Silent Heartbeats

by Khaleesi89

Summary:

After returning to Konoha from the war, Sasuke begins a complicated relationship with Naruto, but their bond shatters when Naruto betrays him with Hinata. Devastated and consumed by despair, Sasuke isolates himself in the Uchiha compound, grappling with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Just when he believes he has lost everything, an unexpected friend emerges to help him navigate his new reality, leading him towards healing and self-discovery , Happiness and love .

Chapter 1: Betrayal

After the war ended, Konoha was slowly regaining its strength, and Sasuke Uchiha found himself reluctantly drawn back to the village. He didn’t return because he forgave Konoha or because he had found peace. He came back because of Naruto. Their bond, something neither of them fully understood but couldn’t deny, pulled him back from the brink. When Sasuke set foot in Konoha once more, it was as if a line had been crossed, and he chose to walk forward instead of turning back.

At first, Naruto insisted that they keep their relationship hidden. Sasuke understood it. It was because Naruto was the village hero now, and their relationship wasn’t the most conventional—people might talk, disapprove, or outright hate it. But hiding it didn’t mean it wasn’t real, and even as they tried to keep things quiet, the people closest to them—members of the Konoha 12—quickly noticed.

But now, as Sasuke stood in front of Naruto and Hinata, watching as Naruto pulled away from the girl, guilt and panic clear in his eyes, Sasuke felt a black pit of despair open up within him.

“Sasuke, this isn’t—”

“Don’t,” Sasuke cut him off, his voice eerily calm. “Don’t even try.”

Naruto flinched, his hand still on Hinata’s wrist. Hinata looked equally pale, wide eyes darting between Naruto and Sasuke, as if trying to decide whether to run or speak up.

Sasuke’s gaze shifted slowly to the girl who had always admired Naruto from afar in their academy days , Her feelings had started as quiet admiration, but over time they developed into a fixation—one that bordered on reverence and now this , his voice dangerously quiet. “And you,” he whispered, the single phrase making her tremble, “How long has this been going on?”

Hinata tried to answer, stumbling over her words. “I-it’s not—”

“Don’t lie,” Sasuke said, his Sharingan flaring to life instinctively, more from the raw emotion than any intent to use it. His gaze was sharp, unrelenting. “Do you think I’m a fool?”

He turned his attention back to Naruto, the one person he thought he could count on, if only for a little while. “How long, Naruto?”

Naruto swallowed, his throat bobbing as he stepped in front of Hinata, almost protectively. “Sasuke, please, just let me explain—”

“How. Long?”

The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. Finally, Naruto broke under that cold stare. “A few weeks,” he admitted, his voice barely a whisper.

“A few weeks,” Sasuke repeated slowly, tasting the bitterness of the words on his tongue. He laughed then, a soft, broken sound, as if something within him had finally shattered. “And you hid it so well, didn’t you?” He took a step back, shaking his head. “You hid it... when I trusted you. You kept this quiet, when I believed...”

Naruto reached out desperately, but Sasuke jerked away, his expression a mask of grief and fury. “Please, just listen to me! It wasn’t supposed to be like this, I—”

“Then what was it supposed to be, Naruto?” Sasuke’s voice was shaking now, his control slipping. “Was I just something to fill the time? A replacement? Or were you planning to drag me along like a fool while you—” He choked on the words, unable to finish.

Hinata stepped forward, as if to speak, but Sasuke’s glare pinned her in place. “Don’t even think about defending him,” he snapped. “You, of all people... I thought you were better than this.”

“Sasuke, please, it’s not what you think—” she began, but Sasuke turned away.

“Enough. I don’t want to hear it.” His voice was hollow now, the rage seeping out and leaving only a heavy emptiness behind. He didn’t have the strength to keep fighting this losing battle. He didn’t want to look at them, to see Naruto’s pleading eyes and Hinata’s tearful face. He knew they were not ashamed of their actions , He wanted to disappear, to erase this entire moment from his mind.

Naruto took a step forward, but Sasuke raised a hand, stopping him cold. “Don’t follow me,” he said quietly. “Don’t come near me again.”

With that, he turned and walked away, the weight of his heartbreak and disillusionment crushing him with every step. The silence behind him was deafening, and though he couldn’t see their faces, he knew they were both staring after him, stunned and afraid.

But Sasuke didn’t look back.

The betrayal cut deeper than any blade. He didn’t  want to lash out or demand answers; instead, he felt something inside him break—a deep, numbing sensation.

He made his way through the empty streets of Konoha, not caring who saw him or what they thought. His steps felt heavy, as if each one cost him a piece of his soul. When he finally reached the Uchiha compound, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it, breathing hard. The familiar walls of his family’s home seemed to close in around him, trapping him in his own misery.

 

He didn’t leave for weeks. The suffocating emptiness of his home felt fitting—he had never felt lonelier in his life. The pain of betrayal was overwhelming, eating away at his will to move, to function, to even exist. The world outside the Uchiha compound might as well have ceased to exist for him. He shut himself away from everything, letting himself spiral deeper into despair.

The first few days, he tried to distract himself—training, throwing himself into jutsu practice, trying to push the image of Naruto and Hinata together out of his mind. But every time he closed his eyes, the scene replayed itself. Naruto’s guilt-stricken face. Hinata’s horrified, flushed cheeks. And the cold, numbing emptiness he felt as he turned and walked away. Nothing could erase that.

His body began to weaken, slowly at first. He hadn’t been eating; food felt pointless. What was the point of feeding a body that had been so utterly betrayed? Sasuke ignored the dull pangs of hunger and the lightheadedness that followed. He told himself he didn’t need it—just like he didn’t need Naruto or anyone else. He was an Uchiha. He could endure.

But as the days turned into a week, his strength began to fail him. His hands shook when he tried to lift his sword. Simple tasks, like washing or dressing, took all his effort. He spent most of his time lying on the cold floor of the compound’s main hall, staring blankly at the ceiling. His body was shutting down, but Sasuke didn’t care. What did it matter if he starved? If he disappeared completely?

The isolation felt like a punishment . He had fought for this village, had come back to Konoha despite everything, only to be met with betrayal and abandonment. The reality was crushing: nobody would come for him. Nobody was there for him.

On the twelfth day, the weakness became unbearable. He could barely drag himself out of bed, his vision blurred from dehydration and exhaustion. He stumbled into the living room, hoping for some relief. The room spun, and a wave of nausea hit him so violently that he collapsed, vomiting bile onto the polished floor. He hadn’t eaten in days—there was nothing left in his stomach to expel. His body ached, wracked with shivers despite the warmth of the afternoon sun filtering through the windows.

Sasuke clutched his stomach, trembling as he tried to push himself upright. But his strength failed him completely, and he slumped to the floor, the world fading in and out of focus. His breath came in shallow gasps, and he wondered if this was it—if he would simply waste away here, alone and forgotten. Perhaps that was the fate of the last Uchiha: to disappear quietly, with no one to remember him.

He tried to summon the energy to stand, to crawl to his bedroom, but his limbs refused to cooperate. Darkness crept at the edges of his vision, and with a soft, broken sigh, Sasuke let it take him. He sank into unconsciousness, his body finally succumbing to the toll of his anguish and self-imposed starvation.

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Neji had always respected Sasuke from a distance, feeling a sense of admiration and attraction that he could never name. The Uchiha had always been distant, cold, and enigmatic, making him hard to read, yet Neji found himself drawn to Sasuke’s strength and quiet resolve. When Sasuke returned to Konoha after the war and began dating Naruto, Neji chose to remain quiet. He respected Sasuke’s choice and understood that the Uchiha deserved some semblance of peace after the hardships he had endured. Still, despite everything, Neji couldn’t deny the pang of jealousy that tightened his chest whenever he saw Naruto and Sasuke together.

Everyone in the Konoha 12 group knew that Sasuke and Naruto were a couple. It was no secret among their friends, and even Hinata, who had been infatuated with Naruto since their academy days, was aware of their relationship. Neji noticed how Hinata’s admiration for Naruto never waned; in fact, it had intensified over the years. Her gaze always lingered a second too long, her cheeks flushed pink whenever Naruto was around, and she seemed to hover just close enough to be noticed, but far enough to maintain her demure image. However, Hinata’s behavior took a dark turn that Neji couldn’t have foreseen.

One evening, Neji witnessed something that shattered whatever respect he had for his cousin. He had been returning from training when he spotted Naruto and Hinata in one of the quieter training grounds. What initially seemed like an innocent meeting between friends turned into something much darker when he saw Naruto lean in, pressing his lips against Hinata’s. Shock froze Neji in place, his Byakugan activated instinctively as he took in every detail—the way Hinata’s eyes fluttered closed, the eagerness with which she kissed Naruto back, and the utter disregard they showed for Sasuke. It was not a moment of confusion or misunderstanding; it was deliberate.

And then, he saw Sasuke.

Neji’s heart clenched as he saw Sasuke standing at the edge of the clearing, hidden behind a cluster of trees. Sasuke’s face was pale, his expression a mix of shock, betrayal, and agony. Even from this distance, Neji could see the hurt in Sasuke’s eyes as he watched Naruto,he had trusted the most shatter his world. But what made Neji’s blood run cold was the way Sasuke forced himself to move forward, stepping into the clearing and confronting them.

Naruto and Hinata had pulled apart abruptly when they noticed Sasuke. Naruto’s face turned pale, his eyes wide with fear, while Hinata seemed to shrink in on herself, her usual shy facade crumbling under Sasuke’s intense gaze.

There was no answer—no excuse they could offer that would erase the betrayal, no words that could soothe the pain they had caused. Neji could see Naruto’s mouth moving, stumbling over apologies, but Sasuke didn’t listen. He just stared at them, his face devoid of emotion said something to hinata and Naruto which neji couldn't understand, and then turned on his heel and walked away.

Neji would never forget the expression on Sasuke’s face as he left. It wasn’t rage or hatred—it was pain. Pure, unfiltered pain. The kind that hollowed a person out, leaving them empty and numb. Watching Sasuke’s back as he walked away, his shoulders slumped and his head bowed, made something tighten in Neji’s chest.

 

When Naruto made a move to follow Sasuke, Neji’s own body moved on instinct, stepping out from the shadows and into Naruto’s path. “Don’t,” he had said quietly, his voice low and filled with contempt. “You’ve done enough.”

 

He couldn’t bear to see Hinata’s face after that night. He started avoiding her entirely, distancing himself from Naruto as well. Every time he caught a glimpse of Hinata’s demure smile or her stuttered greetings, it made his blood boil. What he once thought of as her genuine shyness now seemed fake, a façade designed to hide her true nature. Hinata wasn’t shy—she was a liar and a cheater. And Naruto… Naruto was no better., Neji distanced himself from them. He stopped talking to Hinata altogether, ignoring her presence in the Hyuga compound and avoiding her gaze whenever they passed each other in the streets. He refused to look at her during meetings or missions, and when she tried to speak to him, he turned away coldly. To him, Hinata was no longer his cousin—she was a liar, a cheater, and someone who had ruined a bond that should have been unbreakable.

Neji’s anger toward Naruto was less volatile but no less intense. He had respected Naruto once, admired his loyalty and determination. But now, all he saw was a hypocrite. How could someone who preached about never going back on their word turn around and betray the person who trusted him the most? It was unthinkable, and yet...Neji couldn’t completely hate him. In the end, Naruto was just a human, flawed and prone to making mistakes. But that didn’t excuse what he had done.

 

As the days turned into weeks, Neji noticed that Sasuke stopped appearing around the village. He wasn’t on missions, wasn’t training in his usual spots, and wasn’t seen at any of their group gatherings. At first, Neji thought it was because of the confrontation, that Sasuke simply needed time to process the betrayal. But then he heard from some of the others that Sasuke hadn’t been seen leaving the Uchiha compound at all. For two weeks.

Worry gnawed at Neji, even as he tried to convince himself that Sasuke just needed space. But something about it felt off. The Sasuke he knew was a fighter, someone who wouldn’t let himself be beaten down, no matter what life threw at him. So why was he isolating himself? Why wasn’t he out there proving that he didn’t need Naruto?

Unable to stand it any longer, Neji made his way to the Uchiha compound one night. He found the gate unlocked, the path to Sasuke’s house overgrown and neglected. A chill ran down his spine as he pushed open the door to Sasuke’s home, calling out his name softly. There was no response.

Neji’s heart raced as he searched the house, his worry growing with each empty room. Then he found Sasuke in the living room, sprawled on the floor, unconscious and pale. The sight of the normally proud and composed Uchiha lying there, his skin ashen and lips cracked from dehydration, sent a shockwave through Neji. His skin was clammy, his breathing shallow, and he looked thinner—too thin. There were no signs of struggle, no wounds or injuries, but something was terribly wrong.

“Sasuke!” Neji dropped to his knees beside him, shaking him gently. “Sasuke, wake up!” But Sasuke didn’t stir. Panic flared in Neji’s chest as he felt for a pulse, relief flooding him when he found one, though it was weak.

“Damn it, Sasuke...” Neji whispered, his voice breaking slightly. He carefully gathered Sasuke into his arms, lifting him effortlessly. The Uchiha felt fragile, almost weightless, and that scared Neji more than anything else. How long had Sasuke been like this, starving himself, wasting away in silence? And why hadn’t anyone noticed? Naruto, of all people, should have been the first to realize something was wrong. But Naruto was too caught up in his betrayal to think about what he’d left behind.

Determined not to waste another second, Neji carried Sasuke out of the compound and made his way to the hospital. When they arrived, he demanded to see Tsunade, refusing to let anyone else handle Sasuke. “Get Tsunade,” he barked at the nurses, his voice tight with urgency. “Only Tsunade. No one else.”

The nurses exchanged glances, startled by his intensity, but quickly complied. One of them began leading him to a private room, and Neji hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. “And keep Sakura away,” he added sharply. “No matter what.”

The nurse blinked at him in confusion. “But Sakura is—”

“I don’t care. Keep her away,” Neji snapped. He didn’t trust Sakura around Sasuke. Not now. He had seen the way Sakura still looked at Sasuke sometimes, that lingering desire that had never quite faded. Just like Hinata, Sakura had never truly let go of her feelings for Sasuke, despite everything. And if she knew Sasuke was vulnerable… No. Neji wouldn’t let her anywhere near him.
“Only Tsunade,” he told the nurses sternly. “And no one is to speak of this to anyone, especially not Sakura. Understood?”

The nurses nodded, glancing worriedly at Sasuke’s unconscious form. Neji stayed by his side the entire time, refusing to leave even when the nurses tried to usher him out. He wasn’t going anywhere—not until Sasuke was safe.

As he sat by Sasuke’s bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest, Neji felt something shift inside him. He had always felt a connection to Sasuke, something that went beyond mere attraction. It was a sense of understanding, a bond forged in silence. But now, as he looked at Sasuke’s vulnerable form, Neji realized that his feelings were deeper than he’d thought. He’d always felt a strange pull toward Sasuke, a sense of understanding, like they were two sides of the same coin. Both were prodigies burdened by their families. Both had pushed themselves to their limits to honor a legacy, to protect what was left of their clans. But Neji had never understood why Sasuke mattered so much to him until now.

He had to protect Sasuke. From Naruto, from Hinata, from everyone who had failed him. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt Sasuke again—not if he could help it. And as he sat there, holding Sasuke’s cold hand in his, Neji silently vowed to be the one person Sasuke could always count on.

He wouldn’t fail him. Not like the others had.

Notes:

More elaborate hospital scenes in next chapter. I felt like I didn't elaborate much, Also it's my first fanfiction ,I welcome constructive criticism but please no harsh words🙏🙏🙏

Chapter 2: A web of secrets

The hospital corridors were cloaked in darkness, save for the faint glow of emergency lights lining the halls. It was deep into the night—long past the hour when the hospital typically saw any significant activity. Yet, the emergency doors swung open with a loud bang, shattering the eerie silence.

 

Neji Hyuga stood at the entrance, his chest heaving as he held a barely conscious Sasuke Uchiha in his arms. Sasuke’s pale face and limp body were a stark contrast to his usual stoic composure, and the sight of him in such a state sent a shiver of fear down Neji’s spine.

 

“Someone—” Neji called out, his voice low but commanding. “Get Tsunade! I need Tsunade—now!”

 

A startled nurse peeked around the corner, her eyes wide with shock as she took in the scene. “T-Tsunade-sama isn’t—she’s not here right now,” the nurse stammered, clearly flustered by Neji’s urgency. “She… um, she left the hospital earlier in the evening. But—”

 

“Then get Shizune!” Neji snapped, his patience fraying. “Get her immediately. Sasuke’s condition is critical.”

 

He wasn’t about to let Sasuke be seen by just anyone—not after everything that had happened.

 

The nurse nodded frantically and darted away, leaving Neji standing alone with Sasuke. His mind raced as he held onto Sasuke’s frail form, the weight of everything that had happened crashing down on him. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Sasuke wasn’t supposed to suffer like this—not because of them.

 

Moments later, Shizune appeared, her expression a mix of shock and concern. , Her eyes widened in shock at the sight before her. “Neji? Sasuke—what happened?” she asked, rushing forward to examine the unconscious Uchiha. Quickly, she began checking his vitals, her brow furrowed with worry.

 

“No time for questions,” Neji interrupted, his tone sharp and unyielding. “Take him in. Now . He needs medical attention immediately.”

 

Shizune didn’t argue. Sasuke was severely underweight! And he’s burning up— She turned on her heel and began barking orders to the nurses on duty, her calm professionalism taking over. “Get a gurney, stat! Prep room 403 and have the IV drips ready. We need to stabilize him and run a full diagnostic scan.”

 

The nurses scrambled into action, bringing a gurney to Neji’s side. With practiced efficiency, Neji gently lowered Sasuke onto the bed, his hands lingering for just a moment longer than necessary on Sasuke’s shoulders before he stepped back. His gaze remained fixed on Sasuke’s pale face as the nurses wheeled him down the hall, Shizune following closely behind.

 

As they entered the designated room, Shizune began attaching the IV drip to Sasuke’s arm, her brow furrowed in concentration. “He’s severely dehydrated. We need to get fluids into him, but we’ll have to be careful. His body might reject it if we push too hard.”

 

Neji stood back, watching anxiously as Shizune worked. He knew Sasuke had been deteriorating, but seeing him like this—so fragile, so vulnerable—made his chest tighten painfully. How had things gotten so bad?

 

When Shizune finally finished setting up the IV, she turned to face him, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. “Neji, what happened? How did he end up like this?”

 

Neji clenched his fists at his sides, the memory of that night still fresh in his mind—the night when he’d seen everything fall apart. The confrontation, the betrayal, and Sasuke’s silent, tortured expression as he walked away.

 

The tension in the hospital room was palpable. Neji stood in the center, his presence calm yet charged with an unspoken urgency. Sasuke lay on the bed, his breathing shallow but steady, the soft beep of the monitors the only sound cutting through the silence.

 

“Neji, what’s going on?” Shizune asked quietly, her gaze shifting between Neji and Sasuke. Her eyes widened slightly as she noticed the subtle trembling in Neji’s hands, a sign of just how shaken he truly was., she wants to know what has happened. “Why… why are you here? Where’s Naruto?”

 

Neji’s expression darkened at the mention of Naruto. He glanced down at Sasuke, his jaw tightening. “Naruto’s not coming,” he said softly. “And I’m not sure he should.”

 

Shizune blinked, startled. “What? Why—?”

 

“I brought Sasuke here myself,” Neji interrupted, his voice firm. “And I need you to understand why this has to stay private—completely private.”

 

Shizune frowned, confusion still evident on her face. “What do you mean? What happened?”

 

Neji hesitated, then took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “You know about Sasuke and Naruto’s relationship, don’t you?” he asked quietly.

 

Shizune’s eyes widened even further. “Y-Yes, of course,” she stammered. “I… I knew they were dating, but… why are you—?”

 

“Then you should know that things aren’t as simple as they seem,” Neji cut in, his tone grim. “Naruto’s been… involved with someone else. Behind Sasuke’s back.”

 

Shizune’s hand flew to her mouth, shock written across her features. “What? That’s… that’s not possible! Naruto would never—”

 

“He did,” Neji said flatly. “With Hinata.”

 

Shizune gasped, her gaze flickering back to Sasuke’s unconscious form. “But… Hinata? How…?”

 

“I saw it myself,” Neji continued, his voice low and steady. “Hinata was with Naruto. Sasuke caught them together. He confronted them—he saw everything. And after that…” He trailed off, his expression tight with suppressed anger. “After that, Sasuke disappeared. He’s been hiding away, barely eating, barely functioning. I found him passed out in his own living room, completely alone. And now he’s here, because of them.”

 

Shizune’s heart clenched painfully at his words. She looked down at Sasuke, her eyes softening with sympathy. The proud, stoic Uchiha looked so fragile now, his usually sharp features softened by exhaustion and pain. “Oh, Sasuke…” she whispered softly.

 

“That’s why I need your help,” Neji said urgently, his gaze locking onto hers. “No one can know about this. Not Naruto, and especially not Sakura.”

 

Shizune blinked in confusion. “But… why? Why not tell Sakura? She’s his friend too, isn’t she?”

 

Neji’s expression hardened. “No,” he said quietly. “Sakura’s feelings for Sasuke are… complicated. If she finds out about this—about how vulnerable he is right now—she’ll try to push her way back into his life. And if Naruto finds out, everything will come crashing down. I can’t risk that.”

 

Shizune hesitated, torn between her duty as a medic and the urgency in Neji’s voice. “But… if Sasuke needs support—”

 

“He doesn’t need their support,” Neji said firmly. “He needs time to recover, to get back on his feet. If Naruto finds out, he’ll force his way in, and Sasuke won’t be able to handle it. Not right now.”

 

Shizune swallowed hard, her gaze flickering between Neji and Sasuke. She could see the desperation in Neji’s eyes, the sheer determination to protect Sasuke at any cost. Slowly, she nodded.

 

“Alright,” she murmured softly. “I… I’ll keep this between us. But what about the nurses? They’ll need to be informed about what’s going on.”

 

Neji nodded sharply. “That’s why I need you to talk to them,” he said quietly. “Make sure they know—this is strictly confidential. No one outside this room can know anything about Sasuke’s condition. And that includes Sakura.”

 

Shizune bit her lip, worry creasing her brow. “But Sakura works here—she’s on duty almost every day. What if she comes in and sees—”

 

“She’s not on shift tonight, is she?” Neji cut in, his gaze intent.

 

Shizune shook her head slowly. “No, she’s not. But tomorrow—”

 

“Then we’ll move Sasuke somewhere else before she comes in,” Neji said firmly. “Somewhere private. A pod, deep in the hospital, where only a select few can access. Just you, Lady Tsunade, and the nurses directly involved in his care.”

 

Shizune blinked, taken aback. “A private pod? But those are for—”

 

“High-profile cases,” Neji finished. “And this is a high-profile case. If the wrong people find out about this, it could destroy Sasuke—and cause a scandal that the village can’t afford.”

 

Shizune hesitated, then sighed softly, nodding. “Alright,” she murmured. “I’ll make the arrangements. But Neji… are you sure about this? About keeping this from Naruto and Sakura?”

 

“I’m certain,” Neji said quietly. “Sasuke needs space. Time to heal. And if they find out… they’ll ruin everything.”

 

Shizune studied him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay,” she whispered. “I’ll talk to the nurses. But… Neji?”

“Yes?”

“If this goes wrong… if Naruto finds out later that we kept this from him…”

 

Neji’s jaw tightened. “I’ll deal with that when the time comes. Right now, all that matters is Sasuke.”

 

Shizune nodded reluctantly. “Alright. I’ll go inform the nurses now. And… I’ll make sure everything is set up in the private pod.”

 

“Thank you,” Neji said quietly.

