Quietly, Yours

Sasuke sat at the edge of the wooden dock, legs dangling lazily above the water, while the slowly sinking sun cast orange and red tones across the horizon. The day’s training session still lingered in his muscles, a slight ache in his arms and legs served as a reminder of Kakashi’s infamous bell test. He’d known the challenge wouldn’t be easy, but he hadn’t realized just how unorthodox Kakashi could be. Despite the odd teamwork assignment and the annoyance of having to cooperate with Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke couldn’t deny there was a small spark of satisfaction inside him: he had made it. He was finally a genin, on a real team, and that meant he would continue to grow stronger.

He scowled slightly at the thought of Naruto. Sure, having the hyperactive idiot around was grating. How could someone talk so loudly and so much? But somewhere deep beneath Sasuke’s stoic exterior, he begrudgingly admitted it wasn’t all bad. If nothing else, Naruto was a reflection of his own solitude, except Naruto somehow had people surrounding him, cheering him on, even if he was still alone in other ways. Sasuke, meanwhile, had cut himself off from almost everyone. Training had consumed him since the day of the massacre. He had a single-minded focus on avenging his clan. If having Naruto around meant pushing himself harder, then maybe it wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

He let out a quiet breath, ruffling the collar of his shirt as he stared across the water. The dull hush of waves lapping against the dock comforted him, grounding him in the present. He could still feel how the day’s training went: Kakashi’s lazy voice instructing them, Sakura’s starry-eyed stares directed at him whenever she wasn’t scolding Naruto, and Naruto’s constant bragging or attempts to show off. It had been chaotic, but, to his surprise, it felt a bit like a group. A team. Not that he’d ever tell them that.

The sound of footsteps behind him was soft, yet distinct. Someone approached, but Sasuke didn’t bother turning around until a timid voice spoke up.

“I figured I might find you here.”

He glanced back and saw Hinata standing there in her puffy coat, the same one she insisted on wearing year-round, even in the heat of summer. Just looking at it made him feel warmer in the stifling evening air. Typical Hinata. He gave a small grunt and turned away again.

“What are you doing here?” he asked flatly, more out of habit than rudeness, though it certainly sounded rude enough.

She walked closer and sat down beside him, leaving a polite distance between them. “I-I was looking for you,” she said softly, her eyes flickering nervously between his profile and the water.

“Don’t you need to go home?” Sasuke asked, still staring straight ahead at the setting sun.

Hinata shook her head. “It’s fine. I—I wanted to see you first.”

He finally turned to look at her, noticing for the first time how her fingertips were wrapped in bandages, and specks of dirt smudged her jacket and cheeks. He smirked a little, recalling her shy determination. “You were training?”

She nodded. “Mm…Kiba-kun and Shino-kun are on my team.”

Sasuke made a low sound of acknowledgment. “So you’re stuck with a loudmouth too,” he said dryly. “At least Shino’s quiet.”

Hinata offered him a small, hesitant smile. “W-What about you? Who’s on your team, and who’s your teacher?”

He shrugged. “Kakashi.” A pause. “And Sakura.”

Hinata’s smile widened just a fraction before she looked at him expectantly. Sasuke felt his brow furrow. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

She shook her head quickly. “Oh, n-no reason.”

“Tch.” Sasuke scoffed, shaking his head in annoyance. “Anyway, your darling Naruto is also on my team.”

The effect was immediate. Hinata’s face turned red, and she glanced away, flustered. “He’s not—He’s not my…! Please, Sasuke-kun, d-don’t say it so loudly.”

Sasuke fought back a smirk, managing only a brief uptick at the corner of his mouth. Out of everyone in his class, Hinata was the only one he’d label as a real friend. Ever since the massacre, she was the only one who had consistently tried to help him, show concern for him, in her own timid way. While most of the girls at the Academy chased after him with shallow crushes, and most of the boys either challenged him to fights or mocked him for being too standoffish, Hinata had simply been there. She brought him lunches, even when he told her not to bother. If she couldn’t hand them to him directly, she’d leave them on his desk or in places where she knew he’d find them. He’d found it aggravating at first, but over time, that gentle persistence had become a quiet comfort. It was why they’d been friends, in whatever complicated way  since he was seven years old. She didn’t push him, didn’t fawn over him like the others. She genuinely cared.

