A lot happens in this chapter…some action too!
XXXXXX
July 12th
Sasuke moved fluidly, his body and mind in sync as he sparred with Hinata. The training ground echoed with the clash of fists and feet meeting air, the sharp whistle of kunai cutting through the silence. Despite the heat of the midday sun, they had been sparring for hours. Sweat dripped from Sasuke's brow as he shifted his stance, blocking one of Hinata's strikes. Her movements were sharp and precise as always, but something was off. Her focus wasn't entirely on the fight.
Sasuke dodged her palm strike and swept his leg low, but she was quick to jump over his attack, barely missing him. As they exchanged blows, he noticed a faraway look in her pale eyes. It was subtle, but he knew Hinata well enough by now to catch it. She wasn't fully present.
He was lost in thought for a moment, wondering what was going on in her mind, when he felt the cold touch of a kunai against his throat. He blinked, startled, realizing that Hinata has slipped past his defenses without him noticing.
"I caught you," she said, her voice almost teasing.
Sasuke's lips twitched into a small smirk as Hinata stepped back, lowering her kunai. She looked at him with slight concern, her brows furrowed.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Sasuke tilted his head slightly, his dark eyes narrowing just a fraction at her question. "Why are you asking?" His voice was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity.
Hinata's soft gaze met his, her brows furrowed with concern. "You looked like you were somewhere else," she said quietly, her voice hesitant, almost unsure.
He didn't break his gaze, his expression as unreadable as ever. Inside, though, he was weighing her words. She wasn't wrong. His focus had slipped, his thoughts drifting toward her rather than their sparring.
"I was thinking about you," he said bluntly, his tone as flat as ever. No reason to dance around it.
Hinata blinked, clearly caught off guard. A soft pink color dusted her cheeks, and she seemed to fumble with her words. "M-Me?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, watching her carefully. "You've been distracted during most of our sparring," he continued, his voice matter-of-fact. "Anything you want to talk about?"
She looked at him, clearly surprised by his straightforwardness. But Sasuke didn't push further, waiting for her response, his mind already analyzing the shift in her mood. Something was on her mind, and it was affecting her movements. He could sense it, even if she wasn't ready to say it out loud.
Hinata looked away from him, her fingers twisting nervously at the hem of her sleeve. "I'm no longer Hinata Uzumaki," she said softly. "I'm back to being Hinata Hyuga."
Sasuke stood still, his dark eyes focused on her. He didn't say anything, just watched the subtle shift in her expression—how her brows furrowed slightly, how her lips pressed together as if holding back more than she was letting on.
"For so many years, I loved Naruto-kun," she continued, her voice quieter now. A sheepish smile crossed her face, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "My love never wavered. I waited, and eventually… he noticed me. He loved me back, but things changed after he became Hokage. I know I'm the one who asked for the divorce, but… it's really all gone."
The weight of her words hung in the silence that followed. Sasuke could see the pain behind her composed expression, the uncertainty in her voice. She wasn't the type to say everything that was on her mind—she'd keep parts of it hidden, buried underneath the surface. And yet, it was clear as day to him. She was questioning whether she had made the right choice.
Sasuke wasn't the best with emotional conversations. He never had been, but after spending more time with her, he noticed that it had changed him in small ways, softening certain edges that he hadn't even realized were there.
He shifted his weight slightly, his gaze dropping briefly to the ground before settling back on her. "Naruto's an idiot," he said, his tone matter-of-fact, the bluntness cutting through the tension like a kunai. "He didn't realize what he had… until it was gone."
Hinata's eyes flickered with surprise, but before she could respond, Sasuke added, "You made the right choice. You deserve more than just waiting around for someone to notice how much you're worth."
For a moment, he let the words sink in, then smirked slightly, something rare in his expression. "If it were me... I'd never need a second chance to realize that."
It was a rare comment from Sasuke—direct, but with a sincerity that even he wasn't used to showing. He wasn't one to linger in these moments, though. As soon as the words left his mouth, he turned away, acting as though he hadn't just made a statement that left the air feeling charged between them, and mildly awkward for him.
Hinata blinked at him, surprise written all over her face. Then she smiled, a smile he'd never seen on her before. "Thank you, Sasuke."
Sasuke gave a small nod, his eyes drifting slightly as he stood there. He wasn't the type to overthink friendships, but his bond with Hinata was… different. It had crept up on him, this closeness he never expected. He found himself thinking back to the moments that had cemented their understanding of one another, moments that softened his guard, something he never did easily.
He could still remember the day when he felt the weight of his emotions cracking through the surface after he broke things off with Sakura, and she was there, quiet, offering no judgment when he let the tears slip. She had just been there, present, her silence more comforting than words could have been. And that one night when he'd woken up on her shoulder, realizing he'd fallen asleep so easily in her presence—that startled him more than he'd like to admit. Being comfortable enough to rest in someone's company like that? That wasn't something he experienced often.
He could spend hours with her, not feeling the itch to leave or the creeping irritation that came with prolonged company. With her, it was different. They didn't even have to talk—sometimes they just sat, the quiet surrounding them, and it felt… peaceful.
His gaze flickered, almost amused. In a lot of ways, she reminded him of Naruto. There was a shared warmth, a lightness they both carried, though Hinata's was softer. He respected Naruto, viewed him as a brother, but there were moments—rare ones—when he preferred Hinata's company over Naruto's. Her presence was calming, steady, and somehow, in her quiet way, she understood him.
She was, in essence, a female Naruto, but… different. He couldn't quite place it, but he knew their bond was special. Unique.
He knew that Naruto, Sakura and maybe a few others had noticed their growing friendship, but no one understood how deep the bond had become. Except, perhaps, Kiba. The thought of the Inuzuka made Sasuke smirk. Kiba's jealousy was amusing.
Sasuke snapped out of his thoughts and refocused on Hinata. She was wiping sweat from her forehead, the afternoon heat intensifying the weariness on her face. He could see the fatigue in her movements, the long training session clearly taking its toll.
"Do you want to keep going, or call it a day?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with an edge of concern.
Hinata wiped her brow again, her breathing heavy but controlled. "I think I'm beat," she admitted, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "I'd rather head home where it's cooler."
Sasuke gave a slight nod, agreeing silently. The heat had been relentless, and the hours they spent sparring didn't make it any easier. It had been a while since they'd trained together, and she had found him just after he left TenTen's shop, asking if they could spar. He wasn't one to turn down a chance to sharpen his skills, but even he had to admit the heat was draining.
"I'm supposed to have dinner with Sakura and Sarada later," Sasuke mentioned offhandedly, though there was a certain weight to the words.
Hinata's attention shifted to him, her expression curious but kind. "Oh? Things are going well between you two?"
Sasuke shrugged, keeping his gaze forward. "It's fine. But it can be…awkward sometimes. Sakura gets nervous around me, especially when it's just us. I pretend not to notice."
Hinata smiled at that, the warmth in her expression reminding him of her gentle nature. "It's sweet that you're trying."
