Hinata of the White Lotus

Visitors

The city of Higaoka glimmered like an oasis in the heart of the Land of Fire's dense woodlands. It was unlike anything Hinata had ever seen before, a hub of glitz and excess in stark contrast to the humble, earthy villages she was accustomed to. The streets were paved with polished stone that reflected the light of countless lanterns, their warm glow casting intricate patterns on the cobblestones. A soft hum of energy pulsed through the air, a mixture of distant music, laughter, and the clinking of coins that seemed to reverberate from every corner.

Elegant wooden buildings with gilded roofs lined the main thoroughfare, their façades adorned with bright, flickering signs advertising everything from high-stakes gambling dens to opulent bathhouses. The streets were crowded despite the late hour, filled with a mix of wealthy merchants in fine silks, Shinobi from various walks of life, and entertainers dressed in dazzling costumes. Higaoka was clearly a place meant to cater to those with deep pockets, its decadent atmosphere clashing with the modest travelers who only passed through out of necessity.

For Hinata and her team, the city was overwhelming. As they weaved through the throngs of people, it became clear that they were out of place. Hinata clutched her pack tightly to her chest, her eyes darting nervously between the flashing signs and the curious gazes of strangers who clearly found her and her companions intriguing.

Naruto, for his part, seemed to be both fascinated and out of his depth. His wide eyes darted from one bright sign to the next, his face a mixture of wonder and discomfort. "This place is nuts!" he muttered, leaning closer to Kiba. "Are we sure this is even in the Land of Fire?"

Kiba, always eager to match Naruto's energy, chuckled. "No kidding. Look at that guy—he just threw a stack of ryo like it was nothing!" He pointed toward a finely dressed man at a dice table, a geisha perched on either side of him as he shouted in triumph. Akamaru growled softly, perhaps feeling the same tension Hinata did. This wasn't a place for them, and they all knew it.

Shino, ever composed, adjusted his glasses as they passed a particularly rowdy tavern, the din of drunken singing spilling out into the street. "Higaoka thrives on indulgence and distraction," he observed. "Its prosperity depends on separating people from their money. We should remain cautious."

Hinata nodded in agreement, though her attention was drawn to a small group of Shinobi in flak jackets standing just outside a gaudy casino. They weren't from Konoha—that much she could tell from their foreign insignia—but they didn't seem hostile. Even so, the sight of them sent a ripple of anxiety through her chest. This was supposed to be home turf, yet she felt anything but secure.

"Let's get to the hotel quickly," Hinata said softly, though her tone left no room for argument. She tightened her grip on her pack and led the way down a quieter side street, away from the blinding lights and cacophony of the main road.

The hotel they found was a sharp contrast to the lavish resorts and ornate inns that dominated the city. Nestled in a quieter, less ostentatious corner of Higaoka, it was clearly meant for budget travelers. The building was modest in size, with peeling paint on its wooden walls and a faded sign hanging lopsidedly above the entrance. The proprietor, a tired-looking man in his late fifties, barely glanced up from his desk as they checked in, muttering something about payment in advance.

The room they were assigned was cramped but clean, with paper-thin walls and a single tatami mat that served as seating in the middle of the floor. The faint scent of sake lingered in the air, and the only light came from a dim lantern in the corner. Still, it was a relief to be away from the noise and excess of the city outside.

Naruto flopped onto one of the futons with a groan. "Man, this place is crazy. I've never seen anything like it," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "How do people live in a place like this?"

"They're probably used to it," Kiba replied, sitting cross-legged next to Akamaru, who had already curled up to sleep. "I'd lose my mind if I had to stay here longer than a night, though. Too many weirdos."

Shino had taken a seat by the wall, adjusting his glasses as he studied the scroll Hinata had unrolled in front of them. "Higaoka is a distraction," he said, his tone measured. "It exists to cater to those seeking escape, whether from their responsibilities or themselves. We have a mission to focus on. This is merely a stopping point."

Hinata nodded, though she felt a pang of guilt as she glanced down at the scroll. She had led them here, chosen this city for its convenience rather than its suitability, and now she worried it had been the wrong decision. The chaotic energy of Higaoka was a stark reminder of how different this world was from the quiet life she had always known.

Still, she forced herself to focus. Sitting in a circle with her team, she carefully traced her fingers over the parchment, her voice steady as she began to explain the details of their mission. The Moonfire Blossom, the volcanic island, the ritual—it all felt daunting, but as she looked around the room at her teammates, she felt a small flicker of confidence.

This was her team. They trusted her. And no matter how out of place she felt in Higaoka, she couldn't let them down.