Just then, Sasuke frowned at a movement on the road behind them. It was Naruto, hands shoved in his pockets, looking around with that lost-but-trying-to-be-cool look he always had. The blonde’s gaze flickered over, landing on Hinata, then Sasuke. At that exact moment, Sasuke turned too, and their eyes met. Both froze, caught staring. Their surprise turned quickly into twin glares as they jerked their heads away from one another, silently fuming.

Hinata, oblivious to the silent exchange, asked softly, “Um…is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Just your ‘boyfriend’ being annoying,” Sasuke muttered, nudging his head behind him.

Hinata turned around, her eyes finding Naruto. That sent Hinata into a panicked stutter, her face flaring crimson. “He’s not my—! A-And please don’t say it so loudly!”

Sasuke only scoffed again, folding his arms across his chest. Despite the annoyance in his tone, he felt a faint sense of amusement tickling the corners of his mind. Hinata then reached into her coat, rummaging for something.

“Sasuke-kun…I—I have something for you,” she said, carefully pulling out a small box tied neatly with a red ribbon. She extended it toward him, her pale eyes shining with anticipation.

He looked from her to the box suspiciously before taking it. He tugged at the ribbon, letting it fall away, and cracked open the lid. Inside lay a kunai, its gleaming metal etched with the Uchiha clan symbol. For a moment, Sasuke simply stared, unable to speak as a complex wave of emotions washed over him, surprise, gratitude, and a reluctant kind of warmth. He could feel his chest tighten, remembering his lost family and the weight of that crest.

Hinata spoke softly. “I had it made for you as a gift. You became a genin, and you’re on a team now, so I…I knew you’d graduate.” She lowered her gaze, cheeks tinted pink. “I-I wanted to give you something to celebrate.”

He swallowed, forcing down the lump in his throat. “You didn’t have to do that. And it looks like it cost a lot.”

She swung her legs back and forth, trying not to meet his eyes. “I wanted to. You deserve it. A-And because you’re my—my best friend.” Her voice grew almost inaudible at the end.

Sasuke felt heat creeping up the back of his neck, embarrassment mingling with an odd sense of pride. She had never called him that outright, and neither had he, but he felt the same. He turned his face away so she wouldn’t see the slight smile breaking through. “You’re an idiot,” he mumbled, carefully slipping the kunai back into the box. “…Thanks.”

Standing up, Hinata brushed off her coat. “I’m going to get back to training. Please, um, eat something other than onigiri for dinner, okay?”

He made a face, not bothering to reply, though he watched her from the corner of his eye as she prepared to leave.

“Oh,” he said abruptly, without turning. “Don’t overdo it. I don’t want to have to find you passed out somewhere again. It’s annoying.”

“I-I’ll try,” she promised, then hurried off.

Sasuke lingered on the dock, his gaze drawn to the small box on his lap, taking it out once again to admire it. His mind flickered through memories—countless times he’d found her collapsed, having pushed her body past its limits, and how he’d felt that unfamiliar rush of panic surge through him. She held back too much and overthought everything, and it led to moments like that. One day, hopefully, she’d grow out of that hesitation. But even so, he had to admit that her determination to improve was something he respected.

He lifted the kunai and balanced it in his palm, feeling the cold weight of the metal and marveling at the crimson fan carved into its side. The symbol of his clan. He wondered when the last time someone had given him such a personal gift was. Probably never, not since…back then.

A soft smile ghosted across his lips, one he quickly wiped away as if even the air around him might gossip about it. “That dummy…” he murmured under his breath, fingers closing over the kunai.

The sun dipped lower, painting the water with evening shadows. Sasuke placed it back into the box and tucked it carefully into his pouch. He might have chosen solitude, but Hinata’s gentle friendship was a quiet reminder that he didn’t have to bear his burdens alone.

X

X

X

Weeks later…

Sasuke stared at the mission scroll in disbelief. Find a missing cat? This was what being a genin amounted to? Tch. He shoved the scroll into his pouch, his dark eyes narrowing. He’d rather be training, sparring, testing his abilities against a real opponent, not crawling around rooftops and alleyways looking for some pampered housecat.