He glanced at her, considering her words. He wasn't really "trying" in the way most would think. It was more of an obligation. A way to keep things stable for Sarada's sake. But deep down, he knew Hinata was right. He wanted a relationship with Sakura that wasn't burdened by the past—a friendship that worked for Sarada's well-being, something simpler, without the weight of their history pulling it down.
"I promised Sarada I'd have dinner with them every once in a while," he continued, his tone neutral. "She's been trying to get us back together."
Hinata let out a soft giggle, the sound light and genuine. "That's adorable."
Sasuke frowned. "It's meddlesome, really. I don't like it, but I've been quiet about it. Trying to be…nice." He glanced at her, his gaze lingering for a moment. "Maybe your kids will try that with you someday."
He noticed the subtle shift in her expression, her smile fading slightly as her eyes took on a distant look. It was a brief flicker, but he caught it. The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, but he could tell she was lost in thought again, that same faraway look from earlier settling over her features.
Sasuke didn't push the topic. He wasn't particularly interested in discussing relationships anyway—it was the last thing he wanted to focus on.
"I'm heading home to shower," Sasuke said, already turning to leave.
As he passed her, he threw a quick glance over his shoulder. "You should too."
Hinata blinked, her face turning red. Whether it was from embarrassment or annoyance, Sasuke wasn't sure—probably both. It amused him, but he didn't linger on it. He just kept walking, not looking back.
But, after a few steps, with a teasing smirk on his face, he called out, "See you around, stinky."
He could almost hear her gasp behind him. Her flustered reaction nearly made him laugh, but he kept it in, the smirk still in place as he walked off.
XXXXX
Her mom had been a mess all evening, fretting over what to cook for dinner. She'd burned the tomatoes earlier, forcing an emergency trip to the store to buy more. When she returned, she rushed through prepping everything again, her hair in wild disarray. Her eyes had that frantic look Sarada knew all too well…her mom always got like that when her dad was meeting them.
Sarada found it tiring, but also amusing. How could her dad make her mom so flustered without even trying? As her mother set the table, Sarada decided to tease her a little. "Mama, your hair's a mess. You might want to fix it before Papa gets here."
Sakura froze, her hands hovered over the plates, and immediately rushed to the hallway mirror. After a quick inspection of her reflection, she darted off to the bedroom to fix her hair, leaving Sarada smiling as she shook her head.
The food, though, smelled delicious. Sarada glanced at the table, where a variety of dishes were already set, perfectly grilled chicken, a tomato and herb salad, sauteed vegetables, a big pot of streaming rice, a tomato-based sauce that her mom had perfecting for years just for her father. The table looked colorful, like it always did when her dad came over, and Sarada couldn't help but feel a little giddy. Despite their separation, her parents being together, even if it were just for dinner or lunch, felt nice.
Her dad hadn't left the village recently, not like before when he'd disappear for months or longer. Now, he came back quickly from missions, and she liked that. His new house was simple, but she loved the room he dedicated entirely to her. Her very own library. She spent the night there wherever she could, surrounded by books, and though her dad embarrassed her sometimes, she had to admit he'd been a good father lately.
Still, her mother wasn't quite the same. Some nights, Sarada would hear her mom crying softly in her room, thinking she was being quiet enough. Sarada knew better. Her mom was hurting, missing her dad more than she let on. That's why Sarada worked so hard to keep them connected, organizing dinners, pulling her dad in when he tried to wiggle out of things. She could see her dad was trying, but he wasn't the best at this.
A knock on the door jolted her from her thoughts. She sprinted to open it, grinning wide as her father stood in the doorway, holding a bundle of yellow daises, her and her mother favorite flowers. "Papa!" Sarada beamed, her smile stretched ear to ear as she pulled him inside. "Mama! Papa's here!"
Sakura emerged from the hallway, her hair now perfectly neat, dressed in a pink kimono-style dress that made her look beautiful. Sarada smiled at how pretty her mom looked, hoping her dad would notice too.
Sasuke greeted Sakura in his usal dry tone, "Sakura," making Sarada roll her eyes a little.
Seriously, Papa? She quickly pointed to the flowers in his hand, eager to create a moment. "Look, Mama! Papa brought flowers for you."
Sakura's cheeks flushed a light pink as she smiled at Sasuke. "T-Thank you for the flowers, Sasuke-kun."
Sarada's heart sank as she saw her father shoot her a look…a silent knowing one. "I mean, they're for us. For both of us! Right, Papa?" she quickly added, shrinking slightly under her father's gaze, feeling a little guilty for almost ruining her plan. After all, she did tell her father to buy her daises and bring him when he came.
"Sure," he said, making Sarada's cheeks burn.
Her father didn't out her!
Sakura, seemingly unaware of the exchange, motioned to the table. "Come on in, Sasuke-kun. Dinner's ready."
As they walked toward the table, Sarada noticed the hard look her father shot her again, but she just shrugged and took her seat. Her father sat across her as her mother began serving the food, starting with his plate first. The smell of the grilled chicken and tomatoes filled the room, and for a moment, everything felt…normal.
As theyt started eating, the quiet settled in. It was the kind of silence Sarada hated, but before she could fill it with her usual chatter, her father surprised her.
"This is good," he said.
Sarada couldn't help but feel proud. Point for you, Papa! Her mom, on the other hand, nearly dropped her chopsticks.
"You l-like it?" Sakura stammered, clearly shocked.
Sasuke nodded, and this time, there was no hesitation. "Yeah. I mean it."
Sarada felt another bubble of excitement rise in her chest. She snuck a peek at her mom, who was now blushing as she continued eating, and then glanced at her dad. But instead of catching him looking her her mother, she found his eyes trained on her, a knowing look in them, with a furrow to his brows. Sarada quickly stuffed her mouth with food, trying to avoid his gaze.
"Sarada…" her father started, no doubt getting ready to send a line of questions her way.
Panicking, she blurted out, "Mama, you should tell Papa about the time, when Aunt Hinata and Himawaru-chan came over for a mother-daughter day!"
Sakura waved it off, though a smile lingered on her lips. "It wasn't anything special to talk about, but we had a good time with Hinata and Himawari. I'm hoping we can continue becoming closer as friends. Hinata is such a sweet person."
Sarada glanced at her father again, cautiously, and to her delight, he had a small smile on his face. Not just any smile, the kind of smile that showed he cared. Another point for Papa.
Sasuke, seemingly interested, put a piece of chicken into his mouth. "Did you all have a good time?"
Sakura smiled, her expression softened. "Yes, we had a great time. We're planning on getting together again."
Her father nodded, and for a moment, his face relaxed into a small thoughtful smile, as if his mind were drifting somewhere far away. "I'm glad to hear it," he said, his tone quiet, almost distant.
Sarada watched, feeling a sense of excitement bloom in her chest. Papa's thinking about Mama! She thought, convinced that her father was smiling because of how happy her mother had been spending time with her friend. In her mind, everything was finally moving in the right direction.
As the evening wore on, Sarada announced with a dramatic yawn, "I'm sleepy. I think head to bed early. Goodnight, Mama. Goodnight, Papa."
