposite side, and briefly she freezes, tacks on a grin that falls as soon as he looks away.
Toneri meanwhile nods his understanding for his secrecy, but his eyes and interest have already moved on from him to new guests pouring in.
"Ah, if you'll excuse me, I see members of the Yamanaka and Nara clan have arrived I need to greet as well."
A second waitress comes to get his drink order and appetizers, Toneri weaving himself with ease through the various groups of officials both civilian and shinobi, beaming and making light jokes with them all.
If he weren't in disguise, he'd find a way to mingle with these guests too to get their thoughts on what they think of Uzushiogakure, his parents, and himself now holding the very beast that turned the tide of the War in Konoha's favor.
'Another time.' Naruto decides.
He turns his gaze to the woman beside him, Hinata picking at her salad.
She twists with her fork absently, she's dodged questions all night wondering when she and Toneri will announce the official date of their wedding, if she will keep working at the hospital once wed, how many kids are she and Toneri are planning for?
"Goodness, you won't need to work Hinata once you're an Otsutsuki! The kids you two will have will keep you busy enough 24-7!" Madam Akiko mentions.
Hinata feels her face start to burn eliciting snickers, still keeps her gaze on the woman's teasing amber eyes.
"Toneri...Toneri and I haven't yet discussed such topics."
Akiko shrugs while Lady Koyuki nods in agreement beside her.
"You don't want to disappoint your Father even further by breaking traditions; do you? He's looking out for you after all by matching you with such a great catch and I'm sure you don't even like seeing all those horrific war injuries anyways."
Goosebumps ignite her skin, each personal question a jab when she could only give excuses in response.
'I'm not ready for this night after all.'
Naruto gently pokes at her side nearly jolting her.
"I can see you're having a lot of fun here amongst strangers Hinata!" He teases lowly.
Pearl twists to him in shock at his statement, brows furrowing in suspicion.
"You're...not Sasuke." Hinata whispers harshly, jabs at his hand before he can try to reach for her again.
Naruto winces, bites back a curse straightening himself. "I'm not a spy, honest! True, I'm not Sasuke and thank goodness because it's hard to keep acting in his usual quiet and brooding manner with you beside me y'know!"
'Naruto?' Hinata realizes at hearing his verbal tic.
She peers around, thankful most of the older guests are too busy talking amongst themselves to notice them sitting alone like this.
Toneri and Father are on the opposite of the room, both locked in deep conversations with the managers of Konoha's banks and public health departments respectively.
Confusion melts into worry, words tinged with an edge of frustration. "Why are you here of all places?"
"I wanted to see you of course!" Naruto hums back.
Hinata's tongue goes dry, and she hears her heart flutter, coils wrapping at her stomach.
Naruto grins and it looks too odd knowing how Sasuke rarely smiles, gestures with his head to outside.
Hinata doesn't immediately give follow, waits a minute before slipping behind him in a zigzag pattern.
Outside, away from the main entrance, Naruto undoes his transformation, Hinata taking him in up and down unabashedly.
'It doesn't seem to matter what Naruto wears; he'll always be attractive.'
Naruto chuckles. "I clean up nicely; don't I?"
Her blush crawls down her neck, instantly looks away to the sky. She focuses on the bundle of yellow and white stars near the mountains to the west, the flicker of neon lights at fireflies dancing by bushes that line the restaurant.
Anywhere but Naruto's bemused smirk.
"I-I'm so sorry! Ah, I shouldn't openly stare! But you're going to too much trouble just to see me!" She eventually mutters.
He hardly knows her after all outside a few shared hobbies and her basic likes and dislikes.
"I came here to get to know you better and for you to learn more about me y'know. We can discuss it over ramen or cinnamon rolls; my treat!" Naruto teasingly explains at sensing where her thoughts have gone.
Hinata wavers, clicks her tongue.
"You really didn't need to come all this way." She sighs.
Naruto shakes his head, puts his fingers beneath her chin to fully get her gaze.