Still, he didn’t complain aloud, simply following Kakashi and the others to the last known location of the runaway feline. Much to his annoyance, they found it cowering under a crate near a ramen stand. He reached in carefully, but the moment his fingers brushed its fur, the cat lashed out and bolted, scratching his hand in the process.

Scowling, Sasuke stood, examining the thin red welts along his palm. Sakura rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. “Sasuke-kun, you’re bleeding! Let me see—”

“I’m fine,” he muttered, though there was a slight sting.

“You might get an infection,” she warned, fishing out a small first-aid kit from her pouch.

He hesitated, begrudgingly acknowledging her logic. “Hn. Whatever.” Extending his hand, he let her dab at the scratches with antiseptic.

A sharp hiss escaped him as the sting flared. Over Sakura’s shoulder, he noticed Naruto glaring. Within moments, Naruto marched over, pointing at his own scratched-up arms—worse than Sasuke’s by far, with thin red claw marks crisscrossing his skin and even a few on his face.

“Sakura-chan!” Naruto whined. “Help me out too, would ya? Look at this! I’m in worse shape than teme over there!”

Sasuke snorted, unable to hide the small surge of amusement. Naruto bristled, face reddening. “Hey! Did you just laugh at me? That’s not funny, jerk!”

Meeting Naruto’s eyes for only a beat, Sasuke shifted his gaze to the side, purposely ignoring him. It worked like a charm. Naruto immediately blew up, demanding attention until Sakura turned around and scolded him for being so loud. Naruto huffed, crossing his arms and digging his heels into the ground like a pouting child.

Sasuke wore a smirk when Sakura resumed cleaning his scratch. He was still annoyed about the mission, but at least there was a sliver of entertainment in watching Naruto flail.

Suddenly, movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. The cat. It had resurfaced behind a stack of empty crates a few yards away, tail twitching. Sasuke immediately stopped Sakura’s ministrations with a slight gesture and gestured in the direction of the cat.

“It’s there,” he said quietly, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t start yelling, dobe,” he added, shooting Naruto a pointed look. “You’ll scare it away.”

Naruto opened his mouth to retort but then snapped it shut, opting to glare instead. Once again, Sasuke had to hold back the urge to smirk. With a quick nod from Kakashi, Team Seven coordinated positions around the cat, systematically herding it away from open areas. Predictably, Naruto barreled into the fray, arms wide to block the cat’s escape. It darted left, only to be forced back by Sakura; then it tried to slip through a narrow gap, but Sasuke lunged forward and cornered it.

With no other route, the cat dashed toward Naruto, who seized it in both hands. Immediately the feline went wild, scratching and yowling in protest. Naruto let out a strangled yelp but held on, determined not to let it go this time.

Kakashi gave them a lazy clap once the cat was secure, eye curving into a pleased half-moon. “Mission accomplished. Let’s return this little troublemaker to its owner,” he announced.

X

X

X

Sasuke could still feel the sting of fresh scratches on his arms as Team Seven pushed open the doors to the Hokage’s Tower. The cat they’d chased down had been shockingly nimble, though, in his opinion, the entire mission had been a colossal waste of time. He silently vowed never to let another cat slip through his fingers quite so easily. Chasing some old lady’s pet around the village? It wasn’t exactly the path to honing the skills he needed.

Ahead of him, Kakashi guided the group with his usual laid-back air. Sasuke tried to ignore Naruto’s incessant chatter about what to do with their earnings and Sakura’s heated scolding about blowing it all on ramen. Their voices clashed, echoing along the walls, and while Sasuke found it grating, he also realized it filled the dead spaces in his mind. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but that noise kept him grounded, reminded him that he was no longer entirely alone.

The sun spilled in through the windows of the Tower’s main foyer. As Team Seven approached the mission desk to collect their reward, they nearly collided with Team Eight, who was on their way out. Instantly, Sasuke noticed Kiba’s face: scratched and smeared with dust. The Inuzuka was muttering complaints under his breath, clearly in a foul mood.

“Man, I’m done with all these cat missions,” Kiba groaned, jamming his hands into his pockets. “I want a real mission. Something where I can actually fight.” His tone was all bite and no patience.

