Naruto's footfalls were a bright smear against Konoha's morning bustle - loud, clumsy, unapologetically orange. He'd rigged a prank: exploding paint scrolls, harmless but humiliating. Tadashi, the unfortunate target, was red-faced and furious, chasing him down the market with every last bit of vengeance-energy a genin can muster.
Naruto took many sharp turns, His sandals slapped against the cobblestones of Konoha as he sprinted, jumped and what not all while laughter kept bubbling in his throat. Behind him, Tadashi-the unlucky genin victim of today's prank-was screaming bloody murder.
"GET BACK HERE, UZUMAKI!" Tadashi roared.
"Catch me if you can, dattebayo in just a year I'll be genin too believe it konoha!! And I'll be waaay better than you suckdashi~ HAHA WAIT TADASHIT SOUNDS WAAY BETTER!" Naruto cackled, ducking under laundry lines and vaulting over crates. He laughed too loud as he dodged a fruit seller's stand
The chase barreled through markets, down alleys, and straight toward the Hyūga compound. Tadashi lunged, grabbed Naruto's sleeve, and yanked-hard. The orange jacket tore, flames licking it a second later as Tadashi spat a jutsu.
"There! That's payback, you little menace!"
Naruto wriggled free, half-stripped, and nearly tripped on his own sandals-but caught himself and continued to run he smiled and taunted the genin with a middle finger and the magic words "bitch you can't do shit" but tadashi smiled at the rage bait his hands formed a ram sign and Naruto a heard a sizzling sound and felt slight burning panicking he immediately removed from his pants whatever was the source of the sound
Which happened to be an explosive tag he quickly threw it at tadashi however it exploded and as Naruto was closer to the blast he got thrown ragdoll style all the way to the edge of Hyuga clan compound from out of it effectively missing the guards it Also helped the guards shunshined to origin of the explosion , all while chard remains of his baggy pants fell too small for anyone to actually mind it like black snow
The flight was short lived though soon he crashed in a garden very much conscious Naruto's lungs were on fire. He looked around.. at the sign of the garden which was inside it , it was a map of the whole compound his blood ran cold as he read "Hyuga compound's garden of tranquility and peace"
He needed cover-any cover.
Spotting a side gate, he slipped through, scrambled across a silent garden, and shoved a sliding door open.guards were there he pushed his legs against the floor to the nearest house once inside he saw No guards. No alarms. Perfect.
He staggered inside, half-laughing, half-wheezing. "Heh... safe... suckers'll never find me in here..."
His vision was swimming-smoke from the explosion still stinging his eyes, the ringing in his ears pounding like a drum. He stumbled down the hall, threw open the first door he saw, and collapsed inside.
The futon caught him like a blessing from the god. He barely registered the lavender walls, the pale curtains, the neatly stacked scrolls by the desk. Sleep-or unconsciousness-took him instantly.
When the dust settled, he lay sprawled across the bed, shoes half-off, bare chest scorched, and what was left of his pants clinging to him with desperate dignity which wasn't much so he was indeed in his undergarments
The paper door to the bathroom of the room slid open with a crack.
Hinata stepped in, clutching a book to her chest ,her hair damp from a shower She froze.
Naruto Uzumaki-loud, brash, orange Naruto-was asleep in her bed. His modesty... was hanging by a thread. Literally he was in his undergarments and what was left of his pants which were stuck to his ankles , his "I eat only at ichirakus" merch' underwear at full display to the world
Her breath caught in her throat. Her eyes went wide. Her face went scarlet faster than her Byakugan could activate.
The book slipped from her hands with a soft thunk.
Hinata.exe crashed nearly then she nearly teleported to her bed which was occupied by Naruto like he owned it she lifted his head in her lap to check on him Her eyes flicked down to his feet.
The tops of his sandals were half-charred, the leather blackened melting, and his toes had taken a fair share of the blast. A few 2nd-degree burns had formed along the tops of his feet, red and blistered, some parts of his shinobi sandals which were visible to the normal eye were fused to his skin.
She did hear a faint explosion while she was showing-reading it was safe to guess that was the event which caused this.
*Click* *Click* *Click*
Her head whipped to the origin of the sound it was her dad , Hiashi Hyuga, her eyes went wide with horror she almost yeeted Naruto off her like he was made of lava but the smile on Hiashi's face scared her to hell and back
"Nurse him well, take your time I'll return from... hokage's office" with that hiashi closed the door with crack before Hinata could even say anything
Sighing Hinata began to scan the unconscious Naruto with her bykugan
He was pretty much fine under the clothes just a few shallow burns on his chest just red nothing bad however as she looked lower on his body Hinata froze for a heartbeat, taking in the damage. Not just his chest, but the burns along his thighs and lower torso-areas normally hidden beneath clothing-were lightly blackened, the skin red, slight blistering, and raw beneath what remained of his shredded pants.She swallowed, focusing on what mattered: his healing, nothing else.
Sure it was already healing which she knew was not human but she didn't care
Her eyes saw the red chunks of red chakra of the nine tails causing more damage to the body rather than healing it so it was obvious that that healing process that regeneration was all Naruto
"Regeneration... fitting for someone like you Naruto no matter how much you get hurt you have always got back to normal as always and may you always be like that...never change my beloved"she thought then used a chakra string a very common technique for genin of course because of her eyes she was able to use it with precision as her eyes gave her perfect control over chakra
She latched the string on to a container of ointment she had made using her mom's recipe for healing ointment just to be on the safe side with a tug the container landed in her hands wasting to no time she made a lather to apply on Naruto after opening it as she lathered her fingers with the healing cream she realised somethings
She'd either have to remove his clothes or get into a very weird position to reach every burned Inch properly
She weighed the options 1 was logical 2 was illogical after all she did just saw everything under his clothes and she could just dress him back in her clothes of course not to mention some parts of his clothes were fused to skin they might get infected or worse, and Hinata picked the one which would help Naruto the best , she replaced her lap with a pillow and moved to torso
Hinata sat there, fingers hovering over Naruto's scorched chest, ointment glistening faintly on her hand. Her cheeks were still a furnace, but her mind had settled into something calmer, steadier.
She put the ointment back in the can and went to her bathroom to retrieve a bucket and her spare towel
She slowly begun washing his body with the towel each time making sure to use a different part of the towel which she wet with clean water
Her bed was gray now with watered down soot not to much but enough
Letting the water dry off him Hinata took a sigh she looked at her hands like they didn't belong to her she had just bathe him , she couldn't help but wonder did he get here ? Even if there was explosion some guards must've seen him
Pushing the thoughts away she begun to apply the ointment on his body...
"Professional. Just... professional. Like tending a sparring wounds. Like treating Hanabi after training. Nothing strange about this... nothing at all..."
She worked carefully, smoothing ointment over his burns in measured strokes, steadying the application. Every hiss of Naruto's unconscious body as the wounds sizzled shut no doubt his regeneration was near instant when given the healing ointment it none the less made her flinch in worry, but she forced herself to stay focused but there was satisfaction too.
When she reached the hem of his ruined pants, though, her hand faltered.
Hinata bit her lip, then exhaled sharply. "Naruto-kun... forgive me..."
She almost tugged at the shredded fabric but stopped immediately remembering some parts of his fabric were fused with his skin it could make the wound worse for wear so she used her gentle fist using it's chakra needle to cut along the seam of his "pants" carefully not to cut into him her bykugan activated for extra measures
the burns along his inner thigh and above his crotch, and his private parts while they weren't damaged as bad as his foot and ankle they were still redness, slight blistering
working in fast, efficient motions. No lingering, no indulgence. She dabbed ointment, A strip of skin peeled away under her foot's accidental touch from his ankle, thin and pale like paper torn from a scroll.
She froze.
For a second her mind screamed-what if I hurt him? what if it scars? what if he wakes up now?!-but training steadied her. This was what burns did. She knew this. She'd studied.
"...It's alright," she whispered, more to herself than him she wanted to cut her own foot which caused his skin to remove from his ankle. "Just... the top layer. Your body's already healing."
she resumed, Her work she dabbed ointment over the delicate areas, smoothing the cream across each scorched patch. A faint hiss rose from Naruto's unconscious body where the salve met the freshly burned skin.
Mentally she began trying to imagine what could've happened his upper body wasn't cloth fused with his jacket at his wrists with the sleeves which would've happened if she was wearing it but it was ...just red from heat
Which meant he wasn't wearing his jacket and the fact that fire was able to get through his pants so much suggests it was low to mid grade fire explosion tag which he probably threw back which why it was damage was very uneven across his body likely the tag was thrown closer to the ground which also explained how he ended up at her apartment which was at the back of the compound and why any Hyuga gaurd didn't rush him to hospital for treatment.
As she worked, Naruto's body slowly began to knit itself back together, the raw pink of the burns already softening and fading under the combined effect of his regeneration and her ointment.
Using her gentle fist again she removed his sandals too to apply the ointment to that area too
By the time she finished, both his groin and feet were covered
Her heart pounded like she'd fought a hundred rounds-but the burns were covered, the worst damage eased.
When she finished, she sat back on her heels, staring at him. His face was slack in sleep, soot still smudged across his cheek. Despite everything-his recklessness, his noise, his chaos-he looked peaceful sure he was nude but she was glad he was ok.
Her hand hovered once, almost brushing a soot-mark from his cheek, before she snatched it back.