Kiba leaned back against the wall, his legs sprawled out with a snoring Akamaru draped across his lap. He gave the scroll a sideways glance, his curiosity finally bubbling over. "So, what's the deal with this thing, anyway?" he asked, gesturing at the aged document with a tilt of his head. "Why does your clan even have something like this lying around?"

Hinata hesitated, her fingers brushing the edges of the scroll as she searched for a careful answer. The truth—the reincarnation of Kali and the scroll's connection to her past lives—was something she couldn't reveal. Even to her team. "It's… an old document from one of my Hyūga ancestors," she said softly, technically telling the truth. "Our clan keeps records of ancient techniques and lore. This is just one of many."

"That makes sense," Shino interjected, his tone thoughtful. "The Hyūga clan is one of Konoha's oldest and most distinguished. Their history dates back far beyond the founding of the Hidden Leaf, perhaps even to the era of the Sage of Six Paths. It wouldn't be surprising for them to have information about something like the Sword of Kusanagi."

Naruto chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the wall. "You? Talking about old legends? Thought you were all about logic and facts, Shino. Not bedtime stories."

Shino's glasses glinted in the lantern light as he turned his head slightly toward Naruto. "The existence of the Sword of Kusanagi is a fact, as is its poison. That fact is why Kurenai-sensei is lying in a hospital bed. Dismissing the truth because it resembles a legend is… shortsighted."

Naruto raised his hands in a placating gesture, sensing Shino's irritation. "Alright, alright, no need to get worked up." His tone softened as he added, "I'm just saying, it's crazy to think stuff like that is real."

Hinata cleared her throat gently, drawing their attention back to the scroll. "The Moonfire Blossom is very real too," she began, unrolling the parchment and pointing to an intricate illustration of a delicate, glowing flower. "It only blooms under the light of a full moon, and only in the mouth of a single volcano. According to the scroll, it was once considered the key ingredient in creating an elixir of immortality."

"Wait." Kiba sat up straighter, his usual boisterous energy returning. "Are you telling me we're gonna make Kurenai-sensei immortal?"

Hinata bit her lip to keep from laughing, shaking her head. "No, nothing like that," she explained. "The flower has a unique property. It causes chakra to burn hot enough to vaporize any foreign substance in the body, including poisons. That's why it can counteract even the venom of the Sword of Kusanagi."

Naruto tilted his head, frowning slightly. "If it's so amazing, why isn't everyone going after it? You'd think people would be fighting over something that valuable."

"It's likely that most people believe it's just a myth," Shino said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. "Even if someone did stumble upon the flower's location, the conditions for its bloom are so specific that finding it would be nearly impossible. How many people wander into a volcano during a full moon, knowing exactly what they're looking for?"

"The Hokage told me others have searched for it before," Hinata added, her expression growing serious. She refrained from mentioning that one of those people had been Orochimaru. "But I think this scroll might be one of the only records of the flower that still exists."

Kiba frowned, running a hand through his messy hair. "That's kinda bad, isn't it? I mean, if we're the only ones who know about where this flower is, doesn't that put a giant target on our backs? Someone could, like, torture us for this information."

"Then don't talk about it," Shino said bluntly, adjusting his glasses.

Hinata nodded, but Kiba's words struck a chord. They couldn't risk this information falling into the wrong hands. Not only did they need to complete their mission, but they had to ensure no one else learned about the flower's location. "We should only take what we need," she said firmly. "If we don't leave any proof behind, no one can use this knowledge against us."

Her teammates murmured their agreement, and she shifted her attention to the map she had spread out on the floor beside the scroll. She traced her finger along the coastline, stopping at a small island marked just off the shore. "Based on the shape of the island in the scroll, I think this is our destination—Toyama Island. The nearest port is here, at Kōtō City." She moved her finger to their current location, her brow furrowing slightly. "If we maintain today's pace, we should reach the port within five days."

"Assuming nothing slows us down," Kiba pointed out, his tone cautious. "You never know what'll happen out here."

Naruto shrugged, leaning back on his hands. "If we make it early, we can just train while we wait for the full moon. No big deal."

"And gather information about the volcano," Shino added. "We'll need to be prepared for its conditions if we're to search it thoroughly."

Hinata looked around at her team, her chest swelling with quiet pride. They trusted her, and their contributions eased the weight on her shoulders. This wasn't a burden she had to carry alone. They were all in this together, and for the first time, she felt like she could truly do this.