As Shizune turned to leave, she glanced back at Sasuke one last time, her heart aching for the broken young man lying so still and silent. Whatever had happened between him, Naruto, and Hinata… it must have been devastating. To think that the usually stoic Uchiha had been brought so low…

 

She shook her head softly, then turned back to Neji. “We’re lucky tonight,” she murmured. “Sakura didn’t have a night shift. If she’d been here, it would’ve been almost impossible to keep this quiet.”

 

Neji exhaled softly, relief flickering in his eyes. “Yes. Lucky indeed.”

 

With a final nod, Shizune slipped out of the room, leaving Neji alone once more with Sasuke. For a long moment, Neji simply stood there, his gaze fixed on Sasuke’s pale face.

 

“You’re safe now,” he whispered softly. “I’ll keep them away. I promise.”

 

And as he settled back into his vigil, his resolve hardened. No matter what happened—no matter what it took—he would protect Sasuke. From Naruto, from Sakura, and from anyone else who dared to hurt him again.

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The early morning air was heavy with tension as Shizune stood outside the private wing of the hospital, watching the staff move quietly around her. It was just past 5 a.m., and the last of the night shift nurses were finishing up their tasks, eyes tired but attentive. They glanced nervously at Shizune, aware of the strict orders given to them. Sasuke had been moved to a private pod deep within the hospital, a room reserved for only the most critical and sensitive cases. The arrangement had been discreet, carried out under Shizune’s watchful eye to avoid any unwelcome attention.

She couldn’t stop thinking about Neji’s words—his insistence on privacy, his grim expression, the unwavering protectiveness in his voice when he spoke about keeping Sasuke safe from everyone. Even now, Shizune felt a pang of sympathy for Neji, watching over Sasuke through the long hours of the night, refusing to leave his side. It was more than just concern. It was something deeper, something fierce.

By the time Tsunade finally arrived, her footsteps echoing in the empty hallway, Shizune was ready. The moment she spotted the Fifth Hokage, she hurried forward, her face pale with worry.

“Lady Tsunade!” she called softly, keeping her voice low. The last thing they needed was to draw attention to the situation. “Thank goodness you’re here.”

Tsunade, still slightly bleary-eyed and sluggish from a night of heavy drinking, frowned at her assistant. “What’s all the fuss, Shizune? It’s barely dawn—why did you call me in so early?”

Shizune hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. “It’s Sasuke,” she murmured, voice barely above a whisper. “Something happened last night. He’s… he’s not well.”

Tsunade’s eyes narrowed instantly, all traces of sleepiness vanishing. “Sasuke? What do you mean, not well? What’s going on?”

“Neji brought him in late last night,” Shizune explained quickly, gesturing towards the private pod down the hall. “I—I couldn’t believe it myself, but when I saw Sasuke—Lady Tsunade, he looked terrible. I ran some preliminary tests, but his condition is still unstable. Neji insisted that we move him to a private room, away from anyone who might… interfere.”

Tsunade’s brow furrowed deeply. “Neji? Why was Neji the one who brought him in? Where the hell is Naruto?”

Shizune swallowed hard, glancing nervously at the door to Sasuke’s pod. “That’s just it, Lady Tsunade. Naruto and Sakura should not know. And… Neji said that’s how it needs to stay. He was adamant—Naruto and Sakura can’t find out about this, not now.”

Tsunade’s frown deepened. “What are you talking about, Shizune? Naruto and Sasuke have been joined at the hip ever since the war ended. Why wouldn’t Naruto know if something happened to Sasuke?”

“Because,” came a quiet voice from behind them.

Tsunade turned sharply to see Neji standing just outside Sasuke’s room, his expression unreadable. His eyes, however, held a quiet storm of emotions—anger, pain, and something else. Something Tsunade couldn’t quite place.

“Because Naruto is the reason Sasuke is here in the first place,” Neji continued softly. “And Hinata.”

 

Tsunade stared at him, stunned into silence. “Hinata? What does she have to do with any of this?”

 

Neji’s gaze hardened, and for a moment, Tsunade saw something she had never thought she’d see—contempt. Deep, bitter contempt directed at Hinata of all people.

 

“They betrayed him,” Neji said flatly. “Naruto… he’s been seeing Hinata behind Sasuke’s back. Sasuke found out, and…” He shook his head slowly, eyes dark with anger. “I saw him confront them. I saw the look on his face when he realized what was happening. After that, he shut himself away. He’s been alone ever since.”

 

Tsunade felt her heart drop to her stomach. “Naruto cheated on Sasuke… with Hinata?” she whispered, disbelief coloring her voice. “But—how? Why?”

 

“Does it matter?” Neji’s voice was sharp, a rare flash of emotion breaking through his usual calm facade. “What matters is that Sasuke is suffering. And if Naruto finds out he’s here, in this state… it’ll only make things worse.”

 

Tsunade took a deep breath, trying to process what Neji was telling her. The implications were staggering. She had known about Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship, had watched them struggle and grow together. To think that Naruto would… that he would betray Sasuke like this… it didn’t make any sense.

 

But as she looked at Neji, at the fury in his eyes, the way his shoulders were drawn tight with tension, she realized something even more startling.

 

“Neji,” she said slowly. “You… you always protected Hinata. You were fiercely loyal to her. And now you’re telling me this? You, of all people?”

 

Neji’s jaw tightened, a muscle twitching in his cheek. “That’s right,” he said softly. “I was loyal to her. I would have defended her against anything. But after what I saw… after seeing her and Naruto together, after watching them destroy Sasuke like this…” He shook his head sharply, his gaze turning icy. “I have no loyalty left for either of them. All I care now is to keep Sasuke safe, lady tsunade if you have seen Sasukes face at that time ..Neji didn't complete

 

Tsunade blinked, taken aback by the vehemence in his voice. This wasn’t the Neji she knew—the calm, composed young man who always stood by his family. This was someone else entirely, someone driven by a burning need to protect Sasuke at all costs.

 

And if Neji felt this way…

 

Tsunade’s stomach twisted uneasily. This was far worse than she’d thought.

 

“Alright,” she murmured softly. “Alright, I understand, and Sakura she asks and neji says Sakura has always had a deep admiration for Sasuke, even while he was dating Naruto. If she finds out about his condition, it could complicate things significantly. If she pushes herself into his space, it might only add to Sasuke’s distress.” Tsunade nodded, understanding the potential fallout.

 

“We need to keep this quiet to protect him,” he urged. Tsunade sighed, her resolve firm. “I agree. But I need to see him for myself. I need to make sure he’s okay.”

 

Neji nodded slowly, stepping aside to allow her past.

 

Tsunade pushed open the door to the private pod and stepping inside. The sight that greeted her made her heart clench painfully.

 

Sasuke lay on the bed, pale and still, his dark hair fanned out across the pillow. There were dark circles under his eyes, his face gaunt and hollow. The proud, defiant Uchiha looked almost… broken.

 

“Oh, Sasuke…” she whispered softly, moving closer. She reached out gently, pressing her hand against his forehead. His skin was cool to the touch, his breathing slow and shallow.

 

“His vitals are fluctuating,” Shizune murmured quietly from the doorway. “I’ve been monitoring him all night, but… something’s not right. There’s something else going on, something I can’t pinpoint.”

 

Tsunade’s frown deepened as she studied the charts. “He’s stable, but… yes, I see what you mean. There’s something… off.”

 

She glanced back at Neji, who stood silently in the doorway, watching with a mixture of anxiety and determination.

 

“I’m going to run some more tests,” she said quietly. “I need to know exactly what’s going on with him.”

 

Neji nodded, his expression grim.

Tsunade murmured. “But I’m also calling Kakashi. He needs to know about this.”

 

Neji’s eyes widened slightly.

 

“He’s the Hokage,” Tsunade said firmly. “And Sasuke is still his responsibility. He needs to know what’s going on, especially if we want to keep this contained.”

 

Neji hesitated, then reluctantly nodded. Yes , Lady Tsunade. But please Not Naruto. Not Sakura.”

 

Tsunade nodded, her gaze softening as she looked down at Sasuke’s still form. “I promise. We’ll keep this between us.”

 

And as she turned to make the call, her heart ached for the broken young man lying before her—and for the devastating betrayal that had brought him to this point.

Notes:

Kakashi chapter coming

Chapter 3: Kakashi

Kakashi leaned back in his chair in the Hokage’s office, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as he sifted through the morning reports. The stack of mission logs, village updates, and training assessments spread out before him, but his focus wavered. His gaze shifted to the open window, where the first light of dawn crept into the room, casting long shadows across the floor. He let out a sigh, tapping his fingers absently against the desk.

Something wasn’t right.

The Sixth Hokage had noticed the growing silence surrounding a particular Uchiha lately—Sasuke. It had been weeks since Kakashi last saw him around the village. There were no mentions of him sparring in the training grounds or dropping by Ichiraku’s, not even a glimpse of him at the mission desk. Most concerning of all, Naruto, the ever-energetic shinobi who was training to be his successor, had fallen uncharacteristically silent about Sasuke.

Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship had always been an enigma to everyone around them—fiery, intense, and unwavering. Ever since Sasuke returned to Konoha after the war, Naruto’s bond with him had been like a beacon of hope, a testament to the strength of their connection. Naruto often spoke about Sasuke with a brightness in his eyes that no one could miss. He would talk about their shared training sessions, their clashes in ideals, and his relentless attempts to get Sasuke to open up more.

But lately, Naruto’s voice never brought up Sasuke’s name. It was almost as if Sasuke had vanished from Naruto’s world.

Kakashi frowned, mulling over the thought. He had dismissed it as Naruto being overwhelmed with his training for the Hokage role, the relentless schedules, and the responsibilities weighing him down. Yet, this silence gnawed at him. Naruto might be swamped, but he would never stop mentioning Sasuke unless something was seriously wrong.

There was more to this than just busy schedules.

Pushing his chair back, Kakashi rose to his feet. He wasn’t one to be overbearing, but as Hokage, and more importantly, as someone who had mentored both Naruto and Sasuke, it was his duty to intervene if something seemed amiss.

If Naruto wouldn’t talk, then he would go straight to the source.

With that thought in mind, Kakashi made his way through the early morning streets of Konoha, heading toward the Uchiha compound. As he neared the once-grand estate, a sense of foreboding settled in his chest. It was too quiet. The gates were slightly ajar, a few stray leaves rustling across the pathway. He pushed the gates open cautiously and stepped inside.

The compound felt like a ghost town.

Kakashi’s sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. Dust clung to the edges of the courtyard, weeds sprouting in corners where there should have been perfectly manicured grounds. The main house loomed in front of him, its dark wood exterior seeming more weathered than usual. Taking a steadying breath, he crossed the yard and pushed the door open, stepping inside.

The sight that greeted him sent a chill down his spine.

The Uchiha household had always been kept in pristine condition, a testament to Sasuke’s strict nature and respect for his heritage. But now… now it looked abandoned, as if Sasuke had left in a hurry and never returned.

Dishes were left on the table, a few kunai scattered on the floor as if they had been dropped carelessly. Several scrolls lay open, some crumpled and forgotten. Even more startling were the small signs of neglect—dust gathered on the furniture, a broken cup still lying in the corner, untouched. This wasn’t Sasuke’s way. He was meticulous to a fault, every action deliberate, every space he occupied orderly.

Kakashi moved through the house, his unease growing with every empty room he passed. He stopped at what appeared to be a small living room, noticing a faint stain on the floor, like the remnants of dried blood. His heart skipped a beat.

Had there been a fight?

He crouched down, touching the dark mark, and narrowed his eyes. It wasn’t recent, but it wasn’t old enough to be dismissed. Whatever happened, it hadn’t been long ago.

Kakashi straightened, glancing around the empty house. There was no trace of Sasuke’s recent presence, no indication of where he might have gone. He checked the small kitchen area, noting the untouched food supplies and the half-eaten meal left on the counter. It looked like Sasuke had left abruptly and hadn’t bothered to return since.

“Where are you, Sasuke?” Kakashi murmured, stepping back into the main hall. He couldn’t shake the ominous feeling crawling up his spine.

Something had driven Sasuke away from his own home—something serious.

If Sasuke was gone, why hadn’t Naruto been more worried? Or had he known all along?

Kakashi’s thoughts raced as he exited the compound, his brow furrowed in deep concern. There was no sign of a struggle, no forced entry—just a strange sense of abandonment. He couldn’t let this slide. Sasuke’s disappearance, coupled with Naruto’s sudden reticence, could not be a coincidence.

Returning swiftly to the Hokage’s office, Kakashi was about to summon two of his most trusted Anbu operatives to “Begin a discreet search for Uchiha Sasuke,”

when a rapid knock at the door caught his attention. One of his aides stepped in, looking breathless.

“Hokage-sama, Lady Tsunade has sent a message,” the aide said, holding out a scroll.

 

Kakashi’s heart skipped a beat as he took the scroll and read the contents. The neat, urgent script was unmistakably Tsunade’s.

 

“Sasuke has been found at the hospital. He’s in critical condition. Come immediately.”

 

He stared at the words, disbelief and concern warring in his chest. Sasuke… in critical condition? How? Why? He crumpled the scroll slightly, jaw tightening. All this time he had been worrying, and Sasuke had been in serious danger.

 

Without another thought, Kakashi darted out of the office, his mind racing. He barely acknowledged the curious glances of the guards and villagers as he made his way to the hospital, moving faster than he had in a long time.

 

When he arrived, Tsunade was waiting for him, her expression grim. “What happened?” he demanded, voice low and urgent.

 

“I’ll explain inside,” she murmured, leading him to a private ward.

 

As Kakashi followed, his heart pounded furiously. Whatever had happened to Sasuke, it was far more serious than he’d imagined.

 

And he would get to the bottom of it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kakashi followed Tsunade down the sterile hallways of Konoha’s hospital, his steps heavy with concern. He barely noticed the bustling of the medics and patients around him as they made their way to a secluded part of the hospital, a place typically reserved for high-profile cases requiring utmost confidentiality.

 

“Lady Tsunade,” Kakashi started quietly, breaking the tense silence between them, “what happened to Sasuke?”

 

Tsunade glanced back at him, her expression stern yet shadowed with worry. “I’ll explain everything once we’re inside, but there’s more to this than what it seems. You need to see for yourself.”

 

Kakashi’s mind raced as they continued walking, a dozen scenarios flashing through his head. He had always known Sasuke was stubborn and would rarely ask for help. What could have pushed him into such a condition that even Tsunade felt compelled to intervene? His thoughts turned to Naruto, a flicker of frustration and confusion simmering beneath his calm façade. Why hadn’t Naruto been the one to alert him? What is happening between his two former students?

 

As if reading his thoughts, Tsunade spoke again, her voice lower this time. “Kakashi, there’s something else. The person who brought Sasuke in… wasn’t Naruto.”

 

Kakashi stiffened, turning his gaze sharply to her. “Then who—?”

 

They stopped in front of a sealed door, its white surface almost too pristine under the harsh hospital lights. Tsunade pushed it open gently, stepping inside. Kakashi followed, his eyes widening as he took in the scene.

 

The private room was dimly lit, a single bed occupying the center. Lying on it was Sasuke, pale and still, his eyes closed in a state of unconsciousness. An IV drip hung beside the bed, the steady beeping of a heart monitor the only sound in the quiet room. But it wasn’t Sasuke’s condition that caught Kakashi’s immediate attention.

 

Standing beside the bed, his posture tense and alert, was Neji Hyuga.

 

“Neji?” Kakashi’s voice was low, filled with both confusion and suspicion. Why would Neji be here? And why was Sasuke in such a critical state?

 

Tsunade sighed, gesturing for Kakashi to come closer. “He’s the one who brought Sasuke here,” she explained softly. “When we saw Sasuke’s condition, we had to admit him immediately. Severe dehydration, malnutrition, and extreme exhaustion. But there’s more to it.”

 

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed. He moved closer to the bed, staring down at Sasuke’s face. The Uchiha looked almost fragile, the hollows under his eyes stark against his pale skin. “What do you mean, ‘more to it’?”

 

“That’s what we’re trying to find out,” Tsunade murmured.

 

Kakashi turned to Neji, who remained standing stiffly by the bed, his eyes focused on Sasuke’s unconscious form. “Neji,” Kakashi began, his tone edged with urgency, “what happened? Where did you find him? And… where is Naruto?”

 

At the mention of Naruto’s name, Neji’s expression tightened, a flash of something dark crossing his usually composed features. He looked up, meeting Kakashi’s gaze steadily.

 

“I found Sasuke at the Uchiha compound,” Neji said quietly. “He was unconscious in the living room, like this.” He gestured to Sasuke’s motionless body, his voice laced with a mix of anger and frustration. “There was no one else there. The house was in complete disarray. It looked like he had been alone for a while… suffering.”

 

Kakashi felt a surge of disbelief. Alone? Suffering? “But why? And why were you the one to find him, Neji?” His gaze was sharp, piercing, trying to understand what wasn’t being said.

Neji shifted slightly, his posture still composed, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—anger, frustration, and something almost protective. “Two weeks ago, at the training grounds,” Neji began, his voice steady but low. “I saw Naruto and Hinata… kissing.”

 

Kakashi’s eyes widened in shock. He knew the bond between Sasuke and Naruto. Everyone in the village knew they were together even though they have tried to hide it . That Naruto would betray Sasuke like that… it didn’t fit.

 

“And Sasuke saw it too,” Neji continued. “He confronted them right then and there. They were both… terrified. Naruto tried to run after him, tried to explain, but Sasuke stopped him and told Naruto to stay away. You should have seen his face , He looked at them like they’d ripped out his heart and didn’t even realize it.”

 

Kakashi felt a cold chill run down his spine. He knew Sasuke. He knew how deeply Sasuke felt things, even when he tried to hide it. The idea of Sasuke seeing the one person he had finally opened up to—trusted—betraying him in such a way was almost too much to bear.

 

After the confrontation, Sasuke just… shut down. He locked himself in the compound and stopped coming out.”

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, frustration and sorrow mixing in his gaze. “And you knew about all of this?” he asked quietly. “You watched it happen?”

“Yes.” Neji’s voice was firm. I thought… I thought Sasuke needed time. But then days passed, and he still didn’t show up anywhere. Not at the markets, not at the training grounds—nowhere. So, I went to check on him at the Uchiha compound.”

He closed his eyes briefly, as if the memory pained him. “I found him unconscious. He looked… lifeless. Like he hadn’t eaten or slept in days. He was dehydrated and feverish.” Neji swallowed hard, his gaze softening as he looked at Sasuke’s pale face, I brought him here, straight to the hospital.”

Kakashi’s chest tightened, a mix of guilt and anger roiling inside him. He should have noticed something was wrong. How had this happened right under his nose?

Kakashi noted the subtle tension in the Hyuga’s stance. After a long silence, Neji turned toward him, his gaze steady.

Hokage sama ,” Neji began, his voice low but resolute, “I have a request.”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, urging him to continue.

“I want to stay here, by Sasuke’s side, until he wakes up. But I need you to inform the Hyuga clan that I’m on a special mission,” Neji said, his tone serious. “If they find out I’ve been missing for days without a reason, it’ll raise questions. And I don’t want any interference—especially from the clan elders.”

Kakashi considered his words, then nodded slowly. “I understand. I’ll send a message to the Hyuga right away. You’ve done more than enough by bringing Sasuke here, Neji. Staying by his side is admirable.”

 

I have one more request, neji says . Hokage sama please keep Sasuke's condition private , Naruto and Sakura should not know especially not Sakura,” he added pointedly. “She… still harbors feelings for Sasuke, despite everything. If she finds out he’s vulnerable, she might ...he stops

Kakashi nodded slowly, understanding the layers of complications involved. “I’ll make sure she stays out of this. But Neji…” He paused, his gaze serious. “Are you going to be alright with this? Staying by Sasuke’s side like this?”

Neji’s eyes softened as he glanced back at the unconscious Uchiha. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said quietly. “I’ll stay by his side until he wakes up. ”

Kakashi looked at him, really looked at him, and saw the raw sincerity in Neji’s gaze. This wasn’t just about duty or obligation. Neji genuinely cared—more than Kakashi had ever realized.

Kakashi nodded again, placing a reassuring hand on Neji’s shoulder. “Alright. I’ll send word to the Hyuga clan, let them know you’re here on a mission of your own.” His gaze turned back to Sasuke. “For now… let’s just focus on making sure he recovers.”

Neji bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, Hokage Sama .”

The silver-haired shinobi gave him a grim smile. “No, Neji. Thank you. Sasuke is lucky to have a friend like you.”

Notes:

Next chapter : Sasuke wakes up

Chapter 4: Unexpected Bonds

Two days had passed since Sasuke had been admitted to the hospital. Throughout this time, Neji had been a constant presence at his bedside, his expression as unreadable as ever, though his eyes were heavy with concern. Shizune, having noticed Neji’s refusal to leave or take proper care of himself, finally lost her patience.

 

“Neji, you need to eat something,” Shizune said sternly, handing him a tray of food. “If you collapse, you’ll be of no help to him.”

 

Neji glanced at the tray reluctantly before nodding. “Thank you. I’ll eat,” he murmured, taking the food but remaining beside Sasuke. Shizune gave him a firm look before turning away, muttering about stubborn shinobi under her breath.

 

Kakashi, too, had been in and out, silently observing the scene whenever he visited. Each time he arrived, his gaze lingered on Neji, quietly acknowledging his dedication. But Kakashi’s main focus was Sasuke—his student who had been through so much and was now lying unconscious, fragile in a way that seemed almost impossible for someone like him.

 

Tsunade and Shizune continued to conduct tests, their expressions grave as they worked. There was a tension in the air, a shared concern about what the results might reveal. Sasuke had been so deeply affected by what he’d gone through, and Tsunade feared that the physical toll would be as devastating as the emotional one.

 

Finally, after two long days, there was a stir from the bed.

 

Sasuke shifted, his eyes fluttering open. Neji, who had been sitting by his side, immediately straightened, his breath catching. He watched as Sasuke blinked slowly, disoriented, his gaze sweeping the unfamiliar room until it landed on Neji.

 

“You’re awake,” Neji said softly, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and wariness.

 

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed slightly, his mind sluggishly piecing together where he was and what had happened. Pain coursed through his body, a dull, aching reminder of everything he’d endured. He swallowed, his throat dry.

 

“Where…?” Sasuke started, but his voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper.

 

“You’re in the hospital,” Neji answered quietly. “You collapsed in the Uchiha compound. I… I found you.”

 

Sasuke’s brow furrowed as fragments of memory returned—his confrontation with Naruto and Hinata, the crushing betrayal, the overwhelming despair that had driven him to isolate himself. His eyes darkened, and for a moment, it looked like he might try to get up, to leave.

 

Neji reached out, placing a gentle but firm hand on Sasuke’s arm. “Don’t,” he said softly. “You need to rest. Tsunade-sama and Shizune have been monitoring you closely. You’re… not in good shape, Sasuke.”

 

Sasuke’s gaze turned to Neji, searching his face. There was something in Neji’s eyes—something that Sasuke couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t pity, but it was close to it, a deep empathy and protectiveness that Sasuke wasn’t used to seeing directed at him.

 

“I’m calling Tsunade-sama and Shizune,” Neji murmured, standing up. He pressed the button to summon the nurses, his gaze never leaving Sasuke’s face. “They’ll want to see that you’re awake.”

 

Sasuke didn’t respond, his thoughts still a swirling mess. He looked around the room again, his senses slowly coming back to him. The sterile smell of antiseptic, the quiet hum of the hospital machinery—it all felt distant, like a dream he hadn’t quite woken up from. But the pain was real. His body felt heavy, every muscle aching as if he’d been through a brutal battle.

 

The door opened, and Tsunade and Shizune entered, their expressions shifting from worry to relief as they saw Sasuke awake.

 

“Sasuke,” Tsunade said softly, stepping forward. “How are you feeling?”

