Chapter 6: The Date
Hinata & Naruto-Konoha Marketplace
That first kiss with Naruto had been a mistake.
She's told herself hundreds of excuses since that night of getting caught up in the moment, that her frustration with Toneri in the hours leading up to the Gala on top of his overt flirting with Lady Shion right in front of her to 'punish' her lead her to accept Naruto's touch.
But the 2nd time, Naruto caught her alone on the way home from the markets.
That kiss hadn't been an accident.
"Heading home?!" Naruto chimes out in greeting.
Hinata stills, chest tightening.
Lilac scours the markets for anyone of their friends. Evening sun dances along cobblestone, warm honey yellow to peach orange light slowing giving way to coming violet blacks of nightfall.
She briefly wonders if this is a clone from how often she's seen some version of him running around Konoha doing various tasks, considers the dozens of eyes here within the shopping district that will notice them. The who's who of Konoha's elite had been attendance to the Gala, but nobody knows of their encounter in the bathroom, she made sure of that.
Because she'd refused to discuss it with Ino and Sakura even with their concerns over fresh cuts and bruises from her scuffles with Toneri she waved away as the result of sparring sessions that went on too long.
Not even Hanabi knows of what she did.
'It's fine, this was going to happen eventually.' Hinata decides as she turns herself to face him.
He weaves his way over to her through the crowds, cerulean brightening with mirth.
Naruto leans in close to get her ear. "You've been avoiding me."
Hinata bristles, steps backward to keep a gap between them. "It...It would be best to do so knowing what happens when we're close to each other Lord Uzumaki."
'Not a clone.' She determines at seeing the warmth in ocean blue flicker with a storminess of coming thunder, heart skittering.
Naruto's lips twist into a frown. "Why? Didn't you tell me your engagement with Toneri was broken off or in the process of being gone? You're free for me to court; aren't you?"
Her cheeks warm, glad the streetlights haven't yet come on betraying her true feelings.
She straightens at a sudden thought. It shouldn't matter what the shinobi and civilian think of her chatting here with Naruto when Toneri had no qualms about doing the same at private event.
'I hate stooping to his level though.' Her thoughts sway like a pendulum.
"No. Father, didn't...it's still hasn't formally ended since my family believes I'm acting in haste. The last time we had some level of discussion about this without it breaking into an argument was that Father wanted me to give Toneri one last chance to prove himself to me. Prove its right for our families to be joined."
Her own face cracks at the idea. She's given Toneri too many chances, has seen for herself time and again that the mask he wears at the compound isn't the same as the one he shows to the public.
And whatever feelings she could've had for him dried up completely after the events of the Gala.
Naruto easily slips her groceries into his hand, nods for her to give follow.
Hinata clenches her teeth, poises her fingers to strike for his arms. She wavers as Naruto holds up his free hand at ready to volley any of her coming attacks, used to surprise ambushes or fights far more often than her.
"Ah, you don't need to do that! You can't just take my belongings-"
"Don't just call me 'Lord Uzumaki' when we were making out just the other day." Naruto counters breezily.
Hinata draws out a slow breath. "...I still don't fully understand your pursuit of me."
Is it because of the Hyūga clan's strength within Konoha? Does he just want to find a way to gain easy access to the funds he surely needs to regrow Uzushiogakure? There are other nations The Land of Whirlpools was friendly with before their destruction though, or has Naruto already tried all those options?
Naruto grins easily then, cerulean and lilac meeting once more.
He catches the hand closest to him, watches as she stiffens before relaxing at his touch.
"I like you Hinata, I can be myself around you without worrying if it's going to cause a 'political scandal' or make Uzushiogakure look bad as Iruka would say. You've heard me out without thinking I'm beneath you or for ulterior motives. Heh, so many times people were just talking to me because of my connections to someone said person had more interest in actually being around." Naruto begins with a scratch of his cheek.
Hinata softens, absently squeezes at his fingers in return. Toneri acts much the same when it comes to the Hyūga name, knows little of their clan's history beyond the basics. She probably knows more about the Otsutsuki than he does of her own clan.
And begore him, suitors would ask of Hiashi and his interests, never her own...
"I've...I've had so much on my plate since my parent's deaths, I don't think honestly that I'll ever feel comfortable being called 'Emperor Uzumaki' or 'Lord Uzumaki' especially not by you, just Naruto. But you're right, we don't really know each other outside of a few likes and dislikes. So, I propose we change that y'know!" Naruto declares.