"There is one other thing we need to think about," Hinata said, carefully putting the map away and unfolding a new section of the scroll. Her fingers traced a list of ingredients written in neat, ancient handwriting. "The remedy has to be made immediately after plucking the flower, or it will lose its effects. That means we'll need to bring all the ingredients to the island." She pointed at a list of herbs and minerals that would be needed to draw out the flower's full potency.

"It looks like a standard list of medical ingredients," Shino said, scanning the scroll with his usual analytical gaze. "Most of these should be available in a well-stocked shop or apothecary. It would be wise to secure what we can now."

"I agree," Hinata said. She glanced up at the room's modest clock, noting how late it was getting. "I'm thinking of going out to get them now. If I leave soon, I might still make it before the shops close."

Kiba's ears perked up. His eyes flickered between Hinata and Naruto, and then, with a casual stretch, he threw out his suggestion. "Naruto, why don't you go with her? You can help carry the bags. Oh, and while you're at it, pick us up some cola." He grinned, slouching back onto the floor and cradling Akamaru like a conspirator in crime. "We still gotta celebrate Hinata's promotion, right?"

"Ehhh…" Naruto scratched his head, clearly uncertain. "I don't know anything about plants, though. What if I grab the wrong stuff or something? Not gonna lie, I'd probably just mess it up."

"You don't need to know about plants," Shino said, his tone calm and calculated. Behind his dark glasses, it was hard to tell, but there was the faintest hint of a smirk in his posture. "Hinata can handle that part. Your job is simpler—carry the bags and make sure she doesn't get harassed by any overzealous patrons who've had a little too much to drink."

Naruto perked up at that, chest puffing slightly. "Oh yeah? Bodyguard duty, huh? That I can do!"

"And it wouldn't hurt for you to pick up some snacks," Kiba added, smirking as he leaned back against the wall. "Make yourself useful, ya know? Like I said, cola for the celebration." He shot Shino a quick side glance, his expression positively wicked.

Naruto, oblivious to the deeper layers of their banter, nodded enthusiastically. "Alright, sounds good! Let's go, Hinata!" He was already halfway to the door, not noticing that Hinata hadn't moved at all.

Hinata, on the other hand, felt as though the temperature in the room had just skyrocketed. Her face burned, and she instinctively ducked her head, wishing she could disappear. She knew exactly what Kiba was doing, and the weight of Shino's silence only confirmed it. They were setting her up, plain and simple. Why now, of all times?

"Go on, Hinata," Shino urged, nudging her with a tone that brooked no argument. "Naruto may not notice, but Kurenai-sensei would want you to enjoy yourself, even briefly. You've been holding yourself responsible long enough."

"B-But Kurenai-sensei is—" Hinata tried to object, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"For now, she's out of our hands," Shino interrupted smoothly. "We cannot travel any farther today. This is your moment to step away from the weight you're carrying. It would do you good. And Naruto's presence ensures you won't be alone."

Kiba, ever the opportunist, added his own flair. "Yeah, think of it as a break from all that serious Chūnin stuff! Besides, how else are we gonna get our cola?"

Hinata stammered, unable to refute them. They weren't wrong, not exactly. Kurenai-sensei was in Konoha, far beyond her reach at the moment. The mission couldn't proceed until morning, and it wasn't as if she had anything else pressing to do right now. The truth was, though, she was terrified. Being alone with Naruto? Outside? In a place like this? Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest.

"Hinata?" Naruto's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. He stood at the door now, pulling on his sandals. His bright, curious expression tilted slightly as he realized she was still sitting. "You ready to go?"

"O-Okay!" Hinata yelped, jumping to her feet. She fumbled for her sandals, her hands trembling as she bent down to slip them on. She didn't dare look up, certain her face was bright red. Shino and Kiba exchanged knowing glances, and Kiba had the gall to stifle a snicker. Shino, though more subtle, gave her a small, encouraging nod.

Naruto, oblivious to the unspoken conversation in the room, waited patiently. When Hinata finally joined him, they set out together, leaving Kiba and Shino behind to their own devices.

The last thing Hinata heard before the door closed was Kiba's muffled laugh and Shino's quiet, "She'll thank us later."

"Where to first?" Naruto asked, his voice as casual as ever, completely oblivious to the way Hinata was struggling to steady her heartbeat.

"Right…" Hinata stumbled over her words, her mind racing to organize her thoughts. "Let's… let's go get the ingredients for the elixir first. That shop might close soon." She glanced away, feeling the heat on her cheeks. Why was this so much harder now? She had spoken to him just fine earlier. It wasn't as though she didn't know him. Wasn't it because she was being too conscious of things now? If so, she just needed to stop overthinking it.

Of course, that was easier said than done.