 

Sasuke swallowed again, his throat burning. “Like… I’ve been hit by a train,” he muttered, his voice strained.

 

Tsunade’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Well, that’s an improvement, considering what we found.” She exchanged a glance with Shizune, who nodded slightly.

 

“We’re still running some tests,” Shizune said gently, stepping closer. “But you’re stable for now. Just… take it easy, alright?”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed again. He looked at Tsunade, suspicion flickering in his gaze. “What… exactly did you find?”

 

Tsunade hesitated, her gaze shifting briefly to Neji before returning to Sasuke. “We’ll talk about that once you’re a bit stronger,” she said carefully. “For now, just focus on getting better.”

 

Sasuke’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t have the strength to argue. He turned his gaze back to Neji, who was watching him intently.

“Why…?” Sasuke croaked, his voice barely audible.

“Why what?” Neji asked quietly.

“Why… are you here?” Sasuke’s eyes bore into Neji’s, demanding answers.

Neji took a deep breath. “Because I found you. Because…” He trailed off, searching for the right words. “Because I couldn’t just leave you like that. And… because you deserve better.”

Sasuke stared at him, uncomprehending. There was too much pain, too much confusion for him to process Neji’s words fully. But something in the way Neji spoke—something in his tone, in his gaze—made Sasuke pause.

Before he could say anything, Tsunade stepped forward again. “Get some rest, Sasuke. We’ll talk more when you’re feeling better.”

Sasuke closed his eyes, exhaustion washing over him. He was too tired to fight, too tired to think. But as he drifted off again, Neji’s words echoed faintly in his mind.

“You deserve better.”

And for the first time in a long while, Sasuke wondered if that could really be true.

 

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The atmosphere in Sasuke’s hospital room was quiet, the soft beeping of the heart monitor the only sound accompanying the stillness. After Sasuke’s brief moment of consciousness, Tsunade and Shizune had placed him on a drip to ensure he stayed hydrated and nourished. His body, weakened from the ordeal, needed as much support as it could get.

Neji stayed close, refusing to leave even when others suggested he take a break. Instead, he watched over Sasuke, his concern palpable. The usually composed Hyuga seemed tense, as if waiting for something to go wrong. When Sasuke stirred again, his eyes opening slowly, Neji leaned forward, his expression unreadable.

“You’re awake again,” Neji murmured softly, his voice a steadying presence.

Sasuke blinked, his gaze turning sluggishly to the IV drip in his arm. His brows furrowed, but he was too weak to react more than that. His throat still felt dry, and the soreness in his limbs hadn’t abated, but he felt more aware, more… present than before.

Neji reached over and carefully adjusted the pillow behind Sasuke’s head, helping him sit up just a little more. There was no hesitation in his movements, no discomfort. If anything, Neji seemed almost natural in the role of caretaker, his focus entirely on making Sasuke comfortable.

“Can you eat something?” Neji asked, his tone gentle but firm.

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of resistance appearing, but Neji didn’t back down. He picked up a small bowl of porridge that Shizune had left earlier and held it out, waiting for Sasuke to respond. After a moment of tense silence, Sasuke finally nodded—just a tiny, barely noticeable gesture, but a gesture nonetheless.

Neji didn’t say anything as he spooned a small amount and brought it to Sasuke’s lips. Sasuke turned his face away slightly, but when Neji waited patiently, his gaze steady, Sasuke sighed and opened his mouth. The food was bland, tasteless, but it was warm, and it felt oddly soothing as it slid down his throat.

Neji continued feeding him, moving slowly and methodically, never once showing a trace of impatience or discomfort. There was no pity in his eyes, no judgment—only quiet determination. Sasuke’s gaze stayed on him the entire time, watching as if trying to figure out what was going through Neji’s mind.

Kakashi entered the room then, his lone eye widening slightly at the sight of Neji feeding Sasuke. He lingered in the doorway for a moment before stepping inside, his presence almost hesitant.

“Neji,” Kakashi greeted softly. “How’s he doing?”

Neji glanced up briefly before returning his attention to Sasuke. “Better. He’s awake, at least.”

Kakashi nodded, his gaze shifting to Sasuke. “That’s good to hear.”

Sasuke, still weak, didn’t bother to respond. He took another spoonful of porridge before turning his head away, signaling that he was done. Neji set the bowl aside without protest, wiping Sasuke’s mouth carefully with a napkin.

Kakashi’s gaze softened. There was something surreal about seeing the usually distant Hyuga prodigy care for Sasuke with such diligence.

 

the door opened again, and Tsunade and Shizune entered, their expressions grave. There was an intensity in Tsunade’s gaze as she looked at Sasuke, a tension that made the room feel suddenly heavier.

“Shizune, can you bring the chart?” Tsunade murmured, her eyes never leaving Sasuke.

Shizune nodded and handed her the clipboard, her lips pressed into a thin line. She glanced at Neji and Kakashi, then back at Tsunade, waiting.

Tsunade took a deep breath. “Sasuke… we need to talk about your condition.”

Sasuke’s gaze sharpened, his senses going on high alert despite his weakened state. He shifted slightly, his muscles protesting the movement.

“What… condition?” he rasped out.

Tsunade hesitated, a rare uncertainty flickering across her face. “We ran a lot of tests, trying to figure out what happened to you. At first, we thought it was just physical exhaustion, but… it’s more complicated than that.”

Shizune stepped forward, her expression gentler. “Sasuke… you’re pregnant.”

The room was heavy with silence as everyone tried to grasp the situation. Tsunade’s voice was the only sound breaking through the tension, her words quiet but firm. “Sasuke… the chakra readings from the fetus are unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Even in this early stage, the chakra level is equivalent to a highly-trained shinobi—almost like a fully developed jōnin.”

 

The implications of this sent a chill down Neji’s spine. Unconsciously, he activated his Byakugan, the veins around his eyes bulging as he focused on Sasuke’s abdomen, searching for the source of this monstrous chakra. As his vision honed in, he gasped softly, his eyes widening.

What he saw left him breathless. Chakra, pure and powerful, coiled within Sasuke’s body, emanating from a tiny, flickering mass nestled deep within. But it wasn’t just the amount of chakra—it was its intensity. Even in its smallest form, it was unlike anything Neji had ever seen before. The raw strength, the way it seemed to pulse with life, shimmering with layers of energy…

Neji felt his heart stutter. The chakra was still developing, but it was already terrifyingly strong, stronger than anything that should have been possible for an unborn child. The sheer density and potency of it radiated like a blazing star. It was almost overwhelming to look at, even with his Byakugan.

“What…?” he breathed, his voice barely audible as he continued staring, transfixed. “It’s… unbelievable. I’ve never seen a chakra like this.”

Kakashi and Tsunade turned toward him, their expressions puzzled. “Neji, what do you see?” Kakashi asked quietly.

Slowly, Neji deactivated his Byakugan, the veins around his eyes receding as he turned a wide-eyed gaze toward the others. “The chakra… it’s already fully formed, almost like a shinobi’s chakra network. But it’s not just that—it’s powerful. Even at this stage, it’s… overwhelming.”

Tsunade exchanged a worried look with Shizune. “So the readings are correct,” she murmured. “This child’s chakra is… abnormal. It’s far stronger than any fetus should have, stronger than most adult shinobi.”

A tense silence followed her words, the enormity of what Neji had seen settling heavily in the room.

“And,” Shizune added hesitantly, “it’s likely that this chakra is the only reason Sasuke has survived. The fetus must be instinctively lending him chakra whenever his own levels drop too low. If it weren’t for that… Sasuke might not have made it.”

Sasuke’s chest felt tight, his entire being trembling as he struggled to come to terms with what he’d just heard. The silence in the room was deafening, the weight of the revelation sinking in. His heart was pounding so loudly that it seemed to echo in his ears, drowning out every other sound.

Kakashi’s voice finally broke through the oppressive quiet, disbelief and confusion lacing his tone. “But… how?” he murmured, his visible eye wide with shock. “Sasuke, you’re… you’re a man. How is this possible?”

Tsunade glanced at him, her expression a mixture of frustration and sympathy. “Orochimaru’s experiments,” she said quietly, turning back to look at Sasuke. “He altered Sasuke’s body. We don’t know how extensive the modifications were, but it’s clear that he… made certain changes.”

“Changes?” Kakashi repeated incredulously. “You mean—he gave Sasuke a—?”

“A uterus,” Sasuke interrupted bitterly, his voice low and tight. “Yes. That’s exactly what he did.”

Kakashi fell silent, the sheer absurdity of the situation leaving him momentarily speechless. He turned to stare at Sasuke, his expression a mixture of shock, disbelief, and something that looked painfully close to pity. “But why would Orochimaru—?”

“Because I was supposed to be his vessel,” Sasuke cut in, his voice trembling with barely restrained rage. “He needed a way to ensure his… legacy. Or whatever twisted reason he had. It doesn’t matter.” His hands clenched into fists, his nails digging painfully into his palms. “He did it. And now… now I’m…”

He trailed off, his gaze dropping to his abdomen. The bitterness in his eyes was almost palpable, a dark, corrosive thing that seemed to eat away at his resolve.

Tsunade stepped closer, her expression softening. “Sasuke,” she murmured gently. “I know this is hard to accept. But the child… it’s not just a result of Orochimaru’s experiments. It’s yours. Your blood, your chakra.”

“I don’t want it,” Sasuke snapped, his voice breaking. His eyes were wide and desperate, pleading as he looked up at her. “I don’t… I can’t… Tsunade, please. I don’t want this child. I didn’t ask for this.”

Kakashi stiffened, his gaze darting between Sasuke and Tsunade. “But… Sasuke, it’s not that simple,” she said quietly. “The child’s chakra—it’s so… alive. I’ve never felt anything like it. Even now, it’s strong enough to sustain you. To keep you—”

“Alive,” Neji murmured

 

The room was steeped in silence, a suffocating heaviness hanging over everyone present. The initial shock of Tsunade’s revelation had given way to confusion and disbelief, leaving them all at a loss for words. Sasuke, still lying in the hospital bed, looked utterly drained. His dark eyes were wide with shock, staring blankly at the ceiling as if hoping that this was just a nightmare he’d eventually wake up from.

But he wouldn’t. This was his reality now.

“You’re saying… I can’t get rid of it?” Sasuke whispered, his voice barely audible.

Tsunade’s gaze softened, a rare gentleness in her usually stern expression. She stepped closer to the bed, her hands clasped in front of her. “It’s not that simple, Sasuke,” she said quietly. “The fetus… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Its chakra is already at a level comparable to that of an elite shinobi—stronger than most adults, even. It’s sustaining you, lending you its energy to keep you alive. I don’t know how it’s possible, but—”

“It’s not a normal pregnancy,” Shizune finished softly, her eyes full of sympathy. “If we tried to terminate it now… it could kill you. The bond between you and the child is too strong.”

Sasuke felt as if the world were crumbling around him. His chest tightened painfully, his breath hitching as panic began to swell in his chest. “But… that can’t be true,” he choked out, his voice cracking. “It’s just a fetus. It can’t be… that powerful.”

Neji, still beside the bed, activated his Byakugan again. The chakra signature around Sasuke’s abdomen flared to life in his vision—a bright, pulsing presence that seemed to radiate strength and vitality. He swallowed hard, his throat tightening at the sight.

“She’s right,” Neji murmured, his voice strained. “I can see it. The chakra… it’s linked to yours. Almost as if it’s… protecting you.” He turned his gaze to Sasuke, his pale eyes softening. “I don’t think it’s just sustaining itself. I think it’s actively keeping you alive.”

Sasuke’s breath caught. He stared at Neji, his mind reeling, and then turned back to Tsunade. “But why?” he whispered hoarsely. “Why would it… do that?”

Tsunade shook her head slowly. “I don’t know. It’s possible that whatever Orochimaru did to your body… altered the way the fetus develops. It might have an instinctive need to protect its host—to ensure that it survives until it’s strong enough to be born.” She hesitated, her gaze never leaving Sasuke’s face. “But one thing is clear: you can’t terminate the pregnancy. Not without putting your own life at risk.”

The words hit him like a physical blow. Sasuke felt the air leave his lungs, his entire body going numb with shock. He was trapped. Trapped by this… this thing growing inside him—this child that was half his and half Naruto’s.

Naruto…

The thought of him sent a fresh wave of anguish crashing over Sasuke. He squeezed his eyes shut, a strangled sound escaping his throat. How had his life come to this? Betrayed by the person he’d thought he could finally trust, abandoned, and now… forced to carry a child he hadn’t wanted—a child he hadn’t even known he could have.

“What… what am I supposed to do now?” he whispered brokenly, his voice shaking with despair. “I can’t… I can’t just pretend this isn’t happening. But I can’t… I don’t know if I can…”

Sasuke recoiled as if he’d been struck, his entire body trembling. “But… but there has to be a way,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “There has to be something—some way to—”

“There isn’t,” Tsunade said softly. “I’m sorry, Sasuke. But this child… it’s not just a part of you. It’s sustaining you. If we remove it… you won’t survive.”

The world seemed to spin around him, everything blurring together in a dizzying swirl of confusion and fear. He felt like he was drowning, suffocating under the weight of a decision he’d never wanted to make. “But I—” His voice cracked, raw and broken. “I don’t… I don’t want this. I didn’t ask for this. I don’t want this child!”

Kakashi flinched, pain flashing across his face as he looked at his former student. “Sasuke…”

Tsunade stepped forward, her hand reaching out hesitantly. “Sasuke, listen to me,” she murmured gently. “I know this isn’t fair. I know you didn’t ask for this. But right now, the child is part of you. A very powerful part of you. And if you want to live… you have to find a way to come to terms with that.”

Sasuke’s shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him all at once. He stared at the floor, his expression empty, lost. “I just… I just wanted to be free,” he whispered, his voice so soft it was barely audible. “After everything… I just wanted to be free.”

Neji stepped forward, his gaze gentle but unwavering. “I know,” he said quietly. “But you’re not alone, Sasuke. Whatever happens… we’ll be here. I’ll be here.”

Sasuke didn’t respond. He just closed his eyes, his chest heaving with the effort of keeping himself together.

“I don’t want it,” he whispered again, his voice barely a breath. “But I don’t want to die, either.”

And for the first time, Tsunade didn’t have an answer.

 

The room fell silent again, the others exchanging uncertain glances. No one knew what to say. How could they? There were no words that could ease the pain, the confusion, the fear that Sasuke was drowning in.

Finally, Kakashi stepped forward. His gaze was soft, his voice low and gentle. “Sasuke… whatever you decide, we’ll support you. If you want to keep the child, we’ll make sure you have everything you need. And if you… if you choose not to, we’ll do everything in our power to protect you. But it’s your choice. No one else’s.”

Sasuke bit his lip hard, the coppery taste of blood flooding his mouth. Choice. What choice did he have? He couldn’t terminate the pregnancy without risking his life, and if he kept it… if he kept it, he’d have to face the reality of being a parent. Of raising a child that was half his and half Naruto’s—a constant reminder of the betrayal that had shattered his heart.

“I need…” He took a shaky breath, struggling to steady his voice. “I need to be alone. I need… time to think.”

Tsunade opened her mouth as if to protest, but then closed it, her expression softening. She glanced at Shizune, who nodded silently. Slowly, reluctantly, they began to step back, giving Sasuke the space he’d asked for.

“All right,” Tsunade said gently. “We’ll give you some time. But Sasuke…” She hesitated, her gaze lingering on his pale, drawn face. “You’re not alone. We’re here for you. All of us.”

One by one, the others began to file out of the room. Kakashi lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Sasuke’s hunched form. “If you need anything,” he murmured, “just call. I’ll come right away.”

Sasuke didn’t respond. He just stared blankly at the wall, his shoulders trembling. Kakashi sighed softly and turned to leave, his heart aching for his former student.

Neji remained standing in the room even as the others left. His presence was a steady, silent support as Sasuke lays motionless on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the wall. Tsunade hesitated at the door, glancing back at the two of them. When it was clear that Neji had no intention of leaving, she gave a small nod and closed the door quietly behind her.

The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. Sasuke’s hands trembled slightly as he pressed them against the sheets, his knuckles white with tension. Neji took a small step forward, his gaze soft but unwavering.

“I’m not leaving,” Neji said quietly. “But… think of me as if I’m not here. Take your time, Sasuke.”

Sasuke’s head turned slowly, his dark eyes locking onto Neji’s. There was something raw and vulnerable in that gaze, something that made Neji’s chest tighten. He stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, until he was standing right beside the bed.

He reached out hesitantly, his hand hovering just above Sasuke’s shoulder before he let it rest there, a gentle, comforting weight. “I know it’s hard to believe right now,” Neji murmured softly. “I know you have a lot of questions to ask and even more to understand. But I’ve seen what you’ve gone through. I know about Naruto and Hinata… about the betrayal you faced.”

Sasuke’s expression didn’t change, but Neji saw the flicker of pain that crossed his eyes. Neji’s hand tightened slightly, a small, reassuring squeeze. “You’re not alone in this. Whatever happens… whatever you decide… I’m here for you.”

There was no immediate response, just the silence that seemed to stretch on forever. But Sasuke didn’t pull away. He didn’t tell Neji to leave or reject the offered comfort. Instead, he slowly closed his eyes, a single, shuddering breath escaping him.

Neji stayed like that, his hand resting gently on Sasuke’s shoulder. He knew there were no words that could erase the pain Sasuke was feeling, no promises that could make this situation any easier. But if he could offer even a small bit of support—if he could make Sasuke feel just a little less alone—then that was enough.

“I’m here,” Neji repeated softly, his voice steady and calm. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

Sasuke opened his eyes again, looking up at Neji with a mixture of confusion and something like gratitude. It was faint, barely a flicker in the depths of his gaze, but it was there.

For now, that was enough.

Notes:

More neji sasuke bonding

Chapter 5: Shattered Realities

The sterile hospital room seemed to close in around them, the silence pressing down like a weight on Sasuke’s chest. He lay in the bed, his gaze distant as he stared at the whitewashed ceiling. Neji was there, as always—standing silently by the window, his presence a steady, unwavering force. It was unnerving how calm Neji remained, almost as if nothing could faze him.

But Sasuke couldn’t understand why. Why was Neji here? Why did he keep coming back? It didn’t make sense. They had never been friends, never shared more than a few words in passing. So what did Neji want?

“What’s your reason for being here?” Sasuke asked abruptly, his voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. “Why do you care?”

Neji turned his head slightly, meeting Sasuke’s gaze with that same calm, steady look. “Because I want to be,” he said simply. His voice was low, almost gentle, yet there was a firmness beneath it that made Sasuke’s chest tighten.

 

“That’s not an answer,” Sasuke bit out. “You’ve barely spoken to me before now. We’re not friends. So what’s changed?”

 

For a moment, Neji said nothing, his gaze thoughtful. Then, with a quiet sigh, he moved closer, pulling up a chair beside the bed. When he spoke again, his voice was softer, more serious.

“Sasuke… I was there.”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “There? Where?”

“The training ground,” Neji clarified. “The day you… confronted Naruto and Hinata.”

Something in Sasuke froze. His heart stuttered painfully, the memory of that day rushing back in a torrent of raw emotion. He remembered it vividly—the disbelief, the betrayal, the agony that had clawed at his chest as he’d watched Naruto, the person he trusted the most, cheating with Hinata. Touching her. Kissing her.

“You were… there?” Sasuke’s voice was strained, his eyes wide as he stared at Neji. “You saw it?”

Neji nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving Sasuke’s face. “I did.”

The silence that followed was thick, suffocating. Sasuke felt something twist painfully in his chest—a mix of anger, shame, and something else, something he couldn’t quite name.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he demanded, his voice rising. “Why didn’t you—”

“What would you have wanted me to say?” Neji interrupted quietly, his expression pained. “That I saw everything? That I stood there and watched while they—” He broke off, his jaw clenching. “I was as shocked as you were, Sasuke. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”

Sasuke swallowed hard, his throat tight. “You… saw everything?”

“Yes,” Neji whispered. “I saw you arrive. Saw the way Naruto tried to explain himself, the way Hinata looked at you—like she was guilty but couldn’t bring herself to stop. And then… I saw you walk away.”

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Sasuke’s chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“After you left,” Neji continued softly, his eyes darkening, “I used my Byakugan. I didn’t want to, but… I had to know.”

Sasuke’s heart pounded in his ears. “What did you see?”

Neji looked away, his gaze distant, filled with something like disgust. Right after you left , They kissed again.

The world seemed to tilt, the ground crumbling beneath Sasuke’s feet. He stared at Neji, uncomprehending, the words echoing in his mind over and over.

“They… kissed again?” he whispered, his voice trembling. “After I—”

“Yes,” Neji murmered

A choked sound escaped Sasuke’s throat—something between a laugh and a sob. He squeezed his eyes shut, his whole body trembling. He remembered how he’d felt that day—the way his heart had shattered, the way everything he thought he knew had crumbled into dust.

“He didn’t care,” he whispered hoarsely. “He didn’t even care that I—”

“Sasuke,” Neji interrupted gently, leaning forward. “He's not worth it. Neither of them.”

Sasuke let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Not worth it? Naruto was everything to me, Neji. Everything. I trusted him more than anyone else, and he—” He broke off, his voice cracking. “He betrayed me.”

“I know,” Neji whispered. “And I’m sorry. But you’re more than just Naruto’s… whatever. You’re more than his shadow.”

Sasuke’s eyes snapped open, his gaze fierce. “Then what am I?”

Neji held his gaze, his expression unwavering. “You’re Sasuke Uchiha. You’re strong, and proud, and you’ve survived things that would have broken anyone else. You’re not defined by Naruto, or by what he did to you. You’re more than that.”

Sasuke stared at him, something shifting painfully in his chest. No one had ever spoken to him like this—like he was worth more than his connection to Naruto, more than the choices that had led him down the path of vengeance and isolation.

“You’re lying,” Sasuke whispered, his voice hollow. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough,” Neji countered softly. “I know you deserve more than this. More than being alone.”

The sincerity in Neji’s eyes made Sasuke’s breath hitch. He looked away, swallowing hard, his throat tight.

“Then why are you here?” he asked quietly. “Why are you telling me this?”

Neji hesitated, then took a deep breath. “Because I couldn’t stand by and watch. Not again. Not after everything I saw.”

Sasuke turned his head, his gaze searching Neji’s face. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… I couldn’t stand by and watch you break,” Neji murmured, his voice barely audible. “I’ve seen it before, in myself and others. I know what it looks like. And I don’t want to see it happen to you.”

Sasuke’s heart twisted painfully, something like hope flickering in the darkest corners of his mind. He looked away, blinking rapidly.

“Why do you care so much?” he whispered.

“Because… you’re worth it,” Neji said quietly. “Because you deserve someone to believe in you, even if you don’t believe in yourself.”

The words hung between them, fragile and tentative, but real. Sasuke closed his eyes, the ache in his chest dulling just a fraction.

Maybe, just maybe, Neji was right.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun filtered weakly through the hospital windows as another day began. The air was still, a calmness settling over the room, yet beneath that tranquility was a sense of change. Neji could feel it, an inexplicable shift that had occurred since the previous night’s conversation. Sasuke hadn’t said much after that—the rest of the evening had passed in silence—but something between them felt… different.

Neji glanced over at Sasuke, who was seated on the bed, propped up by several pillows. His dark eyes were half-closed, gaze distant as if lost in thought. There was a heaviness to his expression, a weight that seemed to have settled over him. But there was also something else—a spark of defiance that hadn’t been there before.

The silence between them was no longer uncomfortable, but there was a tension to it—a charged undercurrent that neither seemed quite ready to acknowledge.

 

The tension in the room shifted subtly as the door swung open, and Kakashi stepped in, his expression as unreadable as ever. He paused just inside the doorway, his visible eye sweeping over the scene. Sasuke sat stiffly on the bed, his posture tense and guarded. Neji remained close by his side, his gaze sharp and protective. The atmosphere was thick with unsaid words, a charged silence hanging between them.

