Glass Tears (Rewrite)

by Hinata6

As Hinata grapples with Naruto's neglect, she and Sasuke discover an unexpected connection, forging a deep and comforting friendship. Yet beneath this newfound bond, Hinata quietly harbors a growing affection for Sasuke, a secret that adds an undercurrent of tension to their lives. Slow burn. No cheating.

20. Chapter 20

July 14th

Naruto stood silently behind the one-way mirror of the interrogation room, his arms crossed and his expression grim. Beyond the glass, Ibiki Morino paced around the restrained ANBU from the Land of Stone, his scarred face a mask of intimidation. Ino Yamanaka sat nearby, her fingers pressed together in a concentration seal as she attempted to probe the ninja's mind.

The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced with each subtle movement. The captured assassin sat stoically, chains binding his wrists and ankles to the metal chair bolted to the floor. His eyes, the only visible part of his masked face, stared unflinchingly ahead.

Ibiki leaned in, his voice a low growl. "We know you were after the Scroll of Seals. Tell us why."

The ninja remained silent, his gaze unwavering.

Ino's brow furrowed as she delved deeper. "He's blocking me out," she said, frustration creeping into her voice. "He's partitioned parts of his mind. I can't access the critical information."

The assassin's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Your mind tricks won't work on me," he taunted.

Ibiki slammed his hands on the table in front of the ninja, causing a metallic clang that echoed through the room. "You're in no position to be cocky," he snapped. "You infiltrated Konoha, attacked the Hokage's son and his wife. Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"

The assassin chuckled darkly. "I know exactly who I'm dealing with. The so-called 'strongest' village, led by the Hokage who thinks himself invincible."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he watched from behind the glass. His fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. Bursting into the room now wouldn't help.

Ino glanced back at the mirror, meeting Naruto's gaze for a split second before turning back to the prisoner. "You're not just endangering yourself by staying silent," she said softly. "Think of your comrades. Do you think they'll be spared if you fail?"

A flicker of hesitation flashed in the assassin's eyes.

Ibiki noticed it too. "Ah, struck a nerve, have we?" He leaned in closer. "We already know Lord Kurosawa sent you. You're after the Scroll of Seals because it holds forbidden jutsu that could shift the balance of power."

At the mention of Kurosawa, the assassin's demeanor stiffened. "You talk too much," he spat.

Ino seized the moment, pushing harder into his subconscious. Sweat formed on her brow as she concentrated. "I see… fragments. A plan to harness the forbidden jutsus to tip the scales in the Land of Stone's favor."

The assassin jerked against his restraints. "Get out of my head!" he shouted.

Ibiki's voice turned icy. "It's too late for that. You've already given us more than you realize."

Naruto decided it was time. He pushed open the door to the interrogation room, his Hokage robe flowing behind him. The room fell silent as he approached the table.

The assassin looked up, meeting Naruto's piercing blue eyes. "So, the Hokage graces us with his presence," he said mockingly.

"Why go to such lengths for the Scroll of Seals?" Naruto asked calmly. "You know it's protected. Only I can access it."

The ninja sneered. "That may be, but power can always change hands."

Naruto's gaze hardened. "Not this power. You're endangering countless lives for a selfish ambition."

"Spare me your righteousness," the assassin retorted. "You sit atop your village, blind to the struggles of others."

Ino interrupted, her voice urgent. "I glimpsed something—a rendezvous point near the border. They're planning a larger operation."

Ibiki nodded. "We need to act on this intelligence immediately."

Naruto agreed. "Ino, coordinate with our reconnaissance teams. Ibiki, increase security around the village and the Scroll of Seals. We can't afford any mistakes."

The assassin laughed bitterly. "You think you can stop what's coming? This is bigger than any of you."

Naruto stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "We will protect our home and our loved ones. Whatever plans you and Lord Kurosawa have, we'll be ready."

The ninja's eyes flashed with defiance. "We'll see about that."

Naruto turned to the guards at the door. "Take him to a holding cell. Ensure he's under constant watch. We may need more information from him later."

As the guards led the assassin away, he called over his shoulder, "This is only the beginning!"

Naruto watched until he was out of sight, then exhaled slowly. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. The Scroll of Seals contained forbidden jutsus of immense power—techniques that could wreak havoc if they fell into the wrong hands.

He looked at Ibiki and Ino. "Good work, both of you. Let's tighten security protocols and prepare for any further threats."

Ibiki nodded. "Consider it done."

Ino placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's arm. "We'll get through this."

He gave a small smile. "I know. Thanks, Ino."

Leaving the interrogation facility, Naruto stepped into the bright afternoon sun. The village bustled with life—shopkeepers calling out their wares, children laughing as they played in the streets, shinobi moving with purpose.

As he walked through the village, people stopped and stared in awe. "Look, it's Lord Seventh!" someone exclaimed.

Before long, a small crowd had gathered around him. "Hokage-sama, can I get your autograph?" a young girl asked, holding out a notebook.

Naruto grinned. "Of course!" He signed the notebook with a flourish.

"Can we take a picture with you?" a group of teenagers chimed in, holding up a camera.

"Sure thing," he replied, posing with them as they snapped a photo.

Moments like these lifted his spirits. On tough days, the support and admiration of the villagers reminded him why he took on the mantle of Hokage. But other times, it could be overwhelming.

He thought about the gossip magazines that had become rampant lately. Paparazzi hiding in bushes, snapping photos of him during private moments. Headlines screaming about alleged scandals and secret affairs.

"Naruto Uzumaki: Caught in a Love Triangle?"

"Exclusive: Hokage's Secret Meetings Exposed!"

He sighed, shaking his head. The invasion of privacy was frustrating, especially when sensitive information was twisted and leaked to the public.

Today, though, he didn't mind the attention. He continued his walk, greeting villagers and enjoying the warm sun on his face. But as he neared the Hokage Tower, the thought of the impending paperwork made him groan.

"All this intel to process… reports to file… meetings to schedule," he sighed, rubbing his temples.

His thoughts drifted to Boruto and Hinata. They'd only suffered minor injuries during the attack, but the mere idea of them being in danger filled him with dread.

Determination surged within him. He'd protect them with his life if necessary. He'd already tasked Sai with discreetly watching over them. He knew Hinata might not appreciate being guarded without her knowledge, but he couldn't take any chances.

As he turned a corner, he nearly collided with someone. "Oh, sorry!" he exclaimed, stepping back.

"Naruto?" came a familiar voice.

He looked up to see Temari standing before him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Temari! Didn't expect to see you here."

She smiled lightly. "I could say the same. You're out and about?"

He chuckled. "Just heading back to the tower. How are things?"

"Busy as always. Diplomatic missions, keeping Shikadai and Shikamaru in line—you know how it is."

They shared a laugh.

"Well, it's good to see you," Naruto said warmly.

"You too," Temari replied. "Take care of yourself."

"You bet. See you later!"

They began to walk away in opposite directions when Temari suddenly called out, "Naruto!"

He turned back. "Yeah?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "You should reach out to my brother… and apologize."

Naruto felt his stomach twist. He knew exactly what she was referring to—the incident that had been the final straw for Hinata.

"I… I know," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"Gaara was hurt by what happened," Temari continued. "You accused him of something unthinkable."

He sighed heavily. "Is he… upset with me?"

She nodded slowly. "He wasn't too happy about it. You know how much he values your friendship."

Naruto looked down. "I messed up. I let my jealousy get the best of me."

Temari's gaze softened. "How are things between you and Hinata after that?"

He stiffened, his heart clenching. He didn't want to tell her about the divorce—not yet. It was selfish, but he still held onto hope that he could win Hinata back before anyone found out.

"We're… working through it," he said carefully. "It's been bumpy, but it's getting better."

She studied him for a moment. "Hinata is a good woman. She deserves to be treated right. She loves you too much to ever even think about cheating on you."

"I know," he whispered, pain evident in his voice.

"Don't take her for granted," Temari advised gently. "And make things right with Gaara."

He met her gaze. "I will. Thank you, Temari."

She offered a small smile. "Take care, Naruto."

They parted ways, and as Naruto walked toward the Hokage Tower, he couldn't shake the heavy feeling settling over him.

"Possessive… that's what I was," he thought bitterly. "I let my insecurities ruin everything."

He replayed the memory in his mind—coming home to see Hinata in Gaara's arms. The fury that had overtaken him. The harsh words he'd thrown at Gaara without thinking. How he'd grabbed his friend, accusing him of betrayal. He had been so stupid and impulsive.

He'd later learned that Hinata had simply tripped, and Gaara had caught her to prevent a fall. But the damage had been done. His outburst had pushed Hinata to the brink, leading her to ask for a divorce.