She decided to let him be commando for a while because at the rate of his healing he'd be back to normal in a few hours at most it'd be less work for her and him if there's no plasma on clothes she will cloth him in she knew the feeling of having clothes stuck to the leaking plasma out of the wounds and frankly it could get infected easily
So now she was in her room with her beloved Naruto completely naked watching live as his skin regenerates Hinata leaned back on her heels, checking the slow shimmer of new skin knitting itself over Naruto's side. The raw pink had begun to change its colour to match the rest of his skin, his body doing its quiet work beneath the salve. She let herself breathe - not relief, not yet, but enough to steady her hands
she looked at her hands , hands which touched his....she shook her head and began the difficult part of putting some clothes at his body she idly wondered what would've happened if he was dropped like this to someone else
Hinata opened her wardrobe and pulled out a unisex t-shirt and pajama sure they were oversized for him as she was taller than him
Her eyes narrowed in thought. Then, with quiet determination, she eased herself across him, knees braced on either side of his waist. Straddling him gave her the leverage she needed-both hands free, her body keeping him still as she worked his arms through the sleeves one by one.
It was methodical. Efficient. More importantly it was comfortable for Naruto , She focused on angles, not appearances. Lift. Slide. Adjust. Pull. She murmured steadying breaths as if she were back in medic training.
Still... every brush of her knuckles against his chest made her pulse stumble. Every shift of his weight beneath her made her heart hammer louder. By the time she tugged the shirt down over his torso, her hands trembled faintly.
She muttered something under her breath, almost scolding herself as her hands traced against his back her callused hands against his soft skin she really wanted to bite him he was that soft
Hinata tugged the shirt lower, smoothing the fabric over his stomach. Her fingers brushed his skin, and she froze.
Soft.
Not the rough, callused kind of skin she expected from a boy who trained and brawled every day, but soft in a strange, almost unfair way. It made sense-his body was constantly regenerating, replacing away scars as they could even form.
Her thumb lingered an instant too long, tracing the edge of his skin. A shiver ran up her spine.
"Naruto-kun... you're softer than Hanabi's baby blankets..." The thought slipped in unbidden, scandalous, and her blush nearly set the ointment steaming.
She pulled her hand back like she'd touched fire-but then his chest rose suddenly with a huff of breath, and his lips twitched in something dangerously close to a smile.
Hinata squeaked and clapped a hand over her own mouth. Did he feel that? Did he-of course he did he was just unconscious not dead
Her imagination betrayed her: what if I just... tickle him? He'd laugh, roll over, eyes bright even half-asleep...
She shook her head violently, braids swinging. "Professional," she hissed at herself again, forcing her mind back to work. "You are his nurse. Not his... not his... friend or anything for that matter..."
But her fingers still tingled, remembering.
The thought burst in her head uninvited-I want to bite him.
Hinata's breath caught. Her face burned hotter than the ointment on his skin. What kind of thought is that?! She pressed her lips together, furious at herself. But the urge was still there, buzzing under her skin-like when Hanabi was a baby and she'd wanted to squeeze her cheeks until she squeaked.
Except this was Naruto. Her Naruto.
Her chest twisted."He's so... adorable. Soft. Too soft. I want to-" she shook her head and continued
She reached for the pajamas. Another hurdle. She bit her lip, forced her gaze steady ignoring the "goods" directly under her, and leaned forward to work the fabric up over his legs
She wrinkles the pajama and then she moved forward sitting on his knees she worked his feet through the sleeves one by one now all she needed to do was pull back from the hem of the pajamas and he will be covered
And she did exactly that she back tracked her while facing his legs waistband in her hand as she began to cover him with her pajama
Hinata eased the fabric down over his legs one by one while stepping back, careful not to accidentally step on him or have his flesh pinched by her heel, Her fingertips brushed against his skin-and stopped.
Soft again.
Naruto's skin was impossibly smooth, the kind of softness that didn't belong on a boy who fought and scraped his way through every day. But of course... he healed too quickly. No scars, no calluses, nothing left behind.
She glanced down at her own hands, still resting on him. The pads of her fingers were rough from years of kunai drills and relentless palm strikes, faint ridges and hardened spots mapping every hour she'd pushed herself past exhaustion.
Hinata eased the fabric down over his stomach, careful not to snag on the half-healed burns. Her fingertips brushed against his skin-and stopped.
Soft.
Naruto's skin was impossibly smooth, the kind of softness that didn't belong on a boy who fought and scraped his way through every day. But of course... he healed too quickly. No scars, no calluses, nothing left behind.
She glanced down at her own hands, still resting on him. The pads of her fingers were rough from years of kunai drills and relentless palm strikes, faint ridges and hardened spots mapping every hour she'd pushed herself past exhaustion which itself was more mental.
The difference was jarring.
Her callused thumb dragged lightly, almost by accident, over his side. The faint rasp of her skin against his made her chest tighten. It was like pressing steel against silk.
Unlike other girls of her class she hadn't really cared to get them "cared" for from her point of view biologically it was stupid it made her hands stronger after all why would you waste your hard work well almost none of ever did any kind work but still
But now she wondered if Naruto would see her as more of a woman if she had done it ? It was a stupid thought none the less she continued now sat herself on his stomach ready to move back
Her fingers trailed lower, tugging cloth into place across his hip. She should've let go immediately-shift her grip, keep things efficient-but her hand lingered. She did the same with the front right and then immediately she yanked her hands back, ashamed at how long they'd lingered. He deserved someone gentler, someone unscarred. Not her.
Another thought came , would Naruto ever notice the roughness of her hands? Would he think less of her for them? She hated that the thought mattered, but it did
She finally moved off his body and covered him with her blanket she pulled his hands to his sides so he's comfortable and she doesn't accidentally step on his hands she pressed her hand to his palms meeting
Naruto's skin was warm, almost fever-hot, but smooth in a way that felt unreal. No scars, no hardened ridges, no proof of the scrapes and tumbles he was always in. It was like touching a child's skin... except he wasn't a child anymore actually better as his skin was tougher yet soft.
Hinata glanced at her own hand where it rested against his. The pads of her fingers were rough, hardened from endless kunai drills, her palms mapped with tiny ridges from striking practice. She flexed them once, feeling the tug of the skin. These are hands that bleed, that bruise, that break.
The difference made her throat tighten.
He heals everything away. I carry everything I've done. Even touching him feels like... like opposites colliding.
Her thumb dragged, unthinking, across his stomach. Soft under her roughness, his body yielded without resistance. The contrast made her breath hitch-like she was holding something fragile, something that shouldn't even let her touch it.
Naruto shifted faintly, a twitch in his chest as though the contact stirred something in his dreams. Hinata froze, heart hammering.
She should've pulled back. She didn't.
Her callused fingers splayed wider across his palm, tracing it. It was reckless, indulgent-but also grounding. Every rasp of her rough hand against his impossibly soft skin reminded her: she was real, he was real, this wasn't a fantasy, sure it was more out of curiosity than anything but still shameful none the less.
"...So different," she whispered, almost ashamed. "You break, and you come back new. I break... and I stay broken." tears flowed from her eyes
Hinata rubbed her tears away with the back of her hand and folded herself beneath her study table. The wood was still stacked with her academy scrolls
- chakra theory, shinobi law, mission reports - the sort of texts every trainee was expected to grind through. But among them lay heavier things, the relics of a role she no longer held.
Hyūga-penned manuals, slim and cruelly precise:
• How to Counter Propaganda,
• How to Counter the Counter-Propaganda,
•How to Seize a System,
• How to Break a System While Appearing Its Savior.
• Step by step on how to use people while looking like a saint
Manuals of heirs, meant for her once, when she had still been Hiashi's chosen successor. She had not finished them. She had not been allowed to because like everyone with a clan ,clan heads had the right over her time to decide what was best for you and the clan.
The clan had wanted her body's strength, her hands sharper, her will less yielding. Books could wait, they said in their actions. And then, when her softness persisted, the books themselves weren't taken from her - it was worse, left to gather dust as if mocking her she wanted to earn their acceptance so much she trained only never really getting the time to read them, she had given up on all once then she saw him Naruto then the sun named inspired her feeding her his light like she was a blackhole.
Now they sat half-read, half-forbidden, reminders of a destiny revoked.
On her bed, the boy she could never seem to escape lay breathing softly. Naruto's chest rose and fell in the rhythm of someone who healed even in sleep, as though the world itself conspired to keep him alive.
It was uncanny: no matter how she tried to keep respectful distance, they always ended up training within the range of her bykugan . Him in the open, her in the margins. Him chosen by no one, her unchosen by everyone. Yet somehow, always near.
heart still rattling in her chest. She couldn't push the image away-the sharp click, click, click of the camera, her father standing in the doorway. Smiling.
Not a cold sneer. Not a disappointed frown. A smile.
Why?
Why take that picture? Why smile at that?
Her mind turned circles around the possibilities, each one worse than the last. Was it a test? A record? A tool to use against her later? Hiashi didn't do anything without reason. He never had. A smile from him was never just a smile-it was a mask, a trap, or a leash.
Her gaze darted to the Hyūga manuals on her desk. "How to counter propaganda."
"How to counter the counter."
"Step by step on how to use people while looking like a saint."
Lessons she hadn't finished, but understood enough to know: a single image could be a weapon.