Kakashi’s gaze settled on Sasuke, concern flickering in his eye. “How are you holding up?” he asked softly.

Sasuke looked up briefly, meeting Kakashi’s gaze with a cold, hollow stare. “Like you care,” he muttered under his breath, his voice flat and lifeless.

Kakashi sighed softly, his shoulders slumping slightly. “I do care, Sasuke,” he said quietly. “That’s why I’m here.”

Before Sasuke could respond, the door opened again, and Tsunade entered, followed closely by Shizune. Tsunade’s expression was serious, her gaze immediately locking onto Sasuke. There was something tense about the set of her shoulders, something almost hesitant in the way she moved.
Morning,” Tsunade greeted curtly, nodding to Neji before her gaze shifted to Sasuke. “How are you feeling today?”

Sasuke’s lips twitched slightly, almost a smile, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes. “Like I’m trapped in a hospital,” he muttered dryly.

Tsunade huffed softly, a glimmer of amusement flickering in her gaze. “Well, you are. And you’ll stay here until I’m satisfied with your condition.”

She moved closer, Shizune setting the tray down beside her. As Tsunade began her routine check-up, Neji noticed that the process seemed more thorough than usual. There were more tests, more monitoring. Tsunade’s brow furrowed slightly as she moved through the procedures, her attention focused entirely on the readings and results.

Neji’s eyes narrowed. Something was different.

He watched silently, a growing sense of unease settling in his chest as Tsunade and Shizune moved around Sasuke, checking his vitals, measuring his chakra flow, and murmuring softly to each other. This wasn’t the usual routine.

And it hadn’t been for the past two days.

Neji shifted, his gaze sharpening. “What’s going on?” he asked quietly, his voice low but firm.

Tsunade glanced up, her expression carefully neutral. “Just making sure everything is stable,” she replied evenly.

Neji’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve been doing more tests lately. More than necessary.”

Tsunade didn’t respond immediately, her gaze flicking briefly to Shizune before returning to Neji. There was something guarded in her expression, something she wasn’t saying.

Sasuke, meanwhile, watched them with a detached expression, as if the entire conversation was happening far away from him. His hands were clenched in his lap, tension coiled tightly in his shoulders.

Neji’s gaze shifted to Sasuke, something tightening in his chest. He could see it—the way Sasuke’s fingers twitched, the way his eyes kept darting toward Tsunade and Shizune, a flicker of something like fear in the depths of his gaze.

 

“We need to talk,” she said briskly, moving closer to the bed. Shizune stayed a step behind her, holding a clipboard filled with notes and charts.

Sasuke’s gaze darkened, a flicker of unease crossing his features. Neji shifted slightly, his hand brushing against Sasuke’s arm in a silent gesture of support.

“What’s going on?” Kakashi asked, his tone calm but with an edge of tension. He glanced between Tsunade and Shizune, his gaze narrowing slightly. “What are these extra tests for?”

Tsunade took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she focused on Sasuke. “We need to run more detailed checks to determine exactly how far along the pregnancy is,” she said quietly. “Based on the preliminary tests, we estimate that you’re around… twelve to thirteen weeks. That’s approximately three and a half months.”

Silence fell over the room, the weight of her words sinking in slowly. Sasuke’s face paled, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. Neji’s expression tightened, his gaze flicking to Sasuke’s tense profile.

 

“I need to confirm exactly how far along the pregnancy is,” Tsunade continued, her tone professional but gentle. “I suspect it’s around 12-13 weeks ,around three and a half months, but I want to be certain.”

Kakashi’s visible eye widened slightly, a flicker of shock crossing his features. He glanced at Sasuke, then back at Tsunade. “Three and a half months?” he repeated quietly. “That long?”

“Yes,” Tsunade murmured, her gaze flicking back to Sasuke. “And at this stage… there’s something I need to discuss with you, Sasuke.The possibility of termination is nearly zero,” Tsunade stated, her expression serious.

 

“Based on previous tests and what we know now, the chakra network of the fetus is incredibly strong—unlike anything I’ve ever seen. This child has a full-fledged shinobi chakra.”

Sasuke felt his heart drop. “What does that mean?” he asked, panic rising within him.

“It means that termination would pose a severe risk to both you and the child,” Shizune explained, her voice soft yet firm. “At this stage—about three and a half months—the likelihood of complications is near a hundred percent. The fetus is too powerful and has developed too far for termination to be safe.”

The chakra levels in the fetus are astonishing. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before,” she added. “This child possesses full-fledged shinobi chakra.”

Sasuke’s heart raced at the implications of her words. “You mean… it’s strong? But that doesn’t matter! I don’t want this child!” The frustration seeped through his voice, mingling with despair.

Tsunade, sensing the depth of Sasuke’s emotional struggle, continued. “The scans will give us more information about the pregnancy. Right now, all I can tell you is that terminating it poses a significant risk to both you and the child.”

As Shizune prepared the machine, Sasuke’s heart sank. He had hoped for an easy solution, a way out of this nightmare, but the reality was closing in on him like a suffocating blanket.

Once the equipment was ready, Shizune applied the gel to Sasuke’s abdomen and moved the transducer over his skin. The image flickered on the screen, revealing the developing fetus.

Tsunade and Shizune leaned in, their expressions a mixture of awe and concern. “This is incredible,” Shizune said, her eyes wide as she examined the readings. “The chakra flow is remarkable.”

“What does that mean?” Sasuke asked, his voice laced with fear.

“It means this child is exceptionally powerful,” Tsunade replied, her tone serious. “And it also means that we cannot terminate the pregnancy . The connection between you and the baby is very strong, and severing that means...she stops .”

Sasuke felt his heart clench painfully in his chest. “But I don’t want it! I can’t do this!”I didn’t ask for any of this! I didn’t choose to be in this situation!” Tears threatened to spill over, and he fought against them fiercely.

 

Kakashi stepped forward, his expression serious. “I know it feels overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this,” he said, his tone soothing. “We’ll figure it out together.”

“Together?” Sasuke echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “What does that even mean? I’m the one stuck with this!”

Neji’s expression hardened slightly, frustration flickering across his features. “Sasuke, we’re all here for you,” he said, his voice steady. “But you need to understand that running from the situation won’t make it disappear.”

Sasuke turned his gaze toward Neji, the rawness of his emotions spilling over. “What do you know about it?” he snapped, anger flaring. “You don’t have to deal with any of this! It’s easy for you to say!”

Neji didn’t flinch. “True, I don't have to ” he replied quietly, his eyes unwavering. “But I care about you, and I want to support you through this Sasuke. Let us help you.”

Tsunade watched the exchange with a furrowed brow, sensing the tension in the room. “Sasuke,” she interjected gently, “this isn’t easy for anyone. But denying what’s happening won’t change anything. You need to face it.”

Sasuke turned his gaze back to the wall, feeling cornered. He had always been the lone wolf, the one who faced his battles alone. The idea of relying on others felt foreign and uncomfortable, yet here they were—offering their support, their presence.

uncertainty flooding his mind. He felt like he was standing on the edge of a precipice, unsure of whether to leap or to hold back. There were too many unknowns, too many possibilities, and each one felt heavier than the last.

As Tsunade and Shizune began to gather their things, Kakashi moved closer to Sasuke, his voice low. “No matter what you decide, you have people who care about you,” he repeated. “You don’t have to face this alone.”

Sasuke’s face crumpled, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He looked away, his gaze distant and unfocused, it was too much to bear.

“There’s nothing I can do,” he whispered brokenly. “I’m… I’m stuck with it.”

Neji felt a surge of emotion swell in his chest—anger, frustration, helplessness. He clenched his fists, his gaze never leaving Sasuke’s pale, trembling form. He wanted to help, to protect him, but—

But what could he do? What could any of them do?

Tsunade sighed softly, stepping back slightly. “We’ll continue to monitor your condition closely,” she said quietly. “For now… try to rest. Focus on staying healthy.”

Sasuke didn’t respond. He just sat there, staring blankly at the wall, his expression hollow and numb.

Kakashi exchanged a worried glance with Neji, his brow furrowed deeply. Then he turned back to Sasuke, his voice soft. “We’ll figure this out,” he murmured gently. “You’re not alone, Sasuke.”

But Sasuke didn’t seem to hear him. His gaze was distant, his shoulders hunched as if he were trying to curl in on himself, to make himself as small and invisible as possible.

Neji bit his lip, his chest aching with a helpless, desperate kind of pain. He reached out slowly, his fingers brushing against Sasuke’s arm.

“I’m here,” he whispered, his voice low but fierce. “No matter what happens—I’m here.”

But Sasuke didn’t respond. He just sat there, silent and still, lost in a storm of emotions that none of them could reach.

Notes:

Next chapter : Sasuke processing his pregnancy

Chapter 6: Finding Acceptance

The days blurred together in a haze of sterile white walls, muted voices, and the soft shuffle of feet in the hospital corridors. Sasuke sat in the small room, his gaze distant, his body still and tense. Every breath felt like a weight, pressing down on him, making it harder to think, harder to focus.

 

The hours were going as seconds , it's in the Morning ,Tsunade had given him the news—since she had told him that his pregnancy could not be terminated, no matter how much he wanted it to be. In the aftermath of her words, Sasuke had felt himself slip into a numb, dreamlike state. Everything seemed to pass by in slow motion, every sound muffled, every sensation dulled. He couldn’t bring himself to care. Couldn’t bring himself to move or respond.

 

Time had lost its meaning. Lunch came and went, brought in by the nurses, but he barely touched them. His body ached, his head throbbed, but he ignored it all. He didn’t want to think. Didn’t want to feel.

But Neji wouldn’t let him disappear.

Neji had been there every moment, a constant, silent presence by his side. He coaxed Sasuke to eat, his voice calm and patient, even when Sasuke pushed the food away.

 

“Sasuke.”

The voice was familiar—low, calm, steady. Neji. Sasuke didn’t turn his head. He didn’t respond. But Neji didn’t leave. He stayed, his gaze unwavering, watching Sasuke with a quiet patience that felt almost tangible.

“Sasuke,” Neji said again, his tone firmer this time. “You need to eat.”

The words seemed to echo in the silence, pulling Sasuke from the haze that clouded his mind. Slowly, almost mechanically, he blinked and looked down at the tray. The soup had cooled, the steam no longer rising in soft tendrils. He felt a strange, disconnected sense of detachment as he stared at it.

“I’m not hungry,” he murmured, his voice hollow.

Neji’s brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t press. Instead, he picked up the spoon and held it out, his gaze never leaving Sasuke’s face. “Eat anyway,” he said quietly. “You need to keep up your strength.”

Sasuke stared at him, a flicker of something like frustration breaking through the numbness. “Why does it matter?” he muttered. “Why should I—”

“Because it’s not just about you anymore,” Neji interrupted softly. His tone was gentle, but there was an edge of resolve beneath it. “You have a child to consider now.”

The words struck something deep inside Sasuke, a sharp, painful jolt that sent a shiver down his spine. He looked away, his jaw tightening. The child. He didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to acknowledge the life growing inside him. But no matter how hard he tried to push it away, the truth remained.

He was carrying a child. And that child had a father.

The thought sent a wave of nausea crashing through him. He clenched his fists in the sheets, his nails digging into the fabric as he fought to keep his breathing steady.

Naruto.

He didn’t want to think about Naruto. He didn’t want to remember the way Naruto had looked at him—the warmth and affection in his gaze, the promises whispered in the quiet hours of the night. All of it felt tainted now, twisted and broken beyond repair. Naruto’s betrayal had shattered something inside him, something he wasn’t sure he could ever put back together.

But this child…this child was a part of him. A part of Naruto, too.

The realization hit him like a physical blow, knocking the air from his lungs. He felt trapped, caught in a web of emotions he couldn’t untangle. Anger, pain, confusion—each one twisted and intertwined, pulling him in different directions until he thought he might break.

“Sasuke.”

Neji’s voice was soft, drawing him back from the brink. He looked up, meeting Neji’s gaze, and for a moment, he saw something in those pale eyes that made his chest tighten. Understanding. Compassion. But also determination.

“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” Neji murmured. “Just…take it one step at a time. Focus on taking care of yourself. The rest will come later.”

Sasuke swallowed hard, his throat tight. He wanted to argue, to push Neji away, but the words wouldn’t come. All he could do was stare at the other man, his heart pounding painfully in his chest.

Neji didn’t look away. He held Sasuke’s gaze steadily, his expression unwavering. And slowly, reluctantly, Sasuke found himself reaching for the spoon. He didn’t want to eat. The very thought of food made his stomach turn. But something in Neji’s gaze—something quiet and unyielding—kept him from pulling back.

He lifted the spoon to his lips and took a small, hesitant bite.

The taste was bland, almost flavorless. He forced himself to swallow, ignoring the way his stomach churned in protest. One bite. Another. Slowly, mechanically, he ate, his gaze focused on the tray in front of him.

Neji didn’t say anything more. He just stayed by Sasuke’s side, watching quietly as he ate. And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the suffocating fog in Sasuke’s mind began to lift, just a little.

Neji answered the nurses when Sasuke couldn’t, reported Sasuke’s condition to Tsunade during her daily check-ups, and exchanged a few words with Kakashi when the Hokage dropped by to check on his former student.

Kakashi had come every day, his face an inscrutable mask as he stood by the door, watching Sasuke with a gaze that seemed to pierce through his fog. But it was Neji who answered the questions. It was Neji who stood by Sasuke’s side, his presence a quiet reassurance, even when Sasuke didn’t want it.
Neji made it a habit to ensure Sasuke ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, his presence a constant reminder that he wouldn’t allow Sasuke to neglect his health.no matter how Sasuke resist .

And now, on the third night, Kakashi had left after a short visit, and the room was silent once more.

Sasuke sat in the bed, his hands clenched around the thin hospital blanket, his gaze fixed on a point just beyond the window. He hadn’t spoken more than a few words to anyone in days. Even now, his throat felt tight, his chest heavy with a weight he didn’t know how to lift.

He didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to face the reality that had been forced upon him.

A child.

His child.

The very thought sent a shudder through him, his stomach twisting painfully. How was this even possible? How could he—a man, a warrior—be pregnant? It was absurd. Wrong. Orochimaru’s doing, he knew, but that didn’t make it any less horrifying.

And yet…

The child was real. A living, breathing part of him. His blood, his legacy.

His burden.

“What am I supposed to do?” he whispered, his voice barely audible in the stillness.

The sound startled even him. It was the first thing he had said in hours—maybe even days. His throat felt raw, the words jagged and broken.

Neji, who had been sitting quietly in the chair beside the bed, looked up, his gaze sharp and intent. He didn’t speak, didn’t move, just waited, his presence steady and patient.

“What am I supposed to do?” Sasuke repeated, a bitter edge creeping into his voice. He turned to look at Neji, his eyes dark and haunted. “How am I supposed to be a father?”

Neji’s expression softened, a flicker of something like understanding crossing his face. He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees as he met Sasuke’s gaze.

“You’ll figure it out,” he said quietly. “One step at a time.”

Sasuke let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “Figure it out? How? I don’t know anything about children. I don’t even know if I want this…this thing.”

He spat the word like a curse, his hands trembling as he clenched the blanket tighter. The anger surged up, hot and bitter, but beneath it, there was something else—something darker. Fear. Uncertainty.

“How am I supposed to be a father when I can barely take care of myself?” he demanded, his voice rising. “What kind of father would I even be? My clan—my entire family—is gone. I’m the last Uchiha. A traitor. What kind of life can I offer a child?”

Neji was silent for a moment, his gaze steady and thoughtful. When he spoke, his voice was low, but firm. “You’re more than your past, Sasuke. More than the mistakes you’ve made.”

Sasuke flinched, his chest tightening. “Am I?” he muttered. “Everyone still sees me as a traitor. Even now. They tolerate me, but they’ll never trust me. Never accept me.”

“Some might not,” Neji acknowledged. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t build something new. It doesn’t mean you can’t be more.”

Sasuke looked away, his shoulders tense. The words were like knives, cutting deep into the insecurities he tried so hard to bury. He didn’t want to be more. Didn’t want to be anything. He just wanted…what? Peace? Forgiveness? He didn’t even know anymore.

“And what about this child?” he asked softly. “What kind of life will it have? Growing up as the child of a traitor? Of someone who betrayed his own village?”

“The child will have you,” Neji said quietly. “And that’s more than enough.”

Sasuke stared at him, his heart pounding in his chest. “How can you say that? How can you be so sure?”

“Because I know you,” Neji replied, his voice steady. “I know the kind of person you are, Sasuke. I’ve seen the strength and determination in you—the way you never give up, no matter what. The way you keep pushing forward, even when everything seems hopeless.”

Sasuke shook his head, his gaze dropping to the blanket twisted in his hands. “That doesn’t make me a good person. That doesn’t make me a good father.”

“No,” Neji agreed softly. “But it means you’ll keep trying. It means you won’t abandon this child, no matter what. Because that’s who you are.”

The words hit Sasuke like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from his lungs. He stared at Neji, his eyes wide, his chest aching. “I don’t—I don’t know if I can do this,” he whispered. “I don’t know if I can be what this child needs.”

“You can,” Neji said quietly. “Because you’re stronger than you think.”

Sasuke closed his eyes, his breathing shallow. He wanted to believe Neji. Wanted to believe that he could be more than just the sum of his mistakes. But the doubts, the fear, they clung to him like a dark, suffocating shroud.

And then, slowly, hesitantly, he felt Neji’s hand on his shoulder.

“You’re not alone, Sasuke,” Neji murmured. “I’m here. I’ll help you. Whatever you decide—whatever happens—you won’t have to face it alone.”

Sasuke’s eyes snapped open, his breath hitching. He looked up at Neji, his gaze searching, desperate. “Why?” he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper. “Why are you doing this?”

Neji’s expression softened, something warm and fierce flickering in his eyes. “Because I believe in you, Sasuke. Because you deserve more than what you’ve been given. And because…” He hesitated, then shook his head. “Because you’re important to me.”

The words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Sasuke stared at him, his heart pounding, his chest tight. For a moment, he couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe.

And then, slowly, something inside him began to shift.

Maybe…maybe he could do this. Maybe, just maybe, he could find a way to live with this. To accept this child. To be…a father.

The thought was terrifying, overwhelming. But as he looked into Neji’s eyes—saw the quiet determination, the unwavering support—something like hope began to stir within him.

Maybe he wasn’t as alone as he thought.

Maybe, he could face whatever came next.

Slowly, almost reluctantly, he let out a shaky breath. he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I’ll try.”

Neji’s gaze softened, a small, gentle smile tugging at his lips. “That’s all anyone can ask for.”

Sasuke nodded, his heart still racing, but the fear—just for a moment—felt a little less suffocating.

Maybe…maybe he could do this after all.

Notes:

Next : part 2

Chapter 7: Finding Acceptance part 2

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the blinds of Sasuke’s hospital room, casting gentle patterns across the floor. For the first time since he had been admitted, Sasuke woke up feeling somewhat rested. The memory of Neji’s steady presence by his side and the quiet encouragement from the night before still lingered, easing some of the tension that had taken root deep within his chest.

He shifted slowly, feeling the faint ache in his muscles, but there was something different this time—something almost calm in the way he breathed. The conversation with Neji had stayed with him, those simple words echoing again and again in his thoughts: One step at a time. It wasn’t a solution, not really, but it was a start. He didn’t have to have everything figured out right away. He just needed to keep moving forward, no matter how slowly.

As if on cue, the door to his room opened quietly, and Neji stepped inside. There was no hesitation in his movements, no awkwardness—just that same unwavering presence that had been there every day since Sasuke had been admitted.

“Good morning,” Neji greeted softly, setting down the breakfast tray on the table beside Sasuke’s bed. He didn’t wait for a response, didn’t push or prod. He simply placed the food within reach and then sat down beside Sasuke, his posture relaxed, his gaze steady.

Neji didn’t say anything as Sasuke eyed the tray for a moment. There was no need for words—just the quiet, constant reassurance that Neji had come to embody. He was there, a steady presence by Sasuke’s side, waiting patiently.

After a few more moments of silence, Sasuke reached out and took the spoon in his hand. He ate slowly, each bite feeling deliberate, but for once, it didn’t feel forced. There was no hesitation, no reluctance. It was as if something within him had shifted—something subtle but meaningful.

When he finished the meal, Neji simply nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. Then, without a word, he handed Sasuke the small bottle of prenatal vitamins. It had become part of their routine—the breakfast, followed by the vitamins. There was no compulsion, no pressure—just Neji’s quiet support.

Sasuke took the tablets without protest, swallowing them down with a sip of water. It was a small gesture, but one that held weight. This wasn’t full acceptance, not yet, but it was the first step toward something close to it.

“Thank you,” Sasuke murmured quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Neji’s expression didn’t change, but there was a subtle warmth in his gaze that hadn’t been there before. “You’re welcome,” he replied simply.

 

---

By the time Tsunade arrived for her daily check-up, there was already a subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere. She noticed it immediately—the empty breakfast tray, the way Sasuke was sitting up a little straighter, the slight but unmistakable awareness in his eyes.

“Good morning, Sasuke,” Tsunade greeted with a smile as she stepped inside. She moved with her usual efficiency, beginning her examination without preamble. As her hands moved with practiced ease, she kept her gaze on Sasuke’s face, searching for any signs of resistance or discomfort.

But Sasuke remained still, his expression guarded but not as closed-off as it had been before. He answered her questions quietly, even offering a nod of acknowledgment when she commented on his improving health.

“You’re making progress,” Tsunade said softly as she finished her check-up. She glanced briefly at Neji, then back at Sasuke, her smile widening just a fraction. “Keep it up, Sasuke. One step at a time.”

The words seemed to strike a chord, because Sasuke’s gaze flickered for just a moment—something close to understanding passing through his eyes. He didn’t say anything, but the slight relaxation in his shoulders told Tsunade all she needed to know.

When Tsunade left, Neji remained seated beside Sasuke, watching him quietly. There was no need for words. He simply stayed, his presence a constant reassurance.

 

Kakashi stepped into the hospital room, his eyes immediately landing on Sasuke. The weight of worry that had settled in his chest eased as he noticed the slight change in Sasuke’s demeanor. The dark shadows under his eyes had faded, and his expression held a flicker of resolve. Beside him, Neji nodded in acknowledgment, a subtle sign of their unspoken understanding.

“How are you feeling today, Sasuke?” Kakashi asked, his tone gentle yet probing.

Sasuke shifted slightly, a hint of defiance in his gaze. “I’m fine,” he replied, his voice stronger than it had been in days.

Neji’s presence was a constant reassurance. He remained at Sasuke's side, attentive and supportive, making sure he had everything he needed. Kakashi felt a swell of gratitude for Neji's unwavering dedication.

“Really?” Kakashi pressed, leaning against the wall with an air of casualness. “You’ve been pretty quiet lately. I was worried.”

Sasuke met his gaze, a flicker of irritation flashing briefly before it was replaced with determination. “I’m just… thinking. Trying to figure everything out.”

“Good,” Kakashi said, relief evident in his voice. “That’s a step in the right direction.”

After sharing a few more exchanges, Kakashi noted the way Sasuke seemed more engaged, more present than before. Satisfied with the progress, he stood up straight, preparing to head back to the Hokage’s office. “I’ll check in on you later. Keep eating, all right? Neji’s got your back.”

With a final nod to Neji and a glance back at Sasuke, Kakashi left the room, feeling a glimmer of hope for his former teammate's future.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

After After Sasuke's evening check-up was finished and ensuring that Sasuke was resting comfortably in his hospital room, Tsunade left quietly, her expression thoughtful. She made her way down the hallway, her mind churning with the possibilities and the questions that had been plaguing her since Sasuke’s condition had been revealed. There were many things to consider—things that Sasuke himself hadn’t even begun to think about.