Sasuke couldn’t help but share the sentiment, though he’d never openly agree with Kiba on anything. Before he could look away, he noticed Kiba caught sight of Naruto, who was equally covered in fresh scratches from their own cat fiasco.

A smirk curled over Kiba’s lips. “Hah! Looks like the fox got clawed by the cat.”

Naruto bristled instantly. “Ha! Like you’re one to talk, dog breath. You look worse than I do!” He thrust a finger accusingly at Kiba’s tattered sleeves and red marks.

Kiba’s smirk vanished, replaced by a glare. “You wanna say that again, moron?”

Sasuke closed his eyes briefly, tempted to tune them out. It was like nails on a chalkboard, the way they barked at each other.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, stepping between the two. “Now, now. We can save the sparring for the training grounds,” he said calmly.

Kurenai, arms folded, sighed. “Kiba, leave them be. You’ve got more important things to worry about—like those scratches.” She gave him a stern look, but her words barely registered over the rising tension.

Sasuke took the opportunity to glance at the rest of Team Eight. Shino stood off to the side, perfectly unscathed—no surprise there. The bug-user always seemed to avoid unnecessary mess. Then there was Hinata, fidgeting, eyes darting between Naruto, Kiba, and everyone else. Her coat was still inexplicably free of any rips, and she had not so much as a single visible scratch. He couldn’t help a twinge of curiosity—how had she managed to come out unscathed?

She caught him looking and glanced away, cheeks warming. Sasuke remembered, vaguely, her quiet determination in the Academy. How she always kept to the background but never truly gave up. He also recalled what he knew of her feelings for Naruto. The mere thought made him huff internally. Why Naruto? He couldn’t grasp what she saw in that loudmouthed fool who only had eyes for Sakura. In a way, Sasuke almost felt sorry for her to be completely ignored by the person she likes in favor of someone else.

Suddenly, Naruto tore his gaze from Kiba and pointed at the mission desk. “Tch, I’m done talking to you, Kiba. I’d rather collect my money and go eat ramen.” He punctuated it with an indignant sniff, then turned on his heel.

As if on cue, he turned to Sakura, barely giving anyone else a second look. “Hey, Sakura-chan! You wanna come with me? We could, y’know, call it a date.”

A spark of annoyance flared in Sakura’s eyes. “A date? With you? No thanks, Naruto. I’d rather do literally anything else.”

For a moment, she almost seemed to regret how sharply she’d answered, but Naruto was already pouting dramatically. Sasuke suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, muttering internally about how quickly Naruto’s mood swung between anger and blissful cluelessness.

“Congratulations, team,” Kakashi drawled, bringing Sasuke’s attention back as he flipped a page in his little orange book. “Mission complete. Let’s head inside to collect your payment.”

Naruto brightened up again at the word “payment.” “Oh, yeah! I’m gonna buy so much ramen with this!”

Sakura scoffed loudly. “Naruto, you waste all your money on ramen!”

“IT’S NOT A WASTE!” Naruto shot back, his voice echoing around the foyer.

Sasuke tuned them out, letting their words wash over him. They were both so loud, and yet, in a strange way, he found their constant presence lessened the emptiness he so often felt. Even if he’d never admit that.

He turned slightly, only to find Kakashi staring at him with a crooked, knowing smile. Sasuke felt an uncomfortable twist in his gut, as if the copy-nin could see right through him. He scoffed, stuffing his hands in his pockets and striding ahead, ignoring the soft chuckle Kakashi gave in response.

Once the payment was in their hands, the four of them stepped outside. The light was harsh and bright, and Sasuke squinted briefly before seeing Team Eight departing farther down the path. Kiba was still mouthing off about “real missions,” and Shino maintained his silent, aloof presence. Hinata, head slightly bowed, gave a quick glance backward—maybe at Naruto, maybe not—and then hurried to catch up to her teammates.

He considered Hinata one last time—how different she was from most people. Then, as if snapping out of a reverie, he shook the thought away.

“Sasuke-kun?” Sakura’s voice came from his side, more tentative now.

He half-turned, watching her hold her mission pay in her hands. She fiddled with it for a second, then mustered a smile. “Do you want to grab something to eat? Like…maybe together?” Her face burned pink. “Kind of like a…a date?”

