Naruto sat hunched over his desk, stacks of paperwork cluttered in front of him, and his pen scrawling over page after page. His fingers moved instinctively, signing forms, but his mind was elsewhere. He'd started telling people about the divorce, though the words still felt sharp whenever he said them. And while he'd expected it to be difficult, he hadn't anticipated the gossip spreading so quickly or, even worse, how it seemed to attract more attention from others than ever before.

Women had started approaching him, offering sympathetic condolences that turned quickly into offers, numbers slipped to him, addresses suggested, and bolder still, a few had asked him on dates outright. It annoyed him, to put it lightly, but he tried not to come across as rude. Still, he had no interest in anyone else. It was too soon, and truthfully, he couldn't imagine wanting anyone other than Hinata. The irony wasn't lost on him. He'd avoided saying anything when they were together, and now, all he could think about was what he'd lost.

He rubbed his temples, the thought drifting toward Hinata. He wondered if she was going through the same, if men were offering their "help" the same way, and just the thought of it made him clench his jaw. But he shook his head, trying to push it away. They had finally managed to find a balance again, a sense of friendship that allowed them to laugh and talk like they used to. It was fragile, though. The last thing he wanted to do was mess that up with his lingering feelings.

When he found out what had happened to Hinata, something had cracked open inside him. He'd felt the shock of it like a weight on his chest, anger churning just below the surface. He hadn't known what to do at first, hadn't wanted to overwhelm her, and the only thing he could think of was to give her space, keep the kids with him for a while. He'd checked on her a few times and even stopped by her favorite bakery to pick up a cinnamon roll he knew she loved, something small to show her he was there if she needed him.

What he really wanted was to hold her, to tell her she wasn't alone and that he was there, always. But over the past few days, she'd seemed…fine, at least on the surface. And for now, that was all he could ask for.

With a sigh, he went back to his paperwork, eyes narrowing as he reviewed Daisuke's intake. The kid was strange, no question about it. Something felt off about him, but he couldn't pin it down. Was Daisuke somehow involved in all of this, or was he just playing games? The kid hadn't spoken since he and Sasuke had seen him, and it was impossible to tell what was going on in his head.

The door creaked open, and Naruto looked up to see Shikamaru stepping in. "Yo," he greeted, hands tucked in his pockets. "How's it going?"

Naruto leaned back, stretching his neck. "Same as always. Just more paperwork and headaches." He paused, the weight of everything with Hinata still pressing on his mind. "Hey, Shikamaru…thanks again for that advice about the cinnamon roll."

Shikamaru smirked, shrugging. "No big deal. Figured she could use something familiar after what happened. How is she?"

"She seems fine," Naruto replied, though there was a hint of doubt in his voice. "But…I don't know. It's hard to tell with her sometimes. I just hope she knows I'm here."

"She does," Shikamaru assured him, moving closer and glancing down at the stack of papers. "I'm guessing you're working on Daisuke's case?"

"Yeah," Naruto muttered. "Kid hasn't said a word since Sasuke and I tried interrogating him. He wants to talk to Hinata. And to be honest, I'd rather Hinata stay out of this. But…" He trailed off, frowning.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "But maybe having her talk to him is the only way we'll get anything out of him."

Naruto's frown deepened, but he nodded slowly. He knew Shikamaru was right. "Yeah…I'll talk to her about it later. If it's the only way, then…I guess it's what we have to do."

"Just be careful with it. We don't know what he's after," Shikamaru cautioned, giving Naruto a steady look. "By the way, take a break already. You've been here since two nights ago, haven't you?"

Naruto rubbed his chin, feeling the rough stubble and the fatigue creeping in. He let out a tired chuckle, remembering how Hinata used to laugh and tell him she liked his scruff. "Alright, alright," he said. "I'll take a break. Maybe get some ramen at Ichiraku."

"Good. I'm grabbing a smoke," Shikamaru said, giving him a casual wave as he left.

Naruto took a deep breath and left his office, stepping into the open air. He walked through the village, feeling the crisp evening breeze and the comforting hum of familiar streets. He spotted a familiar silhouette up ahead, dark hair and a long coat. "Hey, Sasuke!" he called, jogging to catch up.

Sasuke turned, his expression unreadable as always. "Naruto," he said with a slight nod.

"C'mon, let's get some ramen. You look like you could use a break too," Naruto said, grinning.

"I'm not hungry," Sasuke replied, though Naruto noticed the faintest flicker of hesitation.

"Oh, come on, my treat," Naruto pressed, throwing an arm around his friend's shoulders. "Just one bowl."

With a reluctant sigh, Sasuke finally relented. "Fine. But only because you won't shut up about it."

Naruto grinned. "Okay! Let's go!"

XXXXXX

They reached Ichiraku and took their seats, slipping into a comfortable silence as they waited for their orders. Naruto glanced sideways at Sasuke, thinking over his conversation with Shikamaru. "Hey, about Daisuke…I was thinking of asking Hinata to talk to him."

Sasuke's expression darkened slightly. "You think that's a good idea?"

Naruto hesitated, understanding Sasuke's concern. "I get it. I know she might be reminded of…everything that happened. But disguising myself as her didn't work, and we're out of options. He might talk to her."

Sasuke's gaze hardened, but after a moment, he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "If you're sure. But keep an eye on her."

"I will," Naruto assured him, sensing Sasuke's unease. He was grateful to have a friend who understood his worry, even if it wasn't something he liked talking about.

Just then, the door swung open, and a familiar voice broke through the quiet atmosphere. "Hey!" Kiba called, striding in with Tamaki by his side, her hand clasped in his. His grin was wide, and he practically glowed with happiness.

Naruto grinned back, raising a hand. "Kiba! Tamaki! Good to see you guys."

Kiba's smile broadened as he guided Tamaki to the counter. Naruto noticed Sasuke's faint smirk as he glanced over his shoulder, eyes flicking between Kiba and Tamaki. "Good to see you 'number two', and Tamaki," Sasuke said dryly, and Naruto noticed the glint of mischief in his friend's eyes.

Immediately, Kiba's face turned crimson, but Tamaki squeezed his hand, managing to calm him before he got too riled up. Naruto blinked, repeating the nickname. "Number two? What's that supposed to mean?"