Reaching her office, Tsunade glanced at the clock. It was nearly evening, and the village outside was beginning to quiet down. Most of the hospital staff were wrapping up for the day, and the administrative floors were nearly empty. Perfect for the conversation she needed to have.

She sent a message for Kakashi to meet her, then settled into her chair, leaning back with a sigh. This wasn’t something she could handle on her own. As Hokage, Kakashi needed to know what they were up against and the risks involved—both for Sasuke and the unborn child.

It wasn’t long before Kakashi arrived, his expression curious but guarded. He closed the door behind him quietly and moved to sit opposite Tsunade, his gaze sharp and attentive.

“Tsunade-sama, what’s this about?” he asked softly, his tone respectful but edged with concern.

Tsunade didn’t answer immediately. She looked at him, her expression serious, then leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk. “It’s about Sasuke… and the child.”

Kakashi’s gaze darkened slightly, but he nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“Right now, only a few of us know the truth,” Tsunade began, her voice low. “You, me, Shizune, and Neji. But sooner or later, the elders are going to find out. And when they do… they’ll want answers. More than that, they’ll want control.”

“Control?” Kakashi repeated quietly, his eyes narrowing.

“Think about it, Kakashi,” Tsunade murmured. “This child… it’s not just any child. It’s the legacy of two of the strongest bloodlines in the history of the Shinobi world. The child of two most strongest Shinobi . The combined potential of the Uchiha and Uzumaki … . The child's chakra is like Madara and Hashirama’s blood, united in one being. If the elders catch wind of that…”

She trailed off, her meaning clear.

“They’ll see it as a weapon,” Kakashi finished grimly. His expression was tense, his gaze shifting to the window. “Something to control, to shape… or to eliminate.”

Tsunade nodded slowly. “Exactly. Sasuke hasn’t even begun to consider the full implications yet. He’s just starting to come to terms with the pregnancy. But we have to think ahead, Kakashi. We need to be prepared for the worst.”

Kakashi was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant as he processed her words. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet but firm. “We’ll protect him. No matter what.”

“Yes, but how?” Tsunade leaned forward, her gaze intense. “Once the elders find out, they’ll start putting pressure on you—on all of us. They’ll want to know what’s going to happen with the child, and they won’t be satisfied with vague answers. They’ll see this baby as either a threat or a tool. Either way, it’ll be dangerous for Sasuke.”

Kakashi’s jaw tightened. “So, what do you suggest? We can’t keep it a secret forever.”

“No, we can’t,” Tsunade agreed, her voice heavy. “But we need to control the narrative. We need to present this in a way that minimizes the risk to Sasuke and his child. If we can convince the elders that the baby poses no threat—”

“They won’t believe that,” Kakashi interrupted softly. “Not when it’s the child of an Uchiha with Madara’s blood, potentially holding the power of the Senju as well. The elders will never see this child as harmless.”

Tsunade’s eyes narrowed. “Then we need to make sure they see the child as something else. Something… untouchable. We need to secure Sasuke’s position before they can start making moves.”

“Like what?” Kakashi’s tone was sharp. “What are you suggesting?”

Tsunade hesitated, then sighed deeply. “We make it clear that the child belongs to Sasuke—and only Sasuke. We need to establish his rights as the sole guardian, with the backing of the Hokage’s office. If we can create a legal precedent—”

“The elders will try to override it,” Kakashi murmured. “They’ll argue that the child’s power should be harnessed for the good of the village.”

“Yes, but if we set it up carefully, they won’t be able to touch Sasuke or the child without facing backlash,” Tsunade said firmly. “We need to frame this as a matter of personal autonomy—Sasuke’s rights as a parent. If we can establish that, it’ll be harder for them to interfere without risking their own positions.”

Kakashi frowned thoughtfully. “And if they still push back?”

“Then we’ll deal with it,” Tsunade said quietly. “We’ll find allies—people who will support Sasuke’s right to raise his child without interference. But we need to be careful, Kakashi. One wrong move, and they could turn this into a political battle. We can’t let them paint Sasuke or his child as a threat to the village’s stability.”

There was a heavy silence as the implications of her words sank in. Finally, Kakashi nodded slowly, his gaze steely.

“Alright,” he said softly. “We’ll take it one step at a time. But I won’t let them use Sasuke or his child as pawns. Whatever it takes, I’ll make sure they’re safe.”

Tsunade’s expression softened slightly, a hint of relief in her gaze. “Good. We’ll need to tread carefully, but… we’ll find a way.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Kakashi straightened, his gaze steady.

“I’ll start laying the groundwork,” he said quietly. “We need to get ahead of this before the rumors start spreading. If we can control the flow of information, we might be able to buy Sasuke enough time to prepare.”

“Do whatever you have to,” Tsunade murmured. “And Kakashi… be careful. The elders aren’t the only ones who will be watching.”

Kakashi nodded slowly. “I know.”

With that, he turned and left the office, his expression grim but determined. Tsunade watched him go, her heart heavy. There were so many uncertainties, so many potential threats. But for now, they had to focus on protecting Sasuke—and the child he carried.

One step at a time.

Notes:

One step at a time

Chapter 8: Underlying Tensions

The Hokage’s office was abuzz with activity,
Shikamaru sat in his office, tapping his fingers against the wooden desk absentmindedly. His mind wasn’t on the stacks of paperwork or the mission reports piled up around him. Instead, it was occupied by something else—something that had been bothering him for the past week.

Kakashi’s behavior.

The Sixth Hokage had been slipping in and out of the Hokage Tower almost every day, and each time Shikamaru caught a glimpse of him, he would use some vague excuse that didn’t add up. It wasn’t like Kakashi to dodge questions, especially not from him. But lately, he’d been doing exactly that.

“Lord Sixth, where are you headed?” Shikamaru had asked casually when he saw Kakashi leaving the tower again last week.

“Ah, just a small matter,” Kakashi had said with a lazy wave. “Nothing that requires your attention.”

But Shikamaru wasn’t so easily convinced. He knew Hokage business inside and out—there was no such thing as a “small matter” that warranted the Hokage slipping out on his own without informing his advisor. And yet, every time Shikamaru asked, Kakashi gave the same response.

“Something’s definitely up,” Shikamaru muttered under his breath.

And then there was Naruto.

If Kakashi’s actions were suspicious, Naruto’s behavior was downright baffling.

Everyone in the village knew about Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship—how Naruto had chased after Sasuke, brought him back, and finally convinced the Uchiha to stay in the village. They’d been inseparable since Sasuke’s return though they have tried to keep their relationship private and they think that nobody knows about their relationship. Naruto couldn’t go a day without mentioning Sasuke—whether it was about their sparring sessions, their training, or even the rare moments when Sasuke let his guard down and showed affection.

But for the past three weeks, Naruto hadn’t spoken a word about Sasuke.

It was as if Sasuke had vanished.

Whenever someone asked about him, Naruto would just shrug and give some generic reply about Sasuke being busy with training or something. But Shikamaru had known Naruto long enough to spot when something was off. There was a tightness around his eyes, a stiffness in his smile—signs that he was hiding something, and not doing a very good job of it.

“What’s going on?” Shikamaru murmured, staring blankly at the ceiling. “Kakashi’s sneaking around, Naruto’s pretending Sasuke doesn’t exist… and everyone’s acting like it’s normal.”

His thoughts drifted back to two weeks ago—the last time all of them had been together for one of their usual gatherings. That night, he’d noticed something strange, something that had stuck with him ever since.

The group always gathered at one of their favourite restaurants and this time was at Yakiniku restaurant, Two Weeks Ago

The restaurant was bustling with noise and laughter when they arrived, the smell of grilled meat filling the air. It was a rare night off for all of them—no missions, no paperwork, just a chance to relax and catch up. Everyone was there: Naruto, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Ino, Sakura, Lee, and Tenten.

Shikamaru had been sitting at the far end of the table, half-listening to Kiba and Lee’s animated conversation, when he noticed something odd.

Naruto and Hinata were sitting closer together than usual.

It wasn’t glaringly obvious, but to someone as observant as Shikamaru, the difference was striking. Naruto’s arm would occasionally brush against Hinata’s, and she seemed unusually flustered—more so than her typical shyness. When they’d arrived, Hinata had hovered around Naruto in a way that suggested she wanted to be near him, and Naruto hadn’t moved away.

Something about the whole scene felt… wrong.

Before Shikamaru could put his finger on it, the door opened, and Neji walked in.

Lee’s eyes lit up. “Neji! ”and he started one of his impromptu speeches on the joys of youth and the trials of life—words that were heartfelt, if not somewhat out of place.

Life is unpredictable, like the rush of a waterfall!” Lee proclaimed, his eyes shining with passion. He struck a dramatic pose, his voice rising as he gestured grandly. “But it is also in these unpredictable moments that we find our true strength! When we face adversity head-on, when we fight for what we believe in, we become the best versions of ourselves!”

Tenten rolled her eyes fondly, shaking her head. “Alright, Lee, calm down. We’re here for dinner, not another life lesson.”

Lee looked at her earnestly, undeterred. “But Tenten, it is these gatherings with friends that remind us of the bonds we share! No matter how difficult life gets, we must hold onto our comrades and face challenges together!” His gaze shifted briefly to Neji, who had entered the restaurent and is beside him. “Isn’t that right, Neji?”

Neji’s expression remained neutral, unreadable. “Indeed,” he murmured softly. “But sometimes… there are challenges that test us beyond what any of us are prepared for.”

Lee blinked, taken aback by the somber tone of his friend’s reply. Tenten frowned slightly, studying Neji with a puzzled expression, as if sensing something off. But before she could ask anything further, Neji’s attention shifted sharply to the corner of the room, where Naruto and Hinata sat.

That was when the atmosphere changed.

Neji’s eyes—normally calm and composed—hardened with a cold, calculating fury as he stared at the two of them. His gaze was piercing, like a predator locking onto prey, and the effect was immediate. Naruto, who had been laughing awkwardly at some joke Kiba had made, froze mid-chuckle. Hinata’s smile vanished, her face draining of color as she shrank back instinctively.

 

“Neji, grab a seat!” Tenten called, patting the empty space beside her. “We saved you a spot.”

But Neji didn’t move toward the table. He stood in the doorway, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. When his eyes landed on Naruto and Hinata, they narrowed, and his expression turned frigid.

Shikamaru, who had been quietly observing from his spot at the end of the table, narrowed his eyes. He could feel it—the sudden drop in temperature, the shift in the room’s energy. Neji’s presence was commanding on any day, but tonight, it was different. It was suffocating.

Kiba, completely oblivious, continued his rambling without noticing the tension building around him. “Yeah, Sasuke’s probably just off somewhere brooding again, right? Man, that guy really needs to learn how to lighten up! I mean, who sits around sulking for—”

“Enough.”

The single word sliced through the air like a kunai. Neji’s voice was low, but the force behind it made everyone fall silent. All eyes turned to the Hyūga, who was standing rigidly beside the table, his gaze fixed on Naruto and Hinata. The sheer intensity in his eyes was enough to make the entire restaurant go still.

Naruto swallowed hard, visibly tense. “Uh… Neji?” he ventured hesitantly, his voice small, almost fearful.

Neji didn’t respond. His gaze never wavered, never softened. It was as if he were staring at something filthy—something that didn’t deserve even a fraction of his attention. The look on his face was one of pure, unadulterated contempt. There was no anger in his expression, no raised voice or dramatic outburst. Just a cold, silent fury that made Naruto’s blood run cold.

“What?” Neji murmured, his voice dangerously soft. “Nothing to say, Naruto?”

Hinata’s hands were trembling slightly as she stared down at the table, refusing to meet her cousin’s gaze. Her shoulders were hunched, as if trying to make herself smaller, to disappear under the weight of his stare.

Kiba, sensing the tension but not quite understanding it, opened his mouth to say something, but Shikamaru shot him a look, silently warning him to stay quiet. For once, Kiba obeyed, his mouth snapping shut as he looked nervously between Neji and Naruto.

“Neji, hey, it’s—” Naruto started weakly, attempting a smile that looked more like a grimace. But Neji’s eyes narrowed, and the words died in his throat.

“Do not,” Neji said coldly, his gaze like ice. “Do not patronize me.”

Naruto flinched, his bravado crumbling under the weight of Neji’s stare. He glanced helplessly at Hinata, but she was still staring at the table, her face pale and her body trembling.

Neji’s lip curled slightly, the barest hint of a sneer. “You think you can just pretend everything is fine, don’t you? Smile and joke as if you haven’t destroyed something irreplaceable?” His voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried enough venom to silence even the noisiest of conversations around them.

“Neji, what’s wrong?” Lee asked, his cheerful voice tinged with concern. “Did something happen?”

Neji didn’t respond. He simply stared at Naruto, his gaze so intense it felt like it could burn a hole through him. Naruto opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out. For once, the loud, brash Naruto Uzumaki looked completely and utterly terrified.

“Neji—” Naruto tried again, his voice pleading now, but Neji cut him off.

“Don’t.” Neji’s eyes burned with something dark and dangerous, a rage so deep it seemed to scorch the air around him. “You disgust me.”

The words were spoken softly, almost emotionlessly, but they hit harder than any shout or accusation. Naruto recoiled as if struck, his face contorting with a mix of guilt and fear. Hinata made a small, strangled sound, her hands clenching into fists on her lap.

And then, without another word, Neji turned on his heel and walked out of the restaurant.

The silence left in his wake was deafening. Naruto stared after him, his face pale, his hands trembling slightly. Hinata looked like she was on the verge of tears, her shoulders hunched and her gaze still fixed firmly on the table.

 

The door closed behind him with a soft click, but the atmosphere he left behind was anything but soft. It was suffocating, tense—like the calm before a storm.

No one dared to speak for several long moments.

“What… just happened?” Ino whispered, breaking the silence at last.

No one had an answer.

Shikamaru let out a slow breath, his mind racing as he pieced together what he’d just seen. The look on Neji’s face, the venom in his words—it was more than just anger. It was betrayal. Hurt. Something far deeper than anyone could have imagined.

“Neji’s not one to speak lightly,” Shikamaru said quietly, his gaze still fixed on the door Neji had just exited through. “If he’s that angry… then something’s seriously wrong.”

But as Shikamaru glanced at Naruto and Hinata, both of whom were still staring at the door with identical expressions of fear and guilt, a chill ran down his spine.

Whatever it was, it wasn’t good.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shikamaru leaned back in his chair, staring absentmindedly and then thought of the previous week gathering which was even more baffling than the former gathering at two weeks before . It had been a week since that previous gathering, and he still couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was off. It was the tension. The strange, simmering tension that seemed to hang over the group whenever certain names were mentioned.

He thought back to that day, a week ago, when the Konoha 12 had gathered together for a small get-together at one of their usual spots. Everyone had been there—everyone except Sasuke and Neji.

 

Shikamaru remembered glancing around, noticing the questioning looks on everyone’s faces. And it wasn’t just about Sasuke. There was another glaring absence—Neji.

Where was Neji?

No one had said anything directly, but Shikamaru could sense the shift. It was Sai who first drew attention to it. The former Root member had a way of noticing things others missed, and his sharp gaze hadn’t left Naruto and Hinata for most of the night. There was something calculating in the way Sai watched them, his eyes flicking between their faces, observing their expressions, their body language. Shikamaru didn’t miss it.

Sakura, bustling in late as usual, had been cornered by Ino almost immediately. Ino, never one to shy away from probing, had leaned in close, her voice a low murmur as she asked, “Have you seen Sasuke lately, Sakura?”

The pink-haired kunoichi had blinked, then glanced away uncomfortably. “I… no, I haven’t,” she admitted, twisting her fingers together. “I’ve been busy at the hospital, you know. I asked Naruto about him a few days ago, and he just said that Sasuke was sent on some mission. He didn’t give me any details.”

“Sent on a mission?” Shikamaru had echoed, raising an eyebrow. He couldn’t recall any recent missions that would require Sasuke’s involvement—especially not alone.

Sakura bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. “I—I don’t know. Naruto didn’t tell me much, and… Sasuke and I… we’re not that close right now.”

The silence that followed her words had been heavy, almost suffocating. Ino had stared at her, frowning. “But… you two have been trying to patch things up, right? As friends, I mean?”

Sakura nodded quickly, her expression strained. “Yeah, but… it’s complicated. He’s… he’s been distant. Even before this supposed mission.”

It was more than that, though. Shikamaru could see it in her eyes—the confusion, the hurt. Something had shifted between them, and Sakura was being kept out of the loop, just like the rest of them.

He had turned his gaze to Naruto then, watching the way the blond fidgeted in his seat, his eyes fixed on the table as if willing everyone to drop the subject. Hinata, sitting beside him, looked equally uncomfortable, her gaze darting nervously between her teammates.

And then Ino, oblivious to the mounting tension, had blurted out, “What about Neji? Has anyone seen him?”

That was when it happened.

The moment Ino mentioned Neji’s name, the effect on Naruto and Hinata had been immediate and startling. Naruto went completely still, his face paling slightly, while Hinata visibly flinched, her eyes widening in fear. They exchanged a quick, panicked look, as if silently communicating something, before Naruto forced a laugh—one that sounded far too strained.

“Neji? Uh, no… I haven’t seen him either,” Naruto had said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. “He’s probably just… busy, you know?”

But his voice lacked its usual confidence. It was almost… fearful.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes, his sharp mind catching every subtle twitch, every unspoken word. He glanced at Sai, whose eyes were still fixed on Naruto and Hinata, his expression unreadable.

That was when Kiba leaned over to him, his voice low. “You know, Shikamaru… something’s really weird with Neji lately.”

Shikamaru’s attention snapped to the Inuzuka. “What do you mean?”

Kiba shifted uncomfortably, his usual bravado subdued. He glanced around, making sure no one else was listening. “He’s been avoiding Hinata like she’s got the plague or something. Like… seriously avoiding her. He won’t even look at her.”

Shikamaru’s gaze slid back to Hinata, noting the way she seemed to shrink into herself at the mention of Neji’s name. “Avoiding her?”

“Yeah,” Kiba muttered. “And I mean really avoiding. It’s not just that he’s ignoring her. He’s… disgusted. I’ve never seen him look at her like that before. Like she’s done something unforgivable.”

The pieces slowly started falling into place. Neji, Sasuke, Naruto, Hinata… something had happened. Something serious. And whatever it was, it had shattered whatever bond Neji and Hinata had. But more than that… it had put Sasuke right at the center of it.

Shikamaru had exchanged a look with Ino then, both of them silently agreeing to keep their thoughts to themselves for now. But the suspicion was there, growing like a dark cloud over the group.

 

And now, a week later, Shikamaru sat in the crowded yakiniku restaurant, his eyes drifting to the entrance every few minutes, waiting, watching. The rest of the Konoha 12 were gathered around the table, chatting and laughing as if nothing was wrong. But Shikamaru’s attention was only half on the conversation.

He was watching for Neji.

Would he show up?

He didn’t miss the way Naruto and Hinata kept sneaking glances at the door, their shoulders tense. They were waiting too. But not with anticipation.It was something else...like a fear...

 

That alone told Shikamaru everything he needed to know. Whatever had happened, whatever had torn their group apart, Neji was a key piece of the puzzle. And Sasuke… Sasuke’s sudden disappearance, his complete absence from their lives… it was all connected.

 

Hey, where’s Neji?” Shikamaru asked casually, glancing at Tenten from across the table. His question was simple, almost offhand, but the effect it had on the group was immediate.

 

Beside Naruto, Hinata visibly flinched. Naruto’s shoulders tensed, his hands freezing mid-motion as he stared at his plate. Shikamaru’s sharp eyes didn’t miss the way Sai’s gaze flicked over to them, his expression momentarily tightening before smoothing back into its usual, unreadable calm.

Tenten shifted uncomfortably, clearly caught off guard by the sudden attention. “Oh, um… he’s on a mission,” she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. “He got dispatched suddenly last week.

“An urgent mission?” Shikamaru echoed, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. “That’s odd.

Tenten shook her head, her brow furrowed in thought. “Yeah, it surprised all of us. We didn't even see him and apparently he was needed immediately. Me and lee don’t even know where he went.

Shikamaru’s frown deepened. He glanced over at Lee, who nodded silently, confirming Tenten’s words. Lee looked equally puzzled, his eyes betraying a deep concern for his teammate.

 

The door swung open, and Shikamaru’s eyes narrowed as he turned to look. But it was Sakura

 

Hey, sorry I’m late!” Sakura’s voice rang out brightly, breaking through Shikamaru’s thoughts.

Everyone turned to see the pink-haired medic rushing in, her cheeks flushed as she took a seat beside Ino. “I got caught up at the hospital,” she explained breathlessly, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. “It’s been chaos over there.”

“Chaos?” Kiba echoed, raising an eyebrow. “I thought things were pretty calm lately?”

Sakura shook her head, her expression shifting to one of frustration. “You’d think so, but no. We’ve got a high-profile patient in. Tsunade-shishou and Shizune have been tied up for days.”

“High-profile patient?” Shikamaru repeated, his curiosity piqued. “Who’s that?”

Sakura hesitated, then shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s all so… secretive. I’m one of the top medics in the village, and even I’m not allowed anywhere near them. All the files are sealed, and only Tsunade-shishou and Shizune are handling the case. Not even I can look at the records.”

“What?” Ino’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s insane! You’re—”

“One of the best medics in Konoha’s history,” Shikamaru finished for her, his brow furrowing in thought. “If you can’t get near them, it means it’s either someone extremely important, or there’s something they don’t want anyone to know.”

Sakura nodded, exasperation clear on her face. “Exactly. Even Kakashi-sensei is allowed to visit, but not me. I’ve never seen such tight security around a patient before.”

Shikamaru’s mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information. A private patient, guarded by Tsunade and Shizune—two of the village’s most skilled medics. Sealed files, restricted access, Neji’s sudden, unexplained absence., Kakashi coming and going . And even Sakura, with her advanced medical skills, was barred. If they were keeping this patient so closely guarded…

It had to be someone directly tied to the village’s highest authorities. Someone whose identity needed to be protected at all costs. Someone like—

His eyes widened slightly as the realization hit him. Sasuke.

Shikamaru’s mind was spinning, connecting dots that seemed too far apart to form a clear picture.

But one thing was becoming certain: whatever was going on, it had to involve Sasuke. And if Neji was somehow involved too… then there was more at stake than just a routine mission.

Then a waiter came in , carrying in more food.

Naruto let out a barely audible sigh of relief, but Shikamaru caught it. He glanced at the blond, studying his pale face, his wide eyes. And then at Hinata, who looked tense and uncomfortable , .

No, Neji wasn’t coming.

And that, more than anything, made Shikamaru’s stomach twist with unease. Because if Neji wasn’t coming… it meant things were far worse than he’d thought.

Far, far worse.

But for now, he’d wait. And he’d watch. Because if Neji’s reaction last week was anything to go by, the truth was going to be explosive.

Notes:

Next Chapter : More Neji Sasuke Bonding

Chapter 9: Unspoken Bond

Sasuke had lost count of the days. Ever since he had been confined to the hospital, time felt warped—stretched out like a never-ending monotony of stillness, where the only thing that changed was the sky outside the window. It was strange to think how time had passed in this quiet space, far removed from the rest of the world.

 

The walls of the room were the same sterile white, the same soft hum of machines monitoring his vitals, the same scent of antiseptic in the air. Yet something had shifted—something small, almost imperceptible, but undeniably present.

 

It had been at least a week now, though he couldn’t be sure. His sense of time had slipped through his fingers along with his strength.

 

Yet there was one constant—Neji.

 

Neji was always there. From the moment Sasuke stirred in the morning until he drifted into fitful sleep at night, Neji was nearby. Sometimes sitting in a chair by the window, sometimes standing with his back to the wall, quietly observing. Always present, always watching.

