CHAPTER 04: Ino's (Failed) Distraction Plan

Ino cleared her throat, her confident demeanor slipping for just a second before she plastered on a dazzling smile. She leaned on the counter beside Sasuke, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"Oh, come on, Sasuke-kun," she purred. "You've been away from the village for years, and now that you're back, you don't even spare me a glance? That's just cruel."

Sasuke barely spared her a glance, his gaze flicking back to Hinata. "I'm not interested in this conversation."

Naruto snorted loudly from the corner. "Good luck, Ino! Even under a love potion, the teme won't give you the time of day."

Sakura shot him a glare. "Naruto, be quiet!"

Ino, undeterred, decided to step up her game. She moved closer to Sasuke, her voice dropping to a sultry tone. "Oh, I get it. You're playing hard to get. But don't worry, Sasuke-kun, I'm patient. I've always admired your… intensity."

Sasuke's expression didn't change. "You're in my way."

Ino froze, her confidence cracking. "W-what?"

"You're blocking my view," Sasuke said bluntly, leaning slightly to the side to peer around her. His eyes found Hinata again, and his entire demeanor softened. "Hinata, are you okay? You look uncomfortable."

Hinata, who was trying her best to disappear into her seat, shook her head quickly. "I-I'm fine, Sasuke-kun!"

Naruto threw his hands up in the air. "Unbelievable! He's under a love potion, and he's still ignoring every girl but Hinata!"

Ino scowled and crossed her arms. "What's your problem, Sasuke? You're supposed to be under a love potion. Why isn't this working?"

"Because you're not Hinata," Sasuke said simply, his voice calm but final.

Hinata's cheeks burned as everyone's attention turned to her. "M-me?!"

Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering under her breath, "Of course. The potion amplified his fixation on the first person he saw after drinking it."

Naruto groaned. "So we're stuck with a lovesick Sasuke who's completely obsessed with Hinata? Fantastic."

Ino huffed, clearly offended. "Well, I'm out of ideas. If he's this stubborn under a love potion, I don't know how you're going to move him."

Sakura sighed. "Plan B, then. We'll have to convince him that taking Hinata to Lady Tsunade is for her benefit."

Naruto blinked. "Wait, what? How's that gonna work?"

Sakura smirked. "Hinata can ask him herself. He won't say no to her."

Hinata's eyes widened in panic. "M-me? Ask him?"

Sasuke, hearing this, immediately perked up. "What do you need, Hinata? I'll do anything."

Naruto threw his hands up again. "Are you kidding me?!"

Hinata swallowed nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. "S-Sasuke-kun… if it's not too much trouble, could you… come with me to see Lady Tsunade? I think it would help."

Sasuke tilted his head, his expression softening even more. "If that's what you want, then of course."

Naruto's jaw dropped. "You've gotta be kidding me! He just said no to everyone else, and now he's like a puppy!"

Sasuke ignored him, standing up and offering his hand to Hinata. "Let's go."

Hinata hesitated, staring at his outstretched hand. Her heart raced, and she wasn't sure if it was from the intensity of his attention or the sheer awkwardness of the situation. Slowly, she placed her hand in his, her cheeks still bright red.

Naruto groaned. "Fine, let's just get this over with before this gets any weirder."

Sasuke shot him a smug look, as if to say, Jealous?

As the group started making their way toward the Hokage's office, Ino called out from behind them, "Next time you need help, don't call me for that again!"

Sakura sighed, following behind the group. "This is going to be a long walk."