CHAPTER 05: The Longest Walk Ever

The group walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, Sasuke leading the way with Hinata beside him. He held her hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his grip firm yet gentle. Hinata, on the other hand, looked as though she might evaporate from sheer embarrassment.

"S-Sasuke-kun, you really don't have to—" she began.

"Yes, I do," Sasuke interrupted smoothly, turning to her with a faint smile. "You're too delicate to walk alone. I should've realized this sooner."

Naruto, trailing behind them, facepalmed so hard it echoed. "Delicate?! She's a shinobi, teme! She can punch through solid rock if she wanted to!"

Sasuke shot him a withering glance. "She doesn't need to prove anything to you, Naruto."

Sakura rubbed her temples. "Can we focus on getting to Lady Tsunade? The faster we get there, the faster this whole mess ends."

"Why are you all rushing?" Sasuke asked nonchalantly. "I'm enjoying the walk."

Naruto groaned loudly. "Of course you are! You're practically glued to Hinata!"

At this, Sasuke paused. He turned to Hinata, his expression thoughtful. "Am I bothering you, Hinata? If you don't want me to hold your hand, you just have to say so."

Hinata's eyes widened. "N-no! I mean—uh—it's fine! Really!"

Naruto stared at her in disbelief. "Hinata, you don't have to say that!"

Sasuke smirked. "She said it's fine, Naruto. Stop projecting your jealousy."

"I AM NOT JEALOUS!" Naruto shouted, drawing the attention of several villagers nearby.

Sakura grabbed Naruto's ear and yanked him closer. "Would you stop yelling? You're making it worse!"

Meanwhile, Sasuke leaned slightly toward Hinata, lowering his voice. "Ignore them. They're just loud and annoying."

Hinata let out a nervous laugh, wishing desperately for the ground to swallow her. "I-it's okay…"

As they continued walking, a group of Sasuke's admirers spotted him and gasped audibly. "Sasuke-kun!" they squealed, rushing over.

One particularly bold girl stepped in front of him, batting her eyelashes. "Sasuke-kun, we haven't seen you in so long! Want to hang out with us later?"

Sasuke barely glanced at her. "No."

The girl's face fell, but she quickly recovered, turning her gaze to Hinata. "Oh, you're with her? That's cute. But don't you think she's a little—"

"Careful," Sasuke interrupted coldly, his voice sending a chill through the air. His arm slid around Hinata's waist protectively, and his glare could've frozen fire. "Don't finish that sentence."

The girl paled, stammered an apology, and retreated with the rest of her group, leaving Hinata looking mortified and Naruto looking smug.

"Wow, Sasuke," Naruto said, smirking. "You're really laying it on thick. Maybe you should write her a poem while you're at it."

"Don't be ridiculous," Sasuke said with a scoff. Then, without missing a beat, he turned to Hinata. "But if you'd like one, I'll write one."

Hinata waved her hands frantically, her face as red as a tomato. "N-no! That's not necessary!"

Sakura, barely holding back her laughter, nudged Naruto. "I think I'm starting to enjoy this."

"You would," Naruto muttered, still glaring daggers at Sasuke. "How much farther to the Hokage's office?"

"Not far," Sakura replied. "But at this rate, it's going to take forever."

True to her prediction, Sasuke continued to make every step of the journey as awkward as possible. At one point, he picked a flower from a nearby stall, handing it to Hinata with a surprisingly sincere smile.

"This suits you," he said softly. "It's as delicate as you are."

Naruto groaned. "I can't take this anymore!"

Hinata whispered a shy "Thank you," clutching the flower tightly as her mind raced. She was too overwhelmed to process everything happening around her. Was this the potion talking, or was this… Sasuke? She wasn't sure what to think anymore.

Finally, the Hokage's tower came into view. Sakura sighed in relief. "We're almost there. Just a little longer."

Sasuke looked at Hinata, his expression softening further. "Are you tired? I can carry you if you'd like."

Naruto threw his hands up. "THAT'S IT! I'M DONE!"