Cerulean bores into lilac, rubs circles at her cheeks.
"It will never be too much trouble for me Hinata. I enjoy your company, and I can assume the same can be said for you; right?"
Hinata nods slowly, foreheads slightly touching as Naruto tilts his head closer.
His breath fans her lips just as she moves back.
"I...need to go back inside."
She hears footsteps coming up quickly against the pavement, too late to avoid or move fully out of sight. It's going to be a dignitary or a clan leader who catches her too inappropriately close with a man that isn't her fiancé.
"Hinata?" A voice asks to her left.
'No, worse than any clan leader or high official.' Her stomach drops.
Toneri.
Her blood turns to ice at the bitter lilt in his tone as he steps closer to get a proper look at them, bile swimming up to the back of her throat.
Silver eyes twist to Naruto with open malice, air quickly becoming charged with the roar of wind. Rage crackles and warps Toneri's features as Naruto slides them backwards out of reach of his hold, fist slamming against the restaurant's side instead bringing about a river of dark cracks against brick and wood.
"You again? The orphaned Emperor."
Naruto takes his insult in stride, keeps Hinata close right in his arms.
"Yup, Me again!"
Hinata & Toneri-Hyūga Compound, Hiashi's Quarters
"-And to think I thought it was something you ate that made you need to leave to get some air. Instead, you've been cheating on me with a man who can't even save his destroyed village." Toneri sneers.
They sit opposite each other in Father's personal quarters to have some privacy to discuss how they'll move forward. Raindrops patter lightly across the garden, gray clouds blanketing the region reflecting their sour moods.
Hinata bristles while moving to stand, doesn't care how loud their voices are bouncing off the walls or who may be trying to peek or listen in.
It's been two days now since the dinner and while Toneri was able to put a mask back on and warmly mingle and eat with their guests, there was a noticeable change in his mood once he returned back inside for the rest of the night that's made its way the other noble clans that perhaps their marriage is being put on hold.
SLAP!
"I have never cheated on you since we got engaged Toneri! Do you think so lowly of me or have such little trust in me?"
Toneri snatches her hand before she can retract it, bends her fingers backwards until she lets out a satisfying hiss to match the sting of his pulsing cheek.
She launches her opposite hand into his stomach forcing him to release her, silver to pearl studying each other warily.
"Dear, you looked very cozy in his arms so forgive me for assuming the worse. I'm not foolish or naive enough to not see Naruto Uzumaki is attracted to you and that you're starting to feel something for him as well."
Hinata blows out a breath, recalls her Father's warning.
'Fix this before I have to step in.'
"I didn't even know Naruto was going to be there, let alone disguise himself! He came to the village of his own volition! Was I not attentive to you and all our guests that night?"
Toneri scoffs, rubbing at his head. No matter how well they salvaged the evening, a minute later and he's sure he would've caught them in a kiss.
"It's fine; I'm tired of arguing over this subject. I still love you despite your faults Hinata. And I can forgive you for your...ignorance, this brief curiosity you had for that man, pitying his fallen status in society. Tomorrow, we will make a formal announcement our wedding is set for next spring. You can then apologize to your Father and the Elders for letting your curiosity get to you and causing these embarrassing rumors to unfold." He decides.
Her anger simmers back to life, electricity and fire crackling through her fingers, biting her tongue and fizzling them out.
'There is nothing left to fix.'
Not when trust is gone...
Hinata twists on her heel to leave, Toneri's brows furrowing, but thankfully not following after her.
"And just where are you off to now?"
'I don't care what happens next.' Her steps are already starting to feel lighter.
"To Father. I'm calling this engagement off."
-x-
Do you guys have any guesses to how Toneri will take this breakup? Lol, will be dramatic and interesting!
As always, pa-tre-ons get early access to chapters. The official Couple Of The Month for August is Soul x Maka from Soul Eater! Send me suggestions for couples you want me to write about outside NaruHina! I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there!
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