Sasuke's smirk was vague, nonchalant. "Just a little nickname," he said, while Kiba shot him a seething look.

"You better not press me too much, Princess," Kiba muttered under his breath, glaring at Sasuke.

Naruto had to bite back a laugh at the unexpected nickname, but it didn't seem to amuse Sasuke, who frowned, shooting Kiba an icy glare. Tamaki gently pulled Kiba down into a seat next to Naruto, all while murmuring calming words to him.

Once Kiba settled, he turned to Naruto, his earlier excitement returning. "So, Tamaki and I…we've set a date. We're getting married in seven months, and we want you to be there. As one of my groomsmen."

Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? That's amazing! Of course, I'd be honored!"

He noticed Tamaki elbow Kiba lightly, urging him to say something else. With a reluctant sigh, Kiba leaned over to glance at Sasuke, cheeks tinged red. "And, uh…we'd appreciate it if you'd be a groomsman too, Sasuke."

Naruto's chopsticks froze halfway to his mouth, and he almost choked on his ramen. "Wait…did I hear that right?"

Kiba's blush deepened. "You don't have to react like that."

Tamaki stepped in with a gentle smile. "Despite how they bicker, Kiba considers Sasuke a friend now," she said, casting a subtle glance at Sasuke.

Naruto glanced at Sasuke, noticing the surprised look that flashed across his face before it faded into a smirk. "I'll think about it," Sasuke replied smoothly.

Kiba huffed, but Naruto clapped him on the back, laughing. "Relax, Kiba. That's Sasuke's way of saying yes."

Kiba cast a wary glance at Sasuke, who simply continued eating, saying nothing. Eventually, he settled down, seeming to take Naruto's words as fact.

Naruto grinned, excitement bubbling up. "Man, I haven't been to a wedding in ages! Next, it'll be Shino, Tenten, and even Sasuke here who'll need to find someone. Then our whole group will be married or at least paired up."

Kiba raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't that leave you and Hinata?"

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, we don't count. We're divorced."

Kiba raised an eyebrow. "Sasuke's divorced too," he pointed out, making Naruto pause.

In truth, Naruto couldn't see himself remarrying, not right now, and as much as he tried not to think about it, the idea of Hinata with someone else was…unsettling. A small, childish hope still lingered, a hint of a wish that maybe, one day, things could work out between them again. But he knew better than to say that aloud.

Before his mood soured, he shook his head, brushing the thought away. "Alright, alright, let's drop it," he said with a forced laugh, glancing at Sasuke, who nodded in silent agreement.

But Kiba continued, a sly look creeping over his face as he addressed Sasuke. "Come on, Sasuke. You're already close with a certain someone, right?"

Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity, his gaze darting between Kiba and Sasuke. "Hold on a second. Who's this 'someone' Kiba's talking about?" he asked, leaning closer with interest. He knew Sasuke was private, but this was different. Sasuke hadn't been close to any woman besides Sakura, and hearing otherwise piqued his interest immediately.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I mean, I heard rumors about your past with Karin, but this sounds new," he teased, clearly enjoying the chance to pry into Sasuke's business.

Sasuke's expression tightened, though Naruto didn't catch it. Instead, he grinned, leaning forward. "So, come on, spill it! There's gotta be someone you're interested in, right? She must be something if you, of all people, are paying attention to her! I mean, no offense, but you're not exactly known for being outgoing, especially around women," he joked, nudging Sasuke with his elbow.

Naruto noticed the deepening frown on Sasuke's face, but rather than reading the annoyance, he assumed it was embarrassment. "Ah, so there is someone?" he pressed, laughter in his voice. "Who is she? Someone from around here? How did she somehow crack through that tough shell of yours?"

Sasuke's jaw visibly tensed, his eyes narrowing, but Naruto continued, oblivious to the mounting irritation.

Kiba, who had been watching with an amused smirk, finally jumped in. "Alright, alright, Naruto, chill. I was just messing around," he said, waving a hand as if to dismiss the entire subject. "Just leave him alone, yeah?"

Naruto blinked, glancing between the two of them. "Really? Just messing around?" he asked, sensing there might be something more. There was a strange tension in the air, but he couldn't quite place it.

He felt like something was definitely being hidden from him, but seeing the tight expression on Sasuke's face, he decided to drop it—for now, at least.

"Fine, fine. I'll let it go," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender, though the question still lingered in his mind.

Naruto grinned as Kiba begrudgingly accepted Sasuke's nonchalant answer, the tension easing back into a relaxed atmosphere. But as the laughter around him faded, his mind drifted back to the case waiting on his desk and the conversation he needed to have with Hinata. Asking her to meet with Daisuke in his cell wasn't something he took lightly, and the idea still sat heavy in his gut.

He knew how strong Hinata was—she'd always been one of the strongest people he knew, inside and out. But this…this was different. The whole situation with Daisuke had stirred up something dark and unsettling, and he hated the thought of dragging her into it, especially after everything she'd been through. He kept asking himself, What if this brings up memories she doesn't want to remember? What if it only makes things harder?

At the same time, though, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that maybe Hinata was the only one who could get Daisuke to talk. They were at a dead end, and disguising himself as her hadn't done a thing to draw out information. But every time Naruto pictured asking her to sit across from that kid, his heart twisted. He didn't want to risk it. Not with her.

Maybe there's a way to ease into it, he thought, his mind whirring as he slurped the last of his ramen. He'd need to approach it carefully, feel out how she was doing. Maybe he'd start by asking how she'd been feeling lately. If she showed even the slightest hesitation, he'd drop the idea and come up with something else, no matter what it took. He wasn't about to push her if she wasn't ready.

Naruto sat back with a sigh, already planning out mentally how he'd bring it up when he saw her.

XXXXXXXX

Hinata sat quietly in the Hyuga manor's sitting room, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she waited with her father, Hiashi, across from her. The room was tranquil, filled only with the soft afternoon light filtering through the delicate paper windows. She hadn't been here in some time, and she felt a mix of nostalgia and warmth being back in her childhood home.

Hiashi cleared his throat, his expression softer than usual as he studied her. "Hinata…how have you been?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Since the divorce, I mean."