Pearl glances to him curiously. "How so?"
Naruto chuckles as if the answer should be obvious.
"We'll have a formal date silly! It won't be somewhere noisy like Ichiraku's though or stuffy and super fancy like Essence Hanaroku. A place where you and I can truly talk and catch up."
Hinata purses her lips, looks down. "When?"
Fingers brush under her chin turning her head back towards him, breath warm on her lips.
Close. Dangerously close.
He presses her to him as she tastes him once more, fingers weaving into his hair, sigh of delight escaping her when she peers back up at him. The 3rd kiss she initiates, leans up on her toes to take in ramen and salt again and again, the scents of cedarwood and pine on his skin.
Naruto smirks, thumbs a rise of puffiness to her bottom lip when she breaks away.
Her groceries are back in her hands, the Hyūga compound looms in the distance.
"Let's plan for Sunday afternoon, yeah? I'll send you a messenger toad with the exact date and time closer to the day, so it won't look so obvious when you slip away to meet me!"
His lips brush at her cheek one final time before slipping away into the dark.
"Everything alright Lady Hinata? You're later than usual for a grocery run." Hizoko looks her up and down for any injuries. He's been one of Father's oldest guards since her birth assigned to the West gates, has watched for her every night he's on duty whether it be from an assignment or meeting with friends.
Hinata smiles at his concern. "Just took the scenic route home is all. Konoha's skyline looks so pretty at this time of year when it's not raining or too chilly."
The lie flows out smooth as the coming moonrise, gaze turning to a bundle of white stars rising in the distance to avoid Hizoko's assessing stare.
He won't be the first person she lies to on her whereabouts moving forward.
Her lips tingle at the memory, not as easy to bury down amid her reviewing of these scrolls for an upcoming meeting with the Taketori clan to finally discuss the use of the byakugan outside of the battlefield. With the Great War over now for years, it was nice Father was finally taking to heart her considerations of other ways the Hyūga could put their clan's skills and name to use than for just shutting down chakra pathways.
Not just these scrolls though, her plans to keep Hanabi far from Toneri need to go into action sooner than expected it seems. Other clans in and outside of Konoha have resisted the Otsutsuki's influence for various reasons, brought up buried skeletons and scandals.
"This will be costly Lady Hinata, but well worth it if you no longer want to be tangled to the Otsutsuki family name. My prices don't come cheap when it comes to researching the crimes clans do that got swept under the rug whether from war or a mission gone wrong." Nakai mentions.
Hinata nods her head, clasps her hands together as they stick to the forest's shadows where daybreak hasn't yet reached. Wisps of blues and pinks wash against the horizon, orange tint of coming sunlight lighting the gray features of Nakai's face.
"I know this isn't an easy business. Peace is shaky amongst the villages and most want the past to stay in the past." She begins quietly.
Nakai nods, fishes a cigarette from his pocket.
"Reminders of the dead always brings up ugly emotions."
Mist rolls in from the mountains, Hinata keeping her byakugan active for any early motning caravans or shinobi out to train.
The woods remain still.
He's the only investigator since Master Jiraiya's death willing to take on darker cases such as this.
Nakai holds up one finger and Hinata nods, fire dancing to the tips of her fingers.
"Fire Release: Blaze arrows!"
She shoots them against every piece of bark, grass, and bush they've touched, earth scorched charcoal black.
The remnants of their footsteps and scents now buried.
Nakai chuckles wryly. "You sure you can stomach this Hyuga?"
Hinata restrains a sigh, nods.
"Go ahead. I would like all the intel you can gather."
It was far grislier than she imagined.
'No wonder hardly anyone knows about these buried secrets of the Otsutsuki, Father never would've agreed to the engagement otherwise.' Hinata shifts, double checks again the papers are still locked and hidden in the back drawers of her dresser.
The ryo she's spent gathering the necessary documents and photographic evidence was well worth it though, Father and the Elders won't be able to stay quiet once this information reaches them.
She rubs at her head, hates how her eyes dart towards her bedroom clock again.
9:00 am.
Sunday morning.
'When is Naruto going to send that toad?'
A knock on her door jolts her, easing back from her desk.
"Yes?"
Toneri pokes his head in a second later and her stomach knots.
"May I come in?"