A photograph of her and Naruto, alone in her room. His clothes are gone. Her hovering over him. His Head on her lap. A smile on Hiashi's face as he closed the door.
Hinata shivered.
What could he do with that picture? What story would he spin from it? And-more frightening-what story would he never need to spin at all, if the truth was damning enough?
Her fingers curled tight against her knees.
She wanted to believe her father had simply been... approving. Proud, even, that she was tending someone. That maybe, for once, he saw her. But no part of her truly believed that.
Not when his smile looked so much like strategy.
Not when she couldn't tell if he was pleased for her-or plotting against Naruto she was fine if she was the only one who got hurt but right now? She felt the strike wasn't coming for her but for him.
Her hands trembled above him. She wanted to shake him awake, to say we're not safe, not even here, to pull him out the window before her father's shadow grew longer. But when she looked at his face, slack with trust, she froze.
What words could she even use? Your life might not be yours anymore because my father smiled at us?
Naruto wouldn't understand-not because he was stupid, but because he was pure. He'd laugh it off, maybe grin and say, so what? Let them think, what they want. He didn't know the weight of a clan's gaze, the way a single rumor could choke tighter than a collar.
If she told him, she risked putting that weight on him too. Risked staining the one place he hadn't yet been poisoned by their games.
Her throat burned.
It would be easier to stay silent. To keep the fear folded in her chest, to smile at him like nothing had changed when he woke. But silence was a leash too, wasn't it? And if her father chose to tug-would Naruto even know what trap he'd been caught in?
Her eyes flicked to the door. It was closed now, but that smile lingered like smoke. A smile meant he'd already decided something.
If her father's strike came for Naruto, she would take the blow first. She swore it.
But the thought gnawed at her: sometimes, the cruelest blows weren't the ones you could see.
The door slid open again.
Hinata froze, every muscle locking. Naruto shifted in his sleep but didn't wake, his breath steady, chest rising and falling like nothing had changed.
Hiashi stepped inside, scroll in hand, posture straight as a blade. His expression was calm, but the faint curve of his lips told her this was no ordinary visit.
"Hinata," he said evenly. "I have arranged your marriage."
Her blood turned to ice. The words rattled in her skull. Marriage. Decided. Done.
Her voice came out as a whisper. "T-to who?"
Hiashi's eyes slid to Naruto on the bed. Barely dressed. His head resting against her lap . The image was already burned into her mind, but seeing her father glance at it-at him-was worse than any nightmare.
"The boy you've taken such... interest in." His tone was quiet, deliberate. "Uzumaki Naruto."
Hinata's breath caught.
It wasn't joy. It wasn't even a shock. It was dreadful.
Because she saw the scroll in his hand, and she remembered the click, click, click of the camera. She saw how easily this could be spun. A compromising image. A scandal. A marriage arranged not out of approval, not out of kindness-but out of leverage.
"No no NO NO NOT HIM HURT ME NOT HIM HE HAS SUFFERED ENOUGH" was the loop in Hinata's thoughts but Hiashi continued
"You should be grateful," Hiashi said smoothly. "This union will prevent disgrace. For you, for him... and for the clan, and perhaps it'll give you the stress relief you need, because of you two the hyuga clan now has the nine tails."
He didn't have to say the rest. I own this story now. I own him too, through you.
Hinata bowed her head quickly so he wouldn't see the tears threatening to rise "you..." Her tears stopped "you...dare drag that poor tormented soul in..."her chakra spiked bykugan activated Hiashi's face bloomed into a smile
"Is that a disagreement I hear in your voice Hinata?" His voice was booming to her because there was a hint of anger in it a Hyuga won't show that much emotions generously
"Yes it's disagreement you...poor excuse of a father" Hinata's voice was plain monotonous like the one her father liked almost casual even
If hiashi was surprised he didn't show it
"if I wanted to trap Naruto in a legal 'relationship' without his consent because let's be honest that's what this "marriage" would seem like to anyone..I would've done that myself like really he was and is the perfect victim for that and worse you trained me to use people... like every other heir of other clans why do you think I haven't acted like a Hyuga as you put it and took him already ? I could have had my way with him anytime I wanted the village has made it easy for anyone to do that"
A breath calm yet deep
"So don't you dare twist this in "I was giving you what you always wanted" I. Wanted. Him. To. Choose. Me. If he wanted to know, was it stupid? Yes it was because look how it made him easy prey for people like you honestly I'm glad no one ever made a move on him guess the hokage knows how to keep his jinchuuriki barely safe" she took a long due breath
Hiashi's smiled didn't shrink no matter how genuine it might look to someone else who didn't know Hiashi Hinata knew he had her good her mind raced if she denies he would substitute her for another Hyuga...oh no no no no NO he probably has spread the propaganda already
She knew the legal system of konoha like any other genin since she was a close relative the current head of Hyuga clan aka the daughter hokage won't allow well won't be able to allow a mind walk to see whether she and Naruto actually did something
So probably she'll get her emotions checked where she's screwed because she loves him like a woman , Naruto can get mind walked too but since he's been asleep this whole time it would frame her in a bad but good Hiashi's plan way basically if she protests against it she will be framed as the rapist here
She could almost hear it "hinata took advantage of Naruto" after which hiashi would get Naruto in the clan regardless probably going "my daughter made a mistake I'll take care of him"
She can't even apply for a medical check up to prove that Naruto and her didn't do anything because he'll just go "they haven't crossed the line but are we gonna wait for them to ?" Naruto was trapped
Hiashi let the silence stretch, the smile never slipping. Only the faintest flicker of his Byakugan betrayed how sharply he was watching her.
"You've thought ahead," he said at last, voice even. "Good. It means you understand. The village... the law... they all see what they are shown. Not what it is. And I have already shown them enough."
Hinata's stomach dropped.
"If you resist," Hiashi went on, as if discussing the weather, "they will not ask whether you are guilty. They will ask why you look guilty. Why were you alone with him? Why was his clothing gone? Why were you not stronger, more disciplined. And Naruto..." His eyes flicked briefly to the boy still breathing softly in her bed. "...will be pitied. But pity, Hinata, curdles quickly into suspicion. Do you truly want him to wake into that?"
Her throat tightened.
He stepped closer, the scroll still in hand. "The village will see a girl too horny to be a ninja , desperate enough to cling to an outcast all to satisfy herself, Naruto as a slut who takes anyone for the payment of love Or-" his smile sharpened-"they will see a daughter dutiful enough to take responsibility for her mistakes even if the person is an outcasted jinchuuriki . One story disgraces you both. The other secures you both. Tell me, which would you rather endure?"
she wasn't being honest to her father for the very first time
Because it wasn't that she wanted Naruto to choose her. instead it was that she didn't want Naruto to end up with a burden like her.
In her head Naruto deserved better, someone stronger.
Sure after she adopted his ninja way she aimed to be the kind of person he deserved but the problem was it was still her just Hinata.
No prodigy like sasuke or neji . No miracle in human form. No shining kunoichi of the year for the village to admire like Sakura. Not even an heir to her clan like Ino , Sakura, Sasuke , Choji , Shikamaru , Kiba and Shino.
Just the quiet girl who tripped on her words and folded under her father's eyes.overlooked by everyone-just like him. Only he had fought his way out first, She had needed his light to reflect even a percentage of it she was worse than Naruto because unlike him everything she suffered actually broke her.
Naruto deserved better than a burden like her. Someone stronger, brighter, braver-someone who could stand at his side without trembling.
Hinata's fists clenched.
"Do not mistake me," Hiashi said softly, leaning just enough that his shadow spilled across her. "I am not forcing you. I am... arranging mercy. Without this, the whispers will eat him alive more than ever . With this, he will have a clan. A family. And importantly you. Even if the match is unequal, come on, daughter I don't have all day. There are many women in the Hyuga clan. After all, we both know they won't be kind like you, they'll be his trainer not his wife they'll use him unlike you."
He straightened again, calm as ever. "The choice is yours, Hinata. But only one choice will leave Uzumaki Naruto standing but both will give you him to yourself."
Hinata's breath shook, but she lowered her head. The submission he wanted. The silence that confirmed she understood.
"...Yes, Father," she whispered.
Hiashi's smile softened, satisfied. "Good. Then it is decided ,enjoy your Naruto. The stress relief you will get from this arrangement should make both of you better." he said in a tone which almost sounded fatherly like he gave her a toy to play with.
He turned toward the door, already rolling the scroll with meticulous care. To anyone else, it would look like victory after all she got the guy she wanted. To Hinata, it looked like shackles clicking shut around him, not her. It was his pain and hurt which tore her apart, not her own.
She kept her eyes down until his footsteps faded. Only then did she dare breathe again.
Her hands were still trembling, but not from fear anymore. From decision.
If she opposed him, Naruto would be destroyed by someone else who would definitely not care about him. If she obeyed him, Naruto would be bound. Either way, he was trapped. So she would play along. For now.
Her gaze drifted to Naruto, unconscious, vulnerable, in her spare pajamas. The thought of him waking into this snare made her stomach twist.
"I'll protect you," she mouthed silently, almost like a prayer. "Even from this."
Her father believed he owned the story now. He believed he owned Naruto.
She really didn't want to be his wife without his consent but since hiashi had him it out for him she was the only one actually cared for him and wanted to help and also knew Hiashi enough to at least protect him better she swore silently she won't even touch him even if legally he was her husband
Footsteps returned no doubt to her dad. The door opened. Hiashi came back "so daughter do you want the marriage ceremony?"