She quickly hugged them both, ignoring the way her father's eyes lingered on her, and retreated to her room. But she wasn't about to miss what came next. After waiting a while, she crept back towards the kitchen, listening in on her parents' conversation.
They were talking about the past, reminiscing about when she was born. Her mom's voice was filled with warmth, and Sarada could feel how much they had loved each other back then. It had been different, simpler. Sarada only had a vague memories of her early years, but she remembered her father being around a lot during those times.
As their conversation neared its end, Sarada peered around the corner, watching as they made their way towards the door.
"Thanks for coming, Sasuke-kun. Sarada really appreciates it…and so do I," she said softly. "And for the flowers." she blushed.
Sarada tensed, holding her breath, hoping her dad wouldn't ruin the moment by correcting her.
Sasuke stared at her mother for a long moment, then pressed his lips together and put on a small smile. "It was no problem."
Sarada almost squealed but caught herself, clamping a hand over her mouth.
Sakura smiled, a bit bashfully. "Goodnight, Sasuke-kun."
Sarada didn't catch what her dad said, but it didn't matter. Things were going well, and in her mind, by the time her father's birthday rolled around, her parents would be back together.
XXXXXX
Naruto sat in his office, staring blankly at the papers scattered on his desk. His mind wasn't on the documents, though, it was still replaying what had happened with Hinata the other day, after they had both signed the divorce papers. The moment weighed heavy on his heart.
He remembered when they had embraced, her back pressed against his chest as he held her close. That brief connection had been filled with so much—grief, regret, love—all unspoken but deeply felt. He'd thought that would be it. That she would pull away, not even bothering to face him. But she hadn't.
Instead, Hinata had turned back toward him, her pale eyes searching his as if looking for something. She'd reached up, tugging on the collar of his jacket to bring him down to her level. Then, softly, she had kissed his forehead, murmuring a quiet, "Thank you for everything."
Naruto hadn't had time to react. She was gone soon after, leaving him standing there, his heart heavier than before. As he sat in his office now, he absentmindedly touched his forehead. A sad smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Thank you for everything. The words echoed in his mind. He knew she had meant it sincerely, but it only deepened the sense of loss he was feeling. He wasn't sure if it was an ending or a small glimmer of hope for something else, something he couldn't quite name.
His thoughts were interrupted when the door creaked open, and Shikamaru strolled in, holding a stack of finalized documents. "Hey," he greeted, placing the papers down on the desk.
Naruto quickly dropped his hand and smiled weakly at his friend. "Hey."
Shikamaru studied him for a second before leaning back against the wall. "You doing okay?" he asked, his voice quiet but probing.
Naruto hesitated, then sighed. "I don't know. I feel like… I failed her. We were married for so many years, and in the end, I couldn't balance being Hokage and being a good husband. I waited too long, and by the time I tried, it was too late."
He glanced down at his hands, the memories of his jealousy bubbling up. "I let stupid things get in the way, like my jealousy. It messed things up even more… and I probably made things tense with Gaara too."
Shikamaru winced, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I heard about that. Temari mentioned something."
Naruto blushed, his face heating up with embarrassment. "I wasn't always the jealous type, but… I started noticing how other men would look at her. And after a while, it just… got to me."
Shikamaru shook his head, though there was no judgment in his eyes. "That's troublesome," he muttered. Naruto glanced at him curiously.
"You ever get jealous?"
Shikamaru smirked. "Nah. Other guys are usually too scared of Temari to even try. She's got that... intimidating thing going on." He paused, then added, "Hinata's different, though. She's soft, shy… probably would be too embarrassed to notice someone flirting with her. Or she'd think they weren't actually interested."
Naruto frowned, knowing Shikamaru wasn't wrong. Hinata was too kind-hearted to ever assume the worst. Shikamaru's expression softened a bit as he continued. "But you should've known better. Hinata wouldn't have betrayed you. Your jealousy… yeah, that was probably the worst thing to let come between you two."
Naruto sighed again, the weight of his own mistakes settling in his chest. "I know… but it's too late now."
There was a pause, the silence growing heavier between them. Wanting to shift the conversation, Naruto cleared his throat and asked, "Any updates on the Land of Stone situation? And Kurosawa?"
Shikamaru straightened up, grateful for the change in topic. "Still looking into it. So far, it doesn't seem like any Konoha shinobi have trespassed there. We're thinking something else is going on… maybe internal trouble."
Naruto nodded, thinking through the possibilities. "Keep digging. Let me know if anything turns up."
Shikamaru gave a nod, his sharp eyes already working through the potential scenarios. "Will do."
As Shikamaru turned to leave, Naruto leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing his forehead one last time. Before Shikamaru could make his way to leave, a young shinobi entered, bowing slightly before addressing him.
"Hokage-sama, someone is here to see you."
Naruto, feeling emotionally drained, waved the shinobi off. "Tell them to come back later. I'm busy."
The shinobi hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. "Hokage-sama… it's your father-in-law."
Naruto froze, his face turning pale. Hiashi. He and Hinata hadn't sat down with her family to discuss the divorce. The realization hit him hard—Hinata must have told her father everything. His heart raced nervously. Great, just what he needed.
"Show him in," Naruto muttered, steeling himself.
The shinobi nodded and disappeared out the door. Moments later, Hiashi Hyuga walked in, his presence commanding the room. But he wasn't alone—Hanabi and Ko with him, their expressions unreadable. Naruto could feel his stomach twist into knots. This was going to be bad.
He glanced at Shikamaru, sending him a pleading look to stay, but Shikamaru gave Naruto a shrug and swiftly exited the room, leaving him alone to face the Hyuga family.
Hiashi wasted no time. His sharp eyes fixed on Naruto as he began speaking. "Hinata told us what happened," he said, his tone firm but not aggressive. "I came to speak with you directly."
Naruto swallowed hard, his nerves rattling as he glanced at Hanabi and Ko, both of whom remained stoic, making it impossible for him to read their emotions. Were they mad? He assumed they were. Why wouldn't they be? After all, he had failed Hinata—their Hinata.
"Please, feel free to sit," Naruto offered, gesturing to the chairs.
Hiashi, standing tall and regal, shook his head. "There's no need." His voice was clipped but not hostile, and that threw Naruto off balance.
Hiashi's gaze softened slightly. "I am not pleased with the situation. But I do not hold it against you personally. I understand the responsibilities you carry as Hokage, but I also care for my daughter deeply. I came today because, despite what has happened, I want us to maintain a good relationship."
Naruto blinked, his eyes stinging as he fought the urge to let tears well up. He hadn't expected this—Hiashi's calm understanding, his willingness to remain cordial. It was too much. He swallowed the lump in his throat, trying to keep his composure.
"I appreciate that," Naruto managed, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll do my best to make sure things don't get worse."
Hiashi nodded. "I trust you will." He offered no further words of reassurance, but there was no need. He'd said what he came to say. With a final glance at Naruto, Hiashi turned to leave, his footsteps measured and calm.
