CHAPTER 34
Haruki's small hand was wrapped tightly in the gloved one of an ANBU operative as they made their way back to the Hyuuga compound. The mask obscuring the shinobi's face made him look intimidating, and he felt a knot of nervousness twist in his stomach. His earlier curiosity had vanished, replaced by a heavy sense of dread.
The gates of the Hyuuga compound came into view, and the guards stationed there immediately straightened when they recognized the boy with the ANBU. One of them stepped forward. "What's the meaning of this?"
"We caught him near a forbidden area," the ANBU replied curtly, his tone calm but firm. "I'm returning him to his family."
The guard's eyes widened briefly before he nodded to a nearby servant. The servant quickly ran ahead to alert Hthe clan head. As they waited, the weight of the situation pressed heavier on Haruki's small shoulders. He glanced up at the masked shinobi, but the man gave no indication of anger or frustration, just quiet efficiency.
Moments later, Hinata rushed to the gates, her lavender eyes wide with worry.
"Haruki!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both relief and concern. She knelt down immediately, gathering her son into her arms. "Are you alright? What happened?"
The boy clung to his mother, his small body trembling slightly. "I'm okay, Kaa-san," he said softly, his voice tinged with guilt.
The ANBU inclined his head respectfully toward Hinata. "Hyuuga-sama, we found him near the Uchiha compound. He and another child were attempting to approach a restricted area under surveillance."
Hinata's lips parted in shock, and she tightened her hold on Haruki. "I'm so sorry for the trouble. Thank you for bringing him back safely." she said, bowing her head slightly .
"No trouble," the ANBU replied. "But he must stay away from that area. It's not safe."
She nodded, her expression stern. "I understand."
The masked shinobi nodded once more before disappearing in a blur of movement. She pulled back slightly to look at her son, her lavender eyes softening despite her stern tone. "Haruki, what were you thinking? That compound is not a place for children to explore."
Haruki fidgeted, his eyes darting to the floor. "I… I just wanted to see," he mumbled. "Sora said there was someone there."
Her brows furrowed, and she placed her hands gently on his shoulders. "It doesn't matter what Sora said. You know better than to go somewhere dangerous, especially without telling me or your uncle."
His eyes welled up with tears. "I'm sorry, Kaa-san. I won't do it again."
Hinata's stern expression softened, and she pulled him close once more, her hand stroking his dark hair. "I know you're curious, but some places are off-limits for a reason. I just want to keep you safe." She lifted him to his feet. "Let's get you cleaned up," she said softly. "And no more sneaking out. Promise me."
"I promise," Haruki nodded quickly, his small hand gripping hers tightly.
The Hyuuga compound was calm that evening, but Hinata's mind was anything but. She sat in her room, her son curled up beside her, fast asleep after the excitement of the day. His small, even breaths filled the silence, grounding her even as her thoughts drifted to the events that had unfolded earlier.
The ANBU's words lingered in her mind: "We found him near the Uchiha compound."
The Uchiha compound. The mere mention of the name sent a ripple of unease through her. It had been years since anyone had set foot anywhere near that place, and she had no reason to think of it—until now. Her mind raced. Someone was in the compound. Someone important enough to warrant ANBU surveillance. The thought sent a ripple of unease through her.
She gently ran her fingers through Haruki's dark hair, her heart tightening at the thought of how close he had come to danger. She wanted to believe it was just a coincidence that the presence of ANBU in the compound had nothing to do with her. But deep down, a gnawing suspicion had begun to take root.
Could it be him?
Her thoughts drifted to Sasuke. The memories were as vivid as they were bittersweet, their time in the valley, the quiet moments they had shared, and the bond they had forged despite the odds stacked against them.
Her hand trembled slightly as she brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. If Sasuke had returned to Konoha, why hadn't he come to see her? Did he even know about Haruki? Her gaze softened as she looked at her son. Haruki was the spitting image of his father, from his dark hair to the subtle sharpness of his features. Even at his young age, his intensity reminded her so much of Sasuke.
Haruki stirred slightly in his sleep, mumbling something under his breath. She leaned closer, catching the faint words.
"Kaa-san… the man…"
Her heart skipped a beat. The man? Was he talking about the person in the Uchiha compound?
"Haruki," she whispered softly, shaking him gently.