Her bykugan nearly activated out sheer hate this wasn't a marriage, marriage were made upon mutual consent and love Naruto didn't love , Naruto didn't consent she didn't consent this wasn't a marriage it was them being sold away
"I don't think it will be necessary, Father. We are already married, are we not? I should prepare for the academy. If you'll excuse me... good night."Hinata said, wanting Hiashi out of her room before Naruto wakes up. She wanted to prevent Hiashi from manipulating him the best way ? Let him sleep Hiashi out
"Perhaps we should wake him too after all it's his marriage too after all"Hiashi said his voice sounded fatherly
Her breath snagged but she pretended to cough. If Naruto woke up, if he saw Hiashi standing with a scroll and heard the word "marriage"... he would accept it. Not because he wanted her, but because it was family, belonging, acknowledgement, validation the one thing he craved most the thing he got in pieces by pranking by being a clown in the academy refusing to help himself get better grades. Hiashi knew it. That was the trap.
"Father, there's no need for that yet.. my husband is exhausted please let him sleep I'm in no better condition either we have to go to the academy Tomorrow not to mention we'd have to move Naruto's stuff from his house" Hinata said with a yawns sure it was just the start of evening but it should work considering how much Hinata had tortured by Hiashi today
Hiashi nodded, giving one of his hands to go into his other sleeve to fetch something.
"Here's a gift for you and him by proxy" he said plainly
Hinata's gut told her it was something bad for her sanity.
He threw a box at her , she caught it , her bykugan activated to see what was in it knowing full well it was definitely something she didn't want right now
It was a box of condoms. Female condoms.
Unfortunately for Hinata, Naruto stirred at that time after all he really wasn't hurt that much that he'd need to sleep the whole day.
Hinata's gut dropped. No. Not now. Please Naruto, not now.
A low groan slipped out as he shifted on her bed, the blanket sliding down his chest. Hinata's heart clenched at the sound-so normal, so alive, so Naruto.
His eyes blinked open, hazy blue scanning the room half asleep. For a moment, his only thought was confusion. "...where am I?" His voice was scratchy, warm. "What kind of weird ass dream is this?" memories of events occurring before his sleep rushed to him.
He noticed that this was the room he fell asleep in...he noticed he wasn't wearing his undergarments, he noticed the clothes he wore didn't smell like him so it wasn't his, a look at them confirmed the fact they were made for a taller frame nailed it in his head
Hiashi smiled like a father "ah Naruto glad you can now join our conversation son" his hand went back in his sleeve taking another box out this one gifted wrapped in Narutomaki (fish cakes) patterned paper
Naruto's head spined first he realised he had crashed at his classmate's house a little grateful
though as Hinata has never bothered him she was a little weird in a good way nothing more and if she had him changed or changed him herself it should count as her at least caring about him way more than anyone ever did say for a few
Second at this stranger calling him. him "son" not boy , brat or any other names the normie villagers used
Just son and before that he used his name in a way better than the hokage himself not "I'll kill you if you breathe wrong" like everyone else this dude was an alley,
A cool dude ! That was his first impression of this guy. He also looked a lot like Hinata even more than any other Hyuga he had seen, so probably someone close to her.
Looking over at the girl herself she looked a little on edge and exhausted. Did his crashing here cause her problem? Perhaps she got scolded a little for caring for him? With telling this guy?
Hinata looked calm and held a box in her hand which was wrapped in lavender patterned wrapping-paper. Did he awoke at the wrong time?
"Uhh not to seem rude uncle who are you..? And what do I have to add to this conversation between you two?" Naruto hesitated, glancing down. His... clothes. The seams on his underwear had split, leaving them in two halves. His chest tightened.
This... wasn't normal...was It ,well at least it wasn't his "normal" where he was hated and outcasted right? He remembered having burned a few broken bones perhaps that's why? He remembered that way of getting clothes off someone injured in first aid class well until he wasn't kicked out for being himself...
Hiashi's smile widened, sharp yet smooth. "Consider these... precaution For you," he said, placing the Narutomaki-wrapped box in front of Naruto. "And for my daughter Hinata, " he added, nodding toward Hinata's hands.
"Oh he's her dad ! Wow she sure does have a great and friendly father" Naruto thought resisting the urge to tear apart the wrapper which punned his name off the box , he smiled gratefully at Hiashi letting the box stay where he placed it
Hinata's stomach twisted. Both boxes represented the same cruel calculus: consent disguised as choice, protection presented as agency. Naruto didn't yet understand it, but the trap was complete.
Hiashi's eyes, calm but piercing, lingered on them both. He turned to Naruto "let me get you up to speed son" Hiashi gave the scroll to Naruto
"By the decree of hokage..." His eyes looked heavy as he began like he had made a mistake
"you Naruto Uzumaki have been married to Hinata Hyuga due to scandalous position i found you two in...while i admit it was my mistake to assume but as a father i couldn't let my daughter be used by anyone like that I'm sorry for the lack of choice here son"Hiashi's voice was fatherly regret filled
Naruto raised an eyebrow because he didn't understand much of what hiashi said. But he understood one thing he was married to someone he belonged to someone and that someone was Hinata,
He was gonna have kids he was gonna have a family this man Hinata's father was his father too now father in law . he had a father now today an orphan had gained a family, clan and a wife.
A smile bloomed across Naruto's face "wait what ! I got married to Hinata?! That's awesome!" Then he remembered that Hinata didn't have a choice either, his head whips to her "wait! Are you fine with this?! Are you fine with marrying me ?"
Hinata's throat tightened her heart cracked because she knew he thought she didn't want him if only he knew.
Her hands still gripped the lavender-wrapped box. Her voice was quiet but firm, careful.
"Yes I'm okay with Naruto while i would've preferred that we could've gotten more choices here...I like being your wife if that's what you want Naruto" she shot a look filled with killing intent to Hiashi
While anyone else would've told him the layers of lies and manipulation she didn't because his response would've only made things worse for him.
Right now being his wife will give her the ability to protect him she couldn't even make Hiashi bad here either the way his first impression was on Naruto... If she tried to pin a little blame on him Hiashi won't even need to play the victim Naruto would defend him saying everyone makes mistakes
"Wait... really? You mean it? You're not just saying that?" Naruto asked he was shocked by her openly saying she loves being his wife even though he was yet to give her anything
Her heart split open. To Naruto, this was salvation. To her, it was a cage disguised as his dream just real enough that he'd never look to wake up a drug.
She had only one choice now: protect him, no matter how deep the half lie had to go she loved him she wanted him but she knew she wasn't worthy of him.
Naruto shot up from the bed and hugged Hinata, interlocking himself with her his head resting on her nape of her neck. He pulled back just quickly his eyes like stars "YOU KIDDING this is the best!" His smile widened eyes shining with new found life
"Of course I want you! To be ! My wife! If that's what you want as well!" Naruto said in his way his voice was genuinely happy
Hiashi smiled and gave Naruto a genuinely proud look "well it's done then welcome to the family son.. take care of my daughter"
Hinata's heart shattered , he wanted her! Her- the worst of her clan, it was blasphemy how could he ? She was worthless while he was priceless however this wasn't even the beginning of her dilemma there was no way of her place without hurting him either in her eyes or his & the society's
She only had choices logically which one will hurt him less and give him more chance to heal and bounce back.
She shook her head no she wouldn't have him bleed he wanted now she just needed to help him reclaim
She swore silently she will help him reclaim himself .reclaim his happiness, reclaim everything he had lost today.
without abusing him no matter how much it will hurt her or hurt anyone else, she was his wife and he was her husband she knew what marriage was she was raised in konoha after like everyone else she knew things
she also figured Naruto didn't because why would the 9 tails need to know how to be a human right? Hiashi wanted them married right? She'll give a married couple.
"Now since you're up to speed son, do you want a marriage ceremony? I would recommend to go ahead with the ceremony because it's not everyday people marry" Hiashi smiled
"I don't know uncle ahh... Hinata.. what do you think? Do you want a ceremony?" Naruto wasn't sure while the thought of having a wedding was awesome he wasn't sure how will people react to his happiness...
He was afraid for Hinata,that she might get targeted or worse that she didn't want him and was doing all this because of lack of choice.
"Please call me father Naruto you're my daughter's husband now"Hiashi said with a fatherly smile
Hinata's heart shattered even more
she knew his thought process if she denies a public wedding he will spiral.
Hiashi had played them well, her guilt was lessened as she knew he wanted her , so with her mask set in place she forced her the hate, anguish, and other emotions out of her voice
"I think it's a great idea we could invite many people and share our happiness with those who will be happy" she said, her voice gentle in her way ,shy yet warm she hugged him to drive the words home.
"I would love to share that moment with you"she felt her own needs being fulfilled as her body contacted him. It was a comforting feeling but it scared her because it risked her being an accomplice in Hiashi's plan.