Would Gaara even want to be his friend after that? Naruto wondered. The thought pained him.

He was grateful that Shikamaru had kept the divorce confidential. The fewer people who knew, the better. He was determined to fix things with Hinata, to win back her trust and love.

As he entered the Hokage Tower, the receptionist greeted him. "Welcome back, Lord Seventh."

He managed a small smile. "Thanks."

Heading up to his office, he felt the full weight of his responsibilities bearing down on him—protecting the village, his family, mending broken relationships.

"One step at a time," he told himself.

Sitting at his desk, he glanced at the stack of paperwork awaiting him. Reports on the Land of Stone's movements, security protocols for the Scroll of Seals, updates on Boruto and Hinata.

He picked up his pen and began to write, determination fueling his actions. He would protect what mattered most, no matter the cost.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gaara sat behind his desk, papers scattered across its surface, his green eyes focused on the latest policy drafts he and Kankuro were reviewing. The Kazekage's office, though typically quiet, hummed with the business of statecraft. Kankuro leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, his painted face relaxed as he reviewed the notes in his hand.

"These reforms on trade with the Hidden Cloud," Kankuro said, tossing a paper onto the desk, "might cause a stir. The merchants are already pushing back on some of the restrictions."

Gaara nodded, his expression calm but his mind elsewhere. "They'll have to adjust. It's about ensuring long-term security."

Kankuro looked at his brother closely, sensing his distraction. "You're thinking about something else."

Gaara's focus remained on the documents in front of him, though Kankuro wasn't fooled by the pretense. He knew his brother well.

"Naruto's going to apologize, you know," Kankuro said, casually dropping the statement as he leaned a little closer.

Gaara didn't look up, his voice steady, though his tone was noticeably quieter. "Is that what you think I've been pondering?"

Kankuro smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm actually surprised Naruto was that kind of guy. Hinata must be one heck of a woman to make him lose his cool like that. You don't often see that level of jealousy from Mr. Hero of the Leaf."

Gaara stiffened at the comment, eyes narrowing slightly as he lifted his head to meet his brother's gaze. "I would never," he said sharply. "I would never betray Naruto's trust like that."

Kankuro raised his hands in mock surrender, but the playful smirk remained. "Hey, I didn't say you did."

Gaara's voice grew firmer, as if needing to make the point clear not just to Kankuro but to himself. "I wouldn't be who I am today if not for Naruto. I owe him a debt—one that I can never fully repay. He saved me from the darkness I lived in, gave me a chance to be something more than a weapon."

His mind traveled back to that day, the day Naruto had barged in, rage burning in his blue eyes. "When he walked in on us, the look in his eyes… the fury there, the certainty that I had crossed a line. He truly believed that I had… had an affair with Hinata."

Gaara clenched his fists under the desk, the hurt resurfacing as he remembered the betrayal Naruto must have felt. "It pained me, more than I can express, to know he thought I would ever do something like that. That I would ever betray him."

He exhaled slowly, his voice softer now. "That is a line I would never cross. Naruto is my friend, and I would never do something that would hurt him."

Kankuro, ever the jester, wiped a fake tear from his eye. "Wow, little brother, that was a really touching speech. You're really good at this whole 'Kazekage with a heart' thing."

Gaara shot him a sidelong glance, raising his nonexistent eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Kankuro grinned. "I'm talking about the wedding. Don't pretend you don't remember. You were staring at the bride like you'd never seen a woman before."

Gaara's expression froze for a moment, the memory flashing vividly in his mind. He had, in fact, been staring at Hinata that day. He recalled the way she looked—her beauty had been undeniable. There had been a glow about her that caught his eye, something he couldn't look away from no matter how hard he tried.

"I wasn't staring," Gaara said, though even he knew it was a weak defense.

Kankuro snorted. "Oh, you were definitely staring."

Gaara allowed a small sigh to escape, his gaze distant. She was… beautiful that day and he couldn't help himself.

He must had looked at her a dozen times that day. He remembered her vaguely from the Chuunin Exams. During the Forest of Death, he sensed her and her teammates, but he didn't bother revealing himself. They weren't worth his attention.

Then there was the fight during the Chuunin Exams. His eyes darkened slightly at the memory. The sight of her blood drove him mad. He was a different person then.

Gaara had been a monster back then, consumed by bloodlust and hatred.

After some time, he heard stories about her. How she risked her life fighting Pain, and how she nearly took a spear meant for Naruto. It surprised him. He always thought of her as weak, but clearly, he was wrong. She grew to become stronger.

Gaara paused, remembering that wedding day clearly. When I saw her…it was different. She was radiant, glowing in a way he hadn't noticed before. There was something about the way her eyes shone when she was around Naruto, her family, and her friends. The way her lips moved when she spoke, the way her delicate hands rested so gracefully.

Kankuro leaned in with a sly grin, sensing the vulnerability in his brother's voice. "And you kept staring at her, didn't you?"

Gaara nodded slightly, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "We spoke briefly that day. I found her presence…calming." He said without hesitation or embarrassment. The way she would laugh and cover her mouth with her hand, as if she were embarrassed.

Kankuro raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like someone had a crush."

Gaara's smile faded as he recalled the shame he felt when Naruto caught him staring. "When Naruto saw me staring at her, I've never felt more ashamed of myself. He's my friend. I shouldn't have let my eyes wander like that. It wasn't right."

The room fell silent for a moment as Gaara collected his thoughts.

"I would never break my bond with Naruto," Gaara repeated quietly. "He's my friend, and he's done more for me than anyone else."

Kankuro's teasing demeanor softened as he nodded. "You're a good friend, Gaara. Better than most."

Gaara's eyes narrowed, the frustration finally surfacing. "Which is why I'm a bit annoyed with Naruto. He should've known better. For him to truly believe I would betray him like that… It hurt me more than I expected."

Kankuro's grin returned. "Yeah, but let's be honest… you've got a little crush on Hinata, don't you, little brother?"

Gaara sighed heavily, his patience thinning. He waved Kankuro off dismissively. "I have work to do, Kankuro."

Kankuro chuckled, pushing off the wall. "Fine, fine. I'll leave you to it, Mr. Kazekage." He sauntered toward the door, pausing only briefly before adding, "But seriously, if you ever need dating advice, just let me know."

Gaara shot him a look that could have frozen the desert. "Get out."

With a final laugh, Kankuro left the office, leaving Gaara to his thoughts.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Hinata walked through the streets of Konoha, her soft steps almost silent as she moved past the bustling crowd. Despite the warmth of the day, her thoughts were heavy, circling back to the recent attack. The snake mask ANBU from the Land of Stone had haunted her since that day. His breath on her ear, the cold steel of the kunai pressed to her throat… she could still hear his voice through the mask.

She had heard that he got away. Her brows knitted in concern. Would he return? she wondered. Would he sneak back into Konoha, this time with more assassins? The thought made her stomach tighten, but she quickly refocused herself. The village was safe for now, and that's what mattered.

Just as her mind began to ease, someone bumped into her, hard enough to send her off balance. She gasped, feeling herself tilt forward, bracing for the inevitable fall.

"Ah!" she exclaimed, but before she could hit the ground, a strong hand caught her.

"Hinata-chan! Fear not! I have you!" came a familiar voice, full of enthusiasm and energy.

Hinata blinked, startled, and looked up to see the bright eyes of Rock Lee, his signature bowl-cut as vivid as ever.

"Lee-san?" she stammered, still catching her breath.

"It is I! I, Rock Lee, would never let a friend fall!" Lee said, his smile shining as brightly as the sun above them. He helped her back to her feet with a dramatic flourish, stepping back once she was steady. "The flames of youth are always prepared!"

Hinata smiled warmly. "Thank you, Lee-san. It's been so long since I've seen you."

"It has been far too long, Hinata-chan!" Lee beamed. "But the fire of youth burns just as brightly, no matter how much time passes! Tell me, how have you been? And how are Naruto and the children?"

"We're all doing well," Hinata replied softly. "Boruto and Himawari are growing up quickly, and Naruto is… busy, as usual."

"That is excellent to hear!" Lee said with an energetic nod. "It is important to spend time with family! And what of your training, Hinata-chan? I can only imagine you've been honing your skills."

"I've been trying," she admitted with a light laugh. "And how is Metal Lee? He must be growing stronger every day."

"Ah! Metal is doing fantastically! He trains harder than ever, and I know one day he will surpass me!" Lee declared with pride, his voice booming with excitement. "I could not be more proud!"

