CHAPTER 08
The village buzzed with a subtle, excited hum as preparations were made for a small but significant event: a gathering hosted by Tsunade to honor the successful completion of several high-ranking missions. Among the invitees were prominent clan members, elite shinobi, and Konoha's rising stars.
This would be the first time Sasuke and Hinata appeared publicly as an engaged couple.
Hinata stood in her room, carefully adjusting the obi of her sky-blue kimono embroidered with faint silver clouds. The color accented her lavender eyes and porcelain skin perfectly, making her seem ethereal, even to herself. But tonight, appearances weren't enough—she needed composure and confidence.
You can do this, she told herself. It's just an appearance. Stay calm, collected, and keep your cool around Sasuke.
The thought of standing beside him in front of so many people sent her heart racing, but she pushed the feeling aside. This wasn't about her emotions; this was about showing Konoha—and Sasuke—that she was the partner he needed.
The Hokage's mansion was alive with chatter and movement as guests arrived, their colorful attire bright against the evening lantern glow. Soft laughter mingled with the distant hum of music as servers weaved between groups carrying trays of refreshments.
Hinata entered alongside Neji, whose stoic presence gave her silent reassurance. Heads turned as she walked through the main hall—her transformation over the last few weeks had not gone unnoticed. Whispers followed her, some admiring, others speculative.
"Is that Hinata Hyuuga?"
"She looks so... different."
"She's engaged to Sasuke Uchiha, isn't she? What a strange pair."
"Well, I think they make such a lovely couple. I mean, just look at her—and we all know how good-looking the Uchiha is."
They giggled softly, their voices tinged with curiosity and amusement.
Hinata kept her expression calm, her posture impeccable as she floated through the crowd. She knew the rumors were only just beginning, and tonight was an opportunity to set the tone.
And then, as if sensing his arrival, the room grew quieter.
Sasuke Uchiha had arrived.
Hinata turned her head toward the entrance, and there he was—tall, imposing, and effortlessly commanding the attention of everyone present. He wore his usual dark attire, fitted and clean, the Uchiha crest displayed proudly on his back. His expression was stoic as always, his dark eyes surveying the crowd.
And then, for the briefest moment, his gaze landed on her.
Hinata's breath caught in her throat.
He's staring. Stay calm. Don't look away too quickly.
Sasuke made his way through the crowd, and it wasn't long before he reached her side. Neji inclined his head in greeting, but Sasuke barely acknowledged him, his focus on Hinata.
"You're here," he said quietly.
Hinata smiled faintly, inclining her head. "Of course, Sasuke-san. This is an important evening."
Sasuke gave a small nod. "Let's get this over with."
He offered no further words but stepped closer, his presence beside her an unspoken acknowledgment of their engagement. Hinata quietly fell into step with him as they approached Tsunade, who stood at the far end of the room.
Tsunade, flanked by Shizune, greeted them with a faint smile. "Well, well. Sasuke Uchiha and Hinata Hyuuga. I suppose congratulations are in order for your... arrangement."
Her sharp golden gaze flickered between the two, carrying a blend of curiosity and amusement.
Sasuke crossed his arms, remaining silent.
Hinata, her voice soft yet steady, responded, "Thank you, Hokage-sama. We're determined to honor our responsibilities."
Tsunade raised a single brow but chose not to probe further. "Very well. I trust you both will handle this with the seriousness it deserves." She paused, her tone shifting to something more formal. "On that note, I expect both of you in my office tomorrow morning. There's a mission that will require you to work together—a perfect opportunity to show how well the Hyuuga and Uchiha can cooperate."
Hinata bowed slightly. "Yes, Hokage-sama. We'll be ready."
Tsunade turned her attention to Hinata, her expression softening. "And you look well, Hinata. Your clan must be proud."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Hinata replied, her tone respectful.
Sasuke's expression remained unreadable, his silence lingering. Yet, from the corner of her eye, Hinata caught the briefest flicker of his gaze resting on her before he turned his attention back to the room.
As the evening progressed, Hinata and Sasuke were forced to engage with several clan leaders and shinobi, most of whom were curious about the engagement. Sasuke remained curt and aloof, his sharp, clipped responses earning him equal parts admiration and wariness.
Hinata, on the other hand, balanced his coldness with warmth and tact, answering questions calmly while subtly redirecting attention when needed.
"You make an interesting pair," said Ino's father, Inoichi Yamanaka, his sharp eyes studying them both.
Hinata smiled politely. "We complement each other well, Yamanaka-sama."
Sasuke, still being quiet, said nothing, his arms crossed as he stood beside her, his gaze fixed somewhere across the room.