"Now let's decide the date for the ceremony. Any suggestions? I suggest tonight at dawn"Hiashi asked
"Wait! Can we have a day of delay ? Like this seems the perfect opportunity to prank teachers at the academy! Believe it!Hahah I can almost imagine their loser faces" Naruto laughed
you two must be hungry right?" Hiashi said in voice which was so genuine Hinata almost thought her dad from time of her mother's life was back
"If you want I'll get you two food in here after all you two did just got married" Hiashi added
Naruto turned to Hinata from Hiashi
"Hinata what do you think? You're hungry right? Should we get food here in your room ? Or go with Hiashi"
She wasn't hungry. not for food at least, family dining table was something she hated because at the table if she was ever there by accident everyone would ignore her respectfully so she had the routine of making her own food and either eating it in the kitchen or taking it to her room,
the choice should've been obvious but she knew saying that could make Naruto believe she was hiding their marriage hiding out shame, thankfully she had her allies too her sister, her old care taker ko , natsu Hyuga her aunt in all but blood
"Our room Naruto wherever we both are it's ours regardless of whether it's your apartment or mine... we're married after all" she corrected him lightly and gently she pressed her a tighter to him
Naruto's eyes widened His eyebrows lift slightly in surprise, pupils dilating. His brain processes "married... our room... ours"-there's a tiny pause as it hits him emotionally.
His body shifted to let her lean into him as she presses closer. His hands twitched as if wanting to reach for her but not sure if he should.
"You decide hubby, you're the husband remember?...my sister and others would love to meet you" she said half joking
"Whatever you pick Naruto I'll support you" Hinata thought
Naruto's lips curl into a goofy, almost boyish grin. A small laugh escapes, partly from excitement, partly from relief. His shoulders relax, releasing tension he didn't even realize he was holding.
He gently takes one of her hands in his, squeezing it lightly, partly for reassurance and partly because he just wants to anchor himself in this reality mostly because he was nervous he had asked her because he wasn't sure if he should pick any of the options part of him wanted to just go his home it was ironic after starving for love and validation his whole life a part of him was afraid of it.
Naruto thought "I'm the husband... huh?what do I do ! she trusts me so much what did I ever do for her Hinata to act like this ? Wait... what is a husband meant to be like ?...May I should ask Hiashi" he looked at Hiashi, Hinata's presence kept Naruto's nervous at bay after a little thinking time he made his choice
"Then our room it is! But after we eat, I want you to meet your sister and others ! They've gotta see their awesome new brother-in-law!"
Smiling Hiashi stands, smoothing his robes.
"I'll have food sent to your room. Make yourselves comfortable," he says warmly, before leaving them alone.
The door clicks shut.
Silence.
Naruto shifts from foot to foot still attached to Hinata, scratching the back of his head. His mouth opens... then closes. He sneaks a glance at Hinata, then away again.
"Sooo... uh... wifey," he blurts, cheeks heating. "Uh, that sounds weird, huh? Eheh." He laughs nervously.
Hinata's fingers twist in her sleeves. "N-no, Naruto-kun... it's... it's okay." Her voice is soft, almost trembling, but there's a small, shy smile tugging at her lips.
Naruto scratches harder at the back of his head, nearly mussing his hair flat. "I mean, wow. We're like... married. Like... actually married. Crazy, right? Eheh." He looked at her again.
Hinata nods, her blush rising. "...Y-yes. Crazy."
Another beat of silence.
Naruto, desperate, blurts again: "Sooo... uh, what do married people even do? uh wait-when do we have kids ? Like how does that even work ? Do we go to some holy mountain or something like that?" He cuts himself off, like he just figured how to get unlimited free ramen
"Don't tell me- Tomorrow in the morning we'll just find a baby ! At our house! Will the dragons deliver it ?!" Naruto was bouncing back and forth
Hinata's whole body jolted. Her face went crimson so fast it almost matched the red of the clan's banners.
"N-Naruto-kun!" she squeaked, clutching the lavender box tighter as if it were a shield. Her Byakugan instincts screamed to faint and reset, but she forced herself upright.
Naruto blinked at her, tilting his head like a confused puppy. "What? Did I get it wrong? No dragons?"
Hinata's lips trembled-half in horror, half in a desperate effort not to laugh. He really doesn't know... oh no, he really doesn't know!
She shook her head quickly, eyes darting anywhere but his. "N-not dragons... um... it's... not like that."
Naruto's brows furrowed, suspicious now. "Wait... so it's griffins then? griffins can do anything. Or maybe cats? No, no, some kind of deers , right?! They just drop babies off?" He snapped his fingers, convinced he'd solved it.
That was it-Hinata's shoulders shook, and a soft giggle slipped out before she could stop it. Then another. She slapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide in panic at having laughed in his face.
But Naruto only grinned, relief flooding him. "Hey, you laughed! I made my wife laugh! Guess I'm already doing the husband thing right, huh?"
Hinata's giggles melted into a shy, glowing smile, her blush refusing to leave. "...Y-yes, Naruto-kun... you are."
She looked at him, her white orbs looking in his blue orbs ,they were still very much hugging each other and asked him something she already the answer to just wanted to hear from him "do you want to have kids ?... with me?"
"Of course who else? You're wife remember!" Naruto shot back without even thinking like it wasn't a big deal
Hinata felt her insecurities evaporate never to return for some hours at least next question was out reflex
"How many kids do you want" she asked
Naruto's eyes widened, and a huge grin spread across his face. "Kids? Uh... uh... as many as we can, right? Like... a bunch! A whole soccer team! Hehe!"
He laughed, then paused, tilting his head as if thinking seriously for the first time. "Well... as many as you want, Hinata. If you're okay with it, I'm okay with it! I just... want us to be happy. And, uh... I'd love to see our kids running around!"
Hinata's eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly, a soft laugh escaping despite herself. "A... a whole soccer team?" she murmured, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. Her hands tightened gently around his, warmth spreading through her chest.
Naruto nodded eagerly, his grin infectious. "Yeah! I mean, so they can play with each other a lot and will never feel alone"
Hinata's blush deepened, her pale cheeks now glowing with both embarrassment and a quiet, growing joy. "...I... I think... I'd like that too, Naruto-kun. With you... I think I'd like a big family."
Naruto's eyes lit up like the sun, and he leaned closer, nudging her gently with his nose against hers. "Really? Really really?"
"...Really," Hinata whispered, her voice barely audible, yet filled with certainty. She pressed her forehead lightly against his, letting the closeness speak louder than words ever could.
Naruto wrapped his arms more firmly around her, his goofy grin softening into something warm, steady, and full of promise. "Then it's settled! We'll have as many kids as we can, and I'll be the best husband ever. And... the best dad too!"
Hinata's heart swelled at his words, a quiet happiness settling in her chest. For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel fear or doubt. Only the warmth of being seen, trusted, and loved-and the thrilling knowledge that their new life together was just beginning.
She was also relieved that now the trauma she and Naruto had gone through will not pass down to their children.
The sound of Several footsteps brought them out of each other's eyes and arms
Hinata stiffened first, her body instinctively pulling back, though Naruto's hands lingered on her shoulders. Both turned toward the door just as it slid open with a low rasp.
Hiashi stepped in, posture straight and composed as ever, but his gaze immediately swept over the scene-his daughter and her husband sitting far closer than any casual guest should, a good sign showing he had played his cards well
Behind him, Hanabi peeked from around his robes, her wide lavender eyes blinking curiously. A pair of servants followed, carefully balancing trays laden with steaming bowls and a low lacquered table.
Hanabi had the Hyuga look like her dad Hiashi "Hello big sister Hinata and brother in-law Naruto"
Today was funny for Hanabi her sis just got married to the guy who inspired her the very same guy Hinata loved but didn't want to take him due to insecurities Hanabi couldn't but laugh in her head , now due to her dad Hinata will have to take him
Of course Hiashi had let Naruto in they were a clan with the gift of bykugan after all, he had made a shadow clone who had been explaining the whole thing
She had been fascinated when her dad told her everything how he used both of them how he made them play like he wanted this was the art of using people for the good of everyone even the victims.
She was told about the whole ordeal like a practical case to study a 4D experience! With interactive characters living and breathing while it felt bad seeing her big sis get manipulated like that it was definitely better for her , after all she got what she wasn't Hyuga enough to take.
Naruto froze like a deer in the headlight, still half leaning toward Hinata. His face burned, but instead of pulling away, he gave a sheepish grin and whispered under his breath, "Uh-oh no... we got caught red-handed, wifey."
Hinata's face went scarlet. She quickly tucked her hands into her sleeves, ducking her head in embarrassment as she giggled the joke was perfectly Naruto like warm meant to make the whole ordeal easy to digest.
Hiashi cleared his throat-pointedly, firmly-but didn't comment. He gestured for the servants to set the food down, his tone smooth and formal. "Naruto I want to remind you If you want to talk to me regarding this whole ordeal or anything ask Hinata or the servants they shall bring you to me or just find me, you're not alone anymore you have me as your father in-law remember that."
Hanabi knew what her dad playing at here was , just a few more moves and the Hinata will be forced to be a Hyuga and to finally take the innocent fool.
She had absolutely no idea why her sister was afraid of manipulating the boy to her bed it was very saintly sure but why sacrifice so much? Naruto wasn't from her clan , he wasn't even her friend why care ? Why refuse to use her new husband the way she was expected? Why give up so much? Was it kindness? Naïveté?
Why would she torture herself this much? Without wanting anything in return? She supposed it was because of the treatment her family and clan gave to Hinata but her resolve was just so hard to break , the clan wanted to give her a weapon she however pointed at herself first.