Hinata smiled at his enthusiasm, but before she could respond, Lee's attention shifted. His eyes widened, and he clapped his hands together. "Well, isn't this just a wonderful surprise!"

Hinata turned to see TenTen approaching. Despite the smile on her face, there was a noticeable tension in her posture as her eyes briefly flickered toward Lee.

"TenTen-san," Hinata greeted, offering a kind smile.

"Hey, Hinata. Lee," TenTen replied, her voice even as she nodded to both of them.

Lee gave a bright, unwavering smile. "TenTen! How have you been?"

"I've been alright," TenTen said, glancing away for a brief moment before focusing back on them. "It's good to see you both."

"That's wonderful to hear!" Lee exclaimed, his voice filled with its usual intensity. Yet despite the cheerfulness, Hinata could feel the weight of the unspoken history between them. The silence that followed was palpable, and Hinata felt a bit awkward standing between them.

Everyone knew about their divorce. Lee and TenTen had split a year after Metal was born, though the details remained private—except to Hinata, who knew the painful truth. After Metal's birth, TenTen had suffered from severe postpartum depression, and during one of her darkest moments, she had told Lee that she never wanted to be a mother and she never wanted to get married. Those words had broken him, and eventually, he filed for divorce.

Although the years had passed, and the initial bitterness had softened, the tension between them still lingered. They were cordial, polite even, but the hurt was always there, just beneath the surface.

Breaking the silence, Lee cleared his throat. "You know, I was thinking—it has been far too long since all of the Konoha 11 gathered together. We should have a reunion! It would be nice to all be in the same room again, sharing stories of our youth!"

TenTen's eyes flickered with interest, and she nodded. "That sounds nice. I only see people if they come into the shop, and I think I see Hinata-san more than anyone. And that's still rare… although I do attend girls' nights every once in a while."

Hinata dipped her head slightly, feeling a bit guilty. "I'm sorry I haven't been around as much. I've… been preoccupied."

TenTen waved it off. "Don't worry about it, Hinata. Life happens."

"Then it's settled!" Lee declared with a grin. "I will begin planning the reunion immediately! I will let you both know once everything comes together!"

Hinata and TenTen blinked, surprised by his sudden energy but smiling at his cheerfulness.

"That sounds lovely, Lee-san," Hinata said softly.

"Yes, let us know," TenTen added, her voice warmer now.

With a final thumbs-up, Lee waved them off. "It was truly wonderful to see you both! I'll catch you soon!" His eyes lingered a bit on TenTen as he jogged off, his energy seemingly endless.

As they watched him leave, TenTen turned to Hinata, her expression turned into amused shock. "By the way, Sasuke came into the shop a few days ago. He comes in there from time to time buying weapons for himself or his daughter."

Hinata's ears perked up at the mention of Sasuke, a flicker of curiosity rising within her. "Oh?" she said, intrigued.

"He was looking for a special kunai for Sarada," TenTen explained, her voice light. "You know, I never would have pictured Sasuke as the dad type. He was always so grumpy when we were kids—even in our early twenties. But Sarada has softened him up. It's kind of cute."

Hinata smiled at the thought. "He's a wonderful father. He would do anything to make Sarada happy."

TenTen nodded. "I know what you mean. Anyway, I'm heading to the shop. I'll see you around, Hinata."

"Take care, TenTen-san," Hinata replied, watching as TenTen disappeared into the crowd. With a soft sigh, she continued her walk, her thoughts drifting once again.

As she passed the familiar shops, her eyes caught sight of the bookstore. Deciding she could use a brief distraction, Hinata stepped inside. The warm scent of paper and ink greeted her, and she smiled as the shopkeeper, an older woman, waved her over.

"Hinata-sama! It's lovely to see you," the shopkeeper called out, followed by greetings from three other women who worked in the shop.

"Good afternoon," Hinata replied with a polite nod. One of the women, younger than the others, approached with a kind smile.

"Are you looking for something in particular today, Hinata-sama?" she asked.

Hinata shook her head. "No, thank you. I know what I'm looking for."

With that, she made her way toward the romance section, her heart set on finding a book from one of her favorite series. A new release had come out recently, and she had been meaning to pick it up. But as she passed the mystery section, something caught her eye.

There, on display, was a book Sarada had been eyeing the last time they were at the library. Hinata recalled how Sarada had walked past the book several times, picking it up, reading the back cover, flipping through the pages with wide, intrigued eyes. It had been clear that the young Uchiha wanted the book, but for some reason, she hadn't checked it out.

Hinata smiled to herself and picked up the book, tucking it under her arm before continuing to the romance section.

Once she found the novel she had been searching for, she made her way to the counter. The shopkeeper 's eyes lit up when she saw the book Hinata had chosen.

"Ah, I thought I might see you sooner or later, Hinata-sama," she said with a knowing smile. "I knew the Hokage's wife would be looking for this new book!"

Hinata blushed deeply, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "I… I just enjoy the series," she mumbled, unsure of how to respond.

The shopkeeper's eyes twinkled. "I always thought you must be a romantic at heart, Hinata-sama."

Hinata's face grew warmer, and she gave a small, flustered smile as she paid for her books. She thanked the shopkeeper and made her way out of the store, still feeling a bit embarrassed by the comment.

As she stepped back onto the busy street, her thoughts turned to Sarada. Should she stop by the hospital or Sakura's home to drop off the book? She was closer to the hospital, so she decided to check there first.

When she arrived, she walked inside and politely asked the receptionist if Sakura was available. The receptionist smiled and informed her that Sakura had just left for her lunch break and had probably passed her on the way in.

Hinata thanked the woman and headed back outside. It didn't take her long to spot Sakura sitting on a bench not too far from the hospital, enjoying her bento under the shade of a tree.

Hinata called out, "Sakura-san!" while waving as she approached the bench.

Sakura looked up from her bento and immediately smiled, her green eyes lighting up. "Hinata! What a surprise!" She motioned for her to sit beside her. "What brings you here?"

Hinata smiled as she took a seat next to Sakura. "I was actually looking for you."

Sakura blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Me?"

Nodding, Hinata reached into her bag and pulled out the mystery book she had picked up earlier. "I saw this at the bookstore and remembered Sarada-chan seemed interested in it the last time we went to the library together. I thought it would be nice to get it for her."

Sakura's expression softened, and her smile grew warm with gratitude. "Oh, Hinata, that's so thoughtful of you." She carefully took the book, glancing over the cover. "Sarada will love this. Thank you so much. I'll give it to her when I get home later."

Hinata waved off the thanks, feeling a little shy. "It was no trouble. I just remembered how she kept looking at it, and I thought… why not?"

Sakura chuckled softly. "You've always been so considerate. Sarada will be thrilled." She placed the book beside her bento and leaned back on the bench. "So, how have things been with you?"

Hinata shifted, glancing down for a moment. "Things have been a bit hectic lately… with the children, you know."

Sakura gave her a sympathetic look. "I get it. It's not easy balancing everything, especially with Naruto as Hokage. You should take more time for yourself, Hinata."

They talked for a bit longer, catching up on family life, village happenings, and everyday things. Hinata found herself studying Sakura closely as they spoke, not for the first time noticing just how beautiful she was. Even after all these years, Sakura's skin was flawless, smooth and poreless, a natural glow that always seemed to follow her. She had been striking even as a teenager—her vibrant pink hair, those expressive green eyes, and her perfectly clear complexion.

Hinata couldn't help but think about the way people often reacted to Sakura. There was something magnetic about her, and she could understand why men found her so attractive. Naruto had once been so deeply infatuated with her, and Sasuke had chosen her, even after all those years of being apart. Hinata felt a small twinge of envy, though she quickly pushed the thought aside. Sakura was her friend, and she had always admired her.

Still, Hinata couldn't forget the times when she had been left in the shadows of her own feelings. After Naruto had saved the village from Pain, she had wanted to embrace him, to show him her gratitude and admiration, but before she could even muster the courage, Sakura had been the one to hug him first. Hinata remembered watching from a distance, seeing the way Naruto's eyes softened when Sakura touched him. That warmth he held for her had been undeniable.

Then there was the moment during the Fourth Shinobi War, when Naruto, in front of everyone, had declared that Sakura was his girlfriend. It had hurt Hinata deeply, though she never showed it. She had put on a brave face, supporting him as she always had, even if he hadn't truly noticed her yet.

Hinata sighed inwardly, her gaze shifting back to Sakura as they continued talking. She had always struggled with her own self-confidence, especially when it came to her appearance. Growing up, she had been teased relentlessly—called strange because of her pale, lavender eyes, mocked for her short hair when she was younger, and even teased about her weight. Her sister, Hanabi, had always tried to reassure her, telling her she looked fine, but the comments from others had stayed with her for so long that she found it hard to believe otherwise.