They walked side by side through the bustling streets of Higaoka City, a world that felt entirely unlike Konoha. Bright, neon-colored signs adorned every building, flashing with electric urgency. The laughter and shouting of patrons echoed from open doorways, the air thick with smells of sizzling food and expensive perfumes. Women in elaborate, glittering attire enticed customers into nightclubs, while men in finely tailored suits loitered outside casinos, their voices mingling with the jingle of slot machines.

Hinata felt out of place among the chaos, her practical Shinobi attire and quiet demeanor making her stand out even more. She noticed Naruto looking around too, his head swiveling like an excited tourist. But he didn't seem uncomfortable—just curious.

"Thanks again for picking me to tag along on the mission," Naruto said, breaking the silence. His voice was light, but there was an undertone of gratitude that Hinata immediately picked up on.

"No… I should thank you for agreeing to come." She twirled a strand of her hair, glancing down at the uneven cobblestones beneath their feet. "I'm glad to have you with us." Her voice wavered, and she could feel her blush spreading again.

Naruto nodded absentmindedly, his gaze wandering to a flashing billboard advertising a high-stakes poker tournament. Then, without warning, he asked, "Is your team always like that?"

Hinata blinked, startled by the question. "Like what?" she asked, forcing herself to look up. Naruto wasn't looking at her, though. His expression was pensive as he stared straight ahead, hands shoved into his jacket pockets.

"I don't mean in a bad way…" Naruto hesitated, searching for the right words. "Just… you three get along so well. It's really different from how things are with me, Sakura-chan, and Sasuke. Y'know?"

Hinata's heart ached as she watched him wrestle with the thought. She had always been an outsider to his team's dynamic, but she'd heard plenty of stories. She knew of Naruto's unshakable crush on Sakura, of her near-obsessive admiration for Sasuke, and of Sasuke's indifference to everyone. It wasn't just complicated—it was downright heartbreaking, especially for Naruto. He cared so deeply for them, but it seemed like there was always a barrier between them.

"Your team…" Hinata hesitated, then spoke softly. "It's unique in its own way. I don't think I could ever handle the kind of dynamic you have."

Naruto chuckled, though there was a trace of bitterness in his voice. "Yeah, it's not exactly a dream team. Sakura-chan spends most of her time scolding me or fawning over Sasuke, and Sasuke… Well, he's Sasuke. Always so cool, so perfect. It's like I'm just the odd one out."

"That's not true," Hinata said quickly, her voice stronger than she expected. "You're the glue that holds your team together. Without you, they wouldn't function."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, his grin a little sheepish. "Maybe. Kakashi-sensei says that sometimes too. Says I'm the heart of the team. But it's hard to feel that way when Sasuke's the one everyone looks up to." His voice dipped, and for a moment, Hinata caught a glimpse of the deep insecurities he so rarely showed.

"Kakashi-sensei is very wise," she said gently. "If he sees something special in you, then it's there."

Naruto blinked at her, then gave her a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Hinata."

Encouraged by the moment, she decided to take a leap. "Do you… still like Sakura-san?" The question left her lips before she could stop it, and she immediately regretted it. Her hands fidgeted nervously, and she refused to look at his face.

"Huh?" Naruto seemed startled, stopping mid-step to turn and face her. "Where'd that come from?"

"I was just curious." Her voice was barely above a whisper. She wished she could disappear into the ground.

Naruto tilted his head, as if contemplating how to answer. Then, to her surprise, he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret. "Can I tell you something I've never told anyone?"

Hinata froze, her heart pounding in her chest. She nodded quickly, her curiosity outweighing her fear.

Naruto hesitated, then scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Thing is… it was never really about Sakura-chan. I mean, don't get me wrong, she's great. Smart, strong, talented. But…" He trailed off, his brow furrowing as he searched for the right words. "I think it was more about Sasuke. Watching her chase after him just made me jealous. Not of her, but of him. It was like… one more way he was better than me."

Hinata's eyes widened. She hadn't expected such honesty. Naruto's rivalry with Sasuke had always seemed so straightforward—one-sided but competitive. To think his crush on Sakura was tied to that rivalry made her heart ache for him even more.

"So… you never really liked her that way?" she asked tentatively, hope fluttering in her chest.

Naruto shrugged, his grin a little sheepish. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. I don't know. All that romance stuff… it's kinda complicated, y'know?" He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Hinata's heart soared and sank all at once. His feelings for Sakura might not have been as deep as she'd thought, but his words made it clear he hadn't even considered looking at anyone else. Still, his openness felt like a small step forward.