But Hanabi and Ko lingered behind. Hanabi, her face set in a frown, stared at Naruto, her eyes sharp. "Father may have been nice to you," she said, her voice tinged with frustration, "but I'm not as forgiving. I haven't forgotten all the times you made my sister cry."
Naruto's heart sank. He had always thought Hanabi and Ko liked him in the beginning. They had been warm toward him, even fond, when he and Hinata were newlyweds. But as time passed and his work took him away more often, that warmth had shifted. He had noticed the way Hanabi's and Ko's eyes would harden when they saw him. They still treated him kindly, but something had definitely changed.
"Hanabi, I—" Naruto began, but Ko, who had remained silent until now, cut him off.
"Just make sure you do better by Boruto and Himawari," Ko said evenly, though his eyes mirrored Hanabi's resentment. "That's all we ask."
Naruto nodded, the bit of relief he had felt earlier vanishing as quickly as it had come. He watched as Hanabi and Ko left the office, the tension still thick in the air. As the door closed behind them, he slumped into his chair, feeling utterly defeated.
XXXXXX
Later that night…
Hinata hummed softly to herself as she stirred the pot on the stove, the smell of miso soup filling the kitchen. Himawari stood beside her, carefully chopping vegetables, her tiny hands surprisingly nimble with the knife. Boruto's laughter echoed from the living room, something on the TV catching his attention. The house felt full, warm, despite everything that had happened.
"Mom?" Himawari's soft voice broke through the rhythmic sounds of cooking.
Hinata glanced down, smiling warmly. "Yes, Himawari?"
"What was it like for you when you were a shinobi?"
The question made Hinata pause, her hand momentarily stopping its stirring. She hadn't thought about her shinobi days in a while. She placed the ladle down and turned to her daughter, her expression thoughtful. "Well," she began, her voice gentle, "I was very different back then. I wasn't confident like your father or Uncle Neji. I was shy, nervous, and I struggled a lot."
Himawari looked up at her with wide, curious eyes. "Really? But you're so strong!"
Hinata chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I wasn't always strong. When I was younger, I looked up to Naruto-kun, just like you do. He gave me the courage to try harder, even when I felt like giving up." She smiled fondly, remembering the shy, timid girl she once was, who worked so hard just to be noticed.
Himawari's face lit up as she asked another question, "And what about Uncle Neji? What was he like?"
The question hit Hinata with a wave of nostalgia, and for a moment, a sad smile touched her lips. She hadn't expected Himawari to ask about Neji, but she was glad her daughter was curious about him. "Neji-nii was… amazing," she began slowly, her voice soft with reverence. "When we were younger, he was very serious and focused, sometimes even harsh. But as we got older, we grew closer. He was protective, and he always pushed me to be better. He would've adored you."
Himawari's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I wish I could've met him."
Hinata placed a gentle hand on her daughter's head, her heart heavy but full of warmth. "He would've been fond of you, Himawari," she said, her voice filled with affection. "You remind me of him sometimes."
That brought a wide smile to Himawari's face as she finished chopping the last of the vegetables. Together, they added them to the soup. As the final touches were made, Himawari called out for Boruto.
"Boruto-niisan! Dinner's ready!"
Boruto's laughter quieted as he entered the kitchen, plopping down at the table with an exaggerated sigh. "Finally!" he grinned, rubbing his hands together as he took his seat. The three of them sat together, the clinking of chopsticks filling the air as they began their meal.
Halfway through, Boruto spoke up, his tone curious but thoughtful. "You know, I've been thinking, Mom…"
Hinata blinked, looking at him as she set down her bowl. "Hmm?"
Boruto continued, his voice more serious than usual. "I've never really trained with you. I mean, I've trained with Big Sis, with Dad, even with Sasuke-sensei, but I've never seen you in action. I've only heard stories." He glanced at her with a hint of embarrassment. "I've always been kinda jealous that everyone else has seen how strong you are… even Sasuke-sensei."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she couldn't help the soft laugh that escaped her. "You want to train with me?"
Boruto nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I mean, if that's okay. Sasuke-sensei told me I should ask you."
Hinata tilted her head. "Sasuke said that?"
Boruto flushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah. He told me that I should just ask you. He said you wouldn't say no."
Hinata couldn't help but smile at that. Sasuke had always been straightforward, but it was clear from Boruto's hopeful expression that he truly wanted this. "I'd be happy to train you, Boruto."
Boruto's eyes lit up, his earlier embarrassment quickly replaced with excitement. "Really?"
Hinata nodded. "We can start first thing in the morning."
Boruto grinned from ear to ear, practically bouncing in his seat. "Awesome! Thanks, Mom."
Himawari giggled beside her brother, clearly amused by his enthusiasm, while Hinata smiled softly. She looked at her children, her heart swelling with pride. Despite everything, moments like these reminded her that they were still a family, and no matter what, they would always have each other.
XXXXXX
July 13th
Boruto groaned, pulling the blanket over his head as the sunlight peeked through his curtains. He could hear his mother's soft voice calling him from downstairs, but getting out of bed felt like an impossible task. He'd promised to train with her this morning, and as excited as he was about it, the early morning still felt like his worst enemy. Just five more minutes…
"Boruto!" His mother's voice called again, a little more insistent this time.
With a sigh of defeat, Boruto kicked the blankets off and dragged himself out of bed. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, yawning as he shuffled over to get dressed. The cool morning air hit him as he opened the window, and he could see the sun slowly rising over the village. The sky was streaked with shades of pink and orange, and the quiet streets were mostly empty. As tired as he was, the sight of the sunrise perked him up a little.
Once he was dressed, Boruto hurried downstairs, meeting his mother at the door. She smiled at him warmly, her hair tied back in a neat ponytail, ready for their sparring session. "Good morning, Boruto. Ready to go?"
"Yeah, I guess," Boruto yawned, still rubbing sleep from his eyes, but the excitement of finally training with his mom was creeping in.
They walked through the streets of Konoha together, the cool morning breeze rustling the leaves on the trees. Boruto noticed how peaceful it was, with only a few people up and about this early. The quiet, combined with the warmth of the rising sun, made him feel more awake as they made their way to the training grounds.
When they arrived, Hinata turned to him with a calm smile, getting into a familiar fighting stance. "Are you ready?" she asked.
Boruto grinned, nodding confidently as he mirrored her stance. "You bet!"
The moment the words left his mouth, they were in motion. Boruto launched himself at his mother, trying to land a punch, but she was too quick. Hinata sidestepped effortlessly, her movements fluid as she evaded each of his attacks with grace. He tried again, throwing a series of punches, but it felt like he was trying to hit a shadow—she wasn't even breaking a sweat.
Boruto's frustration started to build. He was giving it his all, but his mother was dodging every single attack with ease. How is she so fast? He gritted his teeth and decided to try a different approach. Focusing his chakra, he created a handful of shadow clones, hoping to confuse her.
The clones surrounded Hinata, each one charging at her from a different direction. For a moment, Boruto thought he had her, but then she moved—fast. Hinata gracefully danced through the clones, deflecting each attack with precision. One by one, his clones vanished, leaving him standing there, wide-eyed.