Sakura's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Oh, Hinata, by the way—did you get the message about the next girls' night?"

Hinata blinked, slightly flustered from her wandering thoughts. "Girls' night?"

"Yes! We've set the date for August 15th. That's almost two months from now, but we wanted to give everyone enough time to plan." Sakura's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Will you join us this time?"

Hinata smiled softly. "Of course. I'll be there."

"Great! I'm so glad you're coming," Sakura said, clapping her hands together happily. "Usually, the dads watch the kids while we're out, or sometimes the grandparents. Sarada's old enough to stay on her own now, though she usually prefers staying with Sasuke when I'm out. I think she enjoys the extra time with him."

"That's nice," Hinata said, genuinely happy for them. "She must really look up to him."

Sakura nodded, her face softening as she spoke. "She does. And recently, Sarada has been trying to get us back together. She's always been a little meddlesome like that."

Hinata's heart skipped a beat, but she simply nodded, already aware of this from Sasuke himself. She stayed quiet, letting Sakura continue.

"Honestly, though… I think she might be onto something," Sakura said, her voice softer now. "Sasuke and I have been getting closer these past few weeks. In fact, tomorrow we will meet for lunch. Just the two of us."

Hinata's smile wavered slightly, but she quickly recovered, her voice gentle. "That's… wonderful, Sakura-san. I'm happy for you."

Sakura beamed. "Thanks. It feels like we're finally starting to reconnect, even if it's been a long time coming."

Hinata's heart tightened at her friend's words. She was genuinely happy for Sakura, but there was a strange ache she couldn't ignore. She pushed it down, focusing on the fact that Sasuke and Sakura deserved happiness, especially for Sarada's sake.

After a moment, Sakura glanced down at her half-finished bento and sighed. "I should probably head back. I didn't get to finish my lunch, but it's alright. I had a nice time chatting with you."

Hinata felt a pang of guilt. "I'm so sorry, Sakura-san. I didn't mean to interrupt your break."

Sakura waved her hand dismissively, laughing lightly. "Don't apologize, Hinata. It was a pleasant surprise. Besides, I needed a break from work. It's always so busy at the hospital."

Hinata smiled, her guilt easing. "I'm glad I could catch you then."

Sakura stood up and gathered her things, holding the book Hinata had bought for Sarada close to her chest. "Thank you again for this. Sarada will be thrilled."

"You're welcome," Hinata said softly, standing up as well. "I'll see you soon."

Sakura smiled warmly. "You will. Take care, Hinata."

As Sakura waved and disappeared back into the hospital, Hinata stood there for a moment, watching her go. The tightness in her chest lingered as she turned and continued her walk through the village.

XXXXXXXXX

Boruto darted across the training ground, his feet barely touching the ground as he aimed a quick punch toward Sasuke's side. Sasuke sidestepped effortlessly, his single eye calmly tracking Boruto's movements. But Boruto wasn't discouraged. In fact, he grinned, his heart pounding with excitement.

I got him three times already, he thought, his muscles tensing as he prepared his next move. Maybe I can actually land another hit.

Sasuke's sword came down swiftly, but Boruto deflected it with his kunai, sparks flying as the blades clashed. The two continued their back-and-forth dance, Sasuke moving with precision and Boruto pushing himself harder with each passing second. Sweat dripped down Boruto's brow, but his focus never wavered. He was determined to impress his sensei.

With a quick pivot, Boruto saw an opening—Sasuke's stance had shifted, leaving his side vulnerable. He lunged forward, his kunai aimed straight for Sasuke's blind spot. At the last second, Sasuke's hand moved to block, but Boruto's speed won out. His kunai stopped just shy of Sasuke's throat.

Boruto's breath caught in his chest as he held his position. He looked up to see Sasuke's reaction. For a brief moment, Sasuke's expression flickered with surprise, his eye widening slightly. Then, he stepped back, smirking.

"You're getting better," Sasuke said, his voice calm but with a trace of approval.

Boruto grinned, his heart swelling with pride. "I've been training a lot," he said, straightening up and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "And training with Mom has been super helpful too. Even if it's just for a little bit."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, curious "Have you thought about retaking the Chunin Exams?"

Boruto blinked, taken aback by the question. "The Chunin Exams? I mean… my dad said I'm already at the level of a chunin, but having the official title would be kinda nice."

Sasuke nodded, his gaze steady. "There's an exam coming up at the end of the year. You should apply."

Boruto's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"Of course." Sasuke's tone was matter-of-fact, though there was a hint of encouragement behind it. "You're a lot stronger now. You won't need to cheat this time."

At the mention of his past mistake, Boruto's face flushed with embarrassment, the old shame creeping back. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Sasuke's gaze for a moment. "Yeah… I guess you're right. I'll think about it. Maybe talk to Dad first and see what he thinks."

Sasuke didn't respond, but he gave Boruto a small nod of acknowledgment, the silent understanding between them clear.

Wanting to cut through the lingering awkwardness, Boruto grinned and said, "Mom's cooking hot pot tonight. I've been looking forward to it all day! She's the best cook in the world, and I even convinced Dad to stop by."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Are you meddling?"

Boruto blinked, confused by the question. "Meddling? No, why would I be—?" Then it clicked, and he shook his head. "No, it's not like that! I just… things have been kind of awkward between them, you know? I just want to see them smiling at each other again."

Sasuke was silent for a moment, his single eye studying Boruto closely. After a brief pause, he spoke. "Be careful, Boruto. If you meddle too much, it might cause more damage than good—especially now."

Boruto frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by that?"

Sasuke didn't answer immediately, and for a second, Boruto wondered if he'd even respond. But before he could press further, Sasuke shook his head slightly. "Just… be cautious. Relationships are fragile, especially during times like this."

Boruto crossed his arms and huffed. "I'm not worried about it backfiring. Even if I was meddling, I'd know what I was doing." He paused, realizing what he just said. His face flushed as he quickly added, "Not that I'm trying to push them back together or anything!"

Sasuke eyed him for a long moment, his expression unreadable as always. Boruto shifted uncomfortably under his sensei's gaze. He had noticed over the past few months how close Sasuke and his mother had become outside of training. He wasn't sure how to feel about it, but he couldn't deny it was something he'd been thinking about more often lately. Sasuke was way cooler than Kiba, though. The thought of loud, boisterous Kiba always made Boruto cringe. His sister, Himawari, adored him, but Boruto… not so much.

Gathering his courage, Boruto blurted out, "Sasuke-sensei, what do you think about my mom?"

Sasuke's visible eye widened slightly, clearly surprised by the question. "Why are you asking?"

Boruto immediately shook his head, realizing how weird it sounded. "Never mind! Forget I said anything."

There was a brief silence between them, and Boruto shifted awkwardly on his feet. After a moment, he cleared his throat. "Anyway, I think I'll stick around here and finish training by myself. Thanks for the sparring."

Sasuke watched him for a beat longer, then nodded. As he turned to leave, Boruto couldn't help but call after him, "See you later, Sasuke-sensei."

Just before Sasuke disappeared from sight, he paused and said something that left Boruto's mouth hanging open. "Your mother… has become my best friend."

Boruto's eyes widened, and he stood there, frozen in shock. "Wha—?" he started, but Sasuke was already gone, leaving Boruto standing there with his thoughts swirling.

Best friends? Boruto thought, staring at the spot where Sasuke had stood just moments ago. His mind raced with questions. How did his mom manage to become Sasuke's best friend? And what did that mean? Did that mean she had taken his dad's place as Sasuke's best friend?

His mouth still hanging open, Boruto shook his head, trying to process everything. Mom and Sasuke? Best friends? He stood there for a moment longer before letting out a long sigh.

"Man… this day just keeps getting weirder," he muttered to himself, gripping his kunai tightly as he prepared to dive back into training.

XXXXXXXX

Later that evening…

Naruto stood outside the door of his old home, his old life, and his palms were wet with sweat. His heart thudded in his chest, each beat reminding him of the uncertainty that weighed on him. Boruto had mentioned casually that Hinata was making hot pot and wanted him to come over for dinner. He'd been caught off guard by the invitation, unsure if it was really from her or if Boruto had arranged the whole thing himself. Now, as he stood there, hand halfway raised to knock, he hesitated.

Maybe it's too soon.

The thought echoed in his mind, freezing him in place. He hadn't been here since the papers were signed. Since everything changed. The weight of that reality pressed on him, twisting knots in his stomach.