He exhaled, gaze drifting away from her. “I don’t have time for that,” he said flatly. “We should be focusing on training, not wasting energy.”

The disappointment on Sakura’s face was immediate, but she nodded slowly. “Right. Yeah…you’re right.”

Sasuke didn’t bother offering any more reassurance. Instead, he turned on his heel, feeling the weight of everything settle across his shoulders. He had no space in his world for pointless distractions. Strength was all that mattered, avenge his clan, fulfill his goal.

He walked off ahead, not bothering to check if Sakura was following. Even if he could hear her soft sigh of defeat behind him, he ignored it. The day’s events were a stark reminder that he still had far to go. If chasing cats was all the village would give him now, he’d just have to train harder on his own

X

X

X

Hinata lingered in the open courtyard, watching Kiba and Shino depart ahead of her. Kiba was still complaining loudly about how unfair it was to keep getting missions involving runaway cats, while Shino maintained his usual quiet composure. Hinata found herself torn between catching up to them or staying behind with Kurenai-sensei—but ultimately, she didn’t move.

Kurenai glanced over. “Hinata? Are you heading back to the Hyūga compound?” Her tone was gentle but concerned, as if she already knew the answer.

Hinata dipped her head, trying to muster her courage. “A-Actually…Kurenai-sensei, if…if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to return to your home again tonight.”

A soft smile curved across Kurenai’s lips. “Of course. It’s no trouble at all.”

Relief swept through Hinata, though it mixed with the familiar sting of embarrassment. Ever since the day she overheard her father declare that she was a “lost cause” to be handed over to Kurenai-sensei, Hinata had barely stepped foot in the main house of the Hyūga clan. Living under her sensei’s roof felt awkward at times, and yet… it was far less painful than facing her father’s cold dismissal. She hadn’t told anyone else about it; she couldn’t bear the pity or the shame that would surely follow.

Clasping her hands together, Hinata offered Kurenai a bow. “I-I’ll…um…get something to eat first, and then I’ll head back. Is that okay?”

Kurenai nodded, still smiling. “That’s perfectly fine. Take your time, Hinata. I’ll see you later.”

Hinata watched as her sensei left, disappearing down the busy street. Once alone, she took in a breath, squared her shoulders, and started walking with a purpose—though her heart fluttered with nervous energy. By the time she reached Ichiraku Ramen, she could already hear Naruto’s excited voice projecting into the street, loud and enthusiastic.

Her lips curved into a shy smile. Despite how self-conscious she felt, part of her warmed at the sound of him. She wanted to be brave—wanted to step in and act as though she’d just stumbled upon him accidentally. But telling such a lie felt wrong, too forced. Maybe she wouldn’t have to lie at all.

She paused outside the hanging curtains, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of her chest. She considered turning back. Maybe she could just find another place to eat. But then she imagined Naruto’s bright grin, the way he tackled every obstacle without fear. If she wanted to become stronger, she had to be braver too.

Swallowing hard, Hinata took a step forward and slipped under the curtains.

Inside, the savory aroma of broth and noodles embraced her. Teuchi looked up from behind the counter. “Ah, welcome!” he greeted kindly, and his voice caused Naruto—who was noisily slurping ramen—to turn around.

Naruto’s bright blue eyes went wide for a second. He quickly swallowed a mouthful of noodles, splattering broth on his cheeks. “Hinata? I didn’t know you liked ramen!” He grinned, face lighting up as he gestured to the empty seat beside him. “C’mon, sit next to me! You can have a bowl on me!”

A jolt of warmth spread through Hinata’s chest, mixed with a wave of embarrassment so strong her cheeks felt like they were on fire. To her, it almost felt like a date. She bowed her head slightly. “Ah, th-thank you, but I can pay for my own…”

Naruto waved off her protest. “Nonsense! I got plenty of money from the mission. Besides, I’ve never really eaten ramen with anyone else except Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, Sakura-chan, and that jerk face Sasuke.”

Hinata silently took the seat, her heartbeat still thudding. Every second felt surreal. She ordered a small bowl, and as Teuchi set to work, Naruto beamed at her. “It’s kinda nice sharing ramen with someone new. Y’know, for a change.”