Her son's mismatched eyes blinked open, still heavy with sleep. "Kaa-san?" he murmured.
"Earlier," Hinata said carefully, keeping her tone light. "You mentioned Sora said something about a man. Can you tell me what he said?"
Haruki rubbed his eyes sleepily, trying to remember. "Sora said… his tousan and kaasan are taking care of him," he mumbled.
Her chest tightened. Naruto and Sakura. If they were involved, then this was no ordinary situation.
"Did he say anything else?" she pressed gently.
The boy shook his head, already drifting back to sleep. "Just that he's hiding," he murmured before settling into a quiet slumber.
Hinata sat back, her mind racing. If Naruto and Sakura were tending to someone in the Uchiha compound, it could only mean one thing. It's him. It has to be.
But why would they keep this from her? Did they think she wouldn't want to know? Or was there more to this than she understood?
Her desire to protect Haruki clashed with the growing need to uncover the truth. She knew she couldn't let her curiosity put her son in danger, but she also couldn't ignore the possibility that Sasuke was here, so close yet hidden from her.
The next morning, after ensuring Haruki was safely with Hanabi, Hinata made her way to the Hokage Tower. Her steps were measured, her expression calm, but inside, her heart raced.
When she reached Tsunade's office, she hesitated for a moment before knocking.
"Enter," came the Hokage's voice.
She stepped inside, bowing respectfully. "Hokage-sama."
Tsunade looked up from her desk, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Hinata. What brings you here?"
She clasped her hands in front of her, choosing her words carefully. "I… I wanted to ask about something. It concerns my son."
The hokage's brow furrowed slightly. "Go on."
"He was found near the Uchiha compound yesterday," she began, her voice steady. "The ANBU said there's someone there under their protection."
Tsunade's expression didn't change, but the brief pause before her response told her everything she needed to know.
"Your son is safe now. That's all that matters," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Hinata hesitated, her hands tightening into fists. "Hokage-sama… is it Sasuke?"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed further. "That's classified."
Her heart sank, but she refused to give up. "Please. If it's him, I need to know. Haruki—" She caught herself, taking a deep breath. "He deserves to know if his father is here. I... I deserve to know if he's here."
The older woman's gaze softened slightly, but her tone remained firm. "Hinata, I understand your concern. But I cannot discuss this. For now, focus on your son. He needs you to keep him safe."
She bowed her head, her chest tightening with disappointment. "Yes, Hokage-sama."
Hinata sat by the window in her room, her gaze fixed on the moonlit courtyard outside. The conversation with the Hokage had left her unsettled, and no matter how much she tried, she couldn't shake the unease that had taken root in her heart. If the Hokage had refused to tell her anything, it was likely that Naruto and Sakura wouldn't either. She sighed, clasping her hands in her lap. She respected Tsunade's authority, and she didn't want to go against her orders. But Haruki's words earlier kept echoing in her mind: "His tousan and kaasan are taking care of him."
Her chest tightened as a thought struck her. Could he be injured? Is that why he hasn't seen me yet?
She closed her eyes, her hands coming up to clasp her cheeks. "No," she whispered to herself. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Hinata." She shook her head, trying to push away the growing hope. Sasuke had moved on—hadn't he? He had left. He hadn't waited for her. That much was clear.
But then another thought crept in, unbidden and painful. What if he left because he couldn't bear being alone in that valley anymore?
Hinata's heart ached as memories of their time together in the valley flooded her mind. She had seen him at his most vulnerable, broken by the weight of his past and his struggles to move forward. She knew her decision to leave him had hurt him, just as it had hurt her.
"But I told him to wait for me," she whispered into the quiet room. Her voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions she had buried for so long. Her fingers tightened around the fabric of her robe as doubt crept in. Maybe he wasn't as invested in our relationship as I was. Maybe I thought it meant more to him than it actually did.
Her thoughts turned to her son, who was fast asleep in the bed. Her son was her everything. The idea of Sasuke being in the village filled her with a strange mix of longing and fear. Could he have returned because he learned about Haruki? The possibility sent a chill down her spine. She knew of Sasuke's desire to revive his clan. What if he's here to take my son away from me?
The fear was almost overwhelming. She stood abruptly, pacing the room as she tried to calm herself. But the thought of Sasuke, cold and determined, as he had been in his darker days, trying to claim her son made her chest tighten with panic.