His fingers twitched, hovering just above the wood, as if knocking would somehow shatter the fragile balance he was trying to keep. He swallowed, throat tight, wondering if he should turn around and leave before anyone noticed him standing there like a fool.

But there was Boruto. His son had been so hopeful, so eager to see him and Hinata together again, even if just for dinner. Naruto didn't want to disappoint him by bailing without a word. He clenched his fist lightly and tapped on the door, four soft knocks that felt too quiet, too hesitant. His heart raced as he waited, his breath stuck in his chest.

Moments passed, and he considered walking away, until the door creaked open. His eyes met a pair of pale lavender ones, widened in confusion. Hinata stood there, her expression a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

"Na-Naruto-kun…" she stammered, her voice delicate, like she was unsure of the situation herself. "What are you—"

Before she could finish, Boruto's voice cut through the air, popping into view from behind her. "Mom! Did you forget? Dad's coming by for dinner!"

Hinata blinked, her attention shifting to Boruto. Her brow furrowed ever so slightly, and Naruto saw the brief flicker of discomfort cross her face, the frown that pulled at her lips. His chest tightened, an invisible crack forming inside him. He forced a nervous smile, rubbing the back of his neck, a habit he couldn't break.

"Uh, yeah. I think there's been a little mix-up," he said awkwardly, his voice faltering as he glanced between them. "I'll just head home… no worries."

He tried to sound casual, but there was a hollowness in his tone, one that even he could hear. The truth was, he had been looking forward to it. Maybe even a little too much. The thought of eating something Hinata made, something warm, something that wasn't the instant ramen he'd been living off of since he'd been on his own. But he didn't say any of that.

Just as he began to turn, Hinata's soft voice called after him. "You're more than welcome to stay, Naruto-kun. I… I'm making hot pot, and there's more than enough for all of us."

His heart fluttered at her words, unbidden. He felt the familiar rush, the urge to smile bubbling up inside him, but he forced it back, keeping only a tired smile on his face as he nodded. "Thanks, Hinata."

He stepped inside, the smell of simmering broth and vegetables warming the air. The scent alone was enough to stir something deep in his chest, a longing for things he couldn't quite name. As he bent down to remove his shoes, he heard Hinata's quiet, but firm voice, scolding Boruto.

"Boruto… you didn't tell me your father was coming." Her tone was gentle but carried a clear reprimand.

Boruto chuckled guiltily, rubbing the back of his head much like Naruto did. "Sorry, Mom… I thought it'd be a good idea."

Hinata sighed softly, patting the top of Boruto's head with a kind of exasperated fondness before she disappeared into the kitchen, Boruto trudging behind her.

Naruto watched the exchange from the corner of his eye, feeling a pang of guilt twist in his gut. He should have known it was Boruto that had set it up. He was probably hoping to see his parents together in the same room again. And though Hinata was too kind to say it, Naruto could tell it had made her uncomfortable. The thought gnawed at him. Was this a mistake? Should he have stayed away?

He stood there, frozen for a moment, the warmth of the house seeping into his skin, but doing little to thaw the coldness that seemed to grip his heart. Seeing Hinata was harder than he'd anticipated. Each glance, each word exchanged brought back memories he wasn't ready to face. Memories of when they were together, when things were simpler—when they were happy.

The truth was, he hadn't been able to deal with it. Not properly. As Hokage, he had buried himself in work, telling himself he couldn't afford to be distracted by personal matters. And yet, even with all the paperwork, all the meetings, all the decisions he had to make, there were moments when it crept in. The loneliness, the regret, the empty feeling that came in waves late at night when the Hokage Tower was silent and he was alone.

Hinata peeked her head out of the kitchen, her voice soft but insistent. "Naruto-kun… are you coming?"

Naruto blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. He forced a smile, though it felt heavy on his face, and nodded. "Yeah, I'm coming."

As he made his way toward the kitchen, his mind churned with conflicting emotions. He hadn't realized how much he missed this. Being here. The warmth of the house, the scent of real food cooking, the sound of Boruto and Hinata's voices. Yet, the closer he got, the more he felt the weight of everything he'd lost pressing down on him. It was like trying to carry a boulder uphill, and every step forward felt like it was dragging him back.

Naruto had always been good at pushing things down, hiding them beneath layers of smiles and bravado. But now, it was different. The cracks were showing. The laughter felt forced. The emptiness felt heavier. The truth was, he didn't want to admit how much it hurt to see Hinata like this—being strong. Stronger than him, it seemed. He didn't know how to handle it, so he didn't. He just kept pretending.

His heart clenched as he entered the kitchen, seeing Hinata and Boruto setting the table together. For a moment, it looked like nothing had changed. But it had. Everything had changed.

He put on a smile and pushed forward. It was all he knew how to do.
XXXXXXXX

July 15th

Sasuke wiped the sweat from his forehead, the sun beating down on him as he walked through the bustling streets of Konoha. It was another hot day, the kind that made everything feel just a bit more exhausting. He had woken up much later than he intended to, and now, as he moved through the crowd, he felt the weight of the promise he'd made to Sarada. He had told her that he'd take Sakura out for lunch today, anywhere of her choosing.

His lips curled slightly at the thought of his daughter. Sarada had a way of making him do things he wouldn't normally agree to. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and despite the things that weighed on his heart, he was willing to do anything to see her happy. He knew she was playing cupid, trying to push him and Sakura together. And while he was fully aware of her little scheme, he went along with it, if only for the joy it brought to her.

But it wasn't easy. The closeness he'd developed with Sarada lately, while something he cherished deeply, had also brought a lot of old emotions to the surface—emotions he thought he'd buried. There was the guilt, an ever-present weight that bore down on him. Guilt for breaking up their home, for hurting Sakura, for not trying harder when he should have. He often wondered if things would have been different if he'd come back sooner, if he hadn't abandoned his family for years in pursuit of redemption.

He wanted to make it all up to Sarada, to give her the family she deserved, even if it meant pretending that things were okay between him and Sakura. He wanted to make Sakura happy too, to make up for the time they'd lost. His mother would be disappointed in him if she could see what he had done to his family. So, when Sarada had her mischievous moments—like eavesdropping and pretending to be sleepy—Sasuke played along. He saw how happy it made her, and in a way, it made him happy too.

Still, there was a part of him that was exhausted. Every time he and Sakura were together, he could see the hope in her eyes, the way she looked at him, silently begging him to come back. She'd get close, too close sometimes, and though he allowed it for Sarada's sake, it was tiring. He didn't want to lead her on, not when he knew that he couldn't be the person she needed him to be and the fear he had of her jealousy flaring back up. He knew it would only end up hurting her more and upsetting him.

Sasuke sighed, his gaze lifting as he approached the upscaled diner, Scarlett Café. Sakura had chosen this place, and he wasn't oblivious to why. It was a place known for its male servers who flirted with their female customers, a place where lovers would go to make their partners jealous. Sasuke knew exactly what she was trying to do.

When he arrived, he was greeted by an overzealous host, a young man with a beaming smile that seemed to widen even more at the sight of him.

"Welcome! Will you be dining in or ordering take-out today?" the host asked, his voice unnaturally chipper.

Sasuke felt his eyebrow twitch, his annoyance flaring at the man's overly cheerful tone. He ground his jaw before answering, his voice flat. "I'm meeting someone."

The host's eyes lit up, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Oh, could it be a secret date with your ex-wife?" he asked, his tone conspiratorial. "Don't worry, I'll keep it to myself."

Sasuke's patience snapped, and he opened his mouth, ready to let loose all the frustration that had been building up inside him. But before he could say anything, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura's soft voice reached him, confusion evident in her tone.

The host turned to greet her, still wearing that irritating smile. "Oh, I was just having a nice little chat with your—"

Before the host could finish, Sasuke glared down at him, his presence towering over the man. His dark eyes bore into the host, and the man visibly shrank back, a nervous tremor in his posture. Sasuke's gaze flickered to Sakura, who looked confused, her brow furrowed slightly. At that moment, an image of Sarada's smiling face flashed in his mind.

He forced himself to gather his composure, though his expression remained cold.

The host cleared his throat nervously, offering a shaky smile. "Perhaps a table in the back, away from prying eyes, would be preferable? Especially with the paparazzi around."

Sakura opened her mouth to say something, but Sasuke spoke first, his voice curt. "The back will do."

Sakura blinked, a look of surprise flashing across her face, but she didn't say anything. She followed Sasuke as they were led to a secluded table. Sasuke took his seat, noticing that Sakura remained standing for a moment, her eyes on him. He looked up, meeting her gaze, wondering why she hadn't sat down yet. After a beat, she finally settled into her seat, her expression unreadable.