"I never realized…" she murmured, her voice tinged with awe. For all the time she had spent admiring him, there was still so much about him she didn't know.

"Eh, don't worry about it," Naruto said, flashing her a grin that made her stomach flip. "Honestly, it felt kinda good talking about it. Watching how you, Kiba, and Shino work together made me realize maybe I've been doing this team thing all wrong. Maybe I need to stop worrying so much about competing with Sasuke and start focusing on what I can do better."

Hinata felt her cheeks flush as she looked at him, admiration shining in her eyes. "You're incredible, Naruto-kun."

He blinked, then laughed. "Me? You're the one wearing a Chūnin vest! You're strong as hell, Hinata. I'm lucky to have you as my captain for this mission."

Hinata felt the heat in her face intensify, but she couldn't help but smile. Naruto's words carried the same unwavering belief he always showed, the same belief that had inspired her time and time again.

As they continued walking, the bustling lights of Higaoka seemed a little brighter, and the noise of the crowd faded into the background. For a brief moment, Hinata felt like she could conquer anything.

The shop she was looking for was tucked between two larger establishments—a narrow, unassuming wooden building with faded kanji painted on its sign. A small chime jingled as Hinata pushed open the door, stepping inside the apothecary. The air within was thick with the earthy aroma of dried herbs, incense, and faintly metallic undertones from jars of powdered minerals lining the shelves.

The inside was dimly lit, illuminated only by a few hanging lanterns that cast flickering shadows across the walls. Rows of shelves were crammed with jars, vials, and pouches, each labeled in faded calligraphy. Some contained dried flowers and leaves, others fine powders, liquids, or even coiled roots preserved in oil. Bundles of herbs hung from the ceiling, their scents mingling to create an almost dizzying effect.

At the back of the shop sat an old woman behind a low counter. She was hunched over, her gnarled hands deftly grinding something in a stone mortar. Her silver hair was tied back in a simple bun, and her face was lined with age, though her sharp eyes sparkled with intelligence. Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing thin arms corded with wiry muscle from years of precise labor.

"Welcome, young lady," the old woman said without looking up, her voice raspy but kind. "What is it you're looking for? My wares don't usually attract those as auspicious as the Hyūga."

Hinata hesitated for a moment, bowing slightly before stepping closer. "Good evening. I'm looking for some ingredients to prepare an antidote. It's for a… very serious poison."

The old woman looked up then, her eyes narrowing as she studied Hinata's face. "Serious, you say? Then let's see what you'll need." She gestured for Hinata to come around the counter. "I don't sell nonsense cures or charms here. Everything I carry has real properties. Tell me what you're dealing with."

Hinata stepped carefully behind the counter, not wanting to touch anything without permission. She kept her words vague to avoid mentioning the Sword of Kusanagi or the Moonfire Blossom. "The poison is… powerful. I'll need ingredients to strengthen the body and purge impurities."

The old woman nodded, as though that told her everything she needed to know. She hobbled toward a shelf, reaching up for a jar of pale yellow powder. "This is powdered turmeric root. Good for cleansing the blood. You'll want it in the base of your remedy."

Hinata nodded, making a mental note as the woman handed her the jar. Then she shuffled toward another section, pulling down a vial of dark green liquid. "This is snake fern extract. It accelerates the body's natural healing. Use only a drop—any more and it'll be too strong for most to handle."

Next, the old woman picked out a small pouch of star-shaped seeds. "These are anise seeds. Useful for balancing out the harsher components and calming the body. You'll need something to stabilize the antidote."

As the woman gathered the ingredients, Hinata felt a surge of relief. These components were all things that could work with the Moonfire Blossom's unique properties to create a potent cure. The old woman's knowledge and efficiency impressed her.

Finally, the woman reached for a heavy ceramic jar sealed with wax. She cracked it open, revealing a golden paste that smelled faintly of honey and spices. "This is saffron balm. Not necessary for the cure itself, but if the patient's body has been weakened, this will soothe and nourish them afterward."

Hinata carefully took each item, placing them into her bag. "Thank you so much," she said earnestly, bowing again. "How much do I owe you?"

The old woman gave her a sly smile. "For a Hyūga with eyes like yours? Let's call it a thousand ryo. And I'll throw in some advice for free—whatever poison you're dealing with, don't forget the importance of timing. Even the best cure won't work if it's used too late."

Hinata paid the amount without hesitation, bowing one last time. "I won't forget. Thank you again."

As she stepped back outside, she found Naruto leaning casually against the shop's wooden frame, arms crossed as he watched the passing crowd. He straightened when he saw her, flashing his usual grin.