"No," she said aloud, her voice firm. "The Sasuke I knew in the valley isn't like that anymore. He's changed. He wouldn't do that." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. The more she thought about it, the more certain she became. If Sasuke knew about Haruki, he would have done everything in his power to see him by now.
But if he didn't know, what was stopping him from coming to her? Her thoughts raced, pulling her deeper into a spiral of possibilities.
What if something is stopping him? He was under surveillance, but that wouldn't have stopped him.
She paused, pressing her hands to her chest. "Stop overthinking, Hinata," she told herself firmly. "You don't even know if the man in the Uchiha compound is Sasuke."
And yet, deep down, she felt it. The pieces fit too perfectly. Why else would Naruto and Sakura be involved? Why else would the ANBU guard someone in the abandoned Uchiha district?
"Why would they even use the compound if it wasn't him?" she murmured, her voice soft but resolute. Her reflection stared back at her from the glass of the window, pale and tired. She knew she wouldn't find peace until she had answers.
But what could she do? The Hokage's orders had silenced everyone who might have been able to give her the truth. To seek it herself would mean stepping out of line, something she rarely did.
Hinata clenched her fists, her heart torn between respect for authority and her need to know. Her mind kept circling back to the same question, one she couldn't let go of: Is it really him?
She turned abruptly, her resolve hardening as she moved toward her wardrobe. She retrieved a dark cloak, draping it over her shoulders and pulling the hood low to obscure her face. What she was about to do went directly against the Hokage's decision—a line she had never dared to cross before.
She hesitated for a moment, clasping her hands together as if in silent prayer. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama," she murmured. "I promise to reflect on this later… but I can't not know."
Her chest tightened as the weight of her decision settled over her. This wasn't just about her anymore; she was the acting head of the Hyuuga clan. She had a duty to her family, to Haruki, to the village. What she was about to do was reckless, irresponsible even.
But her mind whispered a quiet truth she couldn't ignore.
You've been bound by discipline and duty all your life. For once, follow your heart.
She gently kissed her sleeping son, and with a deep breath, Hinata secured the cloak and slipped quietly into the night.
The village streets were quiet, bathed in the pale glow of the moon. Hinata moved quickly but silently, her every step calculated to avoid drawing attention. Her Byakugan activated as she scanned her surroundings, ensuring no one was watching her.
When she reached the outskirts of the Uchiha compound, she paused, crouching behind the shadows of an old wall. She extended her vision further, focusing on the compound itself.
As she had suspected, ANBU operatives were stationed all around the area. Their chakra signatures flickered like faint flames in the darkness, and their movements were precise and deliberate. The compound was heavily guarded, leaving no obvious way to slip inside undetected.
Hinata pressed a hand to her chest, her heart pounding. She had known it would be like this. The ANBU were elite shinobi, trained to detect even the slightest disturbance. Her chances of getting caught were high.
If I'm caught, what will they do?
She exhaled deeply, steadying herself. "It's now or never," she whispered.
She scanned the area again, searching for a weak point. Her Byakugan allowed her to see the positioning of every guard, their precise movements, and the gaps between their patrols. It wasn't much, but it would have to be enough.
She reached into her pouch and pulled out a small smoke bomb, a tool she rarely used but kept for emergencies. It wasn't enough to fool an ANBU for long, but it might buy her a few precious seconds.
Her hands formed a quick series of seals, suppressing her chakra as much as possible. She crouched low, her body pressed against the cold ground, and threw the smoke bomb into the distance.
A faint pop echoed in the silence, followed by a cloud of thick smoke that billowed into the air. As expected, the ANBU reacted immediately. Two operatives darted toward the source of the disturbance, their movements swift and methodical.
Hinata seized the moment, slipping through the shadows toward the compound. Her steps were light, her breathing steady, her Byakugan scanning every corner for additional guards.
Her heart pounded as she approached the house she suspected was the center of the operation. The faint flicker of light from within confirmed her suspicions.
Hinata crouched near the edge of the house, her Byakugan activated as she scanned the interior. What she saw made her breath hitch. With a quiet exhale, she deactivated her Byakugan.
A man with dark hair sat at the table, his back to her, his posture tense despite the bandages wrapped around his arms and torso. Suddenly, he turned slightly. His face was partially obscured by his hair, but the sharpness of his features, the way he carried himself—it was unmistakable.