Hinata tried to respond but only managed a small nod and a timid smile. Her mind spun with a thousand possible replies, yet none would form properly on her tongue.

Luckily, Naruto didn’t seem to notice her silence. He launched into a stream of chatter about his favorite ramen flavors—tonkatsu especially—and how he was going to get so strong that nobody could ever look down on him again. He also complained about how boring the D-rank missions were, but he was sure they’d be getting a real one soon.

As Hinata listened, she found her own smile widening. His energy was contagious. He was so alive, so determined. It was part of why she admired him. He never gave up, never stopped moving forward. She wanted that same strength for herself.

Her own bowl arrived, steam rising from the fragrant broth. She murmured a soft “th-thank you” to Teuchi, then lifted her chopsticks. But before she could take a bite, Naruto scratched his cheek, glancing her way.

“You don’t really talk much, huh, Hinata?” he asked, his voice curious rather than mocking. “I mean, you’re super quiet.”

Hinata’s cheeks immediately heated up. “S-Sorry…”

Naruto waved a hand as if to dismiss the apology. “Nah, it’s okay. I know you’re just kinda…” He paused, searching for the word. “Weird.”

Hinata felt her shoulders tense, her eyes dropping to the counter. She knew Naruto didn’t mean anything cruel by it, but hearing it out loud still stung—especially from him.

Teuchi cleared his throat loudly. “Naruto, you shouldn’t go calling a young lady weird. That’s a bit hurtful, don’t you think?”

Naruto blinked, as though a sudden realization clicked in his head. “Oh—uh, sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Sorry, Hinata.”

Hinata lowered her head, voice barely above a whisper. “I-it’s okay…”

An awkward hush settled between them until Naruto, clearly trying to lighten the mood, spoke again. “Hey, um, I saw you the other day…Sitting with Sasuke at the docks. Are you actually friends with that guy?”

Hinata swallowed, recalling that moment by the water. She fiddled with her chopsticks. “W-We are. Sasuke-kun…h-he can be distant, and he doesn’t talk much, but he’s been a good friend to me.”

Naruto’s eyes went wide. “No way! That bastard actually has a friend?” He huffed, tapping his foot against the stool leg. “He acts like he’s better than me. It really ticks me off.”

Hinata hesitated, thinking of Sasuke’s aloof demeanor. “H-He doesn’t think that at all, Naruto-kun.”

Naruto cocked his head, curiosity edging into his features. “You think he ever, I dunno, talks about me?”

Hinata’s gaze flickered. She knew Sasuke kept most of his thoughts to himself—even with her. It felt wrong to share anything personal, so she offered a softer suggestion instead. “M-Maybe you should ask him to train with you sometime…? H-He might say no at first, but if you keep asking, I think he’d eventually agree.”

Naruto’s expression brightened. “Really? You think so?”

Hinata nodded, managing a small smile. “I-I do.”

Relief and excitement mixed on Naruto’s face, and he returned his attention to his rapidly cooling ramen. They both dug into their meals. Hinata savored the taste, barely able to focus on the flavor because her mind kept spinning: this was the first time she’d ever eaten ramen with him—just the two of them.

Before long, the bowls were empty. Naruto patted his stomach and grinned. “Ahh, that hits the spot! Hey, Teuchi-ojiisan, how much do I owe ya?”

Teuchi rattled off the price, and Hinata fumbled for her own wallet. “Naruto-kun, p-please let me pay for my meal—”

“Nah, don’t worry about it.” Naruto pulled out his money and set it on the counter. “I said I was treating you, right? Besides, I don’t mind paying for my friends.”

Friends.

The word caught in Hinata’s mind, echoing with surprising warmth. She wasn’t sure Naruto even realized the impact.

She tried to protest again. “B-But—”

Naruto waved it off, hopping down from his stool. “Seriously, it’s fine. You’re alright, Hinata, even if you are kinda gloomy sometimes, I like people like you!”

Color rushed to her cheeks, and by the time she managed to find her voice, Naruto was already waving goodbye, strolling out onto the street. Hinata pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart hammer as she stared after him.

