Day 3
Hinata's POV
The village seems like an epicenter for hustle and bustle. I can barely make my way through the streets without bumping into someone. It frays my nerves. I am forced to say sorry several times, receding further from people if possible. I stumble upon a street that is mostly desolate. A few tents are up, vendors calling out to anyone in proximity. I reach for my side pouch, stomach croaking out a protest. I sigh with relief as I feel a few ryo.
I began to search for a food spot, when I hear a soft voice call out to me. I turn my head out of curiosity.
"Pretty lady! Yoohoo! Care for a fortune reading?" An older woman calls to me. She gives a toothless grin, sitting on top of her decrepit pillow. I look at my ryo and sheepishly duck my head. I can only decide on one thing, food, or fortune.
"I'm sorry..I don't have enough.." I murmur, feeling my face heat up as I press my fingers together. The old lady cackles and gets a devilish glint in her eyes.
"I never asked dearie," The lady snickers, beckoning me vehemently. I begin to debate before inching over to her. I bit my lip, indecisive before kneeling on the opposite pillow. She grins even harder. Her small fragile hands take ahold of mine. I gaze at her, expectantly. It takes her a few seconds as she squints her eyes, before scrunching up her face.
"You are on a tough road of redemption young lady, but there…there is someone who is helping you." The old lady mumbles, concentrating on my palms. I swallow thickly, she could just be reading this for anyone. A ploy to get paid. I smile, gently and start to pull my hand back. She tightens her grip, shaking her head in disapproval.
"You have a decision to make. A big one. He is your rock, through unorthodox means…I have a feeling you feel strongly to him. He has hurt you…in grievous efforts but you desire him." She says, causing me to stiffen. This is beginning to be exact. I look at the ground in shame, feeling truly exposed to her.
"There is no need for shame girl. He is connected to you all for one, don't allow what you assume to be your truth. Call him when in need, cry to him when in distress, bleed for him when you need life. He is with you…even now." She lets my hand go, looking deep into my eyes. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding, eyes wide at her statement.
"You love him. Pain in life is a way of forcing a change. It's your decision to be the reaper in this predicament." I continue to look at the ground. As I lift my head back up, she's nowhere to be found. I jump to my feet, frightened. On the ground there is a few more ryo. A note beside it, Take it and think.' I hesitate before reaching and grabbing it. I look around before walking down the street. Her words constantly repeating in my head. I buy myself some ramen, slurping down the noodles. The hot broth warms my stomach and quenches the hunger.
I look up at the sky. "Call to him?" I mumble to myself, toying with a trinket. I gaze at the bought item, a gentle smile playing on my face. The day rolls on as the questions float in my head. 'He is with me?' I muse. When the sun begins to set, I gather everything I need. I take one last look at the village before I make my way through the foliage. I nibble on my lip as I feel eyes watching me. I check my surroundings multiple times to see if maybe I have a reason. It's always nothing. I wonder briefly if I have lost it. I frown, frustration in my chest. I look up to gauge how much sun I still have. I know it's waning due to the sun is barely peeking over the horizon.
I grip the scroll in my hand, showing I was successful in the escort. There is not much to it, I know I should be there by late evening. I want to wander, as selfish as it is. I want to disappear. I could die; it would not pain me so. I am wiser to know that it might work as well as it did last time. I huff out a puff of air. I continue at a leisurely pace, finally deciding I will be selfish. I settle down on the ground, smiling at the stars above.
My mama used to tell me every day that she would be up there someday. A civilian thought my father used to scold her for. I loved it. It was heartwarming to think that one day I would be up there someday. It's such a sweet thought. I close my eyes, settling in a comfortable position.
Day 4
A bird song wakes me from my slumber. I give a light stretch before slowly making my way to the village. I take in all the scenery and begin to try and figure out where I would lay my head. The day is young, so I am sure someone is willing to offer me shelter. I look up at the gates as I arrive, both guards looking panicked.
"Hinata! We are so glad to see you! Oh! You as well," The guards say, opening the gate. I smile politely, walking into the village. I make my way to tsuande's office. I knock on her door, patiently waiting for her admission. I notice quickly that my knock is unheard due to a sudden commotion.
"You told me it would be gone. You needed more time," I overhear Tsunade snapping. I can only pray for the one on the receiving end. A low growl is heard.
"Baa-chan I can't help this. They need to get used to it. Me and Kyuubi are one, I am still going through the stages." The voice makes my legs shake. I bite my lips, finding it a coincidence that each time I come Naruto is in there. I can hear in his voice he sounds agitated. His voice is a bit lower, not carrying the usual cheeriness.
"I allowed you to-"Naruto shushes her. The door swings open and I squeal in shock. I jump away from the door, heart pounding in my chest. Naruto stands, arms crossing over his chest. His eyes bore into mine. He looks at Tsunade, frowning heavily.
"The princess is back," Naruto states, lowly. I bow my head almost immediately to his words. Tears burn behind my eyelids. I want to correct him badly; I am not a princess. I ball my hands into fist.
"I-I am not a p-princ-cess. My name i-is Hinata." I force out. Tsunade blinks at my declaration, while Naruto looks at me, a fire burning in his eyes. I moved past him, handing in my scroll. I don't allow any room for a conversation. I quickly leave, my heart beating so harshly in my chest. I struggle to breathe once I manage to slow down, gripping my shirt until my knuckles are white. I stood up for myself! It feels so…strange. A good strange. I am learning.