It's him.
Her chest tightened as a flood of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Relief, longing, fear—they all swirled within her, making it hard to think clearly. But before she could process everything, she caught the faintest flicker of movement. Her Byakugan activated, an ANBU operative had returned, their chakra signature moving swiftly toward her position.
I need to leave. Now.
Her hands trembled as she tore her gaze away from Sasuke. She slipped back into the shadows, retreating as quickly and silently as she could. Her heart pounded with every step, the fear of being caught driving her forward.
By the time Hinata returned to the safety of her room, her hands were trembling. She leaned against the wall, pulling the hood of her cloak back and taking a deep, steadying breath.
She had seen him. Sasuke was alive. He was here.
She pressed a hand to her chest, emotion swelling inside her. A quiet sob escaped her lips, and she bit down on the sound, tears slipping silently down her cheeks.
Sasuke sat at the table in the dimly lit room, his gaze fixed on the wall. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint creak of the old wood beneath him and the occasional whisper of the wind outside. The room felt suffocating, a constant reminder of how far he had fallen.
His hands rested on the table, his fingers absently tracing the edge of the wood. He wasn't sure how long he'd been sitting there, lost in thought, when the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.
He stiffened, his senses sharpening instinctively. It wasn't the presence of danger—he knew that much. The ANBU stationed outside would ensure that no threat made it near him. This was something different.
Something… familiar.
His eyes narrowed as he turned his head slightly, focusing on the direction that had drawn his attention. It was faint, like a ripple in the air that only he could feel.
Hinata.
The realization hit him like a jolt of electricity. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor as he pushed it back.
She was here.
He couldn't see her, and he couldn't sense her chakra, but something deep within him knew. The air felt different, charged with the faintest whisper of her presence.
Sasuke's heart pounded as he moved toward the window, his dark eyes scanning the darkness beyond. There was nothing there—no movement, no shadow, no sign of anyone. And yet, he couldn't shake the certainty that she had been there.
His instincts, honed by years of survival and battle, were rarely wrong.
He stepped away from the window, his movements deliberate as he headed toward the door. His hand brushed against the wall for balance, his body still weak from his injuries, but his resolve was firm.
She was here. He had to see her.
He pushed open the door, the night air rushing to meet him. The compound was quiet, the ANBU hidden in their posts, their presence barely perceptible.
He walked a few steps, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the direction that had called to him. But just as quickly as it had appeared, the feeling vanished—like a candle snuffed out by the wind.
He froze, his gaze darting around as he tried to recapture that fleeting sense of her. But there was nothing.
It was gone, leaving behind only the emptiness he had grown so accustomed to.
Sasuke clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as frustration welled up within him. No, he thought. It was her. I know it was her.
He turned his head toward the darkness one last time, his chest tightening. If Hinata had been here, why would she leave so suddenly? Why hadn't she come to see him?
Sasuke took a deep breath, his hands relaxing at his sides. He stepped back toward the house, the faint flicker of hope settling into a cold ache in his chest. If she was here, she had her reasons for leaving.
But the thought of her—so close, yet still out of reach—left him restless.
He stepped back into the house, closing the door behind him. The room felt colder now, emptier. He sat back at the table, his eyes once again staring into the void.
"Hinata," he murmured under his breath, the name a quiet prayer in the silence.
The room was quiet except for the faint rustle of bandages as Sakura worked on changing Sasuke's dressings. The air was tinged with the faint, sterile scent of medicinal salves, and the only light came from a small oil lamp on the table.
Naruto leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed and a lopsided grin on his face as he spoke.
"Man, you wouldn't believe the drama," he said, his voice animated despite Sasuke's obvious lack of interest. "Shikamaru finally tied the knot with Temari. Took him long enough, right? I mean, he's all smart and stuff, but when it comes to girls—"
"Stay still," Sakura interrupted, her tone firm as she tightened a bandage around Sasuke's shoulder.
Sasuke didn't flinch, his dark eyes fixed on the opposite wall as the blond continued.
"Anyway," Naruto went on, "Ino and Sai are doing well. She's got their little boy running around the flower shop like it's his own personal playground. And Kiba—well, he's still Kiba, causing trouble and complaining about how no one takes him seriously—"
"What about Hinata?" he interrupted suddenly, his voice calm but cutting through Naruto's chatter like a blade.