She looked up, taken aback by his directness. She offered him a reassuring smile. "I'm…doing well, Father. It's been an adjustment, but the children and I are managing just fine."

He nodded slowly, his gaze turning distant, reflective. "I'm glad to hear that," he said. After a pause, he met her eyes again. "Hinata, I know…I know I wasn't always the father you needed me to be."

Hinata's eyes softened, and she started to shake her head. "Father, please…that's in the past. You don't have to—"

Hiashi raised a hand gently, stopping her. "Let me finish," he said, his voice steadier but filled with a tenderness that was rare for him. "I need to say this. I've carried this guilt for a long time, and it's time I acknowledge it. I was…harsh. Unforgiving. And, for many years, I made you feel as though you were a disappointment, a lost cause. But, Hinata, nothing could have been further from the truth."

Hinata's throat tightened, and she felt a small ache in her chest as she looked at him, seeing a vulnerability in her father she hadn't seen before.

"I was wrong," Hiashi continued, his voice barely a whisper now. "You've shown a strength and kindness I failed to recognize back then. And I want you to know…I am deeply sorry for how I treated you."

Hinata blinked back the sting of tears, her heart swelling with a warmth she hadn't felt from her father in a long time. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on his. "Father…thank you. Hearing that means so much to me."

Hiashi gave her hand a slight squeeze, nodding, and a faint, proud smile appeared on his face. "You've become a remarkable woman, Hinata. And an incredible mother. I see that now, and I'm proud of you."

Hinata felt lighter, the old hurt easing as she looked at her father, feeling closer to him than she had in years.

A few minutes later, she found herself with her sister, Hanabi, who greeted her with a teasing grin. "Hinata, you've been busy! You barely stop by these days."

Hinata chuckled softly. "It's true. Things have been…different lately."

Hanabi nodded, her expression softening. "Then maybe you should bring the kids and come for dinner. It's been too long since we've had a family dinner together."

Hinata felt a surprising relief at the suggestion. Lately, cooking has become more of a tiresome chore than a comfort. She hadn't wanted to admit it, even to herself, but the thought of someone else cooking a warm, familiar meal sounded like a much-needed break.

"I'd really like that," she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Hanabi."

Hanabi smiled, patting her shoulder. "I'll make sure we prepare all your favorites."

As Hinata made her way out of the manor, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time, she nearly collided with a familiar figure. Sasuke was standing just outside, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression as unreadable as always.

For a moment, she felt a flicker of amusement. The last time she'd seen him, he had been pestering her about her time with Gaara, his curiosity a mixture of irritation and something else she couldn't quite name. She'd found it funny, if a bit odd, but she'd known better than to press him for an explanation. He'd never give her one anyway.

"Sasuke," she greeted him, smiling as he fell into step beside her as she walked down the manor's path.

He glanced at her, his gaze steady. "How are you?" he asked, his voice softer than usual.

Hinata looked up at him. "I'm doing fine," she replied. She noticed his gaze lingered on her, almost as if he were asking her again without saying it.

She offered him a gentle, reassuring smile. "Really, I'm okay."

For a moment, he didn't respond, his eyes searching hers as if weighing the truth in her words. Then, he gave a small nod, the tension in his face easing. They walked in comfortable silence, the gentle sounds of the village filling the spaces between their steps.

Sasuke broke the quiet, his tone shifting to something softer. "Sarada started reading those books I brought back from the Land of Stone," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. "She actually enjoys them…more than I expected."

Hinata's heart warmed at the subtle but genuine pride in his voice, her gaze drawn to the way his features softened as he spoke about his daughter. His eyes, usually so guarded, held a warmth that was unmistakable. She'd seen Sasuke in many situations over the years—fierce, reserved, intense—but when he talked about Sarada, his entire demeanor changed. His voice held an affectionate tone, and she could tell that Sarada was everything to him.

Without realizing it, she was watching him, her thoughts drifting as she took in this gentler side of him.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Sasuke's voice cut through her reverie, and Hinata blinked, startled.

A flush rose to her cheeks. She looked down, embarrassed. "I…I'm not sure," she stammered, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "I was just…thinking what a great dad you are."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush coloring his usually composed expression. He quickly averted his gaze, his voice lower than usual. "Tch…You think so?"

Hinata nodded, still smiling. She wasn't used to seeing him flustered, and it gave her a small, unexpected thrill. Just as quickly, though, he seemed to recover, clearing his throat and shifting the conversation. "I need to pick something up from Tenten's shop. It'll only take a moment. Want to come along?"

"Of course," she replied, matching his pace as they headed down the familiar path.

The conversation flowed easily between them, small exchanges that felt warm and somehow special. Sasuke seemed more open than usual, and Hinata found herself enjoying the simple rhythm of their conversation. He asked her about her garden, and she talked about the new flowers she'd been planting, surprised at how intently he listened, even asking questions here and there. There was a gentleness in his tone, and as they walked together, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was different with him.

They reached Tenten's shop, and Sasuke gestured for her to wait. "It'll just be a minute," he assured her.

"Take your time," she replied, leaning against the doorframe as he stepped inside.

As she waited, Hinata spotted a familiar pair approaching. Sakura and Lee were walking together, deep in conversation, but as they noticed her, they smiled, but she could see the tension in Lee's eyes when he looked at Tenten's shop. Hinata offered a friendly smile, hoping to ease any tension as she stepped a little further from the shop to greet them.

"Hi, Hinata," Sakura greeted, her smile warm but a bit reserved. "It's nice to see you."

"Hello, Sakura-chan, Lee-san," Hinata replied, her voice gentle. "How are you both?"

Lee beamed, his eyes full of excitement. "We're doing wonderful! We were just making some plans."

Hinata noticed the brief, fond glance that passed between them, and a soft warmth spread in her chest. She was happy for them. "That's wonderful to hear," she replied genuinely, her smile growing.

Just then, Sasuke's voice broke through, his tone uncharacteristically light. "Oh, there you are," he said, appearing beside her. He gave her a mildly pointed look, though his eyes held a playful glint. "Why'd you wander off?"

