Hinata let out a quiet laugh and shook her head. "You're ridiculous," she said, but a small smile touched her lips. Her eyes wandered to the window.
"It's not just about the tea lessons. It's more complicated than that."
"Complicated?" Souta leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I can handle complicated. So, what's the real reason?"
She sighed, like she was letting out something heavy. "It's my clan... the elders. They've been pushing me hard—telling me what I should do with my life. Talking about duty, expectations." Her hands clenched into fists, though her gaze stayed on the window.
"They want me to marry someone. A political match to make the Hyuga clan stronger. They bring suitors, talk about bloodlines and alliances. Like I'm just some tool to be used."
Souta's grin faded. "Wait… they want you to get married? Seriously?"
Hinata's voice sharpened. "Yes. I've trained my whole life to be a shinobi, not someone's wife. But they only care about the clan's future. Not what I want. It felt like I couldn't breathe anymore."
She looked at him then, her eyes a little softer. "That's why I left. I told them I was heading out for supplies. But really... I just needed to get away. I didn't have a plan. Then I ran into you."
Souta tilted his head. "Right place, right time, huh? Lucky me." He smirked. "So I'm your escape ride? Should I be flattered, or offended you didn't pick a faster horse?"
Hinata laughed for real this time. "You're not a horse," she said, shaking her head. "You're different. Stubborn. I didn't think you'd stick around—but you did. And you're not part of all that clan pressure. You're just… you."
"Just me," Souta repeated with a grin. "Guess that's enough to catch a Hyuga's eye." He leaned back, casual again. "Running from an arranged marriage? That's pretty bold. You're dodging more than just kunai out here."
Her cheeks turned pink, but she didn't look away. "Maybe. I just… couldn't stay. Letting them control my life? No. Then you showed up, and suddenly I had something real to hold onto." She looked around the room, her voice softer. "I didn't expect this. But now… it matters."
Her walls started to lower, just a little. "I didn't want to be a pawn in their game."
Souta watched her, clearly impressed. "That's the spirit. You've got your own fight now. And I'm glad I'm part of it. So, if you need help avoiding more suitors—or trouble—just say the word. I'm your guy."
The next morning, pale light crept through the dusty window of their room at River's Rest Inn. Souta was already awake, sitting on his bed, sharpening his tanto. The soft scrape of metal filled the room. He glanced over at Hinata.
She was still under the thin blanket. Not moving. Her breathing was shallow—too shallow.
"Hinata," he called gently, putting the blade aside. No answer. Then he crossed the room quickly and crouched beside her.
She looked pale. Too pale. Her forehead was damp with sweat, and her arm—the one she'd wrapped last night—hung off the bed, the bandage loose and stained red.
"Oi, Hinata, wake up." He shook her shoulder. Once. Twice. Her eyes finally fluttered open, unfocused.
"Souta…?"
"Yeah, I'm here. You don't look good. What's wrong?" His voice was calm, but his worry showed.
Hinata tried to sit up, but her arms gave out. She collapsed back down, breathing hard. "I… feel weak. Heavy," she whispered. Her hand drifted to the bandage. Her eyes widened. "The cut…"
Souta quickly unwrapped it. The skin around the wound was swollen, with faint dark lines spreading out. It looked bad.
"This isn't normal," he muttered. "Is it infected?"
Hinata shook her head slowly. "No… not an infection. It's something else." Her thoughts were hazy, but she pushed through. She remembered the fight—the woman with fire—and a blade catching the light.
"That woman… she poisoned me."
"Poison? You're sure?" He grabbed a rag from the basin and sniffed it. Nothing strange. Just blood.
"So it's subtle. Slow-acting. Any idea what kind?"
Hinata swallowed, her throat dry. "No… but it's rare. Hidden. I've heard of poisons like this—used by certain clans. They take time. Break you down little by little." Her hands trembled in frustration. "I should've noticed earlier."
Souta stood. "You're still alive, so we've got time to fix this. Can you move?"
She nodded weakly and tried to sit up again. Her legs shook as they touched the floor, and she nearly fell—but Souta caught her.
"Easy," he said, steadying her. "I've got you."
She looked at him a little shy. "Thank you," she whispered.
"First things first—food. You need your strength."