The room fell into a tense silence. Sakura's hands paused mid-motion, and Naruto's grin faltered as his bright blue eyes darted toward Sasuke.
"What?" Naruto asked, scratching the back of his neck. "Why are you asking about Hinata all of a sudden?"
His expression didn't change, but his sharp gaze shifted to Naruto. "You've been telling me about everyone else. Why not her?"
The blond shinobi hesitated, glancing at Sakura, who quickly busied herself with the bandages again, her movements more hurried than before.
Sasuke's lips curled into a dry smirk. "Let me guess. You're hesitating because she's getting married. Or has she already married?"
Naruto's head snapped up, his expression caught between surprise and guilt. "What—no! That's not—"
"She's not married," Sakura interjected quickly, cutting off her husband before he could stumble further.
Naruto let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah, not married," he said, his voice slightly strained. "Why would you even think that?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading as he leaned back slightly. "Because you're both terrible at hiding things," he said flatly. "So, if she's not married, then what?"
Sakura kept her eyes on her work, her voice quieter now. "She's… she's busy with the Hyuuga clan. Acting as the head while Hanabi transitions into the role fully."
Naruto nodded quickly. "Yeah, she's doing great! She's been handling all kinds of responsibilities, running the clan like a pro."
Sasuke's gaze didn't waver. "And her son?"
Naruto froze again, his face paling slightly.
Sakura stiffened, her hands faltering as she finished securing the last bandage.
His eyes narrowed. "What's his name?"
Naruto exchanged a panicked glance with Sakura, and for a moment, the room was silent except for the faint creak of the floorboards as Naruto shifted uncomfortably.
"Sasuke," Sakura said gently, her tone cautious. "Why are you asking all these questions?"
"Because I felt her," he said bluntly. His voice was calm, but his words carried weight. "Last night. She was here, outside this house."
Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "What? You—she—"
"She didn't come inside," he continued, ignoring Naruto's stammering. "But I know it was her. And now you're both acting suspicious, like there's something you're not telling me."
Naruto opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Sakura's lips pressed into a thin line as she busied herself with cleaning up the medical supplies.
Sasuke's smirk returned, but this time it was colder, more bitter. "I see," he said quietly. "You've decided I don't deserve to know."
"Sasuke, it's not like that—" Naruto began, but he cut him off with a sharp look.
"It doesn't matter," he said, his voice emotionless. He turned his head away, signaling that the conversation was over.
The two exchanged a worried glance, but neither of them spoke.
The walk back to the village from the Uchiha compound was quiet at first. Naruto had his hands stuffed in his pockets, his usual cheerful energy dulled by the weight of the earlier conversation. Sakura walked beside him, her arms crossed, her brows furrowed in thought.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Do you think Sasuke still has feelings for Hinata?"
Sakura glanced at him, her expression softening. "It's possible," she said carefully. "Or maybe he's just curious. After all, it's been years."
He frowned, kicking at a loose stone on the dirt path. "Then why did he leave the house?" he asked. "Why didn't he wait for her like she told him to?"
Sakura sighed, adjusting the strap of the medical bag slung over her shoulder. "Naruto, you told me yourself—the valley was too far from people. That's why you decided to get Hinata out of there. You thought she didn't belong in a place like that."
He nodded slowly, the familiar guilt rising in his chest. "I thought I was doing the right thing," he muttered. "They shouldn't live like that—so isolated."
She reached out and placed a gentle hand on his arm, stopping him mid-step. Her green eyes met his, filled with quiet understanding. "Naruto," she said softly, "what makes you think Sasuke could handle being alone there? Maybe that place was too much for him, too."
He blinked, the thought striking him like a lightning bolt. He had never considered it that way. "You think that's why he left?"
She nodded. "I bet he was losing his mind. Being alone for so long, surrounded by memories of her but without her? It must have been unbearable."
Naruto's gaze dropped to the ground, his fists clenching. "I didn't mean to ruin things for them. I just… I thought Hinata deserved better. She's always been so kind, so selfless. I couldn't let her waste away in some forgotten place."
"I know," Sakura said, squeezing his arm gently. "You did what you thought was best for her. Even though it broke them apart, you were trying to protect her."