Her father was using the same principles of "how to use people while looking a saint" she knew chapters she was being shown used in practice as Hiashi used Hyuga sign language to tell her exactly that "poor big sis never got to learn this language" she felt bad of course because of her Hinata was stripped of her rightfully place as the Hyuga heiress.
Hinata's eyes flicked to Naruto, her fingers tightening on his sleeve under the table. She could feel her father's presence like a shadow pressing on the room, and Hanabi's watchful stare like a kunai-tip at her back.
Naruto, oblivious to the layers of Hyūga politicking, beamed at Hiashi. "Uh... thanks, Father-in-law! That's... uh... really nice of you to say!"
"No one has ever said that for me" he finished the full sentence in his mind
Hiashi inclined his head, the faintest smile ghosting across his lips. "Of course. The family stands together."
The servants finished setting the trays and retreated silently, leaving the four of them at the low table. Steam curled up from the bowls, thick with the scent of miso and grilled fish.
Hanabi settled opposite them, chin resting on her palm, eyes flicking between the two like a cat watching sparrows.
As everyone began eating the food on the short table
Hinata was hesitant to eat food. It was after a long time that she got food which was made by servants.
Naruto wasn't doing any better he was constantly looking at Hiashi and Hinata
Hinata tried her best to make sure he was in loss like asking if he needed salt or pepper, anything in general
Hinata, trying to help, offered small gestures of guidance. "Do you... need salt?" she asked softly, brushing her sleeve against his arm. "Or... pepper? Anything at all?" Her voice was barely above the whisper of the steam rising from the soup, yet full of care.
Naruto's gaze remained fixed on her, his grin slightly sheepish. "Uh... I think I'm fine, Hinata-kun," he murmured, though his eyes betrayed both uncertainty and admiration.
For a moment, the room felt like a delicate balance of new family intimacy, formal duty, and unspoken understanding. Hanabi continued to observe, intrigued by every glance and gesture, while Hiashi sat silently, his presence calm and commanding, watching the two of them navigate this small yet meaningful ritual.
Naruto, seated beside her, fared no better. His bright blue eyes darted between Hinata and Hiashi, as though seeking permission to breathe or blink. Every now and then, he nudged the bowl in front of him, unsure where to begin, caught between polite manners and his usual awkward energy.
Hinata took a deep breath and leaned slightly toward him, lowering her voice. "Uh... Naruto-kun... here, I can help you. Try this first," she said, guiding a piece of fish gently onto his chopsticks. She watched carefully as he hesitated, then carefully brought it to his mouth.
"Is it... okay?" she asked softly, a small blush warming her cheeks.
Naruto nodded eagerly, eyes lighting up. "Yeah... it's really good, Hinata. You... you make it easier to eat," he admitted, his voice a little embarrassed.
Hinata smiled, her heart warming. "Good... I just want you to be comfortable," she whispered, reaching to adjust his sleeve slightly as though the small gesture could shield him from his nerves.
She began to pour a small bit of miso soup into his bowl, her hands moving with careful attention. "Do you like your soup hot or... a little cooler?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Hot is fine... but... not too hot," Naruto said, grinning sheepishly. "I don't want to burn my tongue in front of... uh... everyone."
Hinata giggled quietly, the sound soft and almost musical. "Then I'll make sure it's just right," she said, leaning closer, her shoulder brushing his. She felt a quiet thrill at being able to care for him in such a small, intimate way.
As she reached to offer him another bite, Naruto's eyes flicked to hers, wide and bright. "You... you really think about everything, don't you?" he said, his voice a mixture of admiration and awe.
"I just... want you to be happy," Hinata murmured, her fingers lightly brushing his as she adjusted the bowl in front of him. "I want you to feel... at ease."
Naruto's grin softened, and he reached over to gently touch her hand. "Hinata... you're amazing," he said quietly. "I... I've never had anyone do this for me before."
Hinata's blush deepened, but she kept her focus on him. She felt a quiet pride in caring for him, in creating this small bubble of comfort amidst the formalities and Hyūga expectations. Every little gesture-passing a dish, pouring soup, guiding his chopsticks-felt like a promise, a declaration that she would be there for him, quietly, steadfastly.
Hanabi, watching the careful attention between the two, tilted her head and smirked, clearly enjoying the scene but not yet interfering. Hiashi, ever composed, observed silently, allowing the siblings to navigate this delicate dance.
Naruto's initial awkwardness began to fade as he leaned into her gestures, a small, contented sigh escaping him. Hinata's smile widened, her heart swelling with the quiet joy of being able to nurture, to protect, and to simply be there for the man she loved.
Hanabi looked at her dad and began signalling him her plan after getting a nod she laid her trap.
"big sister why don't you feed your husband with your hands"she said in the most innocent voice ever
Hinata's face flashed through the expressions as follows "wtf" , excited and finally embarrassed,
Naruto hopefully looked like his eyes looked much like brittle glass then ocean, something which didn't go unnoticed by everyone except him. After all, everyone was a Hyuga except for Naruto himself.
Hiashi just smiled "an excellent idea this will increase love between you two" he knew Hanabi would do this best
"Hinata will never think Hanabi is on my side her love for her sister will blind her good girl hanabi good work" He thought for the greater good
Hinata's fingers trembled as she lifted the chopsticks, the grilled fish balanced between them. Heat burned in her cheeks-her own sister had cornered her with a single "innocent" suggestion, and her father had sealed it as if it were Hyūga law.
"Go BIG SIS! FEED YA MAN," Hanabi said, voice sweet as honey with a cute face . "Husbands should be spoiled by their wives and the reverse of that hehe!" she giggled
Naruto's eyes-blue, wide, painfully honest-fixed on her like she was the sun itself. For a moment she couldn't breathe. His hope was so naked, so brittle, that she feared even a hesitation would shatter it.
So she leaned forward.
The chopsticks touched his lips, and Naruto bit down gently, chewing with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Mmm! So good! Way better when you feed me, Hinata! I swear this food tasted good! like ten times better!!"
He laughed, a grin splitting across his face, crumbs sticking to the corner of his mouth.
Hinata's heart twisted, torn between mortification and warmth. Her hands stopped trembling. She dabbed clumsily at his cheek with a napkin, whispering, "Naruto-kun..."
Across the table, Hiashi's expression never shifted, but a glimmer passed through his pale eyes. Success. This was not just a wife tending to her husband-this was a public act, a binding thread spun in front of the clan's head. He had pushed the first stone down the slope; the avalanche would follow on its own.
Hanabi leaned her chin into her palm, eyes sharp despite her sing-song tone. "See, Father? They look like they were meant for each other."
But what caught Hanabi wasn't the romance. It was hunger. Not for food-Naruto ate like a starving boy not because of taste, but because someone had given it to him with care.
Perhaps her sister didn't realize it yet, but that look in Naruto's eyes was dangerous. It was loyalty waiting to be weaponized. If Hinata ever woke up to her own power in his life, the clan wouldn't be binding him-she would bind him
- scene break-
The bowls were cleared away, steam fading into the still air. Servants bowed and slipped out, leaving only the quiet hum of the lanterns.
Hiashi rose, his pale eyes steady. "Naruto. Walk with me."
Naruto blinked, finished the bowl halfway to the table. "Uh-y-yeah!" He scrambled up, nearly knocking over the cushion he'd been sitting on, and followed obediently.
The Hyūga patriarch led him down a side corridor lit by low lanterns, the polished wood gleaming beneath their steps. Hiashi stopped beneath a painted screen door, folding his hands behind his back.
He activated his bykugan earning a puzzled look from his son in-law
"You don't know? This is our dōjutsu known as bykugan it one of the three great eye jutsus , it allows the user the see chakra , gives the user perfect chakra control, increases the strength of chakra , allows us to see through genjutsu i have active so they won't be able read our lips or see us talking in general"
Naruto nodded
"You are married now," he began, voice flat and calm. "Do you understand what that entails?"
Naruto scratched his cheek. "Uh... it means Hinata-chan's my wife, right? And... I gotta protect her."
"That is one layer," Hiashi said. "But marriage is not a child's game of titles. It is a bond of duty, body and spirit. If you do not understand both, you will fail her."
Naruto swallowed. "Fail her...?"
Hiashi inclined his head. "Hinata is my daughter. She is a kunoichi, but she is also a woman. Her body, like yours, carries expectations. Do you understand how life is conceived?"
Naruto's face blanched His face
Displayed visible confusion. "W-wait-you mean-uh-?"
Hiashi didn't flinch. He spoke with the same tone he used when explaining battlefield tactics. "Listen carefully. The male body produces seed - sperm - millions each day. They are carried in your fluid, released when your body is aroused and climax is reached. The female body produces an egg, once a cycle. If one of your sperm reaches that egg, a child begins to form. That is the foundation of marriage - to carry life forward."
Naruto's mouth opened, then closed. He had no words came "why is father talking about chicks and eggs ?" Naruto thought
"You will not treat this as some crude amusement," Hiashi continued, eyes narrowing slightly. "The act itself is simple biology - but its meaning is weighty. For a wife, it is not only duty, but vulnerability. Her body will change. She will risk her strength, even her life, to bring forth the next generation. If you touch her, you will remember this."
Naruto's fists clenched unconsciously. He wasn't understanding anything Hiashi was saying it was like he was speaking in others language
Hiashi continued. " she would risk that because she loves you. That is why I am telling you all this - so you will not stumble blind like a fool."