"Sorry for the wait," Hinata apologized, clutching the bag of ingredients tightly. She had been inside for less than five minutes, but it felt like much longer.

"You get everything you need?" Naruto asked, his blue eyes scanning her face.

Hinata nodded, her confidence bolstered by the old woman's help. The only thing left now was the Moonfire Blossom itself. She glanced down at her bag, reassured by the weight of the ingredients inside. Following the instructions in the scroll, she was confident she could synthesize the elixir.

"Good," Naruto said, giving her a thumbs-up. "Let's grab those snacks Kiba asked for and head back. Don't want them getting into any trouble without us."

Hinata smiled softly as they walked away from the apothecary. Despite everything weighing on her mind, the steady presence of Naruto at her side made the path ahead feel just a little easier.

The supermarket was a modest affair compared to the glitz of Higaoka's streets. Rows of neatly stacked shelves lined with snacks, instant noodles, and canned goods stretched toward the back, where colorful displays of fresh produce and refrigerated cases of drinks gleamed under fluorescent lights. A soft hum of chatter filled the air as locals shuffled through the aisles, their carts rattling faintly against the linoleum flooring.

As Naruto grabbed a basket and headed toward the snack aisle, Hinata lingered near a small display table near the entrance. It was simple and unobtrusive, featuring an assortment of everyday knick-knacks like scrunchies, ribbons, and strings. What caught her eye was a small stand of braided cords, each tied into a loop. They weren't just hair ties—they were traditional kumihimo strings, crafted with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

One, in particular, stood out to her: a deep orange cord, its fibers gleaming faintly in the overhead light. The weave was simple but beautiful, with the braided threads forming a subtle spiral pattern that reminded her of something warm and vibrant. Something familiar.

Naruto.

Hinata reached out and gently ran her fingers over the cord, marveling at its softness. In the mirror set up beside the display, she saw her reflection. Her hair had grown longer over the past month—not quite long enough to tie into a proper ponytail, but enough to hold in place with the cord if she twisted it just right. She gathered her hair into a makeshift ponytail and held it in place, imagining how the orange string might look.

Hinata smiled at her reflection but quickly released the hair and set the cord down. It was a silly thought. She didn't need something so frivolous, especially now. She stepped away from the display to follow Naruto, hoping to focus on the mission ahead.

As they entered the snack aisle, Naruto piled the basket high with bags of chips, cookies, and assorted candies, each selection more extravagant than the last. He turned back to Hinata with a sheepish grin. "I think this is good, right? Kiba and Shino will love it. Snacks for everyone."

Hinata nodded, only half paying attention as she tried to banish the thought of the orange cord from her mind.

"Great! You grab the drinks, and I'll check out the candy again just in case." Naruto darted off, leaving her to head toward the refrigerated cases. She carefully picked out a selection of drinks she thought her team would enjoy—cola for everyone, green tea for Shino, a citrus soda for Kiba, and a peach-flavored juice for herself.

By the time she returned to the counter, Naruto was already placing the snacks on the conveyor belt. She moved to help him bag their items, but he waved her off with a grin.

"Nah, I got this. You're the captain, remember? Just let me handle it."

Hinata blushed but let him take over. As she waited, she glanced back toward the display table near the entrance, wondering if the orange cord was still there.

When everything was packed, Naruto suddenly snapped his fingers. "Oh, I forgot something! You wait here; I'll be right back!"

Before Hinata could reply, he dashed off into the aisles again, leaving her to bag the last of their items. As she finished tying the top of the bag, Naruto reappeared, holding something small in his hand and looking strangely sheepish.

"Shall we head back?" Hinata asked, lifting one of the bags.

"Yeah," Naruto said, stepping closer and gently placing a hand over hers. "But here, hold onto this for me."

Hinata blinked as Naruto opened his fist to reveal a neatly coiled orange kumihimo cord—the same one she had admired earlier. She gasped softly as he placed it in her hand.

"You looked like you wanted it," Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head. His tone was casual, but there was a hint of nervousness beneath it. "I thought it might… I don't know, be a nice promotion gift or something. It's probably nothing special, though. If you don't like it, I can get you something else—"

Hinata shook her head quickly, clutching the cord tightly. "Thank you, Naruto-kun," she said, her voice soft but filled with emotion. She unwrapped the string from its packaging and looped it through her fingers, admiring the intricate weave. Then, gathering her hair into a small ponytail, she tied it securely with the orange cord. It was a simple look, but to her, it felt perfect.

"I'll cherish it," she said, her cheeks glowing red as she smiled up at him.