The host gave them a polite nod. "Your server will be with you shortly," he said before quickly making his exit.

An awkward silence settled between them, and Sasuke found himself glancing off to the side, the chatter and laughter of other customers filling the air. When he looked back at Sakura, he found her still watching him, her eyes soft, her cheeks tinged pink. The look reminded him of years ago, when she'd asked to travel with him, her eyes filled with the same hope and longing.

A fleeting smile tugged at his lips, but it disappeared as soon as the server arrived at their table. The man wore a black and white suit, reminiscent of a butler, his hair perfectly styled. He was what Sasuke would call a "pretty-boy"—all charm and smiles, with an air that seemed deliberately crafted to appeal to the women dining there.

Sasuke glanced at Sakura, noting the way her eyes widened slightly, her cheeks still tinged with color. The server bowed low to her, his voice dripping with exaggerated politeness. "Is there anything I can get for you today, Mi'lady?" he asked, his gaze fixed solely on Sakura.

Sakura giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked at the menu the server held out for her. She pointed to one of the items, her voice soft as she placed her order.

The server straightened, his attention still on Sakura. "And for your… guest?" The word was laced with disdain, the server's eyes barely glancing at Sasuke.

Sasuke clenched his jaw, his gaze shifting to Sakura, who was looking at him expectantly, her expression curious. She seemed to be examining his face, searching for something.

"Sasuke-kun, is there anything you'd like?" she asked.

He let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Eggplant miso soup and hot green tea," he said, his voice clipped.

The server gave a curt nod, then turned back to Sakura. He took her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips. "Always at your service, Mi'lady," he said, his voice dripping with charm as he kissed her hand, letting it slip slowly from his grip.

Sasuke watched, his expression unreadable, as Sakura blushed, her face turning bright red. He felt his jaw tighten, his thumb rubbing against his enclosed fist. The server gave him a smug look, one meant for both him and Sakura to see, before he finally left.

Sakura turned to him, her voice apologetic. "I… I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun. I forgot what kind of place this was."

Sasuke highly doubted that, but he kept the thought to himself. When she asked if he was okay, he managed to grit out a response, flipping the question back to her. Her eyes widened, surprised, before she gave a shy smile and nodded.

Sasuke allowed himself a brief moment to gather his composure, his lips twitching slightly. The entire situation was ridiculous—the over-the-top flirting, the exaggerated politeness. It reminded him of those romance manga Sarada liked to read sometimes. The thought almost made him laugh. Did Sakura really think he would be jealous of something so ridiculous? It was almost funny.

But he kept his amusement in check. Laughing would only hurt Sakura, and that was the last thing he wanted to do. There was also a part of him that just wanted to leave, to put an end to this charade. But he had made a promise to his daughter, and for her sake, he would see it through.

When the food arrived, the server continued his flirtations, his attention solely on Sakura while Sasuke watched with an expression of pure indifference. Once the server finally left, they began to eat, Sakura starting up a conversation about her workweek. Sasuke listened, nodding occasionally, though his mind would drift off now and then, his thoughts wandering elsewhere.

It was only when Sakura mentioned something about Hinata that his attention snapped back. "What was that?" he asked, his voice cutting through her words.

Sakura looked at him, her eyes widening in surprise before she pouted slightly, her shoulders slumping. She sighed, shaking her head.

Sasuke frowned, his voice softening. "What's wrong?"

She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his, and shook her head again, this time with a small smile. "It's nothing, Sasuke-kun," she said, changing the subject. "Your hair's gotten really long lately. Are you planning on cutting it?"

Sasuke blinked, his hand moving to touch the tips of his hair, which had grown out quite a bit. He mumbled, "Maybe I should."

Sakura's smile grew, and she offered, "I think shoter hair suits you more. I could cut it for you… if you'd like."

He looked at her, her hopeful expression making his chest tighten. He nodded slightly. "I'll think about it."

She nodded, her smile faltering for just a moment before she looked back down at her plate. They continued eating in silence, and Sasuke couldn't help but wonder what she had said earlier. It had sounded like she mentioned Hinata, but he wasn't sure. And he didn't have the energy to admit he hadn't been listening to her. It would only upset her.

Once they finished, Sasuke paid the bill, and they made their way outside. They stood there for a moment, facing each other, the busy street bustling around them. Sakura looked up at him, her green eyes meeting his, and she smiled. "Thank you for today, Sasuke-kun. I know it probably wasn't your favorite place."

Sasuke studied her for a moment before asking, "Did you have fun?"

She nodded, her eyes widening in surprise at his question.

"That's all that matters," he said, his voice softening just a bit.

Her eyes widened further, and she blinked, looking almost stunned. Sasuke gave her a brief nod before waving her off, turning and walking away without looking back. He moved through the crowd, his stride steady, though his thoughts were anything but calm. He needed to find a place away from the noise, somewhere he could think.

But suddenly, he stopped, his senses catching something familiar. A chakra he recognized instantly. He turned on his heel, his eyes narrowing slightly as he focused in on it. Without hesitation, he began to follow.

XXXXXXXXXX

Shino Aburame walked alongside Kiba Inuzuka, silently observing the chaos that seemed to follow his friend. The streets of Konoha were busy, the midday sun bearing down as they moved through the crowds. Kiba had run into Shino during his lunch break, claiming he was bored and wanted to walk him back to the school. Shino found the gesture unnecessary, but he suspected Kiba simply wanted to spend more time together. And though Shino valued his solitude, he didn't mind Kiba's company as much as he once might have.

As usual, Kiba dominated the conversation, his loud voice filling the air as he rambled on about Akamaru. "Man, Akamaru's getting old. He's still got some fight in him, but it's not like it used to be," Kiba said, his tone softening. "I'm kinda worried, ya know?"

Shino, ever calm and thoughtful, nodded as he processed Kiba's concerns. "Aging is a natural part of life, Kiba. Akamaru may not be as spry as he once was, but the loyalty and companionship he provides will never wane. Cherish that, even as time progresses." His words were as measured as always, but there was warmth in them—a subtle attempt to comfort his friend in the only way Shino knew how.

Before Kiba could respond, Sasuke Uchiha approached from the opposite direction. Shino's observant nature caught the slight glance Sasuke gave him—a fleeting acknowledgment before the Uchiha's attention zeroed in on Kiba, as though Shino were invisible. It irked Shino, but he let it slide. He was used to being overlooked by his comrades.

"Number two," Sasuke greeted Kiba, smirking in a way that made it clear he was teasing.

Kiba's reaction was immediate and fiery. "I'm not number two!" he barked, stepping closer to Sasuke with a growl. "Stop calling me that! If anyone's number two, it's you, Uchiha!"

Shino sighed and reached for Kiba's collar, pulling him back with ease. "You're getting too loud, Kiba," he murmured, trying to keep the situation from escalating. Kiba's temper was notorious, and Sasuke's presence didn't help.

But Kiba ignored him, as expected, and threw another retort at Sasuke. "Maybe if you weren't so smug all the time, you'd realize that you've never been number one!"

Sasuke's smug grin only widened. "I can't be number two," he replied coolly. "Because someone else already has that spot, and they're doing a fine job holding onto it."

His voice was smooth, but the barb was sharp—Shino could see Kiba's fists clench at his sides. The conversation between them was clearly layered with personal meaning, something Shino didn't quite grasp, but the tension was palpable.

Shino watched as Kiba growled under his breath. The intensity in Kiba's eyes was met by Sasuke's unfazed demeanor, as though the Uchiha was enjoying this far too much. Whatever invisible competition they had going on seemed to be stoking Kiba's territorial instincts, and Shino was left trying to figure out why.

"Don't forget who you're dealing with, Sasuke," Kiba warned. "You're lucky, or I'd be sending you to the hospital right now."

Sasuke didn't flinch. Instead, his smirk deepened, and he leaned slightly forward, as if daring Kiba to act on his words. "It's good to know you're so protective. But I'm not too concerned." He poked Kiba's patience a little more, his amusement apparent.

Shino, sensing that Kiba was dangerously close to exploding, stepped in again. "Sasuke," he said, his voice firm. "This back-and-forth isn't productive. Let's not create a scene."

Sasuke turned to Shino, his expression briefly flickering with recognition, as if he had only just remembered Shino was there. The nod Sasuke gave him felt more like an afterthought than actual acknowledgment, which only added to Shino's growing frustration.

Sasuke turned back to Kiba, throwing one last playful jab with a smirk. "Until next time, number two," he said with a wave, disappearing into the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.