Before she could respond, he seemed to take in the unexpected company, his expression shifting. Sakura looked between Sasuke and Hinata, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but before she could say anything, Lee spoke up, his voice bright.

"Ah, Sasuke! Good to see you!" Lee greeted, his energy palpable as he gave Sasuke a quick nod. Hinata noticed the way Sakura's gaze lingered on Sasuke, but there was no awkwardness, no tension—just a calmness, a mutual understanding.

Hinata felt a small surge of relief. It seemed they'd both moved on, finally finding their own paths. She was grateful for it. It felt right, even if there was a faint, unexpected sense of happiness blooming within her.

"So," Sakura started, looking at them both with a knowing smile. "Are you two off to train?"

Hinata felt a sudden awkwardness at the question, and before she realized it, words slipped out, a small, surprised laugh following as she stumbled over a quick response. "Oh, um…actually, we're…we're running some errands together." She glanced nervously at Sasuke, hoping he wouldn't mind her clumsy attempt to avoid an explanation.

Without missing a beat, Sasuke nodded smoothly, his tone effortlessly calm. "Yeah. There's some things she needed to pick up, and I offered to come along."

The confidence in his voice made the story sound perfectly believable, and Hinata silently marveled at how he managed to say it so naturally. She relaxed a little, grateful for his quick thinking.

Lee, ever enthusiastic, grinned widely. "Well, don't let us keep you! I'm actually taking Sakura-chan on a special date soon, so we should get going."

Hinata noticed the blush that crept into Sakura's cheeks, and she exchanged a quick, knowing smile with her friend. "That sounds lovely," she said softly. "Have a wonderful time."

As they said their goodbyes, Hinata turned back to Sasuke, a small question lingering in her mind. "Thank you…for helping me with that," she murmured, her voice quiet.

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Why'd you lie?"

Hinata's cheeks flushed, and she looked down at her feet, feeling slightly flustered. "I…I don't know. I guess I just…panicked."

A low, quiet chuckle escaped him, and she felt a gentle warmth as he leaned slightly closer. She looked up, surprised to see him regarding her with a faint, teasing glint in his eye.

"You're terrible at lying," he said softly, his hand reaching up to rest briefly on the top of her head. "Figured I'd help you out before they saw right through you."

His voice was warm, and Hinata felt her heart skip, her lips parting in surprise. She looked up at him, her face warming under his touch, a shy smile slipping through. "Well…I suppose it's a good thing to be bad at lying," she replied, a hint of a laugh in her voice. "But you…you made it look so effortless. I almost believed it myself." She tilted her head, looking at him curiously. "What else have you lied about? And…have you ever lied to me?"

Sasuke's gaze held hers for a heartbeat longer, a small, mischievous smile forming on his lips. Without a word, he flicked her forehead lightly, his touch lingering just enough to make her feel the warmth of his fingers. His voice dropped to a smooth, soft tone as he replied, "Guess you'll just have to figure that out yourself, Hinata."

The way he said her name made her breath catch, and she found herself staring at him, her cheeks flushed, her heart suddenly pounding.

Sasuke's smirk deepened as he stepped past her, his voice casual as he called back, "Come on. Let's head to your place and grab some training gear. We're going to train today."

Hinata blinked, frozen in place, her face warm as she watched him walk away, his stride confident and easy. She could feel her pulse racing, a flustered smile tugging at her lips as she hurried to catch up.

XXXXXXX

A few moments later…

The soft click of the front door echoed through the house just as Sasuke leaned back into the couch, his arms crossed, waiting for Hinata to finish getting ready. The house was still and quiet—except for the faint sounds of Boruto's excited voice, announcing his arrival. Sasuke had been sitting there for a while now, reflecting on the morning, and he didn't even realize how much time had passed.

"Hey, Sasuke-sensei!" Boruto's voice suddenly cut through the silence, his footsteps growing closer as he entered the living room. "Mom's upstairs?"

Sasuke gave a slight nod. "She's changing. We're about to train."

Boruto's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Really? Do you mind if I watch?" he asked, his voice almost too eager. "I bet I could learn something just by watching you two. You're always so intense when you train, Sasuke-sensei. It'd be interesting!"

Sasuke didn't see a reason not to let him watch. "I don't mind."

As the minutes passed, Boruto lingered standing a few feet away from him, but Sasuke noticed him shifting uncomfortably. He could tell the boy was hesitant about something, but he didn't press him just yet.

"Is there something you want to say?" Sasuke asked, his gaze flicking toward Boruto, who looked like he was about to say something but then stopped.

Boruto quickly looked away. "No, no. I'm fine."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The boy was clearly keeping something to himself.

After a few moments, Boruto suddenly blurted, "Okay, fine! I'll tell you."

Sasuke didn't ask, but he knew Boruto wouldn't let it go unless he did. "Go ahead."

Boruto shifted closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I snuck into the holding area to see a guy named Daisuke."

Sasuke's expression hardened, and his body tensed. His initial shock was masked by his calm demeanor, but his mind raced with concern. "How do you know about him?" he asked.

Boruto explained, his words tumbling out in a mix of guilt and defensiveness. "I heard someone mention Daisuke wanted to talk to my mom. I figured it was nothing, but then I thought I could help or understand what he's about. I just wanted to see if he was really dangerous or not. But he told me there was a mix-up. He said he wasn't supposed to be there."

Sasuke felt a wave of frustration as Boruto continued to explain his reasoning. His initial shock had quickly turned into concern, the kind he often kept hidden. Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose.

"What were you thinking?" Sasuke's voice remained calm, but there was a noticeable edge to it now.

Before Sasuke could say more, the sound of Hinata's footsteps reached his ears. She appeared in the doorway, dressed in her training gear. Her presence immediately shifted the atmosphere, and Boruto shut his mouth quickly, his face flushing with an expression that Sasuke could only describe as a mix of guilt and embarrassment.

Hinata's gaze moved between the two of them, sensing something was off. Sasuke didn't even hesitate to speak up, addressing the situation directly. "Boruto's been talking to Daisuke."

Boruto's eyes widened in disbelief, clearly shocked. "Sensei!" he blurted, his voice an unmistakable mix of betrayal and frustration.