"You haven't been giving Toneri enough attention Hinata. That's why things are currently sour with your relationship. If I see that you've been making an effort to improve things with him and they still aren't working out, then I will truly consider ending the Hyūga's ties to the Otsutsuki family."
Hiashi's words echo in her ears as she forces on a smile.
"Sure, is there something that you need?"
Silver washes over her room, faint grimace at old plush and lace to her curtains and bedding from when her Mother was alive. Girly frills and decor maybe unbecoming of the Hyūga's eldest daughter.
His gaze eventually falls to her, tacks on a small grin. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior the night of the Gala. I know making you jealous by chatting with Lady Shion wasn't the best course of action to improving our relationship or creating gossip over our engagement."
"I have nothing to envy about what you do in public or private Toneri." Hinata curtly answers, smile as equally strained as his own.
A silence coats the room like a fog, Toneri clearing his throat.
"Let's have a picnic. The weather is perfect for it and you've been cooped in your room since yesterday."
Hinata follows his gaze outside, stills seeing a crimson toad poke out its head from amid the leaves of the sycamore tree. It sticks out its tongue, simple paper message written out.
'Iriwada Forest. 1:00 pm.'
"I can't. I'm already meeting with friends." Hinata breathes out as the toad slips away back into the shrubbery.
Toneri studies her, smile turning poisonous; vicious.
He squeezes her shoulder before turning away with a shrug.
"Alright, another time then. Though I do hope your 'friends' remember that we need to spend time together too as future husband and wife."
Hinata pulls herself from his touch, gives him the same grin he gave her the night of the Gala before he left her side.
"We will not be a future anything Toneri. Whatever feelings I had or could've mustered for you have long since evaporated."
Toneri grits his teeth. "You can't hold that night against me forever Hinata! I'm trying to be a better man when you yourself have been far too affectionate with that foolish bastard-"
She pushes him out her doors before he can finish, voice swallowed by her piercing look.
"Leave the Hyūga manor by tonight." She orders.
He scoffs at her demand only for Hinata to jab at his foot unleashing a curse and hiss from him.
"Have you forgotten that I'll just switch my engagement to Hanabi should you deny my touch? My body? I'll just-"
"I don't care what Father says and you won't threaten me any longer or get anywhere near my sister if you want to keep your appendages. I won't be forcing myself to deal with your presence any longer." Hinata curtly interrupts him.
Toneri startles at her intensity, realizes then she hasn't just been holed up in her room studying documents.
'What blackmail does she have on me?'
A passing Elder gapes at their argument, Hinata turning to her with a renewed grin.
"Go ahead and spread the word Madam Hikari, you love a good piece of gossip; don't you? Hinata Hyūga and Toneri Otsutsuki are officially broken up. As such, Mr. Otsutsuki's presence is no longer needed in the Hyūga compound as of 9:30 am and he should leave said premises by 5:00 pm this evening."
Naruto & Hinata-Setayuri Inn/Iriwada Forest
"Where you off to at this time of day?" Iruka asks cautiously.
He hasn't eaten lunch yet and he barely touched his breakfast, picking at his natto and miso soup instead of gobbling it down bowl after bowl.
Naruto simply beams in return, goes back to packing a mix of sandwiches, bento boxes, a thermos of soup, canned drinks, and silverware.
'Is this too much? No, I think Hinata can eat more than me sometimes!' He chuckles to himself.
'Okay, so up to no good.' Iruka assumes at seeing his snickering.
He looks him over as he puts on his jacket and brushes invisible dust from his hair and clothes before finally looking back to him.
"Out for a bit! Got a date!"
Iruka's features instantly darken, brows rising.
It's one thing to have his clones moving about the village spreading more information about Uzushiogakure, committing to kind deeds and actions that help people to know he isn't a monster and that the Land of Whirlpools is regrowing, but it's completely another to start trouble with the known noble clans of Konoha.
"You know already that the Hyūga clan's eldest is already spoken for-" He starts only for Naruto to hold up a hand.
"Hinata Hyūga is single. It may not have been announced officially to the public knowing how stuffy the Hyūga can be about keeping up personal appearances. However, it's an open secret that things aren't going well with her and Toneri after the events of the Gala y'know." Naruto relates.
Iruka stiffens at his lighthearted tone, apparently sees no problems with his flirting and whatever else he's been up to with Hinata when he was outside of his view.
