CHAPTER 03: Reluctant Sasuke and the Group's Plan

Sasuke shook his head, a small smirk forming on his lips. "I don't need to see Lady Tsunade. I feel fine." His tone was smooth, almost hypnotic, as his dark eyes flicked toward Hinata. "Actually, I've never felt better."

Naruto clenched his fists. "You're not fine, teme! That stupid potion is messing with your head. Let's go before you embarrass yourself more than you already have."

Sasuke ignored him completely, standing up and turning to Hinata. "Hinata, why don't we take a walk? Somewhere quiet, away from all this noise."

Hinata stiffened, her hands gripping the hem of her jacket. "A walk? I-I don't think—"

"Great idea!" Naruto cut in, throwing an arm around Hinata protectively. "Let's all go for a walk. Maybe to the Hokage's office, huh?"

Sasuke's eyes narrowed at Naruto's arm around Hinata. He took a step closer, his voice dangerously calm. "Take your hand off her, Naruto."

Naruto froze, a nervous laugh escaping him. "W-what? No way! You're acting all creepy, and Hinata doesn't—"

"I won't repeat myself." Sasuke's tone was icy now, his smirk gone.

Sakura quickly intervened, stepping between the two. "Enough, you two! Sasuke, you're not going anywhere with Hinata until we figure out how to reverse the potion. And Hinata…" She turned to the shy woman with a sympathetic look. "Are you okay with this?"

Hinata hesitated, glancing at Sasuke. His gaze was intense but oddly sincere, and despite the strangeness of the situation, she couldn't bring herself to outright reject him. "I… I think it's best if Sasuke-kun sees Lady Tsunade."

Sasuke shook his head, his voice softening as he addressed her. "You don't have to worry about me, Hinata. I only want to spend time with you."

Naruto groaned loudly. "That's it. If he won't come willingly, we'll have to trick him. Sakura, any ideas?"

Sakura thought for a moment, rubbing her temples. "We need to get Sasuke away from Hinata without making it obvious. He's too focused on her right now to think clearly."

Ayame, still watching nervously from the counter, suddenly spoke up. "Maybe you can use something to distract him? Another girl, maybe?"

Naruto snorted. "Good luck with that. Sasuke's immune to all the fangirls who chase after him. Why would he care about anyone else when he's like this?"

Ayame shrugged. "It's just a suggestion. The potion makes people… intense, but maybe a distraction could work."

Sakura snapped her fingers. "Wait. That might actually work." She turned to Naruto. "What about Ino?"

Naruto blinked. "Ino? You think she'll help?"

"She's confident, and she can handle herself around Sasuke," Sakura reasoned. "If we can get him to focus on her for even a few minutes, we might be able to lure him toward Tsunade."

Hinata looked uneasy at the idea but didn't speak up, unsure how else to handle the situation. Sasuke, meanwhile, crossed his arms, his expression growing impatient.

"Are you all done scheming?" he asked, his voice calm but with an edge of irritation. His gaze returned to Hinata, softening instantly. "Hinata, let's leave them. They're just wasting our time."

Naruto stepped in front of Hinata, blocking her path. "Not so fast, teme! We're not letting you drag her off—"

"Don't test me, Naruto," Sasuke said, his voice dropping into a warning growl.

Sakura grabbed Naruto's arm and whispered, "Go get Ino. Quickly. I'll keep him distracted."

Naruto hesitated, glancing at Hinata. "You okay if I leave for a sec?"

Hinata nodded, though her heart was pounding. "I-I'll be fine."

Naruto took off in a blur, leaving Sakura to deal with Sasuke. She turned to him, crossing her arms. "Sasuke, if you really care about Hinata, don't you think she deserves to be comfortable? You're overwhelming her."

Sasuke frowned, glancing at Hinata. "Am I?"

Hinata, caught off guard by the question, stammered. "N-no, I mean… it's just… um…"

Sakura stepped in again. "She's too polite to say it, but yes. Give her some space, Sasuke. If you really like her, you'll respect that."

Sasuke's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed conflicted. "I… I don't want to make her uncomfortable."

Sakura pressed on. "Then give her some time. Let us figure out what's going on with you."

Just as Sasuke seemed to consider her words, Naruto returned with Ino in tow. The blonde kunoichi looked thoroughly confused but ready to help.

"Alright, what's the plan?" Ino asked, crossing her arms.

Sakura leaned in and whispered, "Flirt with Sasuke. Get his attention off Hinata. We'll move him to Tsunade while he's distracted."

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Flirt with him? Seriously?"

"Can you do it or not?" Sakura hissed.

Ino sighed dramatically. "Fine. But you owe me."

Turning on her charm, Ino strode up to Sasuke with a confident smile. "Sasuke-kun, it's been a while. You've been avoiding me, haven't you?"

Sasuke barely glanced at her. "Not interested."

Ino faltered, her smile twitching. "Excuse me?"

Sakura groaned. "This might take a while."