 

Sasuke wasn’t used to such unwavering attention. It gnawed at him at first, made him feel exposed in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. But with each passing day, the tension between them lessened, the silence grew less oppressive, and Sasuke found himself strangely… comforted by Neji’s presence.

 

It was late evening now, and the dim light of the setting sun filtered into the room, casting long shadows across the floor. Sasuke shifted under the blanket, feeling the restlessness that had plagued him for days return. He couldn’t sleep—not really. His mind wouldn’t let him.

 

“When will I sleep for real?” he muttered to no one in particular, the question more of a frustrated release than an actual inquiry.

 

From his spot by the window, Neji glanced over. His gaze was steady, unreadable, but there was a hint of understanding in his eyes.

 

“You’ll sleep when your body is ready,” Neji said softly, his voice calm, like the slow ebb of a river. “Your mind has to catch up with it.”

 

Sasuke’s lips pressed into a thin line. It wasn’t much of an answer, but Neji wasn’t exactly the type to offer false comfort. He appreciated that.

 

A sigh escaped Sasuke, and he closed his eyes, trying to will himself into relaxation. It didn’t work. It never worked.

 

But when he opened his eyes again, Neji was beside him, adjusting the blanket that had slipped down to Sasuke’s waist. Sasuke hadn’t even heard him move. He blinked, momentarily startled, though his face betrayed nothing.

 

“You’ve been tossing in your sleep,” Neji said, as if that explained everything. “It’s better to keep you warm.”

 

Sasuke wanted to protest, to say that he didn’t need anyone fussing over him, but the words died in his throat. Instead, he remained silent, allowing Neji to adjust the blanket as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

It was small, these gestures Neji made. Barely noticeable if you weren’t paying attention. But Sasuke was paying attention, even when he pretended not to. He saw how Neji always made sure the food trays were placed within easy reach when the nurses brought them in. How Neji would quietly refill Sasuke’s water glass without being asked. How he’d keep the room’s sliding door cracked just enough for fresh air to drift in, but not enough to let the chill seep through.

Sasuke’s eyes flicked toward the food tray on the small table beside his bed. His appetite had returned somewhat in the last few days, though he still ate sparingly. Neji noticed. He always noticed.

“You didn’t have to stay,” he said quietly, his voice almost lost in the stillness of the room.

Neji turned to look at him, his expression unreadable. “I know.”

Sasuke’s gaze didn’t waver. “Then why did you?”

It was a simple question, but it carried more weight than Sasuke intended. He hadn’t asked Neji to stay, hadn’t expected him to. But Neji had been here, day after day, through Sasuke’s recovery, without complaint. And now, Sasuke found himself wondering why.

Neji didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Sasuke’s. “Because I wanted to.”

The simplicity of the answer caught Sasuke off guard. He had expected something more—a reason, an explanation. But there was none. Neji had stayed because he wanted to, and that, more than anything, left Sasuke momentarily speechless.

For a long moment, Sasuke didn’t say anything. He simply stared at Neji, trying to process the meaning behind his words. He had spent so much of his life alone, trusting no one, relying on no one. But now, sitting here with Neji, he realized that things were different. Neji wasn’t like anyone else. He didn’t expect anything from Sasuke. He wasn’t trying to manipulate him, to use him. He was simply… there.

“You’re stubborn,” Sasuke said finally, his voice laced with a hint of dry amusement.

Neji’s lips quirked into a faint smile. “So are you.”

There was a quiet understanding between them now, one that didn’t need to be spoken aloud.

 

The following morning, Tsunade entered the room with her usual briskness, Shizune at her side. They had been checking on Sasuke every day since his admission, monitoring his condition with clinical precision. But today, there was something different in the air.

Tsunade gave Neji a brief nod, acknowledging his presence as usual. She had grown accustomed to seeing him there, a silent guardian at Sasuke’s side. But today, her attention lingered on Sasuke himself.

“Looks like you’re sitting up on your own,” Tsunade observed, her sharp eyes scanning Sasuke’s form. “That’s progress.”

Sasuke gave a small nod, not bothering with a verbal response. He didn’t need to. Tsunade wasn’t expecting one.

Shizune, however, smiled softly as she approached the bed, her tone lighter than usual. “Your appetite’s improving too. You’ve been eating more regularly.”

It wasn’t a question, but Sasuke felt the weight of their scrutiny regardless. He glanced toward the food tray, then back at the two women, unsure how to respond.

“Neji’s been making sure of that,” Shizune added with a knowing glance toward the Hyūga.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Instead, she pulled out her clipboard, making a few notes before turning her attention fully to Sasuke. “You’re looking better. Physically, at least.”

Sasuke didn’t respond, though he knew what she meant. His body was recovering, slowly but surely, but his mind… that was another story.

Tsunade didn’t push him. She had learned long ago that Sasuke wasn’t one for heart-to-heart conversations, especially not in front of others. But she had also noticed something subtle over the past few days—Sasuke was less guarded, more open to the care he was receiving. And she suspected that had a lot to do with Neji.

As the checkup continued, Tsunade glanced at Neji again, her expression softening slightly. “You’ve been a steady presence here. That’s not lost on us.”

Neji merely inclined his head, his usual stoic demeanor in place. But there was a quiet satisfaction in his eyes that didn’t go unnoticed.

Later that day when Kakashi stopped by, as he had been doing regularly since Sasuke’s hospitalization. His visits were brief, often filled with idle conversation or casual observations, but Sasuke had grown accustomed to them.

Today, however, Kakashi seemed more focused. As he stepped into the room, his lone visible eye flicked between Sasuke and Neji, his usual relaxed posture slightly more alert.

“Good to see you sitting up, Sasuke,” Kakashi said as he took his usual spot by the door, leaning against the frame. “You’re starting to look like your old self.”

Sasuke gave a noncommittal grunt, his gaze sliding toward the window. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, but he knew Kakashi wasn’t here to push him.

Still, there was something different in the air—an unspoken acknowledgment of the changes that had been occurring over the past week.

Kakashi’s gaze shifted to Neji, who remained seated by Sasuke’s side, his presence as steady as ever. “You’ve been here a lot.”

Neji nodded once, his expression calm. “Sasuke needed someone.”

Kakashi hummed thoughtfully, his eye narrowing slightly in thought. “And you’re that someone?”

There was no malice in Kakashi’s tone, but Neji understood the weight of the question. He met Kakashi’s gaze evenly, his voice steady. “For now, yes.”

Sasuke shifted slightly in his bed, listening to the exchange without comment. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the way they were discussing him as if he weren’t there, but at the same time… he didn’t mind that Neji was taking some of the weight off his shoulders.

Kakashi, ever the observant one, seemed to pick up on the subtle dynamic between them. His usual relaxed demeanor returned as he pushed off the doorframe and gave Neji a casual salute. “Keep up the good work, then.”

As Kakashi left the room, Sasuke let out a quiet breath, his body relaxing slightly. Neji remained silent, his gaze fixed on the window, but Sasuke could feel the unspoken connection between them strengthening with each passing day.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Over the next few days, Sasuke and Neji fell into a routine—a quiet, unspoken rhythm that neither of them acknowledged outright but both found comfort in.

 

In the morning, just as Sasuke was stirring awake. Neji would help Sasuke sit up, adjust the blankets, and make sure the food tray was within reach. Sasuke, for his part, had stopped resisting the care. He accepted it, even if he didn’t say it out loud.

 

When Sasuke was too tired to eat on his own, Neji would quietly assist him, never making a fuss about it. It was these small gestures—so insignificant to anyone else—that made the difference. Sasuke wasn’t used to being cared for in such a way, and though it unsettled him at first, he found himself growing accustomed to it. Maybe even… relying on it.

 

One evening, after Tsunade’s latest checkup, Sasuke spoke up.

You… don’t have to stay here all the time.”

It wasn’t a dismissal, but an acknowledgment of the effort Neji had been putting in. Sasuke wasn’t used to accepting help, let alone relying on someone else for support. But with Neji, it felt… different.

Neji took his usual seat by the window, folding his hands in his lap. “I choose to stay.”

 

The words were simple, but they hung in the air with a weight that made Sasuke pause. He wasn’t used to such direct honesty . For a moment, Sasuke didn’t know how to respond. He wanted to say he was fine on his own, that he didn’t need anyone—but something stopped him.

He was tired. Tired of pretending he could do everything on his own. Tired of pushing people away, even when part of him wanted them to stay.

So instead of pushing back, Sasuke merely nodded, turning his gaze to the window where the moonlight filtered through the blinds. He didn’t say anything, and neither did Neji. But the silence between them felt less tense now, more like an understanding.

There was something about Neji’s quiet, unwavering presence that calmed the storm inside Sasuke’s head. It wasn’t about words or grand gestures—it was about the subtle, unspoken ways Neji showed that he was there. That he wasn’t leaving.

For someone like Sasuke, who had known so much loss and betrayal, that kind of steady support meant more than he could put into words.

 

By the end of the second week, a new rhythm had settled between Sasuke and Neji. It was no longer just Neji looking after Sasuke—it was something more. A bond had formed between them, something unspoken but undeniable.

Sasuke had grown used to Neji’s presence. He no longer questioned why Neji stayed or why he cared. He didn’t need to. The answer was in the way Neji was always there, quietly taking care of the little things without making a fuss. It was in the way he made sure Sasuke ate, rested, and healed without pushing him too far. It was in the way he never asked for anything in return.

One evening, as Neji helped Sasuke settle into bed, Sasuke finally spoke what had been on his mind for days.

“Thank you.”

Neji paused, surprised by the words. He hadn’t been expecting them, especially not from Sasuke. But when he looked into Sasuke’s eyes, he saw the sincerity there, the quiet gratitude that Sasuke had always struggled to express.

“You don’t have to thank me,” Neji said softly, his voice as steady as ever. “I’m here because I want to be.”

Sasuke nodded, though he didn’t say anything more. He didn’t need to. Neji understood.

As Sasuke drifted off to sleep, Neji remained by his side, watching over him in the quiet of the night. The bond between them had grown stronger over the past week, and though neither of them had spoken the words out loud, they both knew it was something that went beyond simple care.

It was trust. It was respect. And, maybe—just maybe—it was the beginning of something more.

Notes:

Part 2

 

Also thank you everyone for the comments. The reason why I am not replying back is because I have a tendency to overshare when I respond.

So I try to hold back on commenting to stay focused on the story. But I genuinely read and value every comment, so please keep sharing your thoughts ,It really helps me stay motivated and really mean a lot to me ❤️❤️♥️.

Chapter 10: Silent Gestures, Growing Bonds

It had been weeks since Sasuke was admitted to the hospital, and in that time, a quiet routine had formed between him and Neji. The passing hours were marked not by words, but by actions. The small, almost invisible gestures that Neji made were unnoticed by everyone but Sasuke, who, though silent, had started to become acutely aware of each one.

 

It was in the early mornings, when the room was still and Sasuke had just woken, that Neji’s presence was most felt. Sasuke would stir in his bed, still groggy from sleep, and the first thing he would see was Neji sitting nearby, his back straight, but his gaze soft as he watched over him.

 

Neji always seemed to anticipate what Sasuke needed, even before Sasuke realized it himself. When his long, dark hair slipped across his face, falling into his eyes, Neji would lean forward, his movements careful and gentle, and tuck the strands behind Sasuke's ear. It was a small gesture, one that should have been insignificant, but somehow it wasn’t. Each time Neji’s fingers brushed against his skin, Sasuke found himself strangely comforted.

 

It was odd, Sasuke thought, to find comfort in someone else’s touch. He had never been one for physical affection, not since childhood. But with Neji, it felt different. It wasn’t suffocating or intrusive—it was simply there, like a steady presence he hadn’t known he needed until it was offered.

 

Neji’s care didn’t stop with small touches. Every detail in the room seemed to be under Neji’s careful watch. Sasuke noticed how there were always extra pillows placed behind his back, adjusted perfectly to support him whenever he shifted in bed. On days when Sasuke felt particularly fatigued, Neji would adjust the angle of the pillows just so, making sure that Sasuke was comfortable without ever needing to ask.

 

The food that was brought to Sasuke’s bedside was never left untouched, either. Neji always ensured Sasuke ate the food . He’d quietly sit by Sasuke’s side, his presence both comforting and insistent in a way that told Sasuke there was no room for debate. Neji never pushed, never demanded—he simply waited, knowing Sasuke would eat eventually.

 

There was an extra glass of water beside Sasuke's bed at all times, just in case. Neji would always pour a fresh one . And though Neji rarely spoke, Sasuke found that the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable. It was full of understanding, and that, more than anything, had helped Sasuke feel less alone.

 

As the days passed, Sasuke became more aware of how much his hair had grown. It was longer now, more unruly, often falling into his eyes or across his face whenever he shifted in bed. Each time Neji would reach out to tuck it behind his ear, Sasuke would briefly catch his gaze, seeing something soft and unspoken in Neji’s eyes.

 

The first time it happened, Sasuke had been too disoriented to react. But now, after so many days of the same gentle gesture, he couldn’t help but notice the care in Neji’s movements. Neji would never let his hair stay in disarray, always making sure it was tucked neatly out of the way. It was such a small thing, but in those moments, Sasuke felt the weight of something deeper forming between them.

 

It wasn’t just about the hair, or the pillows, or the water. It was the way Neji had slowly integrated himself into Sasuke’s life in ways Sasuke hadn’t expected. He was always there, always watching over him, but never in an overbearing way. There was a quiet intimacy to it, something Sasuke couldn’t quite name but felt all the same.

 

Tsunade and Shizune were both quick to notice the changes in Sasuke. During their daily visits, they exchanged glances that conveyed their shared surprise. It wasn’t just Sasuke’s physical condition that was improving—there was something else, something more emotional. Sasuke seemed more relaxed, more open, though he rarely spoke of it.

"He's opened up a lot," Tsunade remarked one morning as she took Sasuke's vitals, her eyes flicking between him and Neji. "Physically, he's healing well, but there’s more to it."

Shizune nodded in agreement, jotting down notes on her clipboard. "He's been eating more, resting better. And I think," she said with a knowing smile, "that someone here has been making sure he’s comfortable."

Neji didn’t say anything, but he felt the warmth of Shizune’s comment. He had always been protective of Sasuke, even before the hospital stay. But now, that protectiveness had deepened into something else, something quieter but far more powerful.

"I’m just here," Neji said simply, but Tsunade’s sharp gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, as though she saw more in his words than he let on.

 

As the days wore on, during one of the morning Tsunade entered the room, her clipboard in hand, glancing at the various monitors hooked up to Sasuke. She seemed pleased with the results, and after making a few notes, she turned her attention to Sasuke, who had been resting quietly while Neji sat beside him.

"You're doing well, Sasuke," Tsunade said, her tone softer and there was a glint of relief in her eyes. "Your vitals have stabilized, and your overall health is improving, which is a good sign."

Sasuke merely nodded, his hand still resting on his stomach, where the faintest pulse of life was growing. He had grown accustomed to the idea that he was carrying a child, though he still hadn’t fully processed what that meant for him in the long run. The weight of it lingered at the back of his mind, but for now, he kept those thoughts buried.

Tsunade glanced between Sasuke and Neji for a moment before she continued, "Tomorrow, we'll be conducting a detailed ultrasound scan. It'll give us a clearer picture of the baby’s development, and…" she paused, her eyes resting on Sasuke, "if you want, we can determine the gender during the scan."

There was a quiet shift in the room as the words hung in the air. Sasuke’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, though he kept his expression neutral. Neji, however, felt a sudden surge of emotion welling up within him. The reality of the situation had been unfolding slowly over the days, but hearing that they could soon know more about the child—its gender, its growth—made everything feel even more real.

Tsunade softened her tone, sensing Sasuke's unease. "This scan is very important to find out baby's growth ok , if you don't want to know about gender... it's ok... Don't ....worry ..about it " .

 

Sasuke didn't respond immediately, but his fingers unconsciously tightened over his stomach, his thumb brushing against the soft fabric of his hospital gown. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know the baby’s gender yet and yet here they were, talking about its development as though it was an inevitability.

 

Neji, who had been sitting silently at Sasuke’s side, sensing Sasuke’s hesitation, felt something stir deep within him—something he had never anticipated. He glanced at Sasuke’s hand, then to his face, before speaking quietly but firmly.

“We’ll be there,” Neji said, his voice steady.spoke up, his voice calm but reassuring.

 

Sasuke glanced at Neji, surprised by the quiet strength in his words. He hadn’t asked for Neji’s support, but the fact that it was being offered so freely made something inside Sasuke loosen, if only for a moment.

 

Tsunade gave a brief nod, her usual stern expression softening. "Good. We’ll see you both tomorrow morning, then. I’ll leave you to rest for now."

 

With that, Tsunade turned to leave, but not before exchanging a knowing look with Shizune, who had been quietly observing from the doorway. As the two medics exited, the room fell back into its familiar, comfortable silence

 

Later that day, as the sun dipped lower in the sky, Kakashi made his routine visit. He entered the room with his usual calm demeanor, his single visible eye immediately noticing the subtle shifts between Sasuke and Neji. The air between them felt different—more connected, somehow.

 

Kakashi exchanged a few quiet words with Neji before turning his attention to Sasuke. To his surprise, it was Sasuke who broke the silence.

 

"Kakashi," Sasuke’s voice was quiet but firm.

 

Kakashi glanced over, surprised by the sudden directness.

Both men turned to see Sasuke looking directly at them, his expression as serious as ever, though there was a slight softness in his tone that hadn’t been there before.

 

"Yes?" Kakashi stepped closer, his curiosity piqued.

 

"I want you to be there tomorrow... for the ultrasound," Sasuke said quietly, almost hesitantly, as though he hadn’t been sure whether to ask. But once the words were out, he held Kakashi’s gaze, waiting for his response.

 

Kakashi blinked in surprise. Sasuke wasn’t one to make requests like this, and certainly not for something so personal. But something in Sasuke’s expression told him that this was important. More than that, Sasuke had allowed himself to reach out, to ask for help. And that was no small thing

 

For a moment, he was speechless, but then a warm smile spread across his face.

 

Kakashi smiled , his voice warm as he responded promised. "I'll be there, 100 percent."

 

Sasuke gave a slight nod, his eyes flickering with a hint of something Kakashi couldn’t quite place—gratitude, maybe, or perhaps relief.

 

Neji, standing beside the bed, felt the shift between Sasuke and Kakashi, and something inside him settled as well. Kakashi’s presence meant a lot to Sasuke, more than he might ever admit, and Neji was glad to see that Sasuke was opening up in ways he hadn’t before.

As the evening wore on, Neji continued his silent vigil beside Sasuke’s bed. The routine was familiar now—tucking Sasuke’s hair away, adjusting the pillows, making sure he was comfortable. But tonight, Neji found himself lingering longer with each gesture. His fingers brushed against Sasuke’s skin as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind his ear, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of the connection growing between them.

 

Neji had been by Sasuke’s side every day, watching over him with a quiet vigilance. He had never questioned why he felt such a strong need to be there—at first, it had simply felt like the right thing to do. But as the days passed, something had shifted in him. The more time he spent in that hospital room, the more he found himself feeling… attached, in a way that he hadn’t anticipated.

 

Sasuke had been through so much, and Neji could see the toll it had taken. But it wasn’t just Sasuke he found himself growing protective over. No, there was something more—something Neji hadn’t expected. It was when he caught glimpses of Sasuke's hand resting on his belly, when he saw the faintest movements under the fabric of Sasuke's hospital gown, that Neji felt it.

 

A few days ago, during one quiet afternoon, Neji had been sitting beside Sasuke’s bed, his thoughts drifting. He noticed Sasuke shifting in his sleep, his face creased with a slight discomfort. Without thinking, Neji reached out, gently adjusting the blanket and brushing Sasuke’s hair from his face. As his hand grazed over Sasuke's stomach, where the child grew, Neji paused, his palm coming to rest softly against Sasuke's belly.

At that moment, something profound stirred within him. The soft rise and fall of Sasuke's abdomen beneath his hand made Neji suddenly aware of the fragile life growing inside. The heartbeat that echoed through Sasuke’s body, faint but real, pulsed beneath his fingers. It was in that moment that Neji felt an overwhelming surge of protectiveness—one that went beyond anything he had experienced before.

 

It was strange. The child wasn’t his, and yet, the feeling was undeniable. There was an immense need to shield both Sasuke and the baby from anything that might harm them. His mind told him it didn’t make sense—this wasn’t his burden to bear—but his heart said otherwise.

 

As Neji’s hand remained resting on Sasuke’s belly, the overwhelming sense of love followed close behind the protectiveness. It was a feeling so intense that it almost scared him. He had always been disciplined, reserved, keeping his emotions under tight control. But this—this was something else entirely.

 

He cared deeply for Sasuke, that much he already knew. But this love he was feeling now… it wasn’t just for Sasuke. It was for the life growing inside him, a life that had nothing to do with Neji, and yet, it felt like everything. The bond forming within Sasuke—between him and the child—was something Neji could feel too, as though he was being pulled into it.

 

There was a deep connection forming here, one Neji hadn’t anticipated. He didn’t just want to be by Sasuke’s side anymore; he wanted to be a part of this, to help protect this child and give it a future. The thought startled him. He had never imagined himself in this role, never thought he would be capable of feeling so strongly for something that wasn’t even his own.

 

Yet, here he was, gently patting Sasuke’s belly, feeling a love that was overwhelming in its purity. He didn’t understand where this need to protect and care came from, but he couldn’t deny it.

 

He looked at Sasuke, still sleeping peacefully, unaware of the flood of emotions Neji was going through. How could something that wasn’t his—this child, this life—feel so important to him? But it did. And Neji realized, in that quiet moment, that he would do anything to protect Sasuke and this baby, even if he wasn’t the father, even if it wasn’t his place.

 

It was something he hadn’t expected, this quiet affection that had blossomed over the days they had spent together. Neji had always respected Sasuke, had always admired his strength and resilience. But now, those feelings were deepening into something more. Every time he saw Sasuke’s pale hand resting over his stomach, felt the steady rise and fall of his breathing, Neji felt a surge of protectiveness he had never known before.

 

And Neji, though not the father, felt a deep sense of responsibility—a love so powerful it made his chest ache.

For the first time, he let himself imagine what the future might look like.

A future where he wasn’t just Sasuke’s protector, but something more.

Tomorrow, they would see the child on the ultrasound for the first time. Neji wasn’t sure what to expect, but he knew one thing for certain—he would be there, by Sasuke’s side, just as he always had been and Neji knew, in the depths of his heart, that it would change everything...........

Notes:

Next chapter : Gender Reveal

Chapter 11: Acceptance

Neji Hyuga hadn’t slept much , He was tired—exhausted, really—but he couldn’t sleep., if at all. He layed staring at the ceiling, his mind restless, flooded with thoughts about the baby, about Sasuke—what he felt, and what he was supposed to feel.

 

His thoughts kept him awake, spinning in circles about what might happen next. He knew tomorrow was the day they would get a clearer picture of the baby, and possibly even learn its gender. The scan, all he could think about was about the scan, The weight of the upcoming scan seemed to settle over him more heavily with each passing hour.

 

Every time he closed his eyes, images of the ultrasound danced in his mind—the child they were about to see, the future that was unfolding before him. He couldn’t shake the feeling of restlessness. His thoughts kept circling back to the baby, to Sasuke, to everything that had happened, and everything that was yet to come. He knew that he didn't have any right , he was overthinking, but it didn’t stop his heartbeat from racing at the thought . That thought filled him with a mix of emotions that he wasn’t sure how to process.

 

Restless, Neji shifted in his chair, running a hand through his hair. No matter how much he tried to close his eyes and sleep, his thoughts kept returning to the baby and Sasuke .