"Don't rely on the clones too much," Hinata said gently, not missing a beat. "Your real strength lies in your strategy."
Boruto huffed, but he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. His mother was amazing. He had never seen her like this before, and the more they sparred, the more he realized just how skilled she was. He tried to keep up, throwing punches and kicks, but each time, she countered with a move of her own, offering advice as they went along.
"Try to anticipate my movements," she instructed as she blocked one of his punches, her voice calm and patient. "Don't let your frustration control your actions."
Boruto was about to respond, but before he could say anything, his mother suddenly stopped. Her eyes darted to the treeline, and Boruto immediately knew something was wrong.
"Mom?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Before he could finish his sentence, Hinata moved in a blur, pushing Boruto to the ground. He hit the dirt with a grunt, looking up just in time to see his mother deflect a kunai that had been aimed right at him. His heart raced as he scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting to the trees.
Two men stepped out from the shadows, their faces covered by masks—one with the face of a tiger and the other a snake. Boruto's eyes widened in recognition. ANBU? But they weren't from Konoha. He could tell by their uniforms that they were from another village.
"Who are you?" Boruto demanded, but the masked men remained silent, their attention focused solely on his mother.
Without a word, one of the men, with the snake mask, charged at Hinata. Boruto's heart pounded in his chest as he called out, "Mom!" But before he could even think of helping, he saw that his mother was already handling the situation. Hinata moved with lightning speed, dodging his attacks and countering with graceful, calculated strikes.
Boruto's gaze shifted to the man in the tiger mask who charged towards him. He was bulky, his movements powerful despite his size. Boruto realized quickly that while he was faster, the man was far stronger. Boruto dodged his strikes, but it took every ounce of his focus to keep up.
"Stay focused," he muttered to himself, trying not to let his mother's battle distract him. But when he glanced over, he was awestruck by how easily his mother was handling the other man. She was swift, using her ninjutsu to deflect every blow with precision and grace.
Distracted for a split second, Boruto didn't notice the kunai until it was too late. Pain shot through his arm as the tiger-masked man slashed him, and Boruto yelped in suprise, stumbling backward.
"Boruto!" Hinata's voice was filled with panic, and in an instant, she was moving toward him. But before she could reach him, the man in the snake mask lunged forward, grabbing her by the arm and holding a kunai to her throat.
Boruto's blood ran cold. "Mom!"
The snake-masked man's voice was low and menacing. "Take us to the Scroll of Seals," he demanded.
Hinata's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Scroll of Seals?"
The man growled in frustration, yanking her head back by her hair. "Are you stupid, woman? Yes, the Scroll of Seals. Take us to it."
His eyes lingered on her, and Boruto's heart clenched as he saw the way the man's gaze shifted, almost leering. "You're actually pretty cute," the man muttered, dragging the blade along Hinata's neck, creating a thin line of blood. "Maybe I'll have a little fun with you before we take the scroll."
Rage surged through Boruto, every muscle in his body tightening as the man's words hit him. "Stay away from her!" Boruto shouted, charging forward with renewed fury. He managed to land a punch on the snake-masked man's face, but the man still held his mother tight.
The man wiped blood from his mouth, grinning. "The kid packs a punch."
Hinata took advantage of the moment, striking the man's pressure points with lightning speed. He released her, stumbling back in surprise.
Boruto rushed to his mother's side. "Are you okay?" he asked breathlessly.
Hinata nodded, giving him a reassuring smile, but Boruto's eyes lingered on the cut on her neck. His anger flared again as he turned toward the masked men.
"You'll pay for that," Boruto growled.
But before either of the masked men could respond, a loud crack of electricity filled the air. The tiger-masked man was sent flying into a tree, and the snake-masked man was knocked back in the opposite direction.
Boruto turned, wide-eyed, to see his father standing there, his sensei, Sasuke, beside him, chidori crackling in his hand. Two Konoha ANBU flanked them.
"Dad!" Boruto called out, both relieved and surprised.
Naruto's eyes scanned the scene, landing on him and his mother. "Are you both okay?"
"We're fine," Hinata answered, her voice calm. "They were asking about the Scroll of Seals."
Naruto's face darkened when his gaze shifted to the cut on Hinata's neck and the wound on Boruto's arm. His eyes blazed with fury. "Which one of them hurt you?"
Boruto hesitated but pointed at the tiger-masked man. "That one cut me, but the snake… he was being a slimeball to Mom."
Naruto clenched his fists, but before he could speak, Sasuke's voice cut through the air, low and menacing in a way Boruto had never heard before. "I'll take care of the snake."
Sasuke's eyes were fixed on the snake-masked man, a dangerous intensity in his gaze. Without another word, he opened a portal, the swirling energy forming behind Boruto and Hinata, near the Konoha ANBU.
"You can use that to get to the hospital," Sasuke said, his voice cold as he stepped forward. "Naruto, you handle the other one."
Naruto nodded, but his eyes lingered on Hinata and Boruto, his expression unreadable. "Go with the ANBU. It's too dangerous for you to stay."
Boruto wanted to protest, to help, but the look in his father's eyes told him everything he needed to know. His mother placed a gentle hand on his arm, giving him an encouraging nod. Reluctantly, Boruto followed her, taking one last look over his shoulder as his father and Sasuke prepared to face the mysterious attackers.
XXXXXX
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as the two masked ANBU stood before him and Naruto, their clothes bearing the unmistakable markings of the Land of Stone. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as the battle began, both sides immediately launching into action.
The man in the tiger mask was strong, his bulky frame moving with surprising speed as he lunged toward Naruto. Meanwhile, the snake-masked man darted toward Sasuke with kunai in hand, aiming for a vital spot. Sasuke easily deflected the attack with his sword, stepping into a fluid counter. His Sharingan flared to life, anticipating the man's next move before he even made it.
"Who sent you?" Sasuke demanded, his voice low but sharp as he clashed with the snake-masked ANBU.
The masked man said nothing, his strikes relentless. Sasuke's sword moved swiftly, blocking and dodging each incoming attack with precision. They're trained well, Sasuke thought, his movements steady as he sized up his opponent. The way they fought was tactical, disciplined—definitely elite shinobi.
Naruto, meanwhile, was locked in combat with the tiger-masked ANBU, the man's sheer strength making the ground shake beneath them. Yet Naruto matched him blow for blow, his movements fluid despite the intensity of the fight. The air was filled with the sound of kunai clashing and the roar of Rasengan as Naruto tried to gain the upper hand.
"What do you want with the Scroll of Seals?" Sasuke asked again, this time his sword grazing the snake-masked man's side, drawing blood.
The man snarled but didn't answer, his strikes becoming more frantic. Sasuke could tell from the way the man fought that he was desperate, but his silence only confirmed his suspicion—they weren't here on their own agenda.
"The Scroll of Seals isn't your concern," the tiger-masked man growled in response to Sasuke's earlier question, his voice carrying over the sound of battle.
