Sakura exhaled, relieved that Kakashi was taking the situation seriously. "Understood. I'll stay close to him, see if I can get more information."
Kakashi nodded. "Good. But be careful, Sakura. If Isshiki really is out there, we can't afford to make any mistakes." He stood, his posture straightening as he adopted a more commanding tone. "We'll also need to quietly alert the others, but for now, keep this between us."
Sakura stood as well, her resolve hardening. "I will. Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Sakura felt a sense of urgency but pushed it aside as she continued with her day.
Meanwhile, as Shoi walked towards the Hyuga compound, he noticed Hinata standing at a distance, looking around. Without a word, he approached her, gently taking her hand and pulling her into a nearby dark alley.
Hinata didn't resist; with her Byakugan, she already knew it was him before he even touched her. No one could catch her off guard so easily.
"What are you doing?" she murmured softly, her voice betraying her surprise but not fear.
Shoi leaned in close, a playful glint in his eyes as he teased her with his presence. She was used to his antics by now, yet he always found ways to fluster her. His arms on either side of her, he brought his face close, his warm breath tickling her ear.
"I've been thinking," he whispered in a low, teasing tone, his lips barely brushing her neck. "We're getting married next month, and yet... you still get so embarrassed around me."
Hinata's cheeks flushed bright red, her heart pounding as his lips grazed her skin. "S-Shoi…" she whispered, barely audible. There was no resistance in her tone, only the familiar flustered reaction that Shoi seemed to love drawing out of her.
He chuckled softly, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "You're too cute when you get all shy." Shoi pressed a light kiss on her neck, lingering just long enough to make her squirm slightly.
"S-Someone might see us…" Hinata stammered, trying to hide her smile as she gently pushed at his chest. But her touch lacked any real force.
Shoi grinned, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze, his hands still framing her against the wall. "Let them," he teased affectionately. "I don't care if the whole village knows I love you."
Hinata's blush deepened, but she couldn't help the smile forming on her lips. His teasing always left her flustered, yet it made her feel deeply cherished. Reaching up, she lightly touched his face, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "You're unbelievable," she murmured, her voice soft and warm.
Shoi smirked, leaning in for a light kiss on her lips. "And you love it," he said, his tone playful yet tender.
Hinata's heart fluttered as she returned the kiss briefly before pulling away, a shy smile still on her face. "Come on," she said, trying to compose herself though her cheeks remained flushed. "We should go before we get caught."
Shoi laughed softly, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Alright, alright."
After a while, they arrived at the Hyuga compound. Hinata went toward her own room, while Shoi made his way to Hanabi's quarters. Entering the room quietly, he found Hanabi seated at a table, focused on the paperwork of the Hyuga clan.
Without speaking, Shoi leaned his head against Hanabi's shoulder, his fingers brushing lightly against her hip. Hanabi continued working without glancing at him, she raised an eyebrow slightly, acknowledging his presence.
"What do you want, Shoi?" she asked in her usual composed tone, though the faint amusement in her voice gave her away.
Shoi smirked, enjoying the moment. "Just checking if you needed a break," he replied smoothly. "After all, running the Hyuga Clan must be exhausting."
Hanabi finally looked at him, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "I'm fine. But you really shouldn't make a habit of this."
"I'm sleepy..." he muttered softly in her ear, his breath warm against her skin.
Hanabi sighed, her eyes still focused on the paperwork in front of her. "Then sleep," she replied, her tone as flat as always, though there was a hint of amusement hidden beneath it.
"No..." he murmured again, shifting slightly closer, his head nestling against her. "I'm scared to sleep alone. I want to sleep hugging you."
She paused for a moment, finally turning her head to glance at him, her expression neutral but her eyes betraying a flicker of emotion. "You're being ridiculous," she said softly, though her lips curved slightly in a rare, small smile.
Shoi grinned against her shoulder, tightening his arm around her waist. "Maybe," he admitted, "but you make the best pillow."
Hanabi rolled her eyes but couldn't help the faint blush that crept up her cheeks. "Fine," she relented, setting down the papers. "But only for a little while. I still have work to do."
Without another word, she stood up and took his hand, guiding him toward her futon in the corner of the room. Shoi followed eagerly, pulling her down with him as they lay together.
"You're lucky I tolerate this," Hanabi muttered as she settled beside him, her back to his chest as his arms wrapped around her.
Shoi chuckled, his breath warm against the back of her neck. "Luck has nothing to do with it," he whispered, closing his eyes contentedly. "It's because you love me."
Hanabi huffed but didn't pull away, her body relaxing into his warmth as the quiet moments stretched out between them.
As they settled into the futon, Shoi shifted closer, pressing himself against Hanabi. Without warning, he buried his head against her chest, his arms still wrapped around her waist.
Hanabi froze for a moment, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin. A deep blush spread across her face, the sudden closeness causing her usual calm exterior to falter. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she instinctively raised her hand, hovering above his head as if considering whether to push him away.
But then, she looked down at him—his breathing already slowing, and his expression peaceful as he started to drift off. Her face remained bright red, but she let out a quiet sigh, carefully lowering her hand back down.
"He..." she whispered under her breath, her voice barely audible. Yet, there was a soft fondness behind her words as she allowed him to rest, not wanting to disturb him.
With her free hand, she gently brushed a stray strand of hair from his face, watching as he settled deeper into sleep. Though her heart still raced, she remained perfectly still, letting him find comfort in her warmth.
As the night deepened, the papers on the table forgotten, Hanabi found herself closing her eyes as well, the steady rise and fall of Shoi's breath lulling her into a calm she didn't often experience.