Hinata's expression was one of concern, but she didn't seem surprised. "Boruto, you shouldn't have done that," she said softly but firmly. "Daisuke is dangerous. You don't know what he might do or how he might manipulate you."

"But Mom—" Boruto began, his voice rising with frustration.

"No," Hinata interjected, her voice steady. "You can't just go around talking to someone like him. Do you understand how dangerous it is? I don't want you involved in this."

Boruto looked at his mother, his face scrunching with frustration and defiance. "But I'm not scared of him! He's just a kid, and I was trying to figure out if he's really as dangerous as everyone says he is. I thought if I talked to him more, I could find out what he really wants and why he's locked up."

Boruto rolled his eyes, frustration boiling over. "Maybe if Mom actually did something instead of worrying all the time and trust me things would be different," he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Sasuke's expression darkened instantly. He took another step forward, his gaze icy as he looked down at Boruto. "Watch your mouth," he said, his voice steely. "Your mother's done more for you than you'll ever understand. Show her the respect she deserves."

Boruto flinched, his eyes widening slightly, but Sasuke could see the stubbornness still burning in him. He'd made his point, but the boy wasn't backing down just yet.

Hinata stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Boruto's arm. "Sasuke's right," she said softly, but firmly. "This is a dangerous situation, and I don't want you getting involved in something you don't fully understand."

Boruto's anger simmered, but his shoulders relaxed slightly at his mother's words. "Fine," he muttered, though the anger in his voice was still evident. "I get it, okay?"

Just as the tension began to ease, a knock at the door echoed through the room. Hinata turned, but before she could even take a step, Boruto suddenly jumped up, cutting her off.

"I got it!" he said quickly, hurrying toward the door, his voice oddly rushed. "You two just stay here."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Hinata, who wore a similar look of surprise. But after a brief pause, she smiled and turned to Sasuke, stepping toward him.

"Are you ready for training?" she asked, her voice light, as if Boruto's behavior was nothing unusual.

Sasuke barely had time to respond before they heard Boruto's voice again from the door. "Actually, I'm gonna head out!" he called over his shoulder, his words jumbled and hurried. "I'll…I'll be back by dinner!" And then, before either of them could question it, the door shut firmly behind him.

Sasuke watched the door close, his eyebrow still raised in curiosity. "What was that about?"

Hinata chuckled, shaking her head. "If I had to guess…I think it's a girl," she said with a soft laugh. "I could tell he didn't want me opening the door. He'd be too embarrassed."

Sasuke smirked, a bit amused by Boruto's strange antics. "Who's the girl?"

Hinata shrugged, her eyes warm. "I'm not sure. He'll tell me when he's ready. I think it's cute, though."

Sasuke's amusement faded slightly as he thought of his own daughter. The idea of Sarada one day bringing a boy home—or worse, sneaking off to see one—made him uneasy. She was fourteen now, growing up faster than he wanted to admit, and he missed the days when she was just a small child, so much simpler to understand. Now, she was approaching the teenage years, and he often felt lost, unsure of what to say or do.

"Can't say I'm ready for that," Sasuke admitted quietly.

Hinata looked at him. "It can be difficult," she said gently. "But Sarada looks up to you. Just be honest with her, and she'll trust you. She might not tell you everything, but she'll always come to you when it matters."

Her kindness struck him, a reminder of the depth of her understanding and the gentleness that seemed to come so naturally to her. Sasuke felt a strange mixture of gratitude and regret—the realization of his own feelings for her, arriving far later than it should have, stung slightly each time she spoke with such warmth.

He'd never been one to confess his feelings first, and even now, the idea felt foreign to him. His past relationships had been different, straightforward. He had never needed to admit much when it came to Sakura or Karin, but this was different. He wanted to say something to Hinata, but he wasn't sure how to do it without confusing her, or himself.

Instead, he opted for small hints, subtle actions, though he couldn't help but feel awkward at times, hesitant. Yet he knew it was better than confessing outright, at least until he'd sorted his feelings.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed Hinata calling his name until her voice registered. "Sasuke?" She looked at him with a faint hint of concern.

He realized he'd been silent too long. "I apologize if I overstepped with Boruto earlier," he said, keeping his tone steady as he waited for her reaction. His heart beat heavily in his chest as he held her gaze, hoping she wouldn't be upset.

Hinata blinked, then shook her head, smiling gently. "It's fine. It surprised me, that's all."

Sasuke looked away, feeling a flicker of guilt as he mumbled, "Sorry,"

Hinata added softly, "It was…a nice surprise. Not a bad one. Thank you."

He glanced back at her, catching the warmth in her expression, and his heart skipped a beat. There was something about her smile that unsettled him, and he felt a warmth spreading up his neck, threatening to reveal itself in his face. Needing a moment to regain his composure, he quickly walked past her, hoping she wouldn't catch the color rising to his cheeks.

"The training grounds have been busy lately," he said, his voice slightly strained. "If it's too crowded, we can find another spot. It might be more comfortable training without an audience."

He didn't look back, but he could hear Hinata's soft footsteps as she followed him. "Let's see when we get there," she replied.

As they stepped out into the fresh air, Sasuke felt a hint of relief as the cool breeze brushed against his skin, easing some of the heat lingering within him. Hinata moved up beside him, and he nearly startled as she reached out to touch his shoulder.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly, her gaze searching.

Sasuke nodded, giving her a faint smile to reassure her. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

XXXXXX

As Sasuke and Hinata walked in silence toward the training grounds, the voices of nearby men drifted through the air, their conversation far too close for comfort. Sasuke's keen hearing caught the low whispers as they passed.

"She's single now, right?" one man muttered, his tone laced with interest.

Another man laughed, his voice edging on smug. "I'd say she's worth the effort…wonder how hard it'd be to catch her eye."

Sasuke felt his jaw tighten, the casual words stirring an anger in him he hadn't anticipated. The idea of anyone trying to get Hinata's attention, let alone the men talking so thoughtlessly, made his chest tighten. He knew the village was buzzing with the news of her divorce, but this was different. She wasn't someone to be carelessly approached. She was worth so much more than that. They couldn't possibly understand who she truly was.