For a moment, she just stood there, uncertain what to do next. Finally, she stepped out of the ramen stall, the curtains swaying behind her. A soft summer breeze kissed her cheeks as she gazed at Naruto’s retreating figure.

He’d called her a friend. The realization made her breath hitch. She knew she had a long way to go, to become stronger, braver, someone capable of standing beside him. But for now, that single word gave her the tiniest spark of hope.

Cradling that warmth in her chest, Hinata headed toward the training grounds before heading home to Kurenai’s. She would train harder because she wanted to deserve that word, “friend,” more than anything else.

Hinata made her way slowly toward the training grounds, the gentle rustling of leaves and distant evening chirping of crickets her only companions. Her steps were quiet and cautious, her eyes soft and thoughtful. She planned to practice for only an hour. Any longer, and Kurenai-sensei might begin to worry. She didn’t want to inconvenience her sensei any more than she already had.

The evening sun cast amber hues across the empty training area, bathing it in a peaceful glow. But as she approached, she realized someone else was already there. She paused, standing quietly at the tree line.

It was Sasuke.

He was moving fluidly, leaping high into the air, spinning gracefully. Kunai flew from his fingertips in a precise, deadly dance, each weapon striking perfectly at the center of the targets. Hinata watched in awe, her lavender eyes wide with admiration.

He landed lightly on the ground, knees bent slightly before he straightened up, breathing evenly. As if sensing her gaze, his dark eyes immediately flicked to meet hers.

“Sasuke-kun,” she breathed, stepping forward timidly.

His expression softened a fraction, and he tilted his head slightly, regarding her with faint curiosity. “Hinata,” he greeted quietly, a subtle lift of his eyebrow. “Want to spar for a bit?”

Hinata hesitated for just a heartbeat before nodding firmly. “Yes. I-I’d like that.”

They moved quietly to the center of the grounds, facing each other in silent preparation. Hinata fell into her stance, the gentle fist poised elegantly as her eyes sharpened. Sasuke mirrored her posture, muscles tense yet controlled, sharing a brief gaze of mutual determination.

In the next moment, they charged toward each other simultaneously, colliding in a rush of careful strikes and swift dodges. Sasuke’s hits were precise, strong, unwavering, yet Hinata kept pace, her hands moving swiftly, aiming carefully for his chakra points.

Sasuke pushed forward suddenly, pressing her defense, breaking through with a firm blow. Hinata stumbled backwards, losing balance, landing hard on the dirt with a frustrated gasp. Disappointment rushed through her, heating her cheeks, but she quickly rose to her feet, steadying herself.

“Again,” she said softly, determination radiating in her voice.

Sasuke paused, watching her quietly for just a moment before nodding briefly, resuming their spar.

The pattern continued. Hinata’s gentle fist striking forward, Sasuke smoothly countering and driving her back again and again. With every fall, every bruising collision against the ground, she got up without hesitation, whispering, “Again.” And Sasuke humored her stubborn resolve each time, even though it was clear who held the upper hand.

Finally, Sasuke stopped, breathing only slightly faster. His dark eyes held an edge of concern beneath their usual indifferent mask. “That’s enough for tonight, Hinata. You’ll exhaust yourself.”

She shook her head stubbornly, sweat trickling down her temple. “I-I can keep going. Please, Sasuke-kun. I need—I need to get stronger.”

His brows furrowed, and he sighed deeply. “Pushing yourself to exhaustion isn’t going to suddenly change anything. It’ll only hurt you.”

His words, though realistic, stung deep. She dropped her gaze, feeling the weight of inadequacy wash over her. Quietly, she mumbled, “Then…I-I’ll just stay behind and practice alone.”

“No,” Sasuke said firmly, without hesitation.

She blinked, startled by his tone. “N-No?”

“That’s right,” he repeated sternly. “No. You’re overworking yourself, Hinata. I’m not letting you collapse again from chakra exhaustion.”

She looked away shyly, nervous embarrassment flushing her cheeks. “I-I’m fine, really—”

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing slightly in a warning. “Hinata.”

A tense silence stretched between them, broken only by the whispering of trees.

Eventually, Sasuke sighed, softer this time. “I’ll walk you home.”

Hinata immediately shook her head, flustered and embarrassed. “No, Sasuke-kun, it’s alright—I can walk home by myself.”