Ino herself eventually approached, pulling Hinata aside under the guise of casual conversation.
"Hinata, what is going on?" Ino whispered urgently, her blue eyes wide with disbelief. "You're engaged to Sasuke?"
Hinata met her friend's gaze calmly. "Yes, Ino."
Ino blinked, clearly not satisfied. "But you… You were in love with Naruto for years! How did this happen?"
Hinata smiled faintly, though there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "Things change, Ino. I've changed."
Ino opened her mouth to say more but was interrupted as Shikamaru appeared, his usual tired expression in place.
"This whole thing is turning into a headache," he muttered, glancing between Hinata and Sasuke, who stood nearby like a statue. "Sasuke agreeing to a marriage? Never thought I'd see the day."
"It's complicated," Hinata replied softly, though her tone remained steady.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'll bet."
Later in the evening, as the event began to wind down, Hinata slipped away to a quiet balcony to take a breath. The cool night air was refreshing against her skin, and she let her shoulders relax slightly.
"You're hiding," came a low voice from behind her.
Hinata turned, unsurprised to see Sasuke standing in the doorway. His sharp eyes studied her with that same unreadable expression.
"I'm not hiding," she replied softly. "I just needed some air."
Sasuke stepped out onto the balcony, his presence filling the small space as he came to stand beside her. He didn't say anything at first, simply gazing out at the village below.
"You handled yourself well tonight," he said suddenly, his tone neutral.
Hinata blinked, turning to look at him. "Thank you, Sasuke-san."
He didn't look at her, but there was something different in his posture—something less rigid, less guarded.
"This is… strange," he admitted after a long pause.
Hinata tilted her head slightly. "What is?"
"Us," he said bluntly. "This arrangement. You're not what I expected."
Hinata's lips quirked into a small smile. "Is that a bad thing?"
Sasuke glanced at her then, his dark eyes catching hers in the moonlight. "No. Just unexpected."
Her heart fluttered, but she kept her expression calm. "People change, Sasuke-san."
He didn't respond, but his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he turned back toward the view.
The next morning, the air in the Hokage's office was thick with a sense of purpose. Tsunade stood behind her desk, her sharp gaze fixed on Sasuke and Hinata as they awaited her instructions. The morning light streamed through the wide windows, illuminating the stacks of scrolls and papers that cluttered her workspace.
Tsunade's voice was steady, carrying an edge of authority as she addressed them. "I've personally chosen this mission for you two—consider it a test of your new partnership. Your orders are straightforward: investigate suspicious activity near the border, secure the area, and eliminate any threats to Konoha's security."
She handed a scroll to Hinata, who accepted it with a small bow. "This contains the details, including intelligence gathered by the scouts. I trust you both will handle this with precision and efficiency."
Sasuke, arms crossed as usual, nodded curtly. "Understood."
Hinata, outwardly composed, glanced at the scroll in her hands before meeting Tsunade's gaze. "We won't disappoint, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable for a moment. Then she smirked faintly. "I'd expect nothing less. Now go. The village will be watching how well the Hyuuga and Uchiha can work together."
As they exited the office, Hinata unrolled the scroll, scanning the details. "It's a reconnaissance mission with potential combat," she said softly, glancing at Sasuke.
She felt her heart hammering in her chest, but she kept her expression neutral, her voice steady. Potential combat. The words sent a chill down her spine. She didn't know how to fight—not really.
This world, with its sharp edges and constant danger, was a far cry from the boardrooms and corporate maneuvering she knew. But Hinata's resolve hardened. She couldn't afford to let anyone see through her. Not Sasuke, not Tsunade, not the village.
Sasuke gave her a sidelong glance, his tone as calm and detached as ever. "Then we'll gather the intel first. If we move quickly, we can avoid unnecessary confrontation."
Hinata nodded, forcing herself to focus. "Agreed. But if there is a threat, we'll handle it."
Sasuke didn't respond immediately, but his eyes flickered with the faintest hint of acknowledgment.
"Let's go," he said finally, his voice low and commanding.
Hinata followed, the weight of the mission settling over her. Her mind raced as she analyzed the details on the scroll, her background as a strategist kicking in. She could navigate deals, build alliances, and manage teams effortlessly—but here, none of that mattered.
Still, she straightened her posture, her expression calm. This wasn't just about protecting the village—it was about survival. And in this world, survival meant adapting.
I can do this, she told herself, ignoring the nervous energy coursing through her veins. I just have to act like I belong.
Author's Note:
I've been typing furiously on my phone while waiting in line at the counter. The line is soooo long—Christmas rush, you know! I hope you're already done with your shopping because I'm definitely not!