Her words soothed some of the guilt, but only a little. "Maybe they were happy there," Naruto said quietly.
"Maybe," she admitted. "But we've had this conversation before, Naruto. Hinata is thriving now. She's the acting head of the Hyuuga clan. She has Haruki. She's doing well."
Naruto nodded, though his shoulders remained tense. "But Sasuke deserves to know, Sakura. About her. About Haruki. Everything. I owe it to them to at least let them meet."
Sakura smiled softly, stepping closer and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. "That's what I'm talking about," she said.
His face brightened slightly, and he gave her a small grin. "I'll talk to Baachan," he said, his determination growing. "I'll get her to agree."
The morning sun cast its warm glow over Konoha as Naruto made his way to the Hokage Tower. The village was just starting to stir, but Naruto's focus was singular—he needed to speak with the Hokage.
He reached the tower quickly, his footsteps echoing in the quiet halls as he made his way to her office. Without hesitation, he knocked firmly on the door.
"Enter," came Tsunade's familiar, no-nonsense voice.
He pushed the door open, stepping inside. The hokage was seated at her desk, already immersed in paperwork. She glanced up, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Naruto," she said, leaning back in her chair. "What is it this early in the morning?"
He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "I need to talk to you about Sasuke," he said finally, his voice steady.
Her expression hardened slightly. "What about him?"
Naruto stepped closer, his hands clenched at his sides. "He deserves to know about Hinata. And Haruki. He's been through enough, and so has Hinata. Keeping them apart isn't helping anyone."
Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. "Naruto, Sasuke has done a lot of misdeeds. It's not easy to just accept him back into the fold like that. Do you think people can forget what he's done?"
He frowned, his fists tightening. "I know he messed up," he said, his voice firm. "But he helped during the war. He fought alongside us to save this world. That has to count for something."
"It does," she replied evenly. "But it doesn't erase the pain he caused, or the trust he broke. People don't just forget, Naruto."
"People change," Naruto countered, his voice rising slightly. "I know Sasuke. He's not the same guy he was back then. I've seen him, talked to him. He's trying."
The hokage narrowed her eyes, her expression thoughtful but unyielding. "Your word isn't enough, Naruto," she said firmly. "If Sasuke wants to change or has changed, I need to hear it directly from him. Words are easy. I need to see it for myself."
Naruto hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment. He knew Sasuke wasn't the type to plead his case, especially to someone like the Hokage. But this was a step he needed to take if he wanted to set things right.
"And what about Hinata?" she asked pointedly. "Do you think she's ready for this? Seeing him again after all these years? Opening up wounds that might not have healed yet?"
He looked up, his mind flashing to Hinata's quiet strength and the way she had rebuilt her life. "She's strong," he said finally. "Stronger than people give her credit for. And she deserves the chance to decide for herself."
Tsunade leaned forward, her elbows resting on the desk as she regarded him thoughtfully. "This isn't just about what's fair, Naruto. It's about what's best for everyone involved. Are you absolutely sure this is the right thing to do?"
Naruto met her gaze head-on. "I am. Keeping the truth from them isn't right. They both deserve the chance to decide what comes next."
She sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're impossible, you know that?"
He smiled faintly, his confidence unwavering. "I know you wouldn't have me any other way."
Tsunade watched him carefully before letting out a heavy sigh. "Fine," she said finally. "I'll permit them to meet—but only if both of them agree to it. And it will be under strict supervision."
Naruto's head shot up, his expression brightening. "Really? Thank you, Tsunade-baachan!"
"Don't thank me yet," she said sharply. "If anything goes wrong, it's on you. Understand?"
Naruto nodded earnestly. "Got it. Nothing will go wrong, I promise."
She gave him a long, hard look before turning back to her paperwork. "You'd better hope so," she muttered.
Naruto stepped out of the Hokage's office, his face lit up with excitement. The heavy tension that had followed him into the meeting was gone, replaced by hope and determination. As he closed the door behind him, he spotted Sakura leaning against the wall, waiting for him.
Her arms were crossed casually, but the moment she saw him, her expression brightened. "So? How did it go?" she asked, straightening up.
He grinned and strode toward her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off the ground in one smooth motion. He twirled her around, causing her to yelp in surprise before laughter bubbled out of her.
"Put me down, you idiot!" Sakura said, though her smile didn't fade.