 

Sasuke, on the other hand, was still asleep.And he seemed to be having one of his best nights of sleep in a long time. Neji found a strange comfort in seeing him so calm, breathing evenly, almost as if he’d finally found some peace.His chest rose and fell slowly, his breathing steady and calm. Neji was glad for that. At least Sasuke was getting the rest he needed.

 

Neji leaned forward, brushing a few strands of Sasuke’s hair out of his face. Sasuke’s hair had gotten a bit longer during his hospital stay, and Neji had gotten used to tucking it behind his ear whenever it fell into his eyes. It was something small, but it had become part of their routine. The routine they had built together, without ever really talking about it.

 

As the morning sunlight began to filter into the room, Neji couldn’t help but feel a little on edge. Today was a big day. They were going to see the baby again, and maybe even find out its gender. Neji’s heart raced a little at the thought. Why did he feel so strongly about this baby? It wasn’t his child, yet it felt as though it was.

 

When dawn broke, Neji was already alert, watching Sasuke as he stirred awake.

 

Sasuke began to stir, his eyelids fluttering open as he woke. Neji was ready. He handed Sasuke a glass of water from the bedside table, watching as Sasuke took a sip, still half-asleep. Neji didn’t say much; he rarely did. Instead, he helped Sasuke sit up, adjusted the pillows behind his back, and made sure he was comfortable.

"Good morning," Neji said quietly, his voice calm.

Sasuke nodded in acknowledgment, not saying much. He was still waking up, and Neji could tell he wasn’t in the mood for conversation just yet. Neji had learned to understand Sasuke’s silences. Sasuke didn’t need to say much for Neji to know what he was feeling. He had always been quiet, and after everything that had happened, that hadn’t changed. But there was something different about Sasuke now. Since he had been in the hospital, he seemed softer, more vulnerable. Neji wasn’t sure if it was because of the pregnancy or because Sasuke was simply tired, but something had shifted between them.

 

Today, though, there was something different. There was a tension in the air that hadn’t been there before. They both knew what was coming—the scan.

 

Sasuke shifted in his seat, his fingers twitching slightly. Neji noticed the subtle movement, his heart clenching. He knew Sasuke was anxious about the scan, though the Uchiha was doing his best to hide it. The scan would make everything real. Seeing the baby on the screen would cement the reality of the situation.

 

When breakfast arrived, Neji, barely hungry himself, carefully laid everything out for Sasuke, made sure that Sasuke ate his breakfast. It was part of their routine , He had become attuned to every small detail of Sasuke’s care, from adjusting the pillows to making sure the blanket was always pulled up just right.Ensuring he took his vitamins and finished the meal. He felt a quiet sense of responsibility; making sure Sasuke was cared for felt like the least he could do.

 

. Neji could tell that Sasuke was anxious about the scan, even if he wasn’t showing it outwardly. There was a certain tension in the way Sasuke’s eyes occasionally flickered to the clock on the wall, in the way his hands fidgeted ever so slightly.

 

The sound of soft footsteps approached, and Neji looked up to see Kakashi entering the room. Kakashi was rarely this early, but today was different. He had promised to be there for the ultrasound, and he hadn’t let Sasuke down. His usual carefree attitude was still there, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that showed he understood how important this day was.

 

"You’re up early," Kakashi said with a casual tone, though his eyes showed warmth.

 

“Kakashi?” Sasuke’s voice was sharp, surprise evident in his tone. He had expected Kakashi to show up eventually, but certainly not this early. Kakashi was notoriously late to nearly everything.

Sasuke glanced up, surprised. “You’re early,” he said, unable to hide his slight disbelief.

 

Kakashi gave them a brief nod, his eye crinkling in amusement. “Don’t look so shocked. I can be on time when it counts,” he said with a chuckle, stepping further into the room.

 

" Wouldn’t miss this for the world, I thought I’d shake things up,” he replied, looking between Sasuke and Neji the smile in his voice clear even with the mask covering his face.

 

Sasuke shook his head, though a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Sasuke hadn’t expected Kakashi to be so… present. But when he had asked him to be there for the scan, Kakashi hadn’t hesitated. Something about that had caught Sasuke off guard, but it had also made him feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time—safe. Kakashi’s presence was oddly comforting, though it didn’t erase the tension swirling inside him.

 

Not long after, Tsunade and Shizune arrived, their usual professionalism in place, but with a hint of tenderness that hadn’t been there during their initial checkups. Tsunade, in particular, seemed more grounded today. Perhaps she, too, understood the significance of this moment.

 

“Alright, Sasuke,” Tsunade said as she approached the bed, “today’s the big day. We’re going to move you to the other room for the scan, and we’ll be able to get a clear look at the baby.”

 

Sasuke glanced up at her, his face impassive, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—anticipation, perhaps.

 

“And…” Tsunade added with a small smile, “if you want, we can find out the gender.”

 

Sasuke hesitated for a moment, and Neji noticed the way his hand instinctively moved to rest on his belly. It was a subconscious gesture, but one that Neji had come to recognize as significant. Sasuke wasn’t just thinking about himself anymore. He was thinking about the life growing inside of him.

 

“Let’s do it,” Sasuke finally said, his voice quiet but steady.

 

“Alright, Sasuke,” Tsunade said, her tone professional but kind. “Let’s get you to the examination room for the scan.”

 

Neji and Kakashi stood back as the nurses helped Sasuke up and guided him towards the examination room, where the ultrasound equipment was set up. Neji walked beside him, never straying far. Kakashi followed, his presence a quiet support in the background.

 

When they reached the room, Sasuke was helped onto the examination bed, and Tsunade began preparing the ultrasound machine. Neji took his place beside Sasuke, his hand brushing against Sasuke’s for just a moment before he pulled back, unsure. But then, without a word, Sasuke’s hand reached for his, and they intertwined their fingers.

 

Neji’s heart skipped a beat.

 

The touch was so simple, so understated, but it carried a weight that Neji hadn’t been prepared for. It was the first time Sasuke had reached out to him like this, the first time their hands had entwined in a way that wasn’t accidental or circumstantial. Sasuke’s grip was firm, his fingers curling around Neji’s with an unspoken need for reassurance. Neji held on tightly, feeling the warmth of Sasuke’s hand seep into his own.

 

Tsunade and Shizune prepared the equipment for the ultrasound, and soon enough,the scan began .Sasuke was lying down, his shirt pulled up slightly to expose his abdomen.

 

The cold gel made Sasuke flinch slightly as Shizune applied it to his stomach, and then Tsunade pressed the ultrasound probe against his skin. For a moment, the room was filled with nothing but the quiet hum of the machine, and then—

 

“There,” Tsunade said, pointing to the screen. “There’s the baby.”, and the room fell into a hushed silence. Tsunade moved the wand over Sasuke’s stomach, her eyes focused on the screen. And then, there it was—a tiny figure on the screen, small and fragile, but unmistakably a life.

 

Neji stared at the image, his breath catching in his throat. He had never seen anything like it before. This tiny being, this child, was real. It was there, growing inside Sasuke. And in that moment, Neji felt something he had never felt before—an overwhelming, all-consuming love.

 

It hit him like a wave, crashing over him with such force that he had to blink to steady himself. This child… this life… it wasn’t his. It wasn’t part of him. And yet, he felt as if it was. He felt a connection to it that he couldn’t explain, as though he had been waiting for this moment his entire life without even realizing it.

 

His grip on Sasuke’s hand tightened, and Sasuke’s fingers responded, squeezing back just as firmly.

 

Sasuke, too, was staring at the screen, his expression unreadable.His breath hitched as he looked at the screen, his eyes widening. There, in the grainy black-and-white image, was a tiny figure. His child. His mind went blank for a moment, overwhelmed by the sheer reality of what he was seeing. But Neji could feel the change in him, could sense the shift in the way Sasuke was thinking. This child was real to him now, more than it had ever been before. And for the first time, Neji saw something in Sasuke’s eyes that hadn’t been there before—love.

 

It was subtle, but it was there. Sasuke’s gaze softened, and Neji could see the way his other hand moved to rest on his stomach, as if acknowledging the life inside him in a way he hadn’t before.

 

Kakashi, standing to the side, watched them quietly. He hadn’t said much since the scan had begun, but Neji could see the pride in his eyes. Kakashi wasn’t just proud of Sasuke for facing this moment—he was proud of what Sasuke was becoming.

 

And Kakashi noticed, too, the way Neji and Sasuke’s hands were still entwined. He didn’t say anything about it, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his gaze.

 

“Everything looks good,” Tsunade said, her voice breaking the silence. “The baby is healthy. she confirmed. “Would you like to know the gender?”

 

Sasuke hesitated, his eyes flicking towards Neji for a moment. Neji caught the glance, understanding the weight of the decision. He wasn’t sure if Sasuke was ready to know, if naming the child’s gender would make things feel even more real, more irreversible. But after a moment, Sasuke nodded, his jaw set in quiet determination.

 

And it’s a boy,” Tsunade added with a small smile, glancing at the screen. “Congratulations.”

 

Sasuke’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything. His grip on Neji’s hand tightened again, and Neji could feel the weight of that moment—the realization that Sasuke was going to have a son.

 

“A boy…” Neji repeated softly, almost to himself.

 

The image on the screen blurred slightly as Tsunade moved the wand, and Neji found himself staring at it, memorizing every detail of the tiny form on the monitor. This child, this boy, wasn’t his. But he knew, in that moment, that he would do everything in his power to protect him. He would....

 

Tsunade and Shizune finished the scan, wiping away the gel and helping Sasuke sit up slowly. “We’ll keep monitoring the pregnancy closely,” Tsunade said, her tone gentle but professional. “But everything looks good so far. You’re healthy, and so is the baby.”

 

As the scan concluded
Would you like pictures of the scan?” Tsunade asked,

“Yes,” Sasuke said, his voice steady. He wanted to keep a reminder of this—of the moment he finally began to accept what was happening.

Tsunade handed Sasuke the scan pictures, and the moment felt oddly complete. For the first time since this ordeal began, Sasuke felt a small sense of peace. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

They returned back to their room followed by Kakashi
Soon Tsunade and shizune followed

“Good news, Sasuke,” Tsunade announced. “You’re in good enough shape to leave the hospital.” She paused, handing a folder to Neji, “But,” she added with a look that left no room for argument, “we’re giving you strict instructions. You need to follow this diet to the letter.”she announced, her tone firm but reassuring. “You and the baby are healthy, which is a relief. But,” she continued, “you’ll need to follow strict guidelines—diet, vitamins, and tablets. And Sasuke, you must return for checkups every two weeks.”

 

Sasuke nodded slowly, absorbing each instruction with quiet resolve. He could feel the weight of this new responsibility, a strange but solid awareness that he needed to keep himself and the baby safe, regardless of how uncertain he felt inside. Tsunade glanced at Neji, her expression making it clear that she expected him to help Sasuke keep on track.

Notes:

Next chapter Sasuke gets discharged from the hospital

Chapter 12: Heavy Words, Heavy Hearts

Neji was very happy when Tsunade handed him the folder which contains dietary chart detailing Sasuke’s recommended meals and supplements.it meant that he got silent approval from Tsunade and Shizune, and Kakashi, despite kakashi's natural skepticism, He felt a flicker of reassurance.

 

Neji the prodigy he is, checks the folder immediately with Sasuke’s diet and exercise recommendations carefully, mentally cataloging every instruction, every detail.
He looked down at the chart, taking in the meticulous details—the list of nutrients, portion sizes, timing, and even recommended types of tea. He’s already memorized the dietary suggestions and notes on Sasuke’s physical limitations for the coming weeks but still reviews each page as if committing it to memory will somehow guarantee Sasuke’s wellbeing.

 

This outlines everything Sasuke needs,” shizune explained. “We’ll monitor his condition with follow-ups, but his recovery now depends on maintaining this regimen.”This is everything he’ll need for the next few weeks. It’s important he follows it carefully.”

 

“Thank you, Shizune,” he replied, meeting her gaze gratefully.There was a satisfaction in his gaze as he realized the significance of being entrusted with Sasuke’s care.

 

Sasuke, however, watched the interaction in silence, feeling distanced from the concern around him, as though he were an observer in his own life.

 

Tsunade exchanged a subtle glance with Shizune before turning her attention to Kakashi. He took a step closer to Sasuke, his voice soft but firm. “Sasuke, we need to talk about Naruto.”

The name hit the air like a spark igniting dry kindling. Sasuke’s hand gripped the sheets, his knuckles whitening as he kept his face unreadable. “I don’t want to discuss Naruto,” he said, his tone low but resolute.

Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. “Sasuke—”

“I said no.” Sasuke’s voice hardened, his sharp gaze locking with Kakashi’s. “He has no claim to this. He lost that right when he—” He stopped, his lips pressing into a thin line.

Tsunade, stepping in, softened her approach. “Sasuke, no one’s forcing you. But there are matters that will be harder to handle the longer they’re left unspoken.”

“I don’t want him involved,” Sasuke repeated, his voice quieter but no less firm. His gaze drifted toward the window, shutting out the concerned looks directed his way.

Tsunade folded her arms, her expression uncharacteristically solemn. “Sasuke, you know as well as anyone that we don’t have the luxury of hiding things indefinitely. Naruto needs to know about the baby. You owe it to him—and to the child.”

Sasuke’s jaw tightened, his eyes shifting to the ceiling as he tried to hide his discomfort. “I don’t want to talk about him,” he muttered. His tone was quiet but firm.

Kakashi, standing at the foot of the bed, sighed. “I understand your hesitation, Sasuke. But keeping this from him won’t make things easier. The sooner he knows, the better. There’s a lot at stake—for both of you.”

Sasuke’s gaze didn’t waver. His voice grew colder, almost a whisper. “I said no.”

The room fell silent, a thick tension settling over everyone present . As much as Sasuke might try to avoid it, his responsibilities as an Uchiha and as the father of this child couldn’t be ignored. It was a matter that went beyond personal feelings—it touched the heart of their world’s legacy and balance.

Kakashi’s expression softened, though his voice remained steady. “Think about it, Sasuke. Naruto deserves to know. Council will demand answers. This can’t stay hidden forever.”

Sasuke said nothing, his silence final. Kakashi gave a slight nod, acknowledging the refusal for now . With a small nod, he motioned to Neji, silently asking him to step outside. Tsunade and Shizune followed, leaving Sasuke alone in the stillness of the room.

 

Kakashi led Neji down the hallway, Tsunade and Shizune falling in step behind them. Once they were a safe distance from Sasuke’s door, Kakashi turned to Neji, his voice low but filled with intent.

 

“You’ve been here for days. The Hyuga elders are bound to notice your absence. You’ve done more than we could’ve asked, Neji. The Hyuuga elders are going to start asking questions about why you’ve been gone so long. They’ll expect you to return soon.”

 

Neji’s jaw tightened. He knew the pressure from the clan would come sooner or later, and yet, the idea of leaving Sasuke now felt wrong. He opened his mouth to reply, but then, before he knew it, his words had already formed, confident and unwavering. My priority is here. Sasuke’s wellbeing takes precedence. “I’m not going back. Not yet. Sasuke needs someone by his side, and I want to be there for him.”

 

Kakashi’s gaze softened, a hint of approval flickering in his eye. “I suspected as much,” he murmured, glancing down the hall where Sasuke’s door lay. Well.....Sasuke has started to rely on you, and… I don’t think I’ve ever seen him respond like this to anyone else.”

 

Kakashi placed a hand on Neji’s shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. “One more thing, Neji. You understand the importance of clan responsibility. The Uchiha’s legacy is intertwined with Naruto’s now, whether Sasuke likes it or not. Village Hero and former Village Traitor . Make him understand the bigger picture. Sasuke’s choices affect more than just himself. You know what it means to be part of a clan. Help him see that.”

 

Tsunade and Shizune both nodded in agreement. Tsunade's voice was kind but firm. “I don’t know what drove you to get this involved, but I’m glad you’re here , Sasuke’s carrying more than just his own burden now.”

It’s up to you to help him realize that.”

 

Neji straightened, his gaze determined.“I won’t push him,” Neji said firmly. “But I’ll ensure he knows ”

Kakashi studied Neji’s determined expression for a moment before nodding. “That’s enough. If the Hyuga elders press you, tell them it’s by my direct orders. If they have a problem, they can take it up with the Hokage.” I’ll handle the rest.”

 

Neji’s expression softened, and he gave Kakashi a respectful bow. “Thank you. I’ll make sure he’s taken care of.”

Satisfied, Kakashi pushed off the wall, his tone softening. “I’ll take care of the Uchiha compound. When Sasuke returns, it’ll be ready for him.”

Neji watched Kakashi walk away, his gratitude unspoken but deeply felt.

Back in the hospital room, Sasuke lay staring at the ceiling, his thoughts circling like restless crows. The soft creak of the door announced Neji’s return. As Neji stepped back into the quiet room, he took a moment to observe Sasuke, who was lying silently, his gaze distant. He was lost in thought, The silence that followed was deafening, filled with the unspoken truths that Sasuke wasn’t ready to face.

 

As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, his mind churned with memories of Naruto—the laughter, the promises, the betrayal—and the weight of what lay ahead.The words lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest: Naruto deserves to know. He clenched his fists, the sheets twisting in his grip, and shook his head slightly, as if trying to dispel the thought entirely. Neji’s heart clenched, but he steadied himself and moved to sit in the chair beside Sasuke’s bed

 

.

Sasuke you can't keep this secret forever… it might hurt more in the long run.”

Sasuke didn’t respond, his gaze drifting back to the ceiling. The room fell into silence once again, the only sound the faint rustle of the wind outside.

Neji watched him for a moment longer before rising to his feet. “Think about it,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with a note of finality. “Not for Naruto. Not even for yourself. Think about it for the child.”

He placed a hand on Sasuke’s arm—a small, silent promise of solidarity.
He took a breath, letting the quiet settle between them before speaking. “They’re right, you know. About Naruto.”

Sasuke’s gaze shifted, his expression hardening. “I don’t want to talk about him.”

“I know,” Neji said calmly. “But ignoring this won’t make it go away.”

“I can’t,” he whispered to himself, his voice cracking. But even as the words left his lips, he couldn’t ignore the seed of doubt that Neji’s words had planted in his mind.

Sasuke’s voice broke the silence. “They think I should tell him, don’t they?”

Neji nodded, his reply measured. “They believe it’s important. For you. And the child.”

Sasuke’s jaw tightened, and his gaze turned away. “He doesn’t deserve to know.”

They’re not wrong,” Neji began softly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, unpressing. “But it’s still your decision to make.”

Sasuke turned his head slightly, his expression cold and unreadable. “I’ve already made it. I won’t tell him.”

Neji regarded him carefully, his white eyes filled with quiet understanding. “Why, Sasuke? Is it about the betrayal, or is it more than that?”

Sasuke scoffed, the sound sharp and bitter. “Do you even need to ask? He destroyed any trust I had in him. He chose someone else while pretending to be loyal to me.”

Neji didn’t flinch at the venom in Sasuke’s words. “And yet, you still care,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, the faintest flicker of pain breaking through his stoic mask. “Caring doesn’t mean I’m obligated to forgive him,” he snapped. “Or to involve him in my life—or this child’s life. He doesn’t deserve that right.”

Neji leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on his knees. “You’re right. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness. But this isn’t just about him, or you. It’s about the child. What happens when they start asking questions? When they want to know about their father?”

Sasuke flinched at the thought, his grip on the sheets tightening. “Then I’ll handle it,” he said sharply. “They don’t need him. They’ll have me.”

Neji exhaled slowly, his expression softening. “And what will you tell them, Sasuke? That their father was a mistake? That you kept him a secret out of spite? You’ve lived with the weight of your clan’s history. Do you really want that for your child?”

For a moment, Sasuke’s resolve seemed to waver. His eyes darted to the window, where the soft light of dusk painted the room in muted hues. “I don’t know,” he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what’s right anymore.”

Neji remained quiet, letting Sasuke’s words hang in the air. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone measured. “You don’t have to decide everything right now. But you should think about what’s best for your child—not just what feels right for you.”

Sasuke let out a bitter laugh, his gaze still fixed on the window. “It’s easy for you to say. You didn’t have your life torn apart by someone you trusted. Someone who promised to stand by you, only to turn around and—” He stopped, his voice breaking slightly.

Neji’s expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of pain in his eyes. “You’re right. I haven’t been through what you have. But I know what it’s like to carry resentment, to let it shape your decisions.” He paused, his voice softening. “It doesn’t help, Sasuke. It only makes the burden heavier.”

Sasuke turned to look at him then, his dark eyes meeting Neji’s steady gaze. “What would you do, then? If it were you?”

Neji hesitated for only a moment. “I would tell him. Not for his sake, but for the child’s. They deserve the chance to know where they come from. And if Naruto fails them, that’s on him—not you.”

Sasuke’s expression hardened again, though his grip on the sheets loosened slightly. “I can’t,” he said, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. “I can’t let him back into my life, Neji. Not after everything.”

Neji leaned back, giving Sasuke the space he seemed to need. “Then don’t let him back in,” he said simply. “But don’t close the door entirely, either. You don’t have to forgive him, Sasuke. You don’t even have to see him

 

Sasuke’s face twisted in frustration, and he pushed himself up slightly, wincing as he did. “Why does everyone keep insisting on this? I’ve had enough of people telling me what I should do.”

Neji’s expression didn’t change, his voice steady but compassionate. “Because this isn’t just about you, Sasuke. This child—your child—deserves the chance to know its father. You understand what it’s like to carry the weight of a clan.”

Sasuke’s gaze dropped to his hands, his jaw clenched tightly. Neji knew that Sasuke was torn, struggling between his pride and the undeniable responsibility he couldn’t escape.

“I don’t want to depend on him,” Sasuke whispered, his voice laced with bitterness. “He… he made his choice.”

Neji leaned forward, his eyes softening. “Perhaps. But you still have a choice too. Don’t let Naruto’s mistake take away from the life you’ve been given… or the life you’re creating.”

Sasuke’s hand clenched into a fist, his knuckles turning white. “He doesn’t deserve to know.”

Neji reached out, placing a hand on Sasuke’s clenched fist, his touch gentle but grounding. “Then don’t tell him for his sake. Tell him for your own. Because you deserve the peace of knowing you did what was right.”

Sasuke didn’t reply, but the tension in his hand eased slightly under Neji’s touch. A long silence stretched between them, but Neji didn’t pull away. He remained by Sasuke’s side, his presence a quiet, steady anchor.

 

When evening came, a nurse entered with newly pressed clothes , She placed them on a nearby chair and left just as silently, giving them space. Neji offered a small nod of thanks, his thoughts already moving to the tasks ahead.Neji glanced at the clothes, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “they’re preparing you for your discharge .”

Sasuke sighed, his eyes following the nurse as she left. “I suppose so.”

And Sasuke was discharged from the hospital by Night .

 

Neji handled the discharge with quiet efficiency, taking care of the paperwork and gathering the prescribed medications. As they walked through Konoha’s streets, the familiar sights of the village were muted by an unspoken tension.

 

Arriving at the Uchiha compound, Sasuke paused, his eyes scanning the entrance. The grounds were spotless, the lingering signs of neglect now gone. Kakashi had kept his promise.Everything is orderly, spotless, exactly as it was before. Kakashi has kept his word.

 

Neji's sharp gaze was scanning every corner with the instinct of someone who never truly let their guard down.

They checked the main rooms first. Neji’s Byakugan flared to life occasionally, scanning the surroundings as though there might still be unseen threats. When they finally reached Sasuke’s bedroom, Neji paused, his pale eyes darting briefly toward the adjoining bathroom.He checks the adjacent rooms to ensure everything was in order. The house was clean, organized, and eerily quiet.