Sasuke's eyes flickered toward Naruto, who was now forcing the tiger-masked man back with a series of powerful strikes. The fight was relentless, and both sides refused to give an inch.
No concern, huh? Sasuke thought, his Sharingan locking onto the snake-masked man's movements. He parried another attack, their blades sparking as they clashed. This wasn't just about the scroll—there was more going on, and the silence from their attackers only heightened Sasuke's suspicion. He spun, dodging a kunai strike before pressing his sword against the snake-masked man's throat, his Sharingan blazing.
Blood trickled from the edge of his blade as Sasuke applied more pressure. The man flinched, his body shaking, but Sasuke didn't let up. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind flashing back to Hinata's earlier injuries and Boruto's pain. There was a part of him—one he couldn't quite understand—that felt a deep, unsettling rage. It wasn't just about the mission anymore. It felt personal.
"Sasuke," Naruto's voice called out, but Sasuke didn't react.
The snake-masked man's eyes were wide with fear, clearly feeling the intensity of Sasuke's gaze. The blade pressed harder, drawing more blood.
"Sasuke!" Naruto called again, louder this time.
It wasn't until the third call that Sasuke snapped out of it, blinking as Naruto's voice finally registered. He looked up, seeing Naruto standing over the subdued tiger-masked man, holding him in a vice grip.
"We need them alive for questioning," Naruto said, his eyes flickering between the two men and Sasuke's bloodied blade.
Sasuke's jaw clenched, but after a moment of hesitation, he withdrew his sword. As soon as the pressure lifted from his neck, the snake-masked man took the opportunity to escape, his body flickering out of sight.
"Shit," Naruto cursed, glaring at the empty space where the man had been. He turned his attention back to the tiger-masked man, who was still in his grip. "Looks like your friend left you behind."
The tiger mask remained silent, but Sasuke could see the nervousness in his posture. His grip on his sword tightened again, but he held back.
Naruto sighed. "Can you transport him to detention for interrogation?"
Sasuke gave a curt nod, grabbing the tiger-masked man roughly by the collar before activating his Rinnegan. In a flash, they teleported to the Intelligence Division.
When they arrived, Sasuke wasted no time. The room buzzed with the hum of activity, and he quickly found Ino. She looked up, surprised to see him, but her expression quickly turned serious when she noticed the man in the tiger mask.
"What's going on, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, stepping forward as she readied herself.
"We need information," Sasuke said flatly, dragging the prisoner forward. "He and another ANBU from the Land of Stone attacked Hinata and Boruto this morning. They were after the Scroll of Seals."
Ino's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Scroll of Seals, but she quickly nodded, understanding the urgency. "Alright, leave it to me."
Sasuke watched as Ino began the Mind Transfer technique, her hands forming the necessary seals. The tiger-masked man struggled, but it was useless. Within moments, Ino was inside his mind, searching for answers.
It didn't take long. When Ino released the technique, her face was pale, and she quickly jotted down notes. "They were sent by someone higher up in their ranks. They were ordered to retrieve the Scroll of Seals, but… they don't know why. Their orders were vague, but they were told the scroll was of 'utmost importance.'"
Sasuke frowned, digesting the information. "Who sent them?"
Ino glanced down at her notes. "The orders came from Kurosawa, the leader of the Land of Stone."
The name didn't surprise Sasuke. He had heard whispers of Kurosawa before—an ambitious man with questionable motives. But why would he want the Scroll of Seals?
"There's more," Ino added, her voice serious. "They were told that the scroll holds something that could 'shift the balance of power.' But they don't know what it is."
Sasuke's mind raced as the pieces started to come together. The Scroll of Seals was dangerous in the wrong hands, but this felt… different. There was something more to it, something that wasn't clear yet.
"I'll send a full report to Naruto as soon as possible," Ino said, giving him a nod of reassurance.
Sasuke nodded back. "Thanks, Ino."
With that, Sasuke teleported back to Naruto's office, but when he arrived, the room was empty. Focusing his chakra, he quickly located Naruto's presence. He hesitated when he realized where Naruto was, deciding, for now, to remain where he was.
XXXXXXX
Sakura had just finished healing the cut on Hinata's neck when the door burst open with a loud bang. Naruto rushed in, his eyes wide with worry, and Boruto followed behind, shaking his head.
"Hinata!" Naruto called out breathlessly, ignoring the fact that Boruto was rolling his eyes behind him.
"I told him it wasn't that serious, Mom," Boruto muttered, crossing his arms and sighing heavily. "He's being a total worrywart."
Naruto, completely ignoring his son, walked straight to Hinata, his gaze frantic as he looked her up and down. "Are you okay?"
Hinata smiled gently, touched by his concern despite how over-the-top it seemed. "I'm fine, Naruto-kun. Sakura already healed me." She raised a hand to show the smooth, unblemished skin of her neck.
Sakura glanced at Naruto with a playful smirk. "You're being way too loud, Naruto. Relax, she's fine."
Naruto flushed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Right, sorry. I just…" His gaze lingered on Hinata as he took a step closer to her side. His presence felt heavy, and for a moment, Hinata dipped her head, avoiding his gaze.
She hadn't told Sakura about the divorce yet. Although their friendship was slowly blossoming, it wasn't yet the kind where she felt comfortable sharing something so personal. Hinata couldn't help but wonder if Sakura might already know through Naruto—or even Sai, given his closeness to both. After all, Hinata had told Sasuke, Kiba, and Tamaki about it. It was only right to tell your closest friends, wasn't it?
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted as Sakura said, "I'll give you two some time alone." She gave Naruto a knowing smile before gently ushering Boruto out of the room, leaving Hinata alone with him.
Once the door clicked shut, Naruto smirked. "Boruto said you kicked some ass out there today."
Hinata's cheeks immediately flushed. "I'll have to talk to him about his language," she muttered softly, embarrassed but proud.
Naruto chuckled. "Our son really admires you, you know. Even I know how strong you really are." His voice softened, and Hinata noticed a gentleness in his gaze that made her heart flutter.
She quickly averted her eyes, the warmth in her chest rising up to her cheeks. "Did you tell Sakura about… us?" she asked hesitantly, still looking at the ground.
"No," Naruto admitted, the usual brightness in his voice dimming. "I haven't told her. I'm not ready to tell anyone yet. Not her, not the public…" He exhaled deeply, running his hand through his messy hair. "I did tell Sasuke, Sai, Shikamaru and Kakashi-sensei during a boys night…"
"I told Kiba and Tamaki," she offered after a moment of quiet, deciding to keep the fact that she had also told Sasuke to herself.
Naruto grunted softly, then mumbled something under his breath about her father. Hinata blinked, then asked, "Did my father visit you?"
Naruto sighed and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Yeah, he did. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. But I think Hanabi and Ko are going to hate me for life."
Hinata's heart clenched at that. She knew her sister and Ko were protective of her, and they had been hard on Naruto lately due to his absence. "I'm sorry," she said softly, her voice sincere.
Naruto shook his head. "It's alright. I don't blame them." His voice dropped, barely a whisper now, "I'm just glad you're okay."