Naruto's heart nearly busted out crying someone who loved him... Hinata loved him "why didn't she try to take me? Was she too afraid to ask me on a date ?" He thought as the blunt slap of Hiashi's words sank in.
He shifted slightly, his robe whispering. "Affection and intimacy are also part of marriage. Hinata will look to you not just for protection in battle, but for comfort. A hand held. A word spoken. The warmth of a shared futon. These things feed the bond just as much as flesh. Ignore them, and you dishonor her."
"You carry my daughter's name now as your wife, she carries yours as her husband," he said at last. "And with that comes duty, commitment, respect"
Naruto straightened, nervous under the man's gaze. "…Y-yeah! I'll protect her, always! Believe it!"
Hiashi's expression didn't change. "Protection is only one part. Listen well in marriage, you are no longer one person. You have rights over her, and she has rights over you. Your strength is no longer yours alone. Your time, your body, your future — all are tied to hers now."
Naruto blinked, frowning as he tried to absorb the words. "Rights…? Over each other?" "at least i understood some of those words" He thought feelings a little smart
"yes," Hiashi said, his tone clipped, precise. "You are not alone anymore. If you think as if you are still the orphan boy surviving by himself, you will fail her. Marriage requires that you let her shoulder your emotional weight, just as you shoulder her responsibilities. Understand this, and you will endure. Forget it, and you will break."
"You also must understand where the difference between you a man and she a woman is while the way I have raised her as she is well versed but none the less she will handle the emotional better so feel free to ask her about your feelings, for you i suggest you owe up her responsibilities she had many as my first born and heir most of which were taken and given to Hanabi when I named her the heir and disowned Hinata" He sighed defeatedly an act or perhaps genuine
"While i don't regret my decision i did what i had to as the clan head not as a father...yet she still carries the pressure of expectations as such she feels worthless, she isn't like most women...she is logical due to being a hyuga, understanding too kind too selfless too much of all that...so you have to reframe everything she wants as you want which is already happening you seem to do it naturally"
Naruto's throat went dry. The words sank into him with a weight heavier than any mission scroll. For the first time, someone was telling him directly—bluntly—that he wasn't supposed to carry everything on his own anymore but that wasn't the problem he was also being told he had to let somethings go to her alone that requires balance... a very delicate one.
"All in all this is married you have stepped into you might have to do something she won't want , might have to make her do things she doesn't want to , she might make you do things you won't want to, have patience with her she would too"
"Think of it like a team, a special team with only two people , think about it ? If you can't work with a single person how will you fit in and work with 3 more people"
"But remember you must lead her remember it's a privilege it's a responsibility which she has trusted you enough to pick you for"
"Unc- F-f-father" the word was foreign to his tongue yet it felt so good to say "I don't- don't think I get what sperm and eggs dishes have to do with this"
Hiashi inclined his head, the faintest motion of finality. "Ah of course, you don't know what they mean...Hinata will have to explain everything to you practically it would seem. Naruto all you must do is hug her, kiss her and make her feel like you want her, That is all. Remember it."
Naruto blushed red and said "i-i-I? Am?. Allowed to kiss her?"
"Yes and much more" Hiashi was amused to say the least
"huh so he is overall an innocent kid at heart they must've not only denied him sex-ed but actively made him realise what he was missing on"
Then Hiashi turned, already walking back toward the room, leaving Naruto frozen where he stood — heart pounding, mind reeling, the words "hug her kiss her" echoing louder than anything else.
"Son...come let's go Hinata is waiting for you" Hiashi addressed Naruto
Snapping from his thoughts Naruto followed
Hiashi deactivated his bykugan thus making sure Hinata would be able read his lip the trap would be a masterpiece, turned to Naruto and said
"Naruto...son , here's some wise words an advice if you will..as a man who was married once never let her want to take or make you sleep separately" Hiashi patted Naruto's head and continued walking
Hinata's eyes went wide her Father just took another fail safe for her to protect Naruto from being bound to her her plan was to take the futon while Naruto will sleep on the bed
Hanabi took in the sight of her big sister being worried she was openly panicking she knew father just checked her sister
As both Naruto and Hiashi entered the room again.
Hiashi looked at the bed of Hinata's room Hinata's bed was covered in black-gray spots caused when she cleaned Naruto's body of soot via towel bath and some blood
"Servants replaces this mattress as soon possible and make it worthy for my daughter and her husband" Hiashi ordered
He then turned to Naruto and Hinata"will you two bath ? Or are you two ready to sleep already?"
Hinata's face flushed with red partly due to the memory of cleaning Naruto and partly because of the images in her head imagined by Hiashi's prompt the pictures of her and Naruto bathing together just doing the cleaning nothing perverted was enough to make her heart ache with need she wanted to say yes for Naruto's sake didn't want to
Naruto on the other hand ? swallowing hard, eyes flicking to Hinata with this almost childlike desperation. He'd want to say "yes" no shout yes! more than he's ever wanted anything, but he'd choke on the words because they feel too big.
"That's the stuff other kids got. That's the thing I pretended didn't matter." He thought
a memory pulling him back years.
A few months after starting the Academy.
He remembered sitting on the wooden steps outside the classroom, swinging his legs while the other kids talked loudly, carelessly.
"—my dad took us to the hot springs last night! The steam was so thick, I couldn't even see my brother's head!" one boy bragged.
"Pfft, that's nothing. My mom washes my hair for me even though I'm too old for it. She says it makes her happy!" sakura giggled, her friends laughing with her.
Another voice cut in, "Our whole family bathes together. My big brother tells the funniest stories in the steam, and we all laugh until the neighbors complain!"
Naruto laughed along with them, pretending he understood.
But as the giggles died down, the eyes of the group turned toward him.
"What about you, Naruto? Does your mom wash your hair too?" one boy asked with a smirk.
"Or maybe your dad takes you to the hot springs, huh?" another chimed in.
Naruto's grin faltered, but he forced it back into place. " uh i don't have parents or anyone really so I just bath on my own HAHA dattebayo!"
The kids burst out laughing—not with him, but at him.
"We know HAHAHAHAH YOU FOOL WE WERE JUST REMINDING YOU HAHA"
"You don't have a dad, loser!" one jeered.
"Or a mom!" Another continued
"Or anyone who'd touch you to wash your back!" Sakura mocked
Their voices rose like needles stabbing into his skin.
"Bet he bathes in a ditch!" Sakura said
"Or just stinks all the time!" Ino continued
"HAHAH HE DOES STINK" Sakura spoke
"Who'd wanna wash him anyway? He's gross!" another girl spoke
Naruto had yelled back, trying to make it a joke, puffing out his chest. "Shut up! I—I wash myself better than anyone, believe it!" But when he ran home later, there had been no steam, no laughter, no gentle hands. Just cold water from the tap...slowly warming due to the heater, a cracked bucket, and the rough soap he hid under his sink like a secret for the fear of rats eating it
That memory clung like frostbite.
Now, standing in the Hyūga compound in her room married to him, the reality hit him hard but warm Hinata didn't just have a bath. She had her own personal one. And the idea that she might invite him into it—not out of duty, not out of pity, but because she wanted him there—stabbed deeper than any kunai.
"While I would like to wash my husband, we're already clean I had taken a bath before Naruto came in and I washed Naruto when...he was knocked out unless Naruto wants to be properly clean I'd say it's time with sleep on our bed" Hinata said her voice clam genuine
She grabbed on Naruto's sleeve and pulled causing him to look at her
"Husband do you wanna sleep like this or wanna bath first"Hinata said her voice soft like velvet sweet with sleep
Naruto's face bloomed into a smile the way Hinata just said "their bed" and replied
"Father Hinata did an amazing job at cleaning me! I think she's right we should just sleep"
"He's a natural at the legendary golden retriever flirting"Haishi and the servants thought at the same time
"Done" was the calm response from the servants, having finished changing the whole mattress and setting it up with new bedsheets and pillows. The bed looked like a miniature king size bed straight from a luxury hotel.
"Wow that was quick" Naruto said amazed
"They're all good ninjas too after all" Hiashi walking away
"Anyways enjoy each other's company you two...use of the box is optional remember that" with Hiashi left with his servants following behind him.
Naruto's curiosity was reignited about the contents of the box, Hinata mentally cursed
"Hinata, big sis make sure to turn on the seals ! It doesn't matter that you live alone ! Better safe then sorry" with that she ran off
"Huh what seals ?" Naruto asked
"Sound proofing seals for privacy" Hinata said beet root red
"That's so cool" Naruto gushed
"Yeah and useful..." Hinata thought.
"So should I go and close the door ? They all are going to their own houses right?" Naruto asked
"Yes they are , no need Naruto father has the spare key to this house they'll lock it as they go" Hinata explained
Naruto flopped on the bed ,the box in his hands and without any more due he began to unwrap it and finally opened
"Huh uhh Hinata what's this ?" He asked curiously
Hinata's face increased in redness at the sight of Naruto holding the physical birth control so innocently
"Itdconnnnndommm iztfto not HAVE zkidsz" Hinata said so fast her mouth barely vocalised it
"Uh Hinata you alright!?" Naruto asked concerned forgetting about the strange box
"I'll be back I gotta change into my night wear"with that she excused herself and went to the her closet and picked from it a matching lavender night wear like the one Naruto currently wore
As she went in the bathroom to change Naruto laid on his back on the bed his body sank into the bed watching the bathroom waiting for her re-emerge.