He frowned deeply, clearly caught off-guard by her refusal. Rarely did he offer something like this, and she can tell that her rejection bruised his pride. Stubbornly, he stepped closer, folding his arms across his chest. “Either you let me walk you home, or I’ll tell Naruto that you have a crush on him.”

Hinata’s face immediately turned bright crimson. But instead of backing down, she boldly lifted her chin, mustering her own daring retort. “I-If you do, I-I’ll tell Sakura-san that you stare at her when she isn’t looking.”

Sasuke’s eyes widened, his usually composed mask shattering briefly as embarrassment flickered across his face. “W-What? That’s ridiculous! I don’t—”

Hinata smiled softly, a spark of mischief in her pale eyes. Truthfully, she wasn’t certain whether he had any feelings for Sakura at all, but she had seen him staring quietly in the kunoichi’s direction more than once.

Sasuke’s cheeks were dusted faintly pink now, frustration clearly evident. He grunted irritably, stepping forward abruptly and grasping her arm roughly. “I’m walking you home, and that’s final.”

Hinata tugged slightly, squirming in his grip. “S-Sasuke-kun, let go! I-I really will tell Sakura-san—”

He merely glanced back over his shoulder, smirking faintly, despite the lingering blush on his cheeks. “You wouldn’t dare. And besides, it’s not true anyway.”

She continued struggling lightly, but Sasuke’s stubbornness prevailed. Soon, they reached the streets. Sasuke turned towards the Hyūga compound, leading her in completely the wrong direction.

“S-Sasuke-kun, please stop—this isn’t the right way!” she protested anxiously.

He ignored her at first, continuing forward until irritation finally edged into his voice. “What’s wrong with me walking you home, Hinata? Would you rather it was Naruto?” 

At this, he released her abruptly, turning to face her, the teasing gleam entirely gone from his dark eyes. His voice was harsh, truly annoyed. “I don’t get why you’re so obsessed with that idiot.”

She stood frozen, shocked into silence as he stared at her accusingly.

“That’s…That’s not true,” she whispered finally, feeling ashamed and guilty for hurting his feelings.

“Forget it,” Sasuke muttered, shaking his head bitterly. “I don’t care anymore. That’s the last time I try to do something nice for you.”

He turned away abruptly, footsteps already taking him down the street. Regret surged in Hinata’s chest, and before she could stop herself, the truth tumbled past her lips desperately. “I-I don’t live there anymore!”

Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks, turning back slowly with narrowed eyes. “What did you just say?”

Hinata looked down at her sandals, voice trembling faintly. “I-I’ve been…staying with Kurenai-sensei.”

“Why?” Sasuke pressed quietly, concern softening his previously cold tone.

She hesitated as pain welled up inside her, tears blurring her vision. “B-Because…my father…he told her h-he gave up on me. He said I-I’m a lost cause.” Her voice broke painfully, emotion choking her.

Silence stretched heavily between them. She kept her gaze down, fighting desperately to hold back the tears. Until she heard footsteps approaching, closer and closer, until Sasuke’s sandals came into view in front of her own.

She sniffled softly, wiping hurriedly at her eyes with her sleeve, apologizing. Feeling embarrassed of showing weakness in front of Sasuke. “I-I’m sorry—”

His gentle fingers closed around her wrist, pulling her arm down. Her eyes widened in shock as Sasuke’s other hand reached out carefully, thumb brushing the tears from beneath her eyelids with a surprising gentleness. He looked uncomfortable and awkward, yet his touch was kind.

“Your father’s an asshole,” Sasuke said bluntly, flicking her forehead lightly. “And you’re definitely not a lost cause.”

Stepping back, he shoved his hands deeply into his pockets, eyes darting away awkwardly. “So, which way is her house?”

Hinata quietly pointed in the opposite direction. Sasuke began walking, pausing only to glance over his shoulder, a faint smirk returning. “Well? Hurry up. I said I was walking you home, didn’t I?”

Warmth flooded Hinata’s chest as she smiled softly, grateful beyond words. Sasuke Uchiha was a good friend—no, her best friend—and she was thankful every day for him.

She quickly hurried after him, feeling lighter and braver with every step.