Hinata glanced up at him, just in time to catch his familiar, warm smile—the one that had always made her heart race. He stepped closer and gently took both of her hands in his, giving them a soft, comforting squeeze. "I'm proud of you, Hinata," he murmured.
Before she could respond, Naruto let go of her hands and moved toward the door. As he opened it, Boruto was standing there, looking red-faced and embarrassed.
"I didn't hear anything!" Boruto blurted out quickly, his voice higher-pitched than usual.
Naruto chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "Take care of your mom," he said with a grin before leaving, his Hokage cloak swishing behind him as he walked away.
Hinata watched him go, feeling a strange mixture of warmth and sadness. When Boruto turned to her, he had a hopeful look in his eyes. "Hey, uh, Mom? Is it okay if I go meet up with my friends?"
Hinata frowned, her protective instincts immediately kicking in. "I'm not sure that's a good idea… Things might not be safe yet."
Boruto groaned, his eyes rolling back. "I'll be fine! Dad already caught one of the guys, and they're interrogating him. I'll be okay, I promise."
Despite her reservations, Hinata sighed softly. "Alright, but don't stay out too late."
Boruto grinned from ear to ear. "Thanks, Mom! You're the coolest!" He dashed off before she could change her mind.
After a while, she left the hospital and walked through the village, Hinata felt more cautious than usual. The attack earlier had left her on edge, and her mind wandered back to the Scroll of Seals. Why would they want it? She wondered, her thoughts swirling. The Scroll was a secret kept for the Hokage's eyes only, and the thought of it being in the wrong hands made her stomach twist with unease.
So lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear Sasuke's voice until she felt a sharp, yet playful sting on her forehead.
"Ow!" she yelped softly, rubbing her head as she turned to see Sasuke walking beside her, his black eyes glimmering with amusement.
"There she is," Sasuke teased, his tone dry but playful.
Hinata blinked, still rubbing her forehead. "Sasuke…"
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes flickering to her neck, lingering a little longer than usual.
Hinata's hand instinctively went to her neck, covering the spot where the cut had been. "I'm fine, no need to worry about me."
Sasuke nodded, his expression unreadable. "I was worried about Boruto too. But I'm glad you're both okay."
Hinata's cheeks warmed, and she mumbled a soft "thank you," feeling slightly embarrassed. The chill that ran up her spine didn't go unnoticed by her, and she tried to dismiss it.
They walked in silence for a few moments before Sasuke spoke again. "Do you want to do something?"
Hinata smiled at his attempt to cheer her up. "I'm going to go home," she said. Today had been the first time in a while that she had fought an enemy, and though the adrenaline had worn off, she still felt jittery. She wasn't sure if it was from the thrill of the fight or the shock of everything that had happened, but she craved the comfort of home.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "You want company?"
Hinata smiled. "Sure," she replied before she remembered Kiba. She hesitated. "But… Kiba-kun is coming over later."
Sasuke's expression shifted, a glint of something mischievous flickering in his eyes. "Oh, is he?" His voice was casual, but there was an undercurrent of amusement.
Hinata blinked, unsure of why he sounded so intrigued. "Yes…"
"Are you sure it's okay for me to intrude?" He asked.
Hinata nodded. "It'll be fine."
Sasuke mumbled. "This will be interesting..."
"What was that?" Hinata asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
"Nothing," Sasuke said, his smirk still in place, leaving Hinata to wonder what was going on in his mind.
XXXXXX
Hinata sat in the living room, the sound of Himawari's favorite cartoon playing in the background as she laughed along with the show. Sasuke was seated quietly beside her, sipping tea. It was a rare moment of peace, something Hinata had been craving after the chaotic day. But that tranquility was soon interrupted by a knock on the door.
"That must be Kiba-kun," Hinata said, glancing at Sasuke, who only nodded in response, his eyes followed her as she got up to answer the door. The moment she opened it, Kiba engulfed her in a bear hug, lifting her off the ground with ease.
"Hina-chan!" Kiba greeted with enthusiasm, finally setting her back down. His smile was bright and infectious, a welcome warmth.
"Kiba-kun," she laughed softly, greeting him as she regained her footing. He stepped inside, taking off his shoes at the door.
"How are you doing?" Kiba asked, his tone light and cheerful as he walked in. Hinata was about to let him know that Sasuke was already in the living room, but before she could, Kiba's eyes landed on the Uchiha sitting calmly on the couch. His cheerful demeanor instantly shifted.
Kiba's face fell, his eyes narrowing. "Oh… great. You're here," he muttered, mood soured.
Sasuke didn't miss a beat, leaning back in the couch with a smirk on his lips. "Oh, it's number two," he said smoothly.
Kiba started to become riled up. "What did you just say, Uchiha?" Kiba snapped, stepping forward, ready for a confrontation.
Before things could escalate, Himawari's small voice piped up. "Uncle Kiba, you're too loud! I can't hear my show," she complained, looking up from the TV with an annoyed expression.
Kiba flushed, clearly embarrassed, but his eyes still burned with irritation as he shot Sasuke another glare. Sasuke, meanwhile, looked completely unfazed, still wearing that smirk.
Hinata, sensing the growing tension, quickly stepped in. "Why don't we sit outside in the garden? It's such a nice day," she suggested gently, knowing that the fresh air might help ease the tension.
Kiba mumbled something under his breath before ruffling Himawari's hair, causing her to squirm away in annoyance. "Yeah, sure, let's do that," he agreed, trying to sound more relaxed.
As they made their way outside, Hinata took a seat in one of the patio chairs, grateful for the breeze. Kiba moved to sit next to her, but Sasuke smoothly slipped into the seat beside her before Kiba could claim it. Kiba glared daggers at Sasuke, who responded by leaning back in his seat with an air of nonchalance, sipping on his tea. There was a lingering smirk on his lips, but when Hinata shot him a questioning look, he only shrugged, as if to say he didn't know what the problem was.
"Kiba-kun, how's Tamaki-san doing?" Hinata asked, hoping to divert his attention away from Sasuke.
Kiba's mood instantly brightened. "Tamaki's great! We've been spending more time together, and she's been helping out a lot at the shelter with the dogs. Akamaru loves her," Kiba said, his voice filled with affection. Talking about Tamaki always seemed to bring out the best in him.
Hinata smiled, happy to see her friend in such a positive place. "I'm glad to hear that," she said warmly.
"Yeah, she's amazing. I mean, obviously, she's lucky to have me too, but… yeah, we're good," Kiba added with a proud grin.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Lucky to have you, huh? That's one way to look at it."
Kiba bristled. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Sasuke shrugged, leaning back further in his chair as he sat the cup down on the table. "Just saying. Not everyone would agree with that assessment."
Kiba growled under his breath. "At least I'm not some cold, emotionless jerk."
"Emotionless?" Sasuke repeated, a glint of amusement in his eye. "If you think showing restraint is emotionless, that explains a lot."
"You—!" Kiba began, his fists clenching at his sides.