"Maaaaaan~ this bed is too good!" Naruto said to noone in perticular
A few minutes later the door slid away.
Hinata stepped out Naruto grinned at her, she smiled back at him slowly she walked to the switch board turned off the lights
She walked to the bed and climbed on
The bed never felt so small to her the empty bed never felt so lifeless to her
She laid down, maintaining a safe distance from Naruto not too far, not too close.
Naruto thought to use the advice of Hiashi so he hugged Hinata. interlocking himself with her much taller frame. He liked the warmth of her; it felt like something he shouldn't have yet couldn't bring himself to stop,hands were at his sides still unsure.
She felt him press himself on her . It was unbearable she wanted much more for far too long as both of them were starving. She turned her head to Naruto and finally kissed him, surprising him .
She brought herself up on top of him and pressed his arms to her back.
"I'm your wife silly...if you won't hug me who would?" She said her voice was a little bit more than a whisper.
And with that two starving people were finally able to feast on their needs.
______________________________________
Omake (fanon hanabi warnings ⚠️)
______________________________________
Hiashi stepped in, posture straight and composed as ever, but his gaze immediately swept over the scene-his daughter and her husband sitting far closer than any casual guest should, a good sign showing he had played his cards well.
Behind him, Hanabi peeked from around his robes, her wide lavender eyes blinking curiously. A pair of servants followed, carefully balancing trays laden with steaming bowls and a low lacquered table.
Naruto froze like a deer in the headlight, still half leaning toward Hinata. His face burned, but instead of pulling away, he gave a sheepish grin and whispered under his breath, "Uh-oh... caught red-handed, wifey."
Hinata's face went scarlet. She quickly tucked her hands into her sleeves, ducking her head in embarrassment as she giggled unhyugaly way the joke was perfect.
Hiashi cleared his throat-pointedly, firmly-but didn't comment. He gestured for the servants to set the food down, his tone smooth and formal.
"Your meal. Freshly prepared. Eat well-both of you." he was inwardly pleased with what was happening.
Hanabi, however, had no such restraint. She tilted her head, eyes bouncing between Hinata's glowing cheeks and Naruto's awkward grin.
"Why are you two sitting so close? You look funny."
Naruto nearly choked on his own saliva, waving his arms frantically. "W-we weren't-! I mean-uh-we're just-! Eheh-"
Hinata smiled at her sister and said "is that a way to talk to your brother in law?" She dropped the bomb like a true elder sister
Hanabi justified her name and exploded like a firecracker "wWAHT WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY!!!!"
(Hanabi translates to firecracker)
Hanabi, still bouncing on her toes, pointed an accusatory finger at him. "Not what it looks like?! You're literally sitting on my sister like a total... a total...!"
Hinata pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling quietly. "Hanabi... please, calm down. Naruto is... well, my husband now."
"HUH? HUSBAND?!" Hanabi's voice cracked like a whip. She spun to glare at Hiashi. "FATHER! SINCE WHEN?!"
Hiashi, unfazed, adjusted his robes and gave a small, measured smile. "Hanabi, please. There's no need for theatrics since this noon actually."
"Shouldn't i have been married first? I'm heir remember!"Hanabi said with a hmph
"Yo're time will come too when we find someone deserving of you"Hiashi said in his Hyuga
Naruto, however, saw an opening for fun. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he leaned toward Hinata and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear
"And... uh... guess what, Hanabi? She's already... pregnant!"
Hanabi froze mid-breath, her lavender eyes bulging. "WHAT?! PREGNANT?!?"
Hinata shrieked and smacked Naruto lightly on the shoulder. "NARUTO-KUN! That is NOT funny! You ruined my surprise for her "going with the prank because she was Hanabi's big sister after all it was in the sibling code to bully younger ones.
Naruto threw his hands up defensively, grinning like a guilty puppy. "I was just too excited to believe it! I'm sorry honey~"
Hiashi looked amused, the servants were also having their "what the heck" moment
Hanabi pouted and casted the most overpowered jutsu aka lol sibling's cry
Which sent everyone in panic with everyone plugging their fingers in their ears
Naruto looked at Hinata "what do we do to stop her from making us all deaf"
Hinata didn't hear a word he said instead she read his lips but she didn't really need to.
Hinata went over to her sister, raising her hands in surrender. "hanabi please keep quiet, anything we can do make you happy again?"
The 6 year old hanabi smirked like she was trained by orochimaru
"A game! The game will be Hanabi says ! So I'm starting! Hanabi says! Big sis feed your husband without using anything other than your mouth!!!"
Naruto sat frozen, eyes darting between Hinata's glowing face and Hanabi's smug grin.
"Y-you can't be serious... right? Right, Hinata? Tell me she's not serious!"
Hinata fidgeted, her hands clutching the edge of her sleeves. "I... I-it's Hanabi says, Naruto-kun... s-so..."
Naruto slammed his palms on the tatami in despair. " THIS is where I fall?! Huh"
Hiashi calmly sipped his tea, eyes half-lidded. "A Hyūga never defies tradition once it has been declared."
"The tradition literally started five seconds ago!!" Naruto yelped.
The servants nodded gravely, but their lips twitched in poorly concealed smiles. One even whispered, "A true bonding ritual."
Hanabi puffed her chest out, pointing dramatically. "No more stalling! Hanabi says-feed him, big sis!"
Hinata's trembling hands picked up a warm dumpling from the tray. Her blush burned brighter than the coals in the kitchen hearth. She leaned closer, clutching it delicately between her lips.
Naruto's soul visibly left his body. "W-w-w-wait, Hinata, you don't actually Hinata noo-"
But she did.
Hinata, shaking like a leaf, leaned in until the dumpling brushed against Naruto's mouth. Their noses nearly touched. His eyes went wide, hers squeezed shut.
For a suspended heartbeat, time stopped.
Then Naruto, red as a tomato, bit down on the dumpling-nearly choking in his panic but managing to chew with a strangled noise somewhere between a gulp and a squeak thanks to Hinata using her tongue to control the dumpling.
The room went silent.
Hanabi exploded into laughter, rolling on the floor like a hyena. "AHAHAHA! YOU REALLY DID IT! YOU'RE SO GROSS! I'M TELLING EVERYONE!"
Hiashi, utterly composed, set his teacup down. "Acceptable execution. You may proceed with dessert."
The servants clapped softly, one murmuring, "Young love... truly inspiring."
Hinata covered her burning face with both hands, squeaking. Naruto groaned into his palm. "I'm never living this down."
And Hanabi just grinned, glowing with the smug satisfaction of a six-year-old who had just conquered two adults with nothing but a silly game.
Hanabi hopped on her cushion, bouncing in place like a tiny drill sergeant.
"Hanabi says! Tickleeach other! NOW!"
Naruto froze, eyes wide. "W-WAIT, wait, tickle?! We-We're adult we are not supposed to-!"
Hinata squeaked, clenching her fists. "H-Hanabi! T-That's... too much!"
But Hanabi only smirked, hands on her hips. "Hanabi says it's not too much! You do it or I'll cry again!"
Naruto looked at Hinata, wide-eyed, panicking. "W-we're going to die, Hinata! I swear, this is how it ends!"
Hinata's face flushed even more, but she squared her shoulders. "I... I-I'll do it... I can't bear her crying.... anymore it hurts My ears "
They lunged at each other, fingers wiggling. Naruto jabbed her side, and Hinata immediately squealed, laughing uncontrollably.
"EHHHH! N-NARUTO-KUN!!"
Hinata retaliated, poking his ribs with her tiny fingers. Naruto yelped, trying to dodge, but she was too fast.
"Ahhh! H-HINATA!! Stop! Stop!! I'M GONNA DIE!!"
Hanabi clapped her hands in delight. "Faster! Harder! No mercy!"
Naruto grabbed her hands, trying to wrestle her off, but Hinata kept giggling and squirming, managing to jab his sides over and over.
"Ehehh! N-not fair! You're so small but... HOW-AHHHHHHH-STOP!!!"
Hiashi, perfectly composed, sipped his tea, eyes twinkling faintly. Excellent. Strengthening bonds already...
The servants, trying not to laugh outright, whispered to each other: "This is the most amusing Hyūga entertainment we've seen in years."
Hanabi jumped onto the cushion again. "Hanabi says-NO PAUSING! Keep going until Hanabi counts to ten!"
Naruto's face turned crimson, breath coming in ragged gasps. Hinata's laughter was infectious, and she could barely breathe through it.
"Ehhh! H-hahaha! I CAN'T-!"
Hinata jabbed his side one last time. "Hahaha! Take that, Naruto-kun!"
Naruto flopped dramatically onto the tatami, gasping. "I-I give up! I can't... I can't live like this... Hanabi, help me..."
Hanabi grinned like a tiny, victorious general. "Hanabi says-game continues tomorrow!"
Hiashi's serene face betrayed the faintest smile. "Very well. Excellent progress. Your bond grows stronger each day."
The servants quietly cheered behind their hands, and Naruto groaned into the tatami. Hinata pressed her face into her sleeves, still giggling uncontrollably, both of them completely at the mercy of Hanabi's chaotic genius.
Hanabi jumped onto her cushion, eyes gleaming like a tiny mastermind.
"haha fooled ya Hanabi says! Bite each other!"