Kiba stood there, his face red with frustration. Shino watched his friend, mildly curious about the conversation's underlying meaning. "Why was Sasuke calling you number two?" Shino asked, genuinely puzzled.

Kiba let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his wild hair. "I don't wanna talk about it," he muttered, clearly embarrassed. "But I'm not losing my spot to a jerk like him. No way."

Shino remained silent, feeling as though he'd missed a key piece of information. It was as if he had walked into the middle of a drama he hadn't been following, and the missing context gnawed at him. Did something happen that he wasn't aware of? He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than Sasuke simply messing with Kiba.

Despite his confusion, Shino didn't pry further. He had always maintained a respectful distance from the personal lives of his friends, and while he was close to both Kiba and Hinata, he didn't involve himself too deeply in their dynamics. The relationship between Kiba and Sasuke seemed… complicated. Whatever was going on, Shino trusted it would work itself out in time.

Sensing the dark cloud still hovering over Kiba, Shino decided to shift the mood. "Kiba, would you like to get dinner later?" he asked, knowing food always had a way of cheering his friend up.

As expected, Kiba's mood brightened instantly, his face lighting up. "Yeah! Dinner sounds great, Shino!" he said, his usual energy returning.

Shino couldn't help but allow a small smile to creep across his face. Kiba was predictable in that way—like a dog who couldn't stay down for long. In moments like these, Shino was reminded why he valued their friendship, even if Kiba had a way of bringing chaos into his otherwise quiet world.

XXXXXXXX

Hinata stood outside, the warm sun kissing her skin as the breeze fluttered gently through the sheets she was pinning to the line. The familiar sound of birds chirping in the distance provided a sense of calm. As she reached for the next sheet, a voice suddenly cut through the peaceful air.

"Hinata."

She jumped, startled by the low voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. Turning quickly, she was met with Sasuke's trademark smirk. Her heart raced for a moment before settling into an embarrassed flush.

"Sasuke!" she exclaimed, her hand flying to her chest. "You startled me!"

His smirk deepened. "For someone with the all-seeing eye, you sure don't notice when someone's sneaking up on you."

Hinata's face reddened even more, a slight pout forming on her lips. "That's not the same thing, and you know it!" she huffed, crossing her arms defensively.

Sasuke reached out, gently patting her head. "Relax, I'm only joking," he said, his tone softening as he pulled his hand back.

Hinata looked up at him, her lips still slightly pouting as she stared for a moment, but the playful glint in Sasuke's eyes made her turn back to the laundry. As she began pinning the clothes again, Sasuke casually stepped to her side, his presence close enough that she could feel it.

"How's your day been so far?" she asked, hoping to redirect the conversation.

Sasuke gave a noncommittal shrug. "It's been okay," he replied, glancing around before adding, "I had lunch with Sakura earlier. She wanted to go to Scarlett Café."

Hinata paused, recognizing the name. "Isn't that the place with the… handsome waiters?" she asked, her cheeks slightly warming as she recalled the gossip she'd heard about it.

Sasuke's expression shifted, his eyebrow lifting in mild exasperation. "You too?"

Hinata blushed, waving her hands defensively. "I've never been there! I've just heard about it while walking by," she explained quickly.

Sasuke rolled his eyes, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "Sakura chose it to try and make me jealous."

Hinata blinked in surprise, a soft giggle escaping her as she heard the annoyance in his voice. But there was also a note of amusement as he continued, describing how over-the-top the waiters' performances were. She could almost picture Sasuke sitting there, stoic as ever, while the waiters fawned over Sakura.

"Were you… jealous?" she teased lightly, her tone curious.

Sasuke gave her a deadpan look. "Is that a serious question?" he asked, clearly unimpressed. "If anything, I thought it was funny. I had to stop myself from laughing just to avoid hurting her feelings."

Hinata covered her mouth, stifling another giggle. The idea of Sasuke Uchiha, the stoic, unreadable ninja, finding humor in such a situation was unexpected.

"Are you the jealous type, Sasuke?" she asked, genuinely curious now.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed playfully. "It takes a lot to make me jealous," he admitted. "Depending on the situation. But generally, no… I definitely do not get jealous like Naruto."

The mention of Naruto sent a pang through Hinata's heart, her smile faltering as she thought back to a particular incident that still haunted her. Gaara had been involved, and Naruto's behavior had left her feeling embarrassed beyond belief. Recently, she'd even sent Gaara a letter, apologizing on Naruto's behalf. She wasn't sure if he'd received it, but the thought of what Gaara must think of them still made her stomach turn.

Sasuke seemed to notice her sudden shift in mood. "Maybe that was a bad joke," he said, sounding slightly awkward. "I thought you'd find it funny."

Hinata glanced at him from the corner of her eye, noting the genuine regret in his expression. He was rarely apologetic, but when he was, it felt… real.

"It's fine, Sasuke," she murmured, turning back to folding the clothes. A moment of silence passed between them, comfortable but contemplative.

Then Sasuke spoke again. "Have you seen Sakura recently?"

Hinata nodded, surprised he'd brought her up again. "I did, actually. How did you know?"

Sasuke scratched the back of his head, looking a bit sheepish. "I think I heard her mention your name earlier… but honestly, I wasn't paying much attention. Could've misheard."

Hinata smiled softly. It was nice seeing more sides of Sasuke—one that didn't shy away from admitting when he wasn't entirely sure of something or talking about his feelings and thoughts. It felt like a sign of how comfortable he had become around her, like he could just… be himself.

"Well, I bought Sarada a book and gave it to Sakura to pass along," she said, hanging the last shirt on the line. "I hope she likes it."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You didn't have to do that." He paused and continued, "but I'm sure it made her happy," he said, his voice softer.

Hinata beamed, glad to hear it. But when she turned around, she noticed Sasuke giving her an odd look—one that made her feel flustered, her heart skipping a beat.

"W-What?" she stammered, feeling her cheeks heat up.

Sasuke didn't answer right away. Instead, his gaze flickered to the side briefly before returning to her. "I wanted your advice… but we should talk in private."

Hinata blinked, taken aback by the sudden seriousness in his tone. She nodded quickly. "Of course, Sasuke. We can talk inside."

As she bent down to grab the laundry basket, Sasuke stepped forward and took it from her hands without a word. He didn't even glance at her, just carried it inside as though it were second nature. Hinata followed behind him, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Once inside, she motioned for him to place the basket on the table as she started to straighten the kitchen up. "What's on your mind?" she asked, wiping down the counter.

"It's about Sakura… and Sarada. They're both… meddling." His voice was laced with frustration. "Sarada wants to push me and Sakura back together, and I've been playing along. I don't want to hurt either of them, but… if I keep going along with this, it's going to lead Sakura down a bad path. I don't know what to do anymore."

Hinata's heart ached at his words. She could imagine how difficult it must be, especially for Sakura, who had loved Sasuke for so long. And Sarada… well, it was no surprise that she wanted her parents back together.

Sasuke continued, his voice lower now. "Things were fine after the separation. We were getting along, and it was good. But somewhere, things changed. I feel like we're back at square one."

He paused, his brow furrowing as he recalled a specific moment. "Sakura asked me once if I had been dating since the separation. I knew what she was getting at, but I bit my tongue instead of telling her it was none of her business."

Hinata stopped wiping and turned to look at him as she hesitated before asking, "Have you been?"

Sasuke's eyes widened, clearly not expecting her to ask. "If I were in a relationship, you'd be the first to know, Hinata. I tell you things before I tell the dobe."

Her heart fluttered at his words, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. She blushed slightly but didn't have time to respond before Sasuke continued.

"I know Sakura wants to get back together, but… I just can't."

Hinata felt a lump form in her throat. She understood Sakura's feelings, having loved Naruto for so long without knowing if he would ever reciprocate. And now, seeing Sasuke torn between wanting to make his family happy and staying true to himself… it was a difficult situation.

"I think… you need to talk to her," Hinata finally said, her voice soft but steady. "Being honest with her now might save her from more hurt in the future."

Sasuke sighed but said nothing else.

After a brief pause, Sasuke asked about Boruto and Himawari, and Hinata smiled, the conversation taking a lighter turn. "Boruto's out training, and Himawari has been exploring Konoha."

"They're growing up fast," Sasuke remarked, his voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. "Some of our generation is already getting gray hairs. You found any yet?"

Hinata giggled, shaking her head. "Not yet. I suppose I've been lucky."

Sasuke smirked. "I'm surprised, considering how much Naruto probably stressed you out."

She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "I've been fortunate," she agreed, though she could think of more than a few moments where Naruto had driven her to the brink of madness. "What about you? Any gray hairs?"