He blanches, sits back in his seat as Naruto looks himself over one more time, straightens his appearance and smooths out any wrinkles to his attire.
"Just...be careful Naruto. The Hyūga family is one of Konoha's oldest clans. I don't believe they would be pleased or approve of you courting their daughter despite how things are going with her current relationship with Toneri Otsutsuki."
Naruto nods slowly. "I'm aware and don't worry, my intentions are to show Hinata a life she can have outside of Konoha as my Empress. It's clear from the few conversations we've had that she's stagnated being here under her Father and the Elder's constant rules and restrictions."
Iruka gently grabs at his shoulder before he goes.
"Don't try to rush things Naruto, you'll just end up-"
He pauses, leaves the words dangling in the air.
'Getting yourself hurt again.'
Naruto pries his arm away, shoos him off to review the latest documents Shikamaru's courier sent this morning of interest that some engineers and architects have investigating into building properties within Uzushiogakure.
"I'll be fine, geez! I'm gonna be late, I'll see you for dinner...maybe!"
He slips out the doors before he can give him any more advice, double checks that Gamachan is filled with enough ryo for everything he has planned for this afternoon into evening.
He understands Iruka's worries. His parents used to have the same ones, had the same worries over him even in the days leading up to the Great War, though he'll never get anywhere constantly fretting over what-if's.
"This beast Naruto, though I'm using its power for destruction, perhaps you can find a way to use it for causes outside of war." Kushina determines.
Her eyes skirt towards her stomach.
He's never seen her call on the Nine Tails power, knows the risks of her losing herself to it's call for blood and death.
Naruto shifts uncomfortably as he watches her pack up her bags hastily with a mix of shinobi tools and medicines in preparation for war, hates when they must discuss this topic. Leaving for a land they've barely even visited, helping people who have openly looked at her with disgust.
Only see her as a weapon.
With both the Emperor and Empress prepping to provide aid to Konoha and the Land of Fire, only he is left to watch over Uzushiogakure, ensure what little resources they have don't get taken up by Kumo, Ame, Iwa, or Kiri shinobi.
"And what about ruling the land? I can't...I can't do all of this alone y'know." He dampens while fisting at the ends of his shirt. Violet eyes soften, shaking her head.
Kushina pulls him into a hug, scent of lavender and jasmine calming the drum of his heartbeat in his ears.
"Oh, don't worry about that! Despite what all those girls say, I know my son will find the perfect Empress to keep him in place y'know! Your Dad found me after all, even when I wasn't exactly looking or acting the proper role!"
He steps out into a clear day, sky a pure blue for miles.
'Perfect weather! Great, shouldn't keep Hinata waiting!'
Footsteps race up behind him, turning back to see Iruka rushing forward with the picnic basket.
"Goodness, how do you expect to have your date Naruto if you forget to bring lunch?!"
He nearly smacks at his head.
'Oh, right!'
"Where is he?" Hinata murmurs to herself.
Iriwada Forest goes on for miles, is a maze one can easily get lost in if unprepared for its hidden mangroves, twisting vines, and mud pits. Now that she thinks about it, Naruto didn't provide her with clear directions on where they were supposed to meet.
'The most common entrance one usually takes into the forest coming from Konoha is via the southwest paths.' She decides.
She steps forward only for her vision to go dark, hands coiling around her face pulling her backwards into a familiar scent.
Naruto.
"Ah, I didn't think I was running that late for you to nearly disappear on me!" He chuckles warmly in her ear.
Hinata giggles, slowly moves his hands away to peer up at him.
"I was only going to check the southwest trails to see if that's where you were!" She beams.
She glances to the basket beneath his arms, blinks in surprise when he pulls her with ease to his side, jumping them down beneath the canopies.
Naruto leans them back against cool bark, surrounding trees various shades of jade greens to sunflower yellows.
"Why Iriwada Forest I must ask? Normally when couples want to do a picnic date, they pick a spot near the Naka River or one of the parks near the central marketplace to do Hanami viewing." Hinata asks as she helps Naruto set up the blanket.
Naruto points to Tomagata Falls in the distance, the surrounding dense forestry as wind crackles up the leaves.
"Well for one, it's a lot quieter and private here! Konoha's most popular parks always get crowded no matter the day of the week, plus I've heard foods and spots sell out and get blocked off quick."
Hinata nods, blinks in surprise as she pulls out a box of cinnamon rolls for dessert.
'He remembered.'