The possessiveness of his thoughts caught him off guard, an intensity rising in him that he hadn't felt in a long time. He wanted to close the distance between them, to reach out, maybe even let these men know with a look that Hinata was his, and only his. But as he wrestled with the unfamiliar feelings, Hinata's voice broke through his thoughts, jolting him back to the present.

"Onii-chan!" Her voice was gentle, laced with playful exasperation.

Sasuke snapped out of his daze, turning to see her looking at him with a hint of amusement in her pale eyes. "That finally got your attention," she teased, her smile soft. "I was trying to tell you, I can sense some people at the training grounds, but it's not too crowded—"

"Stop calling me that," he interrupted, his voice dropping to a husky murmur, a tone that surprised even himself.

Hinata blinked, a small, surprised laugh escaping her lips. "But…you were the one who told me—"

"No," he said, closing the distance between them with slow, deliberate steps. His gaze never left hers, intense and focused, and she instinctively backed up until her shoulders met the rough bark of a nearby tree. He took another step forward, leaning in, his face inches from hers. "Don't ever call me that again, Hinata," he murmured, his voice like velvet, low and intimate.

Hinata's breath hitched, her cheeks flushing a deep pink as she looked up at him. His gaze held her captive, an intensity that was hard to look away from. She opened her mouth to speak, but his next words stopped her.

"You can call me anything else," he whispered, his eyes darkening as he looked down at her, "but not that. Not now. Not anymore."

His gaze flickered downward, lingering on her lips for just a heartbeat longer than he intended, and he leaned in a fraction more, close enough to feel her breath against his skin. The world around them faded, his thoughts narrowing to the softness of her gaze, the subtle way her lips parted in surprise. He felt himself drawn in, almost as if a force he couldn't control was pushing him forward, making him want to close the small distance between them.

But in that moment, he snapped out of it, realization flickering through him. He pulled back just enough to see the effect of his closeness on her face, a look of flustered confusion mixed with something deeper in her eyes. Her cheeks were pink, her breathing shallow, and he felt an unexpected thrill seeing her this way—seeing her undone, even if only slightly.

Hinata seemed to gather herself, and with a shy, daring smile, she murmured, "So…if 'brother' is off the table, is 'Princess' acceptable?"

A smirk curved across his lips, amusement flickering through his gaze. He let his hand rest against the tree, leaning slightly closer to her once more, his eyes gleaming. "No," he replied, his voice smooth and low, the hint of a tease in his tone. "That title is much more fitting for you, don't you think?"

She blinked, her blush deepening, and he found himself enjoying the effect his words had on her, his own heartbeat louder than he would ever admit. Finally, he took a small step back, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his mouth.

He turned, walking away, but his voice carried back to her, soft yet firm. "And Hinata…" he added, glancing over his shoulder, "don't call me that again. I really mean it and I won't ever have to hear me call you my sister again."

He saw her cheeks flush one last time as he turned away from her and continued walking forward.

As they neared the training grounds, Sasuke's gaze swept over the field, confirming Hinata's earlier observation. There weren't many people, but what irritated him was the type of crowd filling the space—mostly young kunoichi, barely into their twenties, along with a few males scattered around. The moment they entered the clearing, he felt the weight of countless eyes shifting onto them. He glanced down to see Hinata shrinking slightly under the attention, her shoulders curling inwards.

He kept his gaze on the training shinobi, leaning in slightly to speak to her. "Want to find somewhere quieter?" he asked, his voice calm.

Hinata gave a small nod, and Sasuke motioned for her to follow. They began to weave through the crowd, and he could feel the intensity of stares following their every step, creating an awkward tension in the air. He was barely a few paces along when a small group of girls hurried over, their voices overlapping as they called out to him.

"Oh, Sasuke-senpai!" one girl chirped, her eyes bright with excitement.

"No, it's 'Shadow Kage!'" another corrected, glaring at the first.

"Please, can we take a picture with you?" another one chimed in, her voice practically begging.

Sasuke's jaw tightened. He kept his face impassive, but the swarm of voices pressed in, and he felt his patience wearing thin. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hinata getting swamped by a few young men who had edged their way over, clearly intrigued by her presence. She looked overwhelmed, her gaze darting around as the young men started talking to her all at once.

One girl suddenly grabbed his arm, leaning in close with stars in her eyes. "Please, just one picture! And could you sign my arm?" She offered her bare forearm, a marker already outstretched toward him.

Sasuke suppressed the urge to groan, his annoyance flaring. He bit out a few measured words, trying his hardest to rein in his younger, sharper self. "I'm busy. Can't deal with this right now," he muttered, firmly pulling his arm back as he stepped away.

Without sparing them another look, he moved quickly through the crowd, making his way toward Hinata. He could hear the disappointed murmurs from the girls behind him, and he clenched his jaw, ignoring the persistent sounds of footsteps following him. When he finally reached Hinata, he caught the end of an uncomfortable exchange between her and the group of young men.

"So, what kind of training are you doing?" one of the guys asked, a smirk on his face as he tried to catch her eye.

"I know I'm younger, but I've got a thing for older women," he added with a wink, "and I heard you're single now. Wanna go on a date, Byakugan Princess?"

Hinata's cheeks flushed, her discomfort obvious as she stumbled over a response. Sasuke felt his irritation spike, rolling his eyes as he stepped in, his expression darkening.

"She's busy," he said coolly, his voice firm enough to cut through their chatter. The young men visibly flinched, their confident smirks fading as Sasuke's glare pinned them in place. Without another word, he reached for Hinata's wrist, his fingers wrapping gently but firmly around it as he turned, pulling her along with him.

"Annoying kids," he muttered under his breath, not bothering to hide his disdain.

After a few steps, he felt Hinata's gentle tug, and it dawned on him that he was still holding her wrist. He released her, glancing down with a teasing smirk. "See?" he said, the glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "I told you, 'Princess' fits you."

Hinata's blush deepened, and she looked away, her voice small as she replied, "I…I don't really like that nickname. It's embarrassing."

"Byakugan Princess?" he echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I think it sounds a lot better than the one I had as a kid. 'Child of the Prophecy,'" he said, rolling his eyes. "Now that was embarrassing."

Hinata's lips softened into a smile, though she still shook her head. "Maybe, but I still don't like it. But…thank you for trying to make it sound better."