Sasuke ran a hand through his hair, his long locks falling messily over his face. "I haven't looked, but it's possible."

Hinata's eyes followed the movement of his hand, noting how long his hair had gotten. It framed his face, almost cascading past his features like dark, silken threads. The way it was slightly disheveled gave him a kind of rugged charm, but at the same time, it obscured his sharp, handsome features. His strong jawline, the stoic curve of his mouth—it was all so striking. And his long hair, despite its untamed appearance, still looked remarkably healthy. At that moment, she realized how much he resembled Itachi. If Sasuke were to pull his hair back into a low ponytail, he would look even more like his late brother.

Her eyes trailed across his face before she realized what she was doing, her cheeks suddenly burning as she quickly looked away. Sasuke, however, had noticed. He raised a brow at her, clearly amused.

"What?" he asked, his voice a low rumble, pulling her out of her thoughts.

Hinata cleared her throat, feeling embarrassed that she had been caught staring. "Your hair… it's gotten really long," she said, her voice soft, hoping the change in topic would shift the focus away from her blush.

Sasuke chuckled lightly. "So I've heard," he said, glancing down at the strands of hair that hung over his face. "I was thinking about letting Sakura cut it back to my usual length."

Hinata stared at him for a second, studying his face even more closely than before. The longer she looked, the more she realized how well the length suited him. It softened his sharp edges while highlighting his most striking features.

"You shouldn't cut it," she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Sasuke turned to her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Really?"

Hinata suddenly felt incredibly self-conscious. "I-I mean," she stammered, trying to gather her thoughts, "you could just take a little off the front. But… if you pull the rest into a low ponytail, it would suit you well."

For a moment, Sasuke was silent, his gaze focused on her with an intensity that made her heart race. He absentmindedly played with a strand of his hair, but he didn't say anything in response. The air between them felt charged, yet neither of them seemed ready to break the silence. Eventually, Hinata cleared her throat again.

"I'm going to patch up a hole in one of Boruto's shirts," she said, standing up and heading toward the closet to grab a needle and thread. "You can stay if you want, but it might be boring for you."

Sasuke followed her like a shadow into the living room, his presence quiet yet comforting. "I've got nothing better to do," he said with a nonchalant shrug, settling back down on the couch as Hinata returned with the sewing kit.

She sat beside him, their knees brushing together slightly as she started sewing Boruto's shirt. Sasuke stretched out his long legs, his knee bumping against hers every now and then. At first, he muttered a quiet apology each time, but eventually, he stopped, leaving his leg pressed against hers without further comment.

As the quiet moments passed, Sasuke suddenly broke the silence. "What makes Kiba your best friend?"

Hinata paused, surprised by the question. "Why do you ask?" she inquired, looking over at him curiously.

Sasuke shrugged again. "Just curious."

Hinata smiled softly to herself, thinking about Kiba. "Well, Kiba-kun is like a brother to me. He's loud and can be a bit rough around the edges, but he's always been there for me. Through all my struggles, he's been by my side, pushing me to be stronger, even when I doubted myself. He's protective, sometimes overly so, but his heart is in the right place."

She paused, threading the needle through the fabric carefully as she continued. "We've been through so much together, and even though we're different, he understands me in ways that others don't. I can always count on him, and I appreciate everything he's done for me. He's a special person in my life."

When she glanced at Sasuke, he was staring off at the wall, his expression unreadable. For a moment, she wondered what he was thinking, but before she could ask, he spoke again.

"Do you know why I consider Naruto my best friend?" he asked, his voice softer now, more thoughtful.

Hinata blinked, surprised by the sudden shift. "No, but I'd like to hear it."

Sasuke leaned back against the couch, his gaze distant as if he were remembering their past. "Naruto and I… we didn't start off as friends. We were rivals—always competing, always at odds. But through that rivalry, I realized that Naruto was the one person who truly understood me. He never gave up on me, no matter how many times I pushed him away. He kept fighting for me, even when I didn't deserve it."

Hinata listened intently, her heart warming at the depth of Sasuke's words.

"I owe a lot to him," Sasuke continued. "He taught me what it means to have a bond with someone. Even now, despite everything, I know that bond won't break. He's more than a friend. He's… someone I'll always be grateful for."

Hinata smiled, feeling a sense of joy wash over her. Sasuke rarely opened up like this, and hearing him speak so fondly of Naruto filled her with happiness. Their bond was something truly special, and she doubted anything could ever come between them.

But just as she was about to comment, Sasuke shifted in his seat, turning his attention to her once more.

"And you," he began, his voice a bit quieter now, "as you know, have become my best friend too."

"My friendship with you…" Sasuke continued, "it's different from my bond with Naruto. I can't quite explain it, but you've surpassed that feeling. You've become someone I trust in a way I didn't expect. I guess that means you're my favorite friend."

He smirked then, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. "Just don't tell Naruto. He'll be jealous. Kiba too."

Focusing on the latter, she raised an amused eyebrow. "That's… presumptuous of you," she managed to say, her voice a bit shaky. "To assume you're my favorite friend."

Sasuke turned his head lazily to look at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "If it's not true, deny it," he challenged. "But it'll break my heart if you do."

Hinata's face flushed even deeper, her mind racing as she fumbled for a response. "You're… you're just messing with me," she mumbled, pushing his arm lightly in mock protest. Embarrassed by his teasing.

But as the realization hit her fully, she felt her heart swell with emotions she couldn't quite place. Sasuke had just told her that she was his favorite friend. The thought made her chest tighten in a way that both excited and overwhelmed her.

She lowered her head, focusing intently on sewing Boruto's shirt to avoid Sasuke's gaze. The silence around them felt louder than ever as her heart raced, the sound of it almost drowning out everything else.

After what felt like an eternity, she finally whispered, "You're… my favorite friend too."

When she dared to glance at Sasuke, there was a small, contented smile on his face, though he didn't look at her. Instead, he kept his eyes focused on nothing in particular, his expression soft.

He smirked, his tone light and teasing. "Can I brag about it to Kiba?"

Hinata gave him a scolding look. "No ruffling feathers, Sasuke."

He chuckled, finally turning his gaze to her. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm just teasing," he said with a rare smile. Then, after a moment of quiet, he added, "But… I'm glad the feeling's mutual."

Their bond had grown into something she couldn't quite explain—something deeper than friendship, but not quite anything else. Maybe "favorite friend" was the best way to describe it.

As they sat in comfortable silence, Hinata thought back to his words, a soft smile spreading across her lips. She was Sasuke's favorite friend. And for some reason, that simple fact made her day brighter.

She bit her bottom lip, trying to suppress the grin that threatened to break free. But it was no use. Those words… they made her giddy inside.

Those words just made her day.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They are too cute! I wasn't expecting to write that last scene… Let me know what you think about the "favorite friend" moment. Although I should probably focus more on subtle SasuHina scenes, sometimes I get carried away . Don't worry though, the slow burn is still very much in effect! There may be moments of extra fluff and making Hinata flustered, but the burn is still slow and steady.

Originally, I planned to end the chapter with Sasuke's POV during the "favorite friend" conversation, but I decided to keep his thoughts a mystery for now . Both Sasuke and Hinata have recognized that their friendship is evolving and that their feelings for each other are deeper than just "best friends." Neither of them knows exactly how to define it yet, so they've landed on the term "favorite friend."

Their relationship has grown so organically: from casual acquaintances, to friends, to best friends, and now to "favorite friends"—which is clearly something more, even if they can't fully explain it yet. But don't worry, we've still got quite a way to go before they have their a-ha moment!

I'm sure many of you might have been surprised about the Lee and TenTen situation. I've always been curious who Metal's mother could be and I decided to make it TenTen. Though, there is a dark story behind their romance which I briefly touched on. There will be more about those two in future chapters…but it won't be all that pretty.

Also, many of you mentioned Gaara as the redhead, and some of you wanted to see Karin. I wasn't originally planning on bringing Karin into the story, but you've given me a great idea! Karin will be making an appearance soon to spice things up a bit!

As for Gaara—he's not too happy with Naruto at the moment, and it seems Naruto's jealous paranoia may have some weight to it! Gaara truly was admiring Hinata that day, and he'll be making another appearance, especially during the banquet scenes in Suna. Expect some… interesting things to happen during that time. However, I don't want to add too many love triangles (or squares), so don't expect any full-blown GaaHina (though there may be some one-sided thoughts).

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I'll be updating the next one either tomorrow or Monday. We'll be getting back into the action soon with the Land of Stone situation—along with more cute fluff and everything in between!