Naruto froze for a moment, his face also turning pink. "Y-yeah, no problem! Glad you like it," he stammered, quickly turning toward the entrance as if to avoid her gaze. "We should probably get going, huh? The others are probably starving by now!"

Hinata couldn't help but giggle softly as she followed him out of the store. She reached up to touch the cord in her hair, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. The gift wasn't just a string—it was a symbol of his thoughtfulness, his warmth, and the encouragement that always seemed to follow wherever he went.

For now, she let herself savor the moment.

The two of them made their way back to the hotel, the streets of Higaoka glowing with the vibrant neon signs of the nightlife. Above them, the orange hues of the sunset melted into the purples and blues of twilight. As they reached the old tatami-style hotel, the faint scent of pine and rice straw greeted them, a comforting contrast to the chaos outside.

Sliding open the door to their room, Hinata barely stepped inside before two loud pops erupted, causing her to drop the bag she was carrying and immediately fall into her Jyūken stance, her palms glowing faintly with chakra.

Confetti rained down over her head and shoulders, catching the fading sunlight streaming through the window. Kiba roared with laughter, holding up the two spent party poppers like victory flags. Shino, on the other hand, stood calmly to the side, brushing confetti off his sleeves as if nothing had happened.

"Congratulations on the promotion!" Kiba shouted, his grin stretching ear to ear.

His voice drowned out Shino's deadpan but equally sincere, "Well done, Hinata."

Hinata blinked, unsure whether to laugh or be embarrassed. "Oh, um… thank you," she said, her voice soft as she straightened up, brushing confetti from her hair and shoulders.

Shino's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his head tilting slightly. "New hairstyle?" he asked, his tone as neutral as ever, but it was clear he had noticed the change.

Hinata instinctively reached up, touching the ponytail tied with the orange string. "Naruto-kun got the hairband for me," she explained, her voice quieter than before as a light blush colored her cheeks.

Kiba's grin widened, and he elbowed Naruto in the side as he sidled up to him. Draping an arm around his shoulder, he leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, well, mister smooth over here, huh? Didn't know you had it in you. Buying gifts already? That's bold."

Naruto frowned, not even bothering to shrug Kiba's arm off. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said with exaggerated nonchalance, placing the bags on the table and pulling out the drinks. He grabbed paper cups from the corner of the room and started pouring cola into them as if the conversation wasn't happening.

Kiba snickered, but Shino cut him off with a quiet, "Focus. We have snacks to set."

Hinata tried to busy herself helping Shino arrange the snacks, but her heart wouldn't stop fluttering at the sight of Naruto acting so nonchalant about the gift. By the time the room was properly set up, the table was brimming with an assortment of chips, cookies, rice crackers, and small pastries. Even Akamaru had a little bowl of water and a small plate of treats set aside for him, which he barked happily at in approval.

When everything was ready, Naruto handed out cups of cola to everyone, raising his own as he plopped down next to the table. Kiba grabbed a spot across from him, with Shino settling in on a zabuton cushion beside him. Akamaru sat at Kiba's side, gnawing on one of his treats with loud enthusiasm.

"Will you do the honors?" Kiba gestured at Hinata with his cup. His grin was genuine this time, lacking the earlier teasing edge.

All eyes turned to her, and Hinata felt the usual pang of self-consciousness. But this time, it wasn't so bad. She smiled and held up her cup. "Thank you, everyone. This time, I got promoted, but next time, I'm sure all of you will too."

"Yeah, provided there's no second invasion during the exams!" Naruto quipped, earning chuckles from the group. Even Shino gave a rare, dry snort of amusement, while Kiba let out a bark of laughter that almost matched Akamaru's.

Hinata's smile widened, and she nodded. "Let's hope so," she said softly. "To becoming Chūnin." She raised her cup higher.

"Cheers!" the others shouted, clinking their cups against hers. Even Akamaru let out an enthusiastic bark to join the toast.

What followed was an evening of warmth and laughter that melted away the tension of their mission, if only for a while. As they ate, the conversation flowed freely. At one point, Naruto launched into a dramatic reenactment of his battle with Kiba during the Chūnin Exams, complete with exaggerated sound effects and hand gestures that had Kiba groaning and muttering, "You were lucky," under his breath.

"Luck?" Naruto shot back, pointing a chopstick at him. "That was pure skill! Tell him, Hinata! You saw it!"

Hinata stammered, caught between wanting to agree with Naruto and not hurt Kiba's pride. "Um, well, it was… a very exciting match," she finally said diplomatically, her cheeks pink.

Naruto grinned. "See? Even Hinata says it was awesome."