Sasuke shrugged. "If it bothers you that much, I won't call you 'Princess.' But the next time you or Kiba call me 'Princess,' just remember, I'm starting to think you two are teaming up against me."

Hinata's eyes went wide, and she shook her head quickly. "I'm not, I promise!"

Sasuke chuckled softly, leaning a fraction closer, and with a gentle nudge of his finger, he tipped her chin up, catching her gaze. "I know. I'm just messing with you…Little Dove."

Hinata's eyes widened, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of pink as she blinked up at him. "L-Little Dove?" she stammered, clearly caught off guard. "Sasuke…you're…being strange today."

The words hit him like a splash of cold water, a rare, almost painful self-awareness settling in. He hadn't anticipated how odd it would sound aloud, and now that she'd called him out, his stomach twisted with sudden embarrassment. He forced his expression to stay neutral, but inwardly, he was cringing.

"Strange? Well, I…I mean, it suits you, doesn't it?" he said, stumbling slightly over his words. He immediately regretted it. The response sounded wrong, awkward, not at all like the calm, collected way he'd meant to play it off.

The silence stretched between them, and Sasuke could feel his pulse quicken, uncharacteristically anxious. He was acutely aware of her gaze, her blush now mixed with a confused, uncertain expression that only intensified the awkwardness. He could practically hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, the quiet tension pressing on him with every second.

"Uh…" he muttered, breaking the silence abruptly. "We should…start training now."

Without waiting for her response, he turned his back, retreating a few steps to put some distance between them, feeling the need to regain his composure. His expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he was wincing at himself, the embarrassment flaring into a mild frustration.

What the hell was that, Sasuke? He had never been the type to say anything awkward or fumble over his words, and yet here he was, saying things that sounded completely out of character.

She's bringing out a side of me I didn't even know was there, he thought with a grimace.

As he reached his spot and faced away, his hands flexed at his sides, trying to shake off the tension in his chest. His feelings for her had been hitting him harder with each passing day, and he was struggling to keep his usual calm around her. Now, they were slipping into his words, making him sound…well, foolish. And Sasuke Uchiha did not make a fool of himself. He took a calming breath, glad no one had witnessed that slip.

"Ready?" he called over his shoulder, his tone back to its usual, impassive steadiness. He kept his face neutral, hoping that by the time he turned around, the heat from his face would be gone.

Sasuke lunged forward, a kunai gripped tightly in his hand as he met Hinata head-on. Her own kunai clashed against his with a sharp, metallic ring that echoed through the clearing, and all traces of his earlier awkwardness slipped away, replaced by a focused intensity. They moved in a steady rhythm, the swift exchange of attacks and defenses honed over years of training.

As they went back and forth, he couldn't help but notice how much faster she'd become. Her reflexes were sharp, and she met his blows with a strength he hadn't expected. She's really improved, he thought, a flicker of admiration rising within him.

Feeling a challenge, he sped up his movements, his strikes coming faster, testing her limits. Almost immediately, he noticed her reaction falter slightly as he managed to slip past her guard, landing a few quick hits. To her credit, Hinata recovered quickly, adjusting her stance and throwing herself back into the sparring with renewed determination.

They continued trading blows, the air thick with the sounds of their movements and the occasional clash of kunai. But soon, Sasuke noticed her focus waver. Her eyes flicked off to the left, just for a second, and his gaze followed, catching sight of their unexpected audience. The same young shinobi they'd hoped to avoid had crept back, hiding clumsily in the trees and behind rocks, their faces peeking out as they watched the sparring session with wide, curious eyes.

Sasuke's jaw tightened, a wave of irritation prickling through him. Persistent, annoying kids. He could feel his patience wearing thin. If it were up to him, he'd clear them out without a second thought. But he held back, pausing and turning his attention to Hinata, giving her the choice.

"Want to keep going, or should I take care of the audience?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a hint of his annoyance.

Hinata glanced at the youngsters, considering for a moment. Her usual kindness would probably lead her to say they could continue as is, or even suggest ending the session early. But, to his surprise, she looked back at him, her expression slightly exasperated. "I'd rather it be just us," she admitted.

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he nodded, his focus shifting to the group hiding nearby. The young kunoichi and shinobi weren't exactly subtle, with some crouched behind bushes, others perched up in the branches, all watching intently.

Sasuke turned toward them, his gaze like steel, cutting through the distance with an intensity that left no room for defiance. "This isn't your show," he said, his voice cold and unwelcoming. "Find somewhere else to gawk, or I'll find somewhere for you."

There was a rustle as the group hesitated, caught between awe and unease. But his unblinking stare, combined with his reputation, was enough to send them scrambling. Within moments, they were gone, leaving the clearing empty once more.

Hinata chuckled softly, a playful light in her eyes. "Well, that wasn't mean at all," she teased.

Sasuke frowned, but there was no real irritation behind it. "Sometimes, being mean is useful," he said simply, glancing back at her. "Now…shall we continue?"

She gave a nod, and he didn't waste a second. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance between them, catching her slightly off guard. His movements were fluid, relentless, giving her little time to adjust, and she responded as best as she could, her stance shifting as she deflected and countered his strikes.

They circled each other, quick steps and precise movements filling the space between them. Sasuke threw a feint, drawing her focus to one side before slipping in with a calculated strike. She barely dodged, the rush of air close enough to feel, and he could see the determination in her eyes as she fought to keep up.

Their kunai met again with a metallic clang, and Sasuke's gaze locked onto hers. She was fighting harder, pushing herself to keep up with his speed, and for a moment, he felt a thrill at their matched intensity.

But he wasn't about to let her off easy. With a fluid twist, he slipped to her side, aiming a light strike to her shoulder. She blocked, but he could see the concentration on her face as she recalculated, her movements quickening. She was determined, holding her ground, and it was clear she wasn't backing down.

"Not bad," he muttered, a hint of respect in his tone. He pushed forward again, testing her reflexes. The clearing was quiet, filled only with the sounds of their sparring, as they continued to test each other, neither willing to let up.