Hinata quickly intervened, trying to keep the peace. "Kiba-kun, Sasuke, please… let's not argue."
Kiba huffed, crossing his arms. "Whatever. Doesn't he have something better to do? Like Shadow Hokage stuff? Shouldn't you be off in some other village right now?"
Sasuke stared. "Why? Do I make you uncomfortable?"
Kiba's face turned red. "Uncomfortable?! I've known Hina-chan longer than you, Sasuke! You think you can just waltz in here and—" He stopped himself as if realizing he was revealing too much.
Hinata blinked in confusion. "What do you mean, Kiba-kun? Is something going on that I don't know about?"
Before Kiba could respond, Sasuke interjected smoothly. "It's nothing. Just a little inside joke. Right, number two?"
Kiba glared, ready to explode, but Himawari's voice broke the tension again as she peeked her head out. "I'm hungry, Mama."
Hinata stood up, grateful for the distraction. "I'll make us some lunch. Would you both like to stay?"
"Of course! You know I love your cooking," Kiba said, his usual cheerfulness returning.
"I'll stay too," Sasuke added, smirking at Kiba's disgruntled expression.
Hinata sighed, shaking her head at the two men. "Please, try to get along while I'm cooking."
Himawari walked towards the table. "I'll stand watch." She giggled, settling in a chair next to Kiba.
Hinata smiled at the scene as she headed into the kitchen. But as she glanced back, she couldn't help but notice the way Kiba shot Sasuke a smug look as if he had won some unspoken contest by Himawari choosing to sit next to him. Sasuke, of course, wasn't fazed in the least.
Hinata muttered to herself as she headed to the kitchen, "Geez… those two…"
XXXXXX
Sasuke entered the kitchen quietly, his footsteps barely audible on the wooden floor as he carried his empty tea cup. His eyes followed Hinata as she moved gracefully around the kitchen, preparing lunch. There was something calming about watching her work—her hands working skillfully, her movements precise and fluid. It reminded him of her fighting style. Even in the domestic setting, she carried herself with the same natural grace.
As she stirred a pot on the stove, she seemed to sense his presence, turning her head slightly and catching his gaze. "Sasuke-kun," she said, her voice soft, though there was a hint of curiosity. "What are you doing in here?"
He set the cup in the sink, his fingers brushing lightly against the cool surface. "Just putting this away," he answered, his voice low but casual.
Hinata's brow furrowed slightly, and she sighed, turning to face him fully. "What was that all about back there?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
She crossed her arms lightly over her chest. "With Kiba-kun. You know what I'm talking about."
Sasuke shrugged, his face blank, though the smirk that had been there earlier threatened to return. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Hinata narrowed her eyes at him, clearly not buying his act. "If you keep this up, Kiba-kun is going to want to pick a fight."
Sasuke tilted his head, considering her words for a brief moment before responding. "He's just territorial. It's fun to poke at him."
Hinata blinked. "Territorial? What do you mean?"
With a wave of his hand, Sasuke dismissed her concern. "He's amusing to me. Don't worry, I'm just having a little fun." He could see her wary expression, but he ignored it, choosing instead to focus on the thought forming in his mind. In some ways, Kiba reminded him of Naruto—a more exaggerated, perhaps even more possessive, version of his friend. He found himself enjoying teasing Kiba far more than he ever did Naruto.
He glanced at her, deciding to push the conversation a little further. "Has Kiba always been that way?"
Hinata tilted her head, confusion in her lavender eyes. "In what way?"
Sasuke smirked, lifting his hand in mock air quotes. "You know, overly protective as your 'best friend.'"
A soft blush crept up Hinata's cheeks as she averted her gaze. She bit her lip, looking thoughtful, that funny little squirrel-like expression he had come to recognize when she was deep in thought. It was hard not to let the smile he felt bubbling inside show.
"Kiba-kun has always been like that," she admitted after a moment. "Ever since we were kids. He became even more protective after Neji-nii passed away. He felt like he had to step in and become a good brother figure for me. Over time, we just became closer friends."
Sasuke gave a noncommittal hum, studying her. "It's good that he cares about you the way he does. Shows that he's a good friend—someone you can always count on."
Hinata smiled softly, the fondness for Kiba evident in her expression. Sasuke found himself watching her a little longer than he intended, feeling a strange, almost foreign, twinge of envy at their friendship. But at the same time, he felt relieved that she had someone so dependable in her life. Kiba's devotion to her was something Sasuke respected, despite their constant bickering.
"I think I'll take my leave," Sasuke suddenly said, surprising even himself with the decision. He didn't often back out of things, but he could sense that perhaps he had stirred the pot enough for one day.
Hinata blinked in surprise, turning to face him fully. "Are you sure you don't want to stay? Lunch is almost ready."
Sasuke shook his head slightly, his lips curling up in a gentle smile. "It's fine. I'm sure he would prefer it if I wasn't here anyway."
Hinata's eyes widened, and she mumbled, almost too softly for him to hear, "I would like it if you stayed. You're both my best friends, and I want you to get along…"
Her words, though quiet, reached his ears, and Sasuke's smile widened. "Better not let Kiba hear you say that. All hell would break loose," he teased, tapping her forehead lightly with two fingers teasingly.
Hinata pouted at his teasing, her lips forming a slight frown. "I'm serious," she said, her tone softer now.
"I know," Sasuke responded, his voice calm, the teasing edge gone. "Don't worry, we'll get along eventually." His gaze softened as he looked down at her, and then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "By the way, I'm proud of you."
Hinata looked up at him, surprised by his words. "Proud?"
"For holding your own earlier," he clarified. "Naruto and I saw a bit of it before we intervened."
Her eyes widened again, clearly not expecting that. "You saw?"
Sasuke nodded, his usual stoic demeanor returning. "Yeah. You did well."
Hinata's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but before she could respond, Sasuke turned on his heel, heading for the door. "I'll catch you later, Hinata," he said over his shoulder, disappearing as silently as he had come.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This chapter ended up being over 30 pages! I kept writing because I wanted to include as much as possible, and since this chapter covered July 12th and 13th, we still have a few more chapters to go before Sasuke's birthday celebration. Something interesting may or may not happen during that time… but it's probably not what you're thinking. You'll have to wait and see!
Sarada is determined to reunite her parents. Both Sakura and Sasuke are aware of her intentions, but they each have their own thoughts, which may or may not exactly align with each other.
Writing the bickering between Kiba and Sasuke has been so much fun! Their friendship will definitely grow, but Sasuke loves teasing Kiba and just can't seem to help himself whenever they're together. What are your thoughts on their dynamics?
Since Naruto and Hinata's divorce is still fresh, you'll see a few more moments between them. It's clear Naruto still loves her deeply, and while Hinata initiated the divorce, she does have some mild regrets after loving Naruto her whole life.
In the next chapter, I'll be introducing a new POV— involving a certain redhead…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Let me know your thoughts in the comments. What are your predictions or observations about the characters?
Also, I realize it's been months since I've updated the original version of this story, but I will update the final chapter for the original Glass Tears sometime this week!