She pours out cups of red bean soup while opening two bentos to reveal chicken katsu with onigiri. "I'm surprised you packed vegetables as well knowing how much you picked at and avoided them when we ate at Ichiraku's."
Naruto withers, fiddles with blades of grass. "Err, well I know they're good for you even if they don't taste the best!"
Hinata hums as she reviews each herb. "Next time, I can help show you different recipes to help them taste better. I'm sure different types grow closer to Uzushiogakure that can be mixed or chopped in some way to hide any potential bitterness."
Naruto leans into her then, grins in a way that makes her toes curl.
"Next time, huh? Would you like to visit me in Uzushiogakure? I've heard your sister mention you enjoy planting as well, there's flowers that grow near the whirlpools and rivers in Uzushiogakure you can only find that region."
Hinata covers a smile. "When did you find the time to talk to Hanabi?"
Naruto shrugs. "Since I started preparing for this date!"
She feels her face warm under the renewed intensity of his stare. He's been prepping for this moment maybe since before the Gala to find out her favorite foods and sweets, gauge her interest in actually visiting him at his home nation.
"Yes. I would like to eventually." She admits after a moment.
'What about dealing with Father and Toneri? The Elders? Hanabi?' Her thoughts swirl up before she buries them back down.
Naruto nods, barely covers a whoop of delight.
"I'll arrange it once we find the time to tell your clan!" He decides.
Hinata laughs dryly. "You make it sound so easy when I know Father would be highly displeased by my behavior towards a man who comes from an apparently fallen clan. I'm supposed...I'm supposed to be trying to reconcile with Toneri."
"And yet, you're here with me anyways." Naruto smirks.
Hinata lightly rolls her eyes at his confidence, boldly reaches forward to trace her fingers along his whisker marks, hold his face still.
"I want you. I-I won't regret feeling this way; will I?" She whispers.
Naruto pulls her in the rest of the way brushing their lips together, bentos temporarily forgotten knocked into the grass at their feet.
"You won't; I promise."
Toneri & Hiashi- Hyūga Manor
"You haven't seen Hinata since morning? Why? I thought you two planned for a picnic at one of the nearby parks?" Hiashi questions.
Has nobody seen her since this morning?
Hanabi has been in her room reading or practicing calligraphy, though probably wouldn't give an honest answer on her whereabouts. Lady Natsu maybe saw her exit the garden to head back inside shortly after breakfast.
'Did she use a clone jutsu?' Hiashi considers.
That may not have been the real Hinata she saw.
She isn't in the meditation room or dining halls, frowning at seeing Toneri's stiff posture, avoidant eyes.
'Another argument.' He realizes with a sigh.
It seems nothing he's said or done has been able to persuade his eldest daughter to change her way of thinking towards her fiancé. Hanabi just as volatile around the man at even hearing talks of passing the engagement on to her.
"Hinata said she had other...prior arrangements with friends. I'm sure we can just reschedule to next Sunday or-"
Before he can finish the sound of the main door clicks open, Hinata steps in breezily and Toneri tries and fails not to wrinkle his nose at his scent upon her. He balls up his fists, catches her arm before she can head to her room.
"Dear, where have you been? I'm hoping we can maybe catch an early dinner together?" He suggests.
Hinata pulls from his hold before it can turn bruising. "My apologies, my outing with friends took longer than expected."
Gray eyes narrow taking in her flushed cheeks, what may or may not be love bites along her cream skin. She follows his gaze and brushes leaves and twigs from her hair, but still gives nothing away on where she's been these last few hours.
"You should've mentioned over breakfast you were going out for the day Hinata. You do want to reconcile with Toneri; don't you?" Hiashi inquires.
Toneri reaffirms his grip on her, clenches his teeth. "Yes, I still want us to formally announce our engagement come spring sweetie. Not let petty squabbles and jealousy affect us moving forward."
Hinata blinks, looks from her Father to Toneri before back again at her once husband-to-be's faux grin, straightens.
"Have you told Father yet what I've found out Toneri? That your clan likes to steal the eyes of fellow byakugan users?"
-x-
I'm back from visiting family overseas! Sorry it took me forever to write this next chapter, but now Toneri's getting the boot. Of course, he won't just take this lying down though!
As always, pa-tre-ons get early access to chapters along with bonus content for my stories (like for this chapter) along with my original writings. I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there!
Appreciate any thoughts!
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