 

He checks the kitchen, mentally noting any groceries or items they might need, and then makes his way to the bedroom. The bed is freshly made, sheets smooth and inviting, untouched. Neji feels a surge of gratitude for Kakashi’s efforts to maintain the place, within few hours of knowing Sasuke will be discharged today , he has cleaned and stocked it very well. Aware of how much it must mean to Sasuke to return to a home that feels… well, like home.
He was also planning to go to Hyuga district for getting some of his clothes and items.He has a scroll which he usually carrys everywhere, sealed with few clothes and essential items, which was really helpfull during Sasukes hospital stay .

As they enter the bedroom, Neji guides Sasuke to sit on the couch. “Rest here for a moment,” he says, his tone gentle but firm .

 

After setting down the bags, Neji moves to the bathroom and begins to run a warm bath. He checks the temperature, adjusting it to just the right level. Once the tub is filled, he returns to Sasuke.

“Sasuke,” Neji calls softly, “the bath is ready. It might help to relax a bit.” His tone is calm, almost encouraging, though he says little else.

You can go ahead and take a bath first,” Sasuke said, his voice even.

Neji looked at him, a little surprised. “Are you sure?”

He motioned toward the wardrobe. “Take some clothes. They’ll fit well enough. towels are there too, Take whatever you need.”

Neji opened his mouth as if to protest, but one look at Sasuke’s expression silenced him. He moved to the wardrobe, pulling out a midnight blue yukata. Sasuke watched as Neji unfolded the fabric with meticulous care, his movements precise and deliberate.
When Neji removed his forehead protector , Sasuke’s gaze caught on Neji’s forehead.

The Caged Bird Seal stood out starkly against his pale skin, its intricate design a cruel reminder of the Hyūga clan’s rigid traditions. Without his usual headband to obscure it, the seal felt glaringly obvious, like an open wound for anyone to see.

Sasuke didn’t avert his gaze. Instead, he allowed himself to study the mark with quiet intensity. It wasn’t just a symbol of control—it was a reminder of the chains Neji had carried his entire life. Sasuke thought of his own burden, the legacy of the Uchiha clan, and how he had fought to break free of it.

But Neji… Neji still bore his chains with a quiet dignity that Sasuke couldn’t help but respect.

“You’re staring,” Neji said suddenly, his voice calm but tinged with something unspoken.

Sasuke blinked, his expression unreadable. “Your seal,” he said simply.

Neji’s hand twitched slightly, as though he wanted to touch his forehead but stopped himself. “It’s nothing new.”

“It’s not nothing,” Sasuke countered, his voice low. “Does it still hurt?”

Neji’s pale eyes met Sasuke’s dark ones, and for a moment, there was silence. Then Neji shook his head. “The pain is nothing compared to what it represents.”

Sasuke didn’t reply, but his jaw tightened slightly. He understood the weight of legacy and expectation, but the Caged Bird Seal was a different kind of cruelty—a mark of servitude, even to one’s own family.

Without another word, Neji turned and headed toward the bathroom. Sasuke watched him go, his thoughts lingering on the seal and the unspoken resilience of the man who bore it.

The sound of running water filled the silence, but Sasuke didn’t move. Instead, his gaze fell on the wardrobe, where the midnight blue yukata had been neatly folded before Neji took it. He thought again of the seal, of how it bound Neji to a life he hadn’t chosen.

When Neji emerged from the bathroom, his damp hair clinging to his face and neck, he looked different—relaxed, almost vulnerable. The midnight blue yukata fit him perfectly, its simplicity contrasting with the complexity of the man wearing it.

Neji walked over to the wardrobe again, this time pulling out another set of clothes. He placed them neatly on the bed. “I’ve prepared the bath for you,” Neji said, inclining his head slightly. “The water is still warm.” and “I’ve laid out some clothes as well.”

Sasuke’s eyes flicked to the clothes—a black yukata with crimson accents. He gave a small nod, standing and heading to the bathroom without a word .

He disappears into the bathroom, and Neji resumes his quiet organization, making sure everything is in its place, that Sasuke will have all he needs for the night.

As the sound of running water fades, Neji goes to the kitchen and prepares a light meal, following the dietary suggestions to the letter. He works methodically, each action infused with care. After a time, he hears the soft padding of Sasuke’s footsteps as he emerges from the bath .

When Sasuke emerged, looking more relaxed but no less weary, Neji gestured to the dining table. “You need to eat.”

Sasuke hesitated before sitting down, his movements slow but deliberate. Neji sat across from him, offering quiet company as Sasuke picked at the food.

After a few moments, Sasuke broke the silence. “Everything here… it’s just as I left it.”

Neji inclined his head. “Kakashi wanted you to feel at home.”

Sasuke’s gaze drifted toward the window, his voice soft. “Home,” he murmured, as though testing the word.

Neji watched him carefully, saying nothing.

 

Later, as the night deepened, Neji cleared the dishes and returned with a glass of water and Sasuke’s medication. “Take these,” he instructed gently.

Sasuke complied without protest, the simple act feeling strangely intimate. When he handed the empty glass back to Neji, their hands brushed briefly, the warmth of the contact lingering.

As Neji moved toward the bedroom couch to settle in for the night, Sasuke spoke, his voice halting. “You don’t have to sleep there. There’s room…” He trailed off, gesturing vaguely toward the bed.

Neji paused, meeting Sasuke’s eyes. “Are you sure?”

Sasuke nodded, the faintest hint of vulnerability flickering in his eyes before he looks away. “You’ve been here for me this whole time. The least I can do is make sure you’re comfortable.”

Neji takes a moment to process Sasuke’s words, feeling the weight of their sincerity. He finally inclines his head in acknowledgment, his usual calm masking the warmth spreading through him. “All right,” he says Neji retrieve the blanket from the couch and turned towards the bed

Sasuke watches Neji’s movements quietly, his mind a swirl of emotions. He’s not used to someone staying, to someone prioritizing him without an agenda. Naruto had once made him feel that way, but the betrayal had shattered the illusion. Yet Neji’s presence is different—steadier, quieter, without expectations. It feels… grounding.

Neji places the blanket neatly on the other side of the bed, careful not to intrude on Sasuke’s space. He sits on the edge for a moment, adjusting the pillow, before glancing at Sasuke. “If you need anything, just wake me,” he says softly, his tone more a promise than a suggestion.

Sasuke offers a faint nod, his voice low. “Thank you… for everything.”

The room falls into a comfortable silence as the two settle in. Sasuke lies back, staring at the ceiling, while Neji remains sitting upright for a moment longer, his posture relaxed yet alert. After a while, he lies down as well, maintaining a respectful distance.

The quiet is only broken by the soft sounds of their breathing, a shared rhythm that brings a sense of calm to the room. As sleep begins to pull Sasuke under, his thoughts drift to Neji’s unwavering presence, a quiet strength that feels like a lifeline amidst the chaos.

The two settled into the quiet of the night, a fragile peace forming between them. For the first time in days, Sasuke felt the faintest flicker of something he thought he’d lost—trust.

Notes:

Hello, long time no see

Sorry for the late update ,

I had to move to a new house in a different state, and a lot of things were happening simultaneously and I had to take a break .

Thank you so much for your patience, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 13: Unspoken Comfort

Neji woke up earlier than planned, the sky still heavy with darkness. No trace of sunlight yet — just the dim, muted haze of early morning creeping in through the window. The room was quiet, still, and colder than he expected.

His gaze drifted to the bed beside him. Sasuke was still fast asleep, his face softened in a way that Neji rarely got to see. Neji found himself pausing. It was rare to see Sasuke so unguarded, his usual sharpness softened by sleep.

A small, almost imperceptible smile crossed Neji’s lips. Without thinking, he reached for the blanket, tucking it a little closer around Sasuke. He knew he had to leave for the Hyuga compound, but he didn’t want Sasuke to wake up and find him gone without a word. Quietly, he took one of his scrolls and placed it beside the bed—an unspoken message that he would be back.

Stepping back, he took one last glance at Sasuke before silently exiting the room.

 

The Hyuga compound was eerily quiet at this hour. The usual presence of guards was missing, but Neji knew where they were—stationed at the outer gates, away from the inner quarters at this time of morning. The emptiness made the compound feel even more suffocating.

He walked through the corridors without hesitation, his feet carrying him on familiar paths. He didn’t need to be cautious—this was still his home, at least in name.

When he reached his room, he pushed the door open, and for a moment, he just stood there.

It was the same as always. Clean, organized, but lifeless. A space that had never truly felt like his.

His eyes swept across the room, searching for what truly mattered. He didn’t need much. He gathered his clothes quickly, folding them with practiced efficiency, but his hands slowed when he reached the small wooden box on the shelf.

Inside, neatly stacked, were the only things that truly meant something to him—photographs. The most important one being the One of his father, captured in a rare moment of warmth. Another of his team, a reminder of the bonds he had once formed despite his strict upbringing. These were the things that mattered, the things that carried meaning beyond duty and bloodlines.

Holding them for a moment, he let out a quiet breath.

This room had never been a home. It had been a place to sleep, to train, to exist. But never to belong.

And now, as he turned to leave, he knew—his home was no longer here.

The Hyuga compound felt distant as Neji made his way back to the Uchiha district. The bag slung over his shoulder wasn’t heavy, yet it carried everything that truly mattered to him. His footsteps were light, purposeful, as he approached the house where Sasuke rested.

When he opened the bedroom door, the faint creak of the wood stirred Sasuke from his sleep. Sasuke’s sharp instincts had him stirring almost immediately, one eye cracking open as he caught sight of Neji standing there with a bag.

For a moment, there was only silence. Sasuke blinked once, then lazily lifted a hand, signaling at the bag with a questioning look.

Neji shifted slightly before answering, his voice calm. "My clothes. A few things I needed."

Sasuke didn’t say anything at first, just stared at him for a moment longer. Then, without hesitation, he turned his head slightly and gestured toward the cupboard. "Keep them there."

Neji froze for a second.

It was such a simple statement, but coming from Sasuke, it meant something. He wasn’t just tolerating Neji’s presence—he was making space for him.

Without another word, Neji walked over and opened the cupboard. He noticed that Sasuke's things were already neatly arranged on one side. Respecting the arrangement, he placed his own items carefully on the other side. Despite his usual precision, he took a moment to make sure everything was in order, folding his clothes neatly, making sure the photos he had brought were stored safely.

A part of him still couldn’t quite believe it—he was here, living in the Uchiha compound, with Sasuke.

 

After setting his things in place, Neji turned back to see Sasuke shifting slightly, as if trying to get comfortable. He didn’t seem inclined to get up just yet, so Neji decided to take care of the next task—breakfast.

He made his way to the kitchen, pulling out the diet chart Tsunade and Shizune had provided. His eyes skimmed over the carefully planned meals, ensuring that everything met the required nutrients. His movements were efficient as he boiled some tea, the warmth of the steam rising in soft curls, filling the space with a calming aroma.

As he reached for the ingredients, his eyes landed on the scan picture tucked within the chart.

Neji paused.

He picked up the small image, looking at it properly for the first time. The grainy outline of the fetus was faint, but it was there—proof of the life growing inside Sasuke.

A soft, almost unrecognizable smile crossed Neji’s lips. He had seen countless missions, endless battles, but this—this was something fragile, something entirely different.

Carefully, as if treating something precious, he placed the scan picture on the fridge. Somewhere visible. Somewhere it wouldn’t be forgotten.

He returned to preparing the meal, but there was something different in his movements now. A quiet sense of purpose.

 

He knew , he wanted to be here for the Baby & Sasuke.

 

Neji heard the quiet click of the bathroom door closing. Sasuke was awake.

He glanced at the tea he had just finished preparing and poured a cup, setting it aside for Sasuke. The morning air was still cool, and the quiet of the Uchiha compound was oddly peaceful. It was a different kind of silence than the Hyuga compound—less rigid, less suffocating.

The bathroom door creaked open after a while . Sasuke stepped out, still toweling his damp hair. His sharp eyes landed on Neji, who was leaning casually against the bedroom wall, arms crossed..

Neji raised an eyebrow. "Took you long enough."

Sasuke scoffed, tossing the towel over his shoulder. "Unlike you, I actually enjoy hot showers."

Neji smirked faintly. "I was starting to think you’d drowned in there."

"Sorry to disappoint," Sasuke muttered dryly.

Neji shook his head, pushing off the wall. "Tea’s ready. Thought I’d check if you were still alive before drinking it all myself."

Sasuke snorted. "You’d never survive Tsunade if you let me skip a meal."

"True,"Neji smirked slightly . He turned toward the cupboard and slid it open, revealing his neatly arranged belongings. "By the way, I took the other side. Hope that’s fine with you."

Sasuke stepped closer, inspecting the way Neji had organized his things. "Hn." He then shot Neji a look. "You fold your shirts like an old man."

Neji narrowed his eyes. "It’s called being efficient. Unlike your ‘folding’ technique—if you can even call it that."

Sasuke smirked at the challenge. "I don’t waste time on pointless things."

Neji huffed but didn’t push further. Instead, he jerked his head toward the tea waiting in the next room. "Come on before it gets cold."

He didn’t wait for a reply, already making his way to the dining area. Footsteps followed a moment later — Sasuke, hair still damp, padding silently behind him.

Sasuke dropped into the chair opposite Neji, watching as Neji slid a cup of tea toward him.

"Still warm," Neji said smugly.

Sasuke picked up the cup, eyeing him suspiciously. "You sound proud over something that requires zero skill."

Neji shot him a dry look. "I had to time it perfectly between making breakfast, and checking if you were still breathing in there. I’d say that’s impressive."

Sasuke snorted softly. "Sounds like you’re angling for a medal."

"Just some gratitude would do," Neji said with a smirk.

Sasuke took a sip of the tea, letting the warmth settle in his chest. "Hn. Don’t hold your breath."

Neji chuckled, shaking his head. "Didn’t think I’d get it anyway."

Sasuke didn’t answer, but the fact that he kept drinking said enough.

 

Once Sasuke finished his tea, Neji stood and moved back to the kitchen. Moments later, he returned with a neatly prepared breakfast tray. Neji placed the tray in front of Sasuke. The meal was simple yet carefully prepared:

Miso soup – Light, easy on the stomach.

Tamago kake gohan – Rice with raw egg and soy sauce, a staple breakfast dish.

Grilled salmon – Cooked just enough to bring out the flavor.

Steamed vegetables – Prepared as per Tsunade’s diet chart.

 

Sasuke eyed the meal before looking up at Neji. "You really followed that diet chart, huh?"

Neji shrugged, sitting across from him. "I’m not getting scolded by Tsunade because you decide to be stubborn."

Sasuke let out a small ‘hn’ but didn’t argue. He picked up the chopsticks and started eating. Neji watched as Sasuke took a bite, waiting for a complaint.

None came.

Instead, Sasuke just kept eating.

Neji smirked. "You can just say it’s good."

Sasuke didn’t look up. "You talk too much."

Neji chuckled.

 

-

After breakfast, they stepped outside for a walk.

Neji had never paid much attention to the Uchiha compound before, at least not beyond its historical significance. But now, as they moved through the garden paths, he realized something surprising—it was beautiful.

The grounds were well-maintained, the stone pathways clean, the trees pruned with care. The koi pond reflected the early sunlight, the water clear and undisturbed. Rows of wisteria and plum trees lined the edges, their delicate petals shifting in the breeze.

Neji turned slightly toward Sasuke. "You take care of all this yourself?"

Sasuke, who had been walking with his hands in his pockets, glanced at him. "Who else would?"

Neji hummed in thought, glancing at the carefully arranged plants. "Didn’t take you for a gardener."

Sasuke smirked. "Didn’t take you for a housewife, yet here we are."

Neji scoffed. "Tch. You wish."

Sasuke let out a quiet chuckle at that, barely audible but there nonetheless.

The Uchiha compound didn’t feel empty.

After their morning walk, Neji prepared lunch — onigiri with pickled plum and chilled soba noodles served with a light dipping sauce. The simple meal was met with Sasuke’s usual stoic silence, but Neji caught the faintest flicker of approval in his expression.

"You’re not bad at this," Sasuke muttered between bites.

"I’ll take that as high praise coming from you," Neji replied dryly.

The afternoon passed in lazy stillness. Neji found an old film tucked away in Sasuke’s sparse collection — some classic Konoha-made samurai drama.

"Not this again," Sasuke grumbled.

Have you even seen it before?" Neji asked, already setting up the reel.

"No," Sasuke admitted, "but I can tell it's going to be ridiculous."

"Don’t judge it before you watch it," Neji shot back as he settled onto the couch beside Sasuke.

The film opened with a dramatic clash of swords, sparks flying as two samurai locked blades beneath a crimson sunset. The lead warrior — dressed in armor far too elaborate for battle — glared fiercely at his opponent.

"Did he spend his entire war budget on that cape?" Sasuke quipped.

Neji snorted. "I’m more worried about how he’s supposed to fight with that jewels and that armour it's not even covered fully "

"He’s going to get that thing caught in a branch and lose the whole fight," Sasuke added dryly.

Both of them chuckled — brief, but genuine.

As the film progressed, the two samurai entered yet another exaggerated battle. The hero delivered a dramatic spinning slash, sending half a dozen enemies of superior strength flying .

"That’s not how sword fights work," Sasuke muttered with disgust.

"Clearly, you’ve been doing it wrong all this time," Neji replied with mock seriousness.

Sasuke shot him a flat look. "Next time we spar, try spinning like that. I’ll knock you out before you finish turning."

Neji smirked. "You’d have to keep up first."

"Tch." Sasuke scoffed, but there was no real bite behind it.

The movie continued, and despite its melodramatic plot, they both found themselves drawn in. Some of the swordplay was so exaggerated that Neji couldn’t help but laugh, and Sasuke — to Neji’s surprise — laughed too. A real laugh, not his usual sarcastic scoff.

"I can’t believe he dodged that," Sasuke said between chuckles, pointing at the screen as the lead warrior avoided an arrow by flipping through the air like an acrobat.

"Maybe you should try that next time you fight ," Neji teased.

"Yeah, and I’ll break my neck in the process," Sasuke muttered, but his smirk lingered.

For the rest of the film, they kept trading remarks — critiquing the absurd dialogue, mocking the Hero & villain’, and shaking their heads whenever a fight defied every rule of logic.

Somewhere between their conversation and laughter, the room felt different — lighter. Easier.

When the movie ended, Neji leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms with a content sigh.

"I didn’t think you’d sit through the whole thing," Neji admitted.

"I didn’t think you’d talk this much," Sasuke shot back, but there was no irritation in his voice — just something quiet, almost amused.

They sat in silence for a moment, letting the lingering warmth of laughter settle.

"You know," Neji said after a pause, "we have more in common than I thought."

Sasuke glanced at him, one brow raised. "You mean excellent taste in bad movies?"

Neji chuckled. "No... I mean this." He gestured vaguely at the room — the relaxed air, the easy banter. "I don’t think I’ve talked like this with anyone in a long time."

Sasuke didn’t respond immediately. His gaze shifted slightly, lingering on nothing in particular.

"Yeah," Sasuke said quietly. "Me neither.

 

By late afternoon, Neji had just finished preparing tea when Sasuke suggested another walk — this time through the quieter paths at the back of the compound.

The air smelled faintly of earth and flowers, crisp from the cool evening breeze. As they walked, Neji found himself admiring the beauty of this side of the Uchiha grounds. The stream flowed quietly, its surface reflecting the soft hues of the sunset. The cherry blossom trees stood in full bloom, petals drifting lazily through the air like falling snow.

Sasuke paused near the stream, gazing at the water with an expression that was... softer.

"You look calm," Neji observed.

Sasuke exhaled through his nose. "I don’t always have to be on edge."

Neji let that linger for a moment before speaking again. "You’ve done a good job with this place."

"It’s better than leaving it to rot," Sasuke replied.

There was something more in his tone — something unspoken yet heavy.

"It doesn’t feel empty anymore," Neji said quietly.

Sasuke turned to him then, eyes sharp yet strangely warm. "Maybe not."

 

When they returned home, Neji prepared dinner — a light yet filling meal of oyakodon — chicken, egg, and onion simmered in a savory broth over rice.

"You’re starting to cook like an Uchiha," Sasuke remarked between bites.

"And you’re starting to complain like a Hyuga," Neji shot back.

Afterward, Sasuke retreated to the bath while Neji cleaned the kitchen. By the time Neji had his turn in the bath and returned to the living room, something caught his eye — his father's photograph sitting on the high shelf where Sasuke kept his family photos.

Neji froze. His father’s picture had always been tucked away in his belongings — never displayed openly, especially in the Hyuga compound. The branch family didn’t get that honor.

He turned to Sasuke, who was sitting on the couch, towel-drying his hair.

"What’s this?" Neji asked quietly, his voice uncertain.

Sasuke barely looked up. "It’s your father. He doesn’t belong stuffed inside a cupboard."

For a moment, Neji couldn’t speak. Something in his chest tightened — something painful yet oddly warm.

"He wouldn’t be on display at the Hyuga compound," Neji said softly.

Sasuke’s expression hardened slightly. "Then they’re idiots."

Neji swallowed hard. He didn’t know how to respond — not in words. Instead, he simply nodded.

"...Thank you," Neji said at last.

Sasuke didn’t answer, but when Neji looked over, he saw Sasuke glance his way with a rare, quiet understanding.

 

Later that night, Neji returned to the bedroom to find Sasuke already lying down, back turned to his side of the bed. It had become routine by now — Neji tucking Sasuke’s blanket closer before settling into his own.

Tonight was no different. Neji carefully pulled Sasuke’s blanket up over his shoulder.

"You’re predictable," Sasuke muttered sleepily.

"And you’re stubborn," Neji shot back, grabbing his own blanket and lying down.

They both faced each other — a habit neither had intended, yet one that had naturally developed.

Neji’s gaze drifted to Sasuke’s face. His hair had fallen loose, dark strands curling slightly across his forehead. Before he could stop himself, Neji reached out and brushed them aside.

Sasuke’s eyes flickered open — sharp, tired, but surprisingly calm.

His gaze fell to Neji’s forehead — to the faint, cursed seal that marred his skin. Without a word, Sasuke reached out and traced the lines of the mark with his fingers. His touch was gentle, barely there, but it lingered longer than Neji expected.

Neji didn’t flinch. He didn’t move away.

Their eyes met — a silent conversation neither could quite put into words.

For some reason, Neji smiled softly — not out of amusement, but something... deeper. Sasuke’s fingers stilled, his expression unreadable.

He started to pull his hand away, but Neji caught it — fingers curling around Sasuke’s hand, holding it lightly yet firmly.

Neither spoke. Neither needed to.

They lay like that — quiet, breathing in the same rhythm, Sasuke’s hand still resting against Neji’s chest.

Eventually, Sasuke’s eyes drifted closed again. Neji kept his fingers entwined with Sasuke’s just a little longer before finally closing his own eyes.

For first time in years neither of them felt alone.

Notes:

Hello

I wanted to give you all a quick update.

Unfortunately, I lost several chapter drafts, which caused some delays and mixed things up a bit.

I've also been working on a few other fanfictions, and their drafts too got mixed up and deleated so with everything combined, the posting schedule hasn’t been as consistent as I’d hoped.

That said, I want to assure you that this fanfiction will be completed. It’s a longer story, and I’m committed to seeing it through.

 

I also want to tell you that , I’m not entirely happy with a few of the earlier chapters. As I get time, I’ll be tweaking and improving them. Nothing major that changes the plot, just adjustments to make things flow better.

I’ll update those chapters gradually, but rest assured, I’ll have everything sorted before this fanfiction is completed .

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding — it really means a lot ❤️❤️❤️

Chapter 14: Just an update

Hello

I just want to tell you all that , I’m not entirely happy with the earlier chapters. So I’ll be tweaking and improving them. Nothing major that changes the plot, just adjustments to make things flow better.

I’ll update the chapters first , but rest assured, I’ll have everything sorted before this fanfiction is completed .

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding — it really means a lot ❤️❤️❤️

 

I will update this space as I update the chapters .

This will be deleted