"I'll just show you in a rematch one day. Let's see how your luck holds up!" Kiba said, smirking.

Later, the topic turned to Kakashi. Naruto, true to form, decided to speculate wildly about what was under his sensei's mask. "I'm telling you, it's gotta be something crazy. Like… what if he has fangs? Or a huge scar? Or no mouth at all?!"

Kiba snorted. "No mouth? How does he talk then, genius?"

"Chakra projection!" Naruto declared, making wild gestures. "He's secretly been projecting his voice this whole time. That's why his words always sound so cool!"

Hinata couldn't stop laughing, clutching her sides as tears welled in her eyes. Even Shino seemed amused, though his laughter was a barely audible hum.

The warmth of the evening lingered in the tatami room. Even as the snacks were reduced to crumbs and the drinks to empty cups, the sense of camaraderie remained unbroken. Laughter had faded to soft chuckles, and conversation drifted into a comfortable lull. For a moment, it felt as though the world outside had ceased to exist, leaving them suspended in this fleeting bubble of peace.

But all good things had to come to an end.

The sharp, sudden knock on the door broke through their tranquility like a shard of glass. Hinata glanced at the clock, the hands ticking perilously close to midnight. A sense of unease rippled through her as she realized how late it had gotten. Perhaps they'd been too loud? Maybe someone had complained to the hotel staff? She couldn't shake the strange chill that suddenly crept up her spine.

"Should I get it?" Naruto offered, already rising from his seat, his easygoing demeanor still intact.

"No, I'll do it. Thank you, though," Hinata replied, her voice quieter than usual. She pushed herself to her feet, brushing crumbs from her lap. The stay was under her name, after all. It made sense that she would be the one to deal with it. She felt the weight of her responsibility as a leader settle over her once more.

As she crossed the tatami floor, the air in the room seemed to shift. Behind her, the quiet chatter of her teammates resumed, but now it was more subdued, hushed as if they too felt the unspoken tension. Even Akamaru, curled at Kiba's feet, let out a soft whine, his ears twitching.

Hinata tried to focus on the task at hand. She rehearsed an apology in her head, already picturing a stern-faced staff member or an irritated guest waiting on the other side of the door. The memory of their lighthearted celebration just moments ago felt distant, slipping further away with each step she took.

But as she reached for the handle, that unease grew sharper, clawing at her chest. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her Nichiren Byakugan didn't activate, but she felt a flicker of instinct deep within her—the same instinct that had saved her life more than once.

She opened the door.

Her prepared apology died on her lips. The air left her lungs in a sharp, involuntary gasp.

Standing before her were two figures cloaked in black, their robes adorned with ominous red clouds that seemed to ripple like blood under the pale glow of the hallway light. Their wide-brimmed farmer's hats cast deep shadows over their faces, concealing their identities. One was tall and broad-shouldered, a looming presence that seemed to fill the hallway. The other was shorter but still intimidating, his smaller frame coiled with a predator's quiet menace.

Hinata's pulse pounded in her ears, drowning out the muffled chatter from her teammates. The warmth of the room behind her evaporated, replaced by a suffocating chill. The two figures didn't move, didn't speak. Yet their very presence radiated a pressure that was impossible to ignore, like the calm before a storm.

Her mind raced. She recognized them—how could she not? The same pair she had passed in the village. At that time, they had left her alone, their interest in her fleeting. She had thought—hoped—that was the end of it. But now they were here, standing at her door, and there was no mistaking their intent this time.

The smaller figure moved first, a hand reaching up to tilt the wide brim of his hat. Slowly, deliberately, he pushed it back, revealing his face.

Hinata's breath hitched. The faint glow of the hallway light illuminated his sharp features, cold and detached. And then her gaze locked onto his eye.

A single Sharingan swirled crimson, its tomoe spinning lazily as if beckoning her into its depths.

A chill gripped her spine like a vice, and the world seemed to narrow around that single, spiraling eye. Her heart, which had been fluttering nervously earlier in the evening, now pounded against her ribs with raw, unbridled terror.

And in that moment, the joyous warmth of the celebration was utterly obliterated, replaced by the crushing weight of dread.

Chapter End

AN: I threw around some location names this time, none of them canon to the show.

Higaoka（火ヶ丘）City is just easily translated as Fire Hill City.

Port Koto（港東）meanwhile is literally translated as East Port.

Toyama（藤山）Island would be translated as Wisteria Mountain Island. My naming sense for this one is a bad pun, as the first character 藤 can also be read as Fuji, same name as the famous Japanese mountain (written 富士）which is the real-life inspiration for the mountain they're traveling to in the story.