Naruto finally set her down, his grin widening. "She agreed!"
Sakura blinked in surprise. "She did?"
"Yep," he said proudly. "She said they can meet—under strict supervision, of course, and only if they both agree. But that's enough!"
She exhaled in relief. "Well, that's better than I expected."
He nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement. "I'll tell Sasuke. You tell Hinata, okay?"
Sakura smiled, reaching out to touch his arm. "Alright. I'll talk to Hinata. I have to pick up Sora anyway. That kid's practically living at the Hyuuga compound these days."
Naruto laughed. "Yeah, I swear he spends more time with Haruki than at home. Maybe they're planning world domination or something."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her fond smile. "I'd better go get him before they get into more trouble."
He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good luck with Hinata. Let me know how it goes."
"You too," Sakura replied. "And don't push Sasuke too hard. You know how he is."
Naruto gave her a mock salute before heading off, his thoughts already turning to how he would break the news to Sasuke.
Hinata sat across from Hanabi, their conversation focused on the final details of Hanabi's wedding preparations.
"Everything seems to be coming together," Hanabi said with a satisfied sigh, running a hand through her dark hair. "I just need to finalize the guest list and the seating arrangements."
Hinata smiled warmly, reaching out to squeeze her sister's hand. "You're doing wonderfully, Hanabi. I'm sure the ceremony will be perfect."
Hanabi smirked playfully. "Of course it will be. I learned from the best." She stood up, brushing imaginary dust from her robes. "I'll let you get back to your work," she said. "Thanks for helping me, Neesan."
She smiled, watching her sister leave the room. But as the door clicked shut behind her, Hinata's thoughts began to drift.
Her mind wandered back to the night before when she saw a fleeting glimpse of Sasuke in the Uchiha compound. She could still feel the weight of his presence, the undeniable certainty that it had been him.
What should I do next? she wondered, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. Should she go back to the compound? Try to speak with him? Or should she wait, respecting the boundaries that had kept them apart for so long?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," she called, her voice steady despite the turbulence in her mind.
The door opened slowly, and Sakura's head peeked in.
"Am I disturbing you?" Sakura asked, her tone light but her expression careful.
Hinata stood, her smile warm. "Not at all," she replied. "Come in."
Sakura stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"Are you here to pick up Sora?" She asked, her voice brightening. "Neji-niisan had them the last time I checked." She laughed softly, imagining the two boys undoubtedly causing some sort of mischief.
But her laughter faded as she noticed the faint tension in Sakura's smile.
"Is something wrong?" Hinata asked, her brow furrowing with concern.
Sakura hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I need to talk to you about something," she said carefully.
She tilted her head, her expression inviting yet cautious. "Of course," she said.
Sakura took a deep breath, her green eyes meeting Hinata's lavender ones. "It's about Sasuke. He's… he's in the Uchiha compound."
Hinata's breath hitched slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "I know," she admitted softly.
Sakura blinked in surprise, then nodded slowly. "I thought you might." She hesitated before continuing, her voice gentle. "He said he felt you there the other night."
Her eyes widened slightly, her cheeks coloring faintly. "He… he did?"
Sakura smiled faintly. "You're not as invisible as you think, Hinata."
They stood in silence for a moment before Sakura stepped closer, her expression softening. "Hinata," she began gently, "do you want to meet him?"
For a moment, silence filled the room. Hinata's fingers trembled slightly as she gripped the fabric of her robe. The memories of the valley, of Sasuke's presence, his quiet strength, and the way he had changed during their time together—all of it came rushing back.
Her lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes," she said, her pale lavender eyes meeting Sakura's emerald eyes.
Sakura smiled gently, her expression understanding. "Alright," she said, giving Hinata's arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'll let Naruto know."
Hinata nodded, her chest tightening with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The decision was made.
"I'll go find Sora now," she added, her voice lightening. "Who knows what trouble he and Haruki are getting into."
As Sakura left, Hinata remained standing, her mind swirling with thoughts of what was to come. The possibility of seeing Sasuke again loomed large in her mind, the barriers she had built around her heart began to crack.
A/N: I never meant to leave you hanging in the last chapter, I was actually planning to post 2 chapters today after fixing the errors here. But, well, I think I've made this even more of a cliffhanger, lol. I'll see you in the next chapter. Ja!