XXXXXX

A few hours later…

The sky was a watercolor painting above them, streaked with soft shades of pink, orange, and the first hints of twilight blue. Sasuke lay on his back, his breath finally beginning to steady after their intense training session. Beside him, Hinata lay facing the opposite direction, though their heads were close, sharing the quiet of the evening as they caught their breath.

Without shifting his gaze from the sky, Sasuke asked, "Do you want to get faster?"

Hinata took a moment, the sky holding her attention as she considered. "Yes," she replied. "I'd love to learn. You're…well, incredibly fast." She paused, a faint smile crossing her face. "I remember bits of your fight with Gaara during the Chunin Exams. You were amazing."

Sasuke turned his head toward her, catching the smile on her lips as if she were lost in that memory. He couldn't help the smirk that formed. "Is that so?"

Hinata nodded slightly, her eyes still on the sky. "I always thought you were strong, even back then. You were…well, a bit intimidating. I never approached you, though."

Sasuke snorted, the sound dry and amused. "That's because your attention was always on Naruto."

Hinata sat up, a faint blush warming her cheeks. "That's…not true," she insisted, but when she met Sasuke's pointed look, she sighed, conceding, "Alright…partially not true." She glanced away, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "Another reason I never approached you was…you always looked annoyed when girls surrounded you. It seemed like you hated it, and I didn't want to add to that. And…" she hesitated, her voice softening, "you were intimidating. I…didn't think you'd want to be bothered."

Sasuke pushed himself up, resting his arm on his knee as he tilted his head, studying her. "If I hadn't looked so annoyed," he asked, "would you have spoken to me?"

Hinata considered this, her gaze thoughtful. "I don't know," she admitted. "I was so shy back then, and I mostly kept to myself. The only way we might have spoken is if you approached me first…or if we were paired for some kind of assignment."

He snorted. "If we had been, you probably would've annoyed me," he admitted bluntly. "But I would've recognized your kindness…even if I wouldn't have said anything."

She blinked, her face falling slightly at the "annoying" comment. "That's mean," she murmured, clearly a bit defensive. "What would've annoyed you?"

Sasuke smirked, leaning back a bit. "Do you really want to know?" he asked.

Hinata nodded.

He sighed, looking off into the distance. "You had no confidence back then. You were already a strong shinobi, but you kept holding yourself back. It was…frustrating to watch." When he noticed the slight hurt flickering across her face, he softened, adding, "But I don't think that anymore. You've come a long way. And, sometimes, holding back can be a strength. You know when to be kind, even when most wouldn't. It's something I admire."

The tension in her face eased, and she glanced down, a shy smile forming. Sasuke felt a strange warmth at her reaction, a satisfaction at seeing her expression shift into something softer.

Hinata looked up, her smile genuine now. "I'm glad we're friends now," she said warmly.

Sasuke nodded, a rare softness in his gaze. "Me too."

The air around them shifted subtly, a quietness settling that wasn't just from fatigue. It was a different kind of stillness, one that seemed to hum with an undercurrent of something unsaid.

Sasuke glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "You know…you probably don't realize it, but you've changed me a bit," he said, his voice low.

Hinata's eyes widened slightly, her face turning toward him in surprise, a blush dusting her cheeks. "I…changed you?" she repeated softly.

He leaned in just a fraction, his dark eyes studying her, catching on the gentle curve of her lips, lingering there a moment too long. "Yeah," he murmured, almost more to himself. "In ways I didn't expect."

For a brief moment, his face was close enough to feel the warmth of her presence, their breaths mingling. His gaze lowered to her lips again, the urge to close the space between them pressing on him once more, building like a slow, intense pull he wasn't sure he could resist. Hinata's eyes widened, her cheeks blooming with color, and her breath seemed to catch in her throat, the tension between them almost tangible.

But then a sudden rustle came from the trees nearby, a bird breaking the silence with a sharp chirp, and they both flinched, the spell between them abruptly broken. Sasuke's face shifted, the coolness of reality snapping him out of whatever had almost happened.

Hinata quickly looked away, her cheeks flushed as she stood, brushing herself off. "I…I should get home," she stammered, her voice a bit too bright, too rushed. "Dinner won't make itself."

Sasuke nodded, but he remained seated, his gaze lingering on the ground as he felt the heat still simmering beneath his skin, a reminder of the intensity that had nearly overtaken him. "Right," he said, his voice low.

She gave a quick, almost flustered wave, barely meeting his eyes. "I'll…see you later." Before he could respond, she turned, her steps hurried as she almost broke into a run, putting distance between them.

Sasuke let out a low breath, his hand coming up to cover his face as he felt the warmth radiating from his cheeks. What are you doing, Sasuke? He could still hear her words echoing in his mind.

'You're…being strange today.'

He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his own conflicted thoughts. He could only imagine what she must be thinking—seeing him act this way after everything that had happened between them. He was the one who'd turned her down, who'd called her his sister, who'd told her he didn't feel the same way. And yet, here he was, nearly losing himself in the thought of being close to her, unable to hold back the emotions that had somehow surfaced with her presence.

It was ironic, almost laughable. He was the one creating this confusion, giving her these mixed signals, when she had every reason to be baffled by his behavior. But trying to navigate these feelings was harder than he'd anticipated. The more time he spent with her, the more he found himself drawn in, saying things he never thought he'd say, almost acting out of character.

For a brief, impulsive moment, he thought about simply telling her. Confessing. Letting her know that somewhere along the line, he'd realized his feelings for her, and that he was...well, he was falling for her, and it felt like discovering a missing piece he hadn't known he was searching for.

But then he shook his head, pushing the thought aside. What right did he have to throw that at her now? She deserved stability, someone who wasn't still trying to figure out their own emotions. Besides, the selfish part of him wanted to hold onto this feeling a little longer, wanted to experience the warmth she brought into his life without complicating things more than he already had.

With a sigh, he pulled himself to his feet, dusting himself off. The evening air was cool, but he still felt the warmth of their almost-moment lingering in his chest, the frustration and thrill of it all swirling in his mind.

He needed a drink. Maybe some time alone would help clear his head. He knew exactly where to go, the one place where he could lose himself in the simplicity of a quiet evening and try—if only for a little while—to dull the thoughts of her that still lingered too vividly in his mind.